#miningmech

The Rock Hound ProspectorMech was introduced by Alliance Motors Limited of Sevon in 3042. The design was created for LosTech prospectors who needed a good reliable WorkMech that could defend itself should pirates or other potential threats arise.  During the years of Pax Republica, Skobel Mechworks suvived as a going concern by retooling their manufacturing lines to produce industrialmechs.  Like many other battlemech manufactuers, Skobel was a few steps ahead of their civilian counterparts when it came to militarizing the designs. The design was a successful one for Outworlds Alliance-based Alliance Motors, selling the design to foreign interests such as the Taurian Concordat, Magistracy of Canopus, and private parties like Interstellar Expeditions. By 3067, the design and its variants were seen in wide use throughout the Inner Sphere.

Unlike most IndustrialMechs, the Rock Hound was designed with weaponry as part of its standard equipment. Its two shoulder mounted Shannon Fore SRM-4 Launchers have one ton each of ammunition. Guiding the SRMs is a military grade Advance Fire Control system, allowing the Hound's pilot to direct accurate fire on any would-be attacker. The 'Mech is given nearly seven tons of standard military grade armor to protect its hull from damage. The Hound is also equipped with an Ejection Seat, which is not normally found in Industrial Mech designs. For use at night and in dark locations, a Search Light was added to its center torso. The 'Mech is powered by a economical Alliance Motors 160 rated Fuel Cell engine, giving it reasonable speed and power.