The MetroMech is yet another example of the often head scratching design decisions within the Capellan War Machine, especially when it comes to the Urbanmech.
Devised as a counter tot he Super Heavies revealed by the Republic, it was also meant to act as mobile fortresses protecting key cities and installations, freeing up more flexible forces for the Chancellor's campaigns against Davion and the Republic.
Designed around the Long Tom Artillery Cannon, the MetroMech originally was designed as a quadruple sized Urbanmech. Early prototypes though, kept being knocked flat on their backs by the recoil of the Long Tom, so eventually a more stable Tripod design was settled upon.
For point defense the Metro packs twin Rotary 5 cannons in it's left arm, allowing for withering anti mech and vehicle fire. Supplementing that is a belly turret, similar to the Mackies, packing twin Small X Pulse Lasers, also providing significant deterrent to infantry forces trying to swarm the machine.
Defensively, the Metro carries 18 tons of Heavy Ferro Fibrous armor and each side torso equipped with CASE II fitted magazines. For active defense it also carries a Laser AntiMissile System and an Angel ECM for E-war defense.
The final system added seems odd at first but has to do with the general deployment of the Machine. The Cockpit is equipped with an Aquatic Survival System. This is done in recognition of the vulnerability of the massive, slow machines to Aerospace forces, and orbital assault from Dropships and Warhsips. To counter this, the MetroMech is usually stationed in large bodies of water, allowing them to retreat into it for protection and cooling, if needed, as well as lying hidden in ambush until enemy forces have committed themselves.
The current deployment model used is 3 of these massive machines supported by 9 of the new UM-r96 Urbanmechs as further point defense to keep the Metro from being overwhelmed.
So far 3 planets are known to be defended by these monstrosities, Sian, Tikonov and Necromo. Other sites are possible though how many the Capellan economy can afford is another factor that may limit deployment. Still, for the cost of a single Warship, hundred of of these Machines can be built.
To date none have engaged in combat, and their reliability and actual effectiveness are unknown quantities. But as the last 2 decades have shown underestimating the Confederation would be a massive mistake.
Quirks:
Positive: Anti Aircraft Targeting, Battle Computer, Protected Actuators, Distracting
Negative: Non Standard Parts, Difficult to Maintain, No/Minimal Arms, Oversized
