Editing Quickdraw

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=3025_Quickdraw1.jpg
|name=''Quickdraw''
|manufacturer=[[Technicron Manufacturing]],<br>[[Luthien Armor Works]]
|model=QKD-4G
|class=heavy
|production year=2779
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/2610/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref><ref name=TRO3025>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 80</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 144–145: "QKD-4G ''Quickdraw''"</ref>
|cost= 5,514,560 C-bills
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type =BattleMech
|mass=60
|chassis=[[Technicron Type E]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
|armor=[[Riese-475]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
|engine=[[Vlar 300]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
|jumpjets=[[Chilton 460]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
|comsys=[[Garret T12E]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
|T&T=[[Dynatec 2180]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
|heat sinks=13 [[Heat Sink|single]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
|speed=86.4
|armament= 
* 1x [[LRM-10]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
* 1x [[SRM-4]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
* 4x [[medium laser]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
|BV (1.0) = 1,012{{cn}}
|BV (2.0) = 1,192<ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/2610/quickdraw-qkd-4g Master Unit List entry for Quickdraw QKD-4G]</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Quickdraw''''' was originally built in [[Introduction Year::2779]] as a replacement for the ''[[Rifleman]]'' [[BattleMech]], though very few had been assigned to any 'Mech [[regiment]]s before the outbreak of the [[First Succession War]] in [[2786]].  While it was unsuccessful in supplanting the ''Rifleman'', throughout the course of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] the ''Quickdraw'' proved itself to be a good generalist 'Mech. Packing excellent firepower, solid armor protection and above-average speed, it quickly earned the respect of many [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] and status as a workhorse in every [[Successor State]]'s military.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/>

The ''Quickdraw'' also benefited from a couple of unique design features, one of which was that its arm actuators could bend backwards as well as forwards.  This allowed the ''Quickdraw'' pilot to fire all four of its lasers to the rear, improving upon its already-formidable rear-arc firepower and creating a nasty surprise for anyone attempting to sneak up behind it.  The second feature was its highly articulated ankle actuators, which not only allowed the ''Quickdraw'' to keep its footing more easily on difficult terrain such as gravel, mud and ice, but also traverse gradients up to 12° steeper than other 'Mechs of its weight class.  Its mobility was further enhanced with five [[jump jet]]s.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Unfortunately this same mobility was also the ''Quickdraw''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s greatest weakness, as the distinctively circular rotor housing was notoriously fragile.  Targeting the ankles with weapons fire, or with a good kick while engaged in close combat, could cripple or even immobilize the 'Mech. Equipped with only thirteen [[heat sink]]s, the ''Quickdraw'' also suffered from poor heat dissipation, which limited use of its lasers in protracted firefights or in conjunction with frequent jumping.  Its eight tons of armor was also less than that carried by most other heavy 'Mechs.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Technicron eventually managed to fix the heat issue with the improved QKD-5M models, though the ankles remained a structural weakness as the price to be paid for its mobility.  The newer models steadily replaced the older 4Gs throughout the [[Inner Sphere]] during the 3050s, while the original remained common among the [[Periphery]] nations and second-rate [[mercenary]] commands, and more advanced variants would continue to be produced in the years following.<ref name=TRO3050U>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 68–69</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
Geared towards medium and short-range combat, the only long-range weapon carried on the ''Quickdraw'' is a Delta Dart [[LRM-10]] launcher, mounted in the left torso along with one ton of ammunition. The ''Quickdraw'' carries four [[Omicron 4000]] [[medium laser]]s, two of which are rear-mounted in the right torso and the other two in the arms, giving it respectable close range firepower. Additionally, to capitalize on any weak points in an enemy's armor, the ''Quickdraw'' carries a [[Hovertec Quad]] [[SRM-4]] launcher in the center torso, supplied by a single ton of ammo in the right torso.<ref name=IRS>''Introductory Record Sheets'', p. 17</ref><ref name=TRO3039/>

==Variants==
*; QKD-C : The C is a modified version of the 5K ''Quickdraw'' first fielded in [[3053]]. One of the rear-facing lasers is replaced with a [[C3 slave]] unit, allowing it to work as part of a C3 [[lance]].<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (1.0) = 1,124;<ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'', p. 165</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,225<ref name=MUL142>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 142</ref>

*; QKD-4H : First introduced in [[2847]] and popular among pilots who prefer more firepower in the forward arc, the 4H variant essentially swaps the SRM-4 launcher with the two rear-firing medium lasers.  While a time-consuming process, it is a straightforward procedure and can be done in the field by any competent tech support facility. Otherwise, the 4H is identical to the 4G model.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (1.0) = 1,006; BV (2.0) = 1,242<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 143</ref>

*; QKD-5A : The 5A seeks to give the ''Quickdraw'' more endurance during protracted missions where resupply is not guaranteed.  Introduced in [[3002]], the LRM-10 launcher and its ammunition is replaced with two more forward-firing medium lasers and four additional heat sinks.  Despite the extra heat sinks the addition of more energy weapons only aggravates the heat dissipation problems of the original model, requiring pilots to be even more careful in how they use their weapons.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,070; BV (2.0) = 1,196<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 144</ref>

*; QKD-5K : The 5K ''Quickdraw'' is an upgraded variant using [[Star League]] technology produced by Luthien Armor Works in [[3049]].  Carrying the same weaponry as the 5A model, its use of seventeen [[double heat sink]]s solves the problem of excessive waste heat. It also uses [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, giving the 5K superior armor protection to the 5A model, with no added weight. BV (1.0) = 1,170; BV (2.0) = 1,265<ref name=MUL142/>

*; QKD-5K2 : A simple modification of the 5K's weapons array introduced in [[3057]], the rear-firing medium lasers are remounted to fire forward.  The [[SRM-4]] is then mounted to be fired rearward.  BV (2.0) = 1,312<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 154</ref>

*; QKD-5M : Technicron's replacement for the original 4G model, the 5M was introduced in 3049 as an answer to the original's heat problems by replacing the thirteen normal heat sinks with double-strength versions.  It also improved the design's defenses by swapping out the regular armor with Kallon FWL Special ferro-fibrous and installing [[CASE]] for the LRM ammunition.  The space necessary for these upgrades was provided for by removing the SRM launcher for a [[one-shot]] Hovertec SRM-4 Launcher, a disposable missile launcher more commonly found on [[VTOL]]s, hovercraft and similar [[combat vehicle]]s.  The loss in sheer short-range firepower is more than made up for by the other upgrades to the design.<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (1.0) = 1,142; BV (2.0) = 1,237<ref name=TRO3050U/>

*; QKD-5Mr : A field refit of the 5M introduced during the [[Jihad]], this version uses [[ER medium laser]]s in the arms, adds a [[Guardian ECM suite]], a [[targeting computer]], and an [[Artemis IV FCS]]. To make room for this new equipment, engineers removed a heat sink and the one-shot missile launcher.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 191</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,465<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 91</ref>

*; QKD-8K : The 8K variant of the ''Quickdraw'' brings it up to [[3062]] weapons standards. The 'Mech is built using an [[endo steel]] chassis and is armored with eight and a half tons of ferro-fibrous armor. The 'Mech's arsenal has also been stripped and upgraded, carrying four forward-mounted ER medium lasers and an [[MRM-30]] launcher, a compromise between the LRMs and SRMs of past models, supplied by two tons of ammunition.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 68</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades''</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)'', p. 125</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,375;<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 104</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,583<ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/2616/quickdraw-qkd-8k Master Unit List entry for Quickdraw QKD-8K]</ref>

*; QKD-8P : The -8P is based on the experimental -8X. The major differences are the removal of the [[stealth armor]] and the [[BattleMech Turret#Head Turret|head turret]]. This reduces production cost considerably, but leaves the head-mounted PPC unable to cover the ''Quickdraw''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s retreat. The other advanced systems, including the [[torso cockpit]], remain. The 8P also uses the same handheld weapons as the 8X. BV (2.0) = 1,598<ref name="trop119">''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 119</ref>

*; QKD-9M : This variant is protected by [[light ferro-fibrous]] armor. Each arm carries a single large laser which is tied into a targeting computer. The left torso also carries a single [[LRM-15]] with three tons of ammunition in a [[CASE II]]–protected bay. A TAG system allows it to call in artillery strikes. BV (2.0) = 1,690<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 137</ref>

===Custom Variants===
*; QKD-8X : An [[Experimental Technology|experimental version]] developed by [[Earthwerks Incorporated]] of [[Tikonov]] mounts stealth armor and is outfitted with [[triple strength myomer]]. Retaining the original rear-facing medium lasers, the cockpit has been moved down into the torso, and a turret-mounted [[PPC]] and [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] system have been installed in the head. Developed as a "Poor Man's [[OmniMech]]" during the [[Jihad]], the QKD-8X was designed to use the boosted strength of the TSM to carry a variety of [[Handheld Weapon|handheld weapons]], using a rear-mounted [[lift hoist]] to carry spare packages on its back.  BV (2.0) = 1612<ref name="XTROC">''Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations'', pp. 5–6</ref>
::Handheld weapon packages developed for QKD-8X are divided into heavy, twelve tons, and light, six tons, and include:
::*Heavy LRM weapon - An [[LRM-20]] and one ton of reloads clad in a single ton armor. BV (2.0) = 236<ref name="XTROC"/><ref name="trop119"/>
::*Heavy LB-X weapon - An [[LB 10-X AC]] with a half-ton of reloads protected by a half-ton of armor. BV (2.0) = 174<ref name="XTROC"/><ref name="trop119"/>
::*Heavy Streak weapon - A trio of [[Streak SRM-4]]s with a single shared ton of reloads clad in two tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 248<ref name="XTROC"/><ref name="trop119"/>
::*Heavy rotary AC weapon - A [[rotary AC/5]] with a ton and half of ammo protected by half a ton of armor. BV (2.0) = 310<ref name="XTROC"/><ref name="trop119"/>
::*Heavy Thunderbolt weapon - A [[Thunderbolt 10]] clad in two tons of armor and supplied with three tons of reloads. BV (2.0) = 239<ref name="XTROC"/><ref name="trop119"/>
::*Light autocannon weapon - A [[light AC/5]] with half a ton of reloads protected by half a ton of armor. BV (2.0) = 82<ref name="XTROC"/><ref name="trop119"/>
::*Light anti-infantry weapon - Five [[machine gun]]s and a [[vehicle flamer]] supplied with half a ton of machine gun ammo and one of flamer reloads, clad in one ton of armor. BV (2.0) = 64<ref name="XTROC"/><ref name="trop119"/>
::*Light laser weapon - A single medium laser cooled by three heat sinks and covered in two tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 110<ref name="XTROC"/><ref name="trop119"/>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; QKD-IV4 : While there are no indications that "The Ladykiller" [[Ivy Upsalom]] piloted anything other than a standard model, in MechWarrior Online the ''IV-Four'' [[Hero 'Mech]] features [[lostech]] not commonly available during the Third Succession War. Built around a 240-rated [[XL engine]] with just two jump jets and clad in ferro-fibrous armor, while the IV-4 is less mobile it instead carries decidedly un-''Quickdraw''-like armament - an [[AC/5]] in each arm supported by an [[SRM-6]] in each torso and a pair of medium pulse lasers in the center torso. Fitted with eleven double heat sinks, two tons of autocannon rounds and two of SRM reloads are carried.<ref>[https://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/157624-quickdraw-hero-mech-iv-four/ Quickdraw Hero 'Mech IV-Four]</ref>

''From [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#MechWarrior 5: Heroes of the Inner Sphere Expansion Pack|MechWarrior 5: Heroes of the Inner Sphere Expansion Pack]]''
*; QKD-4P : This variant of the Quickdraw comes with a single medium laser mounted in each arm and each torso, along with an SRM-4 in the center torso. This variant has EWAP and EWCM installed in the left torso along with 5 jump jets, 2 in each torso and 1 in the center torso.<ref name=MW5>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries''</ref>

''From [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms Expansion Pack|''MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms'' Expansion Pack]]''
*; QKD-SC ''Scrapper'' : This [[3029]] Hero 'Mech piloted by Rasalhagian [[Solaris Games]] warrior [[Signe Hague]] was focused on melee combat in the arenas. The ''Scrapper'' mounted an SRM-6 in each side torso, retaining the SRM-4 and medium laser in the left arm, with the rest of the weapons removed to mount a medium trench blade in the right arm.<ref name=MW5/>

*; QKD-5P : Introduced in [[3024]], the 5P retains the left arm and right torso medium lasers, the latter now forward facing, but replaces the missile launchers in the left and center torsos with a medium laser each. The weight saved from these changes allow the variant to mount a [[Hatchet|heavy axe]] in the right arm.<ref name=MW5/>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Quickdraw'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 94: BattleMech Quirk Table - Quickdraw Entry</ref>
* [[Hyper-Extending Actuators]]
* [[Exposed Actuators]]

==Notable Pilots==
* [[Hauptmann]] [[Kevin Jessup]] - In an unmodified family QKD-4G ''Quickdraw'', Hauptmann Jessup had seven confirmed Clan OmniMech kills in just one month, across three separate battlefields.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 68</ref>

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to '''''Paladin'''''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''PLD-4N'''. This should not be confused with the Solaris VII 'Mech, ''PAL [[Paladin (BattleMech)|Paladin]]''.
* In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as '''''Vif-Argent''''', or literally quicksilver (mercury).

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025_Quickdraw1.jpg|Original QKD-4G ''Quickdraw'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
QKD-Quickdraw.png|''Quickdraw'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U Quickdraw.jpg|QKD-5M ''Quickdraw'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
QKD-8X-Quickdraw.jpg|QKD-8X ''Quickdraw'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations|XTRO:Corp]]''
Camomech-quickdraw.png|QKD-4D ''Quickdraw'' from ''[[Classic BattleTech Universe]]''
MWO Quickdraw Concept.jpg|[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]] ''Quickdraw'' concept art
File:Quickdraw Token.jpg|''Quickdraw'' standee from [[BattleTech, Fourth Edition]]
File:Alpha Strike Striker Lance - Quickdraw.jpg|''Quickdraw'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Striker Lance Pack]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations]]''
* ''[[Introductory Record Sheets]]
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]''
</div>


[[Category:BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Heavy BattleMechs]]
[[Category:60 ton BattleMechs]]
[[Category:C3 Slave Equipped BattleMechs]]
[[Category: Draconis Combine BattleMechs]]
[[Category: Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]