Editing Cataphract

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Cataphract RGilClan v06.png
|name = ''Cataphract''
|manufacturer = [[Earthwerks Incorporated]] (1X)<ref name=TRSWp128f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 128–129: "CTF-1X Cataphract"</ref>
|model = CTF-3D
|production year = 3025
|year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/466/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|cost = 13,612,354 C-bills
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type = BattleMech
|feet = biped
|mass = 70
|chassis = [[Earthwerk CTF]]
|armor = [[Kallon Royalstar]]
|engine = [[GM 280 XL]]
|comsys = [[CommuTech Multi-Channel 10]]
|T&T = [[BlazeFire SightLock]]
|heat sinks = 16 [[Heat Sink|single]]
|speed = 64.8
|jumpjets = [[HildCo Model 12]]
|armament = 
*1x [[LB-X autocannon/10]]
*1x [[Ultra AC/5]]
* 4x [[medium laser]]
|BV (1.0) = 1,266<ref name = CO122/>
|BV (2.0) = 1,325<ref name = MUL75>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 75</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Cataphract''''' is a heavy [[BattleMech]] and one of the first original designs since the start of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], though it had inauspicious beginnings. Desperate for a heavy 'Mech design that their failing infrastructure could sustainably produce and maintain, the [[Capellan Confederation]] designed the ''Cataphract'' in [[Introduction Year::3025]] to be assembled from parts they could still manufacture. Dubbed a [[FrankenMech]] for its appearance,<ref>''Blood Legacy'', p. 49</ref> and using components from the ''[[Marauder]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'' and ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'',<ref name=TRO3039/> the ''Cataphract'' was set to become the Confederation's new standard heavy 'Mech. It entered service just before the [[Fourth Succession War]] when the production line on [[Tikonov]] fell to the [[Federated Suns]]. This embarrassing failure was further compounded when many Davion units, including the [[Crucis Lancers]], adopted the ''Cataphract'' as their own. However, the product quality from Tikonov left the Federated Suns wanting (at least in part due to deliberate obstruction by workers still loyal to the Confederation<ref>''From the Ruins''</ref>). It was not until [[3032]] that the Confederation finally replaced the lost factory with one on [[Betelgeuse]], producing their own ''Cataphract''s in time for the [[Andurien Crisis]].<ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 230</ref><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 78</ref>

Shortly after conquering Tikonov, the [[Federated Commonwealth]] began work on the CTF-3D, intended to stand toe-to-toe with an assault 'Mech and be as versatile as possible.  Despite the upgrades the CTF-3D was only marginally deployed by the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]] and eventually relegated to the [[Crucis March Militia]] as an insult to the Capellans.  The onset of the [[Clan Invasion]] caused everything still in production, including the ''Cataphract'', to be rushed to the front lines.  For their part the Capellans were able to produce the CTF-3D from stolen plans and went about creating their own variant, the CTF-3L, which would go on to make up twenty-five percent of all their newly acquired heavy 'Mechs during the [[3050]]s.  In the years afterwards use of the design would wane, though a few new variants would continue to be produced as new technology and new demands arose.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/><ref name=TRO3050>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 142</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The longest ranged weapon carried by the CTF-3D ''Cataphract'' is a [[General Motors Nova-5]] [[Ultra AC/5]] in its right arm, boasting a rate of fire twice that of a standard autocannon. This is backed up by a [[Mydron Excel]] [[LB-X autocannon/10]] in its right torso, capable of firing both solid and cluster rounds.  It is a more popular weapon than the Ultra AC/5, especially for use in an anti-conventional and anti-aircraft role without the possibility of jamming.  Finally, the 'Mech has four [[Intek]] [[medium laser]]s for close range defense, one in each arm firing forward and two in its torso covering the rear.  With only two tons of ammo for the LB-X 10 and one ton for the Ultra, if it runs dry the ''Cataphract'' must fall back to be reloaded before continuing the fight.<ref name=TRO3050u/>

Eleven tons of armor combined with [[CASE]] allowed the ''Cataphract'' to easily absorb damage.  Sixteen [[heat sink]]s keep it cool while four HildCo Model 12 [[jump jet]]s gave it a jumping distance of one hundred and twenty meters. Room for these improvements was made by using a GM 280 [[XL engine]].<ref name=TRO3050u/>

==Variants==
*; CTF-0X : The Confederation experimented with a ''Cataphract'' variant carrying the [[Electronic Warfare Equipment]] that was mounted on the ''[[Raven]]'' which was being designed around the same time. It was equipped with a single [[PPC]] and [[autocannon/5]], as well as two arm mounted medium lasers, the EW equipment, and a [[remote sensor dispenser]] on the rear center torso. A single shipment of CTF-0X prototypes was sent to [[Sian]] but line production did not commence afterwards because a request for more EW components was denied.<ref name=XTRO:SWp6>''Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1'', p. 6</ref>

*; CTF-1X : The original ''Cataphract'', the 1X model is armed with a [[Ceres Arms Smasher]] PPC as its primary weapon, backed up by a [[SarLon MaxiCannon]] [[autocannon/10]] with one ton of ammo and the four [[Ceres Arms (ML)|Ceres Arms]] medium lasers. Built before the discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]], it lacks any advanced [[Star League]] technology and is built with a standard VOX 280 engine.<ref name=TRSWp128f /> The 'Mech also lacks the jump jets of the 3D model.<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,092;<ref name=CO122>''Combat Operations'', p. 122</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,316<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 153</ref>

*; CTF-2X : Another prototype of the ''Cataphract'' design, the 2X is armed with a much more diverse weapons mix. The PPC has been replaced with a [[Firmir MaxiLaser]] [[large laser]] and the arm-mounted medium lasers replaced with a [[Hovertec Quad]] [[SRM-4]] in the left arm. While the autocannon/10 and torso-mounted medium lasers are kept, the latter now fire forward.  An extra ton of autocannon ammo is carried, while two heat sinks were replaced with two additional tons of armor.<ref name=TRSWp128f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,035;<ref name=CO122/> BV (2.0) = 1,344<ref>''Record Sheets'', p. 154</ref>

*; CTF-3Dd (Drone) : A Capellan experimental unit in 3071 based on the CTF-3D, the cockpit weight was increased to 6.5 tons to accommodate the robotic drone control and the jump jets were removed. An [[ER small laser]] was added to the left arm. These 'Mechs were operated by an AI controller known as [[The Broken]].<ref>''Necromo Nightmare'', p. 22</ref>

*; CTF-3L : Produced by the Capellans based on stolen Davion designs, the 3L is an upgraded version of the ''Cataphract'' that follows more in line with the prototype 1X model. It is propelled by an XL engine with [[MASC]] instead of jump jets allowing it to reach speeds of 86.4 km/h in short bursts. While it is also armed with an LB-X autocannon/10 as its primary weapon this is instead matched with a [[Ceres Arms Warrior]] [[ER PPC]] for powerful striking capabilities at long range.  Other differences include the use of four [[Ceres Arms Model W]] [[medium pulse laser]]s and [[double heat sinks]] in place of the standard models. This design was produced by the Confederation at [[Grand Base]] following the ascension of [[Chancellor]] [[Romano Liao]].<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050/> BV (1.0) = 1,302;<ref name=CO122/> BV (2.0) = 1,545<ref name=MUL75/>

*; CTF-3LL : This basic refit of the 3L replaced the PPC with a [[plasma rifle]]. Tonnage was freed up for its three tons of ammunition by swapping out the two forward-facing pulse lasers for [[ER medium laser]]s. The reduced heat load gives the 3LL the luxury of not building heat before it is damaged. BV (2.0) = 1,664<ref name=MUL75/>

*; CTF-4L : A Capellan upgrade produced during the [[3060]]s, the 4L was built using a standard fusion engine and utilized thirteen and a half tons of [[stealth armor]] along with a [[Guardian ECM]] suite for protection. The 'Mech is armed with a [[Gauss rifle]] and an [[ER PPC]] as its primary weapons, giving it a powerful long-range punch. For close range defense, the 'Mech carries two ER medium lasers. Produced in the wake of the ''[[Xin Sheng]]'' movement and the recapture of Tikonov, the CTF-4L was intended for the growing number of Shadow Lances within the [[Capellan Confederation Armed Forces]].<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,634<ref name=CO122/> or 1,627;<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 118</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,037<ref name=MUL75/>

*; CTF-4X : The -4X is a Federated Suns prototype produced following the capture of Tikonov, but it never saw use due to a lukewarm reception. The large laser of the 2X is retained, but all of the other weapons are removed in favor of two autocannon/5s and an [[LRM-5]]. In order to fit all of this equipment, the top speed is lowered to 56 km/h. In a strange twist of fate, the copious ammunition bins for the autocannons became popular with the creation of special munitions, making this design much more well-liked than it had been in the past.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,216<ref name=MUL75/>

*; CTF-5D : This upgrade of the 3D removes the weapons and is powered by a [[light fusion engine]] along with enough [[Improved Jump Jets|improved jump jet]]s to leap up to one hundred and eighty meters. This enables it to bring its plasma rifle and [[light autocannon/5]] to bear, though a one-ton ammunition bin for the autocannon limits its ability to use special munitions. Two ER medium lasers provide backup in case an enemy closes with the ''Cataphract''. The variant is protected by Stealth armor and Guardian ECM. The inclusion of a [[small cockpit]] allows for the armor to be increased to eleven and a half tons worth.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,742<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade, Inner Sphere'', p. 190</ref>

*; CTF-5L : Introduced after the ''[[Thunderbolt]]''-12R was created, the ''Cataphract''-5L uses several components from that design to create an evolution of the ''Cataphract''-4L. The stealth armor and ECM suite have been replaced by [[reflective armor]] and a pair of [[small variable speed pulse laser]]s add to its close in firepower. The medium lasers have been flipped to cover the rear arc. The main armament remains the same as the 4L.<ref name=rg6p13>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6'', p. 13</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,090<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6'', p. 21</ref>

*; CTF-5LL : This common variant of the -5L replaces the variable-speed pulse lasers and two heat sinks with four jump jets and two medium lasers, turning the -5LL into a potent skirmisher. <ref name=rg6p13>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6'', p. 13</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,322<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6'', p. 22</ref>

===Custom Variants===
*; CTF-2X ''Cataphract'' George : Taking a 2X variant ''Cataphract'' salvaged after the [[7th Crucis Lancers]] capture of Tikonov to replace his aging ''[[Warhammer]]'', in the lead-up to the [[War of 3039]] [[Fox's Teeth]] member George Lytton's ''Lucky Thirteen'' was outfitted with an experimental [[NAIS]] [[NAIS Mk. III|Mk. III]] [[ER large laser]] prototype to replace the standard model and corrosive coolant double heat sinks.<ref name=SBSD1>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', pp. 21, 102</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,367<ref name=MUL75/>

*; CTF-3X ''Cataphract'' Sara ("''Lucky Thirteen''") : Salvaging her father's 'Mech after his death fighting [[Clan Jade Falcon]] on [[Wotan]] in [[3051]], fellow Fox's Teeth member Sara Lytton had ''Lucky Thirteen'' fully upgraded prior to the [[FedCom Civil War]]. Adopting a modern take on the -2X variant's weapons loadout, the now production grade ER large laser is joined by two ER mediums in the torso while the SRM-4 is swapped for an ammo-efficient [[Streak SRM-4]] and single ton of reloads, with the standard autocannon replaced with an advanced [[rotary AC/5]] supplied with three tons of ammo. Mounting [[ferro-fibrous]] armor allows for a ton less to be carried while allowing the installation of [[CASE]] in each torso, while switching all its heat sinks to doubles improves its heat dissipation.<ref name=SBSD2>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', pp. 31, 112</ref><ref name=RSSD-7>''Record Sheets: Sword and Dragon'', p. 7</ref>

*; CTF-5MOC ''Cataphract'' Naomi : [[Magestrix]] [[Naomi Centrella]]'s customized variant used during [[Jihad]] battles on [[Sian]] and later [[Canopus IV]], the 'Mech has been equipped with a [[heavy PPC]] in its right torso and a plasma rifle with 2 tons of ammo found its right arm. Also, it has four one-shot [[Rocket Launcher 10|ten-tube rocket launchers]], mounted in pairs in the side torsos.  As secondary weaponry, it has been given a medium pulse laser in its left torso and extended-range medium laser in the right arm. To handle the heat load the 'Mech has 15 double heat sinks. To better protect the life of the Magestrix, the 'Mech is encased with stealth armor with its required Guardian ECM suite.  To give it mobility, the customized machine has four jump jets mounted into its torsos.  BV (2.0) = 2,104<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: Sian'', pp. 2, 7, and 13: Intro, [[3rd Canopian Fusiliers]] profile, and record sheet for Cataphract Naomi</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; CTF-0XP : MWO's Clan Invasion era take on the CTF-0X mounts a Guardian ECM suite and [[Beagle active probe]] in place of the experimental 3025 EW equipment and remote sensor dispenser, but otherwise carries the same weapons array.[http://mwomercs.com/news/2015/05/1213-patch-notes-13395-19may2015]

*; CTF-IM ''Ilya Muromets'' : The ''Cataphract'' [[Hero 'Mech]], [[Grigori Kovalenko]]'s custom ''Cataphract'' "Ilya Muromets", Identification Number CTF2X0042A-1013, is armed with an AC/5 in each arm, supported by a right arm [[small laser]], a medium laser in each side torso and a right torso–mounted AC/10. Such a heavy autocannon loadout is made possible through the use of a 280-rated XL engine, while three tons of AC/5 rounds and two of AC/10 reloads keep those cannons firing.<ref>''Upcoming Hero 'Mech: Ilya Muromets''</ref>

''From [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Call to Arms|''MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms'' Expansion Pack]]:''
*; CTF-2P : Introduced in [[3032]] as a melee-enhanced version of the standard CTF-2X, the CTF-2P drops the SRM-4 rack and a ton of autocannon ammo to re-add the right arm medium laser of the CTF-1X and mount a [[trench blade|heavy trench blade]] in its left arm.<ref name=MW5CtA>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Call to Arms''</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The base model ''Cataphract'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 90: Design Quirk Table - Cataphract</ref>
*[[Protected Actuators]]

The CFT-0X ''Cataphract'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:SWp6/>
* [[Command BattleMech]]
* [[Obsolete|Obsolete (3028)]]

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[Caesar]]'' - One of the first new 'Mechs designed for the [[AFFC]], the ''Caesar'' resembles a smoother and streamlined ''Cataphract'', with captured Capellan 'Mechs used in the early development testing for the design. Closer to the original Capellan rather than Davion ''Cataphract'', the ''Caesar'' mounts an ER PPC, Gauss rifle and four medium pulse lasers.

==Notable Pilots==
:See: [[:Category:Notable Cataphract Pilots]]

==Notes==
* The errata (version 2.0) for ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'' indicated the data for the CTF-3D's engine (on p. 79) should identify it as an XL.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3050 Cataphract.jpg|Original ''Cataphract'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
3050U Cataphract.jpg|CTF-3D ''Cataphract'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
CTF-1X TRO3039.jpg|CTF-1X ''Cataphract'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3039|TRO:3039]]''
Cataphract CTF-0X.jpg|Experimental CTF-0X ''Cataphract'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1|XTRO:SW I]]''
Cataphract-2X_4thSW.jpg|CTF-2X ''Cataphract'' from ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War|BP:4thSW]]''
Cataphract RGilClan v06.png|''Cataphract'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6 |RG:ilClan v6]]''
Cataphract (Romano Liao) BTLegends.jpg|[[Romano Liao]]'s CTF-1X ''Cataphract''
Cataphract WCSB.jpg|A battle-damaged ''Cataphract''
CCG Cursade Cataphract.jpg|CTF-1X ''Cataphract'' in combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
CCG Unlimited Cataphract.jpg|CTF-3D ''Cataphract'' in combat from ''CCG''
CTF-IM Ilya Muromets MW5Mercs.jpg|CTF-IM ''Cataphract "Ilya Muromets"'' from ''[[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries|MW5:Mercs]]''
Alpha Strike Command Lance - Cataphract.jpg|''Cataphract'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Command Lance Pack]]''
Inner Sphere Heavy Battle Lance - Cataphract.jpg|''Cataphract'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Heavy Battle Lance]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]''
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]'' (Novel)
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Capellan Confederation]]''
* ''[[House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)]]''
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Sian]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[MechWarrior Online]]''
* ''[[Necromo Nightmare]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Sword and Dragon]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Starterbook: Sword and Dragon]]''
* ''[[Sword and Fire]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Upcoming Hero Mech: Ilya Muromets]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Capellan Confederation BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Federated Suns BattleMechs]]