Editing Cicada

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Cicada RGilClan v28.jpg
|name = ''Cicada''
|manufacturer = 
[[Free Worlds Defense Industries]]<ref name=TRSWp54f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 54–55: "CDA-2A Cicada</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
----
[[HartfordCo Industries]]<ref name=TRSWp54f />
|production year = 2740
|year reference = <ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 118</ref>
|model = CDA-2A<ref name=TRSWp54f />
|cost = 3,705,217 [[C-bill]]s
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type = BattleMech
|feet = biped
|mass = 40
|chassis = [[Hartford 300]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp54f /> -->
|armor = [[Star Slab/3]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp54f /> -->
|engine = [[Pitban 320]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp54f /> -->
|comsys = [[Datacom 50]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp54f /> -->
|T&T = [[Dynatec 1122]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp54f /> -->
|heat sinks = 10 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp54f /> -->
|speed = 129 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp54f /> -->
|armament= 
* 2x [[medium laser]]
* 1x [[small laser]]
|BV (1.0) = 567
|BV (2.0) = 659<ref name=TRSWp54f />
}}

==Description==
The '''''Cicada''''' was introduced amidst rising tensions in [[Introduction Year::2740]] by [[HartfordCo Industries]] in an attempt to capitalize on the growing need for [[BattleMech]]s. At the time [[Bergan Industries]] had cornered the market in light recon 'Mechs with their ''[[Locust]]'' and HartfordCo's only prior experience was building communications and targeting systems. Nevertheless the company designed their 'Mech to compete directly with the ''Locust'' by making it just as fast but twice as large, allowing the ''Cicada'' to carry slightly better weaponry and give it an edge in physical combat, all while keeping costs down. The [[Star League]] was sufficiently impressed that they agreed to a limited contract with HartfordCo for a small number of ''Cicadas'', using them to replace many ''Locusts'' lost in fighting along its border regions. The 'Mech's only major issue was faulty [[heat sink]]s, although these were eventually replaced in many models with modular sinks.<ref name=TM3025r>''TechManual 3025: Revised'', p. 34</ref><ref name=TM3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 118</ref>

With their base of operations and only ''Cicada'' factory located on [[Bryant]], HartfordCo was among the many victims of the fall of the Star League and the onset of the [[BattleTech eras|Succession Wars]]. Although the factory was destroyed, there were a number of built ''Cicadas'' in storage on Bryant and its relative position compared to the five [[Successor States]] meant the planet was the target of many raids. Thus the ''Cicada'' found its way into all of the major House armies, where in service to the Successor Lords, the 'Mech earned a positive reputation. Unfortunately this also meant its expectations sometimes exceeded the design's actual capabilities, and, with no new models being produced, the ''Cicada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s numbers began to dwindle. By the end of the [[Fourth Succession War]] the 'Mech was in danger of going extinct.<ref name=TM3025r/><ref name=TM3039/><ref name=TM3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 36</ref>

The discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] allowed [[Free Worlds Defense Industries]] to save the ''Cicada'' by restarting production of the 'Mech from their newly-refurbished production line on [[Gibson]]. The great majority of these newly-built ''Cicadas'' went to the [[Free Worlds League Military]], particularly federal units, which was in desperate need for recon 'Mechs after the loss of so many machines during their long battle with [[Andurien]]. The chassis was also the perfect platform to apply much of the now-recovered [[lostech]] and the improved CDA-3M was introduced shortly before the start of the [[Clan Invasion]]. New ''Cicadas'' were supplied to the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and [[Draconis Combine]] as part of an agreement to combat the [[Clans]], and as reports filtered in from the front more variants of the 'Mech were produced. Following the [[ComStar Schism]] the [[Word of Blake]] relocated to Gibson and an increasing number of ''Cicada'' production was redirected to the [[Word of Blake Militia]], which quickly rivaled the FWLM as the largest ''Cicada'' user. As such the 'Mech was found on both sides of the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TM3050u/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Cicada'' is armed with two [[Magna (ML)|Magna]] [[medium laser]]s and a single [[Magna Mk. I]] [[small laser]], with the two heavier lasers mounted on either side of the torso and the third placed in the center. These weapons give the ''Cicada'' independence from logistical support lines when necessary, in exchange for a weapons loadout that has a higher than average amount of excess heat. They also give the ''Cicada'' sufficient firepower for taking down its intended target, other lighter 'Mechs, and are well protected within the armored torso. Unfortunately their placement also gives the lasers a limited firing arc, producing a blind spot an enemy can exploit if they get behind the ''Cicada''.<ref name=TM3025r/><ref name=TM3039/>

The four tons of armor on the ''Cicada'' is the same amount as found on the ''Locust'', although most of it is concentrated in the torso. This leaves very little in the vestigial "wing" arms or in the legs; speed is the ''Cicada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s chief defense, which it achieves thanks to its [[Pitban 320]] [[fusion engine]] which accounts for over half the weight of the 'Mech. Original CDA-2A ''Cicadas'' produced by HartfordCo used the [[Hartford J15 B]] [[communications system]] and [[Hartford S1000]] [[targeting-tracking system]], while new ones introduced by FWDI used their own proprietary technology.<ref name=TM3025r/><ref name=TM3039/>

The ''Cicada'' carries 10 [[single heat sinks]], however the original HartfordCo models were discovered to wear out and fail to perform as expected after extended use. If not replaced, they would eventually operate at only sixty percent capacity, leading to serious overheating during combat. Although most ''Cicadas'' had their heat sinks replaced with more reliable modular models, some still used the defective models, illustrated disastrously in a much-publicized battle on [[Oriente]] between the Free Worlds League and the [[Capellan Confederation]]. Still, it was not until [[3029]] that the FWLM ordered all ''Cicadas'', in both federal and provincial service, to be upgraded.<ref name=TM3025r/><ref name=TM3039/>

==Variants==
*; CDA-2B : Part of a limited run of experimental models in [[2840]], the 2B variant is a simple upgrade that exchanges the [[small laser]] and half a ton of armor for a [[flamer]], which makes this modification effective against infantry. Despite its small numbers this variant did see combat during the Succession Wars and can be found in Capellan Confederation training academies.<ref name=TRSWp54f /><ref name=TM3039/> BV (1.0) = 523, BV (2.0) = 626

*; CDA-3C : Part of a limited run of experimental models in 2840, the 3C variant is an attempt to allow the 'Mech to have a much greater reach with devastating results. To do this, it uses a smaller [[VOX 280]] engine, reducing the maximum speed to 118.8 km/h. In place of the laser weapons are two [[machine gun]]s in the legs and a [[Donal]] [[PPC]] in the right torso. Despite its small numbers this variant did see combat during the Succession Wars and can be found in Capellan Confederation training academies.<ref name=TRSWp54f /><ref name=TM3039/> BV (1.0) = 656, BV (2.0) = 771

*; CDA-3F : The -3F ''Cicada'' is one of the most advanced versions of this 'Mech, with upgrades based on combat reports from the front lines of the [[Clan Invasion]], and was introduced in [[3052]]. The chassis has been constructed using [[endo steel]] and is protected with six and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. The -3F is powered by an [[extralight engine]] and carries a weapons loadout that appears to be a cross between the 2A and 3C models, with the primary weapon being an [[ER PPC]], backed up by two [[medium laser]]s. What's more, the ''Cicada'' can now jump up to 240 meters thanks to the inclusion of eight [[jump jet]]s.<ref name=TM3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,202<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 62</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,329

*; CDA-3G : Based off of the same chassis as the -3F, the -3G was introduced in [[3056]] to transform the chassis into a more dedicated recon platform. It trades in the [[PPC]] for an [[ER large laser]], a [[Beagle active probe]], and additional armor.<ref name=TM3050u/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,270

*; CDA-3M : The 3M upgrade of this older BattleMech uses some of the newest technology available as of its introduction in 3049. It uses an extralight version of the same [[Pitban 320]] engine, freeing up extra space to upgrade the [[small laser]] to a [[small pulse laser]] and adding an [[UAC/5]] to the left torso. The new ballistic weapon is fed by one ton of ammunition stored in the right torso and protected by [[CASE]] in the event of an ammunition explosion. The [[3/Star Slab]] armor has also been replaced with [[Durallex Light]], although the amount of protection is the same as in the -2A.<ref name=TM3050u/> BV (1.0) = 664, BV (2.0) = 812

*; CDA-3MA : A training 'Mech introduced in [[3068]], this variation of the -3M swaps the [[UAC/5]] for a [[snub-nose PPC]] and additional armor. Its primary purpose is to help introduce new technology to cadets.<ref name=TM3050u/>BV (2.0) = 1,158

*; CDA-3P : An upgrade of the -3M introduced in [[3070]], the -3P uses a slightly smaller 280-rated engine, lowering the 'Mech's top speed to 119 km/h in order replace the [[UAC/5]] with a Combine-developed [[heavy PPC]], while the lasers are replaced with four [[Diverse Optics (ERML)|Diverse Optics]] [[ER medium laser]]s. Additional armor is added, though not as much as with the -3MA.<ref name=TM3050u/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,502

*; CDA-4A: This modern version of the Cicada from [[Andurien Aerospace]] is an evolution on the scout role. [[Ferro-fibrous armor]] and [[Endo-Steel]] chassis keep the weight down, combined with an [[XL Engine]] which is equipped with a [[supercharger]]. Each side torso mounts a [[Medium VSP Laser]], while the center torso is equipped with a [[Medium Re-engineered Laser]]. BV (1.0) = ???? BV (2.0) = 1,097 <ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28'', p.13</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; CDA-X5 ''The X-5'': MWO's ''Cicada'' [[Hero 'Mech]] is supposedly a prototype of an advanced ''Cicada''. Outfitted with [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, [[double heat sink]]s, an [[XL engine]], and built on an [[endo steel]] skeleton, it still manages to outpace all medium 'Mechs and almost all light 'Mechs with a top speed of 133.7 km/h. Its armament is optimized for short range, with four [[medium laser]]s and a pair of [[SRM-2]]s fed by an experimental ammo system, giving it a light armament by medium 'Mech standards, but still much better than the older -2A, -2B, and -3C variants. Though the design was highly successful in testing, a combination of the extreme price of production, the relative fragility of the 'Mech, and the difficulty of piloting the 'Mech due to its extreme speed and higher inertia, as compared to comparably fast light 'Mechs, prevented the -X5 from entering production. The few prototype models deployed in combat after testing concluded proved to be a deadly force on the battlefield. Lessons learned with this model were applied to the -3F variant, though the missile capability was dropped due to jamming issues.[https://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/103082-patch-notes-12197-05-mar-2013/]
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

== Design Quirks ==
The ''Cicada'' is subject to the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 90: Design Quirk Table - Cicada Entry.</ref><ref>[https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BattleMech-Manual-2022-09-14-v6.01.pdf ''BattleMech Manual Errata (Version 6.01)''], p. 9</ref>
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]
<!-- No Torso Twist removed by errata -->

==Related OmniMechs==
*''[[Strider]]'' - [[Luthien Armor Works]] used the design of the ''Cicada'' as the basis for their ''Strider'' OmniMech.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 84</ref>

==Notes==
* Though most of the artwork shows that the [[medium laser]]s are mounted in the ''Cicada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s arms, according to the official record sheets and [[TRO: 3039]] they are installed in the side torsos. It is unclear if this is intentional or an error that never was fixed.[http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,15644.0.html]

* In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as ''Cigale''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025_Cicada1.jpg|Original CDA-2A ''Cicada'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
CDA-Cicada.png|''Cicada'' in motion from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U Cicada.jpg|CDA-3M ''Cicada'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Cicada RGilClan v28.jpg|''Cicada'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28|RG:ilClan vol. 28]]''
CicadaArmTwist.jpg|CDA-2A ''Cicada'' in action from ''[[Classic BattleTech Universe|CBT Universe]]''
CCG Unlimited Cicada A.jpg|CDA-2A ''Cicada'' in combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
CCG Unlimited Cicada M.jpg|CDA-3M ''Cicada'' in battle from ''CCG''
CDA-X5 MW5Mercs.jpg|CDA-X5 ''Cicada'' from ''[[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries|MW5:Mercs]]''
BattleTech4e-Cicada.jpg|''Cicada'' standee from ''[[BattleTech, Fourth Edition]]''
Alpha Strike Recon Lance - Cicada.jpg|''Cicada'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Recon Lance Pack]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[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: 3058]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]