Editing Cougar

{{otheruses|the 35-ton BattleMech|the ''Union''-class DropShip|Cougar (Individual Union-class DropShip)}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image           = Cougar RGilClan v19.png
|name            = ''Cougar''
|manufacturer    = [[Ironhold Alpha Complex]]<ref name=TRCIp22f>''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', pp. 22–23: "Cougar". Previously featured in ''Technical Readout: 3060''</ref>
|production year = 3058
|year reference  = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/712/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|model           = Prime<ref name=TRCIp22f />
|class           = Light
|cost            = 6,065,438 [[C-bill]]s
|Tech Base       = [[Clan]]
|mech type       = omni
|feet            = 2
|mass            = 35
|chassis         = [[JF 3 Light Endo Steel]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp22f /> -->
|armor           = [[Compound JF Ferro-Fibrous]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp22f /> -->
|engine          = [[175 JF XL]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp22f /> -->
|comsys          = [[JF Integrated]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp22f /> -->
|T&T             = [[Series JFVIII KITT]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp22f /> -->
|heat sinks      = 10 [[Double Heat Sink|double]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp22f /> -->
|speed           = 86 <!-- <ref name=TRCIp22f /> -->
|armament        = <!-- <ref name=TRCIp22f /> -->
Primary Configuration
* 2x [[large pulse laser]]
* 2x [[LRM-10]]
|BV (1.0) = 1,227<ref name=CO115>''Combat Operations'', p. 115</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'', p. 83</ref>
|BV (2.0) = 1,485<ref name=TRCIp22f /><ref name=TRO:3060p147>''Technical Readout: 3060'', p. 147: "Cougar Profile"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged'', p. 213</ref>
}}

==Description==
Based on the [[Adder (Puma)|''Adder'']], the '''''Cougar''''' is a powerful [[Clan Jade Falcon]] [[BattleMech#Light|light]] [[OmniMech]].

After the [[Refusal War]] with [[Clan Wolf]], the Falcons' newly vested [[Khan]] [[Marthe Pryde]] strove to rebuild her shattered ''[[touman]]'', reaping the benefits of efforts by her predecessor [[Elias Crichell]] to step up the pace of the Falcon breeding program and to bring new and deadly OmniMechs into service. With regards the latter, the successful introduction of the ''[[Fire Falcon]]'', ''[[Black Lanner]]'', ''[[Night Gyr]]'', and ''[[Turkina]]'' pleased her, but Pryde desired the symbolic goal of a complete [[Star]] of new 'Mechs.<ref name=TRO:3060p147/><ref name=TRCIp22f/><ref name=TBoCp63>''The Battle of Coventry'', pp. 63–64: "Cougar"</ref>

Recognizing that she'd stretched her Clan's scientists to the limit to produce those four designs already, Khan Pryde directed her scientists to modify an existing design into an even more deadly machine for the fifth member. The design selected was the ''Adder'', and in using an existing design the Falcon scientists were able to field a virtually new 'Mech in roughly half the time normally required to construct and test a new OmniMech.<ref name=TRO:3060p147/><ref name=TRCIp22f/><ref name=TBoCp63/>

First seeing service [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|during the fighting on Coventry]] in [[3058]], the ''Cougar'' quickly spread to other Clans, most notably [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]]'s defenders during [[Operation BULLDOG]]. The visual similarity to the ''Adder'' caught the [[Inner Sphere]] forces who faced it on [[Coventry]] and [[Port Arthur]] off-guard, incorrectly assuming it was the older design and being shocked by the greater firepower the ''Cougar'' was capable of unleashing.<ref name=TRO:3060p147/><ref name=TRCIp22f/><ref name=TBoCp63/> Remaining popular with the Falcons, the [[Ironhold]] facility that produced the ''Cougar'' was destroyed by [[Clan Steel Viper]] in [[3071]] during the [[Wars of Reaving]].<ref>''The Wars of Reaving Supplemental'', p. 17</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
Though the two 'Mechs are visually similar and share the same weight, the ''Cougar'' is slower and better armed than the ''Adder'', replacing its progenitor's 210-rated [[XL engine]] with a lighter 175-rated XL model and mounting just five and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor on an [[endo steel]] frame to boost the available [[pod space]] to 19 tons. Though some Clan [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] complained that the loss of speed was damning for a light 'Mech, the overall consensus was the increased firepower made up for this deficiency.<ref name=TRO:3060p147/><ref name=TRCIp22f/><ref name=TBoCp63/>

The Jade Falcon scientists continued to closely mimic the ''Adder'' in the ''Cougar''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s weapon systems, the greater pod space allowing them to enhance them while adhering to original's philosophy of ranged combat. The primary configuration is a good example, mounting a pair of [[LRM-10]]s and [[large pulse laser]]s for a combination of direct and indirect fire support.<ref name=TRO:3060p147/><ref name=TBoCp63/>

==Alternate Configurations==
*; Alternate Configuration A : The most popular alternate configuration, the ''Cougar'' A is built around a pair of [[LRM-20]]s, each with an [[Artemis IV FCS]]. This configuration is supported by a pair of [[ER medium laser]]s and a [[small pulse laser]].<ref name=TRCIp22f /> BV (1.0) = 1,429;<ref name=CO115/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'', p. 84</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,697<ref name=TRCIp22f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged'', p. 214</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration B : Similar to the ''Adder'' Prime, the ''Cougar'' B uses a pair of [[ER PPC]]s for direct fire support and has an [[ER medium laser]] for close range. Six additional [[double heat sink]]s help to dissipate the heat these weapons generate.<ref name=TRCIp22f /> BV (1.0) = 1,564;<ref name=CO115/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'', p. 85</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,774<ref name=TRCIp22f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged'', p. 215</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration C : A configuration that has more of a mixture of long- and short-range weapons, the C is built around a single [[Gauss rifle]]. It is complemented by five [[ER medium laser]]s that allow the ''Cougar'' C to stay on the field for a long time.<ref name=TRCIp22f /> BV (1.0) = 1,442;<ref name=CO115/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'', p. 86</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,785<ref name=TRCIp22f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged'', p. 216</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration D : The final original configuration which uses an [[ER large laser]] and [[UAC/10]] for sniping, and a pair of [[SRM-4]]s to finish off its opponents at close range.<ref name=TRCIp22f /> BV (1.0) = 1,088;<ref name=CO115/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'', p. 87</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,309<ref name=TRCIp22f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged'', p. 217</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration E : This configuration uses ATM missile technology, with two [[ATM-6]]s as its main weapons with three tons of ammo for each launcher. A trio of [[ER medium laser]]s round out this variant's arsenal to finish off its opponents at short range, with three additional [[double heat sink]]s to help with the heat. BV (1.0) = 1,351;<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 53</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,442<ref>''Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged'', p. 218</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration F : Introduced during the [[Jihad]], this configuration was geared for anti-[[infantry]]/[[battle armor]] combat, with eight [[heavy machine gun]]s, divided between two [[Machine Gun Array]]s, all of which are fed from a single half ton of ammunition. It also sports a pair of [[B-Pod]]s to further its role. Its other weaponry includes three [[medium pulse laser]]s, and a single [[Streak SRM-4]] launcher with one ton of reloads. BV (2.0) = 1,401<ref>''Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged'', p. 219: F Configuration for Cougar from RS3060u</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration G : A second Jihad era configuration, the ''Cougar'' G carries a [[HAG 20|Class 20 Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle]] with two tons of ammunition in its right arm, and a pair of [[LRM-5]] launchers with one ton of reloads in its left. This configuration's only energy weapon is an [[ER large laser]] mounted in the head. BV (2.0) = 1,453<ref>''Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged'', p. 220: G Configuration from the RS3060u</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration H : This configuration was introduced during the 3060s and was equipped with four [[jump jet]]s and an [[ECM suite]]. It is armed with an [[Ultra Autocannon/5]] for long distance and a trio of [[heavy medium laser]]s for when any opponent tries to close range. It also has three additional [[double heat sink]]s to deal with heat the trio of heavy lasers produce. BV (1.0) = 1,286;<ref name=CO115/><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 54</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,323<ref>''Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged'', p. 221</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration I : This configuration appeared in the [[Dark Age]]. It carries two [[improved heavy large laser]]s and two [[LRM-10]] launchers. For anti-infantry work, a [[micro pulse laser]] is included. An engine [[supercharger]] allows it to move at 100 km/h in brief bursts. BV (2.0) = 1,738<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 94</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration T: Similar in appearance to the Prime, the T carries more advanced equipment. It carries two [[ER medium pulse laser]]s, made even more accurate by a [[targeting computer]], and two [[Streak LRM-10]] launchers. A [[Watchdog CEWS]] gives this ''Cougar'' powerful electronic warfare capabilities. An engine [[supercharger]] allows this variant to move at 100 km/h in brief bursts, overcoming the ''Cougar''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s traditional slow speed. BV (2.0) = 1,748<ref>”Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19”, pg12</ref>

== Custom Variants==
*; X : This version that dates to the [[Jihad]] or later uses [[experimental technology]]. It uses [[improved jump jet]]s to attain a 210 meter jumping capacity. Two [[Streak LRM-10]]s provide withering firepower at all ranges, while twin [[ER medium laser]]s back them up. BV (1.0) = 1,676;<ref>''Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I'', p. 42</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,516<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 95</ref>

*; X2 : Another version of the ''Cougar'' that uses [[experimental technology]], the X2 can jump up to 240 meters. It also adds two tons of armor for added protection. Offensively, it can call upon a [[Streak LRM-15]] and an [[ER medium pulse laser]]. BV (1.0) = 1,465<ref>''Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I'', p. 43</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,335<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 96</ref>

*; X3 : This experimental-tech upgrade has the same armor protection as the X2, though it lacks any jumping ability. It mounts a [[Streak LRM-10]] with an [[ER large pulse laser]] and [[ER medium pulse laser]] to back it up. Both lasers benefit from a [[targeting computer]]. BV (1.0) = 1,280<ref>''Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I'', p. 44</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,410<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 97</ref>

*; Cougar-XR : This variant is apparently an attempt by the Jade Falcons to use [[experimental technology]] in a combat unit. Originally mistaken for a [[LAM]], the ''Cougar-XR'' uses a [[Partial Wing (BattleMech)|partial wing]] to extend its jump range to 210 meters. An [[LRM-15]] launcher equipped with [[Artemis V FCS]] is located in each side torso, while an [[ER medium pulse laser]] provides direct fire. To make room for these systems and the wing, the ''Cougar-XR'' uses a [[small cockpit]], sourced from the Inner Sphere, an [[endo steel]] chassis, and an [[extralight engine]]. For protection, the 'Mech uses seven tons of [[glazed armor]]. As of [[3077]] it appears that the ''Cougar-XR'' is a standard BattleMech instead of being an OmniMech like its progenitor design. BV (2.0) = 1,783<ref name=XTRO:Cp3>''Experimental Technical Readout: Clans'', p. 3</ref>

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

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; COU-BA ''Blood Adder'' : The ''Cougar'' [[Hero 'Mech]], the ''Blood Adder'' mounts an [[ATM-9]] in each arm, supported by a [[heavy machine gun]] in each side torso. Fitted with only the standard 10 [[double heat sink]]s, the ''Blood Adder'' carries four tons of ATM reloads and one and a half tons of HMG ammo, with a head-mounted [[anti-missile system]] and a single ton of reloads.[https://mwomercs.com/civil-war]
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Cougar'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 91: BattleMech Quirk Table - Cougar Entry</ref>
* [[Ubiquitous]]

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

==Related OmniMechs==
* ''[[Adder]]'' - In order to speed development and production, the ''Cougar'' OmniMech was derived from the powerful ''Adder'' OmniMech, the wildly successful testbed and training design constructed by [[Clan Star Adder]] in the early [[thirty-first century]].
* ''[[Pouncer]]'' - A testbed made into a full-fledged production OmniMech, the ''Pouncer'' shares the ''Cougar''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s lineage with the ''Adder.''

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's proper Clan name was translated to '''''Silberlöwe'''''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Cougar.jpg|Original ''Cougar'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3060|TRO:3060]]''
Cougar RGilClan v19.png|''Cougar'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19|RG:ilClan v19]]''
Cougar-XR.jpg|Experimental ''Cougar-XR'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: The Clans|XTRO:Clans]]''
Cougar (Black Condor) Shrapnel010.jpg|''Cougar'' "''Black Condor''" from [[Shrapnel_(magazine)#Issue_10|''Shrapnel'' #10]]
Cougar FFE.png|''Cougar'' from ''[[MechWarrior: Fire For Effect|MWDA FFE]]'' dossiers
MW4-M Cougar.png|Model of ''Cougar'' from ''[[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries|MW4:Mercenaries]]''
MWO Cougar.png|Model of ''Cougar'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
Clan Fire Star - Cougar.jpg|''Cougar'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Clan Fire Star]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Clans]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: Clan Invasion]]''
* ''[[The Wars of Reaving Supplemental]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:OmniMechs]]
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
[[Category:35 ton BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Clan Jade Falcon BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Clan OmniMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]