Editing Spider

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Spider RGilClan v19.png
|name = ''Spider''
|manufacturer = 
[[Krupp Armament Works]]
----
[[Newhart Interstellar Industries Limited]]<ref name=TRSWp28f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 28–29: "SDR-5V Spider)</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
----
[[Nimakachi Fusion Products Limited]]<ref name=TRSWp28f />
|model = SDR-5V<ref name=TRSWp28f />
|production year = 2650
|year reference = <ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 20–21</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 106–107</ref>
|cost = 2,984,540 [[C-bill]]s
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type = BattleMech
|feet = biped
|mass = 30
|chassis = [[Newhart 1200]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp28f /> -->
|armor = [[Durallex Light]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp28f /> -->
|engine = [[Pitban 240]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp28f /> -->
|comsys = [[O/P 500A]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp28f /> -->
|T&T = [[O/P TA1240]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp28f /> -->
|heat sinks = 10 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp28f /> -->
|speed = 129 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp28f /> -->
|jumpjets = [[Pitban LFT-10]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp28f /> -->
|armament = 2x [[medium laser]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp28f /> -->
|BV (1.0) = 514
|BV (2.0) = 622<ref name=TRSWp28f /><ref name=TRO3039/>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Spider''''' was the first [[BattleMech]] produced by [[Newhart Industries]], designed in [[2650]] as a light reconnaissance and attack 'Mech to be used by [[Star League Defense Force]] Special Operations forces such as the [[Blackhearts]]. Beyond exceeding all of the SLDF's minimum requirements, Newhart had actually designed the ''Spider'' before receiving the [[Star League]]'s request for proposals and were ready to begin production immediately, factors which helped the company win the contract very quickly. In terms of maneuverability, the ''Spider'' has a ground speed comparable to a ''[[Locust]]'' and can outjump either the vaunted ''[[Wasp]]'' or ''[[Stinger]]'' light 'Mechs. Built with top-of-the-line reliable parts, sophisticated reconnaissance equipment, and an energy weapon payload which allowed for extended operations without resupply, the ''Spider'' was a great success. While not produced in large numbers, it could be rapidly manufactured, which enabled its service to the end of the Star League.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Newhart's ''Spider'' factory on [[New Earth]] was destroyed in [[2776]] as part of the [[Amaris Civil War]] and very few ''Spider''s ended up in the hands of the [[Successor States]] when the Star League dissolved. As their numbers began to dwindle during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], entire offensive operations were conducted simply to secure spare parts for these 'Mechs. So rare was the ''Spider'' that [[Wolf's Dragoons]] were notable for having an entire [[lance]] of ''Spider''s, albeit split among the various regiments.  This trend towards extinction was finally reversed when the [[Free Worlds League]] was able to secure the schematics for the ''Spider'' and, in a deal with [[Nimakachi Fusion Products Limited]], the company was given exclusive control of the 'Mech's technical specifications in exchange for building them for the Free Worlds League. Nimakachi began building new ''Spider''s from their factory on [[Tematagi]] and later expanded their facilities on [[Lapida II]] to produce them as well. This resulted in the Free Worlds League and [[Draconis Combine]] having the largest number of ''Spider''s in active service in the late Succession War period.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

The recovery of [[lostech|lost Star League technology]] inspired Nimakachi to update the ''Spider'' with new upgrades, resulting in the improved SDR-7M and the derivative ''[[Venom]]''. While the Free Worlds League did not express much interest in these 'Mechs, Nimakachi found ready buyers among the other Great Houses, in particular the Draconis Combine, which had lost a large number of light 'Mechs during the [[Clan Invasion]] and bought up both local- and foreign-made ''Spider''s to replenish their ranks. The [[Word of Blake]] also expressed an interest in these ''Spider''s and bought several to outfit their [[Word of Blake Militia|military]]. These ''Spider''s were used as part of [[Operation Odysseus|the Blakist conquest of Terra]] and were later gifted to the [[Protectorate Militia]], where they fought in the [[Jihad]]. Starting in 3067, the ''Spider'' was restyled by Nimakachi, which allowed the addition of an ejection system to the cockpit of the new SDR-7K, 7K2, and 7KC models.<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 20–21</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Spider'' carries a very light armament of two [[Aberdovey Mk III]] [[medium laser]]s mounted in its center torso next to the [[fusion engine]]. While more expensive than the common [[Martell]] lasers mounted on other 'Mechs, they are of superior quality and require very little maintenance. Waste heat generated by the lasers are handled by the standard number of 10 [[single heat sink]]s mounted in the fusion engine. Three and a half tons of armor provide some measure of protection, although most ''Spider'' pilots agree that speed is the best defense. The unique armor alignment on the front of the ''Spider'' is what gave the 'Mech its name, and this spiderweb pattern is further emphasized by a bright red fiberglass sealant in the seams between armor plates.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

The ''Spider'' carries a grand total of eight [[jump jets]], four each in the left and right torso, giving it an incredible jumping distance of 240 meters. Using cutting-edge components, the jump jets can pivot the 'Mech in mid-flight while still reaching its original landing point thanks to its advanced computer tracking. This ability for the ''Spider'' to "twitch" in the air gives it greater protection, as even the most advanced targeting computers can have a hard time acquiring a lock.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

The O/P communications system and targeting-tracking system are fully integrated in the ''Spider'', meaning both verbal communications and sensor readings can be transmitted back to headquarters. This advanced computer setup even includes an entertainment system for those long, lonely nights on recon duty. However, it also has a serious drawback in that the system combined with the head's armor layout leaves no space for a proper ejection system: the pilot must manually reach the lower hatch on their own in order to exit the 'Mech. Many ''Spider'' pilots therefore practice quickly exiting the 'Mech during their downtime, especially those variants which carry vulnerable ammunition liable to cook off.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

==Variants==
*; SDR-5D : The 5D ''Spider'' is one of two official variants originally developed by Newhart, and was introduced in [[2853]]. Geared towards anti-infantry work, it removes one of the [[medium laser]]s and replaces it with a single [[flamer]] in the right arm. After the Star League fell, was primarily used by the [[Federated Suns]], and the variant was normally used by militia units since others saw its mission of hunting infantry as a waste of a good 'Mech.<ref name=TRSWp28f /><ref name=SDR5D>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3008/spider-sdr-5d Master Unit List: Spider SDR-5D]</ref><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 412; BV (2.0) = 524<ref name=SDR5D/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 76</ref>

*; SDR-5K : The 5K ''Spider'' is another of two official variants originally developed by Newhart, and was introduced in [[2850]]. Also geared towards anti-infantry work, it removes one of the [[medium laser]]s and replaces it with two arm mounted [[machine gun]]s fed by one ton of ammo stored in the center torso. To make room for its ammunition, the 'Mech sacrifices 60 meters of its jump capability by removing two jump jets. While primarily used by the Draconis Combine during the Succession Wars, the variant was normally used by militia units since others saw its mission of hunting infantry as a waste of a good 'Mech.<ref name=TRSWp28f /><ref name=SBSaD>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', p. 85: "SDR-5K ''Spider''"</ref><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 433; BV (2.0) = 503<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 77</ref>

*; SDR-7K : The 7K is an upgrade of the base design, introduced by Nimakachi in [[3067]] and based on the success of other revitalized classic designs. It's built using an [[endo steel]] structure, five and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, a [[light fusion engine]] in place of the standard model, and carries two [[medium pulse laser]]s. Perhaps most critically, Nimakachi was able to finally install an ejection system in the 7K.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 688;<ref name=MUL151>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 151</ref> BV (2.0) 752<ref name=MUL151 />

*; SDR-7Kr : This [[Jihad]]-era field refit, first spotted in [[3074]], removes a [[medium pulse laser]] and mounts an [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] [[Angel ECM suite]] in its place.<ref name=TRO3085-64>''Technical Readout: 3085", p. 64: "SDR-8R" ''Spider''</ref><ref name=TRO-3085-190>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 775<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 92</ref>

*; SDR-7K2 : The 7K2 is a scout hunter variant of the 7K, introduced in [[3068]] by Nimakachi. Its jump capability is dropped to 210 meters and its armoring reduced to five tons, but it now carries a [[Diverse Optics Sunbeam]] [[ER large laser]]. BV (2.0) = 884<ref name=MUL151/>

*; SDR-7KC : Built in 3074 after the destruction of Nimakachi's Tematagi factory, the 7KC drops the 7K's [[medium pulse laser]]s, replacing them with a [[light PPC]] and a [[C3 slave unit]]. BV (2.0) = 732<ref name=MUL151/>

*; SDR-7M : The 7M was Nimakachi's upgrade of the venerable ''Spider'' with recovered Star League technology. Released in [[3051]], it uses a [[Crucis-II Delux]] [[endo steel]] chassis and three tons of [[Kallon FWL Special]] [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, freeing up weight to replace the two [[medium laser]]s with two [[Tronel XII]] [[medium pulse laser]]s. Many of the components were also replaced with proprietary technology, including [[Rawlings 75]] [[jump jet]]s, an [[Omicron 4002 Networking Channel]], and a [[TRSS Eagle Eye]] targeting system.  One thing they could not do however was include an ejection system for the pilot. BV (1.0) = 492; BV (2.0) = 621<ref name=TRO3050u/>

*; SDR-8K : A post-Jihad variant developed by the Combine in [[3084]], the SDR-8K uses a [[compact gyro]] and a 240-rated [[XL fusion engine]] to maintain its ground speed while still allowing it to carry four tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. The extra weight left was used to swap the [[medium laser]]s of the stock ''Spider'' for a single torso mounted,  [[PPC capacitor|capacitor]]-enhanced [[snub-nose PPC]].<ref name=TRO3085-64/> BV (2.0) = 1,007<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 93</ref>

*; SDR-8M : The 8M is a simple upgrade of the 7M developed by the [[FWLM]] in [[3060]], which replaces the [[single heat sink]]s with [[double heat sink|double strength]] versions. Otherwise, both variants are completely identical. BV (1.0) = 588<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 50</ref>

*; SDR-8R : A post-Jihad variant produced by [[Krupp Armament Works]] for the [[Republic of the Sphere]] in 3084, the production model 8R was based on the prototype SDR-8X that used during the liberation of [[Terra]]. Built on an [[endo steel]] chassis and powered by a smaller 210-rated [[light fusion engine]], this reduced its ground speed, the SDR-8R's 10 [[Pitban LFT-20X]] [[improved jump jet]]s gave it amazing maneuverability. Carrying 10 [[double heat sink]]s allowed the 8R to fire its twin [[Diverse Optics]] [[ER medium laser]]s and jump without fear of overheating. Boasting a very different look, the redesigned 8R was also notable for being one of the first ''Spider''s to include an ejection system.<ref name=TRO3085-64/> BV (2.0) = 694<ref name=TRO3085-65>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 65: "SDR-8R" ''Spider''</ref>

*; SDR-8X : An experimental prototype that saw service in [[3078]] with [[Devlin Stone]]'s Coalition during the Jihad, the SDR-8X was clad in nearly double the armor of the later 8R and mounted an [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] Inner Sphere technology [[Partial Wing (BattleMech)|partial wing]].<ref name=TRO3085-64/> BV (2.0) = 765<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 95</ref>

*; SDR-8Xr : This version of the ''Spider'' was a field refit of the 8X. The [[medium pulse laser]]s are removed and replaced by five [[ER small laser]]s, and for close-in combat this ''Spider'' carries a [[Sword (weapon)|sword]]. It retains the [[Partial Wing (BattleMech)|partial wing]]. BV (2.0) = 754<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 89</ref>

*; SDR-9M : The -9M is a further evolution of the -8M. Utilizing [[light ferro-fibrous]], [[endo steel]], and an [[XL engine]] leaves enough room to mount two [[medium variable speed pulse laser]]s, one in each side torso. These weapons give this ''Spider'' a very powerful bite up close, but with range no better than standard [[medium laser]]s. This loadout can leave it outranged by most other 'Mechs on the modern battlefield, but its speed and maneuverability help mitigate this. Repeated firing of both lasers and jumping can overburden the 'Mech's 10 [[double heat sink]]s.  BV (2.0) = 687<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19'', p. 13</ref>

*; SDR-10K : This variant removes the standard weaponry and replaces it with a single [[large re-engineered laser]], and replaces the armor with [[ballistic-reinforced armor]]. BV (2.0) = 770<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 88</ref>

*; SDR-C : This Draconis Combine variant, introduced in [[3054]] and based on the 7M, swaps out one of the [[medium pulse laser]]s for a standard [[medium laser]] and a [[C3 slave unit]]. BV (2.0) = 616<ref name=MUL151/>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; SDR-A "Anansi" : Boasting a striking red, white, and black paint scheme, the Anansi is a drastic overhaul of the ''Spider'', seemingly built for a more direct role in combat. The Anansi mounts a loadout of two [[medium laser]]s, two [[machine gun]]s, and an [[SRM-4]].<ref name="Apocryphal MWO 1">[http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/167703-spider-hero-anansi-details/ Spider Hero Anansi Details]</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

== Design Quirks ==
The ''Spider'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 94: Design Quirk Table - Spider Entry</ref>
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
* [[Nimble Jumper]]
* [[No Ejection System]]

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[Venom]]'' - While stepping up production of the ''Spider'' to meet increasing demand during the [[Clan Invasion]], Nimakachi also introduced a new slightly heavier, uprated version called the ''Venom''.

==Notes==
* The ''Spider'' was originally published in the May 1985 issue of ''Game News'' in a scenario written by [[Patrick Larkin]].

* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20221102192457/https://blainepardoe.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/out-of-the-archives-the-battlemechs-i-wrote-about-or-designed/ blog entry] that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the ''Spider'' was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its name, image, and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.

* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Spinne'''''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''SPN-5V'''.

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

* Plastic SDR-5V is included in ''[[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Support Lance]]''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025_Spider1.jpg|Original SDR-5V ''Spider'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
SDR-7M Spider.jpg|SDR-7M ''Spider'' from [[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U Spider.jpg|SDR-7M ''Spider'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
SDR-8R Spider.jpg|SDR-8R ''Spider'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3085|TRO:3085]]''
Spider RGilClan v19.png|''Spider'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19|RG:ilClan v19]]''
Camomech-spider.png|Camouflaged SDR-5V ''Spider'' from ''[[Classic BattleTech Universe]]''
Spider_GameNews3.jpg|''BattleDroid'' ''Spider'' from ''[[Game News|Game News]]'' #3<br>(apocryphal)
CCG Counterstrike Spider.jpg|SDR-7M ''Spider'' in combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
MWO_Spider_Concept.jpg|Model of ''Spider'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
BattleTech4e-Spider.jpg|''Spider'' standee from ''[[BattleTech, Fourth Edition]]''
Alpha Strike Recon Lance - Spider.jpg|''Spider'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Recon Lance Pack]]''
Inner Sphere Support Lance - Spider.jpg|''Spider'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Support Lance]]''
Spider GameNews3.jpg|''Spider'' from [[Game News]] #3 magazine
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Starterbook: Sword and Dragon]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Draconis Combine BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:C3 Slave Equipped BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]