Editing Stalker

{{otheruses|the BattleMech design|the follow-up design and other uses|Stalker II|Stalker (disambiguation)}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Stalker RGilClan v24.png
|name=''Stalker''
|manufacturer = 
[[Defiance Industries]]<ref>''Objectives: Lyran Alliance'', p.12</ref>
----
[[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]<ref name=TRSWp166f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 166–167: "STK-3F Stalker"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
----
[[Trellshire Heavy Industries]]<ref name=TRSWp166f />
----
[[Triad Technologies]]<ref name=TRSWp166f />
|model = STK-3F<ref name=TRSWp166f />
|production year = 2594
|year reference = <ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 110-111</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 162-163</ref>
|cost = 7,463,825 C-bills
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type = BattleMech
|mass = 85
|chassis = [[Titan H1]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp166f /> -->
|armor = [[Valiant Lamellor]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp166f /> -->
|engine = [[Strand 255]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp166f /> -->
|comsys = [[Cronol PR]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp166f /> -->
|T&T = [[Spar 3c Tight Band]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp166f /> -->
|heat sinks = 20 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp166f /> -->
|speed = 54 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp166f /> -->
|armament =  <!-- <ref name=TRSWp166f /> -->
* 2x [[LRM-10]]
* 2x [[large laser]]
* 4x [[medium laser]]
* 2x [[SRM-6]]
|BV (1.0) = 1,152
|BV (2.0) = 1,559<ref name=TRSWp166f /><ref name=TRO3039/>
}}

Relatively common as [[assault 'Mech]]s go, the 85-ton '''''Stalker''''' has been a staple of assault 'Mech formations for centuries. Notably, there is at least one downgrade (implicitly also various field refits) that reduces its mass and turns it into not an underweight 85-ton assault 'Mech but a 70- or 75-ton [[heavy 'Mech]]; see Variants and Notes below.

==Quote==
{{Quote|''It's not flashy. It's not the cutting edge. It just keeps coming.''}}
:-''From'' Triad Technologies marketing campaign<ref name=TRO3039/>

==Description==
The ''Stalker'' was first produced in [[Introduction Year::2594]] as a heavy assault [[BattleMech]] for the [[Reunification War]]. The engineers and designers at [[Triad Technologies]] created the ''Stalker'' to be a heavily-armored weapons platform capable of handling combat at any range and absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment. Although among the slowest 'Mechs ever built, the ''Stalker'' was still fast enough to keep up with other assault 'Mechs and lead major advances, using its firepower to blast holes in the enemy's lines. Its heavy armor and armament also makes it well-suited for urban combat. Indeed a favorite tactic developed by ''Stalker'' [[MechWarrior (pilot)|pilots]] was to lie in wait inside a building until an enemy 'Mech passed by, then crash through the wall and emerge onto the street behind them.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

For nearly two hundred years, the ''Stalker'' remained in service for the [[Star League Defense Force]] as a workhorse assault 'Mech. After the fall of the [[Star League]] it continued in the same capacity for another two hundred years in service to the [[Successor States]]. Additionally, though Triad Technologies was destroyed in the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], the ''Stalker'' remained in continuous production since both [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]] and [[Trellshire Heavy Industries]] began producing the Mech at their factories on [[Shiro III]] and [[Twycross]] respectively. Both the [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Lyran Commonwealth]] were thus able to maintain the largest number of ''Stalker''s in their arsenals. Even so, the 'Mech was so common throughout both the [[Inner Sphere]] and the [[Periphery]] that some pilots lost their fear of it (at least until they had to face one in combat).

Its long career also led to a large number of variants, one of the most common being one which removes ten to fifteen tons of weaponry in order to lighten the strain on its increasingly older, battle-worn skeleton.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/> This created at least one subvariant that effectively rebuilds the ''Stalker'' as a 75-ton 'Mech. (See Notes below.)

Starting in the late 3040s, Irian began utilizing newly-recovered [[lostech|lost technology]] to update the original design, improving its weaponry, armor, and heat management capabilities. These new STK-5M models were fielded in time to take part in the [[Clan Invasion]], although even with their upgrades they were severely tested by the [[Clans]]' [[OmniMechs]]. The [[Federated Commonwealth]] also produced their own variant, the STK-5S, although this was introduced towards the end of the invasion. New variants would continue to be produced in the wake of the [[FedCom Civil War]], one for both of the split nations, and by Irian in an effort to further keep the design alive.<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 98-99</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Stalker''&#39;s weapons array is geared to increase damage as it closes with its target. The ''Stalker''&#39;s long range weapons are two [[Jackson B5c]] [[LRM-10]] launchers, one of each mounted in either "arm" with an accompanying one ton of reloads. These provide the ''Stalker'' with its longest-range punch and allow it to give indirect fire support when needed. At shorter range the ''Stalker'' next brings its two [[Magna Mk III]] [[Large Laser]]s split between left and right torsos to bear on its target. For close ranges, the ''Stalker'' carries four [[Magna Mk II]] [[medium laser]]s split between the two arms and two [[Thunderstroke]] [[SRM-6]] launchers, each fed by two tons of reloads, split between left and right torso.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

The number of weapons carried by the ''Stalker'' is so great that should a pilot attempt to [[alpha strike (Tactic)|fire them all at once]] they would easily overload the twenty [[heat sinks]] the 'Mech carries. Originally, the ''Stalker'' used a special fire-control computer which determined the range to the enemy and suggested the optimal mix of weapons to avoid such a problem. Inherent to the ravages of age, many older 'Mechs lack this piece of equipment. By the late [[Succession Wars era]], a functional [[Spar 3c Tight Band]] targeting & tracking system was considered very valuable.<ref>''BattleTechnology: The Lost Issues'', p. 68</ref> These pilots therefore must take care when in combat: thirteen and a half tons of armor may defend against the enemy's blows, but will do nothing to prevent an ammunition cook-off caused by overheating.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

==Variants==
*; Downgrades : ''Stalkers'' suffered structural weakness symptomatic of the extreme stress the 85-ton 'Mech's skeleton had to bear. In later times, this necessitated the lightening of the load by a full ten to fifteen tons. A common solution to this problem was to simply remove the twin LRM-10s, leaving the close-range firepower intact, in order to keep an otherwise capable 'Mech in service. A similar downgrade was to remove one LRM and a laser or two instead.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 116</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 110</ref><br />In some cases, it seems the mass of the internal structure was reduced in those downgrades, creating 70-ton or 75-ton variants. However, official record sheets for 70-ton ''Stalker'' variants from ''[[Record Sheets Volume Four: Assault 'Mechs]]'' described as the STK-4N and STK-4P were since replaced by newer canonical record sheets for these variants from ''[[Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged]]'', leaving only the STK-4P as an underweight ''Stalker'' variant with a known alphanumerical code in canon. It remains unclear if other 70- or 75-ton downgrades canonically exist, as construction rules have changed since the publication of ''Record Sheets Volume Four: Assault 'Mechs'' and now do allow for 'Mechs to be underweight.

*; STK-3Fb : This [[SLDF Royal units|Royal]] variant of the ''Stalker'' was introduced in [[2705]]. It carries a [[Guardian ECM Suite]] in the center torso, upgrades the large lasers to [[ER Large Laser|extended range versions]], and adds [[Artemis IV]] fire control systems to the [[LRM-15]]s that replace the Jackson LRM-10 launchers. The SRM-6 racks are gone, and the standard heat sinks were replaced with seventeen [[double heat sink]]s. Surviving examples of these variants left with [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] during [[Operation Exodus]]. BV (2.0) = 2,029<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 51</ref><ref name=HOKp160>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p.160</ref>

*; STK-3Fk : A unit used by the [[4th Sword of Light]], this variant of the ''Stalker'' replaces the heat sinks with double heat sinks, adds [[Artemis IV FCS]] to the LRM 10 launchers, and replaces the SRM-6 packs with four [[Streak SRM-2]] systems.<ref>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 129</ref>

*; STK-3H : The -3H variant of the ''Stalker'' was introduced by Triad Technologies in [[2638]] to take part in sieges. The 'Mech removes both large lasers and LRM-10s and replaces them with two [[LRM-20]] launchers and two tons of reloads. This makes the 3H a powerful long range fire support 'Mech.<ref name=TRSWp166f /> BV (1.0) = 1,249, BV (2.0) = 1,624<ref name=TRO3039/>

*; STK-4N : A modification of the ''Stalker'' introduced in [[2876]] which sought to increase its heat efficiency, the -4N model removes one of the LRM-10 launchers and adds six heat sinks to the design. These make the ''Stalker'' more heat efficient but also make the 'Mech weaker when engaging an enemy at long range. BV (1.0) = 1,225, BV (2.0) = 1,558<ref name=TRO3039/> (Note: ''Record Sheets Volume Four: Assault 'Mechs'' provided a record sheet for an STK-4N variant that was statted as a 70-ton 'Mech, but this was since superseded in ''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'' where it is depicted as an 85-ton 'Mech as described here.)

*; STK-4P : One standardized downgrade formally identified as STK-4P in [[2998]]<ref>Introduction date of STK-4P as per Master Unit List</ref> reduces the chassis to 75 tons and the armor to 13.5 tons, and removes the left LRM-10.<ref name=RS39U>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 259</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,126, BV (2.0) = 1,461<ref name=RS39U/><br />(Note that the STK-4P designation denotes a variant that is constructed as a 75-ton 'Mech, as opposed to an underweight 85-ton 'Mech; see Notes below. Context and construction rules suggest that this is a downgrade that involves the removal of one ton of internal structure and swapping the now-oversized 255-rated fusion engine for a nominally lighter and less powerful one with a 225 rating. It is further implied that the rebuild is a field-refit level downgrade in the case of the ''Stalker'' and not the factory-level refit normally required for a change of this magnitude; apparently, the ''Stalker''&#39;s Titan H1 chassis is strained as an 8.5 ton internal structure for an 85-ton 'Mech but can somehow be downscaled easily to a stable 7.5 ton internal structure for a 75-ton 'Mech, without requiring a full refit.)

*; STK-5M : An upgrade originating from the Free Worlds League, the 5M variant of the ''Stalker'' was introduced in [[3050]] using moderate amounts of Star League technology.  Most of the weaponry was retained but both large lasers were removed for a single [[Diverse Optics Sunbeam (ERLL)|Diverse Optics Sunbeam]] [[ER Large Laser]] placed in the 'Mech's centerline and an [[Octagon Missile Magnet]] [[Narc Missile Beacon]] in the left torso accompanied by two tons of reloads, allowing the ''Stalker'' to tag enemy units with homing beacon and direct friendly missile fire onto them.  The seventeen [[double heat sink]]s of the 5M afford it far greater heat efficiency than the twenty single heat sinks of previous models, although it still could not handle firing all of its weaponry simultaneously, and an additional ton of armor was added for survivability. Other changes included the use of proprietary components such as an [[Irian E.A.R.]] communications system, [[Riese-456]] armor and an [[Irian Chassis Class 30]]. Unfortunately the designers of the new 5M dismissed the inclusion of [[CASE]], a factor which led directly to the deaths of several ''Stalkers'' during the Clan Invasion due to ammunition cook-offs caused by overheating and weapon penetrations. BV (1.0) = 1,316, BV (2.0) = 1,655<ref name=TRO3050u/>

*; STK-5S : Outfitted with the relatively recently rediscovered Star League technology of circa 3050, the FedCom 5S can be characterized primarily by its tendency to overheat. The designers behind this variant took the simple expedient of upgrading its engine and firepower without taking heat buildup into consideration. The 'Mech has had its engine replaced with an [[XL engine]] and the large lasers have been removed and replaced with two [[Thunderbolt-12]] [[Large Pulse Laser]]s. For protection against ammunition explosions, [[CASE]] has been added to both side torsos and an [[Deprus Swarmshot]] [[anti-missile system]] has been added for protection against incoming missiles. BV (1.0) = 1,009, BV (2.0) = 1,423<ref name=MUL152>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 152</ref>

*; STK-6M : Irian’s attempt to make up for the shortcomings of the 5M, the 6M introduced in [[3062]] drops the SRMs and Narc entirely, upgrades the LRMs to [[LRM-15|15-tube racks]] with integral [[Artemis IV FCS]] and three tons of reloads each, and upgrades the lasers to ER versions, mounting a fifth medium. Most importantly, the LRM magazines are now protected with [[CASE]]. BV (1.0) = ?, BV (2.0) = 2,029<ref name=MUL152/>

*; STK-7D : The 7D ''Stalker'' introduced by the [[Federated Suns]] in 3062 is built on a standard chassis and engine for rugged durability and carries a primarily energy arsenal. Its two primary weapons are two [[ER PPC]]s, giving the 7D a striking distance out to just under seven hundred meters. The 'Mech is also armed with four [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s for close combat, which are backed up by two [[Streak SRM-4]] launchers to take advantage of any weak points in an enemy's armor. The lasers and ER PPCs are all linked to an advanced [[Targeting Computer]], which gives the 7D extreme accuracy. BV (1.0) = 1,533<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 140</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,901<ref name=MUL152/>

*; STK-7C3BS : This ''Stalker'' variant used several [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] systems when it was produced in [[3075]]. Its main armament is a pair of [[ER PPC]]s, supplemented by a pair of [[MML-5]]s and four [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. A [[Small VSP Laser]] rounds out the weaponry. To communicate with its lancemates, this ''Stalker'' version uses a [[C3 Boosted Slave]] system while the MML ammunition is protected by [[CASE II]] systems. BV (2.0) = 1,712<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 112</ref>

*; STK-8S : Introduced by the [[Lyran Alliance]] in [[3064]], the STK-8S is built around a new [[Light Fusion Engine]] which frees up some tonnage for heavier weapons. The 8S is armed with two [[ER PPC]]s for long-range combat. When it closes with an enemy it can bring its new [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]] to bear at intermediate to short ranges. Finally, for short range combat, the 8S carries two [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s and two [[ER medium laser]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,583<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 141</ref>, BV (2.0) = 2,020<ref name=MUL152/>

*; STK-9F : After consumer feedback highlighted several issues with the new ''[[Stalker II]]'' from Irian BattleMechs Unlimited, IBMU introduced the 9F configuration for the 'classic' ''Stalker''. Largely a Clan-tech retrofit of the STK-3F, the 9F upgrades the 3F's LRM-10 and SRM-6 launchers to Clan specifications and replaces the torso-mounted Large Lasers with Large Pulse Lasers. The arm-mounted medium lasers, however, remain unchanged. The 9F also sports a Targeting Computer and [[Active Probe]] system, as well as a Light Fusion Engine, [[CASE II]] protection, [[Endo Steel]],and like the ''Stalker II'' the 'Mech is protected by [[Hardened Armor]]. A modest 13 double heat sinks struggle to mitigate the 9F's heat output.<ref> ''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 24'', p.13, 26</ref>

*;STK-9F : Due to the mixed reception their [[Stalker II]] received, Irian reworked the "classic" version of the BattleMech in an update they dubbed the STK-9F.  In this revised model, they kept the hardened armor of the new Stalker II and upgraded the Stalker's primary weapons to Clan-supplied variants.  The 9F carries two [[Large Pulse Laser|Clan Large Pulse Lasers]], four [[Medium Lasers]], two [[LRM-10|Clan LRM-10s]], and two [[SRM-6|Clan SRM-6s]], all linked to a [[Targeting Computer]] and augmented with a [[Light Active Probe]]. BV (2.0) = 2,469<ref name=RCilC24>''Recognition Guide: ilClan Volume 24'', pp. 13, 26</ref>
===Custom Variants===
*; STK-3F ''Stalker'' Jagawen : Designed for close combat, the ''Stalker'' used by ''[[Sho-sho]]'' [[Jagawen Torisobo]] in [[3028]] replaced the LRM launchers with an additional SRM-6 rack in each torso. Six additional heat sinks kept the machine cool. BV (2.0) = 1,570<ref>''Historical Turning Points: Misery'', p. 18</ref>

*; STK-3F ''Stalker'' Jamison : This variant is the personal 'Mech of [[J. Elliot Jamison]], commander of [[Wolf's Dragoons]]' [[Zeta Battalion]], and was built in [[3054]] as a Clan-tech version of the venerable STK-3F.  The Large Lasers were replaced with [[Large Pulse Laser]]s, the medium lasers upgraded to ER medium lasers, and a pair of [[LRM-20]]s are used instead of the original's ten-tube launchers.  Rounding out the weapons array, two ammo-efficient [[Streak SRM-6]]s are used.  Eighteen Clan-spec double heat sinks are mounted to help control the heat load.  Finally, [[ferro-fibrous armor]] is used to protect this dangerous BattleMech. BV (2.0) = 2707<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'' p. 250</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; STK-M ''Misery'' : Implied to be a ''Stalker'' piloted by [[J. Elliot Jamison]], the ''Misery'' [[Hero 'Mech]] retains the STK-3F's twin medium lasers in each arm, right torso mounted SRM-6 and center torso mounted Large Laser but removes the remaining SRM-6 and LRM-10s to mount a mammoth [[Gauss rifle]] in the left torso. Carrying two tons each of Gauss rounds and SRM missiles, twenty-two single heat sinks strive to keep ''Misery'' in the thick of combat.[https://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/116827-hero-mech-misery/]
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Stalker'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 94 BattleMech Quirk Table - Stalker Entry.</ref>
* [[Combat Computer]]
* [[Ubiquitous]]
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]

==Related Designs==
* STK-9A ''[[Stalker II]]'' - A complete redesign of the ''Stalker'', the ''Stalker II'' carries heavier armor, an advanced [[Targeting Computer]], and longer range weapons.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Free Worlds League'', p. 38</ref>

==Notes==
* While reducing the loadout by 10 to 15 tons would typically result in an underweight 'Mech with a nominal 85-ton chassis that is otherwise considered an 85-ton 'Mech under game rules, this is notably not the case for the STK-4P variant which is essentially a new, different 'Mech built on a 75-ton chassis with a correspondingly smaller engine and lighter internal structure. This would normally be considered a distinct 'Mech design, but that does not seem to be the case with the ''Stalker''. (Another example would be the 15-ton variant of the 20-ton ''[[Flea]]''.)

* The STK-4N and STK-4P variants had official [[record sheet]]s published in ''[[Record Sheets Volume Four: Assault 'Mechs]]'' that erroneously described them as 70-ton 'Mechs, among other errors. These were superseded by corrected official (canonical) record sheets in ''[[Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged]]'', establishing the latter as a 75-ton 'Mech and the former as a variant of the standard 85 ton chassis.

* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Pirscher'''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''PRS-3F'''.

* In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as '''Intrépide''', which means intrepid.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025 Stalker1.jpg|Original STF-3F ''Stalker'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
Stalker Battlepack-4thSW.png|STK-3F ''Stalker'' from ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]''
STK-Stalker.png|A ''Stalker'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U Stalker.jpg|STK-5M ''Stalker'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Stalker RGilClan v24.png|''Stalker'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 24|RGilClan: Vol 24]]''
Camomercs21stcentaurilancers.png|''Stalker'' in colors of [[21st Centauri Lancers]] from ''[[Camo Specs]]''
Stalker_Unbound.JPG|A ''Stalker'' from ''[[Unbound]]''
Stalker (Selena Jones) Shrapnel010.jpg|''Stalker'' from [[Shrapnel_(magazine)#Issue_10|''Shrapnel'' #10]]
MWO Stalker.png|Concept art of the ''Stalker'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
File:Alpha Strike Fire Lance - Stalker.jpg|''Stalker'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Fire Lance Pack]]''
File:Inner Sphere Fire Lance - Stalker.jpg|''Stalker'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Fire Lance]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]''
* ''[[Era Report: 2750]]''
* ''[[Historical Turning Points: Misery]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 24]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged]]
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets Volume Four: Assault 'Mechs]]'' - Note that the STK-4N and STK-4P record sheets from this book are in error
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Free Worlds League]]''
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''
</div>

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