Editing UrbanMech

{{otheruses|the iconic 30-ton BattleMech|other uses|UrbanMech (disambiguation)}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=UrbanMech RGilClan v02.png
|name=''UrbanMech''
|manufacturer=
[[Hellespont Industrials]]
----
[[Orguss Industries|Orgus Industries]] (destroyed 2837)<ref name=TRSWp30f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 30–31: "UM-R60 UrbanMech"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
----
[[Phoenix Heavy Industries]]
|model=UM-R60<ref name=TRSWp30f />
|production year=2675
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3039-109>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 108–109</ref>
|cost= 1,471,925 [[C-bill]]s
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type =BattleMech
|mass=30
|feet=biped
|chassis=[[Republic-R]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp30f /> -->
|armor=[[Durallex Medium]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp30f /> -->
|engine=[[Leenex 60]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp30f /> -->
|comsys=[[Dalban Interact]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp30f /> -->
|T&T=[[Dalban Urban]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp30f /> -->
|heat sinks=11 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp30f /> -->
|speed=32 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp30f /> -->
|jumpjets=[[Pitban 6000]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp30f /> -->
|armament=  <!-- <ref name=TRSWp30f /> -->
* 1x [[AC/10]]
* 1x [[small laser]]
|BV (1.0) = 454
|BV (2.0) = 504<ref name=TRSWp30f /><ref name=TRO3039-109/>
}}

==Description==
The '''''UrbanMech''''' was designed for just what its name suggests: urban combat and defense, and may be classed as an [[ambusher]]. This was achieved by starting with a cheap, easily produced chassis, giving it six tons of Durallex armor to rival the protection found on many medium [[BattleMechs]], and mounting a pair of [[Pitban 6000]] [[jump jet]]s for a jumping distance of 60 meters. The tradeoff was that it could only mount the miserable [[Leenex 60]] engine, making the ''UrbanMech'' the slowest light 'Mech in existence with a cruising speed of 21.6 km/h and top speed of only 32.4 km/h. This was a severe disadvantage if the 'Mech attempted to fight in open country—something for only the foolish or desperate—but offset by the fact that fighting in the close confines of a [[Star League]] city left little room to maneuver anyways and the ''UrbanMech''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s low profile made it difficult to target. Thus the 'Mech was primarily used for fighting guerrillas and other light 'Mechs in an urban environment, an arena where it also achieved some success fighting medium and even heavy 'Mechs. Standard tactics for an ''UrbanMech'' [[lance]] was to split up into its constituent parts and occupy various buildings in order to snipe the enemy before falling back to the next defensive line.<ref name=TRO3039-109/><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 22–23</ref><ref name=TRO3050U>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade</ref>

Large numbers of ''UrbanMech''s were produced by [[Orguss Industries]] from [[Introduction Year::2675]] until the destruction of their assembly lines. The ''UrbanMech'' reentered production at the Betelgeuse facility of [[Hellespont Industrials]] during the Jihad,<ref name="occ16">''Objectives: Capellan Confederation'', p. 16</ref> and continued to be manufactured up through 3149.<ref name=RGIV2p13>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2'', p. 13: "UrbanMech"</ref>  As such, ''UrbanMech''s could be found in all of the armies of the [[Successor States]], however most military leaders saw the slow little 'Mech as a liability, confining their stockpiles to garrison duty or stripping them of parts. This dismissive attitude towards the ''UrbanMech'' saved it from the ravages of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] and ensured its continued use into the [[thirty-first century]]. The [[Capellan Confederation]] remained the largest and only user of ''UrbanMech''s to actually deploy them for front-line duty, a result of the devastation of the [[Fourth Succession War]] and their desperation for any 'Mech to replenish their losses. The [[Confederation Reserve Cavalry]] and [[Capellan Defense Force]] had the lion's share of ''UrbanMech''s, followed by the [[Tikonov Republican Guard]] and [[St. Ives Armored Cavalry]]; outside the Confederation the [[Federated Suns]]' [[Capellan March Militia]] fielded the largest number of ''UrbanMech''s due to the fact it was composed of large amounts of captured Capellan equipment. Its prominence within the Confederation meant the ''UrbanMech'' was among those 'Mechs within the [[CCAF]] to receive upgrades following the recovery of [[lostech]]; the other States followed suit with much less priority over improving other 'Mechs.  Despite this the sheer cost necessary to replace the ''UrbanMech''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s engine and increase its top speed meant even the Confederation limited their refit packages to improving the weapons and armor only.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3050U/> At some point, the common 'Mech earned a [[UrbanMech (beverage)|cocktail]] in its name.<ref name=AFoG>''A Fox on Galatea''</ref>

A testament to the desperation of the [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]], [[Hellespont Industrials]] would reactivate a shuttered production facility on [[Betelgeuse]] to produce the ''UrbanMech'' alongside primitive "[[retrotech]]" designs for matériel starved Capellan garrison forces.<ref name=OCCp16>''Objectives: Capellan Confederation'', p. 16: "Sian Commonality - Industrial Systems - Betelgeuse"</ref> This plant would maintain production of the ''UrbanMech'' in a steadily increasing volume of configurations throughout the [[Dark Age]] era as the CCAF secretly expanded before it waged war against the [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Rather than dramatic and expensive enhancements, Hellespont's new variants retain the venerable design's low ground speed urban combat focus and can be applied as refits as readily as new production.<ref name=RGIV2p13 />

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''UrbanMech'' packs a powerful punch for its size. The standard version carries an [[Imperator-B]] [[AC/10]] in its right arm and a [[Harmon Light]] [[small laser]] in the left arm for suppressing [[infantry]] as well as a backup weapon. With these two weapons the ''UrbanMech'' can constantly harass, or if piloted by an experienced enough [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]], down 'Mechs up to twice its own size. A single ton of ammo for the autocannon, located in the right torso, leaves little endurance for a prolonged fight, though it fits in perfectly with the hit-and-run nature of the 'Mech; one way or another most observers agree the ''UrbanMech'' is good for about two minutes of combat.<ref name=TRO3039-109/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3050U/>

==Variants==
*; UM-R50 : This was a variant without arms. <ref>The armless variant was originally mentioned, without mentioning its specific alphanumerical code, in ''Technical Readout: 3025'' and ''Technical Readout: 3039''. In the German edition of the former book the regular UM-R60 ''UrbanMech'' was translated as ST-K60 ''Stadtkoloß'' and the armless variant was designated ST-K50. The [[Master Unit List]] does indeed list a UM-R50 variant and references ''Technical Readout: 3039'' as a source; the only unnamed variant mentioned there is the armless variant</ref> The idea was to give the 'Mech a smaller silhouette in combat. However, the drawbacks of having no arms turned out to be greater than any benefits and this particular variant is generally regarded as a failure. Only very few units of this subvariant survived into [[3025]].<ref name=TRSWp30f /><ref name=TRO3039-109/><ref name=TRO3025r/>

*; UM-R60L : Generally associated with the [[Capellan Confederation]], who have modified a few of their ''UrbanMech''s in this fashion, the -R60L is an upgrade to make the ''UrbanMech'' twice as deadly as the -R60 version. The -R60L sacrifices two tons of armor, allowing it to replace the [[Imperator-B]] [[AC/10]] with an [[Imperator-Zeta]] [[AC/20]] that is capable of downing most light 'Mechs and severely damaging most medium 'Mechs in a single salvo. Besides the thinner armor this modification comes with a very limited ammunition supply, which made it unpopular.<ref name=TRSWp30f /><ref name=TRO3039-109/><ref name=TRO3025r/> BV (1.0) = 443; BV (2.0) = 470<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 80</ref>

*; UM-R63 : This is the official upgrade kit for the Capellan Confederation's ''UrbanMech''s, distributed for field modification since before [[3050]]. It replaces the [[AC/10]] with a [[LB_10-X_AC#Mydron_Excel|Mydron Excel]] [[LB-X AC/10]] version and retains the small laser, but adds a [[Magna 200P]] [[small pulse laser]]. BV (1.0) = 494; BV (2.0) = 540<ref name=TRO3050U/>

*; UM-R68 : Eschewing the autocannon, this [[Draconis Combine]] variant carries an [[MRM-30]] with two tons of ammo while still carrying the lasers of the R63 variant. The added damage potential proved a nasty surprise to [[Clan Ghost Bear]] during the [[Combine-Ghost Bear War]].<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (2.0) = 561<ref name=MUL160>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 160</ref>

*; UM-R69 : This [[Free Worlds League]] variant upgrades the autocannon to an [[UAC/10]] and the laser to an [[ER small laser]]. This is all made possible by upgrading to five tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor and the removal of one [[single heat sink]].  While the ultra-class autocannon provides superior firepower, it can also eat through the single ton of ammunition at an alarming rate.<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (2.0) = 589<ref name=MUL160/>

*; UM-R70 : The [[Federated Suns]] -R70 model is an upgrade that has greater potential than the -R63 by using [[ferro-fibrous]] armor and mounting a [[rotary autocannon/5]], fed by two tons of ammunition. For backup weapons, it carries an [[ER medium laser]] and [[ER small laser]].<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (1.0) = 604;<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 52</ref> BV (2.0) = 724<ref name=MUL160/>

*; UM-R80 : This variant carries a [[snub-nose PPC]], [[small pulse laser]], [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]], [[Beagle active probe]], and [[Guardian ECM suite]]. It retains the [[small laser]] of the standard ''UrbanMech'' as well. [[Improved jump jet]]s help the ''UrbanMech'' move around the city it defends more effectively.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 699<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 64</ref>

*; UM-AIV : This variant of the ''UrbanMech'' replaces the standard weaponry with an [[Arrow IV]] missile launcher and [[ER medium laser]]. It requires an [[endo steel]] chassis and [[small cockpit]] to provide room, and the ''UrbanMech'' can only carry ten rounds for the Arrow system. Despite these limitations, it is still a decent fire support unit. Notably, it can be used to launch nuclear-tipped Arrow IV missiles (see Notes below). BV (2.0) = 603<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 63</ref>

*; UM-R90 ''SuburbanMech'' : This redesign was created by [[Hanse Davion]] as a way to reduce the power of [[Michael Hasek-Davion]] by fixing [[AFFS]] supply lines. The ''SuburbanMech'' is visually identical to an ''UrbanMech'' but has a larger engine that allows it to reach 54 km/h. The autocannon is replaced with a single [[PPC]] and two [[medium laser]]s. The small laser remains in place, but jump range has been increased to 90 meters. 13 [[Heat Sink|single heat sinks]] struggle to dissipate the heat of an alpha strike. BV (2.0) = 773.<ref name=S4>''Shrapnel #4'', ''SuburbanMech'' article</ref> This variant first appeared in [[BattleTechnology#Issue 18|''BattleTechnology'', Issue #18]] (1992), created by [[Craig Reed]] and [[Robert Madson (person)|Robert Madson]], and was picked up in the 2019 ''Urban Warfare'' expansion for the ''[[BattleTech (Video Game)|BattleTech]]'' video game by [[Harebrained Schemes]] before being properly canonized through the [[Shrapnel (magazine)|''Shrapnel'' magazine, issue #4]].

*; UM-R93 : First appeared in [[3130]], this Capellan Confederation [[Dark Age]] era upgrade of the ''UrbanMech'' carries a [[plasma rifle]], [[ER medium laser]], and [[ER small laser]]. Additionally, it carries 12 tons of [[hardened armor]] which, while making it as tough as many medium 'Mechs, reduces its already slow speed even further. BV (2.0) = 894<ref name=xtrorots2p7>''Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2'', p. 7</ref><ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/7344/urbanmech-um-r93 MUL Profile for the UM-R93 UrbanMech - Alpha Strike Card, Introduction Date, and BV2 included.]</ref>

*; UM-R96 : Another field refit developed by chronic tinker [[Njord Wing]] in [[3149]], the R96 is an evolution of the R80 with features of Wing's R93 refit. The R80's [[snub-nose PPC]] serves as the R96's main weapon, supported by a [[small X-Pulse laser]], reducing its logistical needs. The weight saved allows the use of the R93's [[hardened armor]] shell for enhanced protection at the cost of speed. This is partially offset with the addition of three [[improved jump jet]]s giving the new model a 90 meter range.<ref name=RGIV2p13/> BV (2.0) = 852<ref name=RGIV2p14>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2'', p. 14: "UrbanMech UM-R93"</ref>

*; UM-R100 ''SuburbanMech'' : A variant proposed during the [[Clan Invasion]] but ultimately never put into production because of high cost and the Clan Invasion, this ''SuburbanMech'' would have used a 120-rated engine to reach a running speed of 64 km/h and power four [[jump jet]]s. 10 [[double heat sink]]s were to be installed, and the [[PPC]] would be swapped for an [[ER PPC|extended-range model]] but the rest of the weaponry matched the UM-R90 variant. Six and a half tons of armor would be carried. BV (2.0) = 915<ref name=S4/>

*; UM-R27 : This model drops a heat sink and all weapons from the UM-R60. In their place are 3 [[SRM-6|SRM-6s]] in the arms benefiting from [[Actuator Enhancement System|actuator enhancement]]. The 3 tons of reloads are protected with [[CASE]]. BV (2.0) = 610<ref>''ForcePack Record Sheets UrbanMech Lance''</ref><ref>The designation on the [[Master Unit List]] is a correction.</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
*; "Machine Gun variant" : In the entry for the UM-R63 ''UrbanMech'' in ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]'', it is noted that the -R63's [[small pulse laser]] was substituted for "the machine gun". As the original ''UrbanMech'' has no [[machine gun]] in any known variant, it has been speculated that an unspecified ''UrbanMech'' variant existed in Capellan Confederation space in significant numbers, in which a machine gun and half a ton of ammo would possibly take the place of the curious and largely useless eleventh [[single heat sink]] found on the standard -R60 and most other models including even the -R63. However, this supposed variant is pure conjecture. It was not mentioned in the original ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]'', the reference was removed entirely from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'', no [[record sheet]] was ever created for such a variant, and no [[MUL]] entry exists.

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; UM-K9 ''K-9'' : Complete with a light bar, the ''K-9'' is an ''UrbanMech'' refitted for use by a planetary police department. The standard variant's [[AC/10]] is swapped for a [[UAC/5]] and the left arm [[small laser]] is updated to a [[large laser]], with two small lasers mounted in the center torso. While its ground speed remains unchanged, the ''K-9''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s heavier weapons loadout is made possible through the use of an [[endo steel]] chassis and mounting 10 double heat sinks.<ref name=MWO-K9>''MechWarrior Online'' Resistance Heroes Sale Page</ref>

*; UM-SC ''Street Cleaner'' : Themed as the ''UrbanMech'' utilized by an unnamed member of [[Philip Capet]]'s "[[Capellan Mafia]]" during Capet's final duel against [[Justin Allard]] in [[Solaris VII]], the ''Street Cleaner'' is very similar to the standard ''UrbanMech'', featuring an [[AC/10]], supported by a [[small laser]] and [[jump jet]]s.<ref name=MWO-SC>''MechWarrior Online'' Solaris-7 Sale Page</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

== Design Quirks ==
The ''UrbanMech'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 95: Design Quirk Table - UrbanMech Entry</ref><ref name=xtrorots2p7/>
* [[Extended Torso Twist]] 
**(in MechWarrior Online it can notably rotate its torso a continuous 360 degrees but this is apocryphal; see Notes below)
* [[Narrow/Low Profile]]
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]

==Notable pilots==
:See: [[:Category:Notable UrbanMech Pilots]]

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[UrbanMech IIC]]'' - The ''UrbanMech'' was one of the 'Mechs carried on the [[Operation EXODUS|Exodus]] with General Kerensky and the remnants of the [[SLDF]]. Their descendants, the [[Clans]], fully upgraded the design, arming it with an Ultra AC/10 and ER Small Laser.

==Notes==
* Throughout the BattleTech fan community, the quirky ''UrbanMech'' is something of a beloved mascot 'Mech that features in many fan-made cartoon strips, video clips and memes. Joke variants or derivatives of the ''UrbanMech'', and even joke products, abound:
** A canonical example is the UM-AIV variant, which was thought up as a means to bring a nuclear weapon and nuke the [[Kell Hounds]] at the gaming table for Gen Con 2011; it even famously featured in the Gen Con diorama.
** A 30 ton UM-L99 ''[[UrbanMech LAM]]'' was listed, among numerous other joke units, in the [[Random Allocation Tables]] of the non-canonical ''[[Third League Turning Points: Free Taiw...St. Ives]]'' 2012 [[:Category:April Fools Products|April Fools]] publication. Over the course of the 2019 Clan Invasion crowdfunding campaign, CGL produced an April Fools update (Update #99, dated 2 April 2020) in which they presented [[Technical Readout]]-style drawings of an ''UrbanMech LAM'' by fan Bishop Steiner.
** ''Third League Turning Points: Free Taiw...St. Ives'' also included a [[Record Sheet]] for the 70-ton UBL-20 ''UrbanLord''. It has a 4/6/6 movement profile, 204 points of armor, and is armed with a "Gauss Cannon/20" and a "Large Grazer".
** When [[CGL]] sought fan input for additional stretch goals for their wildly successful [[2019 Clan Invasion crowdfunding campaign]], the fans opted for, and received, an [[UrbanMech Plushie]] – the first-ever BattleTech plush toy.
** In a similar vein, the [[BattleTech Salvage Box: UrbanMech]] was created as a special reward that backers of the crowdfunding campaign received for free.
*** Doubling down on this, the [[UrbanMech Company Box]] started as a joke but the enthusiastic fan response resulted in the joke becoming a real product in 2022.
* An inflatable ''UrbanMech'' was present at Gen Con 2022 in Indianapolis, IN. It was a big eye-catcher and promoter of [[BattleTech]] and [[Catalyst Game Labs]].

*[[MechWarrior Online]] features the ''UrbanMech'' in many of its standard variants, including all of their classic strengths and weakness. However, players are able to customize their ''UrbanMech'' with higher rated engines and/or additional jump jets to greatly improve their mobility and forego the chassis' traditional drawback, albeit at the expense of tonnage for weaponry and other equipment. This interpretation of the 'Mech also features the unique ability to freely rotate its torso 360 degrees without ever needing to turn back, an apocryphal quirk that helps it stand its ground in its favored urban environment.

* In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to '''''Stadtkoloss''''', which literally means ''Urban Colossus''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''ST-K60'''.

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

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Urbanmech.jpg|Original UM-R60 ''UrbanMech'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
UM-R63 UrbanMech.jpg|UM-R63 ''UrbanMech'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U UrbanMech.jpg|UM-R63 ''UrbanMech'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
UrbanMech RGilClan v02.png|''UrbanMech'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2 |RG:ilClan v2]]''
UrbanMech concept sketch KS2019.jpg|''UrbanMech'' concept art from the [[2019 Clan Invasion crowdfunding campaign|Clan Invasion KS]]
Camoliaomacgregorsarmoredscouts.png|''UrbanMech'' in colors of [[MacGregor's Armored Scouts]] from ''[[Camo Specs]]''
Urbanmech 2.jpg|An ''UrbanMech'' in action from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
MWO Urbanmech.png|Concept art of the ''UrbanMech'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
File:Salvage Box UrbanMech - UrbanMech.jpg|''UrbanMech'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Salvage Box: UrbanMech]]''
PlushyTech UrbanMech.jpg|''UrbanMech'' plushie
UrbanMech Inflatable GenCon2022.jpg|Inflatable ''UrbanMech'' at Gen Con 2022, Indianapolis, IN
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* [[BattleTechnology#Issue 18|''BattleTechnology'', Issue #18]]
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2]]''
* ''[[A Fox on Galatea]]'' (short story)
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[https://mwomercs.com/resistance-heroes MechWarrior Online Resistance Heroes Sales]
* ''[[Objectives: Capellan Confederation]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Shrapnel (magazine)#Issue 4|Shrapnel #4]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Artillery Support Unit]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]