Editing Vindicator

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=Vindicator_RGilClan v25.jpg
|name=''Vindicator''
|manufacturer=[[Ceres Metals Industries]]<ref name=TRSWp74f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 74–75: "VND-1R Vindicator"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
|model=VND-1R<ref name=TRSWp74f />
|production year=2826
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3025>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 52</ref>
|cost = 3,181,083 C-bills
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type =BattleMech
|feet=biped
|mass=45
|chassis=[[Ceresplex IV]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp74f /> -->
|armor=[[Starshield]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp74f /> -->
|engine=[[GM 180]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp74f /> -->
|comsys=[[CeresCom Model 21-Rs]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp74f /> -->
|T&T=[[C-Apple Churchill]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp74f /> -->
|heat sinks=16 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp74f /> -->
|speed=64 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp74f /> -->
|jumpjets=[[Anderson Propulsion 30]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp74f /> -->
|armament=  <!-- <ref name=TRSWp74f /> -->
*1x [[LRM-5]]
*1x [[PPC]]
*1x [[medium laser]]
*1x [[small laser]]
|BV (1.0) = 900
|BV (2.0) = 1,024<ref name=TRSWp74f /><ref name=TRO3039-131>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 131</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Vindicator''''' is one of the most well-known [[Capellan Confederation]] [[BattleMech]]s.  This workhorse of the [[CCAF]] was built in [[Introduction Year::2826]] between the [[First Succession War|First]] and [[Second Succession War]] to maximize the effectiveness of the Confederation's surviving production capabilities and fulfill as many roles as possible.  Designed by committee, the ''Vindicator''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s "jack-of-all-trades" nature means it does not excel in any one role but fulfills them all adequately.  With almost all of its components produced on [[Capella]], the ''Vindicator'' is also cheap, easy to mass produce, and quick to repair with a ready supply of spare parts.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 130</ref>

The 'Mech has a top speed of only 64.8 km/h, which allows it to keep up with most heavy 'Mechs and some slower medium 'Mechs. Four [[jump jet]]s give it a jumping capability of up to 120 meters that, while not up to par with the greater distances of 'Mechs like the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', allows the ''Vindicator'' the ability to outmaneuver most heavier 'Mechs, as well as making it easier to traverse rough terrain.  It also carries more armor than the ''Phoenix Hawk'' with good overall coverage, particularly on its rear torso and legs, making it better protected than smaller 'Mechs.  Armament for the 'Mech is adequate though its primary weapons are unsuited for point-blank ranges, while sixteen [[heat sinks]] help keep it cool.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Unfortunately, early models of the ''Vindicator'' suffered from a design flaw wherein the head-mounted laser created a bulge in the cockpit.  More than making the space cramped for tall [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]], it also interfered with the ejection propulsion system, resulting in the deaths of a number of MechWarriors when their ejection seats exploded during ejection.  Engineers managed to redesign the cockpit layout prior to the [[War of 3039]], eliminating the deadly intrusion and decreasing the chance of said unfortunate malfunction.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Due to its relatively lackluster design and the outrageous mark-ups on spare parts sold to out-of-state parties, the ''Vindicator'' has remained almost exclusive to the Capellan Confederation since its introduction.  Even in the wake of the [[Fourth Succession War]], with a good portion of their military complex and resources gone, the Capellan leadership continued funding production of this 'Mech and updated it with the rediscovery of [[lostech]].  Following the introduction of the ''[[Firestarter (OmniMech)|Firestarter]]'' [[OmniMech]] and its spread by the [[Second Star League]] production of the ''Vindicator'' was curtailed, though the line would be partially revived with a couple of specialized variants in [[3060]].<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 50</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Vindicator'' carries as its primary weapon a [[Ceres Arms Smasher]] [[PPC]] in its right arm, giving the 'Mech a weapon capable of striking at long ranges and doing a respectable amount of damage. The weapon also features an innovative cooling jacket which possesses water intake ports around the muzzle, allowing the pilot to dip the PPC into a body of water and quickly cool it, with steam exiting via a nozzle at the opposite end.  However this process leaves the ''Vindicator'' vulnerable as it must kneel motionless for ten seconds.  As a secondary long-range weapon and giving the 'Mech indirect support capability is the [[Sian/Ceres Jaguar]] [[LRM-5]], mounted on the 'Mech's left torso behind an armored door and supplied by one ton of ammunition.  An extremely reliable system, the Jaguar can take quite a bit of abuse before it is shut down.  Finally, for close range work, the ''Vindicator'' carries a head-mounted [[Ceres Arms]] [[medium laser]] and a [[Hessen IX]] [[Small Laser]] in its left arm.  The Hessen laser was the result of the Confederation forcing Ceres to use at least one weapon system from another manufacturer as a way of "stimulating domestic trade."  Engineers had considered giving the ''Vindicator'' two PPCs but such a setup would overburden its cooling system and leave it with no free hand to carry items.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039-131/><ref name=IRS>''Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets'', p. 11</ref>

==Variants==
*;VND-1AA : The 1AA version, also known as ''Avenging Angel'', was designed in [[2863]] to give the 'Mech better maneuverability, making it more easily capable of competing with 'Mechs like the ''Phoenix Hawk''. In order to do this, the armor protection was reduced from nine tons to four and a half tons. The engine was then upgraded to bring the maximum speed up to 86.4 km/h, and the ''Avenging Angel''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s jumping distance was increased by 30 meters with an additional jump jet.  The weapons payload remains the same as the 1R version.  Unfortunately speed is no substitute for armor on the modern battlefield and the variant proved to be a failure; a few 1AA variants were eventually "gifted" to the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]].<ref name=TRSWp74f /><ref name=TRO3025/> BV (1.0) = 835; BV (2.0) = 966<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 115</ref>

*;VND-1SIC : A standardized modification of [[Michael Jones (St. Ives Lancers)|Michael Jones]]' ''St. Ives Blue'' adopted by the newly formed [[St. Ives Compact]] in [[3031]], the VND-1SIC downgrades the PPC to a [[Large Laser]] while upgrading the LRM rack to an [[LRM-10]].<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (2.0) = 1,020<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 200</ref>

*;VND-1X : Early versions of the ''Vindicator'' had a Ceres Arms [[Machine Gun]] in place of the Hessen IX small laser.  However Ceres Metals was forced by the Confederation to put a nonproprietary weapon system on the 'Mech, and so chose the smallest one to replace.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (2.0) = 1,008<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 201</ref>

*;VND-3L : The 3L variant is a basic upgrade using recovered [[Star League]] technology introduced in [[3051]]. The PPC was upgraded to a Ceres Arms Warrior [[ER PPC]] and the medium and small lasers have been removed in favor of a single Ceres Arms Model W [[Medium Pulse Laser]]. To handle the extra heat from the new ER PPC [[double heat sink]]s were added while [[CASE]] was installed to protect the LRM's ammunition.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,069; BV (2.0) = 1,105<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 51</ref>

*;VND-3Ld (Drone) : A Capellan experimental unit in 3071 based on the VND-3L, the cockpit weight is increased to 5.5 tons to accommodate the robotic drone control and the jump jets and the CASE in its right torso are removed. The left torso [[LRM 5]] is replaced with 2 [[ER medium laser]]s, and the right torso ammo bin is replaced with an additional [[double heat sink]]. These 'Mechs were operated by an AI controller known as [[The Broken]].<ref>''Necromo Nightmare'', p. 22</ref> BV (1.0) = ??; BV (2.0) = ??

*;VND-3Lr : Extending the 3L variant even more, this [[Jihad]]-era [[3077]] field refit drops all the existing weaponry and replaces them with a [[Snub-Nose PPC]], [[MML-5]], and [[ER medium laser]]. The ammunition is protected by CASE.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,045<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 73</ref>

*;VND-4L : The 4L ''Vindicator'' is a major upgrade to the design, part of Ceres Metals' efforts to revive the line in [[3063]]. The engine has been replaced with a 225-rated [[extralight engine]], granting the 'Mech a top speed of 86.4 km/h, and its jumping distance was increased to 150 meters with an additional jump jet. The 'Mech uses double heat sinks for its advanced weapons load, which includes an ER PPC and LRM-5 for striking power at long range and an ER medium laser and medium pulse laser for short range work. Finally, the 'Mech carries a [[Guardian ECM Suite]] and is protected with nine tons of [[Stealth Armor]], making it harder to target at range.  The 4L became a common design among Shadow Lances following their introduction.  BV (1.0) = 1,177; BV (2.0) = 1,411<ref name=MUL164>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 164</ref>

*;VND-5L : The 5L variant is a more basic upgrade than the 4L and represents Ceres' attempt to produce a close-combat 'Mech superior to the FS9-0 ''Firestarter''.  Introduced in [[3060]] the 5L uses a standard engine, armor, and structure.  The changes and advancements come in the weapons and a different system for augmenting its movement abilities, [[Triple Strength Myomer]]. The 'Mech's new weapons include an ER PPC, two ER medium lasers, two medium pulse lasers, a single [[Small Pulse Laser]], and a small laser. This varied mix of energy weapons allows the MechWarrior piloting the 'Mech to balance their heat load to keep the Triple Strength Myomer working at its optimum efficiency. In so doing, the ''Vindicator'' can deal a fair amount of damage with its [[Sword (weapon)|Sword]]. BV (1.0) = 1,104;<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 79</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,484<ref name=MUL164/>

*; VND-6L : This [[3068]] variant is simultaneously a cross between the 4L, 5L, and something completely new. Instead of the PPC, the 6L has a [[plasma rifle]] that is effective at medium range. Two ER medium lasers help and all three weapons are aided by a [[Targeting Computer]] salvaged from [[Federated Suns]] machines. A Guardian ECM suite is necessitated by the inclusion of stealth armor. Two [[Rocket Launcher 10]]s provide limited firepower, while a [[Sword (weapon)|Sword]] is useful in melee combat and is made even more deadly by the Triple Strength Myomer.  The salvaged nature of the 6L makes it incredibly rare with each one "handmade" and awarded to only the most heroic ''Vindicator'' pilots. BV (2.0) = 1,815<ref name=MUL164/>

*; VND-7L : This [[IlClan_(Era)|ilClan Era]] variant is essentially a -1R upgraded with [[3151]] technology. This Vindicator enhances the strengths of the [[3025]] original while minimizing its weaknesses. It shares a similar loadout with a single Clan ER PPC, LRM-5, [[small X-Pulse laser]] and medium ER laser each placed in a separate location. While sharing the same movement profile, it is far more durable with it's [[heavy ferro-fibrous armor]] and [[reinforced structure]] ensuring the precious PPC stays in the fight. BV (2.0) = 1,566 <ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 25''</ref>

===Custom Variants===
*;VND-1R ''Vong'' : The customized ''Vindicator'' used by Major Choung Vong in the Third and Fourth Succession Wars moved the head-mounted medium laser to the arm in place of the small laser, simply to make the cockpit roomier for its brutally effective but rather rotund pilot.<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (2.0) = 1,024.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 198</ref>

*;VND-1R ''St. Ives Blue'' : The personal ''Vindicator'' of MechWarrior Michael Jones and his father before him, ''St. Ives Blue'' is easily recognizable for the large silver trumpet painted on its chest and its replacement of the PPC with a Large Laser and LRM-5 with an LRM-10 rack. After his unit seceded to the St. Ives Compact in the wake of the Fourth Succession War the newly formed [[St. Ives Military Command]] would ultimately use Jones' altered weapons array as the basis for the VND-1SIC variant.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/>

*;VND-3LD ''Vindicator'' Dao : This custom-designed model is piloted by a Capellan bounty hunter.  It has been rebuilt using [[Clan]]-technology heat sinks, Ferro-Fibrous Armor, and Endo Steel.  A Clan ER PPC is the primary weapon, and the 'Mech also carries a [[BattleMech Taser]] to aid in capturing targets alive.  A [[Supercharger]] and an [[Actuator Enhancement System]] add to the ''Vindicator''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s speed and accuracy. BV (2.0) = 1,814<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Liao'', p. 4</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Call to Arms|''MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms'' Expansion Pack]]:''
*;VND-1P : Introduced in [[3025]], the 1P retains the left-torso LRM-5 and head-mounted medium laser, dropping the small laser and PPC for a large laser in the right arm and a [[hatchet|medium hatchet]] in the left.<ref name=MW5CtA>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Call to Arms''</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Vindicator'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 95: Design Quirk Table - Vindicator 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>
* [[Rugged|Rugged (1)]]
* [[Difficult Ejection]]
<!-- No Torso Twist removed by errata -->

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[Snake]]'' - The ''Snake'' is a modified ''Vindicator'' designed specifically to counter [[battle armor|battle armored]] troops.  The ''Snake'' features an arm-mounted [[LB 10-X AC]], and three [[Streak SRM-2|Streak SRM-2s]] in the left torso.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3055'', pp. 38–39</ref>

==Notable Pilots==
:''See [[:Category:Notable Vindicator Pilots]]''
<!-- * Capellan gladiators twin brothers [[Fuh Teng]] and [[Sze Teng]] regularly piloted ''Vindicator'' BattleMechs. In January of 3027, [[Philip Capet]] faced both in his ''[[Rifleman]]'' against them in the [[Steiner Stadium]]. He won the fight and killed Sze Teng in the process.<ref name=ACtA012>''En Garde'', p. 78</ref>

*[[Candace Liao]] was a notable ''Vindicator'' pilot until she was severely wounded in a battle in [[Spica]] by [[Justin Xiang]].<ref name=ACtA013>''Riposte'', p. 115</ref> -->

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's name was translated to '''''Verteidiger''''', which means defender. The model code was accordingly changed to '''VTD-1R'''.

* In French products, the unit's name was translated as '''''Défenseur''''', which means defender. It was also known as '''''Vengeur''''', for Avenger, in some of the earlier French BattleTech novels (namely the Warriors series).

* Plastic VND-1R is included in [[BattleTech Beginner Box, Second Edition]]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025_Vindicator1.jpg|Original VND-1R ''Vindicator'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
VND-Vindicator.png||''Vindicator'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U Vindicator.jpg|VND-3L ''Vindicator'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Vindicator_RGilClan_v25.jpg|''Vindicator'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 25|RGilClan: vol. 25]]''
Camomech-vindicator.png|VND-1R ''Vindicator'' from ''[[Classic BattleTech Universe]]''
CCG Counterstrike Vindicator.jpg|VND-3L ''Vindicator'' in motion from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|BTTCG]]''
MWO Vindicator.png|Model of ''Vindicator'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
BattleTech4e-Vindicator.jpg|''Vindicator'' standee from ''[[BattleTech, Fourth Edition]]''
Alpha Strike Support Lance - Vindicator.jpg|''Vindicator'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Support Lance Pack]]''
Beginner Box 2e - Vindicator.jpg|''Vindicator'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Beginner Box, Second Edition]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Liao]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Capellan Confederation]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[Necromo Nightmare]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 25]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
* ''[[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: 3055]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Capellan Confederation BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]