In 3000, the Taurian Concordat conducted a review of its TO&E. The results were not as expected. Maintenence and reliability were in line with the typical Inner Sphere unit-- however, most of the Mechs rolling off TC assembly lines were based on centuries-old designs. One Zeus in the Concordat Jaegers was about to celebrate its 500th birthday. The Protector called for a rolling overhaul of the TO&E, while remaining financially viable to the cash-poor Concordat. The Mangonel is one of the resulting designs. Though sometimes considered a cheap Crusader ripoff, the Mech's combat record speaks for itself.

The Mangonel falls squarely into the medium fire-support category. While having the same 'throw weight' as a Crusader or a Catapult, it carries four smaller LRM racks and expanded ammunition bays. This gives it greater flexibility of fire and a longer battlefield lifetime. Backing up the LRMs is a surprisingly large weapon-- a heavy particle cannon. The PPC lets the Mangonel remain on the field even after its ammunition is depleted-- though this is not recommended. One glaring problem is a lack of close-range weaponry. In an effort to cover this, designers gave the Mangonel a heavily reinforced battle fist. It fails to solve the problem entirely, but is an effective way of taking the head off any overly brave light Mechs. The Mangonel also suffers from heat problems. Pilots are advised to fire the LRMs or the PPC, but not both at the same time.

Though no official variants exist, many pilots throughout the Concordat have taken to replacing the small LRM racks with SRM-4s. A simple, yet effective replacement, this modification solves the Mangonel's range problem at some cost of the original design integrity.   It is estimated that one in six Mechs has undergone this modification.

The Mangonel has been deployed for several years now, and has performed as expected in all engagements. The most successful engagement took place in 3010 on the Concordat planet of Cadiz, helping to throw back a coordinated pirate invasion. A lance of Mangonel, supported by two Stalkers and a lance of Zhukov tanks, decimated two entire companies of pirate Mechs. What motivated an attack of this caliber is still unknown. From her Mangonel, Cornet Michelle Crain destroyed two Wasp-L scouts and a Banshee in fifteen minutes of continuous fighting.

Optional Rules:

When using a Mangonel, roll 1d6. A roll of 6 indicates an SRM-equipped model.