Editing Assassin

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=3025_Assassin1.jpg
|name=''Assassin''
|manufacturer=
[[Defiance Industries]]<ref>''Objectives: Lyran Alliance'', p.12</ref>
----
[[Hellespont 'Mech Works]]
----
[[Maltex Corporation]] (-21; destroyed 2835)<ref name=TRSWp52f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 52–53: "ASN-21 Assassin"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
|production year=2676
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/127/ MUL online entry for ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|model=ASN-21<ref name=TRSWp52f />
|class=Medium
|cost= 3,765,813 [[C-bill]]s
|Tech Base=[[Inner Sphere]]
|mech type=Battlemech
|feet=biped
|mass=40
|chassis=[[Maltex 40]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp52f /> -->
|armor=[[100 AFVTA]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp52f /> -->
|engine=[[VOX 280]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp52f /> -->
|speed=118 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp52f /> -->
|jumpjets=[[Lox Lift Series 1]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp52f /> -->
|comsys=[[Garret T15 B]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp52f /> -->
|T&T=[[Garret 500S]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp52f /> -->
|heat sinks=10 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp52f /> -->
|armament= <!-- <ref name=TRSWp52f /> -->
* 1x [[medium laser]]
* 1x [[LRM-5]]
* 1x [[SRM-2]]
|BV (1.0)=596<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref>
|BV (2.0)=749<ref name=TRSWp52f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 94</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Assassin''''' is a [[BattleMech]] that began life because of corporate ambitions and successful lobbyists. Though there was no need for a new medium 'Mech in its arsenal, the [[Maltex Corporation]] lobbied the [[Star League]] to purchase the ''Assassin'' as a replacement for the lighter ''[[Wasp]]'' and ''[[Stinger]]''. They were successful largely through over-hyped performance statistics, fuzzy budget approximations, and some greased palms, and even then only several hundred were constructed before production slowed to a crawl after two ''Assassin'' factories came under investigation for quality control violations. Still, the ''Assassin'' proved to be popular with garrison forces of the [[SLDF]] and the [[Marik Militia]]; with an impressive top speed and jumping distance of 210 meters combined with excellent coverage for its four and a half tons of armor and solid firepower, the ''Assassin'' was considered a superb reconnaissance and light 'Mech hunter in its own right.<ref name=IRS>''[[Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets]], pp 6</ref><ref name=TM302534-35>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 34-35, "Assassin Profile"</ref><ref name=TM3039116-117>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 116-117, "ASN-21 ''Assassin''"</ref>

The ''Assassin'' was not flawless however, especially when Maltex cut corners during its initial production, and it has the dubious distinction of having one of the most cramped cockpits of any [[Inner Sphere]] 'Mech. Dozens of attempts by Maltex over hundreds of years to overhaul the cockpit cooling system to create more elbow-room ended in failure, not only limiting ''Assassin'' pilots' time in-cockpit to half of that of other 'Mechs, but causing many to develop a lifetime of back problems. The ''Assassin'' would first see combat in [[2980]], long after the fall of the Star League, when the [[Free Worlds League]] successfully fought off the [[Federated Suns]] for control of [[Rochelle]] during the [[Third Succession War]]. The ''Assassin'' fared better than other 'Mechs during the bloody battle and House Marik became an enthusiastic user of the design late into the war. Eventually the use of ''Assassins'' by all sides lessened due to a shortage of spare parts, with the [[Capellan Confederation]] simply running out of these 'Mechs by [[3025]], though its modular design and access systems allowed it to survive.<ref name=TM302534-35/><ref name=TM3039116-117/>

By [[3058]], most ''Assassins'' had been phased out of service, with the remaining 'Mechs mostly family heirlooms passed down through [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] families and with many modifications. [[Defiance Industries]] was licensed by Maltex to produce a variant, the ASN-30, for the Lyrans during the [[FedCom Civil War]], but it was largely seen as a failure. The ''Assassin'' would see a resurgence in [[3067]] when [[Hellespont 'Mech Works]] acquired the design from Maltex, thanks in part to minor distractions facing Maltex such as charges of tax evasion and collusion with the [[Word of Blake]], and began producing the ASN-23 for the Capellans, the [[Taurian Concordat]], and the [[Magistracy of Canopus]].<ref name=TM3050U34-35>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p.34-35, "Assassin Profile"</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Assassin'' is popular for its long-range capabilities thanks to a [[Holly-5]] [[LRM-5]] launcher in the right side of its torso. Its primary short-range weapon is a [[SRM-2#Holly_2|Holly-2]] [[SRM-2]] launcher in the torso's left side, supported by a [[Medium_laser#Martell|Martell]] [[medium laser]] in the right arm. With just two tons of missile ammunition, one ton of LRM and one ton of SRM ammunition, the 'Mech has limited endurance on extended operations without resupply and is vulnerable when left with only the laser to fight back. ''Assassins'' built before [[2815]] also suffered from a serious design flaw in the short-range missile rack's reloading mechanism, which experienced chronic jamming during high-heat situations and could only be repaired by disassembling the unit. Under severe corporate pressure Maltex finally fixed the problem in newer models and offered several years' funding for recall repairs, though some privately-owned ''Assassins'' might still mount the defective system.<ref name=TM302534-35/><ref name=TM3039116-117/>

==Variants==
*; ASN-23 : The -23 variant of the ''Assassin'' is an upgrade of the original model using [[lostech]]; originally seen as a standardized field modification,<ref name="TRO:3050Rp82">''Technical Readout: 3050, Revised'', p.82</ref> in [[3067]] new production began at [[Hellespont|Hellespont 'Mech Works]]. The [[SRM-2]] has been removed to upgrade the [[medium laser]] to a [[medium pulse laser]], typically the "readily available" [[Magna 400P]],<ref name="TRO:3050Rp82"/> and an [[Artemis IV]] fire control system has been added for the [[LRM-5]] launcher. Within the [[CCAF]], [[TDF]], and [[MAF]] it is largely used as a cheap way to rebuild shattered forces and sees service mostly in green and reserve formations. The Capellans in particular use the -23 as a fire-support unit for pursuit and strike lances, though shortages of Artemis munitions means many are forced to use [[Thunder LRM|mine-delivery missiles]].<ref name=TM3050U34-35/>  BV (1.0) = 609<ref name=CO />, BV (2.0) = 740<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)'', p. 72</ref>

*; ASN-30 : The -30 variant of the ''Assassin'', produced under license by Defiance Industries, was a radical departure from the classic formula for the [['Mech]]. The chassis was redesigned to utilize [[endo steel]] construction and the engine upgraded to a [[light fusion engine]]. The saved weight was used to upgrade the [[medium laser]] to an [[ER medium laser]], and the [[LRM-5]] and [[SRM-2]] are removed in favor of an [[LB-X AC/5]]. Additionally, the armor had been increased by two full tons and the [[single heat sink]]s upgraded to [[double heat sink|double strength versions]]. Used by the Lyran side of the FedCom Civil War, this design is considered a failure and few of them were ever produced.<ref name=TM3050U34-35/> BV (1.0) = 846<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 58</ref>, BV (2.0) = 925<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)'', p. 73</ref>

*; ASN-99 : When Hellespont 'Mech Works first acquired the ''Assassin'' from the Maltex Corporation, the ASN-99 was the original testbed design. Incorporating more armor than any previous variant, thanks in large part to the inclusion of an [[XL engine]], its long-range punch is provided by a [[light PPC]], while it can rely upon two [[SRM-2]]s at close range. [[Target Acquisition Gear]] enables it to call down supporting fire should the ''Assassin'' find itself embroiled in a fight. This variant also mounts [[stealth armor]] and a [[Sword (weapon)|sword]]. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,116<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade, Inner Sphere'' p. 74</ref>

*; ASN-101 : The -101 ''Assassin'' was an unofficial variant produced in limited numbers by the Federated Suns during the Succession Wars. Removing some of the 'Mech's seven [[jump jet]]s and shaving off a half ton of armor, they were able to fit three [[Maxell 50]] [[small laser]]s, one in each leg and the third in the head. The design was seen as a failure, especially since it sacrifices 60 meters of the [['Mech]]'s immense jumping distance, and only three were purported to have been built and stationed with the [[Capellan March Militia]], though some cite circumstantial evidence of more constructed in secret.<ref name=TRSWp52f /><ref name=TM302534-35/><ref name=TM3039116-117/> BV (1.0) = 586, BV (2.0) = 757<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 93</ref>

*; ASN-109: This new [[CCAF]] version of the ''Assassin'' shares a large number of parts with the [[Raven II]] to improve logistics and replacement. A capable machine, it is protected with [[Stealth Armor]] and an [[Angel ECM Suite]], protecting a 280-rated [[XL engine]] and a [[Small Cockpit]]. The space saved by this is spent on weaponry, with a [[Light PPC]] being mounted in the right arm cannon module, while an [[MML 5]] with 2 tons of [[CASE II]]-protected ammunition is mounted in the right torso. An [[Improved One Shot]] [[SRM 2]] is generally loaded with specialty warheads as well. BV (1.0) = ???? BV (2.0) = 1,158<ref name=RGiCv29p12>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 29'', p.12</ref>

=== Custom Variants ===
*; ASN-30 Assassin ''Alice'' : A customized ''Assassin'' created by [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] MechWarrior [[Alice Humpterderby]] of the [[24th Lyran Guards]]. This ''Assassin'' was rebuilt with Davion salvage during the [[FedCom Civil War]], and was equipped with seven and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, four [[ER medium laser]]s split between the torsos and the right arm. The lasers have been connected to a salvaged [[targeting computer]], and a [[C3 slave unit|C3 slave computer]], a [[Beagle active probe]], and 10 [[double heat sinks]] have also been mounted. BV (1.0) = 1,301 (C3 + 108)<ref>''Record Sheets: Unique 'Mechs'', p. 2, "Assassin ''Alice''"</ref>

*; Assassin ''Servitor'' : A custom variant of the ASN-99 ''Assassin''. The [[stealth armor]] and [[Guardian ECM suite]] are removed, and the head-mounted [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] is swapped for a [[small laser]]. Each arm has new weapons, with the left holding a small [[Vibroblade_#BattleMech|vibroblade]] and right mounting a [[medium X-Pulse laser]], and each leg contains a [[small X-Pulse laser]]. The [[SRM-2]]s of the ASN-99 are retained. BV (2.0) = 1,019<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p.75</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[BattleTechnology#Issue_0202|BattleTechnology Issue 202]]:''
*; ASN-SB : Reportedly developed by the crack techs of the [[Hat-in-the-Ring Battalion]] [[mercenary unit]] and becoming a routine modification within the unit, the ASN-SB drops the SRM-2 rack and its ammunition in exchange for another medium laser and some additional armor.<ref name=BTp34>''BattleTechnology'' Issue #0203, p. 34</ref>

''From [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Call to Arms|''MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms'' Expansion Pack]]:''
*; ASN-25 : Introduced in [[3026]] to tap into the rise of interest in melee weapons, the ASN-25 retains the right arm's [[medium laser]], but replaces the remaining weaponry with a right torso-mounted medium laser and left torso-mounted small laser, the weight saved to mount a medium [[claw]] in the left arm.<ref name=MW5CtA>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Call to Arms''</ref>

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; ASN-26 : A 3050's tech version of the -30, the -26 also uses an [[endo steel]] chassis but mounts an [[XL engine]], the extra weight saved allowing the 'Mech to carry an [[UAC/5]] and a pair of [[medium pulse laser]]s for offensive armament. Field endurance is limited however, as six and half tons of armor provided basic protection, and a single ton of autocannon reloads are chewed through rapidly. The 10 [[double heat sink]]s struggle to manage heat strain.<ref name=MWO>''MechWarrior Online - Assassin Sale Page''</ref>

*; ASN-27 : A 3050 era take on -99, the -27 drops the [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] and [[Sword (weapon)|sword]] to upgrade the [[light PPC]] to a full size [[PPC]] thanks to the use of [[endo steel]], retaining the [[Guardian ECM suite]] but replacing the [[stealth armor]] with an equal volume of [[standard armor]].<ref name=MWO/>
::The [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Heroes of the Inner Sphere|''MechWarrior 5: Heroes of the Inner Sphere'' DLC]] version of MWO's ASN-27 retains the [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]].<ref name=MW5HoIS>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Heroes of the Inner Sphere''</ref>

*; ASN-DD ''DarkDeath'' : While all indications are that [[Dale Sandstrom]] piloted a standard ASN-21 variant, MWO's version of his ''DarkDeath'' is built around a 280-rated [[XL engine]] on [[endo steel]] chassis, and is armed with an [[AC/2]] in the right arm, twin [[LRM-5]]s in right torso, and a pair of [[medium laser]]s split between head and left torso. Retaining the ASN-21's seven [[jump jet]]s, that variant's [[single heat sink]]s are also upgraded to [[double heat sink|double strength versions]]. Though carrying only a single ton of [[autocannon]] and [[LRM]] reloads limits it field endurance, ''DarkDeath'' mounts a [[Guardian ECM suite]] to help ensure the fight is on its terms.<ref name=MWO/>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Assassin'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]s:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 90 BattleMech Quirk Table - Assassin Entry.</ref>
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
* [[Cramped Cockpit]]
* [[Non-Standard Parts]]
* [[Poor Life Support]]

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

==Notes==
* 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 ''Assassin'' 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 '''Attentäter'''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''ATN-21'''.

* In French products, the unit's proper name was kept as '''Assassin''', which has the same meaning in both languages.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:3025_Assassin1.jpg|Original ASN-21 ''Assassin'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
Image:3050 Assassin.jpg|ASN-21 ''Assassin'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
Image:3050U Assassin.jpg|ASN-23 ''Assassin'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Image:The Dragon Roars (5).jpg|An ''Assassin'' in combat from ''[[The Dragon Roars]]''
Image:Assassin_21_CBTU.jpg|An ASN-21 ''Assassin'' from ''[[Classic BattleTech Universe]]''
Image:CCG Unlimited Assassin.jpg|ASN-21 ''Assassin'' in combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
Image:CCG Counterstrike Assassin.jpg|ASN-23 ''Assassin'' in battle from ''CCG''
Image:MWO Assassin.png|Model of ''Assassin'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
File:BattleTech4e-Assassin.jpg|''Assassin'' standee from  ''[[BattleTech, Fourth Edition]]''
File:BattleTech Introductory Box Set - Assassin.jpg|''Assassin'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Introductory Box Set]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* [https://mwomercs.com/assassin ''MechWarrior Online'' Assassin Sale Page]
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Unique 'Mechs]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
</div>

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