Haus Moßburg Bergbau-Konvertierung Panzer Mark 4 (BKP4)
The introduction of the All-Atmosphere Industrial Miner in 2096 vastly increased supply of raw and exotic materials. The original design featured options for a single drill, scoop, or crane. This utilitarian machine was essentially a walking gondola with a single pilot cabin. It had no roof. Rather, one “hopper†would scoop ore then dump it into the hollow body of another. Much like a shovel dumping coal into an open railcar.
During the Crisis of 2114, the hopper was re-fitted with a plasma cannon. A roof was added along with armor plating. The hopper’s belly was converted into a munitions generator. Thus, the Bergbau-Konvertierung Panzer was born.
The BKP is still in service. Haus Moßburg introduced the BKP Mark 4 in 2222. Its speed and all-terrain ability make it one of the most popular light mechs for cavalry scouts. The mech is still limited to one cannon on a non-rotating platform. Occasionally, rockets and chaffing devices are added to support and cloak advancing infantry.
BKP pilots adopted the name “Blitz-Kröte†or “Lightning Toad†for this dependable warhorse. To this day, cadets and novice mech pilots are referred to as “tadpoles.†Cadets learn to pilot the BKP first. The one cannon feature trains them on the neural pilot interface system. Tadpoles learn how to adapt the human body’s reactions to the mech’s physical limitations.
Princess M scored her first two confirmed kills piloting a Blitz-Kröte, a record for a BKP in one engagement. The Battle of Harper’s Chute (22 März 2237) began the Moßburg – Ybanez Trade War ( 22 März 2237 – 6 September 2237). The Treaty of La Ciudad Renacida de Cartagena guaranteed Haus Moßburg shipping rights to the PacÃfico system. Also, the Tatsu Corporation paid investors a generous 15.2% increase on quarterly dividends.
