Light BattleMechs range from 20 tons to 35 tons in mass, and are generally considered the scouts, flankers, or harassment units of choice. Due to their relatively low mass they do not have the same longevity when it comes to a protracted battle; the longer a battle goes on, the more likely a Light Mech will not be leaving the battlefield intact. But those who can use them for their designed tasks will find Light 'Mechs invaluable.
20 Tons
Locust
Known models: LCT-1V, LCT-1E, LCT-1S, LCT-3V
The Locust is as common as the Wasp and Stinger, and much like other BattleMechs of this weight range, it is designed as a scout 'Mech. The reverse-jointed legs and gait are common with "chicken-walkers", and lend the Locust its distinct appearance. Its speed is quite impressive, but it can be found to be somewhat lacking in armor. Three basic models exist, each one having a different weapons array. The LCT-1V model has the same weapons as a Stinger, the two Machine Guns mounted in two arms and the Medium Laser under the cockpit.
The LCT-1E model is a quite different build, with the ammunition-dependent Machine Guns removed. Instead it mounts its weapons in the arm pods, one Medium Laser and one Small Laser in each. It is fairly rare to find, and tends to be more common around the Capellan Confederation.
Built for the Lyran Commonwealth, the LCT-1S replaces the Machine Guns with Short-Range missile pods on the arms. Each one is capable of firing two missiles at a time, and the Medium Laser remains to help chip away armor from a target. Speaking of armor, this model sheds a full quarter of its armor, leaving its speed as its main protection.
A more recent development, the LCT-3V model entered service in 3004 and exchanged half a ton of its armor and Machine Gun ammunition to mount a second Medium Laser alongside the first one. While the sacrifice of armor is generally seen as a bad thing, the trade-up in firepower is seen as a worthwhile benefit.
Stinger
Known models: STG-3R, STG-3G
The Stinger, much like the Wasp, is a lightly-armed reconnaissance BattleMech. It shares the same speed and maneuverability profile, yet the basic model instead uses a Medium Laser and two Machine Guns for close-quarters combat. The STG-3G model trades those Machine Guns for another Medium Laser in the left arm.
Wasp
Known models: WSP-1A
The Wasp is a relatively common humanoid model of light BattleMech, built to be a maneuverable scout 'Mech. While not the fastest, it is equipped with Jump Jets, allowing it to traverse difficult terrain through going over it rather than through it. It is armed with a Medium Laser in its right arm and a two-missile Short-Range launcher.
25 Tons
Commando
Known models: COM-2D
The Commando is an early humanoid design of BattleMech which was designed for recon work, having a decent speed but no jumping capability. When this put it behind the Wasp and Stinger, the extra weight advantage was turned to a different use. As such the COM-2D Commando is armed with one Medium Laser, one four-missile Short Range launcher, and one six-missile Short Range launcher. This gives the 'Mech considerable striking capability for its weight.
Mongoose
Known models: MON-67
The Mongoose was originally designed as a potential replacement for the Locust, and is fairly adept at that. However the MON-67 is a redesigned model missing the advanced technology from its predecessor. It manages to keep most of the same protection despite that, and is armed with one Medium Laser in each arm, one in the chest, and a Small Laser in the head.
30 Tons
Hermes
Known models: HER-1A
The Hermes is a fast humanoid scout BattleMech, designed during the tail end of the Star League era. As such, the currently-produced HER-1A model lacks much of the advanced technology used to save weight and has sacrificed half the armor of the original design to keep it just as fast and well-armed. It has a Medium Laser in each the chest and right arm, and a Flamer in the left arm to handle infantry.
Javelin
Known models: JVN-10N, JVN-10F
When discussing the Javelin, there are two models which bear notice. The standard JVN-10N has twin torso-mounted six-missile Short-Range launchers, and is mostly the equivalent of a jumping Commando. The JVN-10F model is a departure from this as it is equipped with four Medium Lasers instead, having a fairly decent capability for damage.
Spider
Known models: SDR-5V
The Spider is a very dedicated BattleMech, made with the concept of high capacity to jump far distances and move very fast. It's very lightly armed with two Medium Lasers, and armored just as lightly for its weight. However, it is generally accepted this rare 'Mech is an incredibly useful scout or spotter. On the other hand, it is known for not having an ejection system; it is nigh impossible to bail out of it in a hurry.
UrbanMech
Known models: UM-R60
Optimized specifically for defensive deployment, the UrbanMech is not fast, but is fairly well-protected and armed. It has an Imperator-B Autocannon/10 almost taking up the whole right arm, and a backup Small Laser in the other arm. This 'Mech remains inexpensive, but efficient if you want to arm a militia. It's not fast, or flashy, but it does get the job done.
Valkyrie
Known models: VLK-QA, VLK-QF
The Valkyrie is designed as an agile BattleMech, and is primarily used by Federated Suns forces. It is slightly slower than the Wasp and Stinger, but the primary armament is a Long-Range launcher capable of launching volleys of ten missiles. With this agility and maneuverability, the Valkyrie is capable of attacking with those from many angles. The VLK-QA model has a Medium Laser as a backup, while the VLK-QF is equipped with a Flamer.
35 Tons
Firestarter
Known models: FS9-H
With a name like 'Firestarter', it's easy enough to guess what the claim to fame is for this particular BattleMech model. And you would be correct, as it is armed with a Medium Laser and Flamer in each arm, two Machine Guns in either side torso, and a Flamer each facing both forward and behind from the center torso. All this capability is married to a fairly maneuverable and fast frame.
Jenner
Known models: JR7-D
Another BattleMech famous (or infamous) for being used by the Draconis Combine is the Jenner. It is a unique profile, being entirely non-humanoid by using weapon pods for arms (each one holding two Medium Lasers) and a forward-slung head rather than one atop the torso. The array of lasers is backed by a four-missile Short Range Launcher in the torso and carried by a very fast and maneuverable chassis.
Panther
Known models: PNT-9R
The Panther is a rare BattleMech, but you will most often find it in the Draconis Combine forces. It is a slow, but effectively powerful chassis which is armed with a Lord's Light Particle Projection Cannon and a four-missile Short-Range launcher. All this firepower is tempting, but the Panther does not have the heat sink capacity to really exploit the weapon's range and its jump jets.
Raven
Known models: RVN-1X
A Capellan scout BattleMech, the Raven is a birdlike testbed for the Electronics Warfare suite developed by Confederation manufacturers. With so much weight devoted to it, the RVN-1X Raven lacks armor and speed, but is decently-armed with two Medium Lasers in the right arm-pod and a six-missile Short Range launcher in the torso.
Wolfhound
Known models: WLF-1
Wolfhounds are a brand new design rolled out by TharHes Industries, designed to be capable of hunting down and destroying the famous Draconis Combine Jenner and Panther. It is armed with a Large Laser in the right arm, three torso-mounted Medium Lasers, and a rear-mounted Medium Laser. Field tests are currently ongoing, and so far data has proven valuable and favorable about its chances.
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