Originally posted on rec.games.mecha April 9, 1997
In the same vein as the PLG-3TC Pillager, the GRF-3TC Griffin was designed from the outset to be as expensive as possible - the fact that it's not a half bad mech is incidental. Type: GRF-3TC Griffin Mass: 55 Engine: 330 XL 12.25 Walk: 6 Run: 9 Jump: 6 Cockpit: 3 Gyro: 4 I.S.: 5.5 J.J.:(3LT,3RT) 3 H.S.: 10(20) 0 Armor: 179(ff) 10 Head: 9-3 CT: 28/8-18 L/RT: 20/6-13 L/RA: 18-9 L/RL: 23-13 Weapons: ER PPC RA 7 LRM 15 RT 7 Artemis IV RT 1 LRM ammo 16 RT 2 .25 tons left over Cost: 12,082,095 Overview: The executive board of Vandenberg Mechanized Industries looked jealously at the PLG-3TC Pillager, manufactured for a stunning profit by their competitor, Taurus Territorial Industries. Deciding to jump into the export market as well, they commissioned the design and manufacture of the GRF-3TC Griffin. Capabilities: The GRF-3TC Griffin is similar to the Free Worlds League's upgraded GRF-3M Griffin in several ways. First, both designs upgrade the PPC to an ER PPC. Second, both designs add an XL engine - the -3M adding a Hermes 275 XL, the -3TC adding a VME 330 XL. In addition, both upgrade the heat sinks to the double-strength variety, although the Taurian version eliminates four heat sinks in the process, to compensate for the larger engine. Finally, both upgrade the original LRM-10, although the VME version chooses to upgrade to an LRM-15 with Artemies IV rather than the -3M's LRM-20 with CASE. Other than this, the only real differences between the designs are minor - the -3TC removes the small laser to add a half ton to the armor, and all of the armor is converted to brand spanking new ferro-fibrous, increasing the mech's protection by roughly fifteen percent. VME designers feel that this feature enables the -3TC to engage in heavier combat than its Marik counterpart, and that this, coupled with its greater speed, make it a viable solution for the modern Inner Sphere battlefield.