Mass: 20 tons
Frame: Corean-II Delux Endo Steel
Power Plant: LTV 160 XL with MASC
Cruising Speed: 84.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 127.2 kph
Armor:
Manufacturer: Majesty Metals and Manufacturing
Primary Factory: Canopus IV
Communications System: Garret T10 B
Targeting and Tracking System: Corean CalcMaster
One of two upgraded Locust designs coming out of Confederate factories, the LCT-5C Locust was intended to be the official CAF Locust, until the capture of the Ares factory and the development of usable triple-strength myomer that lead to the LCT-7L Locust. The Confederation now has two upgraded Locust models: the 7L, being produced at the Bergan factory in Capellan space, and the 5C, being produced at the Majesty factory on Canopus IV.
The LCT-5C Locust is designed to fill the original Locust's role as a fast scout mech. It uses an XL engine and Endo Steel internal structure to increase the available weight loading without reducing the mech's capabilities. The extra weight is used to add MASC, which makes the Locust 5C capable of bursts of speed of up to 170 kph for brief intervals.
Though heavily armored for a 20-ton mech, the Locust has always been fragile enough to make closing with even other light mechs a risky proposition. The 5C takes steps to make doing so unnecessary. The two arm-mounted machine guns are removed and replaced with reliable, proven Holly LRM 5 racks. In combination with the Locust's high speed and MASC system, the Holly racks enable it to pick away at an opponent from long range while avoiding the bulk of return fire. This tactic has been proven by older Locust field modifications, produced during the Dark Knight Legion's mercenary days, that use the same weapons mix. Star League technology, however, allows it to be done without reducing speed or armor protection or increasing the machine's overall weight, which was never possible before.
If the LCT-7L, which was independently derived from the same original LCT-1V model, is not counted, there is only one 5C variant extant. Designated the LCT-5G Locust, it is a field modification on the 5C. It starts with the MASC-enhanced LCT-5C Locust frame, but its weapons mix is closer to the original Locust's, as it removes the Holly racks, instead mounting quad machine guns in each arm. The 5G lacks the 5C's abilities as a fast harassing mech, but it promises to be an excellent mech for use against infantry and vehicles.