Banshee BNC-3E

Overview
The Banshee BNC-3E is a 'Mech that was designed specifically for close-assault operations during the early years of BattleMech warfare. A contemporary of the Mackie and Emperor, the Banshee is undeniably fast for one of the heaviest 'Mechs ever produced, and with fifteen tons of armor it is better protected than most other assault 'Mechs. However the use of a massive GM 380 fusion engine left little room for weaponry, and even at the time of its introduction the Banshee was considered under-gunned compared to its privately-built competition. As critics noted, what use was impressive armor and mobility if a better-armed enemy could overwhelm and destroy it? The result was a mediocre 'Mech which even the lowly Rifleman could beat as long as it prevented the Banshee's mass from coming into play

Strengths

 * Able to use large amounts of either ballistic or energy weoponry
 * Hardpoints are spread between two torsos, so the loss of one will allow the 'mech to continue contributing to the battle, except in the case of an XL engine

Weaknesses

 * No arm mounted weaponry makes engaging fast targets difficult