51^st Battle Cluster (Clan Steel Viper)

The 51^st Battle Cluster is a front-line unit of Clan Steel Viper, which is currently part of the Striking Serpent Galaxy but “loaned out” to the Steel Fang Galaxy. The unit is composed of Clan traditionalists, and were blooded in the fight against the Black Warriors. In a bid to keep her warriors on the front and active, saKhan Kathya Olezko arranged for the unit to be deployed as part of the first strikes against the Marian Hegemony.

Recent History

The 51^st Battle Cluster had been incorporated in the 94^th Battle Cluster after their disbanding. The 94^th was destroyed during the Battle of Tokasha, with a small element having been whisked away by The Wolverines. The survivors split themselves in 2 groups, reforming the 51^st Battle Cluster in exile.

When Striking Serpent (Gamma) Galaxy was reformed, the 51^st was the second Cluster to be included in the order of battle. The unit studied their old records and worked on improving their Viper’s Maw stratagem. OmniMechs were often equipped with ECMs and other electronic equipment to increase their ability to sneak past enemy units.

The 51^st also keeps a unit of artillery and aerospace assets in reserve. They use this as a reminder of their loss on Tukayyid.

51^st Battle Cluster Officers

• Star Colonel Mordechai Nixon
  • Star Captain Cooper

Tactics

The 51^st Battle Cluster is still an adept at using the Viper’s Maw stratagem, but they have started including more stealth elements in their formations, up to wanting to include stealth ‘mechs in their units.

Composition

• 3 Battle Trinaries (Mixed Battlemech / Battle Armor unit)
• 1 Support Trinary (Artillery elements, 1 mech star, 1 vehicle star)
• 1 Air Support Binary (ASF Unit)

The unit uses standard Omnimechs and Battlemechs, with about 33% of the unit being equipped with OmniMechs.