Star League era technology has greatly widened the role light 'Mechs have on the battlefield. Whereas before, the lack of reconnaissance equipment made Recon 'Mechs little more than fast moving targets, new technology allows them to spot for missile artillery, ferret out hidden enemy troops, and disrupt enemy targeting and communications with advanced electronic suites. Advanced equipment has also led to an increase in combat-worthy light 'Mechs suitable for raiding, skirmishing, and anti-recon duties. These Strike 'Mechs are becoming extremely popular among the armies of the Inner Sphere because they can quickly engage foes at close range, and they rarely expose themselves to enemy fire.

Capabilities

• Tonnage: 20-55
  

• Speed: Recon/Strike 'Mechs are very fast, having a walking speed of at least 7. Jump Jets should be mounted only on slower, heavier designs. Lighter 'Mechs should depend more on ground speed and can carry a MASC system if extra maneuverability is desired.
  

• Armor: Maximum armor is not a must; Recon/Strike 'Mechs can easily disengage from slower foes if they are not faring well. Still, take care to provide good protection to the legs and torso as these areas are the most critical to the 'Mech's survival.
  

• Weaponry: Since Recon/Strike 'Mechs are able to close quickly or take cover if they cannot get within range, arm them with short to medium range weapons: beam weapons, especially medium pulse lasers, and SRMs. Most long range weapons are simply too heavy for these 'Mechs to carry and reduce their effectiveness, forcing them to stay outside of their minimum range to fire.
  

• Other Equipment: Probes and ECM suites are appropriate for Recon 'Mechs; Strike 'Mechs may carry C3 computers, Triple Strength Myomer, or Glazed or Blazer armor. Missiles armed with special warheads are also a good choice; they add to the 'Mech's versatility and enable it to damage larger foes more easily.
  

• Notes: If possible, use standard engines; XL engines make light 'Mechs very vulnerable as their side torsos are weakly armored. Instead, use other tonnage-saving materials: Endo Steel II internal structure, Ferro Fibrous armor, and MASC technology. Good heat dissipation is not essential because Recon/Strike 'Mechs are fast enough to pull back and cool down if they have heat problems.