Bast AT-60B

Mass: 60 tons
Movement Type: Tracked
Power Plant: Starheart 240 Fusion 240 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Armor: TriStar Standard Standard
Armament:
     1 Small Laser
     3 Medium Laser
     1 Autocannon/20
Manufacturer: Memphis Motive Works
     Primary Factory: Memphis
Communication System: TriStar Multilink II
Targeting & Tracking System: TriStar Longreach
Introduction Year: 3050
Tech Rating/Availability: IS Level 3
Cost: 3.15 million C-bills

Overview
Named for the lioness goddess of warfare, the Bast — or "Bad Kitty" as she is known to her crews — is the standard main battle tank for the Tennessee Star Guards. The AT-60B is the close-combat assault variant, trading standoff capability for devastating short-range firepower.

Capabilities
The turret-mounted Defiance Killer Type T AC/20 can core light 'Mechs and destroy any vehicle in a single salvo. Three Medium Lasers provide backup when the autocannon runs dry. A rear-mounted Small Laser discourages pursuit. Three tons of AC/20 ammunition allow for sustained engagement.

Deployment
The B model Bad Kitty works as a bodyguard for its PPC-armed stablemates or as an urban ambush predator. The Bast B can create a 'zone of no' on a battlefield as lighter units simply stay out of range rather than risk engagement. Crews selected for B model assignment tend toward aggression — where A model crews anchor the line, B model crews break the enemy.

History
TriStar initially sought to license-produce the Manticore heavy tank, but licenses proved unobtainable. The Bast emerged as the alternative — when Common Heart settled on the Starheart 240 engine, the design was scaled to 60 tons. The B variant was developed simultaneously with the A model to provide close assault capability that the fire-support focused A model lacked.

Type: Bast
Technology Base: IS Level 3
Tonnage: 60