Flush with the great success of the Scorpion Commando Mech, Clan Wolf wanted a mech that combined multi-legged mobility, full torso twist, good protection, and heavy mech firepower. It was hoped that the combination would prove unbeatable in gunbattles over uneven ground. Thus the Black Widow heavy mech was born.
At 70 tons, it weighs more than a Scorpion and strikes a more even balance between armor and weapons. Main weapons are dual arm mounted UAC-10s. Secondary weapons are two medium ER lasers, two small ER lasers, and a SRM-4 missile battery. The long separate upper body allows torso twist and houses a large engine and generous ammunition stores. The six leg design gives very good speed and mobility, especially over rough terrain.
The first version of the Black Widow had legs that were no stronger than those of the Scorpion, and thus were fragile and prone to battle damage. The 2C version has improved stronger legs and attachments. Still, when facing other heavy mechs, Black Widow pilots must finish the enemy quickly or use their superior mobility to their advantage to obtain victory.
Builder Notes: this "history" is much like my own experience: after my success with the Scorpion, I wanted to build a multi-legged heavy mech with full torso twist. Although I was satisfied with the resulting torso geometry, I was not happy with the legs. The click hinge detents are far too weak to support the weight of this mech, especially since these legs are two studs longer than those on the Scorpion. Even after beefing up the legs to two studs wide, I had to resort to a seventh leg (not shown) to support the model.
This model required #7127 AT-ST kits for the legs, and parts from numerous other kits.