Cicada CDA-2A

Cicada CDA-2A is a Medium-class 'Mech in Battletech.

Description
The Cicada 2A was designed as a Medium 'Mech capable of the mobility of Light 'Mechs such as the Spider and Locust. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a more expensive 'Mech that is under-armored, under-gunned, and incapable of jumping.

Loadouts

 * The Cicada-2A possesses a simply pathetic warload of 6.5 tons, less than the Locust. It is incapable of maximizing its armor, and its melee damage is the second worst in the game. Because of this, it is poorly suited to any role that involves it directly engaging in combat. It is built for speed and speed only, and in the field that means scouting.
 * While you have eight total hardpoints to play with, you can't fill them all even with the lightest weapons available. You do have a lot of choice in where you put the few weapons you can carry, though.
 * Medium Lasers are the go-to for damage output with relatively low tonnage. You can probably afford to mount two of them before the Cicada just becomes too fragile to use them to any effect.
 * The Cidada's great speed means that it is very capable of using its support hardpoints to good effect if it is forced to fight, but with only two such weapons, the results are going to remain unimpressive. Two machineguns might get the occasional crit or head hit, two small lasers can do some damage if you get the chance to use them repeatedly, and two flamers just isn't worth it.
 * For the brave or foolhardy, sacrificing all armor does allow the mounting of a large laser, but even the Spider does that job better while being just as fast as the Cicada, better armored (!), higher in initiative, and harder to hit by virtue of being a 'light mech.

Strategy

 * In all honesty, Cicadas as a rule are very fragile. The 2A model was designed to be as fast as any light 'Mech, but that massive engine leaves little room for much else. Still, if you use it cautiously, it can be a successful scout and diversion.
 * While the Cicada-2A isn't completely incapable of filling a role on the battlefield, it is outclassed even in its best role as a scout by the Spider, likely one of your starting 'mechs and not exactly an impressive offering on its own. Unless you have literally nothing else, there is no point to running a Cicada-2A.
 * The new Artillery spotting missions are probably the best role fit for a Cicada 2A, however even here the Spider may outclass it.
 * If you do end up running a Cicada, employ standard light 'mech tactics like using cover and speed to remain out of harm's way while calling targets for your bigger 'mechs with sensor lock. Occasional hit-and-run attacks can also be made, but only with caution.