The Daishi is the most powerful OmniMech in the Clans' inventory, but it suffers from a flaw common to most assault 'Mechs-poor speed and maneuverability. Its slowness is seen by many as a reason for the poor showing of the Smoke Jaguars on Luthien and Tukayyid. They relied greatly on the Daishi, and on several occasions they were unable to exploit openings in enemy lines and escape Com Guard traps.
The tremendous firepower of the Daishi was often handicapped by the 'Mech's inability to move where and when it was needed. Soon after the Tukayyid debacle, the Jaguars, followed closely by three other Clans, began to field a new OmniMech, described by many observers as a "Mad Cat on steroids." The Clans call their new titan the "Iron Cheetah," after a genetically-engineered feline native to Arcadia. The Iron Cheetah is much larger and more aggressive than its now-extinct Terran ancestor, yet it retains the Cheetah's speed and agility. It is a fitting name for an OmniMech that combines both relatively high speed and considerable firepower.

The Iron Cheetah tries to correct the speed deficiency of the Daishi by installing a 400 XL rating engine, increasing its speed by a third and granting the 'Mech superior maneuverability to the Daishi. Ferro Fibrous armor gives it protection that exceeds the Daishi's slightly, yet with a weight savings of 15%, and Endo Steel internal structure provides additional weight for weapons and equipment. Despite the larger engine and loss of internal volume, the Iron Cheetah still has nearly 80% of the weapon capacity of the Daishi. Sixteen double heat sinks provide for the dissipation of the intense heat often generated by the Iron Cheetah's weaponry.
The primary configuration of the Iron Cheetah was first seen during a 3054 Smoke Jaguar raid on Wolcott, and four alternates have been seen since serving with three of the five invading Clans. The primary design is geared toward combat at all ranges and has a powerful array of weaponry-including a Gauss Rifle, twin ER PPCs, an Artemis-equipped LRM-15 and two Medium Pulse Lasers, along with an Anti Missile System. A token ER Small Laser protects the rear.
Alternate configuration A is designed for combat at close range in the most difficult of environments-the man made one. A huge Class 20 Ultra Auto Cannon is backed up by twin Large Pulse Lasers and twin SRM-6 Streak racks. Six machine guns compensate for the lack of A-Pods, while an active probe helps to reduce the ever-present danger of ambush in urban settings. The removal of the lower arm actuators allows it to flip its arms, a useful advantage in close quarters where turning around might be difficult.
Alternate configuration B, seen primarily with Clan Wolf, is a very interesting design, apparently created for rough terrain or urban combat at ranges of less than 400 meters. Twin Large Pulse Lasers and a half dozen Medium Pulse Lasers are linked to an advanced targeting computer to provide astounding accuracy at all ranges. Jump jets provide the Iron Cheetah with a 120-meter jump capacity, an impressive achievement for such a huge OmniMech. The lack of ammunition-based weapons is evidence of Clan Wolf's appreciation of the dangers of relying on easily disrupted supply trains, a painful lesson learned by many of the other invading Clans on Tukayyid.
Alternate configuration C resembles the primary configuration of the Daishi and is particularly deadly. Four ER Large Lasers and an LRM-15 provide long range punch, while four Medium Pulse Lasers and twin SRM-2 Streak racks provide accurate firepower at closer ranges. Despite eight additional heat sinks, configuration C must stagger its weapons fire or face shutdown. The design also removes the arm actuators, allowing it to rotate its arms to cover its rear arc, a deadly surprise for many an unsuspecting MechWarrior.
The final configuration recorded to date, and used primarily by the Ghost Bears, shows an intriguing mix of weaponry. This D configuration carries twin ER Large Lasers, a Gauss Rifle, and an LB 20-X Auto Cannon. There appears to be a logical reason for this somewhat eclectic mix of weaponry. The cannon uses standard rounds at first and, aided by the lasers and Gauss rifle, punches hales in an opposing 'Mech's armor. Then, switching to shotgun shells, the Iron Cheetah can wreak havoc with the internal systems of the enemy 'Mech. A Guardian ECM system fills the center torso, while an ER Small Laser guards the rear arc. Heat is not a consideration with this configuration, allowing a tremendous rate of fire, hampered only by ammunition limitations.

The Smoke Jaguars were the first to use the Iron Cheetah against the Inner Sphere during a 3054 raid on Wolcott. During the raid, the Jaguar commander, separated from the rest of her force, defeated an entire lance of BattleMechs. The Jaguars have since deployed Iron Cheetahs to several clusters in their occupation zone. Apparently, the Iron Cheetah will supplement the Daishi, replacing it in situations where more speed may be needed. The Jaguars use all of the listed configurations except the D, which is apparently exclusive to the Ghost Bears.
Clan Wolf deployed the design in mid 3055 and was quickly followed by Clan Ghost Bear using it. The Wolves favor the primary, B, and C configurations, while the Bears prefer the primary and D configurations. During the Refusal War of 3057, the Wolves used the 'Mech to good effect against the Jade Falcons, who, along with the Steel Vipers, have not yet deployed the Iron Cheetah in their forces. Clan Nova Cat began to deploy Iron Cheetahs in 3056, and one was captured by House Kurita in 3057. However, it was so badly damaged that little useful information was obtained.