The Lyran obsession with heavy gauss rifles did not just stop at refits for their Barghests and Banshees. They wanted a medium mech design that could mount the heavy gauss rifle and fight effectively.
With no other way to ensure a stable firing platform for the weapon's horrendous recoil on a medium mech, a quad chassis was chosen.

The Aardvark mounts a Defiance Hammerfist heavy gauss rifle in its right torso. While just firing the weapon might have toppled the mech, the use of a quad design provides additional stability that allows it to be a credible threat.
An extended range medium laser serves as backup, but the general consensus is that the Aardvark had better retreat once the heavy gauss runs out of ammunition.
Use of endo steel structure saves up enough mass for the heavy gauss, while a reasonable amount of armor protects the mech.

A gauss version replaces the heavy gauss with a standard gauss and uprates the laser to large laser. An additional ton of armor was also added.

Aardvarks have been deployed among theatre militias, especially along the clan front. Blue Shot is also selling the Aardvark to interested mercenary units.