this is a generic scout mec from no lore, just for fun.
Scout 'Mechs would be your lead elements in a company sized formation when you're pushing for contact with the enemy. They have the speed/armor/firepower to find the enemy. They can trade fire and survive to return to their unit for the escalating engagement. So in essence, they would be 1-2 kms ahead of the main force.
If you were trying to find an enemy formation a great distance away, air assets would as you pointed out, do a better job.
still learning uvmapping and textures