KitK
12/05/06 03:27 PM
69.11.4.221
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425 Henchman
85 Tons
Inner Sphere Level 1
Chassis: CMCStandard Assault
Power Plant: Strand 255
Cruising Speed: 32.25 kph / 20 mph
Maximum Speed: 53.75 kph / 33.5 mph
Jump Jets: Leviathan Lifters
__Jump Capacity: 90 meters / 295 feet
Armor: Durallex Heavy
Armament:
__1 Kali Yama Big Bore Autocannon/20
__3 Diverse Optics Type 20 Medium Lasers
__2 Sunglow Large Lasers
Manufacturer: CMCDesigns
__Primary Factory: Dieron
Communications System: Sony MSF-21
Targeting and Tracking System: Winston Sidewinder
Overview:
The Henchman Project started as a directive to produce a cheaper, generic version of [Enter Manufacturer’s name] BJW-7R Black Watch Battlemech. Two years into the project it became painfully clear that the project's cost reduction objectives could not be met, nor could the BJW-7R's capabilities be technologically matched with common components. However, by this time the 8.5 ton CMCStandard Assault Chassis had been erected and fabricated to hang the armor in the from of a trench coat (much like the Black Watch's stylized kilt and sash). And, the Strand 255 standard engine and three Leviathan Lifters jump jets had also been installed on the prototype. So, the Henchman's project team requested a change in the project's scope and objectives to produce a common-component, medium to short-range, frontline assault 'Mech.
With approval from CMCDesigns Corporate Headquarters work continued quickly. The head and cockpit were mounted and equipped with a Sony MSF-31 communication system and the Winston Sidewinder targeting and tracking system. The head itself is in line with the Henchman motif and is shaped like a person wearing dark glasses and a fedora. The Sony MSF-21's directional beacon is seated in the fedora's top crease. The fedora's brim serves as the Sidewinder's radar dish. Finally, 8 heatsinks and 16.5 tons of Durallex Heavy armor were added. The menacing looking mech strolled out of the fabrication center to complete mobility testing and weapons installation.
The Henchman carries two primary weapons. The first is a pair of Sunglow large lasers tucked beneath the armored trench coat’s left sleeve. The weapons' barrels are just visible above the wrist. The other primary weapon is a Kali Yama Big Bore autocannon-20 ("If it doesn't say 'Kali Yama' it’s not really an autocannon.") with three tons of ammunition. The massive gun occupies 83% of the right arm leaving no room for a hand or elbow. Thus, the right arm of the trench coat is rigid and ends in the gapping maw of the devastating and ammunition hungry cannon. Three Diverse Optics Type 20 medium lasers (two in the left torso and one in the right) round out the Henchman's firepower.
Capabilities:
The Henchman's maneuverability is only average but it is a venerable wreaking machine in close combat. The Kali Yama autocannon and medium lasers chew opponents up and the massive left fist delivers a devastating punch. The Henchmen excels in melees. Opponents that try to keep their distance or retreat still have to contend with the large lasers, which give the Henchman considerable reach. All this with minimal heat build up even when jumping.
Deployment:
Fifteen Henchman have been built and deployed to date. Ten were purchased by the Federated Suns and deployed along the Capellan Confederation border. The other five went to the Draconis Combine and have been deployed along the Lyran border.
Battle History:
There is only one, poor quality battle-ROM clip available of a Henchman in action. The Henchman was fielded by a Federated Suns unit on Kittery against and unidentifiable Capellan or mercenary Tempest. The Tempest had been modified carrying an ER PPC, Gauss rifle and Streak-6 SRM. Trapped in terrain where it could not use its range advantage or out maneuver the Henchmen, the Tempest was obliterated. The Henchman did show significant armor damage and at least one armor breech. There were two other destroyed 'Mechs in the vicinity, one appeared to be a Panther. It is unclear if all the destruction was created by the Henchman or if other 'Mechs were involved.
Varients:
The Federated Suns insisted on a component upgrade contract option for their ten Henchman. CMCDesigns has delivered seven field kits. The kit included upgraded extended range large and medium lasers, ferro-fibrous armor and two more single heat sinks. However, it is believed that only three units have employed the full upgrade due to a decrease in performance from excess heat build up. Apparently technicians are gladly taking the ferro-fibrous armor, heat sinks and two of the ER medium lasers, but not installing the rest of the lasers.
A full redesign has been proposed, but has not yet been approved for production. The redesign uses a new light engine to save weight but keeps the standard structure and armor. The left arm and right torso lasers are upgraded to extended range versions and an extra ER medium is added to the center torso. The left torso lasers are replaced by a large pulse laser and an anti-missile system was added to the head. The AC-20 has been replaced by a LBX-20 autocannon with two tons of CASE protected slug ammunition and one ton of shotgun ammunition. The huge autocannon's critical slots are spread between he right arm and torso, somewhat limiting its arc of fire. All of this is supported by thirteen double heatsinks.
Finally there is a futuristic concept model of the Henchman. The model keeps the LBX-20 but improves the shoulder/torso linkages. It also keeps the light engine, CASE, and thirteen double heatsinks. However, the internal structure is made of experimental composite materials, cutting its weight in half. The original lasers are all replaced by X-Pulse variants. And, its jump capabilities are extended with bulky improved jump jet equipment.
Code:
425 Henchman
85 Tons
Technology Base: - Inner Sphere - Level 1
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 8.5
Engine: 255 13
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 3
Heat Sinks: 18 8
Gyro: 3
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 263 16.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 27 41
Center Torso(rear) 13
R/L Torso 18 27
R/L Torso(rear) 9
R/L Arm 14 28
R/L Leg 18 36
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
Large Laser LA 2 5
Large Laser LA 2 5
Medium Laser LT 1 1
Medium Laser LT 1 1
Jump Jet LT 1 1
Autocannon/20 Ammo RT 3 3
Medium Laser RT 1 1
Jump Jet RT 1 1
Autocannon/20 RA 10 14
Jump Jet CT 1 1
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coldwave
12/06/06 03:30 AM
216.67.33.25
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Interesting design for a Level 1. I have to say I like it! Good job!
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KitK
12/07/06 12:07 PM
69.11.4.164
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Thanks.
And to think I had deleted this one. Fortunately, I still had a printed copy which happened to get used a month ago.
From deletion to starting line up...its a Cinderella story!
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JackGarrity
12/08/06 03:04 AM
71.207.203.207
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the hells? Im not sure if i should go, interesting, scratch my head, or hide my brain ahah.. interesting design nonetheless, a fedora mech. hehe
Greetings Mechwarrior.
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KitK
12/20/06 02:00 PM
69.11.4.215
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True, it is silly. But maybe no less than some of the Clan totem mechs like the Baboon and Madrill.
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