Avalanche

This article is about the BattleMech. For the Sovetskii Soyuz-class WarShip, see Avalanche (Individual Sovetskii Soyuz-class WarShip).
Avalanche
Avalanche
Production information
Manufacturer Luthien Armor Works
Production Year 3133[1]
Model AVL-1O
Class Medium
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere OmniMech
Mass 50 tons
Chassis Luthien Class M endo steel
Armor Mitchel Argon Standard
Engine Hermes 250
Communications System Sipher CommCon SCU-9
Targeting Tracking System Matabushi Stalker
Heat Sinks 10 double heat sinks
Speed 86 km/h
Jump Jets Icarus Standard
Armament

Primary Configuration

BV (1.0) n/a
BV (2.0) 1,540[2][3]


Description[edit]

The Avalanche is a thirty-second century medium OmniMech, first deployed by the Draconis Combine and Clan Nova Cat. The 'Mech was conceived as part of a joint project between House Kurita and its then ally Clan Nova Cat, and served as part of an effort to aid in the rebuilding the Clan's depleted touman as a result of the aftermath of the 2nd Combine-Dominion War that ended in 3101.[4] The 'Mech would be developed over the next 30 years, however development would prove to be challenging for both groups.

After decades of development, the Avalanche would still have a number of design flaws which would give it a bad reputation among warriors of Clan Nova Cat. The 'Mech would soon be deployed shortly before House Kurita's invasion of the Republic of the Sphere, where it would serve among House Kurita's elite forces. After the destruction of Clan Nova Cat, as a result of its revolt against Coordinator Yori Kurita, the dead Clan's allotment of Avalanches would be sold off to other Inner Sphere powers.[5]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

Constructed using Inner Sphere technologies, the 'Mech design was envisioned with economics in mind. The Avalanche is powered by a 250-rated fusion engine, giving it a modest maximum speed of 86 km/h, while its hull is protected by 10 tons of standard armor, which gives it less armor protection than other designs of the time. Mobility is enhanced with five jump jets, and CASE mounted in its right torso protected against complete destruction from a magazine detonation. Additional equipment and weapons are allotted 16 tons of pod space, giving decent flexibility.

The Avalanche gains its name from its primary configuration which consists of two LRM-10 launchers in its torso, which obscure it in a white, snow-like cloud of smoke when firing. These are backed up with a quartet of ER medium lasers mounted in the arms.[6]

Alternate Configurations[edit]

  • Alternate Configuration A 
    A short to medium range brawler, Avalanche A swaps out its LRM-10 launchers for a pair of SRM-6 and SRM-4 Launchers. The 'Mech retains its arm mounted ER medium lasers. BV (2.0) = 1,484[7][8]
  • Alternate Configuration B 
    A long-range fighter, this configuration features a light PPC and ER medium laser in each arm, while each of its side torsos receives a Thunderbolt 5 missile launcher, fed by two tons of ammunition located in the right torso. BV (2.0) = 1,529[9][10]
  • Alternate Configuration N 
    The N configuration is lightly armed with a mix of Inner Sphere and Clan weaponry. This includes a single torso mounted Clan ER PPC and targeting computer. Its only other weapon found in the right arm, is a light AC/5 with 40 rounds of ammunition. BV (2.0) = 1,873[13][14]
  • Alternate Configuration R 
    Completely armed with Clan weaponry, the R features a single LRM-10 launcher and two ATM-3s. Also, the 'Mech has a pair of ER medium lasers in each arm. BV (2.0) = 2,043[15][16]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Avalanche features the following Design Quirk:

Related Designs[edit]

  • Wendigo - After the failure of this OmniMech's performance, the Nova Cats would create another OmniMech using the Avalanche as a basis, while also improving its flaws. This would result in the creation of the Wendigo.

Notes[edit]

BattleMech Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. MUL online date for the Avalanche
  2. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, pp. 35, 87: "Avalanche OmniMech Profile" - BV2
  3. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 140
  4. BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction, p. 29: Timeline - end of Second Combine-Dominion War ends 3101
  5. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 34: "Avalanche OmniMech Profile" - Background info
  6. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, pp. 34–35, 87: "Avalanche OmniMech Profile" - Stats
  7. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 88: "Avalanche OmniMech Profile" Configuartion A
  8. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 141
  9. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 89: "Avalanche OmniMech Profile" Configuration B
  10. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 142
  11. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 90: "Avalanche OmniMech Profile" Configuration C
  12. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 143
  13. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 91: "Avalanche OmniMech Profile" - Configuration N
  14. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 144
  15. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 92: "Avalanche OmniMech Profile" - Configuration R
  16. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 145

Bibliography[edit]