Bakeneko

Bakeneko
Bakeneko
Production information
Manufacturer Irece Alpha
Production Year 3100
Model BKN-1K
Class Medium
Introduced 3100[1]
Cost 13,523,090 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Mixed-tech BattleMech
Mass 55 tons
Chassis Alshain Type N endo steel
Armor StarSlab-5X with Clan CASE
Engine Clan Fusion 330 XL engine
Communications System JNE Integrated
Targeting Tracking System Build 3 Cat TTS
Heat Sinks 10 double heat sinks
Speed 96.8 km/h (129.0 km/h with MASC)
Jump Jets Icarus 99 TurboProp Experimental
Armament
BV (2.0) 2,022[2][3]


Description[edit]

The Bakeneko is a medium BattleMech originally created by the Draconis Combine and Clan Nova Cat at the dawn of the thirty-second century in a collaboration between Clan Nova Cat scientists and engineers from LAW. Based on the Phoenix Hawk, this slightly bigger design was intended as a fire support and skirmisher unit with the same mobility of the older design. The 'Mech was put into production in early 3100, where it was deployed to both Clan Nova Cat and the DCMS' Eleventh Ghost and Fifth Sword of Light Regiments during the last year of the Second Combine-Dominion War prior to the invasion of Irece in June, 3100. During the invasion, the greatly expanded factories which housed the Bakeneko's production lines were destroyed.

The Bakeneko had a reputation as an effective fighting machine, as it was credited numerous kills by Draconis Combine forces during the conflict.[3]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The product of a hybrid of Clan and Inner Sphere technology, the 'Mech benefits significantly from its dual heritage. Using a Clan-built 330-rated extralight engine and an Inner Sphere endo steel chassis, the Bakeneko was able carry a large array of weapons and equipment while maintaining a decent top speed of 97.2 km/h. It was also fitted with MASC, giving it crucial bursts of extra acceleration, and its six Icarus 99 TurboProp Experimental jump jets allowed it to leap up to 180 meters.

The Bakeneko's main weaponry comes from an arm-mounted Clan produced "Blinding Vision-Mk2" large pulse laser and a Lord's Light 4 light PPC, enhanced with a PPC capacitor. Additionally, found in the 'Mech's side torsos are a pair of Shigunga-Light MML-3s, each supplied by a ton of ammunition, providing supplemental firepower at long and short ranges, while at short ranges a head-mounted Victory Heartbeat ER medium laser provides additional firepower. Protecting the design from enemy fire, the chassis was fitted with 11.5 tons of StarSlab-5X standard armor, with Clan CASE installed to mitigate any explosive detonations from its ammunition and PPC capacitor.[3]

Related BattleMechs[edit]

  • Phoenix Hawk L - With similar weapons, movement profile, and appearance to the standard Phoenix Hawk, the Phoenix Hawk L is 10 tons lighter and is used extensively by the Draconis Combine.[4]

Notes[edit]

  • As of this writing, it is not known if the Bakeneko was returned to production after the destruction of its factory on Irece.
  • The record sheet for the 'Mech is only found in the sourcebook Historical: Wars of the Republic Era.

References[edit]

  1. MUL Profile for the Bakeneko - BV2 & Introduction Year
  2. MUL Profile for the Bakeneko - BV2 & Introduction Year
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Historical: Wars of the Republic Era, pp. 106–107, 110: "BKN-1K Bakeneko"
  4. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 30

Bibliography[edit]