Bowman

Bowman
Bowman
Production information
Manufacturer Niles Industriplex Epsilon
Production Year 2973[1]
Class Heavy
Cost 16,970,137 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan BattleMech
Mass 70 tons
Chassis Type BMH-7 Endo Steel
Armor Forged Type HH34 Standard with CASE
Engine Fusion 350 extralight
Communications System CH4M with Pattern Iota ECM Suite
Targeting Tracking System Version Omega-IX TTS
Heat Sinks 14 Double Heat Sinks
Speed 86 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,815[2]
BV (2.0) 2,308[3]


Description[edit]

The Bowman first saw production in 2960[4] as Clan Hell's Horses started a crash program to build defensive BattleMechs following the fall of Tokasha MechWorks to Clan Ghost Bear in 2921. Now a rare sight on the battlefield, the Bowman began its life as an artillery platform mounting a pair of Arrow IV artillery systems. However, this configuration never met with success, due mostly to Clan biases against indirect warfare. Therefore, the Bowman was modified to its present "standard" configuration in 2973. Still unpopular with Clan warriors, the Bowman is primarily utilized by Clan Hell's Horses.[5]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Bowman utilizes an XL engine to maintain its rapid pace, as well an Endo Steel internal structure to save weight. An ECM Suite protects it from some forms of electronic warfare, while twelve and a half tons of armor protect it from weapons fire. The primary armament on the Bowman is a Class 16 Arrow IV Artillery launcher. Enough ammunition is included to allow for various types to be utilized. Though the original design incorporated two artillery pieces, the modern version accedes to modern demands by utilizing a Type XX "Long Bow" LRM-20, though it has a limited amount of ammunition. Three Series 7Ja ER Medium Lasers are meant for anti-vehicle use, while two Anti-Personnel Pods on each leg keep conventional infantry at bay. Fourteen double heat sinks keep heat levels down for the most part.

Variants[edit]

  • Bowman
    This variant abandons any hope of the Bowman being an ArtilleryMech. The remaining artillery is replaced with a second LRM-20 launcher, three additional tons of ammunition, and an ER Large Laser. More heat sinks are added to keep the heat in check. BV (1.0) = 2,262[6], BV (2.0) = 2,567[7]
  • Bowman
    Introduced during the Jihad, this variant of the Bowman replaces the Arrow IV with a HAG/20 supplied with three tons of ammunition. The LRM system has been replaced with an ATM-9 and three tons of ammo. The ER Medium Lasers in the left arm are joined by another in the right torso, while the A-Pods have been replaced by a pair of B-Pods. The Bowman 3 carries an advanced Targeting Computer to enhance its weapon fire and uses ferro-fibrous armor for increased protection. BV(2.0)=2,770[8]
  • Bowman
    This is the original Bowman configuration introduced in 2923[9], carrying a pair of Arrow IV missile artillery systems. Its only other defense are a pair of A-Pods in each leg. BV(2.0)=1,854[10]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Bowman has the following Design Quirks:[11]

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Bogenschütze.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. MUL online date for the Bowman
  2. Technical Readout: 3067, p. 125
  3. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 216
  4. MUL online date for the Bowman (Prototype)
  5. Technical Readout: 3067, p. 124
  6. Combat Operations, p. 114
  7. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 217
  8. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 218
  9. MUL online entry for Bowman
  10. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 219
  11. BattleMech Manual, p. 90 Design Quirk Table - Bowman.

Bibliography[edit]