Centurion (BattleMech)

This article is about the 50-ton BattleMech. For other uses, see Centurion.
Centurion (BattleMech)
Centurion
Production information
Manufacturer Alphard Trading Corporation

Corean Enterprises[1]


Jalastar Aerospace


Marian Arms Incorporated

Production Year 2801[2][3][4]
Model CN9-A[1]
Class Medium
Cost 3,491,500 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 50 tons
Chassis Corean Model K7
Armor StarGuard III
Engine Nissan 200
Communications System Corean Transband-J9
Targeting Tracking System Corean B-Tech
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 64 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 772
BV (2.0) 945[1][4]


Description[edit]

The Centurion was originally designed by Corean Enterprises in 2801 to complement their Trebuchet fire support BattleMech. In order for the Centurion to perform this duty, it was equipped with a heavy and varied arsenal that allows it to strike at enemy units at a variety of ranges and made tough enough to survive considerable punishment. Born on the battlefields of the First Succession War, the Centurion performed admirably and it quickly became associated with the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns as its unofficial 'Mech. Best known for making slow, steady advances, the Centurion was also a capable raider and the formidable appearance of the Luxor autocannon gave its pilot a psychological boost.[4][5]

Unfortunately, the autocannon's loading system was also the source of most of the 'Mech's technical troubles, requiring a more lengthy repair cycle than other systems. This problem was only exacerbated when in 2845, in the midst of the Second Succession War, Corean Enterprises' Ramen II production lines were destroyed (in fact, Ramen II's proximity to the League/Confederation border and its value resulted in the loss of the planet by 3025).[6][7] The company was able to maintain limited production of spare parts from secondary sites for the next 150 years and keep the design alive, but the increasing rarity of parts for the autocannon often required its replacement with another weapon. These attempts typically ended in failure and by the dawn of the thirty-first century the AFFS was seriously considering phasing out the design for the Enforcer.[4][5]

Corean lobbied hard to prevent this from happening, building a brand-new Centurion production facility on New Avalon in 3012 to relocate their entire headquarters to the planet. Billions were spent on research and development to fix the 'Mech's chronic technical problems, including installing brand-new and experimental weapon systems. This caught the attention of the New Avalon Institute of Science which, in 3022, partnered with the corporation to make the Centurion the testbed for new technologies. The Centurion line was saved and as the Suns merged with the Lyran Commonwealth the 'Mech was adopted by the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth. Due to increased interest, Corean eventually licensed Jalastar Aerospace on Panpour to build original CN9-A models in 3047 while the improved CN9-D was unveiled in 3049.[4][8][9]

In the wake of the Clan Invasion new variants of the Centurion continued to be built, cycling out older models which were sold off to various mercenary groups. The 'Mech fought on both sides of the FedCom Civil War after which it was adopted in small numbers by the Lyran Alliance Armed Forces. During the Jihad production of new Centurions from the New Avalon plant halted on account of the Word of Blake blockade and the Panpour facility was forced to double production in order to meet increasing demands.[9]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

Fitted with a Nissan 200 fusion engine, the top speed of the Centurion is 64.8 km/h while its cruising speed is 43.2 km/h. Although this is slower than the Trebuchet that it guards by 22 km/h, it is capable of keeping up with most fire support 'Mechs. The Centurion has made a reputation for itself as a front-line combat 'Mech thanks to eight and a half tons of armor. Also, its 10 engine-mounted single heat sinks allow for vigorous assaults with minimal danger of overheating.[4][5]

The Centurion carries a Luxor D-Series AC/10 as its primary weapon, mounted in the right arm and fed by a two-ton ammunition bin in the right torso. The loading system for the autocannon is notorious for its defects and forces many technicians lacking the necessary spare parts to replace the whole system with another weapon, a task made even more arduous by the custom-fitted nature of the weapon. Also supporting the Centurion's long range fire capability is a Luxor 3R LRM-10 with two tons of reloads in the left torso, which allows the Centurion to both assist in a fire support and to be used against 'Mechs closing with the Centurion. As its last secondary weapons, the Centurion carries in its center torso two Photech 806c medium lasers, one of them rear-mounted. These lasers allow the 'Mech a good close range striking power against enemies who make it through the combined barrage of autocannon and LRM fire.[4][5]

Variants[edit]

  • CN9-AH 
    The CN9-AH Centurion is a radical variant of the 'Mech, introduced in 2874, that removes the AC/10 and medium lasers to add a single AC/20 in the right arm with two tons of ammo in the right torso, reducing its long-range capabilities in exchange for raw short-range firepower.[1][4] BV (1.0) = 749; BV (2.0) = 945[11]
  • CN9-AL 
    The AL variant is an attempt to reduce the ammunition dependency of the 'Mech. First fielded in 2915 it achieves this is by replacing the AC/10 with both a large laser and a small laser in the right arm. Additionally, six heat sinks were added to the design as were two and a half tons of armor.[1][4] BV (1.0) = 887;[12] BV (2.0) = 1,057[13]
  • CN9-D 
    The D variant of the Centurion, introduced in 3049, is the first of many upgrades using Star League technology. The chassis was reengineered to use endo steel construction techniques, and the power plant was changed from the standard engine to a GM 300 extralight engine, increasing its maximum speed to 97.2 km/h. Finally, the weapons were upgraded, with The AC/10 was swapped for a Mydron Excel LB-X AC/10 and an Artemis IV fire control system was added to the LRM-10 launcher. The two medium lasers were retained, although whether the rear-facing laser has been switched to facing forward is a matter of pilot preference.[9] BV (1.0) = 940;[14] BV (2.0) = 1,130[15]
  • CN9-D3 
    The CN9-D3 variant, introduced in 3052, is identical to the CN9-D Centurion with one exceptional difference. The D3 uses Triple Strength Myomer to increase its top speed up to 118.8 km/h while it is running hot. BV (1.0) = 968;[14] BV (2.0) = 1,264[17]
  • CN9-D3D 
    The D3D variant of this 'Mech is a potent long-range sniper, first built in 3060. It uses the same chassis and engine (a Vlar 300 XL and not the GM model[18] combination as the D3 variant but uses MASC to augment its movement to give it a maximum speed of 129.6 km/h. The primary weapon on the D3D is a light Gauss rifle, with an LRM-10 for added long range assistance, and an ER medium laser for close range combat. This is all protected with eight tons of ferro-fibrous armor. BV (1.0) = 1,028;[19] BV (2.0) = 1,266[citation needed]
  • CN9-D4D 
    The D4D Centurion is almost identical to the D3D variant with two major modifications. Produced in 3066, the engine has been replaced with a smaller model to make more room for weapons on the 'Mech, allowing the LRM-10 to be upgraded to an LRM-15 with an Artemis IV fire control system for greater long-range support capabilities. BV (1.0) = 1,034;[20] BV (2.0) = 1,306[citation needed]
  • CN9-D5 
    This variant of the Centurion, introduced in 3062, is inspired by the CN9-D and uses the same engine and chassis. The 'Mech uses MASC to allow it bursts of speed reaching up to 129.6 km/h while the weapons complement has been completely removed. In their place the 'Mech's primary weapon is a rotary autocannon/5, backed up by two ER medium lasers. To direct this firepower, the 'Mech uses an advanced targeting computer and carries a C3 slave unit to allow it to share targeting data with its lancemates. BV (1.0) = 1,376;[14][21] BV (2.0) = 1,738[17]
  • CN9-D9 
    Built by Jalastar Aerospace in 3071 as a testbed for newer technologies, the D9 modifies the D. It utilizes light ferro-fibrous armor, and upgrades the amount of protection to the specifications of the D5. It also mounts a compact gyro, though the design does little to utilize the space that is made available. The LB 10-X AC is replaced with a plasma rifle, which is fed by a two-ton ammo bin. Like the upgrade to the D5, the D9 mounts two ER medium lasers in the chest and upgrades to double heat sinks. Perhaps the most notable upgrade, however, is the inclusion of torso-mounted jump jets that enable the Centurion to leap up to 180 meters at a time. The heavier armor and bulky jump jets gives these Centurions a heftier look, causing some observers to mistake them for brand-new 'Mechs.[9] BV (2.0) = 1,638[17]
  • CN9-H3 
    A more highly developed Centurion MilitiaMech for the Marian Hegemony, this variant uses ferro-fibrous armor to provide the same amount of protection as the CN9-H2H. It also carries a single medium laser in the center torso. In place of the missing medium laser and the LB 10-X AC, it carries an UAC/10 with two tons of ammunition. BV (2.0) = 962[25]
  • CN10-B 
    A heavier 55-ton version of the venerable Centurion, the CN10-B was built in 3057 and uses an endo steel chassis to save weight on the design while retaining the CN9-A's original ground speed through the use of a DAV 220 engine. Much like the CN9-D, the 10-B carries an LB 10-X AC as its primary weapon with an LRM-10 launcher enhanced by an Artemis IV fire control system, but these are backed up by a medium laser and a medium pulse laser. 11.5 tons of armor provide protection.[26] BV (1.0) = 1,078;[27] BV (2.0) = 1,243[28][29]
  • CN10-D 
    A variant of the CN10-B developed for second line forces, this variant uses the same chassis and armor as its forebear. The weapons load is similar, with the LB 10-X AC, its two tons of ammo, and the Artemis IV-enhanced LRM-10 present. The biggest weapon difference is the light PPC built into the center torso. The rear of the 'Mech is protected by an ER medium laser. Survivability is enhanced by the use of CASE II in the right torso to protect all the ammunition, and a light engine and compact gyro. BV (2.0) = 1,288[30]
  • CN10-J 
    Based on the CN10-B, this version trades two tons of armor for four jump jets. All other specs remain the same. BV (2.0) = 1,258[31]
  • CN10-W 
    Another version of the CN10-B, this variant uses an XL engine to free weight. It also drops the medium lasers and two tons of armor. In their place is a PPC and an Artemis IV system for the LRM-10. BV (2.0) = 1,112[32]

Custom Variants[edit]

  • Yen-Lo-Wang was a famous ArenaMech in the Solaris Games, and has become something of a legend. Originally a CN9-A that underwent a series of modifications to a variety of customized configurations over time, it was occasionally reported as the "CN9-YLW" but this is explicitly[33] not a variant designation; instead this designation is exclusively used for one individual 'Mech, Yen-Lo-Wang. The CN9-YLW designation is associated with one particular modification that drops the LRM to upgrade the autocannon to an Autocannon/20 with three tons of ammunition and adds a set of titanium nails to the left hand, forming an improvised melee weapon.[1] BV (2.0) = 957[34][35]
  • A second, later configuration of the Yen-Lo-Wang is known to exist.[citation needed] Commonly referred to as the CN9-YLW2, it is still based upon a CN9-A chassis but uses more modern equipment. Keeping the speed the same, the engine was changed to an extra-light version. The AC/10 has been upgraded to a Gauss rifle with two tons of ammunition. Three medium pulse lasers, two in the left arm and another rear-mounted in the center torso, replace the old standard ones. A left arm hatchet is paired with Triple-Strength Myomer. BV (2.0) = 1,415[36] (Again, it stands to reason the designation refers to only this one individual 'Mech.)

Apocryphal Variants[edit]

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

From MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms Expansion Pack:

  • CN9-P
    This melee-focused version of the Centurion introduced in 3027 retains the AC/10 and one medium laser of the CN9-A, dropping the second laser and reducing the LRM rack to a stream firing LRM-5 to free up the weight to carry a medium mace in its left hand.[37]

From MechWarrior Online:

  • CN9-ON (LGD)
    Another melee-focused version of the Centurion replaces the AC/10 dropping the lasers with a LBX/10 and one Snub Nose PPC located in the right arm. A second Snub nose PPC is located in the torso. A shield is carried on the left arm providing additional shielding.

Apocryphal Content Ends

Design Quirks[edit]

The Centurion has the following Design Quirks:[38]

Related BattleMechs[edit]

  • Legionnaire - The Legionnaire was developed from the reworking of the 55-ton version of the Centurion.[39]
  • Trebuchet - The Centurion was originally designed as an "operating partner" for the Trebuchet, but the start of the First Succession War largely interrupted those plans.[40]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Centurion Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • In French products, the unit's proper name was kept as Centurion, which has the same meaning in both languages.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 76–77: "CN9-A Centurion"
  2. MUL online date for the Centurion (BattleMech)
  3. Technical Readout: 3025, p. 54
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 133
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 54
  6. Handbook: House Marik, pp. 34, 38, 42, maps
  7. Handbook: House Liao, pp. 31, 39–40, maps
  8. Technical Readout: 3050, p. 116
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 54
  10. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 75
  11. Record Sheets, p. 119
  12. Combat Operations, p. 131
  13. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 120
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 Combat Operations, p. 127
  15. Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 55
  16. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 76
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 77
  18. MechWarrior: Technology of Destruction, p4
  19. Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 55
  20. Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 56
  21. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 82
  22. Experimental Technical Readout: RetroTech, p. 5
  23. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 45
  24. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 112
  25. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 113
  26. Shrapnel Issue 2, p. 34
  27. Record Sheets: 3060, p. 155
  28. MUL entry for CN10-B
  29. Shrapnel, Issue 2, p. 46
  30. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 18
  31. Shrapnel, Issue 2, p. 47
  32. Shrapnel, Issue 2, p. 48
  33. According to an official ruling by the Line Developer on the now-defunct CBT Forum
  34. Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026
  35. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 121
  36. Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 124
  37. MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Call to Arms
  38. BattleMech Manual, p. 90: Design Quirk Table - Centurion.
  39. Technical Readout: 3075, p. 76
  40. Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 54
  41. Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns, p. 40

Bibliography[edit]