Crossbow (OmniMech)

This article is about the 65-ton OmniMech. For other uses, see Crossbow.
Crossbow (OmniMech)
Crossbow
Production information
Manufacturer Arcturan Arms

Novy Minsky Armaments Plant[1]

Production Year 2870[2][3][4]
Model Prime[1]
Class Heavy
Cost 9,135,500 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan OmniMech
Mass 65 tons
Chassis Anaconda OmniHeavy
Armor Compound V6
Engine New Kent Type 325
Communications System Bishop 211 Meridian
Targeting Tracking System Spanke 112-A
Heat Sinks 10 double
Speed 86 km/h
Armament

2x LRM-20 w/ Artemis IV

BV (1.0) 1,658[2][5]
BV (2.0) 1,829[1][6]


Description[edit]

Developed during the Golden Century by Clan Steel Viper as an early second-generation OmniMech, the Crossbow is a relatively cheap OmniMech. The Crossbow was Clan Steel Viper's first attempt to crash start their OmniMech manufacturing capability, and was initiated in part by a small cadre of captured Clan Snow Raven scientist caste. Since both parties were relatively new to Omni technology, the teams developed a novel OmniPod system confined to replacing the 'Mech's arms. Since only the arms of early Crossbows can mount OmniPods, early Crossbows are jump-incapable[7] (more recently, configurations have been published containing weapon systems in the torsos). As the Crossbow is much less flexible than most OmniMechs, and since the Crossbow lacks lighter materials of most OmniMechs, the Crossbow has largely been relegated to second-line duty, though it still appears frequently in the front lines, especially within Clan Steel Viper. However, the Crossbow is still quite effective - from its first engagement at Firebase Climax on Homer in 2870 to the present, the Crossbow's mix of arm-mounted missiles make it a superb fire-support choice.[8][9][4][10][2]

Considered a rare design by the Jihad era, the Crossbow's remaining production facilities would end up being destroyed in 3074 during the Wars of Reaving, effectively phasing it out of use in the Clan Homeworlds.[11] The Crossbow would find new life in the Inner Sphere during the next century, as Clan Wolf used Arcturus' factories to mass produce the design when they took the planet in 3128. During that battle a Wolf MechWarrior named Andreas managed to destroy an entire company of Lyran 'Mechs while piloting a Crossbow, earning a posthumous place in the Remembrance and ensuring that the newly won factory would produce more of the design. Sporting an upgraded configuration Crossbows saw extensive use in the Clan Wolf touman, notably with the Seventy-ninth Wolf Battle Cluster on Denebola.[12]

When the Jade Falcons later claimed Arcturus after it was abandoned by the Wolves, they neglected the Crossbow's production lines, allowing Clan Sea Fox to buy and sell the design in large numbers. In Jade Falcon service Crossbows were used to less effect, partly because they were relegated to inferior units.[12]

After the rebirth of the Tamar Pact, Clan Sea Fox, working in concert with the Pact's leadership, retooled Arcturus Arms' production lines to produce Clan OmniMechs. In exchange, they received the opportunity to claim three of every four Crossbows produced there.[13]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

Often described as a sleeker version of the Star League Longbow, the Crossbow is solidly protected by twelve tons of armor, though its traditionally missile-heavy weapons loadout means that it does not need any extra double heat sinks.

The weapons on the Crossbow are simple: two Artemis-guided LRM-20s that are just as effective at point-blank range as they are at long. The limited ammo supply is rarely a problem in Clan Trials, but it cannot stay on the field for an extended period of time. The majority of the configurations mount all the weapons in the arms, and the primary configuration is no exception.

Alternate Configurations[edit]

  • Alternate Configuration B 
    Another configuration that is simple, though it is more efficient, the B uses a pair of Streak SRM-6s in each arm, along with a ton of ammo for each.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,521;[2][16] BV (2.0) = 1,687[1][17]
  • Alternate Configuration C 
    The third configuration continues the missile-heavy loadout with a pair of ATM 6s, along with enough ammo for each launcher to have access to all of the different types possible. These are supplemented by a pair of Heavy Machine Guns in the torso for anti-infantry work and an ECM Suite.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,385;[2][18][19] BV (2.0) = 1,557[1][20]
  • Alternate Configuration E 
    Each arm of the E configuration is equipped with eight AP Gauss Rifles linked to a Targeting Computer for better fire control. BV (2.0) = 1,558[22]
  • Alternate Configuration F 
    Each arm carries a single ATM-9 with two tons of ammunition and an ER Medium Laser. BV (2.0) = 1,854[23]
  • Alternate Configuration G 
    Each arm carries three Streak LRM-5 missile launchers and two tons of ammunition. BV (2.0) = 1,725[24]
  • Alternate Configuration J 
    This configuration carries an Improved Heavy Large Laser in the right arm. An engine Supercharger allows the Crossbow to reach sprint speeds of 100 km/h. This speed boost allows the 'Mech to bring the nine ER Small Lasers in the left arm and Talons mounted in the legs into play more quickly. BV (2.0) = 1,839[28]
  • Alternate Configuration U 
    Each arm on this variation is equipped with an LRT-10, SRT-2, and ER Medium Laser. To maintain a high underwater speed, the Crossbow U is equipped with five UMUs. BV (2.0) = 1,856[30]
  • Alternate Configuration W 
    This configuration mounts an LRM-10 with a ton of ammunition and an Improved Heavy Medium Laser in the arms, supplemented by an ER PPC in the right torso. An extra double heat sink is carried, bringing the total to eleven. BV (2.0) = 2,051[31]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Crossbow has the following Design Quirks:[32]

Related BattleMechs[edit]

  • Crossbow - Though produced centuries after the Age of War Lyran Crossbow BattleMech, the original BattleMech "likely inspired" the design of the Crossbow OmniMech.[33]

Notable pilots[edit]

Notes[edit]

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

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, pp. 50–51: "Crossbow"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, pp. 182–183
  3. Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 166
  4. 4.0 4.1 Era Digest: Golden Century, p. 21: RUD
  5. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 270
  6. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 169
  7. TechManual, p. 51
  8. Bloodright, pp. 60–61
  9. Invading Clans, pp. 98–99
  10. Technical Readout: 3058, p. 178
  11. The Wars of Reaving Supplemental, p. 17: Discarded Tools of War - Crossbow's factory being destroyed
  12. 12.0 12.1 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 12: "Crossbow" entry
  13. Elements of Treason: duty, ch. 21
  14. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 271
  15. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 170
  16. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 272
  17. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 170
  18. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 273
  19. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 111
  20. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 172
  21. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 173
  22. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 174
  23. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 18
  24. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 19
  25. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 274
  26. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 112
  27. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 175
  28. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 20
  29. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 16
  30. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 144
  31. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 21
  32. BattleMech Manual, p. 91: BattleMech Quirk Table - Crossbow Entry
  33. Technical Readout: 3075, p. 278

Bibliography[edit]