Thunder Hawk

Thunder Hawk
Thunder Hawk
Production information
Manufacturer Norse-Storm BattleMechs Inc.[1]
Production Year 2771
Model TDK-7X[1]
Class Assault
Cost 22,162,000 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 100 tons
Chassis Norse Heavy XTI-4C
Armor ArcShield Heavy Type K
Engine Vlar 300 XL
Communications System Tek BattleCom
Targeting Tracking System DLK Type Phased Array Sensor System
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 54 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,967[2][3]
BV (2.0) 2,577[1][4]


Description[edit]

The Thunder Hawk was built by Norse-Storm BattleMechs in 2771, during the final six years of the SLDF's drive to retake the Terran Hegemony. The Thunder Hawk epitomizes the doctrine of firepower over maneuverability with its heavy weapons arsenal and low top speed. Taken out of production after the end of the Amaris Civil War, Thunder Hawk production began again during the mid-3050s.[5][6]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Thunder Hawk rumbles through the battlefield at a maximum speed of 54 km/h. Despite the low speed, the Thunder Hawk is powered by a light weight Vlar 300 XL engine that weighs half as much as a standard fusion engine and allows the 'Mech to carry a heavier than normal weapons payload. The 'Mech is protected by nineteen and a half tons of armor, giving it almost as much armor as the venerable Atlas. Additionally, because the Thunder Hawk has very little heat buildup from its weapons, it carries only ten heat sinks.

The Thunder Hawk is armed to engage an enemy at stand-off ranges when facing any opposition. The weapons that enable the Thunder Hawk to achieve this are a trio of Norse-Storm Model 7D Gauss rifles that, when combined, can destroy (or at least disable) most lighter 'Mechs in only a few short salvos. To defend itself either when an enemy closes to short range or if the Gauss Rifles run out of ammunition, the Thunder Hawk has an impressive array of four Defiance B3M medium lasers.

Variants[edit]

  • TDK-7KMA 
    The 7KMA is a major modification of the Thunder Hawk that allows the 'Mech to act as an ArtilleryMech and a bodyguard unit for artillery units at the same time. This is done by removing one of the Gauss Rifles and replacing it with an Arrow IV artillery missile launcher. In addition, the 'Mech has had its heat sinks upgraded to double heat sinks.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,894,[2][7] BV (2.0) = 2,449[8]
  • TDK-7S 
    This variant of the 7X uses the less fragile Light Fusion Engine by sacrificing two medium lasers, two tons of Gauss ammo and one ton of standard armor.[1] BV (1.0) = 2,106,[9] BV (2.0) = 2,440[10]
  • TDK-7Y 
    A simple upgrade of the Thunder Hawk, the 7Y removes the four medium lasers and replaces them with two Medium Pulse Lasers. This increases the accuracy of the close range firepower while sacrificing some of the sheer brute force that the 'Mech can use at short ranges. This helps when facing much lighter and more maneuverable enemies.[1] BV (1.0) = 2,037,[2][11] BV (2.0) = 2,489[12]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Thunder Hawk has the following Design Quirks:[13]

Notable Pilots[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Sturmfalke, which means Storm Hawk. The model code was accordingly changed to STR-3M.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 190–191: "TDK-7X Thunder Hawk"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Combat Operations, p. 132
  3. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 359
  4. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 275
  5. Technical Readout: 3058, p. 152
  6. Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 230
  7. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 357
  8. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 276
  9. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 358
  10. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 277
  11. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 360
  12. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 278
  13. BattleMech Manual, p. 95: BattleMech Quirk Table - Thunder Hawk Entry
  14. Storms of Fate

Bibliography[edit]