Bakeneko

Bakeneko
Production information
Manufacturer	Irece Alpha
Production Year	3100
Model	BKN-1K
Class	Medium
Introduced	3100
Technical specifications
Mass	55 tons
Chassis	Alshain Type N Endo Steel
Armor	StarSlab-5X w/Clan CASE
Engine	Clan Fusion 330 XL
Communications System	JNE Integrated
Targeting Tracking System	Build 3 Cat TTS
Heat Sinks	20
Speed	96.8 km/h (129.0 km/h with MASC)
Jump Jets	6
Armament	1x Clan Large Pulse Laser 1x Light PPC /with Capacitor 1x ER Medium Laser 2x MML-3s
BV (2.0)	2,022

Description

The Bakeneko is a Medium Class BattleMech originally created by the Draconis Combine and Clan Nova Cat at the dawn of the 32nd Century. The 'Mech was conceived 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 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's 11th Ghost and 5th Sword of Light Regiments during the last year of the 2nd 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.

Weapons and Equipment

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 Extra-Light Fusion Engine and an Inner Sphere Endosteel chassis, the Bakeneko was able carry large array of weapons and equipment while maintaining a decent top speed. It was also fitted with MASC, giving it crucial bursts of extra acceleration, and its six Icarus 99 TurboProp Experimental Jump Jets.

The Bakeneko's main weaponry comes from an arm mounted Clan produced Large Pulse Laser and a Light PPC enhanced with a PPC Capacitor. Additionally, found in the 'Mech's side torsos are a pair of 3-tubed Shigunga-Light Multi-Missile Launcher, each supplied by a ton of ammunition. The launcher provides supplemental firepower at long and short ranges, while at short range a head mounted Extended-Range Medium Laser provides additional firepower. Protecting the design from enemy fire, the chassis was fitted with 11.5 tons of StarSlab-5X Class Armor, with Clan CASE installed to mitigate any explosive detonations from its ammunition and PPC Capacitor.

Notes

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 source book, Historical: Wars of the Republic Era.

Bibliography

• Historical: Wars of the Republic Era