BattleMaster

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BattleMaster
BattleMaster
Production information
Manufacturer Hollis Industries,
Blankenburg Technologies,
Earthwerks Incorporated,
J.B. BattleMechs Incorporated,
Red Devil Industries,
Trellshire Heavy Industries
Production Year 2633[1][2]
Model BLR-1G
Class Assault
Cost 8,501,243 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 85 tons
Chassis Hollis Mark X
Armor StarGuard
Engine VOX 340
Communications System HartfordCo COM 4000
Targeting Tracking System HarfordCo XKZ 1
Heat Sinks 13
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,212[3]
BV (2.0) 1,519[4][5]


The BattleMaster was once one of the iconic BattleMechs of early BattleTech. However, the 'Mech's image was removed from all publications due to a dispute regarding copyright, becoming "unseen". BattleTech now features the BattleMaster prominently again, gracing the covers of Total Warfare, TechManual, and the Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set, due to both a reworking of the artwork and a new agreement between Catalyst Game Labs and the copyright holders, announced on 24 June, 2009.

Description

Versatile and powerful, the BattleMaster was one of the best known 'Mechs in existence. Hollis Industries began production in 2633,[2] originally designing it to be the largest and most powerful 'Mech on the battlefield.[6] It has since been eclipsed in both size and firepower by larger and more advanced 'Mechs. Despite this, the BattleMaster was still capable of causing a great deal of damage to any unit that it engaged and was capable of carrying out many different roles on the battlefield, from direct fire support to command to urban assault. This versatility is what made the BattleMaster so memorable and so famous throughout the Successor States.

Armament

The BattleMaster carried a Donal PPC as its main weapon, which allowed the 'Mech to cause damage at ranges exceeding five hundred meters. For close range combat, the 'Mech was armed with six Martell Medium Lasers, which gave the 'Mech the ability to unleash a devastating barrage of lasers at short to medium ranges. The short-range firepower was further enhanced with a Holly SRM-6, which could seek out weak points in the enemy’s armor. Finally, the BattleMaster was equipped with two Sperry Browning Machine Guns, which deterred infantry attacks.[7]

Variants

  • BLR-1D 
    The 1D was a basic modification of the 1G model. The SRM-6 and two Medium Lasers were removed and the 'Mech had six heat sinks and an additional ton of armor added to make the 'Mech more forgiving when dealing with the 'Mechs intensive heat load from its energy weapon heavy arsenal.[8] BV (1.0) = 1,323,[9] BV (2.0) = 1,522[4][10]
  • BLR-1Gc 
    A much less radical upgrade of the 1G, the 1Gc upgraded the heat sinks to double strength models and removed the Machine Guns to make room for a command console.[11] BV (1.0) = ?, BV (2.0) = 1,577[16][17]
  • BLR-1S 
    Another variant built around making the BattleMaster's heat more manageable, the PPC and SRM-6 were removed. They were replaced with an LRM-15, an LRM-5, and two SRM-2 launchers, giving the BLR-1S both long and short range capability. Additionally, two heat sinks have been added to the 'Mech.[19] BV (1.0) = 1,227,[20] BV (2.0) = 1,507[4] (1,504)[21]
  • BLR-2C 
    Another designated command vehicle from the Star League era that sported a second cockpit (presumably a Command Console) and a Beagle Active Probe wired into the Nirasaki Inciteful Vision targeting system. Instead of the Machine Guns it carried a SureFire Defender Anti-Missile System in the left arm, retaining the rearward firing lasers. Like with the BLR-1C, House Kurita received at least one BLR-2C from ComStar in full working condition and used it to good effect in the War of 3039. BV (1.0) = ?, BV (2.0) = 1,563[22]
  • BLR-3M 
    The 3M was a basic upgrade of the BattleMaster utilizing Star League technology. The 'Mech replaced the standard heat sinks with double heat sinks. The 'Mech had also upgraded its primary weapon, replacing the regular Particle Projector Cannon with an extended range model. The 'Mech also removed one of the Machine Guns to add CASE to the design to protect itself in the event of an ammunition explosion.[23] BV (1.0) = 1,495,[3] BV (2.0) = 1,679[4]
  • BLR-3S 
    Another upgrade of the BattleMaster using lost technology from the Star League, the 3S was powered by an XL Engine. The saved weight was used to arm the 'Mech with an LRM-20 launcher as its primary weapon. For close range, this was backed up by an SRM-6 and six Medium Pulse Lasers, two of which were rear-facing.[24] BV (1.0) = 1,165,[9][20] BV (2.0) = 1,441[4]
  • BLR-5M 
    The 5M was an upgrade that reflected the weapon trends in the Free Worlds League prior to the Jihad. The 'Mech was armed with a Light Gauss Rifle, giving it a range exceeding seven hundred meters. The Light Gauss was backed up by an ER Large Laser for long-range engagements. For close ranges, the 5M carried six ER Medium Lasers, two of which were rear-facing.[29] BV (1.0) = 1,484,[30] BV (2.0) = 1,766[4]
  • BLR-6X 
    This version uses an experimental XXL Engine to boost ground speed to 86km/h. An Endo Steel skeleton provides enough weight savings to allow this BattleMaster to carry an ER PPC, Heavy PPC, Streak SRM-6, and a pair of ER Medium Lasers. Sixteen Double Heat Sinks keep the temperature manageable. BV (2.0) = 2,029[31]
  • BLR-10S 
    The 10S was built around a rugged Edasich Compact Engine that gave it a maximum speed of 54.4 km/h. It also had a Heavy-Duty Gyro that further added to the 'Mech's durability. The 10S was armed with a Defiance 1001 ER PPC as its primary weapon and was backed up by six Diverse Optics ER Medium Lasers, a Diverse Optics ER Small Laser, and a Coventry TH4b Streak SRM-4 for close combat with two Defiance Razorback B-Pods for anti-battle armor use. The 10S also had a Guardian ECM Suite for defense against electronic warfare systems.[32][33] BV (1.0) = ?, BV (2.0) = 1,930[4]
  • BLR-10S2 
    This variant is identical to the 10S, but replaces one heat sink with a C3 Slave unit. BV (2.0) = 1,930[34]
  • BLR-CM 
    The CM variant of the BattleMaster was built to command a C3 company. The 'Mechs speed had been reduced to 54.0 km/h. This allowed the CM variant of the BattleMaster to carry two C3 Master Computers. The 'Mech was armed with an ER PPC and two ER Medium Lasers. It was armored with sixteen tons of armor to protect the valuable computers that allowed it to coordinate an entire company.[35] BV (1.0) = 1,651 (C3: 182),[36] BV (1.0) = ?, BV (2.0) = 1,883[4]
  • BLR-K3 
    Another 'Mech that was built to utilize C3 technology, the K3 BattleMaster was built using an XL Engine. The 'Mech was armed with an ER PPC and two ER Large Lasers for long-range combat. The 'Mech had four ER Medium Lasers and a Streak SRM-6 launcher for close combat situations. Finally, the 'Mech carried a C3 Computer.[37] BV (1.0) = 1,498 (C3: 291),[36] BV (2.0) = 1,851[4]
  • BLR-M3 
    A C3 command version of the BattleMaster, the M3 utilized a Light Gauss Rifle as well as two Light PPCs to keep its enemies at long range. The 'Mech had an MML-5 launcher that was capable of firing both LRM and SRM ammunition, allowing it to be used in any range bracket. The 'Mech was powered by a Light Fusion Engine that gave it a top speed of 64.8 km/h. It was protected by thirteen and a half tons of Heavy Ferro-Fibrous armor with CASE to protect against ammunition explosions. The M3 also had two Medium Pulse Lasers for close range defense and a C3 Computer to link together a lance of C3 equipped units.[39][33] BV (1.0) = ?, BV (2.0) = 1,674
  • Dual Cockpit refits: The BattleMaster was one of the Federated Suns' (and Federated Commonwealth's) preferred 'Mechs to install Dual Cockpits. Standard refits usually installed the Dual Cockpit on a BLR-1G or BLR-3M, removing one heat sink. BV (1.0) = varies, BV (2.0) = varies
  • BattleMaster C 
    This variant was designed by Clan Jade Falcon scientists following the capture of Red Devil Industries during the FedCom Civil War. This 'Mech was built on an Endo Steel chassis that was protected by sixteen and a half tons of armor. Based on the 4S, the Clan-tech variant replaced the Gauss Rifle with a Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle 30 and four tons of ammunition. All the medium lasers were front facing, four Medium Pulse Lasers and two ER Medium Lasers. All of these weapons were guided by a Targeting Computer. The short-range missile launcher was replaced with an ATM 6 and three tons of ammunition to ensure the ability to make use of the flexibility offered by the Advanced Tactical Missile System.[40][33] BV (1.0) = ?, BV (2.0) = 3,025[41]

Custom Variants

  • BLR-1G BattleMaster Red Corsair 
    The personal 'Mech of the mysterious Red Corsair started life as a Royal BLR-1G model, but was refitted with a Clan-tech weaponry and structural components. A single ER PPC was located in each arm, with a Large Pulse Laser installed in the center torso, and all six the Medium Lasers were upgraded to Medium Pulse Lasers. Twenty-one double heat sinks managed the heat generated by these weapons. To command her force, the Red Corsair's BattleMaster mounted a Command Console in the head. Sixteen tons of standard armor protected an Endo Steel skeleton and an XL Engine. BV (2.0) = 2,472[42]
  • BLR-1GHE BattleMaster HellSlinger 
    This Star League Era variant removes the Machine Guns and SRM launcher and their ammunition. The SRM launcher is replaced by three Streak SRM-2 launchers with a single ton of ammunition. Two forward Medium Lasers are removed, and an extra PPC is mounted in the left arm. Sixteen Double Heat Sinks keep the 'Mech cool, and the 'Mech's armor is upgraded to Ferro-Fibrous armor. An extra half ton of armor is also installed.[43]
  • BLR-3M BattleMaster Rogers 
    Used by Colonel Wayne Rogers of Waco Rangers during the Coventry campaign, this BattleMaster drops five heat sinks, the single Machine Gun, and the SRM-6 of a BLR-3M and replaces them with seven Streak SRM-2 launchers. The loss of some armor is compensated for by using Ferro-Fibrous Armor instead. BV (2.0) = 1,818[44]
  • BLR-4S BattleMaster Calvin 
    Captured during the destruction of the Broadsword Legion in 3070, Calvin Magdaleno's BattleMaster was refitted by the Word of Blake on Hall to the BLR-4S standard but with a unique new weapons array. Carrying a Mydron Model RC Rotary AC/5 in its right arm and a pair of Defiance 1003 Light PPCs in its left, the torso mounted weapons consisted of two Diverse Optics ER Mediums and a single standard Medium on each side supported by a left torso mounted Shannon Super-60 Streak SRM-6 launcher. Two tons of autocannon reloads and a single ton for Streak Missile Launcher are supported by two extra double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 2,029 [45]

Related BattleMechs

  • Warlord - Produced in a new GM facility on El Dorado, the BLR-2G Warlord is an industrially streamlined, all-energy weapon variation of the venerable BLR-1G BattleMaster introduced during the Jihad.

Notable Pilots

BattleMech Gallery

References

  1. Technical Readout: 3039, p. 146
  2. 2.0 2.1 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 300
  3. 3.0 3.1 Combat Operations, p. 121
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 69
  5. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 496
  6. Technical Readout: 3025, p. 114, note: "largest" may refer to height, but the BattleMaster is less massive than several other early BattleMechs
  7. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, pg. 238
  8. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, pg. 237
  9. 9.0 9.1 Combat Operations, pg. 126
  10. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 495
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Technical Readout: 3075, pg. 169
  12. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 182
  13. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 32
  14. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 183
  15. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 33
  16. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 184
  17. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 34
  18. Era Report: 2750, p. 129
  19. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, pg. 239
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 Combat Operations, p. 131
  21. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 498
  22. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 201
  23. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 240
  24. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 241
  25. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 204
  26. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, pg. 242
  27. Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, p. 41
  28. Combat Operations, p. 128
  29. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 243
  30. Combat Operations, p. 129
  31. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 207
  32. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 244
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 Technical Readout: 3085, p. 264
  34. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 209
  35. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, pg. 245
  36. 36.0 36.1 Combat Operations, p. 124
  37. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, pg. 246
  38. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 212
  39. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, pg. 247
  40. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 248
  41. Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 69
  42. Operational Turning Points: Red Corsair, p. 29
  43. Era Report: 2750, p. 139
  44. Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion, p. 31
  45. Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, p. 120
  46. Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, pp. 23, 109

Bibliography