Cephalus

Cephalus
Production information
Manufacturer	Kerensky Memorial Manufacturing
Production Year	3072
Class	Light
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Mixed-tech BattleMech
Mass	25 tons
Chassis	25T Recon Delta Profile Endo-Steel
Armor	Gravastar Ferro-Lamellor
Engine	Model-C 250 XXL
Communications System	Series D8 CC-25X
Targeting Tracking System	Hermes ZLS-1
Heat Sinks	10 double heat sinks
Speed	162 km/h
Armament	Primary Configuration 1x Nova CEWS 2x Laser AMS 1x Light TAG 3x Modular armor
BV (2.0)	876

Description

The Cephalus was developed by The Society as an escort unit for their Septicemia series OmniMech. This light 'Mech was designed to serve primarily one purpose: Bringing the Nova Combined Electronic Warfare System (CEWS) to the battlefield. To insure that the Cephalus would survive, the designers used a 250-rated XXL engine that provides a cruising speed of over 100 km/h, while targeting systems were further disrupted by the Chameleon Light Polarization Shield and Null-Signature systems that the Society built from old SLDF plans. In the event the Cephalus takes a hit, protection for is provided by six tons of ferro-lamellor armor. If the speed, armor, and electronic systems failed, the Cephalus's pilot, being a valuable and limited resource, was further protected by a Full-Head Ejection System to allow Society warriors to be picked up after the battle was over.

After the Wars of Reaving, the Cephalus was declared outlawed by the Homeworld Grand Council and dismantled as a result due to its role with the dishonorable tactics used by The Society.

Weapons and Equipment

As its role is limited to electronic targeting support and occasional reconnaissance, the Cephalus wasn't often equipped with weaponry. The primary configuration of the Cephalus carried twin laser AMS systems, one in each side torso. To further protect the 'Mech, it mounted three modular armor units on the front torsos. This complete lack of weapons led most Clan warriors to dismiss the Cephalus which made them vulnerable to attacks by other Society-backed forces.

Variants

• Alternate Configuration A 

  Intended for use in broken or rough terrain, the Cephalus A carried a single laser AMS in the left torso. The modular armor and light TAG of the primary variant were also removed. In their place the 'Mech carried a standard TAG system and enough jump jets for a 210 meter jump capability. BV (2.0) = 809

• Alternate Configuration B 

  Apparently intended as a capture 'Mech, this configuration keeps the light TAG but replaces the modular armor and anti-missile systems with a BattleMech taser. It retains the Nova CEWS. BV (2.0) = 785

• Alternate Configuration C 

  This configuration of the Cephalus carries a plasma cannon and a flamer, apparently intended as an anti-infantry unit. BV (2.0) = 1215

• Alternate Configuration D 

  This configuration mounts a single improved heavy large laser in the left torso and a trio of improved heavy small lasers in the right torso. BV (2.0) = 1471

• Alternate Configuration E 

  This configuration carries a light TAG and ER large laser. An extra heat sink helps deal with the heat generated by the configuration. BV (2.0) = 1284

• Alternate Configuration U 

  This variant is intended for underwater combat. It is equipped with seven underwater maneuvering units, which allow it to move more quickly than most 'Mechs that are underwater. Offensively it mounts a single LRT-5 rack. BV (2.0) = 878

Design Quirks

The Cephalus has the following Design Quirks:

• Improved Life Support
• Bad Reputation (Clan)
• Difficult to Maintain
• No/Minimal Arms

Bibliography

• BattleMech Manual
• Master Unit List
• The Wars of Reaving
• The Wars of Reaving Supplemental