Difference between revisions of "Chameleon"
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|jumpjets=[[McCloud Specials]] | |jumpjets=[[McCloud Specials]] | ||
|armament= | |armament= | ||
| − | *1x [[ | + | * 1x [[large laser]] |
| − | *2x [[ | + | * 2x [[medium laser]]s |
| − | *3x [[ | + | * 3x [[small laser]]s |
| − | *2x [[ | + | * 2x [[machine gun]]s |
|BV (1.0)=839<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 213</ref> | |BV (1.0)=839<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 213</ref> | ||
|BV (2.0)=1,042<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 240</ref> | |BV (2.0)=1,042<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 240</ref> | ||
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==Weapons and Equipment== | ==Weapons and Equipment== | ||
| − | The ''Chameleon'' carried a basic arsenal that allowed a MechWarrior-in-training to learn the skill of heat management. The 'Mech's reliable low-tech arsenal had proven effective when forced into combat. The primary weapon was a Cyclops Eye [[Large Laser]]. This was backed up by two Intek [[ | + | The ''Chameleon'' carried a basic arsenal that allowed a MechWarrior-in-training to learn the skill of heat management. The 'Mech's reliable low-tech arsenal had proven effective when forced into combat. The primary weapon was a Cyclops Eye [[Large Laser]]. This was backed up by two Intek [[medium laser]]s and a trio of Defiance B3S [[Small Laser]]s. To make the threat of overheating more real to the new MechWarrior, the 'Mech carried two Scatter Gun Light [[Machine Gun]]s that can be used for anti-infantry training.<ref name=TRO3058/><ref name=TRO3058U/> |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
| − | *;TRC-4B : (also referred to as the CHM-3 ''Chameleon Training Scout'')<ref>''BattleTech 2nd Edition: BattleMech Training'', p. 1</ref> A formerly common but now obscure training 'Mech, the TRC-4B was armed with one [[Large Laser]], two | + | *;TRC-4B : (also referred to as the CHM-3 ''Chameleon Training Scout'')<ref>''BattleTech 2nd Edition: BattleMech Training'', p. 1</ref> A formerly common but now obscure training 'Mech, the TRC-4B was armed with one [[Large Laser]], two edium lasers, four [[small laser]]s and two [[machine gun]]s. With only 10 normal heat sinks this [['Mech]] was quite prone to overheating. As manufactured, this 'Mech is perhaps the only [[Level 1]] official (if not canonical) design with 3 critical spaces of equipment installed in the center torso, (two [[Machine Guns]] and half a ton of ammo), in violation of the design rules released with it. Additionally, as released, a quarter ton of armor remained unallocated. BV (1.0) = 811, BV (2.0) = ?<ref>''BattleTech 2nd Edition: BattleMech Training'', p. 1</ref> |
*;TRC-4B : falsely tagged CLN-4V : ''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 241, presented the stats for the TRC-4B but gives the alphanumerical code as CLN-4V. This was corrected to TRC-4B in official errata, and it was also expressly clarified that there is no CLN-4V variant of the ''Chameleon''.<ref>In [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/ask-the-writers/a-question-about-the-chameleon/msg1656002/#msg1656002 this] posting on the official [[BattleTech forum]] by [[Joshua "nckestrel" Franklin]]: ''"There is errata for RS 3058U stating "Chameleon CLN-4V, p. 241 designation - replace "CLN-4V" with "TRC-4B"" IE. There is no CLN-4V."''</ref> | *;TRC-4B : falsely tagged CLN-4V : ''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 241, presented the stats for the TRC-4B but gives the alphanumerical code as CLN-4V. This was corrected to TRC-4B in official errata, and it was also expressly clarified that there is no CLN-4V variant of the ''Chameleon''.<ref>In [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/ask-the-writers/a-question-about-the-chameleon/msg1656002/#msg1656002 this] posting on the official [[BattleTech forum]] by [[Joshua "nckestrel" Franklin]]: ''"There is errata for RS 3058U stating "Chameleon CLN-4V, p. 241 designation - replace "CLN-4V" with "TRC-4B"" IE. There is no CLN-4V."''</ref> | ||
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*;CLN-7Z : Another combat variant of the ''Chameleon'', the 7Z carried as its primary weapons two [[Large Laser]]s and a single [[ER Large Laser]]. The 7Z carried no other secondary weapons on its chassis and used twelve [[double heat sink]]s to handle its massive heat load. BV (1.0) = 1,283<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 215</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,527<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 243</ref> | *;CLN-7Z : Another combat variant of the ''Chameleon'', the 7Z carried as its primary weapons two [[Large Laser]]s and a single [[ER Large Laser]]. The 7Z carried no other secondary weapons on its chassis and used twelve [[double heat sink]]s to handle its massive heat load. BV (1.0) = 1,283<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 215</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,527<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 243</ref> | ||
| − | *;CLN-7VQ : This one-off ''Q-Mech'' variant of the ''Chameleon'' hunted down and attacked senior officers in several academies across the [[Inner Sphere]]. It was equipped with a [[Heavy PPC]] and [[PPC Capacitor]], and three [[ | + | *; CLN-7VQ : This one-off ''Q-Mech'' variant of the ''Chameleon'' hunted down and attacked senior officers in several academies across the [[Inner Sphere]]. It was equipped with a [[Heavy PPC]] and [[PPC Capacitor]], and three [[improved heavy medium laser]]s tied into an advanced [[Clan]] [[targeting computer]]. An [[Angel ECM suite]] is mounted in the center torso to disguise its weapons. Despite the increased scrutiny and security at academies caused by this 'Mech, it wasn't a success on the field, with only one confirmed KIA.<ref name=XTRO:Pp4>''Experimental Technical Readout: Phantoms'', p. 4</ref> |
==Design Quirks== | ==Design Quirks== | ||
| Line 58: | Line 58: | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | In German products the unit's proper name was | + | * In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Chamäleon'''. The model code was left unchanged. |
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
Revision as of 11:43, 2 July 2022
| |
| Chameleon | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | J.B. BattleMechs Inc.[1] |
| Production Year | 3056[2] |
| Model | CLN-7V |
| Class | Medium |
| Introduced | 2510[3] |
| Cost | 4,623,375 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| 'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
| Mass | 50 tons |
| Chassis | Enran TXS2A |
| Armor | SimplePlate Manufacturers Type M |
| Engine | Vlar 300 |
| Communications System | Jolex Systems |
| Targeting Tracking System | Optisight-12 |
| Heat Sinks | 10 |
| Speed | 97.2 km/h |
| Jump Jets | McCloud Specials |
| Armament |
|
| BV (1.0) | 839[1][4] |
| BV (2.0) | 1,042[5] |
Contents
Description
Since the Terran Hegemony introduced it in 2510, the Chameleon has been the premiere training BattleMech for light- and medium-BattleMech MechWarriors. In fact, with its role away from the battlefield (except in the most desperate of circumstances), the Chameleon has suffered relatively little attrition. Combined with its continuous production on Hesperus II, the Chameleon is one of the most common BattleMechs. Even in the 31st century, the Chameleon is widely used at academies and training cadres throughout the Inner Sphere.[6][1]
The Chameleon was designed to help a new MechWarrior master the skills of maneuvering and heat management, with a top speed of 97.2 km/h and a jumping distance of one hundred and eighty meters. The 'Mech also had an almost all energy weapons loadout, but cooled only by ten standard heat sinks. This paucity of freezers forces MechWarriors to concentrate on the 'Mech's heat levels. In some instances, the Chameleon had been forced into combat situations, notably during the Dragoon Civil War.[7][6][1]
Production of the Chameleon halted briefly in 3052 when Defiance Industries decided to switch its production to the Nightsky, but was quickly resumed when J.B. BattleMechs Incorporated purchased the rights to the design. J.B. BattleMechs also introduced two battle-worthy variants of the Chameleon.[6][1]
The Chameleon is a training 'Mech, intended to simulate a variety of opponents by mounting a wide variety of weapon systems. A Chameleon is a medium 'Mech, but it doesn't always look like one. It can be fitted out with extra plates to modify its appearance, and carries special electronics to falsify its signature; these special abilities let it look and scan as something other than what it is, hence the machine's name.[8]
Weapons and Equipment
The Chameleon carried a basic arsenal that allowed a MechWarrior-in-training to learn the skill of heat management. The 'Mech's reliable low-tech arsenal had proven effective when forced into combat. The primary weapon was a Cyclops Eye Large Laser. This was backed up by two Intek medium lasers and a trio of Defiance B3S Small Lasers. To make the threat of overheating more real to the new MechWarrior, the 'Mech carried two Scatter Gun Light Machine Guns that can be used for anti-infantry training.[6][1]
Variants
- TRC-4B
- (also referred to as the CHM-3 Chameleon Training Scout)[9] A formerly common but now obscure training 'Mech, the TRC-4B was armed with one Large Laser, two edium lasers, four small lasers and two machine guns. With only 10 normal heat sinks this 'Mech was quite prone to overheating. As manufactured, this 'Mech is perhaps the only Level 1 official (if not canonical) design with 3 critical spaces of equipment installed in the center torso, (two Machine Guns and half a ton of ammo), in violation of the design rules released with it. Additionally, as released, a quarter ton of armor remained unallocated. BV (1.0) = 811, BV (2.0) = ?[10]
- TRC-4B
- falsely tagged CLN-4V : Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 241, presented the stats for the TRC-4B but gives the alphanumerical code as CLN-4V. This was corrected to TRC-4B in official errata, and it was also expressly clarified that there is no CLN-4V variant of the Chameleon.[11]
- CLN-7W
- The 7W variant of the Chameleon looked to use the 'Mech in a full-time combat role. The 'Mech had upgraded the Large Laser to an ER Large Laser. Additionally, the Machine Guns and Small Lasers had been removed and replaced with a Medium Pulse Laser and double heat sinks. BV (1.0) = 1,101[12], BV (2.0) = 1,243[13]
- CLN-7Z
- Another combat variant of the Chameleon, the 7Z carried as its primary weapons two Large Lasers and a single ER Large Laser. The 7Z carried no other secondary weapons on its chassis and used twelve double heat sinks to handle its massive heat load. BV (1.0) = 1,283[14], BV (2.0) = 1,527[15]
- CLN-7VQ
- This one-off Q-Mech variant of the Chameleon hunted down and attacked senior officers in several academies across the Inner Sphere. It was equipped with a Heavy PPC and PPC Capacitor, and three improved heavy medium lasers tied into an advanced Clan targeting computer. An Angel ECM suite is mounted in the center torso to disguise its weapons. Despite the increased scrutiny and security at academies caused by this 'Mech, it wasn't a success on the field, with only one confirmed KIA.[16]
Design Quirks
The CLN-7VQ Chameleon variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[16]
Notes
- In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Chamäleon. The model code was left unchanged.
Gallery
Original TRC-4B Chameleon from BattleTech, Second Edition rulebook
Chameleon from TRO:3058
Experimental CLN-7VQ Chameleon from XTRO:Phantoms
CLN-7W Chameleon in battle from CCG
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, pp. 132-133, "Chameleon"
- ↑ MUL online entry for Chameleon
- ↑ Era Digest: Age of War, p. 11
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 213
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 240
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Technical Readout: 3058, p. 106
- ↑ Wolf Pack, p.??[citation needed]
- ↑ Wolf Pack, Chapter 41
- ↑ BattleTech 2nd Edition: BattleMech Training, p. 1
- ↑ BattleTech 2nd Edition: BattleMech Training, p. 1
- ↑ In this posting on the official BattleTech forum by Joshua "nckestrel" Franklin: "There is errata for RS 3058U stating "Chameleon CLN-4V, p. 241 designation - replace "CLN-4V" with "TRC-4B"" IE. There is no CLN-4V."
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 214
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 242
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 215
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 243
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Phantoms, p. 4