Difference between revisions of "Chameleon"
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{{InfoBoxBattleMech | {{InfoBoxBattleMech | ||
| − | |image=Chameleon.jpg | + | |image = Chameleon.jpg |
| − | |name=''Chameleon'' | + | |name = ''Chameleon'' |
| − | |manufacturer=[[J.B. BattleMechs Incorporated|J.B. BattleMechs Inc.]]<ref name=TRO3058U/> | + | |manufacturer = [[J.B. BattleMechs Incorporated|J.B. BattleMechs Inc.]]<ref name=TRO3058U/> |
| − | |production year=3056 | + | |production year = 3056 |
| − | |year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/543/chameleon-cln-7v MUL online entry for ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> | + | |year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/543/chameleon-cln-7v MUL online entry for ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> |
| − | |model=CLN-7V | + | |model = CLN-7V |
| − | |class=Medium | + | |class = Medium |
| − | |introduced=[[2510]]<ref>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 11</ref> | + | |introduced = [[2510]]<ref>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 11</ref> |
| − | |cost= 4,623,375 C- | + | |cost = 4,623,375 [[C-bill]]s |
| − | |Tech Base= Inner Sphere | + | |Tech Base = Inner Sphere |
| − | |mech type= BattleMech | + | |mech type = BattleMech |
| − | |mass=50 | + | |mass = 50 |
| − | |chassis=Enran TXS2A | + | |chassis = [[Enran TXS2A]] |
| − | |armor=SimplePlate Manufacturers Type M | + | |armor = [[SimplePlate Manufacturers Type M]] |
| − | |engine=[[Vlar 300]] | + | |engine = [[Vlar 300]] |
| − | |comsys=[[Jolex Systems]] | + | |comsys = [[Jolex Systems]] |
| − | |T&T=[[Optisight-12]] | + | |T&T = [[Optisight-12]] |
| − | |heat sinks=10 | + | |heat sinks = 10 [[single heat sink]]s |
| − | |speed=97.2 | + | |speed = 97.2 |
| − | |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> |
}} | }} | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | Since the [[Terran Hegemony]] introduced it in [[2510]], the '''''Chameleon''''' has been the premiere training [[BattleMech]] for light- and medium-BattleMech MechWarriors. | + | 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]].<ref name=TRO3058>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 106</ref><ref name=TRO3058U>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', pp. 132-133, "Chameleon"</ref> |
| − | The ''Chameleon'' was designed to help a new [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] master the skills of maneuvering and heat management, with a top speed of 97.2 km/h and a jumping distance of | + | The ''Chameleon'' was designed to help a new [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] master the skills of maneuvering and heat management, with a top speed of 97.2 km/h and a jumping distance of 180 meters. The 'Mech also had an almost all energy weapons loadout, but cooled only by 10 [[single heat sink]]s; 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]].<ref>''Wolf Pack'', p.??{{cn}}</ref><ref name=TRO3058/><ref name=TRO3058U/> |
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''.<ref name=TRO3058/><ref name=TRO3058U/> | 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''.<ref name=TRO3058/><ref name=TRO3058U/> | ||
| − | The Chameleon is a training 'Mech, intended to simulate a variety of opponents by mounting a wide variety of weapon systems. | + | The ''Chameleon'' is a training 'Mech, intended to simulate a variety of opponents by mounting a wide variety of weapon systems. While a medium 'Mech by design, 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. It is these special abilities let it look and scan as something other than what it is, hence the machine's name.<ref name=WP>''Wolf Pack'', Chapter 41</ref> |
==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 ''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]], backed up by two [[Medium_laser#Intek|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 : | + | *; TRC-4B : Also referred to as the CHM-3 ''Chameleon Training Scout'',<ref>''BattleTech 2nd Edition: BattleMech Training'', p. 1</ref> this formerly common but now obscure training 'Mech was armed with one [[large laser]], two [[medium laser]]s, four [[small laser]]s, and two [[machine gun]]s. With only 10 [[single heat sink]] this [['Mech]] was quite prone to overheating, forcing trainees to carefully manage their heat. 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 gun]]s 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 : | + | *; 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> |
| − | *;CLN-7W : The 7W variant of the ''Chameleon'' looked to use the 'Mech in a full-time combat role. The 'Mech had upgraded the [[ | + | *; 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 gun]]s and [[small laser]]s had been removed and replaced with a [[medium pulse laser]] and [[double heat sink]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,101<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 214</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,243<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 242</ref> |
| − | *;CLN-7Z : Another combat variant of the ''Chameleon'', the 7Z carried as its primary weapons two [[ | + | *; 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 12 [[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 [[ | + | *; 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== | ||
| − | + | The CLN-7V ''Chameleon'' is subject to the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 90 BattleMech Quirk Table -CLN-7V Entry.</ref> | |
| − | The CLN-7V ''Chameleon'' | ||
* [[Easy to Pilot]] | * [[Easy to Pilot]] | ||
| − | + | The CLN-7VQ ''Chameleon'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:Pp4/> | |
| − | The CLN-7VQ ''Chameleon'' variant is subject to the following [[Design | ||
* [[Easy to Pilot]] | * [[Easy to Pilot]] | ||
* [[Non-Standard Parts]] | * [[Non-Standard Parts]] | ||
Revision as of 08:34, 16 September 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 single heat sinks |
| 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 180 meters. The 'Mech also had an almost all energy weapons loadout, but cooled only by 10 single 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. While a medium 'Mech by design, 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. It is 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, 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] this formerly common but now obscure training 'Mech was armed with one large laser, two medium lasers, four small lasers, and two machine guns. With only 10 single heat sink this 'Mech was quite prone to overheating, forcing trainees to carefully manage their heat. 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 12 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-7V Chameleon is subject to the following Design Quirk:[17]
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
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 90 BattleMech Quirk Table -CLN-7V Entry.