Difference between revisions of "Cyclops"

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* CP-10-Q - The Q variant of the ''Cyclops'' attempts to keep enemies at range by removing the Autocannon/20 and replacing it with an additional LRM-10 and seven more tons of armor, making it very well protected. BV (1.0) = 1,213, BV (2.0) = 1,584<ref name=MUL84/>
 
* CP-10-Q - The Q variant of the ''Cyclops'' attempts to keep enemies at range by removing the Autocannon/20 and replacing it with an additional LRM-10 and seven more tons of armor, making it very well protected. BV (1.0) = 1,213, BV (2.0) = 1,584<ref name=MUL84/>
  
* CP-11-A - A common modification of the ''Cyclops'' that uses some rediscovered [[Star League]] technology, the 11-A removes the massive [[Autocannon/20]] and replaces it with a [[Gauss Rifle]] which, although doing slightly less damage, has a much larger effective range, the communications system is upgraded with a [[SatNav Receiver|SatNav module]]. BV (1.0) = 1,251, BV (2.0) = 1,547<ref>''Technical Redout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 101</ref>
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* CP-11-A - A common modification of the ''Cyclops'' that uses some rediscovered [[Star League]] technology, the 11-A removes the massive [[Autocannon/20]] and replaces it with a [[Gauss Rifle]] which, although doing slightly less damage, has a much larger effective range. BV (1.0) = 1,251, BV (2.0) = 1,547<ref>''Technical Redout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 101</ref>
  
 
* CP-11-B - This version of the ''Cyclops'' carries a second Gauss Rifle, thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor, and [[CASE]]. To make room for this equipment, engineers replaced the engine with a 270 rated model. Though this slows the ''Cyclops'' by 25%, the increased weaponry and armor protection compensates for the reduced speed.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 191</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,145<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 115</ref>
 
* CP-11-B - This version of the ''Cyclops'' carries a second Gauss Rifle, thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor, and [[CASE]]. To make room for this equipment, engineers replaced the engine with a 270 rated model. Though this slows the ''Cyclops'' by 25%, the increased weaponry and armor protection compensates for the reduced speed.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 191</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,145<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 115</ref>

Revision as of 12:57, 5 October 2013

Cyclops
Cyclops
Production information
Manufacturer Grumium Creations, Stormvanger Assemblies, Unlimited
Production Year 2710[1][2]
Model CP-10-Z
Class Assault
Cost 9,217,660 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 90 tons
Chassis Stormvanger HV-7
Armor Starshield Special
Engine Hermes 360
Communications System Olmstead 840
Targeting Tracking System Tacticon Tracer 280
Heat Sinks 12
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 965
BV (2.0) 1,308[2]


Description

The Cyclops began production in 2710 as a heavy assault BattleMech and headquarters unit for Star League Defense Force field commanders. A decent mix of weapons provides the Cyclops with both long- and short-range firepower and a sizable engine to keep up with mobile operations. The most important feature of the 'Mech though is its advanced electronics: a holographic Tacticon B-2000 Battle Computer allows the pilot to effectively command up to brigade-sized units, while the Olmstead 840 tight beam comm suite with SatNav module allows for planet-wide communication capabilities.[1][2]

Other aspects of the 'Mech are less than stellar however. The diverse array of weapons means the 'Mech does suffer somewhat from ammunition issues while ten tons of armoring provide less protection than that found on similar machines, though it is enough to stave off attackers until reinforcements arrive. In particular the armoring on the head section, while as heavily protected as allowed by the internal structure, leaves the pilot and the sophisticated command and control equipment more vulnerable than usual. When operating as the command vehicle at regimental and higher echelons with an ample support apparatus and guarded by a headquarters lance, these deficiencies are far less noticeable and the Cyclops could be kept in reserve until employed to turn the tide of battle or exploit a weakness.[1][2]

Unfortunately the Cyclops did not fare so well with the onset of the Succession Wars. With the destruction of the 'Mech's primary factory on Caph in 2774 spare parts for the machine began to dry up, until by the end less than ten percent still had a working B-2000 computer. Lacking the critical part of being a command vehicle many Cyclopses were pressed into assault role. Acting as the bodyguard or decoy for the real commanding officer, they proved to be swift if mediocre combat machines. As most enemies know about the vulnerable head and automatically target it in combat, many Cyclops pilots also began adding false head protectors to defend against impacts; a study by the NAIS after the Fourth Succession War would eventually find that these caused more harm than good by restricting vision and increasing shrapnel, ending the practice altogether.[1][2]

The rediscovery of the Helm Memory Core kick-started a number of attempts to replicate the B-2000 computer, however there were no successful attempts prior to the Clan Invasion. As well the invention of the C3 Computer, with its emphasis on small-scale networking, and a switch in doctrine to using DropShips as command posts, saw the Cyclops' command role decline. However variants of the 'Mech have continued to be produced in the years following the invasion, and where it has participated a Cyclops with a working B-2000 has had noticeable effects.[2]

Armament

The Cyclops carries an arsenal built to handle almost any situation. For long-range combat and indirect fire, the 'Mech carries a Delta Dart LRM-10 missile launcher. For closer ranges the 'Mech has a variety of weapons. A Zeus-36, Mark III Autocannon/20 keeps all but the heaviest 'Mechs at a respectable distance and this is backed up by two Diverse Optics Type 20 Medium Lasers and a Hovertec Quad SRM-4 for close combat. While its normal load of twelve heat sinks allows it to stay cool in most cases, they can prove to be inadequate in especially heavy situations.[3][1][2]

Variants

  • CP-10-HQ - The most notable of all Cyclops variants fits the 'Mech with a Collapsible Command Module strapped to its rear torso, allowing a fully operational headquarters bunker to be set up in fifteen minutes. In order to make room for the module the Autocannon/20 was removed from this variant, while irreparable damages suffered during the Succession Wars means less than half of those Cyclopses with a working B-2000 have an operable command module.[2] BV (1.0) = 900, BV (2.0) = 1,107[4]
  • CP-10-Q - The Q variant of the Cyclops attempts to keep enemies at range by removing the Autocannon/20 and replacing it with an additional LRM-10 and seven more tons of armor, making it very well protected. BV (1.0) = 1,213, BV (2.0) = 1,584[4]
  • CP-11-A - A common modification of the Cyclops that uses some rediscovered Star League technology, the 11-A removes the massive Autocannon/20 and replaces it with a Gauss Rifle which, although doing slightly less damage, has a much larger effective range. BV (1.0) = 1,251, BV (2.0) = 1,547[5]
  • CP-11-B - This version of the Cyclops carries a second Gauss Rifle, thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor, and CASE. To make room for this equipment, engineers replaced the engine with a 270 rated model. Though this slows the Cyclops by 25%, the increased weaponry and armor protection compensates for the reduced speed.[6] BV (2.0) = 2,145[7]
  • CP-11-C - The 11-C is similar to the 11-A in that they carry an almost identical weapons payload. The only difference is that the 11-C has removed the LRM-10 launcher and replaced it with a C3 Computer, which allows it to share targeting data and coordinate C3 lances. An additional two tons of armor have been added to the design as well. This makes the 11-C a highly effective sniper and command 'Mech. BV (1.0) = 1,364, BV (2.0) = 1,553[4]
  • CP-11-C2 - Based on the 11-C variant, this Cyclops is a company command level machine that carries a pair of C3 Master Computers. To make room for these massive computers, the Gauss Rifle, its ammunition, and some armor were replaced by a single ER PPC. This leaves the Cyclops slightly undergunned for an assault 'Mech, but it shouldn't be engaging the enemy closely anyway. BV (2.0) = 1,534[8]
  • CP-11-C3 - This version is based on the 11-C as well, but uses an experimental C3 Boosted Master computer to cut through the ECM commonly found on Jihad-era battlefields. It carries a Streak SRM-4, Gauss Rifle, and an ER Medium Laser in each arm. BV (2.0) = 1,752[9]
  • CP-11-G - A full redesign of the Cyclops, the 11-G redesigns the chassis to use Endo Steel construction and also replaces the armor with fifteen tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. For long range combat, the 'Mech is armed with a Gauss Rifle and an LRM-10 missile launcher. For close combat situations, it carries two ER Medium Lasers and a Streak SRM-4 launcher. The 'Mech also has CASE to protect itself from complete destruction in the event of an ammunition explosion. BV (1.0) = 1,761[10], BV (2.0) = 1,984[4]
  • CP-11-H - An upgrade of the Cyclops that has come out of the Periphery, the 11-H is built on the standard 11-Z chassis but its weapons payload is heavily modified. The 'Mech carries an Autocannon/20, two Medium Lasers, and six Rocket Launcher 20s. This gives the 11-H the firepower to decimate anything that dares to close with it to attempt to make a kill. BV (1.0) = 1,333, BV (2.0) = 1,521[4]
  • CP-12-K - The 12-K variant of the Cyclops takes the 'Mech to the logical conclusion based on equipment available to the DCMS. The 'Mech is armed with an Ultra Autocannon/10 for close to intermediate range combat. It also carries an MRM-20 launcher, which compliments the Autocannon's range profile. For close ranges, the 'Mech is armed with two ER Medium Lasers and a Streak SRM-4 launcher. The 'Mech is also armored with fourteen and a half tons of armor. BV (1.0) = 1,511[11], BV (2.0) = 1,699[12]
  • Dual Cockpit refits: The Cyclops is one of the Capellan Confederation's preferred 'Mechs to install Dual Cockpits. Standard refits usually install the Dual Cockpit on a CP-10-Z or CP-11-A, removing one ton of autocannon or gauss rifle ammunition, respectively.

Custom Variants

  • In K. Kitsman's dossier from MechWarrior: Dark Age's Falcon's Prey accessory, Kitsman's Cyclops (Serial Number: LA5012-91F) is armed with a custom weapon configuration, consisting of a 360 rated Light Fusion Engine, Ultra AC/20, Delta Dart LRM-10 Launcher, ER PPC, and two Zippo Flamers. However, as it is a dossier only 'Mech, there are specifics missing and no record sheet of this particular 'Mech has been made as of this writing.[13]

Notable Pilots

  • Captain Jason Cho, one of the antagonists from MechCommander 2, piloted a Cyclops up until perishing in a fatal duel with the player's mercenary forces.

Gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Technical Readout: 3025, p. 118
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 164-165
  3. Introductory Record Sheets, p. 23
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 84
  5. Technical Redout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 101
  6. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 191
  7. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 115
  8. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 116
  9. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 117
  10. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 143
  11. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 144
  12. CBT Forums:"Cyclops 12-K errata wrong?"
  13. K. Kitsman dossier - MWDA Falcon's Prey - Kitsman 'Mech is unique but information remains incomplete.

Bibliography