Hitotsume Kozo

Hitotsume Kozo
Hitotsume Kozo
Production information
Manufacturer Luthien Armor Works
Production Year 3136[1]
Model HKZ-1F
Class Medium
Cost 13,372,315 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 55 tons
Chassis Luthien Class 52 endo steel
Armor New Samarkand Teppeki Hardened
Engine Hermes 330 XL
Communications System Sipher CommSys 4
Targeting Tracking System Neko Megane 7
Heat Sinks 12 double
Speed 86.4 km/h (108 km/h with TSM)
Jump Jets Icarus 81
Armament
BV (1.0) N/A
BV (2.0) 1,967[2]
1,998[3][4]


Description[edit]

Built by Luthien Armor Works of New Samarkand, the Hitotsume Kozo is a medium BattleMech designed to serve in the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery. Introduced in the 3130s, this 'Mech's creation was partially influenced by an unofficial cultural rebirth. Keeping this in mind, LAW styled the appearance of the Hitotsume Kozo after the ancient Japanese bushido armor worn by the samurai warriors during that time period on Terra.

When it first appeared, the 'Mech was not favored by front-line troops due its advanced features and high heat output, so production runs of the design were transferred to less-favored combat units, such as Ghost Regiments. However, these less fickle warriors adapted to the design's quirks and turned it into an effective combat unit.[5]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Hitotsume Kozo's main weapon is its shoulder-mounted Lord’s Light 3 heavy PPC, backed up by a pair of Diverse Optics Type 20X ER medium lasers mounted in its left arm. For melee combat, the 'Mech has a hatchet in the right arm, which has been stylized to appear to be an ancient Japanese double-ended sickle.

The 'Mech is powered by a Hermes 330 XL extralight engine, which gives it enough power to overcome the slight reduction in mobility caused by its 14.5 tons of hardened armor. This heavy armor becomes even less of an issue once the 'Mech's Triple Strength Myomer is activated, as the enhanced musculature boosts the Hitotsume Kozo's speed and melee lethality. A new MechWarrior assigned to it must careful; they must keep one eye on the 'Mech's heat levels, which is managed by only 12 double heat sinks. For tactical movement, the Hitotsume Kozo has four Icarus 81 standard jump jets.[6]

Variants[edit]

  • HKZ-1P 
    This variant of the 'Mech swaps out its 330-rated XL engine for a smaller engine, reducing its speed to 79 km/h while still retaining the same amount of hardened armor. For its weaponry, the hatchet is retained, but in place of the heavy PPC is a UAC/10 with two tons of ammunition. The 'Mech's secondary weapons were also changed out for a pair of short-ranged medium pulse lasers, and also drops the amount of double heat sinks to 10. BV (2.0) = 1,611[7][8]

Custom Variants[edit]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Hitotsume Kozo is subject to the following Design Quirks:

Notes[edit]

  • The 'Mech takes its name from the yōkai Hitotsume-kozō, which is translated as "bald child with one eye" or as a "One-Eye Dwarf".

Errata[edit]

  • The 'Mech's 1F variant battle value from the Record Sheets is different from the one listed in the Master Unit List website. The Hitotsume Kozo is listed having a battle value of 1,998.

References[edit]

  1. MUL online date for the Hitotsume Kozo
  2. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, pp. 41, 99: Hitotsume Kozo - BV2
  3. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 154
  4. Battle Value of the Hitotsume Kozo and introduction year.
  5. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, pp. 40–41
  6. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, pp. 40–41, 99
  7. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, pp. 40, 100
  8. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 155
  9. Experimental Technical Readout: Royal Fantasy, p. 15: "HKZ-1FM Hitotsume Kozo Mulan"

Gallery[edit]

Bibliography[edit]