Difference between revisions of "Hunchback"

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==Description==
 
==Description==
Originally conceived in [[2572]], the '''''Hunchback''''' is well-known as an urban combat [[BattleMech]] built for close-range combat. The only real flaw in the ''Hunchback'''s design as a city fighter is its lack of [[jump jet]]s combined with its relatively slow ground speed of only 64.8 km/h. Aside from this flaw, the design is a respected and dangerous 'Mech when in a city environment. When in the open though, its lack of any long-range weapons makes the ''Hunchback'' little more than a slow-moving target.<ref name=TRO3039/>
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Originally conceived in [[2572]], the '''''Hunchback''''' is well-known as an urban combat [[BattleMech]] built for close range combat. The only real flaw in the ''Hunchback'''s design as a city fighter is its lack of [[jump jet]]s combined with its relatively slow ground speed of only 64.8 km/h. Aside from this flaw, the design is a respected and dangerous 'Mech when in a city environment. When in the open though, its lack of any long-range weapons makes the ''Hunchback'' little more than a slow-moving target.<ref name=TRO3039/>
  
 
==Armament==
 
==Armament==
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* HBK-4J - This variant changes the 'Mech's focus from short range combat to fire support by removing the Autocannon/20 and replacing it with two [[LRM-10]] launchers and three additional Medium Lasers. This variant can act as a bodyguard 'Mech for fire support lances without degrading the mission of those lances because of its mix of LRMs and Medium Lasers. BV (1.0) = 853, BV (2.0) = 1,143<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 126</ref>
 
* HBK-4J - This variant changes the 'Mech's focus from short range combat to fire support by removing the Autocannon/20 and replacing it with two [[LRM-10]] launchers and three additional Medium Lasers. This variant can act as a bodyguard 'Mech for fire support lances without degrading the mission of those lances because of its mix of LRMs and Medium Lasers. BV (1.0) = 853, BV (2.0) = 1,143<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 126</ref>
  
* HBK-4N - The 4N variant combines the qualities of the 4H and 4J. The main weapon is an [[Autocannon/5]] and a pair of [[LRM-5]] launchers. This makes the 4N capable of direct fire and indirect fire support. Additionally, two Medium Lasers have been added to the design. BV (1.0) = 843, BV (2.0) = 1,087<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 127</ref>
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* HBK-4N - The 4N variant combines the qualities of the 4H and 4J. The main weapons are an [[Autocannon/5]] and a pair of [[LRM-5]] launchers. This makes the 4N capable of direct fire and indirect fire support. Additionally, two Medium Lasers have been added to the design. BV (1.0) = 843, BV (2.0) = 1,087<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 127</ref>
  
* HBK-4P - Also called the ''Swayback'', the 4P ''Hunchback'' is modified to carry only energy weapons. The Autocannon/20 was replaced with six additional Medium Lasers. In order to handle the incredibly high heat load, the 'Mech has twenty three [[heat sink]]s. While this may seem like a downgrade to the design, the combined firepower of all eight Medium Lasers can do twice as much damage as the Autocannon they replaced. BV (1.0) = 960, BV (2.0) = 1,138<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 128</ref>
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* HBK-4P - Also called the ''Swayback'', the 4P ''Hunchback'' is modified to carry only energy weapons. The Autocannon/20 was replaced with six additional Medium Lasers. In order to handle the incredibly high heat load, the 'Mech has twenty three [[heat sink]]s. While this may seem like a downgrade of the design, the combined firepower of all eight Medium Lasers can do twice as much damage as the Autocannon they replaced. BV (1.0) = 960, BV (2.0) = 1,138<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 128</ref>
  
*  HBK-4SP - The 4SP variant replaces the Autocannon with two [[SRM-6]] launchers. These missile launchers provide the 'Mech with a great deal of damage capability at close range but they do not have the same raw power as the original Autocannon/20. The 'Mech also has four Medium Lasers as secondary weapons. BV (1.0) = 854, BV (2.0) = 1,043<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 129</ref>
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*  HBK-4SP - The 4SP variant replaces the Autocannon with two [[SRM-6]] launchers. These missile launchers provide the 'Mech with a great deal of damage capability at close range, but they do not have the same raw power as the original Autocannon/20. The 'Mech also has four Medium Lasers as secondary weapons. BV (1.0) = 854, BV (2.0) = 1,043<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 129</ref>
  
* HBK-5H - The 5H ''Hunchback'' is a [[Periphery]] upgrade of the basic design. The Small Laser was removed as well as one and a half tons of armor and three [[Rocket Launcher 20]]s were added to the design, giving it a incredible amount of close range striking capability. BV (1.0) = 901, BV (2.0) = 1,097<ref>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 110</ref>
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* HBK-5H - The 5H ''Hunchback'' is a [[Periphery]] upgrade of the basic design. The Small Laser was removed as well as one and a half tons of armor and three [[Rocket Launcher 20]]s were added to the design, giving it an incredible amount of close range striking capability. BV (1.0) = 901, BV (2.0) = 1,097<ref>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 110</ref>
  
* HBK-5M - The Kali Yama produced 5M ''Hunchback'' is a simple upgrade of the original 4G model that first saw production in [[3046]]. The heat sinks have been upgraded to [[double heat sink]]s, while the Small Laser has been upgraded to a [[Small Pulse Laser]] and [[CASE]] has been added to protect against ammunition explosions. The extra weight required to add the newer systems forced Kali Yama to reduced ammunition store to a single ton of reloads, making it unpopular with MechWarriors and spawning the unofficial HBK-5N variant.  BV (1.0) = 932, BV (2.0) = 1,054<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 58</ref>
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* HBK-5M - The Kali Yama-produced 5M ''Hunchback'' is a simple upgrade of the original 4G model that first saw production in [[3046]]. The heat sinks have been upgraded to [[double heat sink]]s, while the Small Laser has been upgraded to a [[Small Pulse Laser]], and [[CASE]] has been added to protect against ammunition explosions. The extra weight required to add the newer systems forced Kali Yama to reduced ammunition storage to a single ton of reloads, making it unpopular with MechWarriors and spawning the unofficial HBK-5N variant.  BV (1.0) = 932, BV (2.0) = 1,054<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 58</ref>
  
 
* HBK-5N - A very simple FWLM field upgrade of the lackluster 5M ''Hunchback'', the 5N model simply downgrades the pulse laser back to a Small Laser and removes the CASE to carry an extra ton of reloads, retaining the double heat sinks. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 903, BV (2.0) = 1,041<ref name=MUL111>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 111</ref>
 
* HBK-5N - A very simple FWLM field upgrade of the lackluster 5M ''Hunchback'', the 5N model simply downgrades the pulse laser back to a Small Laser and removes the CASE to carry an extra ton of reloads, retaining the double heat sinks. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 903, BV (2.0) = 1,041<ref name=MUL111>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 111</ref>
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* HBK-5P - Built for FWLM units in league with the [[Word of Blake]], the 5P ''Hunchback'' is an upgrade on the ''Swayback'' 4P variant. The 'Mech carries six [[ER Medium Laser]]s and two [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. Additionally, the 5P carries an [[ECM Suite]] as well as a [[C3 slave]] to share targeting telemetry with its lance mates. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,162, BV (2.0) = 1,340<ref name=MUL111/>
 
* HBK-5P - Built for FWLM units in league with the [[Word of Blake]], the 5P ''Hunchback'' is an upgrade on the ''Swayback'' 4P variant. The 'Mech carries six [[ER Medium Laser]]s and two [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. Additionally, the 5P carries an [[ECM Suite]] as well as a [[C3 slave]] to share targeting telemetry with its lance mates. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,162, BV (2.0) = 1,340<ref name=MUL111/>
  
* HBK-5S - Originally a refit line converted to full production, the 5S is a complete overhaul of the ''Hunchback'' design developed by [[Norse-Storm BattleMechs]]. The structure has been modified to use [[Endo Steel]] construction techniques, the engine has been upgraded to a [[Light Fusion Engine]], and it has had four [[Jump Jet]]s added for increased mobility. The 'Mech carries as its primary weapon an [[LB-X Autocannon/20]] supported by two [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s and a single [[Small Laser]]. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,311, BV (2.0) = 1,350<ref name=MUL111/>
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* HBK-5S - Originally a refit line converted to full production, the 5S is a complete overhaul of the ''Hunchback'' design developed by [[Norse-Storm BattleMechs]]. The structure has been modified to use [[Endo Steel]] construction techniques, the engine has been upgraded to a [[Light Fusion Engine]], and it has had four [[Jump Jet]]s added for increased mobility. The 'Mech carries, as its primary weapon, an [[LB-X Autocannon/20]] supported by two [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s and a single [[Small Laser]]. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,311, BV (2.0) = 1,350<ref name=MUL111/>
  
 
* HBK-5SG - A prototype that never saw full production, the 5SG trades out the autocannon and Small Laser of the 5S for a [[Gauss Rifle]] and [[Guardian ECM Suite]]. The addition of [[Stealth Armor]] makes this ''Hunchback'' a long-range sniper that is difficult to hit. A [[Compact Gyro]] is used to make room for all of the equipment. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,577<ref name=MUL111/>
 
* HBK-5SG - A prototype that never saw full production, the 5SG trades out the autocannon and Small Laser of the 5S for a [[Gauss Rifle]] and [[Guardian ECM Suite]]. The addition of [[Stealth Armor]] makes this ''Hunchback'' a long-range sniper that is difficult to hit. A [[Compact Gyro]] is used to make room for all of the equipment. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,577<ref name=MUL111/>
  
* HBK-5SS - Produced by Norse-Storm, the 5SS is an upgrade to the ''Swayback''. Based on the chassis of the 5S, it carries two [[MML 9]]s fed by three tons worth of ammunition. Three ER Medium Lasers and an [[ER Small Laser]] provide added close-in damage potential. The use of a [[Heavy-Duty Gyro]] protects this fragile piece of equipment from damage. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,342<ref name=MUL111/>
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* HBK-5SS - Produced by Norse-Storm, the 5SS is an upgrade to the ''Swayback''. Based on the chassis of the 5S, it carries two [[MML 9]]s fed by three tons worth of ammunition. Three ER Medium Lasers and an [[ER Small Laser]] provide added close range damage potential. The use of a [[Heavy-Duty Gyro]] protects this fragile piece of equipment from damage. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,342<ref name=MUL111/>
  
* HBK-6N - Kali Yama's response to the complaints about lack of AC/20 ammunition that spawned the ad hoc 5N field refit, the 6N removes three extra double heat sinks and replaces them with three more tons of reloads. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 898<ref>Heavy Metal Pro</ref> ''(Note that this variant is described in ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'', but is not present in the accompanying record sheets.)''. BV (2.0) = 1,130<ref name=MUL111/>
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* HBK-6N - Kali Yama's response to the complaints about the lack of AC/20 ammunition that spawned the ad hoc 5N field refit, the 6N removes three extra double heat sinks and replaces them with three more tons of reloads. <ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 898<ref>Heavy Metal Pro</ref> ''(Note that this variant is described in ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'', but is not present in the accompanying record sheets.)''. BV (2.0) = 1,130<ref name=MUL111/>
  
* HBK-7X-4 - This failed factory [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] variant of the ''Hunchback'' was developed by Kali Yama Weapons Industries of [[Kalidasa]]. Only four prototypes were produced in [[3065]], but no orders were placed for it. This experimental version of the 'Mech included [[CASE II]], [[Torso-Mounted Cockpit]], [[Armored Gyro]], and [[Reinforced Structure]]. The 'Mech was protected by 9 tons of [[Ferro-Fibrous]] Armor and its armored and reinforced components enhanced its battlefield survivability. It was armed with a single [[Ultra AC/10|Class 10 Ultra Autocannon]] carrying two tons of ammo. However, the design was considered too expensive for the reduction in firepower. BV (2.0) = 1,208<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations'' p. 4 - Experimental Hunchback.</ref>
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* HBK-7X-4 - This failed factory [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] variant of the ''Hunchback'' was developed by Kali Yama Weapons Industries of [[Kalidasa]]. Only four prototypes were produced in [[3065]], but no orders were placed for it. This experimental version of the 'Mech included [[CASE II]], a [[Torso-Mounted Cockpit]], [[Armored Gyro]], and was built using a [[Reinforced Structure]]. The 'Mech was protected by 9 tons of [[Ferro-Fibrous]] Armor, and its armored and reinforced components enhanced its battlefield survivability. It was armed with a single [[Ultra AC/10|Class 10 Ultra Autocannon]] carrying two tons of ammo. However, the design was considered too expensive for the reduction in firepower. BV (2.0) = 1,208<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations'' p. 4 - Experimental Hunchback.</ref>
  
* HBK-7R - Designed for the [[Republic of the Sphere]], this ''Hunchback'' is based on the HBK-7X-4. Unlike that unit however, the 7R uses a standard cockpit and lacks the Armored Gyro. The Reinforced Structure and CASE II systems remain, as does the Ultra AC/10 and arm-mounted [[ER Medium Laser]]s. Unlike the experimental model, this ''Hunchback'' carries ten tons of [[Light Ferro-Fibrous]] armor for protection, incorporates [[TAG]] in the head, and carries a [[Guardian ECM Suite]] to interfere with enemy electronics. BV (2.0) = 1,248<ref>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 109</ref>
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* HBK-7R - Designed for the [[Republic of the Sphere]], this ''Hunchback'' is based on the HBK-7X-4. Unlike that unit however, the 7R uses a Standard Cockpit and lacks the Armored Gyro. The Reinforced Structure and CASE II systems remain, as does the Ultra AC/10 and arm-mounted [[ER Medium Laser]]s. Unlike the experimental model, this ''Hunchback'' carries ten tons of [[Light Ferro-Fibrous]] armor for protection, incorporates [[TAG]] in the head, and carries a [[Guardian ECM Suite]] to interfere with enemy electronics. BV (2.0) = 1,248<ref>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 109</ref>
  
 
==Custom Variants==
 
==Custom Variants==

Revision as of 17:43, 18 December 2011

Hunchback
Hunchback
Production information
Manufacturer Kali Yama Weapons Industries, Komiyaba/Nissan General Industries, Coventry Metal Works, Norse-Storm BattleMechs
Model HBK-4G
Class Medium
Cost 3,467,875 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 50 tons
Chassis Komiyaba Type VIII
Armor Starshield
Engine Nissan 200
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 851
BV (2.0) 1,037[1]


1,041[2]


Description

Originally conceived in 2572, the Hunchback is well-known as an urban combat BattleMech built for close range combat. The only real flaw in the Hunchback's design as a city fighter is its lack of jump jets combined with its relatively slow ground speed of only 64.8 km/h. Aside from this flaw, the design is a respected and dangerous 'Mech when in a city environment. When in the open though, its lack of any long-range weapons makes the Hunchback little more than a slow-moving target.[1]

Armament

The primary weapon on the Hunchback is a Tomodzuru Autocannon Mount Type 20 which can strip one and a quarter tons off of an enemy 'Mech in a single blow. This is paired with two Ichiba 2000 Medium Lasers and a Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Laser. All of the weapons carried by the Hunchback excel at close ranges and make it a devastating opponent at close range.[3]

Variants

  • HBK-2 - Described as a venerable Star League-era model, this version of the Hunchback was the basis from which the Clans developed the Hunchback IIC[4] (see below).
  • HBK-4H - One of many variants, the 4H Hunchback is a modification of the design that uses a lighter Autocannon/10 and adds an additional two Medium Lasers. This modification increases the Hunchback's long range striking capability at the expense of raw firepower. BV (1.0) = 850, BV (2.0) = 1,067
  • HBK-4J - This variant changes the 'Mech's focus from short range combat to fire support by removing the Autocannon/20 and replacing it with two LRM-10 launchers and three additional Medium Lasers. This variant can act as a bodyguard 'Mech for fire support lances without degrading the mission of those lances because of its mix of LRMs and Medium Lasers. BV (1.0) = 853, BV (2.0) = 1,143[5]
  • HBK-4N - The 4N variant combines the qualities of the 4H and 4J. The main weapons are an Autocannon/5 and a pair of LRM-5 launchers. This makes the 4N capable of direct fire and indirect fire support. Additionally, two Medium Lasers have been added to the design. BV (1.0) = 843, BV (2.0) = 1,087[6]
  • HBK-4P - Also called the Swayback, the 4P Hunchback is modified to carry only energy weapons. The Autocannon/20 was replaced with six additional Medium Lasers. In order to handle the incredibly high heat load, the 'Mech has twenty three heat sinks. While this may seem like a downgrade of the design, the combined firepower of all eight Medium Lasers can do twice as much damage as the Autocannon they replaced. BV (1.0) = 960, BV (2.0) = 1,138[7]
  • HBK-4SP - The 4SP variant replaces the Autocannon with two SRM-6 launchers. These missile launchers provide the 'Mech with a great deal of damage capability at close range, but they do not have the same raw power as the original Autocannon/20. The 'Mech also has four Medium Lasers as secondary weapons. BV (1.0) = 854, BV (2.0) = 1,043[8]
  • HBK-5H - The 5H Hunchback is a Periphery upgrade of the basic design. The Small Laser was removed as well as one and a half tons of armor and three Rocket Launcher 20s were added to the design, giving it an incredible amount of close range striking capability. BV (1.0) = 901, BV (2.0) = 1,097[9]
  • HBK-5M - The Kali Yama-produced 5M Hunchback is a simple upgrade of the original 4G model that first saw production in 3046. The heat sinks have been upgraded to double heat sinks, while the Small Laser has been upgraded to a Small Pulse Laser, and CASE has been added to protect against ammunition explosions. The extra weight required to add the newer systems forced Kali Yama to reduced ammunition storage to a single ton of reloads, making it unpopular with MechWarriors and spawning the unofficial HBK-5N variant. BV (1.0) = 932, BV (2.0) = 1,054[10]
  • HBK-5N - A very simple FWLM field upgrade of the lackluster 5M Hunchback, the 5N model simply downgrades the pulse laser back to a Small Laser and removes the CASE to carry an extra ton of reloads, retaining the double heat sinks. [10] BV (1.0) = 903, BV (2.0) = 1,041[11]
  • HBK-5SG - A prototype that never saw full production, the 5SG trades out the autocannon and Small Laser of the 5S for a Gauss Rifle and Guardian ECM Suite. The addition of Stealth Armor makes this Hunchback a long-range sniper that is difficult to hit. A Compact Gyro is used to make room for all of the equipment. [10] BV (2.0) = 1,577[11]
  • HBK-5SS - Produced by Norse-Storm, the 5SS is an upgrade to the Swayback. Based on the chassis of the 5S, it carries two MML 9s fed by three tons worth of ammunition. Three ER Medium Lasers and an ER Small Laser provide added close range damage potential. The use of a Heavy-Duty Gyro protects this fragile piece of equipment from damage. [10] BV (2.0) = 1,342[11]
  • HBK-6N - Kali Yama's response to the complaints about the lack of AC/20 ammunition that spawned the ad hoc 5N field refit, the 6N removes three extra double heat sinks and replaces them with three more tons of reloads. [10] BV (1.0) = 898[12] (Note that this variant is described in Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, but is not present in the accompanying record sheets.). BV (2.0) = 1,130[11]
  • HBK-7X-4 - This failed factory experimental variant of the Hunchback was developed by Kali Yama Weapons Industries of Kalidasa. Only four prototypes were produced in 3065, but no orders were placed for it. This experimental version of the 'Mech included CASE II, a Torso-Mounted Cockpit, Armored Gyro, and was built using a Reinforced Structure. The 'Mech was protected by 9 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armor, and its armored and reinforced components enhanced its battlefield survivability. It was armed with a single Class 10 Ultra Autocannon carrying two tons of ammo. However, the design was considered too expensive for the reduction in firepower. BV (2.0) = 1,208[13]
  • HBK-7R - Designed for the Republic of the Sphere, this Hunchback is based on the HBK-7X-4. Unlike that unit however, the 7R uses a Standard Cockpit and lacks the Armored Gyro. The Reinforced Structure and CASE II systems remain, as does the Ultra AC/10 and arm-mounted ER Medium Lasers. Unlike the experimental model, this Hunchback carries ten tons of Light Ferro-Fibrous armor for protection, incorporates TAG in the head, and carries a Guardian ECM Suite to interfere with enemy electronics. BV (2.0) = 1,248[14]

Custom Variants

  • HBK-4G Hunchback Shakir - The personal 'Mech of Sorenson’s Sabres member and future ISF director Shakir Jerrar was refitted to an advanced variation of the 4H in the lead-up to the War of 3039, carrying two prototype Medium Pulse Laser in place of the four standard Medium Lasers.[15]
  • HBK-4G Hunchback Hohiro - Assigned Jerrar's 'Mech after his retirement from the Sabres, when piloted by Hohiro Utsonomiya during the Jihad it was refitted with post-Clan Invasion technology. The addition of an Endo steel chassis and Ferro-Fibrous armor frees up weight to swap the standard AC/10 for an Ultra Autocannon/10, retaining the two ton ammo bay, carrying standard production grade Medium Pulse Lasers in the arms and a ER Small Laser in the head, adding a C3 Slave in the center torso. [16]

Notable Pilots

Related BattleMechs

  • Hunchback IIC - The HBK-2 Hunchback was one of the 'Mechs taken with the SLDF on their exodus from the Inner Sphere. Eventually, the Hunchback was upgraded with Clan technology and the Hunchback IIC was created. BV (1.0) = 1,524, BV (2.0) = 1,679

Gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 136
  2. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 124
  3. Introductory Record Sheets, p. 13
  4. Technical Readout: 3058, p.168
  5. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 126
  6. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 127
  7. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 128
  8. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 129
  9. Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 110
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 58
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 111
  12. Heavy Metal Pro
  13. Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations p. 4 - Experimental Hunchback.
  14. Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 109
  15. Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 41, 95
  16. Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 108

Bibliography