Difference between revisions of "IIC"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
'''IIC''' ("two-C", in the sense of "second generation, and of Clan origin") is an [[Inner Sphere]] designation<ref name="TRO:3055p92">''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 92, "Clan BattleMechs"</ref> for items built with superior [[Clan]] technology that have evolved out of certain classic designs or items from which they derive their names. Originally coined for certain [[BattleMech]] designs,<ref name="TRO:3055p92"/> IIC was later also used for superior (Clan-level) technology rebuilds of [[aerospace fighter]]s, [[vehicle]]s, and other equipment that evolved out of an earlier namesake, and is now used for a broad range of advanced items.
 
'''IIC''' ("two-C", in the sense of "second generation, and of Clan origin") is an [[Inner Sphere]] designation<ref name="TRO:3055p92">''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 92, "Clan BattleMechs"</ref> for items built with superior [[Clan]] technology that have evolved out of certain classic designs or items from which they derive their names. Originally coined for certain [[BattleMech]] designs,<ref name="TRO:3055p92"/> IIC was later also used for superior (Clan-level) technology rebuilds of [[aerospace fighter]]s, [[vehicle]]s, and other equipment that evolved out of an earlier namesake, and is now used for a broad range of advanced items.
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 +
Many IIC designs have altered the parent design's mass and some actually bear little resemblance to the earlier design or item of the same name.
  
 
The IIC designation originated with the Inner Sphere,<ref name="TRO:3055p92"/> and is not a Clan term, even though it describes Clan technology from an Inner Sphere viewpoint. As such, the Clans themselves did not use the IIC description initially, referring to IIC units and items by their traditional Star League-era name (without the "IIC" appendix) instead.<ref>e.g. ''Trial of Faith'', p. 13</ref> Later on, around the [[Jihad era]] past the year [[3067]], the Clans seem to have adopted IIC as a designation<ref>''Operation ICE STORM'' Part 2, p. 7</ref> to differentiate IIC designs from their classic ancestors which are sometimes still in use in the Inner Sphere.
 
The IIC designation originated with the Inner Sphere,<ref name="TRO:3055p92"/> and is not a Clan term, even though it describes Clan technology from an Inner Sphere viewpoint. As such, the Clans themselves did not use the IIC description initially, referring to IIC units and items by their traditional Star League-era name (without the "IIC" appendix) instead.<ref>e.g. ''Trial of Faith'', p. 13</ref> Later on, around the [[Jihad era]] past the year [[3067]], the Clans seem to have adopted IIC as a designation<ref>''Operation ICE STORM'' Part 2, p. 7</ref> to differentiate IIC designs from their classic ancestors which are sometimes still in use in the Inner Sphere.
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:''Among the [[BattleTech]] fan base, "IIC" is also (often jokingly) used very broadly for the concepts of superiority or improvement; it is unclear if the designation is in similarly casual use within the BattleTech universe.''
 
:''Among the [[BattleTech]] fan base, "IIC" is also (often jokingly) used very broadly for the concepts of superiority or improvement; it is unclear if the designation is in similarly casual use within the BattleTech universe.''
  
Although superior to standard Inner Sphere technology, IIC 'Mechs and fighters do not make use of [[OmniMech|Omni]] technology and were thus already considered obsolete by the Clans around the time of the [[Clan Invasion]]. With the notable exception of the ''[[Hunchback IIC]]'',<ref name=TRO3058>''Technical Readout: 3058, p. 188</ref><ref name=TRO3058U>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 172</ref> IIC BattleMechs were largely absent from frontline formations, and were initially primarily used in second-line and garrison units.<ref name="TRO:3055p92"/>
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Although superior to standard Inner Sphere technology, IIC 'Mechs and fighters do not make use of [[OmniMech|Omni]] technology and were thus already considered obsolete by the Clans around the time of the [[Clan Invasion]]. With the notable exception of the ''[[Hunchback IIC]]'',<ref name=TRO3058>''Technical Readout: 3058, p. 188</ref><ref name=TRO3058U>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 172</ref> IIC BattleMechs were largely absent from frontline formations, and were initially primarily used in second-line and garrison units.<ref name="TRO:3055p92"/> Still, the concept carries on, and new IIC designs were still devised by [[3095]].<ref>The ''Viking IIC'' was introduced in 3095.</ref>
 
 
Many IIC designs have altered the parent design's mass and some actually bear little resemblance to the earlier design or item of the same name.
 
  
 
== No IIC Spaceships ==
 
== No IIC Spaceships ==
Spaceships of all kinds seem to be a notable exception from the IIC naming scheme:
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Even though similar redesigns exist among spacecraft, spaceships of all kinds seem to be a notable exception from the IIC naming scheme:
  
 
There is no IIC [[WarShip]] class, despite many vessels in the Clan fleets having undergone some form of upgrade or refit (sometimes radically). Evolutions that were based off older designs were given entirely new names.
 
There is no IIC [[WarShip]] class, despite many vessels in the Clan fleets having undergone some form of upgrade or refit (sometimes radically). Evolutions that were based off older designs were given entirely new names.
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The Clans do operate upgraded versions of common [[JumpShip]] types with (it is implied) improved on-board electronics and other advanced technologies such as [[HarJel]] hull sealant safety systems, but the overall differences seem to be minor and they are not named differently.
 
The Clans do operate upgraded versions of common [[JumpShip]] types with (it is implied) improved on-board electronics and other advanced technologies such as [[HarJel]] hull sealant safety systems, but the overall differences seem to be minor and they are not named differently.
  
There are no IIC [[DropShip]]s either. Despite effectively being IIC-style redesigns, the ''[[Union-C]]'' and ''[[Overlord-C]]'' are named thus, even by the Clans themselves, while the IIC-style evolution of the ''[[Leopard]]'' was named the ''[[Broadsword]]'' class. Despite the differences, initial Inner Sphere reports during the early Clan Invasion often inaccurately reported ''Union-C'' and ''Overlord-C'' class DropShips as ''Union'' and ''Overlord''-class vessels, and ''Broadsword'' class DropShips as ''Leopard''s.<ref>There is an [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=56035.0 official ruling] to the effect that Clan DropShips described as ''Overlord'' and ''Union'' in early sourcebooks (especially those that predate the introduction of proper Clan DropShips in ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'') can be considered to be ''Overlord-C'' and ''Union-C'' class vessels instead; the same is "not definitely" true for ''Broadsword''/''Leopard''-class vessels.</ref>
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There are no IIC [[DropShip]]s either. Despite effectively being IIC-style redesigns, the ''[[Union-C]]'' and ''[[Overlord-C]]'' are named thus, even by the Clans themselves, while the IIC-style evolution of the ''[[Leopard]]'' and ''[[Intruder]]'' were named the ''[[Broadsword]]'' and ''[[Sassanid]]'' class, respectively. Despite the differences, initial Inner Sphere reports during the early Clan Invasion often inaccurately reported ''Union-C'' and ''Overlord-C'' class DropShips as ''Union'' and ''Overlord''-class vessels, and ''Broadsword'' class DropShips as ''Leopard''s.<ref>There is an [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=56035.0 official ruling] to the effect that Clan DropShips described as ''Overlord'' and ''Union'' in early sourcebooks, especially those sourcebooks that predate the introduction of proper Clan DropShips in ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'', can be considered to be ''Overlord-C'' and ''Union-C'' class vessels instead; the same is "not definitely" true for ''Broadsword''/''Leopard''-class vessels. It should be noted though that one sourcebook written as an internal [[Wolfnet]] document (''[[The Falcon and the Wolf]]'') lists ''Overlord''s, ''Union''s, ''Leopard''s and ''Intruder''s in Clan toumans alongside ''Overlord-C'', ''Union-C'', ''Broadsword'' and ''Sassanid'' class vessels; given that Wolfnet would be aware of the differences this seems to prove that all of those classes were in fact in use among the Clans at least up until ca. [[3057]], when the report was compiled in-universe.</ref>
  
 
Similarly, upgraded Clan versions of various types of [[Small Craft]] simply append "C" to their designation either directly, or separated by a space or a dash, i.e. [[K-1]]C, [[KR-61|KR-61 C]], [[Mark VII]]-C.<ref name="TRO:3057Rp170+">''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', pp. 170, 171, 173</ref> It should be noted though that Clan upgrades to Small Craft designs are typically minor, usually limited to an upgrade of their weapons suite to more advanced versions of the same weapons, and/or armor changes. In this fashion, they are actually much closer to "C" variants (see below) than IIC redesigns.
 
Similarly, upgraded Clan versions of various types of [[Small Craft]] simply append "C" to their designation either directly, or separated by a space or a dash, i.e. [[K-1]]C, [[KR-61|KR-61 C]], [[Mark VII]]-C.<ref name="TRO:3057Rp170+">''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', pp. 170, 171, 173</ref> It should be noted though that Clan upgrades to Small Craft designs are typically minor, usually limited to an upgrade of their weapons suite to more advanced versions of the same weapons, and/or armor changes. In this fashion, they are actually much closer to "C" variants (see below) than IIC redesigns.
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*''[[Thunderbolt IIC]]''
 
*''[[Thunderbolt IIC]]''
 
*''[[UrbanMech IIC]]''
 
*''[[UrbanMech IIC]]''
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*''[[Viking IIC]]''
 
*''[[Warhammer IIC]]'', ten tons heavier than the original ''[[Warhammer]]'' and thus classed as an assault 'Mech, not a heavy 'Mech
 
*''[[Warhammer IIC]]'', ten tons heavier than the original ''[[Warhammer]]'' and thus classed as an assault 'Mech, not a heavy 'Mech
 
*''[[Wolfhound IIC]]'', a rebuild of [[Phelan Kell]]'s personal 'Mech and presumably a unique one-off design
 
*''[[Wolfhound IIC]]'', a rebuild of [[Phelan Kell]]'s personal 'Mech and presumably a unique one-off design
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* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]''
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* ''[[The Falcon and the Wolf]]''
 
* ''[[Trial of Faith]]''
 
* ''[[Trial of Faith]]''
  
 
[[Category:Technology|IIC]]
 
[[Category:Technology|IIC]]

Revision as of 10:54, 14 March 2019

Description

IIC ("two-C", in the sense of "second generation, and of Clan origin") is an Inner Sphere designation[1] for items built with superior Clan technology that have evolved out of certain classic designs or items from which they derive their names. Originally coined for certain BattleMech designs,[1] IIC was later also used for superior (Clan-level) technology rebuilds of aerospace fighters, vehicles, and other equipment that evolved out of an earlier namesake, and is now used for a broad range of advanced items.

Many IIC designs have altered the parent design's mass and some actually bear little resemblance to the earlier design or item of the same name.

The IIC designation originated with the Inner Sphere,[1] and is not a Clan term, even though it describes Clan technology from an Inner Sphere viewpoint. As such, the Clans themselves did not use the IIC description initially, referring to IIC units and items by their traditional Star League-era name (without the "IIC" appendix) instead.[2] Later on, around the Jihad era past the year 3067, the Clans seem to have adopted IIC as a designation[3] to differentiate IIC designs from their classic ancestors which are sometimes still in use in the Inner Sphere.

Among the BattleTech fan base, "IIC" is also (often jokingly) used very broadly for the concepts of superiority or improvement; it is unclear if the designation is in similarly casual use within the BattleTech universe.

Although superior to standard Inner Sphere technology, IIC 'Mechs and fighters do not make use of Omni technology and were thus already considered obsolete by the Clans around the time of the Clan Invasion. With the notable exception of the Hunchback IIC,[4][5] IIC BattleMechs were largely absent from frontline formations, and were initially primarily used in second-line and garrison units.[1] Still, the concept carries on, and new IIC designs were still devised by 3095.[6]

No IIC Spaceships

Even though similar redesigns exist among spacecraft, spaceships of all kinds seem to be a notable exception from the IIC naming scheme:

There is no IIC WarShip class, despite many vessels in the Clan fleets having undergone some form of upgrade or refit (sometimes radically). Evolutions that were based off older designs were given entirely new names.

The Clans do operate upgraded versions of common JumpShip types with (it is implied) improved on-board electronics and other advanced technologies such as HarJel hull sealant safety systems, but the overall differences seem to be minor and they are not named differently.

There are no IIC DropShips either. Despite effectively being IIC-style redesigns, the Union-C and Overlord-C are named thus, even by the Clans themselves, while the IIC-style evolution of the Leopard and Intruder were named the Broadsword and Sassanid class, respectively. Despite the differences, initial Inner Sphere reports during the early Clan Invasion often inaccurately reported Union-C and Overlord-C class DropShips as Union and Overlord-class vessels, and Broadsword class DropShips as Leopards.[7]

Similarly, upgraded Clan versions of various types of Small Craft simply append "C" to their designation either directly, or separated by a space or a dash, i.e. K-1C, KR-61 C, Mark VII-C.[8] It should be noted though that Clan upgrades to Small Craft designs are typically minor, usually limited to an upgrade of their weapons suite to more advanced versions of the same weapons, and/or armor changes. In this fashion, they are actually much closer to "C" variants (see below) than IIC redesigns.

Difference betwen "IIC" and "C" designs

IIC BattleMechs, which are essentially new 'Mech models designed to make use of Clan technology, should not be confused with "C" BattleMechs:

Somewhat similar to the IIC concept, "C"-type BattleMechs are standard 'Mech designs that have been built or upgraded with advanced Clan equipment and components, but are essentially only a variant of their parent design built with better components and not an altogether new design (as opposed to a IIC 'Mech that has been redesigned from the ground up). Frequently, the change is limited to exchanging weapon systems for advanced Clan counterparts, without changing the chassis or other components such as the fusion engine or heat sinks. They are typically built by the Clans at captured Inner Sphere factories to achieve the best possible production result without having to retool the factory for an entirely different 'Mech model.

Known IIC designs

(see also: Category:IIC)

BattleMechs

Aerospace fighters

Vehicles

Other

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Technical Readout: 3055, p. 92, "Clan BattleMechs"
  2. e.g. Trial of Faith, p. 13
  3. Operation ICE STORM Part 2, p. 7
  4. 4.0 4.1 Technical Readout: 3058, p. 188
  5. 5.0 5.1 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 172
  6. The Viking IIC was introduced in 3095.
  7. There is an official ruling to the effect that Clan DropShips described as Overlord and Union in early sourcebooks, especially those sourcebooks that predate the introduction of proper Clan DropShips in Technical Readout: 3057, can be considered to be Overlord-C and Union-C class vessels instead; the same is "not definitely" true for Broadsword/Leopard-class vessels. It should be noted though that one sourcebook written as an internal Wolfnet document (The Falcon and the Wolf) lists Overlords, Unions, Leopards and Intruders in Clan toumans alongside Overlord-C, Union-C, Broadsword and Sassanid class vessels; given that Wolfnet would be aware of the differences this seems to prove that all of those classes were in fact in use among the Clans at least up until ca. 3057, when the report was compiled in-universe.
  8. Technical Readout: 3057 Revised, pp. 170, 171, 173

Bibliography