IIC

Description

IIC ("two-C", for "second generation, Clan technology") is an Inner Sphere designation used for various items of Clan equipment that evolved out of certain classic designs or items, built with superior Clan technology. Originally coined for certain BattleMech designs, 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 in a similar fashion, and is now used for a broad range of advanced items.

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.

IIC 'Mechs and fighters do not make use of Omni technology and were thus already considered obsolete by the time of the Clan Invasion. They were absent from frontline formations, but were used in second-line and garrison units.

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

The Clans themselves do not seem to use the IIC designation, referring to IIC units and items by their traditional name (without the "IIC" appendix) instead.

No IIC Spaceships

Spaceships seem to be a notable exception from the IIC naming scheme:

There are no IIC DropShips. Despite effectively being IIC-style redesigns, the Union-C and Overlord-C are named thus, even by the Clans themselves (and the IIC-style evolution of the Leopard was named the Broadsword).
Similarly, the upgraded Clan version of the K-1 DropShuttle is called the K-1C (and not K-1 IIC).

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.

Neither is there a IIC WarShip class, despite many vessels in the Clan fleets having undergone some form of upgrade.

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, and not an altogether new design (as opposed to a IIC 'Mech that has been redesigned from the ground up). 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

BattleMechs

• Beowulf IIC
• Clint IIC
• Commando IIC
• Conjurer (Hellhound), the Wolverine IIC in all but name; five tons lighter than the original Wolverine
• Dervish IIC (apocryphal)
• Griffin IIC, fifteen tons lighter than the original Griffin
• Guillotine IIC
• Highlander IIC
• Hunchback IIC
• Jenner IIC
• Locust IIC, five tons heavier than the original Locust
• Marauder IIC, ten tons heavier than the original Marauder and thus classed as an assault 'Mech, not a heavy 'Mech
• Orion IIC
• Phoenix Hawk IIC, thirty-five tons heavier than the original Phoenix Hawk and thus classed as an assault 'Mech, not a medium 'Mech
• Rifleman IIC, five tons heavier than the original Rifleman
• Shadow Hawk IIC, ten tons lighter than the original Shadow Hawk
• Stinger IIC
• Thunderbolt IIC
• UrbanMech IIC
• 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
• Wyvern IIC

Aerospace fighters

• Chippewa IIC

Vehicles

• Axel IIC tank

Other

• Mauser IIC assault rifle