Difference between revisions of "Nexus (Star Python)"
Sarna News
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | |||
{{InfoBoxBattleMech | {{InfoBoxBattleMech | ||
|image=Nexus (Star Python) RGilClan v23.png | |image=Nexus (Star Python) RGilClan v23.png | ||
| Line 33: | Line 32: | ||
Despite early promising action reports from the [[366th Division (ComStar)|366th Division]],<ref name=CSp98/> <ref name=TRO3058p96/> the brutal fighting during [[Operation ODYSSEUS]] in [[3058]] showed that the ''Nexus''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s light armor and short-ranged firepower led to excessive combat losses if targeted by more mobile and longer ranged opponents. With the Skobel line falling to the [[Word of Blake]], the Blakist Precentor Martial [[Cameron St. Jamais]] responded to pilot complaints about these flaws by promising a complete overhaul when time allowed. Thanks to technology exchange agreements with [[Archon-Princess]] [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] that provided access to the [[Lyran Alliance]]'s new [[light fusion engine]], a visually reworked and extensively modified version dubbed the '''''Nexus II''''' started rolling off the production lines and into the [[Word of Blake Militia]] in [[3066]] in time for the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3055Up96>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 96 "NXS2-A Nexus II"</ref> | Despite early promising action reports from the [[366th Division (ComStar)|366th Division]],<ref name=CSp98/> <ref name=TRO3058p96/> the brutal fighting during [[Operation ODYSSEUS]] in [[3058]] showed that the ''Nexus''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s light armor and short-ranged firepower led to excessive combat losses if targeted by more mobile and longer ranged opponents. With the Skobel line falling to the [[Word of Blake]], the Blakist Precentor Martial [[Cameron St. Jamais]] responded to pilot complaints about these flaws by promising a complete overhaul when time allowed. Thanks to technology exchange agreements with [[Archon-Princess]] [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] that provided access to the [[Lyran Alliance]]'s new [[light fusion engine]], a visually reworked and extensively modified version dubbed the '''''Nexus II''''' started rolling off the production lines and into the [[Word of Blake Militia]] in [[3066]] in time for the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3055Up96>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 96 "NXS2-A Nexus II"</ref> | ||
| − | In [[3152]] [[Scorpion Empire]] started full scale production of advanced version of ''Nexus'' using recovered blueprints from [[Word of Blake]] archives which [[Hanseatic League]] kept on planet [[Braunschweig]]. Blueprints were damaged but after successful data recovery the new version, designated '''''Star Python''''', was developed and put into service of [[Imperio Militar del Escorpión]].<ref>''Shrapnel Magazine Issue #06'','' Moving Forward''</ref> This version uses advanced [[Clan]] weaponry and [[reflective armor]] while it's rugged [[Antwerp 175]] engine gives it greater staying power than that of many modern light ’Mechs. Considering it's connection to old Jackrabbit of the [[Rim Worlds Army]] and later ''Nexus'' of the ComStar, ''Star Python's'' continued development is seen as quite surprising but also as a sign of removal of many traditional Clan stigmas within the Empire under the specter of an external threat<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 23'', p. 4 ''Star Python''</ref> | + | In [[3152]] [[Scorpion Empire]] started full scale production of advanced version of ''Nexus'' using recovered blueprints from [[Word of Blake]] archives which [[Hanseatic League]] kept on planet [[Braunschweig]]. Blueprints were damaged but after successful data recovery the new version, designated '''''Star Python''''', was developed and put into service of [[Imperio Militar del Escorpión]].<ref>''Shrapnel Magazine Issue #06'','' Moving Forward''</ref> This version uses advanced [[Clan]] weaponry and [[reflective armor]] while it's rugged [[Antwerp 175]] engine gives it greater staying power than that of many modern light ’Mechs. Considering it's connection to old ''Jackrabbit'' of the [[Rim Worlds Army]] and later ''Nexus'' of the ComStar, ''Star Python's'' continued development is seen as quite surprising but also as a sign of removal of many traditional Clan stigmas within the Empire under the specter of an external threat<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 23'', p. 4 ''Star Python''</ref> |
==Weapons and Equipment== | ==Weapons and Equipment== | ||
| Line 39: | Line 38: | ||
The ''Nexus'' has a top speed of 119 km/h and is powered by a [[Nissan 175]] fusion engine, which is both light and rugged. To save weight without the vulnerability of an [[extralight engine]], the ''Nexus'' is built on a [[Skobel 100-ROB]] [[endo steel]] chassis. For protection, the 'Mech carries a two tons of [[Krupp 200]] [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, relying on its speed and maneuverability, which is enhanced with a jumping capability of up to 120 meters. Finally, to handle the heat from the arsenal of energy weapons, the ''Nexus'' carries 10 [[double heat sink]]s.<ref name=CSp98/> <ref name=TRO3058p96/> | The ''Nexus'' has a top speed of 119 km/h and is powered by a [[Nissan 175]] fusion engine, which is both light and rugged. To save weight without the vulnerability of an [[extralight engine]], the ''Nexus'' is built on a [[Skobel 100-ROB]] [[endo steel]] chassis. For protection, the 'Mech carries a two tons of [[Krupp 200]] [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, relying on its speed and maneuverability, which is enhanced with a jumping capability of up to 120 meters. Finally, to handle the heat from the arsenal of energy weapons, the ''Nexus'' carries 10 [[double heat sink]]s.<ref name=CSp98/> <ref name=TRO3058p96/> | ||
| − | + | Star Python | |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
*; NXS1-B : Considered the progenitor of the ''Nexus II'', the NXS1-B variant of the standard NXS1-A intended to make the 'Mech more capable as a recon unit, the B variant completely restructures the 'Mechs arsenal and reworks the ''Nexus'' into a powerful scout 'Mech. Clad in four tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, the NXS1-B is capable of jumping up to 150 meters and carries two [[ER medium laser]]s as its primary weapons, backed up by an [[ER small laser]]. What makes this ''Nexus'' variant so effective as a recon 'Mech is its [[improved C3]] unit that allows it to share targeting data with up to five allied units.<ref name=TRO3055Up96/> BV (1.0) = 671<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 40</ref>, BV (2.0) = 715<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 157</ref> | *; NXS1-B : Considered the progenitor of the ''Nexus II'', the NXS1-B variant of the standard NXS1-A intended to make the 'Mech more capable as a recon unit, the B variant completely restructures the 'Mechs arsenal and reworks the ''Nexus'' into a powerful scout 'Mech. Clad in four tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, the NXS1-B is capable of jumping up to 150 meters and carries two [[ER medium laser]]s as its primary weapons, backed up by an [[ER small laser]]. What makes this ''Nexus'' variant so effective as a recon 'Mech is its [[improved C3]] unit that allows it to share targeting data with up to five allied units.<ref name=TRO3055Up96/> BV (1.0) = 671<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 40</ref>, BV (2.0) = 715<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 157</ref> | ||
Revision as of 17:12, 24 September 2022
_RGilClan_v23.png)
| |
| Nexus | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Skobel MechWorks
Imperial BattleMechs (Star Python) |
| Production Year | 3055[1] |
| Model | NXS1-A |
| Class | Light |
| Cost | 2,226,458 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| 'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
| Mass | 25 tons |
| Chassis | Skobel 100-ROB Endo Steel |
| Armor | Krupp 200 ferro-fibrous |
| Engine | Nissan 175 |
| Communications System | Exeter Longscan 200 with C3i Computer |
| Speed | 118.8 km/h |
| Jump Jets | Rawlings 55 |
| Armament | |
| BV (1.0) | 626[2] |
| BV (2.0) | 643[3] |
Contents
Description
The BattleMech known as the Nexus was originally based on the Jackrabbit, a light scout and combat vehicle and infantry support 'Mech built for the Star League Defense Force by Skobel MechWorks. Ironically, the Jackrabbit ended testing two weeks before Stefan Amaris seized power on Terra and was instead primarily used by units loyal to Amaris against the SLDF in General Kerensky's drive to liberate the Terran Hegemony. Though the SLDF captured Skobel's plant relatively intact, thanks to the stigma of being used against his forces Kerensky ordered it shut down and the unloved Jackrabbit disappeared into history outside of ComStar's records. With the Com Guards looking to recoup their grievous losses in the wake of the Battle of Tukayyid, in 3054 Precentor Martial Anastasius Focht ordered the Skobel plant reactivated, reworking the slower Jackrabbit into a fast and highly mobile recon striker 'Mech he renamed the Nexus.[1][4] [5]
Despite early promising action reports from the 366th Division,[4] [5] the brutal fighting during Operation ODYSSEUS in 3058 showed that the Nexus's light armor and short-ranged firepower led to excessive combat losses if targeted by more mobile and longer ranged opponents. With the Skobel line falling to the Word of Blake, the Blakist Precentor Martial Cameron St. Jamais responded to pilot complaints about these flaws by promising a complete overhaul when time allowed. Thanks to technology exchange agreements with Archon-Princess Katherine Steiner-Davion that provided access to the Lyran Alliance's new light fusion engine, a visually reworked and extensively modified version dubbed the Nexus II started rolling off the production lines and into the Word of Blake Militia in 3066 in time for the Jihad.[6]
In 3152 Scorpion Empire started full scale production of advanced version of Nexus using recovered blueprints from Word of Blake archives which Hanseatic League kept on planet Braunschweig. Blueprints were damaged but after successful data recovery the new version, designated Star Python, was developed and put into service of Imperio Militar del Escorpión.[7] This version uses advanced Clan weaponry and reflective armor while it's rugged Antwerp 175 engine gives it greater staying power than that of many modern light ’Mechs. Considering it's connection to old Jackrabbit of the Rim Worlds Army and later Nexus of the ComStar, Star Python's continued development is seen as quite surprising but also as a sign of removal of many traditional Clan stigmas within the Empire under the specter of an external threat[8]
Weapons and Equipment
As a recon 'Mech intended to rarely engage an enemy in a pitched battle, the Nexus is armed with a Blankenburg Technologies medium laser backed up by two highly accurate Blankenburg Technologies medium pulse lasers. As a weapon of last resort, the Nexus has two Intek small lasers. For added protection against missile attacks, the Nexus had a McArthur anti-missile system.[4] [5]
The Nexus has a top speed of 119 km/h and is powered by a Nissan 175 fusion engine, which is both light and rugged. To save weight without the vulnerability of an extralight engine, the Nexus is built on a Skobel 100-ROB endo steel chassis. For protection, the 'Mech carries a two tons of Krupp 200 ferro-fibrous armor, relying on its speed and maneuverability, which is enhanced with a jumping capability of up to 120 meters. Finally, to handle the heat from the arsenal of energy weapons, the Nexus carries 10 double heat sinks.[4] [5] Star Python
Variants
- NXS1-B
- Considered the progenitor of the Nexus II, the NXS1-B variant of the standard NXS1-A intended to make the 'Mech more capable as a recon unit, the B variant completely restructures the 'Mechs arsenal and reworks the Nexus into a powerful scout 'Mech. Clad in four tons of ferro-fibrous armor, the NXS1-B is capable of jumping up to 150 meters and carries two ER medium lasers as its primary weapons, backed up by an ER small laser. What makes this Nexus variant so effective as a recon 'Mech is its improved C3 unit that allows it to share targeting data with up to five allied units.[6] BV (1.0) = 671[9], BV (2.0) = 715[10]
- NXS2-A
- The so-called Nexus II takes the best of the Nexus B variant, the NXS2-A adds to that a Vox-LE 200 light fusion engine that gives the 'Mech a top speed of 129.6 km/h, well boasting and increase to three and a half tons of standard armor. The 'Mech is armed with two Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER medium lasers, two Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER small lasers, and is equipped with an improved C3 unit identical to the one in the NXS1-B. BV (1.0) = 689,[6] BV (2.0) = 702[11]
- NXS2-B
- Another version of the Nexus II, the NXS2-B is geared more towards electronic warfare, removing all six of the jump jets of the NXS2-A and replaces them with a Guardian ECM suite and a Beagle active probe. Featuring stealth armor to enhance its reconnaissance abilities, the two ER small lasers have been replaced with a TAG target designation laser to provide spotting capabilities.[6] BV (1.0) = 620, BV (2.0) = 717[12]
- Star Python
- Thoroughly upgraded Clan version of original Nexus, it is powered by durable Antwerp 175 engine and is equipped with 4 Rawlings 55 jump-jets which allow it to jump up to 120 meters. It's armed with 1 ER medium laser, 2 improved heavy medium lasers, 2 ER micro lasers and CGS-AMA anti-missile system. It is cooled by 10 double heat sinks while four and a half tons of Compound Rho reflective armor provide ample protection for it's size. BV (2.0) = 1,234 [13]
Design Quirks
The Nexus has the following Design Quirks:[14]
The Nexus II has the following Design Quirks:[15]
Related BattleMechs
- Jackrabbit - The Nexus was based upon the Jackrabbit, a 'Mech designed for the original SLDF that was produced in large numbers for Stefan Amaris' forces. Because of this, the design was largely shunned for centuries after the Amaris Civil War.[1]
Notes
- Introduced in the ComStar sourcebook, the Nexus used the art developed by Victor Musical Industries, Inc. for the Super Nintendo MechWarrior game. While legitimately acquired, this resulted in the art later being removed from use like the Unseen as a precaution, resulting in the Project Phoenix-style Reseen Nexus II visuals.
- The color plate of VMI art included in the ComStar sourcebook for the Nexus, Raijin and Grand Crusader referred to the Nexus as the Star Python and the Raijin as the Galahad (a name already elsewhere) in conflict with the rest of the written text and later Technical Readouts. When queried decades later the Line Developer at the time would clarify the Star Python existed only in error and the correct name was the Nexus, until Moving Forward would repurpose the Star Python name for the Clan Goliath Scorpion version of the 'Mech.
Gallery
NXS1-A Nexus from ComStar
Nexus from TRO:3058
NXS2-A Nexus II from TRO:3055 Upgrade
Star Python from RGilClan: Vol 23
NXS1-A Nexus in combat from CCG
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 176-177, "Jackrabbit 'Mech Profile"
- ↑ Combat Operations, p. 123
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 156
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 ComStar, p. 98 "New BattleMechs - ComStar Nexus"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: 3058, p. 96 "NXS1-A Nexus"
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 96 "NXS2-A Nexus II"
- ↑ Shrapnel Magazine Issue #06, Moving Forward
- ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 23, p. 4 Star Python
- ↑ Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 40
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 157
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 158
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 159
- ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 23, p. 4, p. 5 Star Python
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 93 BattleMech Quirk Table - Nexus Entry.
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 93 BattleMech Quirk Table - Nexus II Entry.
Bibliography
- Clarification by Line Developer on ComStar Star Python error (dead link) on the CBT Forum
- Combat Operations
- ComStar
- Master Unit List: Battle Values
- Moving Forward
- Record Sheets: 3055/3058
- Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade
- Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged
- Record Sheets: Upgrades
- Technical Readout: 3058
- Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade
- Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 23