Pixiu

Pixiu.jpg
Pixiu Heavy Tank
Production information
Manufacturer Aldis Industries
Production Year 3093
Mission Fire Support
Type Tracked
Technical specifications
Mass 70
Armor Ceres Heavy Stealth
Engine Magna 350 XL fusion
Speed 86 km/h
Communications System Olmstead 44 with Guardian ECM Suite
Targeting Tracking System Omicron VIII
Heat Sinks 10
Armament
BV (2.0) 1,450[1][2][3]


Description

First produced in 3093, the Pixiu Heavy Tank is a Heavy Combat Vehicle produced for the Capellan Confederation's Armed Forces just after the Jihad. Designed to be a stealth tank, the Pixiu primarily uses long-range weaponry to engage its opponents. The tank first premiered in combat during the Victoria War in 3105.[4] It was designed to supplement the Po II, a short-range fighter, which would allow the Pixiu to provide covering fire at long ranges.

The tank's most noted engagement was on Sarna in 3113, where a company of Pixius engaged raiding elements of Stone's Lament. The Lament's armored vehicles engaged the Protectorate Guard's Pixius outside ruins of dead Narais. The Guard's Pixius were able to hold off the assault tanks of the Republic and deplete their ammunition until they were forced to withdraw, aiding in the survival of the Prefectorate Guard.[5]

Weapons and Equipment

The Pixiu owes its reputation to its speed and the stealth it uses to great effect on the battlefield. The tank is powered by a 350-rated XL Fusion Engine to reach speeds of 86 km/h, while its extra-light engine allows room for its equipment and armor protection. This includes 11 tons of Ceres Heavy Stealth Armor and a Guardian ECM Suite.

The tank's long range firepower comes in the form of its turreted Inokuma Gauss rifle and Class 5 Sian/Ceres Serval Thunderbolt Missile Launcher. The Pixius carries two tons of ammunition for the rifle, though only a single ton for the missile launcher. The tank lacks short-range weaponry with the exception of its forward-mounted Ceres Fire Flower Conventional Flamer.[6]

Design Quirks

The Pixiu Heavy Tank is subjected to the following Design Quirk:

References

  1. Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation, pp. 21, 70: Pixiu Heavy Tank - BV2
  2. Master Unit Rules Profile for Pixiu Heavy Tank - Includes BV2 and Introduction Year.
  3. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 80
  4. BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction, p. 129: "Timeline"
  5. Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation, p. 22: Pixiu Heavy Tank - Background
  6. Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation, pp. 20–21, 70: Pixiu Heavy Tank - Stats

Bibliography