Skinwalker (Ryoken III)

Skinwalker (Ryoken III)
Skinwalker / Ryoken III
Production information
Manufacturer Kali Yama Weapons Industries
Production Year 3147[1]
Model Prime
Class Medium
Cost 15,429,281 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan OmniMech
Mass 55 tons
Chassis Model MHO-9M endo steel
Armor Composite Alpha-V1 Ferro-Lamellor
Engine 330-rated XL engine
Communications System Garret T11-b
Targeting Tracking System EI-Pattern Omega Series 3.4 with interface suit
Heat Sinks 13 double
Speed 97.2 km/h
Armament

Primary Configuration

BV (1.0) N/A
BV (2.0) 2,809[2]


Description[edit]

The Skinwalker, also called the Ryoken III, was first introduced in prototype-form by Clan Wolf during the later years of the Dark Age. While the prototype used a number of experimental and mixed technologies, the production version eschews the various experimental and rare equipment, such as the fixed triple-strength myomers, but keeps the highly exotic interface cockpit and advanced armor components. These upgrades allow the Skinwalker to excel in its designated cavalry role, bringing heavy and accurate firepower to any and all locations on the battlefield.

The true number of Skinwalkers is closely guarded by the Wolves, with the Wolves going so far as to cosmetically modify standard Stormcrows to resemble the Skinwalker.[3] The first confirmed encounter in combat was in 3148, when Republic Remnant forces raided Kalidasa. There, an experimental Skinwalker was disabled but the armored pilot escaped before they could be captured for questioning.[4]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Skinwalker is built around the interface cockpit, which allows the removal of the gyro and frees up space in the center torso for additional equipment. Protecting the chassis is over 11 tons of ferro-lamellor armor, giving the 'Mech significant protection. The Primary configuration carries paired large pulse lasers and medium pulse lasers in the arms, and an SRM-6 rack in each side torso, each fed by one ton of ammunition. Three additional double heat sinks occupy the center torso to help control the heat from the multitude of pulse lasers, and enable the Skinwalker to lay down accurate fire while sprinting at high speeds.[2]

Alternate Configurations[edit]

  • Alternate Configuration A 
    Designed as a striker and ideal at all ranges, the A configuration is armed with a number of extended-range lasers tied into a targeting computer. Armament is comprised of a single ER large laser and two ER medium lasers in each of the 'Mech's arms, while the side torsos mount six ER small lasers split in arrays of three per side torso. BV(2.0) = 3,500[2]
  • Alternate Configuration B 
    Fast, quick, and deadly, the B configuration is fitted with medium- and short-ranged weapons and a supercharger to help it get into range quickly. The arsenal includes three improved heavy medium lasers in the left arm and an LB 20-X AC in the right arm, allowing the B configuration to eviscerate a target and move on. An ECM suite, additional double heat sinks, and CASE II enhance the 'Mech's defensive capabilities. BV(2.0) = 3,613[2]
  • Alternate Configuration C 
    A mixed-tech striker unit, the C configuration mounts an Inner Sphere-made plasma rifle in the right arm, as well as four other arm-mounted ER medium lasers, are all tied into a targeting computer for enhanced accuracy. An ATM-9 in the left arm provides flexibility as well as a strong punch. BV(2.0) = 3,175[2]
  • Alternate Configuration D 
    A heavy scout unit, the D configuration carries a Watchdog CEWS advanced electronics package. Four improved heavy medium lasers and an UAC/10 provide enough firepower to knock out anything the 'Mech discovers. Several CASE IIs isolate the 'Mech from its explosive equipment. BV(2.0) = 2,545[2]
  • Alternate Configuration E 
    A dedicated sniper, the E configuration utilizes a Gauss rifle and capacitor-enhanced ER PPC to deliver devastating direct-fire damage to its targets. Six jump jets allow this configuration to obtain advantageous sniper perches. BV(2.0) = 3,102[2]
  • Alternate Configuration F 
    Another striker configuration, the F configuration uses a brace of three ER medium lasers in the left arm to support the primary weapon: a RAC/5 in the right arm. All of these weapons are tied into a targeting computer for enhanced accuracy. A laser anti-missile system and CASE II provided enhanced defense. Finally, a supercharger grants bursts of speed so the F configuration can quickly take advantage of holes in the enemy line. BV(2.0) = 3,704[2]

Ryoken III-XP[edit]

The prototype version of the production Skinwalker utilizes Inner Sphere-made triple-strength myomer in the chassis and a number of pieces of experimental equipment in its various configurations. Many of these configurations served as the basis for the production configurations, especially as some of the experimental equipment moved into full production.

Prototype Configurations[edit]

  • Alternate Configuration A 
    Designed as a striker and ideal at all ranges, the A configuration is armed with a number of extended-range lasers tied into a targeting computer, with a single ER large laser and two ER medium lasers in each arm. The side torsos mount six ER small lasers split into arrays of three lasers per side torso. An Inner Sphere-produced radical heat sink system is fitted to help cope with the additional heat. BV(2.0) = 3,777[4]
  • Alternate Configuration B 
    Fast, quick, and deadly, the B configuration is fitted with medium- and short-ranged weapons and a supercharger to help it get into range. The arsenal a UAC/20 in the right arm, supported by five improved heavy medium lasers fitted in the torsos and right arm. All explosive components are protected by CASE II. Enhancing the 'Mech's survival is a Clan-produced ECM suite. BV(2.0) = 3,613[4]
  • Alternate Configuration C 
    Ideal for crippling and capturing enemy units, the C configuration's primary gun is a TSEMP cannon. Mounted in the right arm, the 'Mech-scale taser is backed up by six ER medium lasers tied into a targeting computer. An ATM-9 rounds out the configuration. BV(2.0) = 4,387[4]
  • Alternate Configuration D 
    The D configuration is fitted with a mix of short-range and melee weapons. Long-range firepower comes from a Clan-produced RAC/2 mounted in the left arm with two tons of ammunition. The right arm carries a 'Mech-scale lance that takes advantage of the triple-strength myomer. Other weapons include a right torso-mounted bombast laser, a single ER medium laser in the right arm, and several ER small laserss and ER micro lasers to finalize the weapons loadout. BV(2.0) = 2,483[4]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Skinwalker is subject to the following Design Quirk:

Related Designs[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • In the Alpha Strike Rules for BattleTech, the Ryoken III-XP Prime has been given the Point Value of 40, with Specials including CASE, CR, DN, OMNI, OVL, TSM.[5]

References[edit]

  1. MUL Profile for the Ryoken III
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 24, p. 5
  3. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 24, p. 4
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 XTRO: Republic, vol. 3, p. 8
  5. MUL Profile for the Ryoken III-XP Prime - Alpha Strike Card Info

Bibliography[edit]