Difference between revisions of "Thorn (BattleMech)"

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{{Otheruses|the 20-ton BattleMech|the planetary system|Thorn (HL)}}
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
|image=Thorn_TRO2750.png
 
|image=Thorn_TRO2750.png
−
|name=Thorn
+
|name=''Thorn''
−
|manufacturer=[[Ford Military Limited]]
+
|manufacturer=[[Ford Military Limited]]<ref name=TRSWp12f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 12–13: "THE-N Thorn"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3050U -->
−
|model=THE-N
+
|model=THE-N<ref name=TRSWp12f />
 
|production year=2490
 
|production year=2490
−
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 240-241</ref><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 186-187 "Thorn 'Mech Profile"</ref>
+
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 240-241</ref><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 186–187: "Thorn 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref name=TRSWp12f />
−
|cost= 1,653,120 C-bills
+
|cost= 1,653,120 [[C-bill]]s
 
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
 
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
 
|mech type =BattleMech
 
|mech type =BattleMech
 
|mass=20
 
|mass=20
−
|chassis=Chariot Type II [[Endo Steel]]
+
|feet=biped
−
|armor=Armorscale
+
|chassis=[[Chariot Type II Endo Steel]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp12f /> -->
−
|engine=[[GM 120]]
+
|armor=[[Armorscale]] with [[CASE]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp12f /> -->
−
|comsys=[[Opus I Ultrabeam]]
+
|engine=[[GM 120]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp12f /> -->
−
|T&T=[[Orion 80]]
+
|comsys=[[Opus I Ultrabeam]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp12f /> -->
−
|heat sinks=10
+
|T&T=[[Orion 80]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp12f /> -->
−
|speed =97.2
+
|heat sinks=10 [[Heat Sink|single]]
−
|jumpjets=None
+
|speed =97 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp12f /> -->
−
|armament=
+
|jumpjets=
−
*2x [[Medium Laser]]s
+
|armament= <!-- <ref name=TRSWp12f /> -->
−
*1x [[LRM-5]]
+
* 2x [[medium laser]]
 +
* 1x [[LRM-5]]
 
|BV (1.0)=484<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 129</ref>
 
|BV (1.0)=484<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 129</ref>
−
|BV (2.0)=546<ref name=TRO3050u/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 224</ref>
+
|BV (2.0)=546<ref name=TRSWp12f /><ref name=TRO3050u/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 224</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
The '''''Thorn''''' is a light [[BattleMech]] which was originally intended to operate as a scout. When the 'Mech first debuted for the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] in the [[twenty-fifth century]], it was with a great deal of hype that unfortunately the ''Thorn'' could never truly match. Critics who look at the 'Mech generally see it in one of two ways: as a light 'Mech that is not fast enough for its own good or a light 'Mech that tries to do a job only a heavier 'Mech should. Looking at the ''Thorn'' with neither bias, it is easy to see where these two viewpoints come from.  The ''Thorn'' is too slow to function in the traditional light 'Mech role of scouting and it does not have the armor or staying power of heavier machines. Facing competition from the ''[[Locust]]'' it was only when [[Ford Military Limited]] decided in [[2549]] to rebuild the ''Thorn'' with the very latest in technology, including the first-ever use of an [[Endo Steel]] chassis and [[Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment]], that the HAF renewed their interest. Once in service the ''Thorn'' found its niche as a light 'Mech hunter and infantry support platform.  As supporters quickly pointed out the ''Thorn'' was ton-for-ton superior to most other light 'Mechs in terms of combat power and could reduce an opponent of similar weight to scrap in minutes. This aspect made it very popular for light 'Mech companies expecting heavy fighting and [[infantry]] in need of fire support.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/><ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', pp. 18-19, "Thorn 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 8-9, "Thorn 'Mech Profile"</ref>
+
The '''''Thorn''''' is a [[BattleMech#Light|light]] [[BattleMech]] which was originally intended to operate as a scout. When the 'Mech first debuted for the [[Hegemony Armed Forces]] in the [[twenty-fifth century]], it was with a great deal of hype that unfortunately the ''Thorn'' could never truly match. Critics who look at the ''Thorn'' generally see it in one of two ways: as a light 'Mech that is not fast enough for its own good, or a light 'Mech that tries to do a job only a heavier 'Mech should. Looking at the ''Thorn'' with neither bias, it is easy to see where these two viewpoints come from; the ''Thorn'' is too slow to function in the traditional light 'Mech role of scouting and it does not have the armor or staying power of heavier machines. Facing competition from the ''[[Locust]]'', it was only when [[Ford Military Limited]] decided in [[2549]] to rebuild the ''Thorn'' with the very latest in technology, including the first-ever use of an [[endo steel]] chassis and [[Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment]], that the HAF renewed their interest. Once in service, the ''Thorn'' found its niche as a light 'Mech hunter and infantry support platform, and supporters quickly pointed out the ''Thorn'' was, ton-for-ton, superior to most other light 'Mechs in terms of combat power and could reduce an opponent of similar weight to scrap in minutes. This aspect made it very popular for light 'Mech companies expecting heavy fighting and [[infantry]] in need of fire support.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/><ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', pp. 18–19: "Thorn 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 8–9: "Thorn 'Mech Profile"</ref>
  
−
The ''Thorn'' continued to serve following the creation of the [[Star League Defense Force]] and often fought alongside the likes of similar designs such as ''[[Hoplite]]s'' and ''[[Hussar]]s''. Unfortunately the reliance on advanced technology doomed the ''Thorn'' when the [[Star League]] dissolved and the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] began.  With the orbital manufacturing centers necessary for Endo Steel production destroyed by the time of the [[Second Succession War]], it became impossible to maintain what ''Thorns'' the [[Great Houses]] inherited in their original condition. Ford Military was forced to produce the original downgraded version in an attempt to keep the line going, but sporadic production barely kept it alive and by the time the Succession Wars were over the original ''Thorn'' could only be found in service to the [[Com Guards]].<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
+
The ''Thorn'' continued to serve following the creation of the [[Star League Defense Force]], and often fought alongside the likes of similar designs such as ''[[Hoplite]]s'' and ''[[Hussar]]s''. Unfortunately, the reliance on advanced technology doomed the ''Thorn'' when the [[Star League]] dissolved and the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] began.  With the orbital manufacturing centers necessary for endo steel production destroyed by the time of the [[Second Succession War]], it became impossible to maintain what ''Thorns'' the [[Great Houses]] inherited in their original condition. Ford Military was forced to produce the original downgraded version in an attempt to keep the line going, but sporadic production barely kept it alive and by the time the Succession Wars were over the original ''Thorn'' could only be found in service to the [[Com Guards]].<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
  
−
When [[ComStar]] decided to supply the [[Draconis Combine]] as part of [[Operation Rosebud]] the ''Thorn'' was among those Star League-era 'Mechs gifted to the [[DCMS]], albeit with all of its advanced technology stripped out. That this necessitate the quite radical approach of rebuilding the 'Mech from the ground-up with a standard chassis only highlighted the lengths ComStar would go to in order to maintain its monopoly on [[lostech]]. When the [[Clans]] [[Operation Revival|invaded]] it was discovered they had also maintained the ''Thorn'' in large numbers, although most were still stored in [[Brian Cache]]s and reserved for use by ''[[solahma]]'' troops. The invasion also forced ComStar to begin a hasty rearmament program that included the development of a new variant, the THE-N1. Following the [[ComStar Schism]] the [[Word of Blake]] was able to [[Operation Odysseus|seize Terra]] for themselves and direct the ''Thorn'' production line to equip their own [[Word of Blake Militia|military forces]] for the coming [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3050u/>
+
When [[ComStar]] decided to supply the [[Draconis Combine]] as part of [[Operation ROSEBUD]] the ''Thorn'' was among those Star League-era 'Mechs gifted to the [[DCMS]], albeit with all of its advanced technology stripped out. That this necessitated the quite radical approach of rebuilding the 'Mech from the ground up with a standard chassis only highlighted the lengths ComStar would go to in order to maintain its monopoly on [[lostech]]. When the [[Clans]] [[Operation Revival|invaded]] it was discovered they had also maintained the ''Thorn'' in large numbers, although most were still stored in [[Brian Cache]]s and reserved for use by ''[[solahma]]'' troops. The invasion also forced ComStar to begin a hasty rearmament program that included the development of a new variant, the THE-N1. Following the [[ComStar Schism]] the [[Word of Blake]] was able to [[Operation Odysseus|seize Terra]] for themselves and direct the ''Thorn'' production line to equip their own [[Word of Blake Militia|military forces]] for the coming [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3050u/>
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
−
The ''Thorn'' carries a weapons array that is not usually seen on light 'Mechs: a [[LRM-5|Zeus-5 LRM]] launcher mounted in the right arm with one ton of reloads in the right torso, paired with two Hellion Spitfire [[Medium Laser]]s split between the head and left arm. The long reach the LRM launcher provides is necessary since the ''Thorn'' lacks the speed to catch faster light 'Mechs, although it is easily damaged in hand-to-hand combat. In particular if the reload system is damaged missiles will become lodged in the upper arm, a most dangerous situation.  Luckily the launcher can be easily replaced in a few hours. Indeed the entire 'Mech is noted for its ease of maintenance, a factor in ComStar's ability to completely rebuild it later on, with techs able to climb into its limbs to effect repairs on the inside.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/>
+
The ''Thorn'' carries a weapons array that is not usually seen on light 'Mechs: a [[Zeus]] [[LRM-5]] launcher mounted in the right arm with one ton of reloads in the right torso, paired with two [[Hellion Spitfire]] [[medium laser]]s split between the head and left arm. The long reach the LRM launcher provides is necessary, since the ''Thorn'' lacks the speed to catch faster light 'Mechs, although it is easily damaged in hand-to-hand combat. In particular, if the reload system is damaged missiles will become lodged in the upper arm, a most dangerous situation, but luckily the launcher can be easily replaced in a few hours. Indeed the entire 'Mech is noted for its ease of maintenance, a factor in ComStar's ability to completely rebuild it later on, with techs able to climb into its limbs to effect repairs on the inside.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/>
  
−
Four and a half tons of armor provides the ''Thorn'' with good protection, especially when mated with [[CASE]] to contain any ammunition explosions. The use of an [[Endo Steel]] chassis is what allows the ''Thorn'' to carry all of this equipment, an alloy twice as strong as standard materials if somewhat bulky. The GM 120 [[fusion engine]] gives the ''Thorn'' a respectable cruising speed of 65 km/h but the lack of [[jump jet]]s further compounds its issues with catching other light 'Mechs. Built with the standard number of ten engine-mounted [[heat sinks]] the ''Thorn'' is regarded as a "cool running" design, although the placement of the head laser right below the cockpit (despite additional cooling systems) makes repeated firings uncomfortable.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/>
+
Four and a half tons of armor provides the ''Thorn'' with good protection, especially when mated with [[CASE]] to contain any ammunition explosions. The use of an [[endo steel]] chassis is what allows the ''Thorn'' to carry all of this equipment, a bulky alloy twice as strong as standard materials. The [[GM 120]] [[fusion engine]] gives the ''Thorn'' a respectable cruising speed of 65 km/h, but the lack of [[jump jet]]s further compounds its issues with catching other light 'Mechs. Built with the standard number of 10 engine-mounted [[single heat sink]]s the ''Thorn'' is regarded as a "cool running" design, although the placement of the head laser right below the cockpit makes repeated firings uncomfortable, despite additional cooling systems.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
−
*;''THE-F'' : The original pre-Endo Steel model introduced in [[Introduction Year::2490]], the THE-F was replaced with the THE-N model, although during the Succession Wars when the advanced systems of the THE-N were lost sporadic production of this variant was restarted. ComStar used its blueprints to produce the downgraded THE-S factory refit, and save for different sub-system components, both are functionally identical.<ref name=TRO3050u/>
+
*; THE-F : The original pre-[[endo steel]] model introduced in [[Introduction Year::2490]], the THE-F was replaced with the THE-N model. During the Succession Wars, when the advanced systems of the THE-N were lost, sporadic production of this variant was restarted. ComStar used its blueprints to produce the downgraded THE-S factory refit and, save for different subsystem components, both are functionally identical.<ref name=TRSWp12f /><ref name=TRO3050u/>
  
−
*;''THE-Nb'' : The advanced model employed by the [[Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions]] in [[2743]] changed the role of the 'Mech from a missile to an energy boat, replacing the [[LRM]] launcher with an [[ER Large Laser]], retaining one medium laser and downgrading the other to a [[Small Laser]]. Dropping the no longer required CASE, the 'Mech also used a [[MASC]] system for temporary speed bursts and [[Double Heat Sink]]s to vent its increased waste heat output. The THE-Nb mounted an [[XL Engine]] to save the weight to mount this extra equipment, at the cost of reduced survivability. <ref name="HOK">''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 159 "SLDF Royal Units - THE-Nb ''Thorn''"</ref> BV (2.0) = 770<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 21</ref>
+
*; THE-Nb : The advanced model employed by the [[Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions]] in [[2743]] changed the role of the 'Mech from a missile to an energy boat, replacing the [[LRM-5]] launcher with an [[ER large laser]], but retained one [[medium laser]] and downgrading the other to a [[small laser]]. Dropping the unneeded [[CASE]], the 'Mech also used a [[MASC]] system for temporary speed bursts and [[double heat sink]]s to vent its increased waste heat output. The THE-Nb mounted an [[XL engine]] to save the weight to mount this extra equipment, at the cost of reduced survivability.<ref name="HOK">''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 159: "SLDF Royal Units - THE-Nb ''Thorn''"</ref> BV (2.0) = 770<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 21</ref>
  
−
*;''THE-N1'' : Developed in [[3051]] on the orders of [[Precentor Martial]] [[Anastasius Focht]] to try and close the gap between the Clans and Com Guards, the factory refit THE-N1 received its baptism of fire during the [[Battle of Tukayyid]]. Having reached a similar conclusion that resulted in the THE-Nb, the CASE was dropped and the standard engine was swapped for an XL Engine to allow the standard weaponry to be stripped for an all energy weapon array: a right arm mounted Kinslaughter H-class [[ER PPC]] and a head-mounted Intek Small Laser. This new weapons array, enhanced by double heat sinks, added a level of lethality never seen before on the ''Thorn''.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 595<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 135</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 35</ref>, BV (2.0) = 656<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 225</ref>
+
*; THE-N1 : Developed in [[3051]] on the orders of [[Precentor Martial of ComStar|Precentor Martial]] [[Anastasius Focht]] to try and close the gap between the Clans and Com Guards, the factory refit THE-N1 received its baptism of fire during the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]]. Having reached a similar conclusion that resulted in the THE-Nb, the [[CASE]] was dropped and the standard engine was swapped for an [[XL engine]] to allow the standard weaponry to be stripped for an all energy weapon array: a right arm mounted [[Kinslaughter H-Class]] [[ER PPC]] and a head-mounted [[Intek]] [[small laser]]. This new weapons array, enhanced by [[double heat sink]]s, added a level of lethality never seen before on the ''Thorn''.<ref name=TRSWp12f /><ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 595,<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 135</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 35</ref> BV (2.0) = 656<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 225</ref>
  
−
*;''THE-N2'' : A new production variant of the THE-N1 developed by the Word of Blake in [[3071]], the THE-N2 took its cues from both the THE-N and THE-T variants, swapping the ER-PPC with an [[MML 7]] and the standard small laser for a [[Diverse Optics]] [[ER Small Laser]]. A two-ton CASE protected ammo bay allowed the THE-N2 to carry both LRM and [[SRM]] munitions to make best use of the [[Multi-Missile Launcher]].<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 410<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 226</ref>  
+
*; THE-N2 : A new production variant of the THE-N1 developed by the Word of Blake in [[3071]], the THE-N2 took its cues from both the THE-N and THE-T variants, swapping the [[ER PPC]] with an [[MML-7]] and the standard [[small laser]] for a [[Diverse Optics (ERSL)|Diverse Optics]] [[ER small laser]]. A two-ton [[CASE]]-protected ammo bay allowed the THE-N2 to carry both LRM and [[SRM]] munitions to make best use of the [[Multi-Missile Launcher]].<ref name=TRSWp12f /><ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 410<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 226</ref>  
  
−
*;''THE-S'' : Supplied by ComStar to the Draconis Combine as part of Operation Rosebud in [[3035]], the THE-S was a downgraded factory refit of the THE-N. Stripping out the advanced Endo Steel chassis and CASE, the use of a heavier standard chassis forced a reduction in the ''Thorn''s armor protection by half a ton, most of which was removed from the head and rear torso. The communications system was also changed to a more primitive [[Olmstead 30]], although the [[Omicron VII]] targeting-tracking system was similar in capabilities to the Orion 80 it replaced. <ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 445<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 137</ref>, BV (2.0) = 510<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 63</ref>
+
*; THE-S : Supplied by ComStar to the Draconis Combine as part of [[Operation Rosebud]] in [[3035]], the THE-S was a downgraded factory refit of the THE-N. Stripping out the advanced [[endo steel]] chassis and [[CASE]], the use of a heavier standard chassis forced a reduction in the ''Thorn''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s armor protection by half a ton, most of which was removed from the head and rear torso. The communications system was also changed to a more primitive [[Olmstead 30]], although the [[Omicron VII]] targeting-tracking system was similar in capabilities to the [[Orion 80]] it replaced.<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 445<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 137</ref>, BV (2.0) = 510<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 63</ref>
  
−
*;''THE-T'' : Developed in [[3038]] by the Draconis Combine in an attempt to upgrade the 'Mech's short range firepower prior to the [[War of 3039]], the THE-T is a field refit of the downgraded THE-S that swaps out the LRM launcher for an [[SRM-4]].<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 500<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 64</ref>
+
*; THE-T : Developed in [[3038]] by the Draconis Combine in an attempt to upgrade the 'Mech's short range firepower prior to the [[War of 3039]], the THE-T is a field refit of the downgraded THE-S that swaps out the [[LRM-5]] launcher for an [[SRM-4]].<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 500<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 64</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Design Quirks==
 +
The ''Thorn'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 95: Design Quirk Table - Thorn Entry</ref><ref>''Strategic Operations'', p. 193: "Easy to Maintain"''</ref>
 +
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
 +
 
 +
==Notable Pilots==
 +
:''See [[:Category:Notable Thorn Pilots]]''
 +
 
 +
==Notes==
 +
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Dorn'''. The model code was changed accordingly to '''DOR-N'''.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:3050U Thorn.jpg|THE-N ''Thorn''
+
File:Thorn TRO2750.png|Original THE-N ''Thorn'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 2750|TRO:2750]]''
−
Image:CCG Counterstrike Thorn.jpg|THE-N ''Thorn'' in the field
+
Image:Thorn.jpg|THE-S ''Thorn'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised|TRO:3025 Revised]]''
−
Image:Thorn.jpg|THE-S ''Thorn''
+
Image:THE-S THORN.png|THE-S ''Thorn'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3039|TRO:3039]]''
−
Image:THE-S THORN.png|THE-S ''Thorn''
+
Image:3050U Thorn.jpg|THE-N ''Thorn'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
 +
Image:CCG Counterstrike Thorn.jpg|A THE-N ''Thorn'' in the field from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 62: Line 75:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
 +
*''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
 
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
*''[[Historical: Operation Klondike]]''
 
*''[[Historical: Operation Klondike]]''
Line 68: Line 83:
 
*''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''   
 
*''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''   
 
*''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
 +
*''[[Strategic Operations]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
 +
*''[[Technical Readout: Succession Wars]]''
 +
{{div col end}}
  
 +
[[Category:'Mechs]]
 +
[[Category:ComStar BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Draconis Combine BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Draconis Combine BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Free Rasalhague Republic BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Free Rasalhague Republic BattleMechs]]
−
[[Category:Periphery General BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
−
[[Category:SLDF 2750 BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:Terran Hegemony BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Word of Blake BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Word of Blake BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:German renamed units]]
 +
[[Category:SLDF Royal BattleMechs]]

Latest revision as of 21:10, 29 March 2024

This article is about the 20-ton BattleMech. For the planetary system, see Thorn (HL).
Thorn (BattleMech)
Thorn
Production information
Manufacturer Ford Military Limited[1]
Production Year 2490[2][3][1]
Model THE-N[1]
Class Light
Cost 1,653,120 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 20 tons
Chassis Chariot Type II Endo Steel
Armor Armorscale with CASE
Engine GM 120
Communications System Opus I Ultrabeam
Targeting Tracking System Orion 80
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 97 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 484[4]
BV (2.0) 546[1][3][5]


Description[edit]

The Thorn is a light BattleMech which was originally intended to operate as a scout. When the 'Mech first debuted for the Hegemony Armed Forces in the twenty-fifth century, it was with a great deal of hype that unfortunately the Thorn could never truly match. Critics who look at the Thorn generally see it in one of two ways: as a light 'Mech that is not fast enough for its own good, or a light 'Mech that tries to do a job only a heavier 'Mech should. Looking at the Thorn with neither bias, it is easy to see where these two viewpoints come from; the Thorn is too slow to function in the traditional light 'Mech role of scouting and it does not have the armor or staying power of heavier machines. Facing competition from the Locust, it was only when Ford Military Limited decided in 2549 to rebuild the Thorn with the very latest in technology, including the first-ever use of an endo steel chassis and Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment, that the HAF renewed their interest. Once in service, the Thorn found its niche as a light 'Mech hunter and infantry support platform, and supporters quickly pointed out the Thorn was, ton-for-ton, superior to most other light 'Mechs in terms of combat power and could reduce an opponent of similar weight to scrap in minutes. This aspect made it very popular for light 'Mech companies expecting heavy fighting and infantry in need of fire support.[2][3][6][7]

The Thorn continued to serve following the creation of the Star League Defense Force, and often fought alongside the likes of similar designs such as Hoplites and Hussars. Unfortunately, the reliance on advanced technology doomed the Thorn when the Star League dissolved and the Succession Wars began. With the orbital manufacturing centers necessary for endo steel production destroyed by the time of the Second Succession War, it became impossible to maintain what Thorns the Great Houses inherited in their original condition. Ford Military was forced to produce the original downgraded version in an attempt to keep the line going, but sporadic production barely kept it alive and by the time the Succession Wars were over the original Thorn could only be found in service to the Com Guards.[2][3]

When ComStar decided to supply the Draconis Combine as part of Operation ROSEBUD the Thorn was among those Star League-era 'Mechs gifted to the DCMS, albeit with all of its advanced technology stripped out. That this necessitated the quite radical approach of rebuilding the 'Mech from the ground up with a standard chassis only highlighted the lengths ComStar would go to in order to maintain its monopoly on lostech. When the Clans invaded it was discovered they had also maintained the Thorn in large numbers, although most were still stored in Brian Caches and reserved for use by solahma troops. The invasion also forced ComStar to begin a hasty rearmament program that included the development of a new variant, the THE-N1. Following the ComStar Schism the Word of Blake was able to seize Terra for themselves and direct the Thorn production line to equip their own military forces for the coming Jihad.[3]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Thorn carries a weapons array that is not usually seen on light 'Mechs: a Zeus LRM-5 launcher mounted in the right arm with one ton of reloads in the right torso, paired with two Hellion Spitfire medium lasers split between the head and left arm. The long reach the LRM launcher provides is necessary, since the Thorn lacks the speed to catch faster light 'Mechs, although it is easily damaged in hand-to-hand combat. In particular, if the reload system is damaged missiles will become lodged in the upper arm, a most dangerous situation, but luckily the launcher can be easily replaced in a few hours. Indeed the entire 'Mech is noted for its ease of maintenance, a factor in ComStar's ability to completely rebuild it later on, with techs able to climb into its limbs to effect repairs on the inside.[6][7]

Four and a half tons of armor provides the Thorn with good protection, especially when mated with CASE to contain any ammunition explosions. The use of an endo steel chassis is what allows the Thorn to carry all of this equipment, a bulky alloy twice as strong as standard materials. The GM 120 fusion engine gives the Thorn a respectable cruising speed of 65 km/h, but the lack of jump jets further compounds its issues with catching other light 'Mechs. Built with the standard number of 10 engine-mounted single heat sinks the Thorn is regarded as a "cool running" design, although the placement of the head laser right below the cockpit makes repeated firings uncomfortable, despite additional cooling systems.[6][7]

Variants[edit]

  • THE-F 
    The original pre-endo steel model introduced in 2490, the THE-F was replaced with the THE-N model. During the Succession Wars, when the advanced systems of the THE-N were lost, sporadic production of this variant was restarted. ComStar used its blueprints to produce the downgraded THE-S factory refit and, save for different subsystem components, both are functionally identical.[1][3]
  • THE-S 
    Supplied by ComStar to the Draconis Combine as part of Operation Rosebud in 3035, the THE-S was a downgraded factory refit of the THE-N. Stripping out the advanced endo steel chassis and CASE, the use of a heavier standard chassis forced a reduction in the Thorn's armor protection by half a ton, most of which was removed from the head and rear torso. The communications system was also changed to a more primitive Olmstead 30, although the Omicron VII targeting-tracking system was similar in capabilities to the Orion 80 it replaced.[2] BV (1.0) = 445[14], BV (2.0) = 510[15]
  • THE-T 
    Developed in 3038 by the Draconis Combine in an attempt to upgrade the 'Mech's short range firepower prior to the War of 3039, the THE-T is a field refit of the downgraded THE-S that swaps out the LRM-5 launcher for an SRM-4.[2] BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 500[16]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Thorn has the following Design Quirk:[17][18]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Thorn Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Dorn. The model code was changed accordingly to DOR-N.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 12–13: "THE-N Thorn"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 240-241
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, pp. 186–187: "Thorn 'Mech Profile"
  4. ↑ Combat Operations, p. 129
  5. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 224
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Technical Readout: 2750, pp. 18–19: "Thorn 'Mech Profile"
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, pp. 8–9: "Thorn 'Mech Profile"
  8. ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 159: "SLDF Royal Units - THE-Nb Thorn"
  9. ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 21
  10. ↑ Combat Operations, p. 135
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 35
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 225
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 226
  14. ↑ Combat Operations, p. 137
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 63
  16. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 64
  17. ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 95: Design Quirk Table - Thorn Entry
  18. ↑ Strategic Operations, p. 193: "Easy to Maintain"

Bibliography[edit]

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