Difference between revisions of "Zeus"

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* ZEU-9S - The -9S was an upgrade using [[Star League]] technology, adding [[double heat sink]]s and eleven tons of [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor. It carried as its main weapon an Defiance 1001 [[ER PPC]]. This was backed up for long-range combat by a Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 launcher and a Cyclops XII [[ER Large Laser]]. For close combat, the -9S carried two Defiance P3M [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,419, BV (2.0) = 1,639<ref name=MUL171>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 174</ref>
 
* ZEU-9S - The -9S was an upgrade using [[Star League]] technology, adding [[double heat sink]]s and eleven tons of [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor. It carried as its main weapon an Defiance 1001 [[ER PPC]]. This was backed up for long-range combat by a Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 launcher and a Cyclops XII [[ER Large Laser]]. For close combat, the -9S carried two Defiance P3M [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,419, BV (2.0) = 1,639<ref name=MUL171>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 174</ref>
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* ZEU-9S2 - The -9S2 was a modified version of -9S.  The armor and twelve [[double heat sink]]s of original are retained, but the engine is a XL.  A [[gauss rifle]] takes the place of the [[ER PPC]].  The right arm now sports a pair of [[LRM-15]].  The Cyclops XII [[ER Large Laser]] is kept.  The [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s had to be removed.  BV (2.0) = 1,769<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'' p. 233</ref>
  
 
* ZEU-9T - The 9T variant of the ''Zeus'' carried the -6T to its next logical step. The 'Mech was built with a [[Light Fusion Engine]] and carried thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. As its primary weapon, the -6T carried an ER PPC, backed by an LRM-15 launcher with an [[Artemis IV]] fire control system for greater missile accuracy. Also, for long-range combat, the -9T carried an ER Large Laser. For close combat, the 'Mech was armed with two Medium Pulse Lasers and an [[ER Medium Laser]]. BV (1.0) = 1,480, BV (2.0) = 1,835<ref name=MUL171/>
 
* ZEU-9T - The 9T variant of the ''Zeus'' carried the -6T to its next logical step. The 'Mech was built with a [[Light Fusion Engine]] and carried thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. As its primary weapon, the -6T carried an ER PPC, backed by an LRM-15 launcher with an [[Artemis IV]] fire control system for greater missile accuracy. Also, for long-range combat, the -9T carried an ER Large Laser. For close combat, the 'Mech was armed with two Medium Pulse Lasers and an [[ER Medium Laser]]. BV (1.0) = 1,480, BV (2.0) = 1,835<ref name=MUL171/>

Revision as of 18:43, 17 August 2013

Zeus
Zeus
Production information
Manufacturer Defiance Industries of Hesperus II
Production Year 2787[1][2]
Model ZEU-6S
Class Assault
Cost 7,617,900 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 80 tons
Chassis Chariot Type III
Armor Valiant Lamellor
Engine Pitban 320
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,148
BV (2.0) 1,374[3]


Description

The Zeus was first built by the Lyran Commonwealth in 2787, as the First Succession War began.[1] Through the course of the Succession Wars, the Zeus had a long and storied history within the Commonwealth, becoming a well-respected assault BattleMech. In its original production form, the Zeus was designed to keep an enemy at arm's reach, although it could engage opponents at closer ranges if necessary. The Zeus has also seen newer upgrades using recovered and experimental technologies. Since it was the Lyran Commonwealth's pride and joy, it was usually one of the first 'Mechs to receive upgraded equipment.

Armament

The prototype Zeus carried a PPC, but the most common, best-known variant of the Zeus, the ZEU-6S, mounted as its primary weapon a Defiance Type J Autocannon/5, backed up by a Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 for engaging enemies at long ranges. It also had a Thunderbolt A5M Large Laser to engage enemies at intermediate ranges and two Defiance B3M Medium Lasers for close-in work. This made the Zeus a 'Mech that was deadly at any range.[4]

Variants

  • ZEU-5S- One of two original models of the Zeus, it was equipped with an Ultra 5 Autocannon with two tons of ammunition, and the LRM 15 was equipped with Artemis IV FCS, The large laser was an extended range model. 14 double strength heat sinks kept the entire machine cool BV (2.0) = 1,499 [5]
  • ZEU-5T- One of two original models of the Zeus, it was equipped with an Extended Range PPC, and the LRM 15 was equipped with Artemis IV FCS, The large laser was likewise an extended range model. Ferro Fibrous Armor increased the mechs protection and 17 double strength heat sinks kept the entire machine cool BV (2.0) = 1,729 [6]
  • ZEU-6T - Advancements after the 3rd Succession War led to the 6T model which carried as its primary weapon a Parti-Kill PPC. This weapon had the same effective range as the Autocannon/5 and did twice as much damage, but also created a great deal of excess heat (partially mitigated by 2 additional heat sinks). The -6T was otherwise identical to the -6S model. The -6T would be the base for the later -9S and -9T models. BV (1.0) = 1,170, BV (2.0) = 1,436[1]
  • ZEU-6Y - An experiment in logistical support, the -6Y kept the AC/5 in the right arm, but replaced the LRM-15 with a single LRM-10 launcher. A single Binary Laser Cannon was installed on an over-shoulder mount in the right torso. The heat from this weapon degraded the myomer performance however and production halted. Armor, engine, and heat dissipation remained identical to the -6S model.[7]
  • ZEU-9T - The 9T variant of the Zeus carried the -6T to its next logical step. The 'Mech was built with a Light Fusion Engine and carried thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. As its primary weapon, the -6T carried an ER PPC, backed by an LRM-15 launcher with an Artemis IV fire control system for greater missile accuracy. Also, for long-range combat, the -9T carried an ER Large Laser. For close combat, the 'Mech was armed with two Medium Pulse Lasers and an ER Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,480, BV (2.0) = 1,835[8]
  • ZEU-10WB - This variant was produced by the Word of Blake following their seizure of Hesperus II from the Lyrans in 3070. It was armed with a pair of Heavy PPCs, supplemented by an ER Large Laser, though its 11 double heat sinks could scarcely keep up with the heat buildup. Four ER Medium Lasers provided short range backup. This was made possible by the inclusion of an XL Gyro. BV (2.0) = 2,043[8]
  • ZEU-X - The first of what is commonly referred to as the Zeus X, (which types are noted for the distinctive "fins" extending from their shoulders) the ZEU-X was a variant of the Zeus that uses Experimental Technology to push the envelope of the design. The 'Mech was built using a Composite chassis which weighed half as much, but was only half as strong as a normal internal structure. The 'Mech was also armored with both normal armor and Reactive Armor on its limbs. The 'Mech was armed with an LB-X Autocannon/20 as its primary weapon, backed up by an MRM-30 launcher. For close combat, the Zeus had two Medium X-Pulse Lasers. Finally, for added speed, the 'Mech was built using a XXL engine which weighed only seventeen and a half tons, giving the 'Mech a maximum speed of 86.4 kph. BV (1.0) = 1,471[10], BV (2.0) = 1,902[citation needed]
  • ZEU-X2 - Built using the same engine and chassis as the ZEU-X, the X2 took its weapons cues from the 9T model. The 'Mech carried as its main weapon an ER PPC, giving it a much greater range than the LB-X Autocannon/20 carried by the ZEU-X model. The 'Mech was otherwise armed identically to the ZEU-X model. It was highly effective as a sniper 'Mech, with its high mobility giving it the ability to dictate the range of an engagement. BV (1.0) = 1,493[11], BV (2.0) = 1,747[citation needed]
  • ZEU-X3 - An experimental variant that deviated greatly from the design philosophy of the basic Zeus, the 3X model carried an ER PPC and four ER Medium Lasers as its weapons. The 'Mech was also armored with fourteen and a half tons of standard armor. The X3 also used the XXL engine of the Zeus X. The true uniqueness of the design came in its use of Improved Jump Jets. The X3 could jump up to 240 meters, which rivaled the jumping capability of any light 'Mech. This combination of heavy armor, speed and firepower made the X3 the nightmare of any light or medium 'Mech and could outmaneuver any heavy or assault 'Mechs. BV (1.0) = 1,992[12], BV (2.0) = 2,189[citation needed]

Unique Variants

  • ZEU-9WD Zeus-X - Starting life as one of Zeus-X testbeds, ZEUX0003 was gifted by the Kell Hounds to Black Widow Company commander Stacy Church. When Church landed on Outreach in 3071 it mounted a Light Fusion Engine and eleven and half tons of Light Ferro-Fibrous armor, and was armed with a Defiance 2002 Heavy PPC in its right arm, supported by a left-torso mounted LB-X AC/20 and a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers. Two heat sinks were dropped to carry three tons of autocannon reloads. BV (2.0) = 1,716 [13]
  • ZEU-9WD Zeus-X Stacy - Upgraded with experimental systems after the Widow's return to Arc-Royal, when they faced off against the Opacus Venatori in 3071, Stacy's 'Mech featured improved defensive protection due to a Blue Shield Particle Field Damper and extra one and half tons of armor. This required modification of the weapons array, while the Heavy PPC was retained and even enhanced by a BL-AM-WC Actuator Enhancement System, the large-bore, torso-mounted LB-X Autocannon had to be swapped for -9S-style left-arm mounted LB-X AC/10, and the medium pulse lasers replaced with extended range models. Even with only two tons of reloads, a double heat sink had to be removed to save weight. BV (2.0) = 2,011 [14]
  • Zeus Leonidas - The personal 'Mech of Hauptmann-General Leonidas Brannock, commander of the 4th Skye Guards during their assault on Glengarry, the Zeus Leonidas was based on the ZEU-9S. It carried an Artemis IV enhanced LRM-20 and a Gauss Rifle (each with two tons of ammunition) in place of the PPC and LRM-15. The rest of the weapons remained the same. It also carried an extra heat sink, bringing the total to twelve. To make room for this equipment the Leonidas used an XL Engine. BV (2.0) = 1,878[15]

Notable Pilots

  • Stacy Church, Captain in Wolf's Dragoons and commander of the new Black Widow Company piloted an experimental ZEU-9WD Zeus-X during the Jihad.[16]
  • Nondi Steiner, former commanding General of the LAAF, piloted a Zeus earlier in her career. [17]

Design Quirks

The ZEU-6Y Zeus variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[7]

Gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 160
  2. Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 92
  3. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 178
  4. Introductory Record Sheets, p. 22
  5. Record Sheets 3039 Unabridged, p. 249
  6. Record Sheets 3039 Unabridged, p. 250
  7. 7.0 7.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1, p. 8
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 174
  9. Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere) p. 233
  10. Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 70
  11. Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 71
  12. Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 72
  13. Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, p. 119
  14. Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, pp. 20, 108
  15. Historical Turning Points: Glengarry, p. 15
  16. Starterbook: Wolf and Blake
  17. Operation Audacity

Bibliography