Copperhead (BattleMech)
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- This article is about the 30-ton BattleMech. For other uses, see Copperhead.
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Copperhead | |
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Production information | |
Manufacturer | Solaris Arms |
Production Year | 3065[1] |
Model | CPR-HD-003 |
Class | Light |
Introduced | 3054 |
Cost | 6,392,490 C-bills |
Technical specifications | |
'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
Mass | 30 tons |
Chassis | Castelli 211CTC |
Armor | ArcShield Reflective |
Engine | GM 180 XL engine with supercharger |
Communications System | Garret T-11B |
Targeting Tracking System | Federated Hunter |
Heat Sinks | 13 double heat sinks |
Speed | 97 km/h |
Jump Jets | Luxor 2/Q-EX |
Armament |
|
BV (1.0) | 830[2] |
BV (2.0) | 1,117[3] |
Contents
Description[edit]
First produced in late fall of 3054, the Copperhead is a finely honed arena 'Mech.[4]
The design rose to fame when Silver Dragons Stables MechWarrior Brendon Frazer piloted his Copperhead, the Silver Snake, into the Solaris Top Twenty prior to his untimely death. The Silver Dragons commissioned Solaris Arms to develop a new exclusive variant to try and repeat the feat, but the new model's expensive experimental weaponry forced them to allow sales to other interested parties. The Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery snapped up a number of these original CPR-HD-002 models.[5]
While not increasing the original model's meager four and half tons of armor coverage, Solaris Arms chose to replace the original Durallex ferro-fibrous plating with ArcShield laser reflective armor to enhance its endurance against the large volume of energy weapons carried by Arena 'Mechs. Already a relatively speedy design, the addition of a supercharger enhanced its ground speed, though its extremely short jumping distance was left untouched; instead it was retained to expand a pilot's options in tight terrain. An extra double heat sink, bringing the total to 13, is still not enough to keep up with the increased heat produced by the CPR-HD-003's advanced laser weaponry. To allow the designers to squeeze in the new systems, a cramped small cockpit is used, which is less of a liability in the short duration arena battles than on an actual battlefield.[5]
Weapons and Equipment[edit]
The Copperhead's main weapon is a Sutel Precision Line medium X-Pulse laser mounted in the left arm, backed up by three torso-mounted Diverse Optics ER medium lasers. A single Holly Streak SRM-4 in the right arm and a head-mounted Poland Main Model C Magshot provide a nasty surprise at close range, with a ton of reloads carried for each.[5]
Variants[edit]
- CPR-HD-002
- The original model lacked the CPR-HD-003's supercharger and small cockpit. Instead of the laser reflective armor, it was fitted with ferro-fibrous armor and carried only 12 double heat sinks. The weapons loadout consisted of four medium lasers, a small pulse laser, a standard SRM-4, and a One-Shot Streak SRM-2.[5][6] BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 763[7]
Design Quirks[edit]
The Copperhead has the following Design Quirks:[9]
Notable Pilots[edit]
Notes[edit]
- In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Kupferkopf. The model code was accordingly changed to KPR-KP-002.
Gallery[edit]
Original Copperhead from Solaris: The Reaches
Copperhead from TRO:3055 Upgrade
References[edit]
- ↑ MUL online entry for the Copperhead (BattleMech) CPR-HD-003
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 131
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 218
- ↑ MUL online entry for the Copperhead (BattleMech) CPR-HD-002
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 130
- ↑ This is a retcon from the original variant in Solaris: The Reaches. See CPR-HD-002 Copperhead.[dead link]
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 217
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 219
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 90: BattleMech Quirk Table - Copperhead Entry