Gyrfalcon

This article is about the BattleMech. For the Clan Jade Falcon Galaxy, see Delta Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon).

Gyrfalcon
Production information
Manufacturer	Olivetti Weaponry
Production Year	3112
Model	Standard
Class	Medium
Cost	12,092,842 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Clan BattleMech
Mass	55 tons
Chassis	Olivetti Stage 3 endo steel
Armor	Raydient Advance Series 4 [reflective]
Engine	275-rated XL engine
Communications System	Raptor X-T Type iii
Targeting Tracking System	Goshawk E-Series with light active probe
Heat Sinks	11 laser heat sinks
Speed	86.4 km/h (108 km/h with MASC)
Jump Jets	Clan Standard Type A1 with a partial wing
Armament	2x ER large lasers 2x LB 2-X ACs
BV (1.0)	N/A
BV (2.0)	2,367

Description

Clan Jade Falcon developed this medium-weight BattleMech as part of a Clan-wide project in the early 3110s, aiming to revitalize the whole Clan. It replaced some older designs whose parts became increasingly scarce since the loss of Homeworld ties. Conceived by the Clan's Council, it served as its intended purpose not only to act as replacement for older designs, but also bolster the Clan's morale for older warriors and next generation.

Among the design's early deployments, it would see action against Clan Hell's Horses in 3113. As part of an effort to showcase the 'Mech, the 2nd Falcon Dragoons were sent to Chateau. There the Dragoons conducted a Trial of Possession for a Star of the Horses' Balius Quad OmniMech. The Dragoons winning bid consisted entirely of a Star of Gyrfalcons against 30th Mechanized Strike Cluster's Star of Balius. A fight which would pit both Clans' totem 'Mechs against one another, in this battle the Gyrfalcons would prove its worth to its creators. After the defeat of the Horses, the Dragoons' commander would order the complete destruction of the Balius in front of their former MechWarriors instead of claiming them as their prize.

Weapons and Equipment

Built for speed, firepower, and simplicity, the Gyrfalcon became common in Jade Falcon Stars. Its 275-rated XL engine would help propel the design into the battlefield at 86.4 km/h, and at bursts to 108 km/h with the help of its MASC. Included in its construction is a partial wing, which gives the design the ability to jump further than the normal 150 meters that its jump jets would be capable of. In addition to its regular sensors, the engineers would fit a light active probe in the 'Mech's head to help it identify potential enemy targets.

While it has been noted that its MechWarriors have it customized for their purposes, this design's original weapons layout consisted of two Series 6b ER large lasers and two Type OVR-V LB 2-X ACs mounted in its shortened arms actuators. In addition to these ranged weapons systems, engineers would go on to reinforce the Gyrfalcon's legs. This is a nod to their touman changing its attitude towards the use of physical attacks, namely using Death from Above maneuver.

Variants

Gyrfalcon 2

The second version of the Gyrfalcon would appear in 3112. This version dropped the reflective armor of the standard model for ferro-fibrous. In addition to using a less advanced armor, this version also drops the light active probe and adds two laser heat sinks. BV(2.0) = 2,105

Gyrfalcon 3

The third variant produced in 3112, replaces both LB 2-X ACs with two Type 25 UAC/2s, while fitted with Gyrfalcon 2's ferro-fibrous armor, it adds a targeting computer, a small cockpit, and carries only 10 laser heat sinks. BV(2.0) = 2,228

Gyrfalcon 4

Produced with a mix of Inner Sphere and Clan technologies, the fourth variant of the Gyrfalcon carries a pair of TSEMP cannons in place of the original's autocannons. Similar to the third variant, this version retains the same level of ferro-fibrous armor protection, but has been equipped with 3 additional laser heat sinks in comparison to the previous three variants' 10. BV(2.0) = 3,716

Gyrfalcon 5 

Used by Aleksandr Hazen, this configuration has an ER large laser and UAC/5 on each arm, with the center torso carrying a single ton of ammunition for the autocannons. The reflective armor is replaced by ferro-fibrous armor plate, and the light active probe is removed. BV (2.0) = 2,151

Design Quirks

The Gyrfalcon is subject to the following Design Quirks:

• Distracting
• Reinforced Legs

Notable Pilots

See: Category:Notable Gyrfalcon Pilots

Notes

• The Gyrfalcon was first created by WizKids' MechWarrior Dark Age Collectable Miniatures game as a part of its Falcons Prey expansion set. The figure was only used for the CMG's Unique figures. The 'Mech was later adapted by Catalyst Game Labs and redefined in the tabletop game once the company advanced the franchise's timeline to 3145.

• Gyrfalcon 3 would originally appear as MechWarrior Benj Malthus, an unnamed personal variant, until CGL revisited Dark Age and adapted the dossier's stats to make it into an official canon variant. However, it differs from canonized 3rd variant due to the dossier naming it having standard armor vs ferro-fibrous in the canon variant.

• Another variant seen in the novel, Flight of the Falcon, shows a Gyrfalcon (Aleksandr Hazen's 'Mech) armed with pair of UAC/5s and ER large lasers

BattleMech Gallery

• 

  Gyrfalcon from TRO: 3145 The Clans

• 

  Gyrfalcon from RG:iClan vol. 33

• 

  3D render used on variant of MechWarrior: Falcon's Prey Booster Pack

Bibliography

• Blood of the Isle (novel)
• Flight of the Falcon (novel)
• MechWarrior: Dark Age - Dossiers and Pilot Cards
• Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 33
• Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged
• Shrapnel Issue 2
• Technical Readout: 3145 The Clans