Hammerhands

Hammerhands
Production information
Manufacturer	Achernar BattleMechs Hessen IndustrialWorks New Hessen WorkMechs
Production Year	2475
Model	HMH-3D
Class	Heavy
Cost	6,207,250 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass	75 tons
Chassis	Achernar Special Type 4-reinforced
Armor	StarGuard III
Engine	DAV 225
Communications System	Achernar Electronics HICK-3
Targeting Tracking System	Federated Gatherer Mk II
Heat Sinks	13 single
Speed	54 km/h
Jump Jets	Rawlings 50
Armament	2x autocannon/10 2x medium laser 1x SRM-6
BV (1.0)	1,118
BV (2.0)	1,381

Description

The second exclusive Federated Suns BattleMech, the Hammerhands was developed in 2475 after a decade reviewing the performance and complaints received about the earlier BattleAxe. Little more than a heavier and slower version of the BattleAxe, the design received its name based on the impressive weapons carried in each arm, serving to trigger the Federated Suns' seeming love affair with autocannons. Much like its sibling design, the Hammerhands went on to influence and be outdone by the immensely popular Warhammer, causing it to fade into history, all but forgotten.

During the Jihad, both Achernar BattleMechs and the New Hessen MechWorks production plant started producing Hammerhands for the AFFS. Production continued after the end of the Jihad.

Weapons and Equipment

The Achernar designers' solution for the high heat generated by the BattleAxe's PPCs was to replace them with a pair of Mydron Model B Autocannon/10s backed up by ChisComp 38 medium lasers in each arm, while retaining the earlier design's shoulder-mounted Harpoon-6 SRM-6. Carrying four tons of ammunition spread between the arms and torsos, the Hammerhands autocannons were rarely silenced during most Age of War era conflicts.

Variants

• HMH-4D 

  A solution to both Federated Suns MechWarriors' early dislike of jump jets and desire for decreased reliance upon supply chains, the 4D strips out the jump jets and SRM-6 rack for a single PPC. BV (2.0) = 1,356

• HMH-5D 

  The first upgraded Age of War design produced by Achernar, the 5D variant is a minor modernization, utilizing more advanced materials to enhance the armor and jump capacity while saving space to add a C3 slave unit. While the medium lasers were exchanged for extended range models, the standard autocannons were retained, the advantage being that their split ammo bins can be used to carry Armor-Piercing, Precision, as well as standard munitions. BV (2.0) = 1,496

• HMH-6D 

  A true modern updating, the 6D maximizes the jump capacity and adds a targeting computer and C3 slave unit. The Hammerhands' classic autocannons are replaced with Rotary versions and the removed heat sinks are nullified to a degree by the addition of Triple Strength Myomer. Most controversially, the rear armor has been almost entirely stripped to strengthen the 'Mech's frontal protection. BV (2.0) = 2,139

• HMH-6E 

  This version adds a Guardian ECM Suite and CASE to increase protection, as well as expanding the ammunition bays by four tons. This provides more ammunition for the Rotary AC/5s located in the arms. It also carries a Guardian ECM Suite and a C3 Slave. To make room for these changes, engineers removed the Targeting Computer. Triple Strength Myomer allows the 'Mech to temporarily reach speeds of 64 km/h. BV (2.0) = 2,204

Custom Variants

• Hammerhands Prince's Champion ( HMH-3D (Kessem) )

  Used by the AFFS Prince's Champion on Royal during the Second Hidden War, this Hammerhands has had the jump jets and autocannons removed and replaced with two LB-10X autocannons, three extra heat sinks, and two more tons of armor.

Design Quirks

The Hammerhands has the following Design Quirks:

• Barrel Fist (LA/RA)
• Protected Actuators

Related BattleMechs

• BattleAxe - The Hammerhands was designed to replace the BattleAxe and its flaws.

• Warhammer - The Hammerhands is, together with the BattleAxe, one of the two 'Mechs that influenced the design of the Warhammer.

Gallery

• 

  Original Hammerhands from TRO:3075

• 

  Hammerhands from 25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set

Bibliography

• BattleMech Manual
• Era Digest: Age of War
• Era Report: 2750
• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• Objectives: Federated Suns
• Record Sheets: 3075
• Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged
• Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War
• Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New
• Technical Readout: 3075
• Technical Readout: 3085