Hercules (BattleMech)
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- This article is about the 70-ton BattleMech. For the DropShip, see Hercules (DropShip class).
| Hercules | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production Information | |
| Manufacturer(s) | Kali Yama/Alphard Trading Corporation[1]
Kali Yama Weapons Industries[1] |
| Production Year | 3054[2] |
| Model | HRC-LS-9000[1] |
| Class | Heavy |
| Cost | 16,411,687 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| 'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
| Mass | 70 tons |
| Chassis | Northrup-502 |
| Armor | Aldis Heavy Ferro-Fibrous |
| Engine | Magna 350 XL |
| Comms | Irian Orator-5K |
| TTS | Irian 511 |
| Heat Sinks | 12 double |
| Speed | 86 km/h |
| Armament |
|
| B.V. (1.0) | 1,336[3] |
| B.V. (2.0) | 1,561[1][4] |
Contents
Description[edit]
The Hercules was built in response to a request by the Free Worlds League for a 'Mech with balanced mobility and firepower. The Hercules is powered by a Magna 350 XL engine that propels the 'Mech up to speeds of 86.4 km/h. The Hercules is also well armored, with eleven tons of Aldis Heavy ferro-fibrous for protection. Overall, the Hercules has turned out to be a good all-around trooper 'Mech that can handle a variety of combat roles, from air defense to long-range direct fire support.
Weapons and Equipment[edit]
The Hercules carries a wide variety of weapons. For long-range firepower, the 'Mech is armed with a Fusigon Model XI ER PPC. The ER PPC is backed up at intermediate ranges by an Imperator Code Red LB-X Autocannon/10 that can fire both standard and cluster rounds, making it effective against a wide range of combat units. For close-range combat, the Hercules carries a Holly Streak SRM-2 launcher, an Aberdovey Medium Pulse Laser, and two Martell Small Pulse Lasers. For added protection from missile attacks, the 'Mech also carried a Burow anti-missile system.
Variants[edit]
- HRC-LS-9001
- A basic field modification of the Hercules, the -9001 model removed the anti-missile system to add a second streak SRM-2 launcher.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,347, BV (2.0) = 1,566[5]
- HRC-LS-9003
- This Dark Age variant uses a composite internal structure to free mass for an Ultra autocannon. Several smaller weapons were replaced by CASE II and an Angel ECM Suite.[6] BV (2.0) = 1794[7]
- HRC-LS-9004
- This Hercules variant is based on the 9003 model, but replaces the Angel ECM suite with a Blue Shield system.[6] BV (2.0) = 1824[8]
Custom Variants[edit]
- HRC-LS-9000 Hercules Walker
- A uniquely customized Hercules created for Hauptmann Julius Walker of the Coventry CPM, after fighting Kristin's Krushers in 3066. The 'Mech's ER PPC, single Small Pulse Laser, and LB 10-X Autocannon were replaced by a massive LB 20-X with three tons of ammunition. Also, the techs added an additional Medium Pulse Laser, two standard medium lasers and CASE to the design.[9] BV (1.0)=1,416[10]
Design Quirks[edit]
The Hercules has the following Design Quirks:[11]
Notable Pilots[edit]
Notes[edit]
- Author Blaine Lee Pardoe stated in a blog entry that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the Hercules was among the BattleMechs which he designed and for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3055.
- In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Herkules. The model code was accordingly changed to HRK-LS-9000.
Gallery[edit]
Original Hercules from TRO:3055
Hercules from TRO:3055 Upgrade
HRC-LS-9000 Hercules in combat from CCG
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, pp. 156–157: "HRC-LS-9000 Hercules"
- ↑ MUL online date for the Hercules (BattleMech)
- ↑ Combat Operations, p. 121
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 89
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 90
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Technical Readout: 3150, p. 223
- ↑ MUL entry for Hercules HRC-LS-9003
- ↑ MUL entry for Hercules HRC-LS-9004
- ↑ Record Sheets: Unique 'Mechs p. 13: Hercules Walker - Fluff and basic stats of customized Hercules published by BattleCorps. BV in listed with fluff incorrect.
- ↑ Record Sheets: Unique 'Mechs p. 29: Hercules Walker - Record Sheet has correct BV.
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 92: BattleMech Quirk Table - Hercules Entry