Howler (Baboon)

This article is about the 20-ton BattleMech. For other uses, see Howler (disambiguation).

Howler
Production information
Manufacturer	Novy Minsky Armaments Plant CJF Factory Zone 5
Production Year	2871
Model	Baboon
Class	Light
Cost	1,826,240 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Clan BattleMech
Mass	20 tons
Chassis	Type-A endo steel
Armor	Type 2 Ferro Fibrous with CASE
Engine	140 Standard
Communications System	Mercer 973 (Only confirmed for Howler (Baboon) 2)
Targeting Tracking System	GEG Pattern 490/1 (Only confirmed for Howler (Baboon) 2)
Heat Sinks	10 double heat sinks
Speed	119 km/h
Armament	3x LRM-5
BV (1.0)	587
BV (2.0)	645

Description

Although this simian-looking BattleMech was conceived as a Totem 'Mech for Clan Fire Mandrill, in the Inner Sphere where it was given the reporting name Baboon, the Howler was first observed among Clan Jade Falcon second-line units, though it has since been proven to be much more widespread. It is relatively fast for a 'Mech its size, topping out at 119 km/h. Its good speed and armament is made possible by the use of an endo steel structure and three tons of ferro-fibrous armor.

Weapons and Equipment

The Howler is, essentially, a missile boat, very potent for its size. Meant to provide fire support to light garrison Stars, the 'Mech carries three LRM-5 launchers and three tons of ammunition. It is also used extensively as a training 'Mech.

Variants

• Howler 2 

  The Howler was redesigned by Clan Steel Viper scientists to improve their light second-line units after the Clan was expelled from the Inner Sphere by Clan Jade Falcon. A smaller extralight engine provides the space for four ATM-3s along with two tons of ammunition. Though the 'Mech's running speed is reduced, it uses MASC to accelerate to 130 km/h in short bursts. BV (1.0) = 634, BV (2.0) = 757

• Howler 3 ("Devil") 

  Clan Snow Raven scientists refitted captured Howler 2s with an ER PPC and a targeting computer, turning the 'Mech into a sniper. This variant was supposedly inspired by the 30-ton Devil, a BattleMech design in turn inspired by early Howlers Clan Snow Raven had captured from Clan Fire Mandrill. BV (1.0) = 1,048, BV (2.0) = 1,277

• Howler 4 

  Developed by Clan Jade Falcon, this model drops two of the LRM-5s, installs jump jets that can cover 210 meters, and reduce the carried ammunition to a single ton. It is prominently used as a trainer. BV (2.0) = 506

• Howler 5 

  The standard Howler chassis has had its LRM-5s removed and replaced with six ER medium lasers, fitted in triple mounts in each side torso. BV (2.0) = 1,363

• Howler 6 

  Another close range combatant, this Howler variant carries a pair of SRM-6s in a shoulder turret. Two tons of ammunition are carried in a CASE II protected bay. BV (2.0) = 550

Design Quirks

The Howler has the following Design Quirks:

• Extended Torso Twist
• Narrow/Low-Profile
• Searchlight

Related Designs

• Devil - A 30 ton light BattleMech, which built off the Howler's design.

Notable Pilots

See Category:Notable Howler (Baboon) Pilots

Notes

• In German products, the unit's proper Clan name was translated to Heuler. The unit's proper Inner Sphere name was also perfectly translated to Pavian.
• Author Ashley Watkins stated in a blog entry that she designed stats and wrote background for Baboon as originally published in TRO:3055.

Gallery

• 

  Original Unseen Howler from TRO:3055

• 

  Howler from RG:ilClan v8

• 

  Howler 2 from TRO:3055 Upgrade

• 

  Howler from Jade Falcon Sourcebook

• 

  Howler from Jade Falcon Sourcebook

• 

  Howler in combat from The Battle of Coventry

• 

  Howler in combat from CCG

• 

  Howler miniature from BattleTech: Clan Ad Hoc Star

Bibliography

• BattleMech Manual
• Master Unit List
• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8
• Record Sheets: 3055/3058
• Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: 3055
• Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: 3055 Revised