Shadow Hawk

Shadow Hawk
Shadow Hawk
Production information
Manufacturer Bermuda Combat Systems,[1] RetroTech

Earthwerks Incorporated[2]

King Dumount Defense Facility[3]

Lang Industries

Majesty Metals and Manufacturing[2]

Nimakachi Fusion Products Limited[4]

Odin Manufacturing[5]

Pride of Granada Industries[6]

Vandenberg Mechanized Industries

Production Year 2550[7]
Model SHD-2H[2]
Class Medium
Cost 4,539,382 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 55 tons
Chassis Earthwerks SHD
Armor Maximillian 43
Engine CoreTek 275
Communications System O/P 300 COMSET
Targeting Tracking System O/P 2000A
Heat Sinks 12 single
Speed 86 km/h
Jump Jets Pitban LFT-50
Armament
BV (1.0) 918
BV (2.0) 1,064[2][8][9]


Description[edit]

A multirole BattleMech developed in 2550 during the Golden Age, the Shadow Hawk is a powerful fusion of maneuverability and firepower. With a mix of long-range and short-range weapons, good maneuverability thanks to jump jets, and excellent endurance, the Shadow Hawk has long been regarded as one of the best 'Mechs in its weight class. The Shadow Hawk is equally adept whether commanding a reconnaissance company or serving as a spotter for heavy and assault lances.[10][11]

Lang Industries had technically introduced the Shadow Hawk many years prior to 2550, but this version of the 'Mech suffered from a debilitating fault in its armor plating. The line was recalled and a major overhaul was accomplished in 2550 without any difficulties which solved the issue for most, but not all, Shadow Hawk models; this resumption of production therefore is regarded by many historians as the true debut of the design.[10][11] For the next few centuries Lang continued to produce the Shadow Hawk for the Star League and the Great Houses until their factory was destroyed with the start of the Succession Wars.[10] Afterwards, Earthwerks Incorporated remained the only manufacturer within the Inner Sphere to continue producing Shadow Hawks from their factory on Calloway VI, while in the Periphery Majesty Metals and Manufacturing on Dunianshire built these 'Mechs for the Magistracy of Canopus and other prospective buyers.[11][12] As many of the secrets of lostech were rediscovered, Earthwerks was able to create an updated variant of the Shadow Hawk, the SHD-5M, in time for the Clan Invasion.[12]

Starting in the summer of 3066, Vicore Industries began promoting their "Project Phoenix" to various weapons manufacturers across the Inner Sphere, promising improved versions of venerable designs like the Shadow Hawk. Earthwerks, Kallon Industries, and ComStar all expressed interest in redesigning the Shadow Hawk, however the latter two lacked appropriate facilities to build the 'Mech and so, at the suggestion of the Vicore group, contracted Odin Manufacturing on Orestes to build the components while Kallon finished the process at its factories on Nanking and Talon.[13] The Capellan Confederation later acquired the rights to build Earthwerks' SHD-7M Shadow Hawk variant shortly before the Jihad, which they then sublicensed to Vandenberg Mechanized Industries to produce.[13][14]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Shadow Hawk carries a varied, but effective mix of weapons. Primary among them is the 80mm Armstrong J11 AC/5 mounted in the left torso along with one ton of ammo. This weapon, as well as the Holly LRM-5 launcher with one ton of reloads in the right torso, provide the Shadow Hawk with good long-range striking capabilities. When the Shadow Hawk closes to shorter ranges it can bring to bear its Holly SRM-2 launcher mounted in the head and its right-arm Martell medium laser which can generally finish off most 'Mechs of its own weight class or smaller that might have survived the mixed autocannon and LRM fire. One ton of ammunition for the SRM-2 is kept in the Shadow Hawk's center torso while 12 single heat sinks provide decent cooling. For hand-to-hand combat the Shadow Hawk features a pair of Lang manipulative hands, regarded as among the strongest models ever built prior to the fall of the Star League. The ability to grasp and carry objects greatly assists in its ability to take part in raiding missions.[10][11]

While nine and a half tons of armor provide excellent protection, early models of the Shadow Hawk suffered from defective armor pressure plates, especially in the legs. When struck, these plates were liable to sever the myomer bundles which governed movement, rendering the 'Mech immobile. Although the mass recall of 2550 largely solved this issue, a small number of Shadow Hawks were not fixed and continued to see service in battle; on occasion this defect led to the loss of entire battles.[10][11]

Three jump jets split between the center, left, and right rear torsos gives the Shadow Hawk an adequate jumping distance of 90 meters; while limited in the distance traveled, it gives the 'Mech an edge when engaged in close combat and supplements its cruising speed of 54 km/h. Perhaps the most valued component on the Shadow Hawk, as far as its pilots are concerned, is the Sparrow 300J life support system, which among the most advanced ever devised. The Sparrow can keep a pilot comfortable up to 30% longer than similar systems in other 'Mechs, and is especially important on extended missions where a more relaxed pilot is a better pilot.[10][11]

Variants[edit]

  • SHD-1R 
    First introduced in 2467, this first generation of the Shadow Hawk employs early BattleMech technology in its weaponry, equipment and, armor. This design was first produced by Lang Industries on Caph, where it was designed by Rodger Taylor as part of the Hegemony's efforts to keep ahead of the Inner Sphere's newly stolen BattleMech technology. The SHD-1R was equipped with a single shoulder mounted AC/5 and a single medium laser. The 'Mech's primitive fusion engine allowed it to reach a maximum of 64.8 km/h and power its three jump jets. The 'Mech was protected by 14 tons of primitive armor and had 10 single heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 841[15]
  • SHD-2D 
    Another First Succession War variant born of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns' desperation prior to the Kentares Massacre, the field refit 2D dramatically increases the close range capabilities of the Shadow Hawk at great cost to its armor. Introduced in 2796, the 2D reduces the armor protection by five tons and adds a second SRM-2 launcher to the center torso, doubles the number of SRM missiles split between left and right torsos, and an additional medium laser in the left arm. While carrying superior firepower, the loss in armor left the 'Mech far too vulnerable for open combat and those units which use it typically held the 'Mech in ambush to unleash a devastating first volley before retreating.[2][16][11] BV (1.0) = 765; BV (2.0) = 899[17]
  • SHD-2D2 
    The 2D2 is an upgrade of the -2D Shadow Hawk introduced in 3049, born of the Federated Commonwealth buying original-model 2Hs from Majesty Metals and refitting them for use by militia forces or for sale to mercenaries. Like the 2D this upgrade adds another SRM launcher to the center torso and a medium laser to the left arm, however both center torso and head launchers are Federated SuperStreak Streak SRM-2s. Besides carrying slightly more armor, a total of six and a half tons, and one ton of Streak ammo in the right torso, it is otherwise identical to the 2D Shadow Hawk.[12] BV (1.0) = 896; BV (2.0) = 1,049[18][19]
  • SHD-2K 
    Originally a First Succession War field refit developed by the Draconis Combine in 2803 as the enraged Federated Suns pushed the Kurita troops back, the 2K Shadow Hawk dramatically overhauls the chassis by replacing all original armaments, save the LRM-5, with a Donal PPC in place of the AC/5 and five extra single heat sinks. Though initially introduced to compensate for a lack of autocannon parts and ammunition, the improvement in long range firepower ensured refits continued, with the 2K becoming one of the deadliest units of the Succession Wars[16] despite many Lyran opponents' opinion of it as a "Griffin knockoff."[2][11][25] BV (1.0) = 1,018; BV (2.0) = 1,147[25][26]
  • SHD-3H 
    Designed as cover for the development of the Royal SHD-2Hb and labeled an anti-insurgent unit, Lang Industries' 3H replaces the 2H's SRM launcher with a pair of Voelkers 200 machine guns. It had a small production run. BV (2.0) = 1,043 [27]
  • SHD-5D 
    The 5D Shadow Hawk is a Davion upgrade to the original, part of Kallon Industries' participation in the "Project Phoenix" initiative started by Vicore Industries. Imagined as a cavalry unit, the 5D removes the LRM-5 launcher and utilizes a Mydron Tornado RAC/5 in place of the original while also carrying two Intek Hellborer medium lasers, one in each arm, and a Harpoon-4S Streak SRM-4 mounted in the head. Two tons of autocannon ammo and one ton of Streak reloads are carried in the left torso, protected by CASE, while the nine and a half tons of armor are updated to Kallon Unity Weave ferro-fibrous. This model is fitted with a Full-Head Ejection System and its jumping distance is also increased to 150 meters with five Rawlings 55 jump jets split between the rear torso areas. Both communications and targeting systems have been updated to Neil 6000 and Garret D2j systems respectively. The use of a Kallon Type VII endo steel chassis frees enough weight to make these update possible.[13] BV (1.0) = 1,629; BV (2.0) = 1,684[31]
  • SHD-5R 
    This variant is fitted with a smaller 220-rated XL engine, reducing the top speed to 64.8 km/h, but retains the three jump jets that provide a 90 meter jump capability. The right arm has an ER medium laser, the head carries a Streak SRM-2, and a light AC/5 is mounted in the left torso. The main firepower, however, comes from five Thunderbolt 5 missile launchers. The autocannon and Streak launcher each have one ton of ammunition, and the Thunderbolt launchers have four tons of ammunition. This version also has 10 double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1,296[34]
  • SHD-5S 
    Originally from BattleTechnology magazine, this heavy scout variant carries a large laser in the right arm, a pair of medium lasers in each side torso, and a medium pulse laser with a coaxially mounted TAG system in the left arm. The left and right torso carry a Guardian ECM suite and a Beagle active probe, respectively, and a half ton of cargo space is provided in the head, probably for supplies on long reconnaissance missions. The most interesting change, however, is the use of a more powerful 330-rated XL engine that gives a top speed of 97.2 km/h which, when combined with five jump jets allowing 150 meter leaps, allows the 'Mech to get out of tight spots. BV (2.0) = 1,590[35]
  • SHD-7CS 
    The 7CS is an electronics heavy, high tech upgrade of the Shadow Hawk built for ComStar in 3066. The 'Mech carries an UAC/5, an LRM-15 launcher mated to an Artemis IV fire control system, and two ER medium lasers, all linked to an improved C3 computer. Protection is provided by 10.5 tons of armor built on an endo steel chassis and powered by an extralight engine. As with other Project Phoenix 'Mechs, shortly after its introduction reports started coming in of Word of Blake units operating in the Chaos March equipped with 7CS Shadow Hawks.[13] BV (1.0) = 1,370; BV (2.0) = 1,496[37]
  • SHD-7H 
    This variant is based on the SHD-5M and keeps the ground speed and jump capability of that model. The weaponry includes an ER medium laser on the right arm, an LB 10-X AC is mounted on the left torso, and an enhanced LRM-5 in the right torso; the head-mounted SRM-2 remains in place. One ton of ammunition for the SRM and enhanced LRM, and two tons for the LB 10-X are carried in the right torso in a CASE II protected bay. To free weight for this equipment the 'Mech uses an endo steel skeleton and a light engine. BV (2.0) = 1,394[38]
  • SHD-7M 
    The 7M Shadow Hawk is Earthwerks' version of the Project Phoenix Shadow Hawk introduced in 3066, using some of the newest technologies available in the Free Worlds League. Based on the -5M, the 'Mech is built using an endo steel chassis with ten and a half tons of standard armor, with CASE for ammunition protection. While carrying many of the same weapons, it downsizes the LRM-20 rack to an LRM-15 and uses a light Gauss rifle in place of the UAC/5 for long-range sniping. This variant was later acquired by the Capellan Confederation, not only to supply their own forces but for their Trinity Alliance allies.[13] BV (1.0) = 1,351; BV (2.0) = 1,447[39]
  • SHD-9D 
    The Shadow Hawk 9D was released in 3070 and carries as its primary weapons a new light AC/5 and a pair of MML-5 launchers. The MML launchers can fire both LRM and SRM ammunition, giving the 'Mech a great deal of tactical flexibility. For close-range defense, the 'Mech has a highly accurate medium pulse laser which, along with the autocannon, is linked to a targeting computer for increased accuracy. The 9D also has a C3 slave unit, allowing it to share targeting data with friendly units which are linked to the 'Mech in a C3 network.[5] The pilot is protected by light ferro-fibrous armor and a Full-Head Ejection System. BV (2.0) = 1,313[41]

Custom Variants[edit]

  • SHD-2H Sandy 
    Used by Alexander "Sandy" Romanov, a known associate of the Bounty Hunter, this Shadow Hawk is equipped with double heat sinks, a jump range of 150 meters, and a TAG unit. The weapons have been removed and replaced with a heavy PPC and light PPC. BV (2.0) = 1,517[44]

Apocryphal Variants[edit]

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

From MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms Expansion Pack:

  • SHD-1P 
    Introduced in 3024, this variant of the Shadow Hawk drops the SHD-2H's SRM-2 rack to free up the weight for a medium claw fitted in the SHD-1P's left arm.[45]

From MechWarrior 5: Heroes of the Inner Sphere Expansion Pack:

  • SHD-2P 
    Introduced in 2846, this variant of the Shadow Hawk replaces its AC/5 with a medium rifle, supplied by two tons of ammunition. Further changes include an additional ton of ammunition for the LRM-5 launcher, the removal of two single heat sinks and the installation of a supercharger.[46]

From MechWarrior Online:

  • SHD-GD The Gray Death 
    Themed as a variant piloted by Grayson Death Carlyle, despite the fact that neither Grayson nor second Shadow Hawk pilot Sharyl piloted such a variant, the Gray Death swaps the AC/5 for an AC/10 with two tons of ammunition, and carries two medium lasers in each arm. The LRM-5 and SRM-2 are kept, along with the three jump jets, and cooling is handled by 12 double heat sinks. The tonnage required for the heavier weapons loadout is freed up by using a 275-rated XL engine. The 'Mech has a grey, black and red pattern with white insignia of the Gray Death Legion and is presumably the second Shadow Hawk the unit operated, piloted by Sharyl.[1]
  • SHD-S(LGD) The Scattershot 
    The Shadow Hawk Legendary 'Mech mounts a trio of LB 2-X ACs in it's right torso supported by a pair of MRM-10 racks in the left torso. Built around an 255-rated XL engine, double heat sinks, endo steel frame and clad in light ferro-fibrous armor, the Scattershot carries a total of three tons of LBX rounds and three tons of MRM reloads.[2]

Apocryphal Content Ends

Design Quirks[edit]

The Shadow Hawk is subject to the following Design Quirks:[47][48]

Related BattleMechs[edit]

  • Shadow Hawk IIC - The SLDF took several Shadow Hawks with them on their Exodus. The Clans eventually upgraded several of the old SHD-2H 'Mechs with Clan technology, creating the Shadow Hawk C and, later, completely redesigned the original model to make the Shadow Hawk IIC. BV (1.0) = 1,646; BV (2.0) = 1,732

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Shadow Hawk Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • Author Blaine Lee Pardoe stated in a blog entry that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the Shadow Hawk was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its name, image, and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.
  • The original Shadow Hawk is based on the title Combat Armor of the anime Fang of the Sun Dougram. Due to legal difficulties it became one of the Unseen.
  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Dunkelfalke. The model code was changed accordingly to DKF-2L.
  • In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as Faucon Ombre.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Objectives: Periphery, p. 16: "Bermuda Combat Systems"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 104–105: "SHD-2H Shadow Hawk". Previously featured in Technical Readout: 3026, pp. 66–67: "SHD-2H Shadow Hawk" and Technical Readout: 3039, p. 289: "SHD-2H Shadow Hawk"
  3. ↑ Objectives: Periphery, p. 31: "King Dumount Defense Facility"
  4. ↑ Objectives: Free Worlds League Errata v1.0
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Technical Readout: Jihad, pp. 122–123: "SHD-12C Shadow Hawk". Previously featured in Technical Readout: 3085, pp. 242–243: "SHD-12C Shadow Hawk"
  6. ↑ Objectives: Periphery, p. 32: "Pride of Granada Industries"
  7. ↑ MUL online date for the Shadow Hawk
  8. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 289
  9. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 461
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Technical Readout: 3025, pp. 66–67
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 289
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Technical Readout: 3050, pp. 136–137
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, 18
  14. ↑ Handbook: Major Periphery States, p. 118
  15. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1, pp. 5, 19: SHD-1R Shadow Hawk - Profile on primitive Shadow Hawk and specs
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 First Succession War, p. 160: "Rules Annex - Technical Readout: - SHD-2D/2K Shadow Hawk"
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 460
  18. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 75
  19. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 24
  20. ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 40
  21. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 25
  22. ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 159
  23. ↑ BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid, p. 162: "Shadow Hawk SHD-2Ht"
  24. ↑ Shadow Hawk SHD-2Ht entry on the MUL
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Total Warfare Style Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 99
  26. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 462
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Shrapnel Issue 14: "SHD-3H Shadow Hawk"
  28. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 76
  29. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 6
  30. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 26
  31. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 77
  32. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 78
  33. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 27
  34. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 28
  35. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 29
  36. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 30
  37. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 79
  38. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 31
  39. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 80
  40. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 81
  41. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 82
  42. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 83
  43. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12, p. 32
  44. ↑ BattleTech Dossiers: The Bounty Hunter, p. 25
  45. ↑ MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Call to Arms
  46. ↑ MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Heroes of the Inner Sphere
  47. ↑ BattleMech Manual, Fourth Printing, p. 94: "BattleMech Quirk Table"
  48. ↑ BattleMech Manual Errata (Version 6.01), p. 9: "BattleMech Quirk Table"

Bibliography[edit]

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