Sphinx

Sphinx
Production information
Manufacturer	Avon Alpha
Production Year	3078
Model	Standard
Class	Heavy
Cost	19,127,499 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Clan BattleMech
Mass	75 tons
Chassis	Bergan Version 6.2 Endo Steel
Armor	Compound 12A2
Engine	375 XL
Communications System	Raldon R1
Targeting Tracking System	Dalban Hirez II
Heat Sinks	23 Double heat sinks
Speed	86 km/h
Armament	2x ER Large Laser 10x ER Medium Laser
BV (2.0)	2,883

Description

Introduced in the late Jihad in 3078, the Sphinx was designed by Clan Nova Cat as a heavier companion to the Black Hawk OmniMech. The design was originally intended to be an OmniMech, but was changed due to the need to field 'Mechs more quickly to combat the Blakists.

The Sphinx is built around an array of multiple lasers, allowing it to put out a massive amount of firepower at moderate ranges. It also maintains a similar movement profile to the Black Hawk although it lacks the jump jets of the lighter design. Its heavier frame also supports 13.5 tons of standard Clan armor, making it more durable than the smaller Black Hawk. Helping to cope with the heavy heat burden that its weapons mix can generate, it is fitted with 23 Double Heat Sinks.

The 'Mech's appearance was noted as being a bit unpolished due to it being rushed into production. Its rough appearance gives it a look reminiscent of the old Highlander Assault 'Mech.

Weapons and Equipment

The Mech's principal armament is a pair of arm-mounted Series 6b Extended Range Large Lasers. These weapons give the 'Mech its ranged combat ability. For intermediate ranges, the 'Mech can turn to its ten Series 2f Extended Range Medium Lasers, all of which are mounted in its side torsos.

Variants

• Sphinx 2 

  The second variant appeared in 3080, just prior to the end of the Jihad. This variant was produced by Clan Nova Cat in preparation for the last thrust against the Blakists. The design drops all its ER Mediums Lasers and a single Double Heat Sink for the following modifications: In place of the ER Medium Lasers, a series of 10 ER Small Lasers are split up between the side torsos. Also, both ER Large Lasers are moved to the Center Torso, and MASC has been added. To help with more precise strikes, a Targeting Computer is added. BV (2.0) = 2,753

• Sphinx 3 

  This Dark Age era variant developed in 3091 carries is the reverse of the Sphinx 2. It removes the ER Large Lasers of the original, but retains the ER Medium Lasers. It adds a Targeting Computer and MASC to quickly enter close range combat. An ECM Suite disrupts enemy communications and targeting systems. BV (2.0) = 3,396

• Sphinx 4 

  Another Dark Age era variant introduced also in 3091, this model carries eight Heavy Small Lasers and two Large Pulse Lasers. Twenty-four double heat sinks keep the heat under control. BV (2.0) = 1,952 NOTE: This model is identical to the Dark Age NC101-54B variant listed below.

Dark Age Dossier Variants

• NC319-13A 

  Modified for long range, this variant replaces the weapons payload with eight Series 1G ER Small Lasers and two Series 7K ER Large Lasers for variable fire.

• SF156-06A 

  A Sea Fox modification, this variant removes the Targeting Computer and MASC systems. It also uses ferro-fibrous armor to free up additional payload space for the inclusion of two additional ER Large Lasers. This version is known for its common overheating.

• NC101-54B 

  Intended for picket duty, this variant follows a similar upgrade pattern as the SF156-06A. It also replaces the array of ER Large and Medium lasers with an array of ten General System Heavy Small Lasers and two Kolibri Delta Series Large Pulse Lasers.

Design Quirks

The Sphinx has the following Design Quirks:

• Easy to Maintain
• Rugged (1)

Notable Pilots

See: Category:Notable Sphinx Pilots

Notes

• Originally, the dossiers for the Sphinx indicated the 'Mech was fitted out with 10 Clan ER medium lasers, MASC (108 km/h) and a targeting computer. Technical Readout: 3085 showcased the first canon stats for the 'Mech for the Jihad era. This would supersede previous published variants.

BattleMech Gallery

• 

  MechWarrior: Dark Age Sphinx

Bibliography

• Master Unit List
• Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge
• Record Sheets: 3085 Print Edition
• Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades
• Spirit Cat Marat Deleportas' Dossier
• Stormhammer Dean Lanos' Dossier
• Swordsworn Floyd Glass's Dossier
• Swordsworn Revekka Shteysel's Dossier
• Technical Readout: 3085