Tessen

Tessen
Production information
Manufacturer	Independence Weaponry
Production Year	3061
Model	TSN-1C
Class	Medium
Cost	10,779,000 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass	50 tons
Chassis	Endo Steel
Armor	Durallex Ferro Fibrous
Engine	Vlar 300 XL
Communications System	Garret T-22 w/C3i
Targeting Tracking System	Garret D2J (I) w/TAG
Heat Sinks	11 Double Heat Sinks
Speed	97.2 km/h
Armament	1x ER PPC 1x Medium Pulse Laser 1x Improved Narc Missile Beacon 1x TAG
BV (1.0)	1,079 (C3: 123)
BV (2.0)	1,162

Description

The Tessen began as a joint project between the Draconis Combine and ComStar to build a heavy scout 'Mech. The project fell through and was left unfinished until ComStar continued the project independently when they were looking for a new 'Mech to deploy the new improved C3 system when it was initially developed. The Tessen is built on a lightweight Endo Steel chassis and is powered by a lightweight Vlar 300 XL engine, giving the 'Mech a top speed of 97.2 km/h. The Tessen carries an improved C3 computer allowing it to share targeting data with other C3i equipped friendly units. Additionally, the Tessen has an Improved Narc Missile Beacon, allowing it to designate targets for missile attacks from friendly units and a TAG laser designator allowing the Tessen to spot for Arrow IV artillery missile attacks. For protection from enemy fire, the Tessen has nine tons of Durallex ferro-fibrous armor with CASE to protect against complete destruction in the event of an ammunition explosion.

Weapons and Equipment

For long range combat, the Tessen carries a single Lord's Light 2 ER PPC capable of hitting enemy units at extreme ranges. For close combat, the 'Mech has a single Diverse Optics Type 20P Medium Pulse Laser with which to defend itself.

Variants

• TSN-1Cr 

  This Jihad-era field refit developed in 3069 was based on captured Word of Blake equipment. It replaces the C3i system with a standard C3 slave and a Guardian ECM Suite. It keeps the Improved Narc Launcher. BV (2.0) = 1,241

• TSN-C3 

  Introduced in 3062 modified to be integrated into a standard C3 lance, the C3 variant removes the C3i computer and replaces it with a C3 slave unit. The weight savings allows the Tessen to carry an additional Medium Pulse Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,090 (C3: 140), BV (2.0)= 1,234

• TSN-C3M 

  This variant introduced in 3077 removes the Medium Pulse Laser, iNarc launcher, and TAG system. In their place are a C3 master computer, Snub Nose PPC, and Small Pulse Laser. The ER PPC remains. A MASC system allows this Tessen to briefly reach speeds of 120 km/h. BV (2.0) = 1,547

• TSN-X-4 

  This Tessen variant developed in 3074 by ComStar Adept Simon Lowenstein drops the ferro-fibrous armor for Light Ferro-Fibrous. It also removes the C3 and electronics systems of the standard version and replaces them with a Bloodhound Active Probe and Angel ECM Suite. The iNARC system has been replaced by a C3 Remote Dispenser and four tons of ammunition. In a strange twist, the lack of a C3 system means that the Tessen can't take advantage of the network it creates.

Custom Variants

• TSN-X4R Tessen Rapunzel 

  Debuted in 3135 on The Crankshaft Arena and piloted by Mindy Moore-Stein, this variant has been equipped with a Chain Whip that’s been cosmetically modified to resemble a giant metal braid extending from the 'Mech’s own head. This 'Mech is equipped with a C3 Remote Sensor Launcher and an Angel ECM Suite, making it appeal to the thinking gladiator. However Impact-Resistant Armor was installed to soften blows from opposing physical attacks, it’s a bit hard to fathom what the designers may have been thinking, given that Rapunzel also benefits from a payload of two Clan-spec Medium Pulse Lasers and an Inner Sphere-made ER Large Laser enhanced with experimental RISC Laser Pulse Module. The best theories offered to date both converge on the idea that Rapunzel is a work in progress. BV2 = 1,463.

Design Quirks

The TSN-1C Tessen has the following Design Quirks:

• Bad Reputation

The TSN-X-4 Tessen variant is subject to the following Design Quirk:

• Prototype

Related BattleMechs

• PXH-1bC Phoenix Hawk - The PXH-1bC variant's heavy energy weapon and Narc Missile Beacon combination proved highly successful against Clan forces during the Battle of Tukayyid, inspiring the equipment loadout of the Tessen years later.

Gallery

• 

  Original Tessen from FM:CS

• 

  TSN-1C Tessen from TRO:3067

• 

  Experimental TSN-X-4 Tessen from XTRO:ComStar

Bibliography

• BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid
• Combat Operations
• Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar
• Experimental Technical Readout: Royal Fantasy
• Field Manual: ComStar
• Master Unit List
• Record Sheets: 3067
• Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New
• Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged
• Technical Readout: 3067