Thunder Hawk
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| Thunder Hawk | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production Information | |
| Manufacturer(s) | Norse-Storm BattleMechs Inc.[1] |
| Production Year | 2771 |
| Model | TDK-7X[1] |
| Class | Assault |
| Cost | 22,162,000 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| 'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
| Mass | 100 tons |
| Chassis | Norse Heavy XTI-4C |
| Armor | ArcShield Heavy Type K |
| Engine | Vlar 300 XL |
| Comms | Tek BattleCom |
| TTS | DLK Type Phased Array Sensor System |
| Heat Sinks | 10 single |
| Speed | 54 km/h |
| Armament |
|
| B.V. (1.0) | 1,967[2][3] |
| B.V. (2.0) | 2,577[1][4] |
Contents
Description[edit]
The Thunder Hawk was built by Norse-Storm BattleMechs in 2771, during the final six years of the SLDF's drive to retake the Terran Hegemony. The Thunder Hawk epitomizes the doctrine of firepower over maneuverability with its heavy weapons arsenal and low top speed. Taken out of production after the end of the Amaris Civil War, Thunder Hawk production began again during the mid-3050s.[5][6] Norse-Storm attempted, in the wake of the Clan Invasion, to make it their flagship design, though trouble manufacturing enough 'Mechs and parts to meet demand weakened its market share over decades afterwards.[7]
Weapons and Equipment[edit]
The Thunder Hawk rumbles through the battlefield at a maximum speed of 54 km/h. Despite the low speed, the Thunder Hawk is powered by a light weight Vlar 300 XL engine that weighs half as much as a standard fusion engine and allows the 'Mech to carry a heavier than normal weapons payload. The 'Mech is protected by nineteen and a half tons of armor, giving it more armor than the venerable Atlas. Additionally, because the Thunder Hawk has very little heat buildup from its weapons, it carries only ten heat sinks.
The Thunder Hawk is armed to engage an enemy at stand-off ranges when facing any opposition. The weapons that enable the Thunder Hawk to achieve this are a trio of Norse-Storm Model 7D Gauss rifles that, when combined, can destroy (or at least disable) most lighter 'Mechs in only a few short salvos. To defend itself either when an enemy closes to short range or if the Gauss Rifles run out of ammunition, the Thunder Hawk has an impressive array of four Defiance B3M medium lasers.
Variants[edit]
- TDK-7KMA
- The 7KMA is a major modification of the Thunder Hawk that allows the 'Mech to act as an ArtilleryMech and a bodyguard unit for artillery units at the same time. This is done by removing one of the Gauss Rifles and replacing it with an Arrow IV artillery missile launcher. In addition, the 'Mech has had its heat sinks upgraded to double heat sinks.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,894,[2][8] BV (2.0) = 2,449[9]
- TDK-7S
- This variant of the 7X uses the less fragile Light Fusion Engine by sacrificing two medium lasers, two tons of Gauss ammo and one ton of standard armor.[1] BV (1.0) = 2,106,[10] BV (2.0) = 2,440[11]
- TDK-7XEM
- Recognizing the 7X's popularity as a command 'Mech, Norse-Storm, during the Republic era, introduced a variant featuring a C3 emergency master unit. The 7XEM removes a medium laser and some Gauss ammunition to make space for the system, while replacing the remaining lasers with ER medium lasers and the heat sinks with double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 2,499[7]
- TDK-7Y
- A simple upgrade of the Thunder Hawk, the 7Y removes the four medium lasers and replaces them with two Medium Pulse Lasers. This increases the accuracy of the close range firepower while sacrificing some of the sheer brute force that the 'Mech can use at short ranges. This helps when facing much lighter and more maneuverable enemies.[1] BV (1.0) = 2,037,[2][12] BV (2.0) = 2,489[13]
- TDK-7Z
- While many Dark Age variants of classic 'Mechs utilize powerful Clan technologies, Norse-Storm BattleMechs instead chose to employ unique (and cheaper) Inner Sphere technology, outfitting the 7KMA-inspired Thunder Hawk TDK-7Z with three powerful Magna Strongbow Thunderbolt 20 missile launchers and 10 tons of ammunition. Four Defiance Model XII ER medium lasers provide backup firepower. However, the Vlar 300 XL engine, Norse Heavy XTI-5 composite structure, and lack of CASE make the newest Thunder Hawk somewhat vulnerable for its size. BV (2.0) = 2,419[7][14]
- TDK-7ZEM
- Introduced by Norse-Storm as an upgrade kit for the 7Z, the 7ZEM replaces two tons of Thunderbolt ammunition with a C3 emergency master unit. BV (2.0) = 2,379[7]
Design Quirks[edit]
The Thunder Hawk has the following Design Quirks:[15]
Notable Pilots[edit]
Notes[edit]
- In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Sturmfalke, which means Storm Hawk. The model code was accordingly changed to STR-3M.
Gallery[edit]
Original Thunder Hawk from TRO:3058
Thunder Hawk from Shrapnel Issue 18
TDK-7X Thunder Hawk in motion from CCG
A Thunder Hawk in colors of Royal Guards from Field Manual: Lyran Alliance
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 190–191: "TDK-7X Thunder Hawk"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Combat Operations, p. 132
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 359
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 275
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3058, p. 152
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 230
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Shrapnel Issue 18: "TDK-7Z Thunder Hawk"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 357
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 276
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 358
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 277
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 360
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 278
- ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 33, p. 51
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 95: BattleMech Quirk Table - Thunder Hawk Entry