Arctic Cheetah (Hankyu)

Arctic Cheetah
Production information
Manufacturer	Foster Mechworks Facility Beta
Production Year	3037
Model	Prime
Class	Light
Cost	7,257,737 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Clan OmniMech
Mass	30 tons
Chassis	Hellion Light Endo Steel V3
Armor	Compound Beta Ferro-Fibrous
Engine	Warrior 240 XL
Communications System	HCFA 3001 5.7
Targeting Tracking System	HCFA 3005 4.3
Heat Sinks	10 Double Heat Sinks
Speed	130 km/h
Jump Jets	Foster Ocelot Mrk. VIII
Armament	Primary Configuration 2x ER Medium Lasers 2x LRM-5s 1x Flamer 1x TAG
BV (1.0)	1,313
BV (2.0)	1,334

Description

The Arctic Cheetah was originally designed by Clan Ice Hellion to replace the Mist Lynx OmniMech. Shortly after they began production in 3037, Clan Smoke Jaguar conquered the factory on Foster that produced the design, enabling the Jaguars to replace their Mist Lynx 'Mechs. The design was first encountered by Draconis Combine forces during the Battle of Luthien (leading Inner Sphere analysts to initially speculate that the Arctic Cheetah was a Clan Smoke Jaguar creation) and dubbed the Hankyu (Japanese for "short bow"). The Ice Hellions subsequently recovered or recaptured Foster MechWorks Facility Beta, but by that point, the majority of the Ice Hellion MechWarriors preferred the Hellion OmniMech.

While proving to be at least equally capable as, if not better than, the Mist Lynx, the Arctic Cheetah did not initially see use in other Clans. Clan Diamond Shark did adopt the design, ensuring that it would outlast its creators, and at least one Arctic Cheetah was used by a Clan Wolf-in-Exile MechWarrior. Clan Nova Cat also produced the Arctic Cheetah on Coudoux before that Clan's annihilation. Afterwards Clan Sea Fox aided the Combine in operating the facility in exchange for some of its output.

As a result the Arctic Cheetah had been used by three Absorbed or Annihilated Clans by the mid-32nd Century, and had seen combat on battlefields as far apart as Marik in 3137 and on Irece in 3142, where ironically it was used by DCMS forces against Clan Nova Cat.

The Arctic Cheetah uses all the weight-saving materials that were available to the Clans in the 3030s: an Endo Steel structure, an XL Engine, and four tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. It maintains enough jump jets in the base chassis to leap up to one hundred eighty meters at a time.

Weapons and Equipment

Every variant of the Arctic Cheetah mounts a modular Flamer somewhere on the 'Mech for anti-infantry work. The most common configuration to Clan Smoke Jaguar and Clan Nova Cat uses a pair of LRM-5s and ER Medium Lasers, enabling it to excel in medium-range work. The primary configuration is also an incredible scout, mounting an Active Probe, ECM Suite, and TAG.

Variants

• Alternate Configuration A 

  The most popular variant in Clan Steel Viper adds a Small Pulse Laser and a pair of Streak SRM-6s to the Flamer. BV (1.0) = 1,148, BV (2.0) = 1,117

• Alternate Configuration B 

  Appealing to patient warriors, the bravo configuration uses an LB 2-X AC, a Medium Pulse Laser, and an ER Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,094, BV (2.0) = 1,076

• Alternate Configuration C 

  This variant excels in urban combat and scouting thanks to its Active Probe. This hunter-killer makes use of four ER Medium Lasers and a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers in addition to the standard Flamer. BV (1.0) = 1,627, BV (2.0) = 1,840

• Alternate Configuration D 

  A capable long-range missile boat, configuration D mounts a pair of LRM-10s in each arm with a Medium Pulse Laser and a Flamer mounted in the Left Torso. BV (1.0) = 1,295, BV (2.0) = 1,080

• Alternate Configuration E 

  Configured for anti-infantry work, this variant carries two Machine Gun Arrays populated with three Light Machine Guns each as its primary weaponry. These are backed up by a single Flamer, and battle armor troops are threatened by the twin B-Pods mounted on the torso. For harder targets, it carries two Medium Pulse Lasers. BV (2.0) = 1,084

• Alternate Configuration F 

  This configuration is equipped with two Streak LRM-5 launchers and two Improved Heavy Medium Lasers. It also carries a Light TAG and a Watchdog CEWS. BV (2.0) = 1,394

• Alternate Configuration H 

  This variant uses a Heavy Medium Laser and a pair of Heavy Small Lasers for short-range firepower. For long range, it has an ER Large Laser. Three additional double heat sinks keep heat levels in check. BV (1.0) = 1,148, BV (2.0) = 1,264

Apocryphal Variants

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 Online:

• ACH-SH Shard 

  A customized variant of the Arctic Cheetah piloted by Eva Hordwon, the Shard carries two ER Medium Lasers in each arm, supported by twin Heavy Machine Guns in the right torso and a left torso-mounted Streak SRM-4. A single ton of Streak missiles and a ton and a half of HMG ammo give the Shard good endurance.

Apocryphal Content Ends

Gallery

• 

  Original appearance of the Hankyu from Invading Clans

• 

  Original Arctic Cheetah from TRO:3058

• 

  Arctic Cheetah from RG:iClan v21

• 

  Arctic Cheetah Prime in battle from CCG

• 

  Arctic Cheetah C in combat from CCG

• 

  Model of Arctic Cheetah from MWO

Bibliography

• Master Unit List
• MechWarrior Online Clan Heroes II Sale Page
• Invading Clans
• Luthien (scenario pack)
• Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 21
• Record Sheets: 3055/3058
• Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)
• Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades
• Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades
• Record Sheets: Upgrades
• Technical Readout: 3058
• Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: Clan Invasion