Difference between revisions of "Black Hawk-KU"
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{{Update Needed|[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]}}
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{{Otheruses|the 60-ton Inner Sphere OmniMech|other uses|Black Hawk}}
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
|image=BlackHawkKu.jpg
 
|image=BlackHawkKu.jpg
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|name=Black Hawk-KU
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|name=''Black Hawk-KU''
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|manufacturer=[[Luthien Armor Works]] <br> [[Coventry Metal Works]] <br> [[Corean Enterprises]]<ref>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 170</ref>
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|manufacturer=
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|model=BHKU-O
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[[Corean Enterprises]]<ref name=TRCIp140f>''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', pp. 140–141: "BHKU-O Black Hawk-KU"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3058U -->
 +
----
 +
[[Coventry Metal Works]]<ref name=TRCIp140f />
 +
----
 +
[[Luthien Armor Works (OmniMech Production Facility)]]<ref name=TRCIp140f />
 +
----
 +
[[StarCorps Industries]]<ref name=TRCIp140f />
 +
----
 +
[[Victory Industries]]<ref name=TRCIp140f />
 +
|production year=3055
 +
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/345/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
 +
|model=BHKU-O<ref name=TRCIp140f />
 
|class=Heavy
 
|class=Heavy
 
|cost= 14,595,000 C-bills
 
|cost= 14,595,000 C-bills
 +
|Tech Base=[[Inner Sphere]]
 +
|mech type=omni
 +
|feet=2
 
|mass=60
 
|mass=60
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|chassis=Alshain 52
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|chassis=[[Alshain 52 Endo Steel]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp140f /> -->
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|armor=Mitchel Argon
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|armor=[[Mitchel Argon]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp140f /> -->
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|engine=Vlar 300 XL
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|engine=[[Vlar 300 XL]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp140f /> -->
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|speed=86.4
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|comsys=[[Sipher CommSys 4b]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp140f /> -->
−
|jumpjets=Icarus
+
|T&T=[[Matabushi Sentinel Plus]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp140f /> -->
 +
|heat sinks=14 [[Double Heat Sink|double]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp140f /> -->
 +
|speed=86 <!-- <ref name=TRCIp140f /> -->
 +
|jumpjets=[[Icarus Standard]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp140f /> -->
 
|armament=  
 
|armament=  
−
Primary Configuration
+
Primary Configuration <!-- <ref name=TRCIp140f /> -->
−
*4x[[Medium Pulse Laser]]s
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* 4x [[medium pulse laser]]
−
*6x[[Medium Laser]]s
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* 6x [[medium laser]]
−
*2x[[Small Laser]]s
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* 2x [[small laser]]
−
|BV (1.0)=1,510<ref name=TRO3058U140-141>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 140-141</ref>
+
|BV (1.0)=1,510<ref name=TRO3058U140-141>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', pp. 140–141: "Black Hawk-KU Profile"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 250</ref>
−
|BV (2.0)=1,731
+
|BV (2.0)=1,731<ref name=TRCIp140f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 255</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
The ''Black Hawk-KU'' is an [[Inner Sphere]] version of the [[Clan]] [[Nova (Black Hawk)|''Black Hawk'']] [[OmniMech]]. In order to make it possible to copy the [[Nova (Black Hawk)|''Black Hawk'']], the ''Black Hawk-KU'' is built ten tons heavier than its Clan counterpart. The ''Black Hawk-KU'' is built on a sixty ton chassis and is powered by a Vlar 300 [[XL Engine]] which propels it to a top speed of 86.4 kph. The ''Black Hawk-KU'' is armored with twelve and a half tons of Mitchel Argon armor giving it almost the maximum amount of protection for its weight. Also, mounted on the base chassis are five [[jump jet]]s giving the ''Black Hawk-KU'' a jumping distance of up to one hundred and fifty meters in all of its configurations. The ''Black Hawk-KU'' has fourteen [[double heat sink]]s allowing it to dissipate a great deal of waste heat that are common to the configurations that fill the seventeen tons of pod space.
+
The '''''Black Hawk-KU''''' is an [[Inner Sphere]] version of the [[Clan]] [[Nova (Black Hawk)|''Black Hawk'']] [[OmniMech]].<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/> <ref name=TRO3058p90>''Technical Readout: 3058'', pp. 90-91:"BHKU-O Black Hawk-KU"</ref>
  
−
==Armament==
+
Following the [[Battle of Wolcott (3050)|Battle of Wolcott]], the [[Draconis Combine]]'s best scientists began a crash program to reverse engineer the invaders advanced warmachines and develop their own direct replications, only to encounter technical issues due to far more compact Clan-grade [[Ferro-fibrous armor]] and [[Endo Steel]]. Among the spoils of the [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Batle of Luthien]] however was numerous examples of the ''Black Hawk'', a design that used standard materials for its chassis and armor which the engineers at LAW quickly realized they clone much more readily. <ref name=TRO3058U140-141/> <ref name=TRO3058p90/>
−
The primary configuration of the ''Black Hawk-KU'' carries six [[Medium Laser]]s as its primary weapons. These are backed up by four highly accurate [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s and two [[Small Laser]]s. Additionally, two more [[double heat sink]]s have been added over what is carried on the base chassis.
 
  
−
==Alternate Configurations==
+
The resulting design, though ten tons heavier than its Clan sibling to ensure it could provide comparable performance whilst mounting heavier Inner Sphere weaponry, would prove a swift and flexible 'Mech. The ''Black Hawk-KU'' was initially deployed with the [[Legion of Vega]] for field tests against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] which saw the Inner Sphere version compare favourably against its lighter and more advanced cousin, before serving with distinction during [[Operation BIRD DOG|Operations BIRD DOG]], [[Operation BULLDOG|BULLDOG]], the [[First Combine-Dominion War]] and [[Draconis March]] incursion during the [[FedCom Civil War]].<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/> <ref name=TRO3058p90/>
−
* '''Alt Config A''' - The A configuration of the ''Black Hawk-KU'' is intended for long range combat. The primary weapons are two [[ER PPC]]s giving the 'Mech a powerful long range punch. For protection from missile attacks, the A configuration carries two [[Anti-Missile System]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,508<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/>, BV (2.0) = 1,770.
 
  
−
* '''Alt Config B''' - The B configuration carries an [[Ultra Autocannon/5]] for long range firepower and for accurate short range defense the B configuration carries a [[Large Pulse Laser]]. BV (1.0) = 1,165<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/>, BV (2.0) = 1,303
+
The ''Black Hawk-KU'' was also among those OmniMechs licensed to other manufacturers across the [[Inner Sphere]] with production also initiated in both the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Alliance]], with [[Coventry Metal Works]] hammering out an initial agreement at the [[First Whitting Conference]]. While they vary in exact components as each uses locally sourced equipment, independent analysis of LAW and CWM models in ''[[What 'Mech?]]'' magazine favour Lyran production, citing superior manufacturing processes and tighter quality control. Curiously even [[Clan Ghost Bear]] field a number of ''Black Hawk-KU'', now equipped with Clan weapon pods, in its second line clusters thanks to its various conflicts with the Combine.<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/> <ref name=TRO3058p90/>
  
−
* '''Alt Config C''' - Configured for long range sniping, the C configuration carries as its primary weapon a [[Gauss Rifle]] which can strip a ton of armor off an enemy 'Mech at extreme ranges. For close range defense, the C configuration has a [[Medium Laser]]. BV (1.0) = 1,485<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/>, BV (2.0) = 1.597.
+
== Weapons and Equipment ==
 +
In order to make it possible to copy the [[Nova (Black Hawk)|''Black Hawk'']], the ''Black Hawk-KU'' is built ten tons heavier than its Clan counterpart. The ''Black Hawk-KU'' is built on a sixty ton chassis and is powered by a Vlar 300 [[XL engine]] which propels it to a top speed of 86.4 km/h. The ''Black Hawk-KU'' is armored with twelve and a half tons of Mitchel Argon armor giving it almost the maximum amount of protection for its weight. Mounted on the base chassis are five [[jump jet|jump jets]] giving the ''Black Hawk-KU'' a jumping distance of up to one hundred and fifty meters in all of its configurations. The ''Black Hawk-KU'' has fourteen [[double heat sink|double heat sinks]] allowing it to dissipate the significant waste heat that is common to the configurations that fill the seventeen tons of pod space.<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/> <ref name=TRO3058p90/>
  
−
* '''Alt Config D''' - A long range fire support variant, the D configuration carries an [[LRM-20]] launcher, allowing it to provide indirect fire support. The 'Mech also carries an [[ER Large Laser]] to allow it to provide long range direct fire support. BV (1.0) = 1,430<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/>, BV (2.0) = 1,539
+
Aping the ''Black Hawk'' Prime, the primary configuration of the ''Black Hawk-KU'' carries six [[medium laser]]s as its primary weapons. These are backed up by four highly accurate [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s and two [[Small Laser]]s. Additionally, two more [[double heat sink]]s have been added over what is carried on the base chassis. This configuration shows the strengths and weaknesses of Inner Sphere weapon systems in the 'Mechs various configurations which replicate the Clan versions, while having reduced range and hitting power, they also generate less heat and are much less likely to suffer heat-triggered shutdowns if performing a [[Alpha Strike]].<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/><ref name=TRO3058p90/>
  
−
* '''Alt Config E''' - A more direct translation of the [[Nova (Black Hawk)|''Black Hawk'']], the E configuration carries twelve [[ER Medium Laser]]s giving it a powerful close range punch. The 'Mech has an additional five [[double heat sink]]s to dissipate the massive amounts of waste heat. BV (1.0) = 1,710<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/>, BV (2.0) = 1,982
+
== Alternate Configurations ==
 +
*; Alternate Configuration A : The A configuration of the ''Black Hawk-KU'' is intended for long-range combat. The primary weapons are two [[ER PPC]]s giving the 'Mech a powerful long range punch. For protection from missile attacks, the A configuration carries two [[anti-missile system]]s.<ref name=TRCIp140f /> BV (1.0) = 1,508<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 251</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,770<ref name=TRCIp140f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 256</ref>
  
−
==Non-Standard Configurations==
+
*; Alternate Configuration B : The B configuration carries an [[Ultra Autocannon/5]] for long-range firepower and for accurate short-range defense the B configuration carries a [[Large Pulse Laser]].<ref name=TRCIp140f /> BV (1.0) = 1,165<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 252</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,303<ref name=TRCIp140f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 257</ref>
−
* '''Bulldog''' - A field upgrade developed in the midst of [[Operation Bulldog]], this configuration utilized captured [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] weapons to help bolster the [[SLDF]] forces in later waves. A mix of arm-mounted short and long range weapons, this configuration mounts two Clan-tech ER Large Lasers mounted in the right, with two Clan [[Streak SRM-6]] launchers in the left. Carrying a ton of reloads of each [[Streak Missile Launcher]], a C3 Slave unit allows further enhances its abilities. <ref name=TDR>''The Dragon Roars'', p. 6</ref>
 
  
−
* '''Albert''' - The custom configuration used by [[Tai-sa]] [[Albert Benton]] of the [[Sorenson’s Sabres]] during his famed unit's action on [[Luthien]] in the early [[Jihad]], ''Albert'' features a mixture of Clan and Combine technologies. A Clan-tech ER PPC in the left torso is supported by two Clan-tech ER Medium Lasers in each arm, offering suitable defensive ability to protect the [[C3 Master Computer]] in the right torso. Two additional heat sinks are carried to enhance Albert's heat dissipation. BV (2.0) = 2,377 <ref name=JTPL>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', p. 13</ref>
+
*; Alternate Configuration C : Configured for long-range sniping, the C configuration carries as its primary weapon a [[Gauss rifle]] which can strip a ton of armor off an enemy 'Mech at extreme ranges. For close-range defense, the C configuration has a medium laser.<ref name=TRCIp140f /> BV (1.0) = 1,485<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 253</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,597<ref name=TRCIp140f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 258</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration D : A long range fire support variant, the D configuration carries an [[LRM-20]] launcher, allowing it to provide indirect fire support. The 'Mech also carries an [[ER Large Laser]] to allow it to provide long range direct fire support.<ref name=TRCIp140f /> BV (1.0) = 1,430<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 254</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,539<ref name=TRCIp140f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 259</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration E : A more direct translation of the [[Nova (Black Hawk)|''Black Hawk'']], the E configuration carries twelve [[ER medium laser]]s giving it a powerful close range punch. The 'Mech has an additional five [[double heat sink]]s to dissipate the massive amounts of waste heat.<ref name=TRCIp140f /> BV (1.0) = 1,710<ref name=TRO3058U140-141/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 255</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,982<ref name=TRCIp140f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 260</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration F : Developed during the [[Jihad]], this version carries a [[C3 slave]] to share targeting data. Its firepower comes from a pair of [[Light PPC]]s and a single [[Heavy PPC]]. BV (2.0) = 1,759<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 261</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration G : A Dark Age configuration, this variant carries a [[Snub Nose PPC]] and three [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]]s as its weaponry. It also carries [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]], a [[Bloodhound Active Probe]] and an [[Angel ECM Suite]]. BV (2.0) = 1,719<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 134</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration R : Formerly known as the ''Bulldog'' variant, this configuration is a field upgrade developed in the midst of [[Operation Bulldog]]. It utilized captured [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] weapons to help bolster the [[SLDF]] forces in later waves. A mix of arm-mounted short and long range weapons, this configuration mounts two Clan-tech ER Large Lasers mounted in the right, with two Clan [[Streak SRM-6]] launchers in the left. Carrying a ton of reloads of each [[Streak Missile Launcher]], a C3 Slave unit allows further enhances its abilities. <ref name=TDR>''The Dragon Roars'', p. 6</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,193<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 262</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration U : This variant has replaced the left arm ER medium lasers with a [[Hatchet]] and a ton of [[Liquid Storage]]. The BHKU-OU is intended to support boarding operations against enemy [[WarShip]]s and [[DropShip]]s. The improved Liquid Storage capacity allows its jump jets to function much longer periods of time. BV (2.0) = 1,687<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 87</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration X : This variant carries seven medium lasers in each arm and a C3 Slave next to the cockpit. To keep the BHKU-OX cool, it carries an [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] [[Coolant Pod]] in the left and right torsos. BV (2.0) = 2,022<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 263</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Custom Configurations===
 +
*; Albert : The custom configuration used by ''[[Tai-i]]'' [[Albert Benton]] of [[Sorenson's Sabres]] during his famed unit's action on [[Luthien]] in the early [[Jihad]], ''Black Hawk-KU Albert'' features a mixture of Clan and Combine technologies. A Clan-tech ER PPC in the left torso is supported by two Clan-tech ER medium lasers in each arm, offering suitable defensive ability to protect the [[C3 master computer]] in the right torso. Two additional heat sinks are carried to enhance Albert's heat dissipation. BV (2.0) = 2,377 <ref name=JTPL>''Jihad Turning Points: Luthien'', p. 13</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Design Quirks==
 +
The ''Black Hawk-KU'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 90 Design Quirk Table - Black Hawk-KU Entry.</ref><ref>[https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BattleMech-Manual-2022-09-14-v6.01.pdf ''BattleMech Manual Errata (Version 6.01)''], p. 9</ref>
 +
*[[Easy to Maintain]]
 +
<!-- No Torso Twist removed by errata -->
  
 
==Related OmniMechs==
 
==Related OmniMechs==
−
*''[[Nova (Black Hawk)]]'' - Designers at [[Luthien Armor Works]] based the design of the ''Black Hawk-KU'' on ''Nova'' OmniMech salvage.  Because the ''Nova'' used few Clan structural components, designers found the ''Nova'' the easiest of the Clan OmniMechs to reverse-engineer.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 90</ref>
+
*''[[Nova (Black Hawk)]]'' - Designers at [[Luthien Armor Works]] based the design of the ''Black Hawk-KU'' on ''Nova'' OmniMech salvage.  Because the ''Nova'' used few Clan structural components, designers found the ''Nova'' the easiest of the Clan OmniMechs to reverse engineer.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 90</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Notes==
 +
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Schwarzfalke-Ku'''''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''SFKU-O'''.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:CCG Crusade Black Hawk KU-O.jpg|''BHKU-O Black Hawk-KU'' in Combat
+
File:Black Hawk-Ku TRO3058.png|Original ''Black Hawk-KU'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3058|TRO:3058]]''
−
Image:CCG Crusade Black Hawk KU-OC.jpg|''BHKU-OC Black Hawk-KU'' in Battle
+
File:BlackHawkKu.jpg|''Black Hawk KU''  from ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade|TRO:3058 Upgrade]]''
 +
Image:CCG Crusade Black Hawk KU-O.jpg|BHKU-O ''Black Hawk-KU'' in combat ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
 +
Image:CCG Crusade Black Hawk KU-OC.jpg|BHKU-OC ''Black Hawk-KU'' in battle from ''CCG''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 57: Line 100:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
*''[http://www.classicbattletech.com/downloads/MasterUnitList_v1-66p_Names.pdf Master Unit List.pdf]''
+
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
−
*''[[Handbook: House Davion]]''
+
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
−
*''[[Jihad Turning Points: Luthien]]''
+
* ''[[The Dragon Roars]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
+
* ''[[Handbook: House Davion]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
+
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Luthien]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''
+
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]''
+
* ''[[Objectives: Capellan Confederation]]''
−
*''[[The Dragon Roars]]''
+
* ''[[Objectives: Draconis Combine]]''
−
 
+
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]''
 +
{{div col end}}
  
−
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:'Mechs]]
 
[[Category:OmniMechs]]
 
[[Category:OmniMechs]]
 
[[Category:Heavy BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Heavy BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:60 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:60 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Inner Sphere OmniMechs]]
 
[[Category:Inner Sphere OmniMechs]]
 +
[[Category:Federated Suns BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Draconis Combine BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Draconis Combine BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Lyran Alliance BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Lyran Alliance BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:German renamed units]]

Latest revision as of 05:25, 25 April 2024

This article is about the 60-ton Inner Sphere OmniMech. For other uses, see Black Hawk.
Black Hawk-KU
Black Hawk-KU
Production information
Manufacturer Corean Enterprises[1]

Coventry Metal Works[1]

Luthien Armor Works (OmniMech Production Facility)[1]

StarCorps Industries[1]

Victory Industries[1]

Production Year 3055[2]
Model BHKU-O[1]
Class Heavy
Cost 14,595,000 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere OmniMech
Mass 60 tons
Chassis Alshain 52 Endo Steel
Armor Mitchel Argon
Engine Vlar 300 XL
Communications System Sipher CommSys 4b
Targeting Tracking System Matabushi Sentinel Plus
Heat Sinks 14 double
Speed 86 km/h
Jump Jets Icarus Standard
Armament

Primary Configuration

BV (1.0) 1,510[3][4]
BV (2.0) 1,731[1][5]


Description[edit]

The Black Hawk-KU is an Inner Sphere version of the Clan Black Hawk OmniMech.[3] [6]

Following the Battle of Wolcott, the Draconis Combine's best scientists began a crash program to reverse engineer the invaders advanced warmachines and develop their own direct replications, only to encounter technical issues due to far more compact Clan-grade Ferro-fibrous armor and Endo Steel. Among the spoils of the Batle of Luthien however was numerous examples of the Black Hawk, a design that used standard materials for its chassis and armor which the engineers at LAW quickly realized they clone much more readily. [3] [6]

The resulting design, though ten tons heavier than its Clan sibling to ensure it could provide comparable performance whilst mounting heavier Inner Sphere weaponry, would prove a swift and flexible 'Mech. The Black Hawk-KU was initially deployed with the Legion of Vega for field tests against Clan Smoke Jaguar which saw the Inner Sphere version compare favourably against its lighter and more advanced cousin, before serving with distinction during Operations BIRD DOG, BULLDOG, the First Combine-Dominion War and Draconis March incursion during the FedCom Civil War.[3] [6]

The Black Hawk-KU was also among those OmniMechs licensed to other manufacturers across the Inner Sphere with production also initiated in both the Federated Suns and Lyran Alliance, with Coventry Metal Works hammering out an initial agreement at the First Whitting Conference. While they vary in exact components as each uses locally sourced equipment, independent analysis of LAW and CWM models in What 'Mech? magazine favour Lyran production, citing superior manufacturing processes and tighter quality control. Curiously even Clan Ghost Bear field a number of Black Hawk-KU, now equipped with Clan weapon pods, in its second line clusters thanks to its various conflicts with the Combine.[3] [6]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

In order to make it possible to copy the Black Hawk, the Black Hawk-KU is built ten tons heavier than its Clan counterpart. The Black Hawk-KU is built on a sixty ton chassis and is powered by a Vlar 300 XL engine which propels it to a top speed of 86.4 km/h. The Black Hawk-KU is armored with twelve and a half tons of Mitchel Argon armor giving it almost the maximum amount of protection for its weight. Mounted on the base chassis are five jump jets giving the Black Hawk-KU a jumping distance of up to one hundred and fifty meters in all of its configurations. The Black Hawk-KU has fourteen double heat sinks allowing it to dissipate the significant waste heat that is common to the configurations that fill the seventeen tons of pod space.[3] [6]

Aping the Black Hawk Prime, the primary configuration of the Black Hawk-KU carries six medium lasers as its primary weapons. These are backed up by four highly accurate Medium Pulse Lasers and two Small Lasers. Additionally, two more double heat sinks have been added over what is carried on the base chassis. This configuration shows the strengths and weaknesses of Inner Sphere weapon systems in the 'Mechs various configurations which replicate the Clan versions, while having reduced range and hitting power, they also generate less heat and are much less likely to suffer heat-triggered shutdowns if performing a Alpha Strike.[3][6]

Alternate Configurations[edit]

  • Alternate Configuration A 
    The A configuration of the Black Hawk-KU is intended for long-range combat. The primary weapons are two ER PPCs giving the 'Mech a powerful long range punch. For protection from missile attacks, the A configuration carries two anti-missile systems.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,508[3][7], BV (2.0) = 1,770[1][8]
  • Alternate Configuration C 
    Configured for long-range sniping, the C configuration carries as its primary weapon a Gauss rifle which can strip a ton of armor off an enemy 'Mech at extreme ranges. For close-range defense, the C configuration has a medium laser.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,485[3][11], BV (2.0) = 1,597[1][12]
  • Alternate Configuration D 
    A long range fire support variant, the D configuration carries an LRM-20 launcher, allowing it to provide indirect fire support. The 'Mech also carries an ER Large Laser to allow it to provide long range direct fire support.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,430[3][13], BV (2.0) = 1,539[1][14]
  • Alternate Configuration E 
    A more direct translation of the Black Hawk, the E configuration carries twelve ER medium lasers giving it a powerful close range punch. The 'Mech has an additional five double heat sinks to dissipate the massive amounts of waste heat.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,710[3][15], BV (2.0) = 1,982[1][16]
  • Alternate Configuration F 
    Developed during the Jihad, this version carries a C3 slave to share targeting data. Its firepower comes from a pair of Light PPCs and a single Heavy PPC. BV (2.0) = 1,759[17]
  • Alternate Configuration R 
    Formerly known as the Bulldog variant, this configuration is a field upgrade developed in the midst of Operation Bulldog. It utilized captured Clan Smoke Jaguar weapons to help bolster the SLDF forces in later waves. A mix of arm-mounted short and long range weapons, this configuration mounts two Clan-tech ER Large Lasers mounted in the right, with two Clan Streak SRM-6 launchers in the left. Carrying a ton of reloads of each Streak Missile Launcher, a C3 Slave unit allows further enhances its abilities. [19] BV (2.0) = 2,193[20]
  • Alternate Configuration U 
    This variant has replaced the left arm ER medium lasers with a Hatchet and a ton of Liquid Storage. The BHKU-OU is intended to support boarding operations against enemy WarShips and DropShips. The improved Liquid Storage capacity allows its jump jets to function much longer periods of time. BV (2.0) = 1,687[21]
  • Alternate Configuration X 
    This variant carries seven medium lasers in each arm and a C3 Slave next to the cockpit. To keep the BHKU-OX cool, it carries an experimental Coolant Pod in the left and right torsos. BV (2.0) = 2,022[22]

Custom Configurations[edit]

  • Albert 
    The custom configuration used by Tai-i Albert Benton of Sorenson's Sabres during his famed unit's action on Luthien in the early Jihad, Black Hawk-KU Albert features a mixture of Clan and Combine technologies. A Clan-tech ER PPC in the left torso is supported by two Clan-tech ER medium lasers in each arm, offering suitable defensive ability to protect the C3 master computer in the right torso. Two additional heat sinks are carried to enhance Albert's heat dissipation. BV (2.0) = 2,377 [23]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Black Hawk-KU has the following Design Quirk:[24][25]

Related OmniMechs[edit]

  • Nova (Black Hawk) - Designers at Luthien Armor Works based the design of the Black Hawk-KU on Nova OmniMech salvage. Because the Nova used few Clan structural components, designers found the Nova the easiest of the Clan OmniMechs to reverse engineer.[26]

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Schwarzfalke-Ku. The model code was accordingly changed to SFKU-O.

Gallery[edit]

  • Original Black Hawk-KU from TRO:3058

  • Black Hawk KU from TRO:3058 Upgrade

  • BHKU-O Black Hawk-KU in combat CCG

  • BHKU-OC Black Hawk-KU in battle from CCG

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, pp. 140–141: "BHKU-O Black Hawk-KU"
  2. ↑ MUL online date for the Black Hawk-KU
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, pp. 140–141: "Black Hawk-KU Profile"
  4. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 250
  5. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 255
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Technical Readout: 3058, pp. 90-91:"BHKU-O Black Hawk-KU"
  7. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 251
  8. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 256
  9. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 252
  10. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 257
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 253
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 258
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 254
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 259
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 255
  16. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 260
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 261
  18. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 134
  19. ↑ The Dragon Roars, p. 6
  20. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 262
  21. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 87
  22. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 263
  23. ↑ Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, p. 13
  24. ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 90 Design Quirk Table - Black Hawk-KU Entry.
  25. ↑ BattleMech Manual Errata (Version 6.01), p. 9
  26. ↑ Technical Readout: 3058, p. 90

Bibliography[edit]

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