Difference between revisions of "Blade"
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| heat sinks = 10 [[double heat sink]]s<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/> | | heat sinks = 10 [[double heat sink]]s<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/> | ||
| armament = | | armament = | ||
| − | 1x [[Rotary AC/5]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/><br> | + | * 1x [[Rotary AC/5]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/><br> |
| − | 2x [[ER medium laser]]s<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/> | + | * 2x [[ER medium laser]]s<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/> |
| BV (1.0) = 1,088 {{cn}} | | BV (1.0) = 1,088 {{cn}} | ||
| BV (2.0) = 1,314<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/><ref name="MUL1"/> | | BV (2.0) = 1,314<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/><ref name="MUL1"/> | ||
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
The '''''Blade''''' is a light-weight scouting and raiding [['Mech]] that employs its fearsome speed to strike at larger 'Mechs, then to escape before their opponents can track them. Well-suited for pack-hunter and swarming tactics, the ''Blade'' works well with other fast units such as the classic ''[[Locust]]'' and the [[Clan]] ''[[Fire Moth (Dasher)|Dasher]]''.<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/> | The '''''Blade''''' is a light-weight scouting and raiding [['Mech]] that employs its fearsome speed to strike at larger 'Mechs, then to escape before their opponents can track them. Well-suited for pack-hunter and swarming tactics, the ''Blade'' works well with other fast units such as the classic ''[[Locust]]'' and the [[Clan]] ''[[Fire Moth (Dasher)|Dasher]]''.<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/> | ||
| − | Originally commissioned by the [[Republic of the Sphere]]'s first [[Commanding General]] [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], the Blade was his attempt to standardize and simplify the hodgepodge military hardware as [[Stone's Coalition]] became the [[Republic Armed Forces]]. The ''Blade'' was manufactured from the mid-3080s until around [[3096]], becoming the signature 'Mechs for [[Principes Guards]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>, [[Hastati Sentinels]], and elite [[Knights of the Sphere]] regiments.<ref>''Harsha Miskovitz dossier Liao Incursion no. 39 - Blade Production history listed in dossier</ref> | + | Originally commissioned by the [[Republic of the Sphere]]'s first [[Commanding General]] [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], the ''Blade'' was his attempt to standardize and simplify the hodgepodge military hardware as [[Stone's Coalition]] became the [[Republic Armed Forces]]. The ''Blade'' was manufactured from the mid-3080s until around [[3096]], becoming the signature 'Mechs for [[Principes Guards]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>, [[Hastati Sentinels]], and elite [[Knights of the Sphere]] regiments.<ref>''Harsha Miskovitz dossier Liao Incursion no. 39 - Blade Production history listed in dossier</ref> |
== Weapons and Equipment == | == Weapons and Equipment == | ||
| − | An excellent close quarters 'Mech, the ''Blade'' is built around a [[Mydron Tornado]] [[rotary autocannon/5]] supplied with three tons of reloads as its primary weapon, supported by a pair of [[Diverse Optics]] [[ER medium laser]]s, all three weapons located in the 'Mech's right arm. While critics pointed out the risk of locating all the 'Mechs weapon in a single location, the decision was based on the manufacturer's attempts to achieve an [[OmniMech]] level ease of maintenance on a standard BattleMech. Save for the shoulder [[actuator]], ammo, and energy feeds, the entire arm is a self contained system, allowing technicians to quickly and easily detach and replace a damaged arm with a undamaged replacement with relative ease.<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/> | + | An excellent close quarters 'Mech, the ''Blade'' is built around a [[Mydron Tornado]] [[rotary autocannon/5]] supplied with three tons of reloads as its primary weapon, supported by a pair of [[Diverse Optics (ER medium laser)|Diverse Optics]] [[ER medium laser]]s, all three weapons located in the 'Mech's right arm. While critics pointed out the risk of locating all the 'Mechs weapon in a single location, the decision was based on the manufacturer's attempts to achieve an [[OmniMech]] level ease of maintenance on a standard BattleMech. Save for the shoulder [[actuator]], ammo, and energy feeds, the entire arm is a self contained system, allowing technicians to quickly and easily detach and replace a damaged arm with a undamaged replacement with relative ease.<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/> |
== Variants == | == Variants == | ||
| − | *; BLD-XS : An attempt to further simplify maintenance developed in [[Introduction Year::3087]]<ref name="MUL2"/>, the XS mounts a [[Mydron Model B]] [[Autocannon/10]] and two [[Diverse Optics]] [[medium laser]]s in its weapons arm. While easier to support in the field, the heavier [[autocannon]] limits it ammo load to a single ton<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>. BV (2.0) = 1,000<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 97</ref><ref name="MUL2">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/392/blade-bld-xs/ MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XS variant]''</ref> | + | *; BLD-XS : An attempt to further simplify maintenance developed in [[Introduction Year::3087]]<ref name="MUL2"/>, the XS mounts a [[Mydron Model B]] [[Autocannon/10]] and two [[Diverse Options (Medium laser)|Diverse Optics]] [[medium laser]]s in its weapons arm. While easier to support in the field, the heavier [[autocannon]] limits it ammo load to a single ton<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>. BV (2.0) = 1,000<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 97</ref><ref name="MUL2">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/392/blade-bld-xs/ MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XS variant]''</ref> |
| − | *;BLD-XR : This Dark Age variant is a direct fire support model introduced by the Republic of the Sphere in [[Introduction Year::3125]]<ref name="MUL3"/>. It carries a [[ | + | *; BLD-XR : This Dark Age variant is a direct fire support model introduced by the Republic of the Sphere in [[Introduction Year::3125]]<ref name="MUL3"/>. It carries a [[light PPC]] and [[light AC/2]] in each arm; a [[small cockpit]] was needed to fit this equipment in place. It is protected by seven and a half tons of [[reactive armor]]. BV (2.0) = 1,101<ref name="XTRO:RV2p8">''Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2'', p. 8, "BLD-XR Blade"</ref><ref name="MUL3">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/7345/blade-bld-xr/ MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XR variant]''</ref> |
| − | *;BLD-XX : An anti-aircraft model based on the XS, the XX mounts a [[LB_10-X_AC#Mydron_Excel|Mydron Excel]] [[LB 10-X | + | *; BLD-XX : An anti-aircraft model based on the XS, the XX mounts a [[LB_10-X_AC#Mydron_Excel|Mydron Excel]] [[LB 10-X autocannon]] in place of the standard model. While carrying two tons of ammunition, the designers were not able to adapt the ammo feed to switch between ammo types, forcing the XX to carry either standard or cluster ammunition in battle<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>. BV (2.0) = 1,064<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 98</ref><ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/393/blade-bld-xx/ MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XX variant]''</ref> |
| − | *; BLD-7R : This variant developed in [[Introduction Year::3094]] was armed with a [[Mydron Tornado]] [[RAC/5]], supported by a [[Bright Bloom]] [[ER medium laser]] and an [[Exostar Elite]] [[ER small laser]]. This variant uses | + | *; BLD-7R : This variant, developed in [[Introduction Year::3094]], was armed with a [[Mydron Tornado]] [[RAC/5]], supported by a [[Bright Bloom]] [[ER medium laser]] and an [[Exostar Elite]] [[ER small laser]]. This variant uses [[ferro-fibrous armor]] and a standard gyroscope. BV (2.0) = 1,227<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 93</ref><ref name="MUL4">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6929/blade-bld-7r/ MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-7R variant]''</ref> |
=== Dark Age Dossier Variants === | === Dark Age Dossier Variants === | ||
Revision as of 16:43, 15 August 2022
| |
| Blade | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | New Hessen WorkMechs[1] |
| Production Year | 3087[2] |
| Model | BLD-XL |
| Class | Light |
| Cost | 6,134,018 C-bills[2] |
| Technical specifications | |
| 'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
| Mass | 35 tons |
| Chassis | Hessen Light Mk I[1] |
| Armor | StarGuard ferro-fibrous[1] |
| Engine | GM 245 XL engine[1] |
| Communications System | Neil 6000[1] |
| Targeting Tracking System | Octagon Tartrac System C[1] |
| Heat Sinks | 10 double heat sinks[1] |
| Speed | 119[1] km/h |
| Armament | |
| BV (1.0) | 1,088[citation needed] |
| BV (2.0) | 1,314[1][2] |
Contents
Description
The Blade is a light-weight scouting and raiding 'Mech that employs its fearsome speed to strike at larger 'Mechs, then to escape before their opponents can track them. Well-suited for pack-hunter and swarming tactics, the Blade works well with other fast units such as the classic Locust and the Clan Dasher.[1]
Originally commissioned by the Republic of the Sphere's first Commanding General Victor Steiner-Davion, the Blade was his attempt to standardize and simplify the hodgepodge military hardware as Stone's Coalition became the Republic Armed Forces. The Blade was manufactured from the mid-3080s until around 3096, becoming the signature 'Mechs for Principes Guards[1], Hastati Sentinels, and elite Knights of the Sphere regiments.[3]
Weapons and Equipment
An excellent close quarters 'Mech, the Blade is built around a Mydron Tornado rotary autocannon/5 supplied with three tons of reloads as its primary weapon, supported by a pair of Diverse Optics ER medium lasers, all three weapons located in the 'Mech's right arm. While critics pointed out the risk of locating all the 'Mechs weapon in a single location, the decision was based on the manufacturer's attempts to achieve an OmniMech level ease of maintenance on a standard BattleMech. Save for the shoulder actuator, ammo, and energy feeds, the entire arm is a self contained system, allowing technicians to quickly and easily detach and replace a damaged arm with a undamaged replacement with relative ease.[1]
Variants
- BLD-XS
- An attempt to further simplify maintenance developed in 3087[4], the XS mounts a Mydron Model B Autocannon/10 and two Diverse Optics medium lasers in its weapons arm. While easier to support in the field, the heavier autocannon limits it ammo load to a single ton[1]. BV (2.0) = 1,000[5][4]
- BLD-XR
- This Dark Age variant is a direct fire support model introduced by the Republic of the Sphere in 3125[6]. It carries a light PPC and light AC/2 in each arm; a small cockpit was needed to fit this equipment in place. It is protected by seven and a half tons of reactive armor. BV (2.0) = 1,101[7][6]
- BLD-XX
- An anti-aircraft model based on the XS, the XX mounts a Mydron Excel LB 10-X autocannon in place of the standard model. While carrying two tons of ammunition, the designers were not able to adapt the ammo feed to switch between ammo types, forcing the XX to carry either standard or cluster ammunition in battle[1]. BV (2.0) = 1,064[8][9]
- BLD-7R
- This variant, developed in 3094, was armed with a Mydron Tornado RAC/5, supported by a Bright Bloom ER medium laser and an Exostar Elite ER small laser. This variant uses ferro-fibrous armor and a standard gyroscope. BV (2.0) = 1,227[10][11]
Dark Age Dossier Variants
The following designs were originally introduced in WizKids' collectable miniature game, which these units appeared solely in dossiers. At this time, there are no canon record sheets of these units.
- XX321-021
- This Blade replaces the rotary autocannon/5 with an Mydron Excel LB 10-X AC, which allows it to fire both solid and cluster rounds-giving the 'Mech a range advantage over the standard model.
- FS156-81C
- This variant of the Blade incorporates a standard AC/10 in place of the rotary autocannon/5. The 'Mech also carries two ER medium lasers and removes the single ER small laser. This modification to the 'Mech allows it to use specialty ammunition with its autocannon, such as precision and armor piercing ammunition that the standard Blade cannot take advantage of. To make this modification work the 'Mech has had its top speed reduced to 97.2 km/h.
Design Quirks
The Blade has the following Design Quirks:[12]
The BLD-XR Blade variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[7]
Notable Pilots
- Ezekiel Crow was once a Paladin of the Republic of the Sphere. Famous for piloting his Blade during his tenure as Paladin, Crow was actually Daniel Petersen, the Betrayer of Liao. Crow forged a new identity for himself, but his past was unearthed by agents in the employ of Jacob Bannson, who forced him to abandon the Northwind Highlanders while faking his death on Terra. He again fled, taking on the identity of Michael Ritter, but his past caught up with him and he perished attempting to defend the Republic on his homeworld.[13]
BattleMech Gallery
BLD-XL Blade from TRO:3085Supp
BLD-XR Blade from XTRO: Republic v2
Blade from Technology of Destruction
References
- ↑ 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 Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental, pp. 24-25, "BLD-XL Blade"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 MUL online entry for the Blade
- ↑ Harsha Miskovitz dossier Liao Incursion no. 39 - Blade Production history listed in dossier
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XS variant
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 97
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XR variant
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2, p. 8, "BLD-XR Blade"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 98
- ↑ MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XX variant
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 93
- ↑ MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-7R variant
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 90 - Design Quirk Table
- ↑ By Temptations and By War, p. 282, "Crow dies as Daniel Peterson fighting Capellan forces trying taking Liao".
Bibliography
- BattleMech Manual
- By Temptations and By War (novel)
- Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2
- Master Unit List
- Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge
- Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades
- Republic of the Sphere - Ezekiel Crow's Dossier
- Republic of the Sphere - Harsha Miskovitz's Dossier
- Swordworn - Jacob Senn's Dossier
- Spirit Cats - Sixo Nova Cat's Dossier
- Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental