Difference between revisions of "Blade"

m (added gallery)
m (copyedits, added MUL introduction dates)
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| image        = 3133 Blade.jpg
 
| image        = 3133 Blade.jpg
 
| name        = Blade
 
| name        = Blade
| manufacturer = [[New Hessen WorkMechs]]<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental'', p.24 </ref>
+
| manufacturer = [[New Hessen WorkMechs]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+">''Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental'', pp. 24-25, "BLD-XL Blade"</ref>
| production year=3087
+
| production year = 3087
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/391/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
+
|year reference=<ref name="MUL1">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/391/ MUL online entry for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
 
| model        = BLD-XL
 
| model        = BLD-XL
 
| class        = Light
 
| class        = Light
| cost        = 6,134,018 C-bills
+
| cost        = 6,134,018 [[C-bill]]s<ref name="MUL1"/>
|Tech Base=[[Inner Sphere]]
+
| Tech Base   = [[Inner Sphere]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
| mass        = 35
+
| mass        = 35<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
| chassis      = FITES-B7
+
| chassis      = [[Hessen Light Mk I]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
| armor        = StarGuard [[Ferro-Fibrous]]
+
| armor        = [[StarGuard]] [[Ferro-Fibrous]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
| engine      = [[GM 245 XL]] Engine
+
| engine      = [[GM 245 XL]] Engine<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
| speed        = 119
+
| speed        = 119<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
| comsys      = [[Neil 6000]]
+
| comsys      = [[Neil 6000]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
| T&T          = [[Octagon Tartrac System C]]
+
| T&T          = [[Octagon Tartrac System C]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
| heat sinks  = 10 [[Double Heat Sinks]]
+
| heat sinks  = 10 [[Double Heat Sinks]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
| armament    = 1x [[Rotary AC/5]] <br> 2x [[ER Medium Laser]]s  
+
| armament    =  
| BV (1.0)    = 1,088 {{Citation needed}}
+
1x [[Rotary AC/5]]<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/><br>
| BV (2.0)    = 1,314<ref name=TRO3085S-25>''Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental'', p. 25</ref>
+
2x [[ER Medium Laser]]s<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
 +
| BV (1.0)    = 1,088 {{cn}}
 +
| BV (2.0)    = 1,314<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/><ref name="MUL1"/>
 
}}  
 
}}  
  
==Description==
+
== 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]]''.
+
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]]''.<ref name="TRO:3085Sp24+"/>
  
Originally commissioned by the [[The Republic of the Sphere|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 [[3080]]s til around [[3096]], becoming the signature 'mechs for [[Principes Guards]], <ref name=TRO3085S-24>''Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental'', p. 24</ref> [[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 [[The Republic of the Sphere|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 [[3080]]s til 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=TRO3085S-24/>
+
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+"/>
  
==Variants==
+
== Variants ==
*;BLD-XS : An attempt to further simplify maintenance, 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=TRO3085S-24/>  BV (2.0) = 1,000<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 97</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 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 3125. 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>
+
*;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 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=TRO3085S-24/> BV (2.0) = 1,064<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 98</ref>
+
*;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<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 was armed with a Mydron model RAC/5, supported by a Bright Bloom ER Medium and an Exostar Elite [[ER Small Laser]]. This variant uses standard Ferro-Fibrous Armor and a standard Gyroscope. BV (2.0) = 1,227<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 93</ref>
+
*;BLD-7R : This variant developed in [[Introduction Year::3094]] was armed with a Mydron model RAC/5, supported by a Bright Bloom ER Medium and an Exostar Elite [[ER Small Laser]]. This variant uses standard 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 ===
 
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.  
 
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.  
  
Line 46: Line 48:
 
*;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.
 
*;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==
+
== Design Quirks ==
The BLD-XR ''Blade'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:RV2p8/>
+
The BLD-XR ''Blade'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name="XTRO:RV2p8"/>
 
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
 
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
 
* [[Exposed Weapon Linkage]]
 
* [[Exposed Weapon Linkage]]
Line 53: Line 55:
 
* [[Static Ammo Feed]]
 
* [[Static Ammo Feed]]
  
==Notable Pilots==
+
== Notable Pilots ==
 
* [[Ezekiel Crow]] was once a [[Paladin (rank)|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.<ref>''By Temptations and By War'', p. 282, "Crow dies as Daniel Peterson fighting Capellan forces trying taking Liao".</ref>
 
* [[Ezekiel Crow]] was once a [[Paladin (rank)|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.<ref>''By Temptations and By War'', p. 282, "Crow dies as Daniel Peterson fighting Capellan forces trying taking Liao".</ref>
  
==BattleMech Gallery==
+
== BattleMech Gallery ==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Image:BLD-XR Blade.jpg|BLD-XR ''Blade''
 
Image:BLD-XR Blade.jpg|BLD-XR ''Blade''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
==References==
+
== References ==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
==Bibliography==
 
*''[[By Temptations and By War]]'' (Novel)
 
*''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2]]
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental]]''
 
*''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/liao_incursion_24.pdf Republic of the Sphere - Ezekial Crow's Dossier]''
 
*''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/liao_incursion_39.pdf Republic of the Sphere - Harsha Miskovitz's Dossier]''
 
*''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/counterassault_2.pdf Swordworn - Jacob Senn's Dossier]''
 
*''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/counterassault_22.pdf Spirit Cats - Sixo Nova Cat's Dossier]''
 
  
 +
== Bibliography ==
 +
* ''[[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]]''
 +
* ''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/liao_incursion_24.pdf Republic of the Sphere - Ezekial Crow's Dossier]''
 +
* ''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/liao_incursion_39.pdf Republic of the Sphere - Harsha Miskovitz's Dossier]''
 +
* ''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/counterassault_2.pdf Swordworn - Jacob Senn's Dossier]''
 +
* ''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/counterassault_22.pdf Spirit Cats - Sixo Nova Cat's Dossier]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental]]''
  
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
+
 
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:BattleMechs|Blade]]
[[Category:35 ton BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:Light BattleMechs|Blade]]
[[Category:Dark Age Mechs]]
+
[[Category:35 ton BattleMechs|Blade]]
 +
[[Category:Dark Age Mechs|Blade]]

Revision as of 09:04, 12 June 2016

Blade
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[1]
Mass 35[1] tons[[Category:35[1] ton BattleMechs]]
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

1x Rotary AC/5[1]
2x ER Medium Lasers[1]

BV (1.0) 1,088[citation needed]
BV (2.0) 1,314[1][2]


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 til 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 model RAC/5, supported by a Bright Bloom ER Medium and an Exostar Elite ER Small Laser. This variant uses standard 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 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.[12]

BattleMech Gallery

References

  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 1.17 Technical Readout: 3085 Supplemental, pp. 24-25, "BLD-XL Blade"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 MUL online entry for the Blade
  3. Harsha Miskovitz dossier Liao Incursion no. 39 - Blade Production history listed in dossier.
  4. 4.0 4.1 MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XS variant
  5. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 97
  6. 6.0 6.1 MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XR variant
  7. 7.0 7.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2, p. 8, "BLD-XR Blade"
  8. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 98
  9. MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-XX variant
  10. Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 93
  11. MUL online entry for the Blade BLD-7R variant
  12. By Temptations and By War, p. 282, "Crow dies as Daniel Peterson fighting Capellan forces trying taking Liao".

Bibliography