Difference between revisions of "Crossbow (OmniMech)"

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{{otheruses|the OmniMech design|the earlier regular BattleMech design and other uses|Crossbow (BattleMech)|Crossbow (disambiguation)}}
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{{otheruses|the 65-ton OmniMech|other uses|Crossbow}}
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
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|image=Crossbow.jpg
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|image=Crossbow (Omni) RGilClan v17.png
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|name=Crossbow
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|name=''Crossbow''
 +
|manufacturer=
 +
[[Arcturan Arms]]
 +
----
 +
[[Novy Minsky Armaments Plant]]<ref name=TRCIp50f>''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', pp. 50–51: "Crossbow"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3058U -->
 
|production year=2870
 
|production year=2870
−
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3058U>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', pp. 182-183</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 166</ref><ref name=ED21>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 21, RUD</ref>
+
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3058U>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', pp. 182–183</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 166</ref><ref name=ED21>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 21: RUD</ref>
−
|manufacturer=[[Novy Minsky Armaments Plant]]
+
|model=Prime<ref name=TRCIp50f />
−
|model=Prime
 
 
|cost= 9,135,500 C-bills
 
|cost= 9,135,500 C-bills
 
|Tech Base = Clan
 
|Tech Base = Clan
 
|mech type = OmniMech
 
|mech type = OmniMech
 
|mass=65
 
|mass=65
−
|chassis=Anaconda OmniHeavy
+
|chassis=[[Anaconda OmniHeavy]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp50f /> -->
−
|armor=Compound V6
+
|armor=[[Compound V6]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp50f /> -->
−
|engine=New Kent Type 325
+
|engine=[[New Kent Type 325]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp50f /> -->
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|comsys=[[Bishop 211 Meridian]]
+
|comsys=[[Bishop 211 Meridian]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp50f /> -->
−
|T&T=[[Spanke]]
+
|T&T=[[Spanke 112-A]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp50f /> -->
−
|heat sinks=10 [[Double Heat Sinks]]
+
|heat sinks=10 [[Double Heat Sink|double]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp50f /> -->
−
|speed=86
+
|speed=86 <!-- <ref name=TRCIp50f /> -->
−
|armament=
+
|armament= 2x [[LRM-20]] w/ [[Artemis IV]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp50f /> -->
−
*2x [[LRM-20]]s w/ [[Artemis IV FCS]]
+
|BV (1.0) = 1,658<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 270</ref>
−
|BV (1.0)=1,658<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 270</ref>
+
|BV (2.0) = 1,829<ref name=TRCIp50f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 169</ref>
−
|BV (2.0)= 1,829<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 169</ref>
+
}}
−
}}  
 
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
Developed during the [[Golden Century]] by [[Clan Steel Viper]] as an early second-generation [[OmniMech]], the '''''Crossbow''''' is a relatively cheap OmniMech.  The ''Crossbow'' was Clan Steel Viper's first attempt to crash-start their OmniMech manufacturing capability, and was initiated in part by a small cadre of captured [[Clan Snow Raven]] scientist caste.  Since both parties were relatively new to Omni-technology, the teams developed a novel [[Omni-pod]] system confined to replacing the 'Mech's arms. Since only the arms of early ''Crossbows'' can mount Omni-pods, early ''Crossbows'' are jump-incapable<ref>''TechManual'', p. 51</ref> (more recently, configurations have been published containing weapon systems in the torsos). As the ''Crossbow'' is much less flexible than most OmniMechs, and since the ''Crossbow'' lacks of lighter materials of most OmniMechs, the ''Crossbow'' has largely been relegated to second-line duty, though it still appears frequently in the front lines, especially within Clan Steel Viper.  However, the ''Crossbow'' is still quite effective - from its first engagement at [[Firebase Climax]] on [[Homer (Clan System)|Homer]] in [[2870]] to the present, the ''Crossbow'''s mix of arm-mounted missiles make it a superb fire-support choice.<ref>''Bloodright'', pp. 60-61</ref><ref>''Invading Clans (sourcebook)'', pp. 98-99</ref><ref name=ED21/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 178</ref><ref name=TRO3058U/>
+
Developed during the [[Golden Century]] by [[Clan Steel Viper]] as an early second-generation [[OmniMech]], the '''''Crossbow''''' is a relatively cheap OmniMech.  The ''Crossbow'' was Clan Steel Viper's first attempt to crash start their OmniMech manufacturing capability, and was initiated in part by a small cadre of captured [[Clan Snow Raven]] scientist caste.  Since both parties were relatively new to Omni technology, the teams developed a novel [[OmniPod]] system confined to replacing the 'Mech's arms. Since only the arms of early ''Crossbow''s can mount OmniPods, early ''Crossbow''s are jump-incapable<ref>''TechManual'', p. 51</ref> (more recently, configurations have been published containing weapon systems in the torsos). As the ''Crossbow'' is much less flexible than most OmniMechs, and since the ''Crossbow'' lacks lighter materials of most OmniMechs, the ''Crossbow'' has largely been relegated to second-line duty, though it still appears frequently in the front lines, especially within Clan Steel Viper.  However, the ''Crossbow'' is still quite effective - from its first engagement at [[Firebase Climax]] on [[Homer]] in [[2870]] to the present, the ''Crossbow''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s mix of arm-mounted missiles make it a superb fire-support choice.<ref>''Bloodright'', pp. 60–61</ref><ref>''Invading Clans'', pp. 98–99</ref><ref name=ED21/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 178</ref><ref name=TRO3058U/>
  
−
Considered rare design by the [[Jihad era]], the Crossbow's remaining production facilities would end up being destroyed in [[3074]] by fighting during the [[Wars of Reaving]].<ref>''[[The Wars of Reaving Supplemental]]'', p. 17 Discarded Tools of War - Crossbow's factory being destroyed, effectively phasing it out of use in Clan space.</ref>
+
Considered a rare design by the [[Jihad era]], the ''Crossbow''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s remaining production facilities would end up being destroyed in [[3074]] during the [[Wars of Reaving]], effectively phasing it out of use in the [[Clan Homeworlds]].<ref>''The Wars of Reaving Supplemental'', p. 17: Discarded Tools of War - Crossbow's factory being destroyed</ref> The ''Crossbow'' would find new life in the [[Inner Sphere]] during the next century, as [[Clan Wolf]] used [[Arcturus|Arcturus']] factories to mass produce the design when they took the planet in [[3128]]. During that battle a Wolf MechWarrior named Andreas managed to destroy an entire company of [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] 'Mechs while piloting a ''Crossbow'', earning a posthumous place in the [[Clan Remembrance|Remembrance]] and ensuring that the newly won factory would produce more of the design. Sporting an upgraded configuration ''Crossbows'' saw extensive use in the [[Clan Wolf Touman|Clan Wolf ''touman'']], notably with the [[79th Wolf Battle (Clan Wolf)|Seventy-ninth Wolf Battle Cluster]] on [[Denebola]].<ref name=RGI17p12>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17'', p. 12: "Crossbow" entry</ref>
 +
 
 +
When the [[Clan Jade Falcon|Jade Falcons]] later claimed Arcturus after it was abandoned by the Wolves, they neglected the ''Crossbow''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s production lines, allowing [[Clan Sea Fox]] to buy and sell the design in large numbers. In Jade Falcon service ''Crossbows'' were used to less effect, partly because they were relegated to inferior units.<ref name=RGI17p12/>
 +
 
 +
After the rebirth of the [[Tamar Pact]], Clan Sea Fox, working in concert with the Pact's leadership, retooled Arcturus Arms' production lines to produce Clan OmniMechs. In exchange, they received the opportunity to claim three of every four ''Crossbow''s produced there.<ref>''Elements of Treason: duty'', ch. 21</ref>
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
−
Often described as a sleeker version of the [[Star League]] ''[[Longbow]]'', the ''Crossbow'' is solidly protected by twelve tons of armor, though its traditionally missile-heavy weapons loadout means that it does not need any extra [[double heat sink]]s.  
+
Often described as a sleeker version of the [[Star League]] ''[[Longbow]]'', the ''Crossbow'' is solidly protected by twelve tons of armor, though its traditionally missile-heavy weapons loadout means that it does not need any extra [[double heat sink]]s.
  
−
The weapons on the ''Crossbow'' are simple: two [[Artemis IV FCS|Artemis]]-guided [[LRM-20]]s that are just as effective at point blank range as they are at long. The limited ammo supply is rarely a problem in [[Clan]] Trials, but it cannot stay on the field for an extended period of time. The majority of the configurations mount all the weapons in the arms, and the primary configuration is no exception.
+
The weapons on the ''Crossbow'' are simple: two [[Artemis IV FCS|Artemis]]-guided [[LRM-20]]s that are just as effective at point-blank range as they are at long. The limited ammo supply is rarely a problem in [[Clan]] Trials, but it cannot stay on the field for an extended period of time. The majority of the configurations mount all the weapons in the arms, and the primary configuration is no exception.
  
 
==Alternate Configurations==
 
==Alternate Configurations==
−
*;Alt. Config. A : The first alternate configuration pares down the LRMs to [[LRM-5]]s and adds a pair of [[Streak SRM-6]]s and [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s for close range work. BV (1.0) = 1,628<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 271</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,797<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 170</ref>
+
*; Alternate Configuration A : The first alternate configuration pares down the LRMs to [[LRM-5]]s and adds a pair of [[Streak SRM-6]]s and [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s for close range work.<ref name=TRCIp50f /> BV (1.0) = 1,628;<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 271</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,797<ref name=TRCIp50f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 170</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration B : Another configuration that is simple, though it is more efficient, the B uses a pair of Streak SRM-6s in each arm, along with a ton of ammo for each.<ref name=TRCIp50f /> BV (1.0) = 1,521;<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 272</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,687<ref name=TRCIp50f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 170</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration C : The third configuration continues the missile-heavy loadout with a pair of [[ATM 6]]s, along with enough ammo for each launcher to have access to all of the different types possible. These are supplemented by a pair of [[Heavy Machine Gun]]s in the torso for anti-[[infantry]] work and an [[ECM Suite]].<ref name=TRCIp50f /> BV (1.0) = 1,385;<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 273</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 111</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,557<ref name=TRCIp50f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 172</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration D : This configuration drops the [[LRM-20]]s and [[Artemis IV]], and replaces them with a [[Mech Mortar/8]] in each arm. BV (2.0) = 1,210<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 173</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration E : Each arm of the E configuration is equipped with eight [[Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle|AP Gauss Rifle]]s linked to a Targeting Computer for better fire control. BV (2.0) = 1,558<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 174</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration F : Each arm carries a single [[ATM-9]] with two tons of ammunition and an [[ER Medium Laser]]. BV (2.0) = 1,854<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17'', p. 18</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; Alternate Configuration G : Each arm carries three [[Streak LRM-5]] missile launchers and two tons of ammunition. BV (2.0) = 1,725<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17'', p. 19</ref>
  
−
*;Alt. Config. B : Another configuration that is simple, though it is more efficient, the B uses a pair of Streak SRM-6s in each arm, along with a ton of ammo for each. BV (1.0) = 1,521<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 272</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,687<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 170</ref>
+
*; Alternate Configuration H : Designed to take advantage of the heavy laser technology pioneered by [[Clan Star Adder]], configuration H mounts a [[Heavy Large Laser|Large]] and a [[Heavy Medium Laser|Medium]] in the right arm. It has an [[LRM-15]] in the opposite arm, and two [[Light Machine Gun]]s on each side of the torso to protect against unarmored [[infantry]]. Four additional [[double heat sink]]s help keep the 'Mech cool.<ref name=TRCIp50f /> BV (1.0) = 1,461;<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 274</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 112</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,707<ref name=TRCIp50f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 175</ref>
  
−
*;Alt. Config. C : The third variant continues the missile-heavy loadout with a pair of [[ATM 6]]s, along with enough ammo for each launcher to have access to all of the different types possible. These are supplemented by a pair of [[Heavy Machine Gun]]s in the torso for anti-[[infantry]] work and an [[ECM Suite]]. BV (1.0) = 1,385<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 273</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 111</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,557<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 172</ref>
+
*; Alternate Configuration J : This configuration carries an [[Improved Heavy Large Laser]] in the right arm. An engine [[Supercharger]] allows the ''Crossbow'' to reach sprint speeds of 100 km/h. This speed boost allows the 'Mech to bring the nine [[ER Small Laser]]s in the left arm and [[Talon (weapon)|Talons]] mounted in the legs into play more quickly. BV (2.0) = 1,839<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17'', p. 20</ref>
  
−
*;Alt. Config. D : This variant drops the [[LRM-20]]s and [[Artemis IV]], and replaces them with a [[Mech Mortar/8]] in each arm. BV (2.0) = 1,210<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 173</ref>
+
*; Alternate Configuration T : Each arm of this configuration carries an [[ER Large Laser]], supplemented by seven [[Improved One Shot]] [[SRM-2]]s and a single Improved One Shot [[SRM-6]]. The final bit of equipment is a [[Light Active Probe]] in the center torso. BV (2.0) = 1,729<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17'', p. 16</ref>
  
−
*;Alt. Config. E : Each arm of the E variant is equipped with eight [[Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle|AP Gauss Rifle]]s linked to a Targeting Computer for better fire control. BV (2.0) = 1,558<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 174</ref>
+
*; Alternate Configuration U : Each arm on this variation is equipped with an [[LRT-10]], [[SRT-2]], and [[ER Medium Laser]]. To maintain a high underwater speed, the ''Crossbow'' U is equipped with five [[UMU]]s. BV (2.0) = 1,856<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 144</ref>
  
−
*;Alt. Config. H : Designed to take advantage of the heavy laser technology pioneered by [[Clan Star Adder]], variant H mounts a [[Heavy Large Laser|Large]] and a [[Heavy Medium Laser|Medium]]. It has an [[LRM-15]] in the opposite arm, and two [[Light Machine Gun]]s on each side of the torso to protect against unarmored [[infantry]]. Four additional [[double heat sink]]s help keep the 'Mech cool. BV (1.0) = 1,461<ref name=TRO3058U/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 274</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 112</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,707<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 175</ref>
+
*; Alternate Configuration W : This configuration mounts an LRM-10 with a ton of ammunition and an [[Improved Heavy Medium Laser]] in the arms, supplemented by an [[ER PPC]] in the right torso. An extra double heat sink is carried, bringing the total to eleven. BV (2.0) = 2,051<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17'', p. 21</ref>
  
−
*;Alt. Config. U : Each arm on this variation is equipped with an [[LRT-10]], [[SRT-2]], and [[ER Medium Laser]]. To maintain a high underwater speed, the ''Crossbow U'' is equipped with five [[UMU]]s. BV (2.0) = 1,856<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 144</ref>
+
==Design Quirks==
 +
The ''Crossbow'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 91: BattleMech Quirk Table - Crossbow Entry</ref>
 +
* [[Improved Targeting: Short]]
  
 
==Related BattleMechs==
 
==Related BattleMechs==
−
*''[[Crossbow (BattleMech)|Crossbow]]'' - Though produced centuries after the [[Age of War]] Lyran ''Crossbow'' BattleMech, the original BattleMech "likely inspired" the design of the ''Crossbow'' OmniMech.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 278</ref>
+
* ''[[Crossbow (BattleMech)|Crossbow]]'' - Though produced centuries after the [[Age of War]] Lyran ''Crossbow'' BattleMech, the original BattleMech "likely inspired" the design of the ''Crossbow'' OmniMech.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 278</ref>
  
−
==Notable pilots==  
+
==Notable pilots==
−
* Khan [[Natalie Breen]], of clan Steel Viper prior of the [[Battle of Tukayyid]] piloted a Crossbow during the fight again clan Jade Falcon on [[Waldorff]].
+
* Khan [[Natalie Breen]] of Clan Steel Viper, prior of the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]], piloted a ''Crossbow'' during the fight against Clan Jade Falcon on [[Waldorff]].
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
−
In German products the unit's proper name was perfectly translated to '''Armbrust'''.
+
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Armbrust'''.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:Crossbow.jpg|Original ''Crossbow'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3058|TRO:3058]]''
+
Crossbow (Omni) Bloodright.png|Original ''Crossbow'' from ''[[Bloodright (scenario pack)|Bloodright]]''
−
Image:CCG Crusade Crossbow A.jpg|''Crossbow'' A in motion from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
+
Crossbow InvClans.png|''Crossbow'' from ''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)|Invading Clans]]''
−
Image:CCG Crusade Crossbow B.jpg|''Crossbow'' B in battle from ''CCG''
+
Crossbow.jpg|''Crossbow'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3058|TRO:3058]]''
 +
Crossbow (Omni) RGilClan v17.png|''Crossbow'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17|RG:ilClan v17]]''
 +
Crossbow Shrapnel003.png|''Crossbow'' from [[Shrapnel_(magazine)#Issue_3|''Shrapnel'' #3]]
 +
Crossbow Omni concept sketch KS2019.jpg|''Crossbow'' concept art from the [[2019 Clan Invasion crowdfunding campaign|Clan Invasion KS]]
 +
CCG Crusade Crossbow A.jpg|''Crossbow'' A in motion from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
 +
CCG Crusade Crossbow B.jpg|''Crossbow'' B in battle from ''CCG''
 +
Clan Heavy Battle Star - Crossbow.jpg|''Crossbow'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Clan Heavy Battle Star]]''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 69: Line 95:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
*''[[Bloodright (scenario pack)]]''
+
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
−
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
+
* ''[[Bloodright (scenario pack)|Bloodright]]''
−
*''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''
+
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
−
*''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)]]''
+
* ''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)]]''
+
* ''[[Invading Clans (sourcebook)]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades]]''
+
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
+
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
+
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades]]''
−
*''[[TechManual]]''
+
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''
+
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]''
+
* ''[[TechManual]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
+
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 +
* ''[[The Wars of Reaving Supplemental]]''
 +
{{div col end}}
  
−
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:'Mechs]]
 
[[Category:OmniMechs]]
 
[[Category:OmniMechs]]
 
[[Category:Heavy BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Heavy BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:65 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:65 ton BattleMechs]]
−
[[Category:Missile Boat BattleMechs]]
 
 
[[Category:Clan Steel Viper BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Clan Steel Viper BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Clan OmniMechs]]
 
[[Category:Clan OmniMechs]]
 
[[Category:German renamed units]]
 
[[Category:German renamed units]]

Latest revision as of 01:42, 25 February 2024

This article is about the 65-ton OmniMech. For other uses, see Crossbow.
Crossbow (OmniMech)
Crossbow
Production information
Manufacturer Arcturan Arms

Novy Minsky Armaments Plant[1]

Production Year 2870[2][3][4]
Model Prime[1]
Class Heavy
Cost 9,135,500 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan OmniMech
Mass 65 tons
Chassis Anaconda OmniHeavy
Armor Compound V6
Engine New Kent Type 325
Communications System Bishop 211 Meridian
Targeting Tracking System Spanke 112-A
Heat Sinks 10 double
Speed 86 km/h
Armament

2x LRM-20 w/ Artemis IV

BV (1.0) 1,658[2][5]
BV (2.0) 1,829[1][6]


Description[edit]

Developed during the Golden Century by Clan Steel Viper as an early second-generation OmniMech, the Crossbow is a relatively cheap OmniMech. The Crossbow was Clan Steel Viper's first attempt to crash start their OmniMech manufacturing capability, and was initiated in part by a small cadre of captured Clan Snow Raven scientist caste. Since both parties were relatively new to Omni technology, the teams developed a novel OmniPod system confined to replacing the 'Mech's arms. Since only the arms of early Crossbows can mount OmniPods, early Crossbows are jump-incapable[7] (more recently, configurations have been published containing weapon systems in the torsos). As the Crossbow is much less flexible than most OmniMechs, and since the Crossbow lacks lighter materials of most OmniMechs, the Crossbow has largely been relegated to second-line duty, though it still appears frequently in the front lines, especially within Clan Steel Viper. However, the Crossbow is still quite effective - from its first engagement at Firebase Climax on Homer in 2870 to the present, the Crossbow's mix of arm-mounted missiles make it a superb fire-support choice.[8][9][4][10][2]

Considered a rare design by the Jihad era, the Crossbow's remaining production facilities would end up being destroyed in 3074 during the Wars of Reaving, effectively phasing it out of use in the Clan Homeworlds.[11] The Crossbow would find new life in the Inner Sphere during the next century, as Clan Wolf used Arcturus' factories to mass produce the design when they took the planet in 3128. During that battle a Wolf MechWarrior named Andreas managed to destroy an entire company of Lyran 'Mechs while piloting a Crossbow, earning a posthumous place in the Remembrance and ensuring that the newly won factory would produce more of the design. Sporting an upgraded configuration Crossbows saw extensive use in the Clan Wolf touman, notably with the Seventy-ninth Wolf Battle Cluster on Denebola.[12]

When the Jade Falcons later claimed Arcturus after it was abandoned by the Wolves, they neglected the Crossbow's production lines, allowing Clan Sea Fox to buy and sell the design in large numbers. In Jade Falcon service Crossbows were used to less effect, partly because they were relegated to inferior units.[12]

After the rebirth of the Tamar Pact, Clan Sea Fox, working in concert with the Pact's leadership, retooled Arcturus Arms' production lines to produce Clan OmniMechs. In exchange, they received the opportunity to claim three of every four Crossbows produced there.[13]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

Often described as a sleeker version of the Star League Longbow, the Crossbow is solidly protected by twelve tons of armor, though its traditionally missile-heavy weapons loadout means that it does not need any extra double heat sinks.

The weapons on the Crossbow are simple: two Artemis-guided LRM-20s that are just as effective at point-blank range as they are at long. The limited ammo supply is rarely a problem in Clan Trials, but it cannot stay on the field for an extended period of time. The majority of the configurations mount all the weapons in the arms, and the primary configuration is no exception.

Alternate Configurations[edit]

  • Alternate Configuration B 
    Another configuration that is simple, though it is more efficient, the B uses a pair of Streak SRM-6s in each arm, along with a ton of ammo for each.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,521;[2][16] BV (2.0) = 1,687[1][17]
  • Alternate Configuration C 
    The third configuration continues the missile-heavy loadout with a pair of ATM 6s, along with enough ammo for each launcher to have access to all of the different types possible. These are supplemented by a pair of Heavy Machine Guns in the torso for anti-infantry work and an ECM Suite.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,385;[2][18][19] BV (2.0) = 1,557[1][20]
  • Alternate Configuration E 
    Each arm of the E configuration is equipped with eight AP Gauss Rifles linked to a Targeting Computer for better fire control. BV (2.0) = 1,558[22]
  • Alternate Configuration F 
    Each arm carries a single ATM-9 with two tons of ammunition and an ER Medium Laser. BV (2.0) = 1,854[23]
  • Alternate Configuration G 
    Each arm carries three Streak LRM-5 missile launchers and two tons of ammunition. BV (2.0) = 1,725[24]
  • Alternate Configuration J 
    This configuration carries an Improved Heavy Large Laser in the right arm. An engine Supercharger allows the Crossbow to reach sprint speeds of 100 km/h. This speed boost allows the 'Mech to bring the nine ER Small Lasers in the left arm and Talons mounted in the legs into play more quickly. BV (2.0) = 1,839[28]
  • Alternate Configuration U 
    Each arm on this variation is equipped with an LRT-10, SRT-2, and ER Medium Laser. To maintain a high underwater speed, the Crossbow U is equipped with five UMUs. BV (2.0) = 1,856[30]
  • Alternate Configuration W 
    This configuration mounts an LRM-10 with a ton of ammunition and an Improved Heavy Medium Laser in the arms, supplemented by an ER PPC in the right torso. An extra double heat sink is carried, bringing the total to eleven. BV (2.0) = 2,051[31]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Crossbow has the following Design Quirks:[32]

Related BattleMechs[edit]

  • Crossbow - Though produced centuries after the Age of War Lyran Crossbow BattleMech, the original BattleMech "likely inspired" the design of the Crossbow OmniMech.[33]

Notable pilots[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Armbrust.

Gallery[edit]

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 Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, pp. 50–51: "Crossbow"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, pp. 182–183
  3. ↑ Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 166
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Era Digest: Golden Century, p. 21: RUD
  5. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 270
  6. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 169
  7. ↑ TechManual, p. 51
  8. ↑ Bloodright, pp. 60–61
  9. ↑ Invading Clans, pp. 98–99
  10. ↑ Technical Readout: 3058, p. 178
  11. ↑ The Wars of Reaving Supplemental, p. 17: Discarded Tools of War - Crossbow's factory being destroyed
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 12: "Crossbow" entry
  13. ↑ Elements of Treason: duty, ch. 21
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 271
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 170
  16. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 272
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 170
  18. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 273
  19. ↑ Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 111
  20. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 172
  21. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 173
  22. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 174
  23. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 18
  24. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 19
  25. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 274
  26. ↑ Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 112
  27. ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 175
  28. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 20
  29. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 16
  30. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 144
  31. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17, p. 21
  32. ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 91: BattleMech Quirk Table - Crossbow Entry
  33. ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 278

Bibliography[edit]

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