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Difference between revisions of "Crossbow (OmniMech)"

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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]] 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 [[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]] 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/>
  
==Armament==
+
==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.  
  

Revision as of 08:37, 19 December 2013

Crossbow (OmniMech)
Crossbow
Production information
Manufacturer Novy Minsky Armaments Plant
Production Year 2870[1][2][3]
Class Heavy
Cost 9,135,500 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 65 tons
Chassis Anaconda OmniHeavy
Armor Compound V6
Engine New Kent Type 325
Communications System Bishop 211 Meridian
Speed 86 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,658[1][4]
BV (2.0) 1,829[5]


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[6] (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 in 2870 to the present, the Crossbow's mix of arm-mounted missiles make it a superb fire-support choice.[7][8][3][9][1]

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 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

  • 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[1][12], BV (2.0) = 1,687[13]
  • Alt. Config. C 
    The third variant 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. BV (1.0) = 1,385[1][14][15], BV (2.0) = 1,557[16]
  • Alt. Config. E 
    Each arm of the E variant is equipped with eight AP Gauss Rifles linked to a Targeting Computer for better fire control. BV (2.0) = 1,558[18]
  • 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 UMUs. BV (2.0) = 1,856[22]

Related BattleMechs

  • Crossbow - Though produced centuries after the Age of War Lyran Crossbow BattleMech, the original BattleMech "likely inspired" the design of the Crossbow OmniMech.[23]

Gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, pp. 182-183
  2. Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 166
  3. 3.0 3.1 Era Digest: Golden Century, p. 21, RUD
  4. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 270
  5. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 169
  6. TechManual, p. 51
  7. Bloodright, pp. 60-61
  8. Invading Clans (sourcebook), pp. 98-99
  9. Technical Readout: 3058, p. 178
  10. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 271
  11. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 170
  12. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 272
  13. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 170
  14. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 273
  15. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 111
  16. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 172
  17. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 173
  18. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 174
  19. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 274
  20. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 112
  21. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 175
  22. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 144
  23. Technical Readout: 3075, p. 278

Bibliography