Difference between revisions of "Epimetheus (BattleMech)"
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The '''''Epimetheus''''' was designed by the same team that created the [[Prometheus (Unbound)|Prometheus]] BattleMech. The team was trying to design a 'Mech for the Inner Sphere with the latest Clan technologies. The 'Mech uses Clan produced [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor, [[Endo Steel]] skeleton, and 400 [[Fusion Engine - XL|XL engine]]. After Professor [[Burke Kale]] plundered the Dark Mirage research facility, NAIS investigators discovered that he had taken the half-completed 'Mech with him to [[Solaris]].<ref>''[[Unbound]], p. 6''</ref> | The '''''Epimetheus''''' was designed by the same team that created the [[Prometheus (Unbound)|Prometheus]] BattleMech. The team was trying to design a 'Mech for the Inner Sphere with the latest Clan technologies. The 'Mech uses Clan produced [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor, [[Endo Steel]] skeleton, and 400 [[Fusion Engine - XL|XL engine]]. After Professor [[Burke Kale]] plundered the Dark Mirage research facility, NAIS investigators discovered that he had taken the half-completed 'Mech with him to [[Solaris]].<ref>''[[Unbound]], p. 6''</ref> | ||
| − | Under Professor Kale's direction, the ''Epimetheus'' was equipped with a prototype [[Torso | + | Under Professor Kale's direction, the ''Epimetheus'' was equipped with a prototype [[Torso Cockpit]] and [[Direct Neural Interface]] that replaced the standard neurohelmet with a direct connection to the MechWarrior's brain. The 'Mech performed admirably in the Solaris arenas, moving swiftly and providing highly accurate fire. The Direct Neural Interface was particularly effective at coordinating the data transfer between the 'Mech systems and pilot.<ref>Resulted in a -2 modifier to gunnery and -3 modifier to piloting skill. ''[[Unbound]], p. 66''</ref> The DNI system had some significant drawbacks however: |
# It required the MechWarrior to undergo serious brain surgery to install an interface port. | # It required the MechWarrior to undergo serious brain surgery to install an interface port. | ||
# The MechWarrior using the system had to take a compound called [[XA-3]] to protect the brain from dangerous feedback. | # The MechWarrior using the system had to take a compound called [[XA-3]] to protect the brain from dangerous feedback. | ||
Revision as of 21:13, 2 March 2010
| Epimetheus | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | NAIS Dark Mirage Facility, Hyde |
| Model | None/Unique |
| Class | Assault |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 80 tons |
| Chassis | Endo Steel |
| Armor | Ferro-Fibrous |
| Engine | 400 XL |
| Speed | 80 km/h |
| Jump Jets | 120 meters |
| Armament |
1 x Ultra AC/10 |
Description
The Epimetheus was designed by the same team that created the Prometheus BattleMech. The team was trying to design a 'Mech for the Inner Sphere with the latest Clan technologies. The 'Mech uses Clan produced Ferro-Fibrous armor, Endo Steel skeleton, and 400 XL engine. After Professor Burke Kale plundered the Dark Mirage research facility, NAIS investigators discovered that he had taken the half-completed 'Mech with him to Solaris.[1]
Under Professor Kale's direction, the Epimetheus was equipped with a prototype Torso Cockpit and Direct Neural Interface that replaced the standard neurohelmet with a direct connection to the MechWarrior's brain. The 'Mech performed admirably in the Solaris arenas, moving swiftly and providing highly accurate fire. The Direct Neural Interface was particularly effective at coordinating the data transfer between the 'Mech systems and pilot.[2] The DNI system had some significant drawbacks however:
- It required the MechWarrior to undergo serious brain surgery to install an interface port.
- The MechWarrior using the system had to take a compound called XA-3 to protect the brain from dangerous feedback.
- As the MechWarrior was directly connected to the 'Mech, any damage taken during battle was much more likely to injure the pilot.
With these restrictions in mind, the Federated Commonwealth's decision not to pursue the project is understandable.
Armament
The Epimetheus was equipped with Clan armor and weaponry. As the cockpit was moved to the torso, extra space was available in the 'Mech's head. This space was filled by an Ultra AC/10. Each arm mounted an ER Large Laser and Medium Pulse Laser. All the weapons were tied into a Clan Targeting Computer that made the weapons extraordinarily accurate.
Variants
As the Epimetheus was a technology demonstrator, it had no variants, but the technology pioneered here was used by other factions. The Direct Neural Interface technology would later be used as the basis of the Manei Domini's Vehicular Direct Neural Interface. The Enhanced Imaging system used by Clan ProtoMech pilots, which connects the pilots to the 'Mechs in a DNI-like manner, also requires drugs similar to XA-3.
References