Difference between revisions of "Falcon"
Sarna News
m (→Bibliography) |
m (abbreviation, spacing) |
||
| Line 36: | Line 36: | ||
Initially created for the newly formed [[Star League Defense Force]]'s use in the [[Reunification War]], the popular design remained in production until the destruction of Stormvanger's [[Hesperus II]] ''Falcon'' line during the [[Third Battle of Hesperus II]] in [[Production Ceased::2789]], becoming all but extinct until the arrival of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] in [[Reintroduction Year::3005]].<ref name="TRO:3039"/> Well regarded by the mercenaries, the Dragoons upgraded their dwindling number of ''Falcon''s in the early [[3050]]s before eventually commissioning Blackwell Industries to restart production of the design in early [[3060]] to produce advanced [[Clan]]-tech versions for their exclusive use, as well as more mundane and affordable versions for the general mercenary market.<ref name="TRO:3050U"/> | Initially created for the newly formed [[Star League Defense Force]]'s use in the [[Reunification War]], the popular design remained in production until the destruction of Stormvanger's [[Hesperus II]] ''Falcon'' line during the [[Third Battle of Hesperus II]] in [[Production Ceased::2789]], becoming all but extinct until the arrival of [[Wolf's Dragoons]] in [[Reintroduction Year::3005]].<ref name="TRO:3039"/> Well regarded by the mercenaries, the Dragoons upgraded their dwindling number of ''Falcon''s in the early [[3050]]s before eventually commissioning Blackwell Industries to restart production of the design in early [[3060]] to produce advanced [[Clan]]-tech versions for their exclusive use, as well as more mundane and affordable versions for the general mercenary market.<ref name="TRO:3050U"/> | ||
| − | While originally sporting a weapons array similar to the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'' and ''[[Wasp]]'' it was charged to defeat, the ''Falcon'''s six tons of StarGuard Type II armor provided it with vastly superior protection, allowing it to outlast them and remain combat effective longer. When it was originally developed, the 'Mech's top speed of 97.2 | + | While originally sporting a weapons array similar to the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'' and ''[[Wasp]]'' it was charged to defeat, the ''Falcon'''s six tons of StarGuard Type II armor provided it with vastly superior protection, allowing it to outlast them and remain combat effective longer. When it was originally developed, the 'Mech's top speed of 97.2 km/h and a jumping distance of one hundred and fifty meters allowed it to keep up with other light recon 'Mechs. But by the 3060s the ''Falcon'' was outclassed by newer and faster designs, only its use of a cheaper standard [[Fusion Engine]] rather than a more expensive and fragile [[Light Fusion Engine|Light]] or [[XL Engine]] kept buyers interested.<ref name="TRO:3039"/><ref name="TRO:3050U"/> |
==Weapons and Equipment== | ==Weapons and Equipment== | ||
| − | Originally developed as a field upgrade before becoming Blackwell's standard production model, the 4P ''Falcon'' carries a light arsenal that is primarily based around energy weapons. While the two [[Omnicron 1000]] [[Small Laser]]s were retained, the original standard [[Medium Laser]] was swapped for a short-ranged but highly accurate [[Magna 400P]] [[Medium Pulse Laser]]. Finally, for protection from missiles, the rear-facing [[machine gun]]s were dropped for a forward facing [[Sure Fire 444]] [[Anti-Missile System]] and a single ton of ammunition. <ref name="TRO:3050U"/> | + | Originally developed as a field upgrade before becoming Blackwell's standard production model, the 4P ''Falcon'' carries a light arsenal that is primarily based around energy weapons. While the two [[Omnicron 1000]] [[Small Laser]]s were retained, the original standard [[Medium Laser]] was swapped for a short-ranged but highly accurate [[Magna 400P]] [[Medium Pulse Laser]]. Finally, for protection from missiles, the rear-facing [[machine gun]]s were dropped for a forward facing [[Sure Fire 444]] [[Anti-Missile System]] and a single ton of ammunition.<ref name="TRO:3050U"/> |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
| Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
*;FLC-4Nb : Built for the [[Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions|Royal SLDF Divisions]] at the captured [[Roe Weapon Systems]] plant on [[Apollo (planet)|Apollo]] during the [[Amaris Civil War]], the so-called Royal ''Falcon'' carried an experimental [[Parti-Kill]] [[Snub-Nose PPC]] backed up by two medium lasers. It was also equipped with double heat-sinks, and was built on a [[Duralyte 300]] [[Endo-Steel]] chassis. All known examples and design specs were taken with the [[Exodus Fleet]]. BV (2.0) = 947<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 24</ref> | *;FLC-4Nb : Built for the [[Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions|Royal SLDF Divisions]] at the captured [[Roe Weapon Systems]] plant on [[Apollo (planet)|Apollo]] during the [[Amaris Civil War]], the so-called Royal ''Falcon'' carried an experimental [[Parti-Kill]] [[Snub-Nose PPC]] backed up by two medium lasers. It was also equipped with double heat-sinks, and was built on a [[Duralyte 300]] [[Endo-Steel]] chassis. All known examples and design specs were taken with the [[Exodus Fleet]]. BV (2.0) = 947<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 24</ref> | ||
| − | *;FLC-4Nb-PP : Used by various [[Pentagon Worlds|Pentagon World factions]] during the [[Exodus Civil War]], the PP variant replaced the advanced snub-nose particle cannon of the Royal ''Falcon'' with a standard [[PPC]]. The increased weight, however, required the removal of the medium laser mounted in the right arm. BV (2.0) = 881 <ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 25</ref> | + | *;FLC-4Nb-PP : Used by various [[Pentagon Worlds|Pentagon World factions]] during the [[Exodus Civil War]], the PP variant replaced the advanced snub-nose particle cannon of the Royal ''Falcon'' with a standard [[PPC]]. The increased weight, however, required the removal of the medium laser mounted in the right arm. BV (2.0) = 881<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 25</ref> |
*;FLC-4Nb-PP2 : Another Exodus Civil War era modification of the Royal ''Falcon'', the PP2 replaced the snub-nose PPC with an [[ER Large Laser]]. The saved weight allowed the left arm laser to be upgraded with pulse technology. BV (2.0) = 947<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 26</ref> | *;FLC-4Nb-PP2 : Another Exodus Civil War era modification of the Royal ''Falcon'', the PP2 replaced the snub-nose PPC with an [[ER Large Laser]]. The saved weight allowed the left arm laser to be upgraded with pulse technology. BV (2.0) = 947<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 26</ref> | ||
| − | *;FLC-5P : A [[3065]] upgrade of the 4P, the 5P drops a ton of armor to add a [[MASC]] system that kicks the ''Falcon'''s speed up to 129 km/h in bursts. The Small Lasers are upgraded to [[ER Medium Laser]]s and a [[Targeting Computer]] guides all three medium-class lasers. To make all of this possible, a [[Light Fusion Engine]] is included and the anti-missile system was removed. <ref name="TRO:3050U"/> BV (2.0) = 945<ref>''Calculated in Solaris Skunkwerks''</ref> | + | *;FLC-5P : A [[3065]] upgrade of the 4P, the 5P drops a ton of armor to add a [[MASC]] system that kicks the ''Falcon'''s speed up to 129 km/h in bursts. The Small Lasers are upgraded to [[ER Medium Laser]]s and a [[Targeting Computer]] guides all three medium-class lasers. To make all of this possible, a [[Light Fusion Engine]] is included and the anti-missile system was removed.<ref name="TRO:3050U"/> BV (2.0) = 945<ref>''Calculated in Solaris Skunkwerks''</ref> |
| − | *;FLC-6C : This variant was used exclusively by [[Wolf's Dragoons]] as it features [[Clan]]-tech. It simply upgrades the armament of the 4P to Clan standards, including an [[ER Large Laser]] that replaced the pulse laser. Each arm carries an [[ER Small Laser]], and a [[Targeting Computer]] aids in the accuracy of all three lasers. The ammunition bin of the anti-missile system was also upgraded to the Clan version, which carries twice as many rounds. <ref name="TRO:3050U"/> BV (2.0) = 1,290<ref>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 92</ref> | + | *;FLC-6C : This variant was used exclusively by [[Wolf's Dragoons]] as it features [[Clan]]-tech. It simply upgrades the armament of the 4P to Clan standards, including an [[ER Large Laser]] that replaced the pulse laser. Each arm carries an [[ER Small Laser]], and a [[Targeting Computer]] aids in the accuracy of all three lasers. The ammunition bin of the anti-missile system was also upgraded to the Clan version, which carries twice as many rounds.<ref name="TRO:3050U"/> BV (2.0) = 1,290<ref>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 92</ref> |
*; ''Drift Shag'' : [[Clan Ice Hellion]]'s first BattleMech to use Clan tech exclusively was based on the ''Falcon''. At thirty-five tons it used a 210 XL engine to reach speeds of 118km/h. Protected by six tons of armor and capable of high speed and 180 meter jumps, the biggest weakness was the eleven double heat sinks which couldn't dissipate all the heat of the weapons. The ''Drift Shag'' carried an [[ER Large Laser]] in the right arm, a [[Medium Pulse Laser]] in the right torso, but the main close in firepower was provided by a quartet of [[ER Small Laser]]s in the left arm.<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 12</ref> It has the following Design Quirks: [[Bad Reputation]] and [[Narrow/Low Profile]]. BV 2.0 = 1,512<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 13</ref> | *; ''Drift Shag'' : [[Clan Ice Hellion]]'s first BattleMech to use Clan tech exclusively was based on the ''Falcon''. At thirty-five tons it used a 210 XL engine to reach speeds of 118km/h. Protected by six tons of armor and capable of high speed and 180 meter jumps, the biggest weakness was the eleven double heat sinks which couldn't dissipate all the heat of the weapons. The ''Drift Shag'' carried an [[ER Large Laser]] in the right arm, a [[Medium Pulse Laser]] in the right torso, but the main close in firepower was provided by a quartet of [[ER Small Laser]]s in the left arm.<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 12</ref> It has the following Design Quirks: [[Bad Reputation]] and [[Narrow/Low Profile]]. BV 2.0 = 1,512<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 13</ref> | ||
Revision as of 20:05, 20 December 2021
- This article is about the BattleMech. For other uses, see Falcon (disambiguation).
| |
| Falcon | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Blackwell Industries
|
| Production Year | 3050[1] |
| Model | FLC-4P |
| Class | Light |
| Cost | 2,307,890 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| 'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
| Mass | 30 tons |
| Chassis | Duralyte 296[2] |
| Armor | StarGuard Type II[2] |
| Engine | GM 180[2] |
| Communications System | Garret T20C |
| Targeting Tracking System | Dynatec 150A |
| Heat Sinks | 12 |
| Speed | 97[2] km/h |
| Jump Jets | PRS-60[2] |
| Armament | |
| BV (1.0) | 561 |
| BV (2.0) | 649[3] |
Contents
Description
Originally developed as an anti-infantry and Bug Hunter 'Mech, the Falcon is a highly popular light recon and skirmisher 'Mech.[2]
Initially created for the newly formed Star League Defense Force's use in the Reunification War, the popular design remained in production until the destruction of Stormvanger's Hesperus II Falcon line during the Third Battle of Hesperus II in 2789, becoming all but extinct until the arrival of Wolf's Dragoons in 3005.[2] Well regarded by the mercenaries, the Dragoons upgraded their dwindling number of Falcons in the early 3050s before eventually commissioning Blackwell Industries to restart production of the design in early 3060 to produce advanced Clan-tech versions for their exclusive use, as well as more mundane and affordable versions for the general mercenary market.[3]
While originally sporting a weapons array similar to the Locust, Stinger and Wasp it was charged to defeat, the Falcon's six tons of StarGuard Type II armor provided it with vastly superior protection, allowing it to outlast them and remain combat effective longer. When it was originally developed, the 'Mech's top speed of 97.2 km/h and a jumping distance of one hundred and fifty meters allowed it to keep up with other light recon 'Mechs. But by the 3060s the Falcon was outclassed by newer and faster designs, only its use of a cheaper standard Fusion Engine rather than a more expensive and fragile Light or XL Engine kept buyers interested.[2][3]
Weapons and Equipment
Originally developed as a field upgrade before becoming Blackwell's standard production model, the 4P Falcon carries a light arsenal that is primarily based around energy weapons. While the two Omnicron 1000 Small Lasers were retained, the original standard Medium Laser was swapped for a short-ranged but highly accurate Magna 400P Medium Pulse Laser. Finally, for protection from missiles, the rear-facing machine guns were dropped for a forward facing Sure Fire 444 Anti-Missile System and a single ton of ammunition.[3]
Variants
- FLC-4N
- The original Falcon designed in 2582, the 4N model has a lighter arsenal more akin to 'Mechs 10 tons lighter. The primary weapon is a SunGlow Type 1 Medium Laser with two Omnicron 1000 Small Lasers as secondary weapons. To deter infantry attacks, the 'Mech carries two rear mounted Reginald Mark VI Machine Guns with a shared single ton of ammo. The 4N was equipped with a Garret T20C communications system and a Dynatec 150A targeting and tracking system.[2] BV (1.0) = 523[4], BV (2.0) = 610[5]
- FLC-4Nb
- Built for the Royal SLDF Divisions at the captured Roe Weapon Systems plant on Apollo during the Amaris Civil War, the so-called Royal Falcon carried an experimental Parti-Kill Snub-Nose PPC backed up by two medium lasers. It was also equipped with double heat-sinks, and was built on a Duralyte 300 Endo-Steel chassis. All known examples and design specs were taken with the Exodus Fleet. BV (2.0) = 947[6]
- FLC-4Nb-PP
- Used by various Pentagon World factions during the Exodus Civil War, the PP variant replaced the advanced snub-nose particle cannon of the Royal Falcon with a standard PPC. The increased weight, however, required the removal of the medium laser mounted in the right arm. BV (2.0) = 881[7]
- FLC-4Nb-PP2
- Another Exodus Civil War era modification of the Royal Falcon, the PP2 replaced the snub-nose PPC with an ER Large Laser. The saved weight allowed the left arm laser to be upgraded with pulse technology. BV (2.0) = 947[8]
- FLC-5P
- A 3065 upgrade of the 4P, the 5P drops a ton of armor to add a MASC system that kicks the Falcon's speed up to 129 km/h in bursts. The Small Lasers are upgraded to ER Medium Lasers and a Targeting Computer guides all three medium-class lasers. To make all of this possible, a Light Fusion Engine is included and the anti-missile system was removed.[3] BV (2.0) = 945[9]
- FLC-6C
- This variant was used exclusively by Wolf's Dragoons as it features Clan-tech. It simply upgrades the armament of the 4P to Clan standards, including an ER Large Laser that replaced the pulse laser. Each arm carries an ER Small Laser, and a Targeting Computer aids in the accuracy of all three lasers. The ammunition bin of the anti-missile system was also upgraded to the Clan version, which carries twice as many rounds.[3] BV (2.0) = 1,290[10]
- Drift Shag
- Clan Ice Hellion's first BattleMech to use Clan tech exclusively was based on the Falcon. At thirty-five tons it used a 210 XL engine to reach speeds of 118km/h. Protected by six tons of armor and capable of high speed and 180 meter jumps, the biggest weakness was the eleven double heat sinks which couldn't dissipate all the heat of the weapons. The Drift Shag carried an ER Large Laser in the right arm, a Medium Pulse Laser in the right torso, but the main close in firepower was provided by a quartet of ER Small Lasers in the left arm.[11] It has the following Design Quirks: Bad Reputation and Narrow/Low Profile. BV 2.0 = 1,512[12]
Custom Variants
- FLC-4Nb Saho
- Personally modified in the field by a MechWarrior from Clan Goliath Scorpion, the Falcon Saho replaced the right arm weapons of the Royal Falcon with a large pulse laser salvaged from a Royal Wyvern. BV (2.0) = 774[13]
Design Quirks
The Falcon has the following Design Quirk:[14]
Notes
In German products the unit's proper name was perfectly translated to Falke. The model code was accordingly changed to FLK-4E.
Gallery
FLC-4N Falcon from BattleTechnology magazine, Issue 0101
Original FLC-4N Falcon from Wolf's Dragoons
Falcon from TRO:3050
Falcon from TRO:3050 Upgrade
FLC-4N Falcon from TRO:3039
FLC-4Nb Falcon from Historical: Operation Klondike
FLC-4P Falcon in combat from CCG
References
- ↑ MUL online date for the Falcon
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 248, "FLC-4N Falcon"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 15
- ↑ Combat Operations, p. 106
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 70
- ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 24
- ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 25
- ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 26
- ↑ Calculated in Solaris Skunkwerks
- ↑ Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 92
- ↑ Technical Readout: Golden Century, p. 12
- ↑ Technical Readout: Golden Century, p. 13
- ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 27
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 91 Design Quirk Table - Falcon Entry.
Bibliography
- BattleMech Manual
- BattleTechnology Issue #1 (FLC-4N)
- Combat Operations
- Historical: Operation Klondike
- Master Unit List: Battle Values
- Record Sheets: 3039
- Record Sheets: 3050
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)
- Technical Readout: Golden Century
- Technical Readout: 3039
- Technical Readout: 3050
- Technical Readout: 3050 Revised
- Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
- Wolf's Dragoons