Difference between revisions of "Grasshopper"
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | Originally intended as a stealthy hunter-killer of light and medium 'Mechs, the '''''Grasshopper''''' entered service in [[2780]] | + | Originally intended as a stealthy hunter-killer of light and medium 'Mechs for the [[SLDF]], the '''''Grasshopper''''' entered service in [[2780]] after hostilities had wound down in the [[Amaris Civil War]]. Problems with integrating the original stealth systems with the chassis meant the ''Grasshopper'' missed the [[Operation Liberation|climatic end]] to the conflict and these systems were ultimately removed from the final design. The untested and unorthodox 'Mech was distributed primarily to the Regular army rather than the more prestigious [[SLDF Royal|Royal]] army, such that within four years it could be found in most [[regiments]]. Thus as the [[Star League]] dissolved and in the chaos of [[Operation Exodus]] and the defection of many SLDF units to the [[Successor States]], examples of the ''Grasshopper'' found their way into the various House armies one way or another.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025R>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 86</ref><ref name=TRO3050U>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 80</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | With great mobility and a predominately shorter-ranged, energy-based weaponry, the ''Grasshopper'' proved itself during the [[First Succession War]]. The 'Mech's ground speed of 64.8 km/h was augmented by a pair of Leviathan Lifter [[jump jet]]s, one in each leg, giving it a jumping capability of one hundred and twenty meters. Revolutionary for its time, the appearance of a heavy 'Mech with the mobility of a lighter design caused a change in tactics; the ''Grasshopper'' became known for using surprise and speed to appear suddenly in the midst of a tightly-packed [[lance]], a devastating situation should the enemy lack short-ranged weapons themselves. The use of twenty-two [[heat sinks]] also gave it superior heat dissipation rates compared to other heavy 'Mechs, while its low dependence on ammunition allows the ''Grasshopper'' to operate away from established supply lines for extended periods of time. Though it could be outgunned by other 'Mechs of similar tonnage, the combination of its mobility and thirteen tons of standard armor meant the ''Grasshopper'' could at least inflict significant damage before being forced to withdraw. Finally, mounting its primary weapon in its center torso meant the ''Grasshopper'' remained combat-capable despite suffering crippling damage, including losing both arms, leading many to classify it as a "zombie" 'Mech.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025R/><ref name=TRO3050U/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Besides hunting down lighter machines to clear the way for heavier, less-mobile 'Mechs, the ''Grasshopper'''s mobility and endurance meant it often spearheaded assaults to storm fortifications, lead flanking attacks to hit the enemy from the rear and serve as back-up brawler for [[company|companies]] of light and medium 'Mechs. Its ability to operate independently made it an excellent choice as a raider and guerrilla fighter, an attribute also prized by [[mercenary]] units in need of self-reliant 'Mechs. While popular the ''Grasshopper'' still remained an uncommon 'Mech during the Succession Wars, at least until [[ComStar]]'s publication of ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]'', causing many commanders to mistakenly treat it as another heavy 'Mech until it was too late.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025R/><ref name=TRO3050U/> | ||
| + | |||
| + | In the midst of the [[Second Succession War]] the Lantren Corporation's factory on [[Bryant]] was destroyed in [[2843]], a result of worsening global storms and damage inflicted during the conflict, causing production of the 'Mech to cease. However the ''Grasshopper'' was usually prioritized over other 'Mechs, even a unit commander's own, when it came time to repair and rebuild after a battle. As such most of the original production run was still in active duty even after centuries of use. The company would eventually introduce a new variant in [[3049]], the GHR-5J, which upgraded many of its original systems with superior [[lostech]] designs. The original model was so popular however that it would continue to outnumber the 5J in decades to come by a ratio of three to one, though when the [[Draconis Combine]] introduced their own [[C3]] variant that trend began to reverse. Further variants were introduced in the years following, and the ''Grasshopper'' participated in many conflicts, including both sides of the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050U/> | ||
==Armament== | ==Armament== | ||
| − | The ''Grasshopper'' carries a Diplan HD [[Large Laser]] | + | The ''Grasshopper'' carries as its primary weapon a Diplan HD [[Large Laser]] in its center torso. Supplementing the large laser at close range are four Diplan M3 [[Medium Laser]]s, one on either side of the center torso and one in each arm, allowing the ''Grasshopper'' to return fire from any angle with but a torso twist. The large laser's firepower is augmented at long range by a Conan/S [[LRM-5]] launcher mounted in the head and fed by a ton of ammo in the right torso. Too small to be a potent weapon in its own right, most ''Grasshopper'' pilots simply use the launcher to soften up a target before they can bring their laser weapons to bear, and on extended campaigns will forgo replenishing their ammunition. This not only lets other 'Mechs make better use of diminishing missile stockpiles, but also removes the potential of an internal ammunition explosion.<ref name=IRS>''Introductory Record Sheets'', p. 20</ref>.<ref name=TRO3039/> |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
| − | * GHR-5J - An upgrade of the ''Grasshopper'' using | + | * GHR-5J - An upgrade of the ''Grasshopper'' using Star League technology, the 5J replaces the Diplan large laser with a Diverse Optics Sunbeam [[ER Large Laser]], replaces the Conan/S launcher with a Hovertech [[Streak SRM-2]] model, and removes the two torso-mounted medium lasers for a SureFire 444 [[Anti-Missile System]]. BV (1.0) = 1,217<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 1,354<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 81</ref> |
| − | * GHR-5N - | + | * GHR-5N - The 5N is a very basic field upgrade of the ''Grasshopper'' introduced in [[3040]]. The LRM-5 and large laser have both been removed and in their place was added a [[PPC]] and a fifth medium laser. Though it increased the design's firepower these changes came at the risk of overheating the 'Mech, especially if the pilot was careless.<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (1.0) = 1,316<ref name=CO/><ref>'''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 120</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,511{{cn}} |
| − | * GHR-6K - The 6K variant of the ''Grasshopper'' | + | * GHR-6K - The 6K variant of the ''Grasshopper'' was introduced by [[LexaTech Industries]] of [[Hun Ho]] in [[3064]]. Upgrading the design by using an [[Endo Steel]] chassis and seventeen [[double heat sink]]s, the ER large laser is retained by supplemented instead five [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. The LRM-5 launcher has also been replaced with a Guided Technologies 2nd Generation [[Streak SRM-4]] missile launcher fed by a ton of ammunition protected by [[CASE]], while a [[C3 slave]] unit allows it to share targeting data with friendly units.<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (1.0) = 1,484<ref name=CO/><ref>'''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 121</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,597<ref name=MUL100/> |
| − | * GHR-7K - An upgrade of the 6K, the 7K | + | * GHR-7K - An upgrade of the 6K introduced in [[3069]], the 7K replaces the weapons with an eye toward making the ''Grasshopper'' independent of supply concerns common during the Jihad. Two arm-mounted [[Light PPC]]s provide long-range firepower, while short-range firepower is provided by twin torso-mounted [[Snub-Nose PPC]]s. A head-mounted [[ER Medium Laser]] takes the place of one of the 6K's heat sinks, while the addition of a [[Guardian ECM Suite]] and C3 slave unit makes this ''Grasshopper'' a difficult-to-detect guerrilla fighter.<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,806<ref name=MUL100>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 100</ref> |
| − | * | + | * GHR-7P - The production version of [[Arc-Royal MechWorks]] GHR-7X prototype, the 7P uses a [[Torso Mounted Cockpit]], [[Endo Steel]] skeleton and VOX 280 [[Light Fusion Engine]], and mounts six Leviathan Enhanced [[Improved Jump Jets]] as well. The Type VI [[Bloodhound Active Probe]] was also retained. The main difference between the prototype 7X and production 7P is its weaponry: instead of medium pulse lasers and problematic Bombast Lasers, the GHR-7P carries a Maxell X-pulsion [[Large X-Pulse Laser]] and an RAMTech 1500Z ER medium laser in each arm while another ER medium laser fills the head. BV (2.0) = 1,806<ref name=TROP-129>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 129</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Prototypes'', p. 70</ref> |
| − | * GHR- | + | * GHR-C - A basic modification of the 5J model introduced by the Combine in [[3052]], the ''Grasshopper'' C carries a [[C3 slave]] unit to allow it to be integrated into a C3 lance, often serving as the point 'Mech where its speed and armoring allowed it to get close enough to the enemy and share this targeting data with friendly units. To accomplish this, ammunition for the Streak SRM-2 launcher was reduced by one ton, though since it was already an ammo-efficient design this resulted in no drop in performance.<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (1.0) = 1,219<ref name=CO/>, (1,234)<ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'', p. 180</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,366<ref name=MUL100/> |
===Custom Variants=== | ===Custom Variants=== | ||
| − | *GHR-7K ''Gravedigger'' - | + | *GHR-7K ''Gravedigger'' - Piloted by [[Major]] Aaron Pollyea during the resistance to the [[Word of Blake]]'s occupation of [[New Avalon]], this variant was a captured Kuritan 7K prototype which had undergone testing and modification at the [[NAIS]]. The C3 slave module and ER medium laser are removed, allowing a pair of [[medium pulse laser]] to be mounted in the center torso, while the [[Guardian ECM]] had to be moved to the left torso. The use of [[Triple-Strength Mynomer]] turned this mech into a extremely dangerous brawler, while fourteen double heat sinks still kept it cool and allowed it to activate the TSM. Major Pollyea terrorized local Word units in this matte-black 'Mech, ambushing patrols and leading commando-style raids against "the robes."<ref name=TRO3050U/> BV (2.0) = 2,084<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p.196</ref> |
| − | * ''Grasshopper'' Reynolds - The | + | * ''Grasshopper'' Reynolds - The customized ''Grasshopper'' used by [[3rd Davion Guards]] [[Hauptmann]] Reynolds Allen when he commanded the Allen's Animals raiding company during [[Operation Bird Dog]].<ref name=HTPL-3>''Historical Turning Point: Luzerne'', p. 3 "Introduction"</ref> To help him hold out against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] forces on [[Luzerne]], this 'Mech's standard weapons were replaced with a trio of [[Clan]]-Tech ER large lasers mounted in the head and center torso supported by a Clan [[ER Medium Laser]] mounted in each arm and side torso. The remaining free weight was devoted to IS-grade double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 2,344 <ref name=HTPL-18>''Historical Turning Point: Luzerne'', p. 18 "''Grasshopper'' Reynolds"</ref> |
| − | * GHR-7X - A | + | * GHR-7X - A Jihad-era [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] prototype developed on [[Arc-Royal]], this version used a Torso-Mounted Cockpit, Light Engine, and Endo Steel skeleton as the frame to carry six Improved Jump Jets. The standard weaponry is replaced with a head mounted [[Medium Pulse Laser]] and a [[Bombast Laser]] in each arm. To find its opponents, the head also carries a [[Bloodhound Active Probe]]. <ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs'', p. 5</ref> Even after the refined GHR-7P entered production, ARM still produced a small number of GHR-7X ''Grasshopper''s in response to customer requests. Even so, less than ten GHR-7X's were ever manufactured, with the two original prototypes lost on [[Rochelle]]. <ref name=TROP-129/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1587<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs'', p. 18</ref> |
==Design Quirks== | ==Design Quirks== | ||
Revision as of 16:39, 9 September 2013
| |
| Grasshopper | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Lantren Corporation Jalastar Aerospace [1] Arc-Royal MechWorks [2] LexaTech Industries [2] |
| Production Year | 2780[3][4] |
| Model | GHR-5H |
| Class | Heavy |
| Cost | 6,024,574 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 70 tons |
| Chassis | Mingh z33/7 |
| Armor | Maximillian 100 |
| Engine | VOX 280 |
| Communications System | Allet-C308 |
| Speed | 64.8 km/h |
| Jump Jets | Lexington Lifters |
| Armament |
|
| BV (1.0) | 1,268[5] |
| BV (2.0) | 1,427[6] |
Contents
Description
Originally intended as a stealthy hunter-killer of light and medium 'Mechs for the SLDF, the Grasshopper entered service in 2780 after hostilities had wound down in the Amaris Civil War. Problems with integrating the original stealth systems with the chassis meant the Grasshopper missed the climatic end to the conflict and these systems were ultimately removed from the final design. The untested and unorthodox 'Mech was distributed primarily to the Regular army rather than the more prestigious Royal army, such that within four years it could be found in most regiments. Thus as the Star League dissolved and in the chaos of Operation Exodus and the defection of many SLDF units to the Successor States, examples of the Grasshopper found their way into the various House armies one way or another.[4][7][8]
With great mobility and a predominately shorter-ranged, energy-based weaponry, the Grasshopper proved itself during the First Succession War. The 'Mech's ground speed of 64.8 km/h was augmented by a pair of Leviathan Lifter jump jets, one in each leg, giving it a jumping capability of one hundred and twenty meters. Revolutionary for its time, the appearance of a heavy 'Mech with the mobility of a lighter design caused a change in tactics; the Grasshopper became known for using surprise and speed to appear suddenly in the midst of a tightly-packed lance, a devastating situation should the enemy lack short-ranged weapons themselves. The use of twenty-two heat sinks also gave it superior heat dissipation rates compared to other heavy 'Mechs, while its low dependence on ammunition allows the Grasshopper to operate away from established supply lines for extended periods of time. Though it could be outgunned by other 'Mechs of similar tonnage, the combination of its mobility and thirteen tons of standard armor meant the Grasshopper could at least inflict significant damage before being forced to withdraw. Finally, mounting its primary weapon in its center torso meant the Grasshopper remained combat-capable despite suffering crippling damage, including losing both arms, leading many to classify it as a "zombie" 'Mech.[4][7][8]
Besides hunting down lighter machines to clear the way for heavier, less-mobile 'Mechs, the Grasshopper's mobility and endurance meant it often spearheaded assaults to storm fortifications, lead flanking attacks to hit the enemy from the rear and serve as back-up brawler for companies of light and medium 'Mechs. Its ability to operate independently made it an excellent choice as a raider and guerrilla fighter, an attribute also prized by mercenary units in need of self-reliant 'Mechs. While popular the Grasshopper still remained an uncommon 'Mech during the Succession Wars, at least until ComStar's publication of Technical Readout: 3025, causing many commanders to mistakenly treat it as another heavy 'Mech until it was too late.[4][7][8]
In the midst of the Second Succession War the Lantren Corporation's factory on Bryant was destroyed in 2843, a result of worsening global storms and damage inflicted during the conflict, causing production of the 'Mech to cease. However the Grasshopper was usually prioritized over other 'Mechs, even a unit commander's own, when it came time to repair and rebuild after a battle. As such most of the original production run was still in active duty even after centuries of use. The company would eventually introduce a new variant in 3049, the GHR-5J, which upgraded many of its original systems with superior lostech designs. The original model was so popular however that it would continue to outnumber the 5J in decades to come by a ratio of three to one, though when the Draconis Combine introduced their own C3 variant that trend began to reverse. Further variants were introduced in the years following, and the Grasshopper participated in many conflicts, including both sides of the Jihad.[4][8]
Armament
The Grasshopper carries as its primary weapon a Diplan HD Large Laser in its center torso. Supplementing the large laser at close range are four Diplan M3 Medium Lasers, one on either side of the center torso and one in each arm, allowing the Grasshopper to return fire from any angle with but a torso twist. The large laser's firepower is augmented at long range by a Conan/S LRM-5 launcher mounted in the head and fed by a ton of ammo in the right torso. Too small to be a potent weapon in its own right, most Grasshopper pilots simply use the launcher to soften up a target before they can bring their laser weapons to bear, and on extended campaigns will forgo replenishing their ammunition. This not only lets other 'Mechs make better use of diminishing missile stockpiles, but also removes the potential of an internal ammunition explosion.[9].[4]
Variants
- GHR-5J - An upgrade of the Grasshopper using Star League technology, the 5J replaces the Diplan large laser with a Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser, replaces the Conan/S launcher with a Hovertech Streak SRM-2 model, and removes the two torso-mounted medium lasers for a SureFire 444 Anti-Missile System. BV (1.0) = 1,217[5], BV (2.0) = 1,354[10]
- GHR-5N - The 5N is a very basic field upgrade of the Grasshopper introduced in 3040. The LRM-5 and large laser have both been removed and in their place was added a PPC and a fifth medium laser. Though it increased the design's firepower these changes came at the risk of overheating the 'Mech, especially if the pilot was careless.[8] BV (1.0) = 1,316[5][11], BV (2.0) = 1,511[citation needed]
- GHR-6K - The 6K variant of the Grasshopper was introduced by LexaTech Industries of Hun Ho in 3064. Upgrading the design by using an Endo Steel chassis and seventeen double heat sinks, the ER large laser is retained by supplemented instead five Medium Pulse Lasers. The LRM-5 launcher has also been replaced with a Guided Technologies 2nd Generation Streak SRM-4 missile launcher fed by a ton of ammunition protected by CASE, while a C3 slave unit allows it to share targeting data with friendly units.[8] BV (1.0) = 1,484[5][12], BV (2.0) = 1,597[13]
- GHR-7K - An upgrade of the 6K introduced in 3069, the 7K replaces the weapons with an eye toward making the Grasshopper independent of supply concerns common during the Jihad. Two arm-mounted Light PPCs provide long-range firepower, while short-range firepower is provided by twin torso-mounted Snub-Nose PPCs. A head-mounted ER Medium Laser takes the place of one of the 6K's heat sinks, while the addition of a Guardian ECM Suite and C3 slave unit makes this Grasshopper a difficult-to-detect guerrilla fighter.[8] BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,806[13]
- GHR-7P - The production version of Arc-Royal MechWorks GHR-7X prototype, the 7P uses a Torso Mounted Cockpit, Endo Steel skeleton and VOX 280 Light Fusion Engine, and mounts six Leviathan Enhanced Improved Jump Jets as well. The Type VI Bloodhound Active Probe was also retained. The main difference between the prototype 7X and production 7P is its weaponry: instead of medium pulse lasers and problematic Bombast Lasers, the GHR-7P carries a Maxell X-pulsion Large X-Pulse Laser and an RAMTech 1500Z ER medium laser in each arm while another ER medium laser fills the head. BV (2.0) = 1,806[2][14]
- GHR-C - A basic modification of the 5J model introduced by the Combine in 3052, the Grasshopper C carries a C3 slave unit to allow it to be integrated into a C3 lance, often serving as the point 'Mech where its speed and armoring allowed it to get close enough to the enemy and share this targeting data with friendly units. To accomplish this, ammunition for the Streak SRM-2 launcher was reduced by one ton, though since it was already an ammo-efficient design this resulted in no drop in performance.[8] BV (1.0) = 1,219[5], (1,234)[15], BV (2.0) = 1,366[13]
Custom Variants
- GHR-7K Gravedigger - Piloted by Major Aaron Pollyea during the resistance to the Word of Blake's occupation of New Avalon, this variant was a captured Kuritan 7K prototype which had undergone testing and modification at the NAIS. The C3 slave module and ER medium laser are removed, allowing a pair of medium pulse laser to be mounted in the center torso, while the Guardian ECM had to be moved to the left torso. The use of Triple-Strength Mynomer turned this mech into a extremely dangerous brawler, while fourteen double heat sinks still kept it cool and allowed it to activate the TSM. Major Pollyea terrorized local Word units in this matte-black 'Mech, ambushing patrols and leading commando-style raids against "the robes."[8] BV (2.0) = 2,084[16]
- Grasshopper Reynolds - The customized Grasshopper used by 3rd Davion Guards Hauptmann Reynolds Allen when he commanded the Allen's Animals raiding company during Operation Bird Dog.[17] To help him hold out against Clan Smoke Jaguar forces on Luzerne, this 'Mech's standard weapons were replaced with a trio of Clan-Tech ER large lasers mounted in the head and center torso supported by a Clan ER Medium Laser mounted in each arm and side torso. The remaining free weight was devoted to IS-grade double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 2,344 [18]
- GHR-7X - A Jihad-era experimental prototype developed on Arc-Royal, this version used a Torso-Mounted Cockpit, Light Engine, and Endo Steel skeleton as the frame to carry six Improved Jump Jets. The standard weaponry is replaced with a head mounted Medium Pulse Laser and a Bombast Laser in each arm. To find its opponents, the head also carries a Bloodhound Active Probe. [19] Even after the refined GHR-7P entered production, ARM still produced a small number of GHR-7X Grasshoppers in response to customer requests. Even so, less than ten GHR-7X's were ever manufactured, with the two original prototypes lost on Rochelle. [2] BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1587[20]
Design Quirks
The GHR-7P Grasshopper variant is subject of the following Design Quirks:[2]
Gallery
GHR-5H Grasshopper in combat
GHR-5J Grasshopper in battle
GHR-5J Grasshopper
Mercenary Grasshopper
- Experimental Grasshopper.jpg
GHR-7X Grasshopper jumping
GHR-5H Grasshopper
GHR-5H Grasshopper
References
- ↑ Handbook: House Davion, p. 188
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 129
- ↑ MUL online date for the Grasshopper
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 150
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Combat Operations, p. 121, 125
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 155
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 86
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 80
- ↑ Introductory Record Sheets, p. 20
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 81
- ↑ 'Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 120
- ↑ 'Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 121
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 100
- ↑ Record Sheets: Prototypes, p. 70
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3060, p. 180
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p.196
- ↑ Historical Turning Point: Luzerne, p. 3 "Introduction"
- ↑ Historical Turning Point: Luzerne, p. 18 "Grasshopper Reynolds"
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs, p. 5
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs, p. 18
Bibliography
- Combat Operations
- Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs
- Historical Turning Points: Luzerne
- Master Unit List: Battle Values
- Introductory Record Sheets
- Record Sheets: 3025/3026
- Record Sheets: 3039
- Record Sheets: 3050
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)
- Record Sheets: 3060
- Record Sheets: Prototypes
- Record Sheets: Upgrades
- Technical Readout: 3025
- Technical Readout: 3039
- Technical Readout: 3050
- Technical Readout: 3050 Revised
- Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
- Technical Readout: Prototypes