Hammerhands

Hammerhands
Production information
Manufacturer	Achernar BattleMechs, New Hessen WorkMechs
Production Year	2475
Model	HMH-3D
Class	Heavy
Cost	6,207,250 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass	75 tons
Chassis	Achernar Special Type 4-reinforced
Armor	StarGuard III
Engine	DAV 225
Communications System	Achernar Electronics HICK-3
Speed	54 km/h
Jump Jets	Rawlings 50
Armament	2 x Autocannon/10 2 x Medium Laser 1 x SRM-6
BV (1.0)	1,118
BV (2.0)	1,381

Description

The second exclusive Federated Suns BattleMech, the Hammerhands was developed in 2475 after a decade reviewing the performance and complaints received about the earlier BattleAxe. Little more than a heavier and slower version of the BattleAxe, the design received its name based on the impressive weapons carried in each arm, serving to trigger the Federated Suns' seeming love affair with autocannons. Much like its sibling design, the Hammerhands went on to influence and be outdone by the immensely popular Warhammer, causing it to fade into history, all but forgotten.

During the Jihad, both Achernar BattleMechs and the New Hessian MechWorks production plant started producing Hammerhands for the AFFS. Production continued after the end of the Jihad.

Armament

The Achernar designers' solution for the high heat generated by the BattleAxes PPCs was to replace them with a pair of Mydron Model B Autocannon/10s backed up by Medium Lasers in each arm, while retaining the earlier design's shoulder mounted SRM-6. Carrying four tons of ammunition spread between the arms and torsos, the Hammerhands' autocannons were rarely silenced during most Age of War era conflicts.

Variants

• HMH-4D - A solution to both Davion MechWarriors early dislike of jump jets and desire for decreased reliance upon supply chains, the 4D strips out the jump jets and SRM-6 rack for a single PPC. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,356

• HMH-5D - The first upgraded Age of War design produced by Achernar, the 5D variant is a minor modernization, utilizing more advanced materials to enhance the armor and jump capacity while saving space to add a C3 Slave Unit. While the Medium Lasers were exchanged for extended range models, the standard autocannons were retained, the advantage being that their split ammo bins can be used to carry Armor-Piercing, Precision, as well as standard munitions. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,496

• HMH-6D - A true modern updating, the 6D maximizes the jump capacity and adds a targeting computer and C3 Slave unit. The Hammerhands' classic autocannons are replaced with Rotary versions and the removed heat sinks are nullified to a degree by the addition of Triple Strength Myomer. Most controversially, rear armor has been almost entirely stripped to strengthen the 'Mechs frontal protection. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 2,139

• HMH-6E - This version adds a Guardian ECM Suite and CASE to increase protection, as well as expanding the ammunition bays to four tons. This provides more ammunition for the Rotary AC/5s located in the arms. It also carries a Guardian ECM Suite and a C3 Slave. To make room for these changes, engineers removed the Targeting Computer. Triple Strength Myomer allows the 'Mech to temporarily reach speeds of 64km/h. BV (2.0) = 2,204

Related BattleMechs

• BattleAxe - The Hammerhands was designed to replace the Battleaxe and its flaws.
• Warhammer - The Hammerhands is, together with the Battleaxe, one of the two mechs that influenced the design of the Warhammer.

Bibliography

• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• Record Sheets: 3075
• Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged
• Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New
• Technical Readout: 3075
• Technical Readout: 3085
• Objectives: Federated Suns