Difference between revisions of "Hermes"

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{{otheruses|the light 30-ton [[BattleMech]]|the much more common medium 40-ton BattleMech and other uses|Hermes II|Hermes (disambiguation)}}
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
|image=Hermes.jpg
 
|image=Hermes.jpg
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|manufacturer=[[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]
 
|manufacturer=[[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]
 
|model=HER-1S
 
|model=HER-1S
|class=Light
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|production year=2632
|cost= 2,701,270 C-bills
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|cost=2,701,270 C-bills
 +
|Tech Base=Inner Sphere
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|mech type=BattleMech
 +
|feet=biped
 
|mass=30
 
|mass=30
 
|chassis=Irian Chassis Class 10 [[Endo Steel]]
 
|chassis=Irian Chassis Class 10 [[Endo Steel]]
 
|armor=Jolassa-328 [[Ferro-Fibrous]]
 
|armor=Jolassa-328 [[Ferro-Fibrous]]
|engine=GM 270
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|engine=[[GM 270]]
 +
|comsys=[[Irian TelStar]]
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|T&T=[[Alexis Photon Target Acquisition System]]
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|heat sinks=10
 
|speed=151.2
 
|speed=151.2
 
|armament=
 
|armament=
*2x[[Medium Laser]]s
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*2x [[Medium Laser]]s
*1x[[Flamer]]
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*1x [[Flamer]]
 
|BV (1.0)=596
 
|BV (1.0)=596
 
|BV (2.0)=720
 
|BV (2.0)=720
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==Description==
 
==Description==
The '''''Hermes''''' [[BattleMech]] was first commissioned in [[2632]] by the [[Star League Defense Force]]. The 'Mech reached units extremely quickly and was deployed immediately. It came as little surprise to the SLDF that soon after they were received the ''Hermes'' became known as a 'Mech with problematic electronics. The problems in the ''Hermes''' electronics systems were eventually resolved through time-consuming field-repairs carried out by the SLDF.
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The '''''Hermes''''' was first commissioned in [[Introduction Year::2632]] by [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]] for the [[Star League Defense Force]] and reached units in record time, allowing it to be deployed immediately as a heavy scout [[BattleMech]]. With the rushed nature of its deployment, it came as little surprise to the SLDF that 'bugs' began appearing in the ''Hermes'' and the 'Mech quickly gained a reputation for having problematic electronics. These problems would eventually be resolved through time-consuming field repairs carried out by SLDF technicians. As for the ''Hermes'' intended mission, the 'Mech was originally designed to be as fast as any 'Mech that existed at the time, trading a great deal of potential firepower and armor for an incredible ground speed.  While this made the ''Hermes'' nearly untouchable at sustained pace, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] who piloted them usually had doubts about taking such an under-armed scout 'Mech into battle and it soon became unpopular.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 22-23</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 14-15</ref>
  
As for the ''Hermes'' intended mission, the 'Mech was originally designed to be as fast as any 'Mech that existed at the time. The ''Hermes'' traded a great deal of potential firepower for an incredible ground speed. While this makes the ''Hermes'' nearly untouchable at sustained speed, the MechWarriors who pilot the ''Hermes'' usually have doubts about piloting such an under-armed scout 'MechThe ''Hermes'' would serve for nineteen years on the frontline before reassignment to second-line units and, eventually, put into storageThe [[Succession Wars]] would bring the ''Hermes'' back into battle, though repairs and production of new units would rely on heavier, less advanced components as [[Star League]] technology became lostThe rediscovery of this [[lostech]] has spurred on Irian Battlemechs to reintroduce the ''Hermes'' as a limited production, specialty 'Mech.
+
The ''Hermes'' served for nineteen years on the front lines before it was reassigned to second-line units. Eventually, it was decommissioned and mothballed by the SLDF. The onset of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] would bring the ''Hermes'' out of storage to fight again, this time in service to the [[Successor States]] as [[company]] and [[battalion]]-level scoutsAs the wars dragged on much of the technology behind the ''Hermes'' became [[lostech|lost]] and repairs increasingly relied on heavier, less advanced componentsWhen IBMU decided in [[2798]] to reopen the ''Hermes'' production line it was only to build a new design, the ''[[Hermes II]]'', instead offering refit and repairs for the decreasing number of ''Hermes'' in useBy the end of the Succession Wars most ''Hermes'' still operational were little more than scavenged parts held together by sheer determination.  Only the [[Com Guards]] maintained original-model ''Hermes'', in pristine condition no less thanks to their secret stockpile of seized Star League 'Mechs.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 22-23</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 14-15</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 250-251</ref>
  
==Armament==
+
When the [[Helm Memory Core]] was recovered and the lost knowledge it contained distributed, IBMU decided in [[3043]] to use the ''Hermes'' as a test demonstrator for refitting other outdated designs with new technology.  They succeeded in [[3047]] with the debut of the HER-3S, which added increased electronic surveillance capabilities, and sold these new models to the [[Free Worlds League Military]].  After the [[Clan Invasion]] the company was given permission to sell these 'Mechs to the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and [[Draconis Combine]], although so-called "red tape" prevented any actual sales and guaranteed the FWLM's exclusive use of the new ''Hermes'' for another decade.  New variants of the ''Hermes'' would continue to be produce for several more years and these 'Mechs served in the [[Jihad]] on both sides.<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 190-191</ref>
The ''Hermes'' is armed with two Hellion V [[Medium Laser]]s tied to an Alexis Photon Target Aquisition System and a single Olympian [[Flamer]].  The Alexis improves accuracy by painting the target with a low-intensity targeting laser before firing; if the system fails to lock on, the order to fire is suspended until the target can be reacquiredThough the Flamer is of an old design, using a napalm based fuel mixture instead of directly tapping the fusion plant's plasma field, it is considered amongst the safest devised. If it is forced to engage other light 'Mechs, the Medium Lasers give the ''Hermes'' good medium to close range firepower and will usually be sufficient. In cases where the ''Hermes'' is outmatched, the [[Flamer]] gives the [[MechWarrior]] the option of starting fires to cover its escape. In addition, the Flamer is an excellent deterrent to any anti-BattleMech [[infantry]] considering swarming the 'Mech.
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==Weapons and Equipment==
 +
The ''Hermes'' is armed with two Hellion V [[Medium Laser]]s split between the right arm and center torso and tied to an [[Alexis Photon Target Acquisition System]].  The Alexis improves accuracy by painting the target with a low-intensity targeting laser before firing. If the system fails to acquire a target lock on a sufficiently high-density target, such as an armored vehicle, the order to fire is held in suspension for two seconds.  If the target lock hasn't be re-acquired by then the fire order is canceled.  While the heat build-up from charging the lasers must still be dissipated, the system decreases wear and tear on the firing emitters, greatly saving on maintenanceUnfortunately the means to produce and repair the Alexis died with the Star League, and by the end of the Succession Wars no ''Hermes'' outside the Com Guards had a working system.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 22-23</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 14-15</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 250-251</ref>
 +
 
 +
A single Olympian [[Flamer]] is mounted in the left arm, allowing the ''Hermes'' to start fires to cover its escape or deter anti-'Mech [[infantry]], although it is an older design using a napalm-based fuel mixture instead of directly tapping the [[fusion engine]]’s plasma field.  The napalm gel is forced along pressure hoses towards the nozzle where it is mixed with small amounts of phosphorus suspended in water; when the phosphorus mixes with air it ignites.  In addition to jettison racks for the napalm canisters this makes the flamer amongst the safest devised, since the fuel is stored far from the ignition point and only a small amount of phosphorus is needed.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 22-23</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 14-15</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 250-251</ref>
 +
 
 +
Heat management is provided for by the standard number of ten [[heat sinks]] mounted in the GM 270 engine.  In spite of using an [[Endo Steel]] chassis this massive engine, taking up nearly half of the ''Hermes''' mass, is responsible for its tremendous cruising speed of 97 km/h and both an anemic weapons payload and paltry five tons of armor.  The replacement of standard armor for [[Ferro-Fibrous]] weave shortly after the 'Mech's introduction did improve survivability.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 22-23</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 14-15</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 250-251</ref>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
*HER-1A - The 1A ''Hermes'' is the downgraded version of the 1S ''Hermes''. The primary changes that have taken place on the 1S are the removal of the [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor and the substitution of a standard internal structure for the [[Endo Steel]] structure on the 1S model. Due to these changes, the armor has been reduced by half, but otherwise there were no sacrifices in either speed or weaponry. BV (1.0) = 501, BV (2.0) = 601<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 251</ref>
+
*;HER-1A : The 1A ''Hermes'' is the downgraded refit of the 1S ''Hermes'' introduced in [[2856]]. The primary changes that have taken place on the 1S are the removal of the Ferro-Fibrous armor and the substitution of a standard internal structure for the Endo Steel structure on the 1S model. Due to these changes, the armor has been reduced by half, but otherwise there were no sacrifices in either speed or weaponry.  The Alexis targeting system was also replaced with a [[Wasat Aggressor]]. BV (1.0) = 501, BV (2.0) = 601<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 251</ref>
  
*HER-1Sb - The Royal ''Hermes'' has an upgraded weapon suite with four medium lasers and one small laser in addition to the flamer. It also mounts a Beagle Active Probe and a MASC system. This is made possible by switching to a XL Engine. As usual with Royals, it has double heat-sinks. BV (2.0) = 1112<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 34</ref>
+
*;HER-1B : The 1B ''Hermes'' is the same downgraded version of the 1A ''Hermes''. The only difference is the flamer of the 1A has been removed and replaced with a medium laser. BV (2.0) = 687<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 412</ref>
  
*HER-3S - The HER-3S variant of the ''Hermes'' is the first of several upgraded versions of the ''Hermes'' that have been modified for use in electronic warfare. Produced by Irian, this variant first saw production in [[3043]]. This variant of the ''Hermes'' drops the [[Flamer]] from the design, retains the [[Endo Steel]] structure and has half of the armor protection of the 1S model but carries an upgraded electronics suite that uses a [[Beagle Active Probe]] to allow it advanced detection capabilities. In addition, a [[MASC]] system has been added to the ''Hermes'' to allow it bursts of speed up to 194.4 km/h. BV (1.0) = 510, BV (2.0) = 649<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 191</ref>
+
*;HER-1Sb : The [[SLDF Royal units|Royal]] ''Hermes'' introduced in [[2740]] has an upgraded weapon suite with four medium lasers and one small laser in addition to the flamer. It also mounts a [[Beagle Active Probe]] and [[MASC]] motive system. Room for these improvements were made possible by switching to a [[XL Engine]]. As usual with Royal 'Mechs, it also uses [[double heat sinks]]. BV (2.0) = 1112<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 34</ref>
  
*HER-3S1 - The 3S1 is the second of the electronic warfare versions of the ''Hermes'' and first saw use in [[3049]]. This version has identical modifications to the 3S but instead of the [[Beagle Active Probe]] it carries a [[Guardian ECM Suite]]. BV (1.0) = 572, BV (2.0) = 726<ref name=MUL108>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 108</ref>
+
*;HER-3S : The HER-3S variant of the ''Hermes'' is the first of several upgraded versions of the ''Hermes'' that have been modified for use in electronic warfare. Produced by Irian in [[3047]] this variant of the ''Hermes'' retains the Endo Steel structure and Ferro-Fibrous armor of the original while dropping the flamer and decreasing the armor tonnage by half. These modifications free up space for an upgraded electronics suite that includes the original Alexis system mated to a Beagle Active Probe, giving it advanced detection capabilities. In addition, a MASC system has been added to the ''Hermes'' to allow it bursts of speed up to 194.4 km/h. BV (1.0) = 510, BV (2.0) = 649<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 191</ref>
  
*HER-3S2 - The 3S2 is the most rare and the most extreme of the electronic warfare versions of the ''Hermes''. This version carries almost identical changes to the 3S except that one of the [[Medium Laser]]s has been sacrificed to free weight for a [[TAG]] laser designator, allowing the 'Mech to act as a spotter for [[Arrow IV]] artillery rounds. BV (1.0) = 466, BV (2.0) = 600<ref name=MUL108/>
+
*;HER-3S1 : The 3S1 is the second of the electronic warfare versions of the ''Hermes'' and first saw use in [[3049]]. This version has identical modifications to the 3S but instead of the Beagle Active Probe it carries a [[Guardian ECM Suite]]. BV (1.0) = 572, BV (2.0) = 726<ref name=MUL108>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 108</ref>
  
*HER-4K - This version was prepared in the late 3060s for export to the [[Draconis Combine]]. It removes the lasers of the 4S and replaces them with six [[ER Medium Laser]]s. A [[C3 Slave Unit]] is also added to integrate into the the Combine's C3 network. Armor is removed to make room for all this equipment and an [[ER Small Laser]]. (This version should not be confused with the HER-4K version of the ''[[Hermes II]]'', otherwise known as the ''Hermes III'', which was an export version of the ''Hermes II''.) BV (2.0) = 1,470<ref name=MUL108/>
+
*;HER-3S2 : The 3S2 is the most rare and the most extreme of the electronic warfare versions of the ''Hermes''. Introduced alongside the 3S1 this version carries almost identical changes to the 3S except that one of the medium lasers has been sacrificed to free weight for a [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] laser designator, allowing the 'Mech to act as a spotter for [[Arrow IV]] artillery rounds. BV (1.0) = 466, BV (2.0) = 600<ref name=MUL108/>
  
*HER-4M - Meant for use within the [[Free Worlds League]] and by their [[Word of Blake]] allies, the 4M removes a medium and small laser from the 4K to upgrade the C3 unit to an [[Improved C3 Computer]]. BV (2.0) = 1,362<ref name=MUL108/>
+
*;HER-4K : This version was prepared in [[3058]] for export to the [[Draconis Combine]]. It removes the lasers of the 4S and replaces them with six [[ER Medium Laser]]s. A [[C3 Slave Unit]] is also added to integrate into the the Combine's C3 network. Armor is removed to make room for all this equipment and an [[ER Small Laser]]. (This version should not be confused with the HER-4K version of the ''[[Hermes II]]'', otherwise known as the ''Hermes III'', which was an export version of the ''Hermes II''.) BV (2.0) = 1,470<ref name=MUL108/>
  
*HER-4S - The 4S ''Hermes'' is the most recent upgrade of this venerable 'Mech. The design carries over the [[MASC]] and chassis from the 3S1 model but has had a complete upgrade of its weapons and engine. The original standard engine has been replaced with an [[ExtraLight]] engine and the armor protection has been upgraded to five and a half tons, which is greater than the original 1S model. The weapons on board the ''Hermes'' have also been replaced by three [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, giving the ''Hermes'' an unprecedented amount of firepower in its long history. BV (1.0) = 787, BV (2.0) = 1,010<ref name=MUL108/>
+
*;HER-4M : Introduced in [[3060]] for use within the Free Worlds League and by their [[Word of Blake]] allies, the 4M removes a medium and small laser from the 4K to upgrade the C3 unit to an [[Improved C3 Computer]]. BV (2.0) = 1,362<ref name=MUL108/>
  
*HER-4WB - A variant used exclusively by the Blakists, the 4WB swaps out the Ferro-Fibrous armor for [[Stealth Armor]], resulting in a 'Mech that is more difficult to target at the cost of overall armor protection. BV (2.0) = 1,042<ref name=MUL108/>
+
*;HER-4S : The 4S ''Hermes'' was introduced in [[3057]] and based on the 3S1 variant. It carries over the MASC and chassis from the 3S1 model but has had a complete upgrade of its weapons and engine. The original standard engine has been replaced with an [[ExtraLight]] engine and the armor protection has been upgraded to five and a half tons. The weapons on board the ''Hermes'' have also been replaced by three [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, giving the ''Hermes'' an unprecedented amount of firepower in its long history. BV (1.0) = 787<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 45</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,010<ref name=MUL108/>
  
==Manufacturer==
+
*;HER-4WB : A variant used exclusively by the Blakists starting in [[3068]], the 4WB swaps out the Ferro-Fibrous armor for [[Stealth Armor]], resulting in a 'Mech that is more difficult to target at the cost of overall armor protection. BV (2.0) = 1,042<ref name=MUL108/>
  
* HER-3S - Irian BattleMechs Unlimited - Irian <ref>TRO 3050 p.69</ref>
+
== Design Quirks ==
 +
The ''Hermes'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 92 Design Quirk Table - Hermes Entry.</ref>
 +
* [[No Torso Twist]]
  
 
==Related BattleMechs==
 
==Related BattleMechs==
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==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Image:HER-1AHERMES.png|''HER-1A Hermes''
+
File:Hermes.jpg|Original HER-1S ''Hermes'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 2750|TRO:2750]]''
File:HER-Hermes.png|''HER-1A Hermes''
+
Image:HER-Hermes.png|HER-1A ''Hermes'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised|TRO:3025 Revised]]''
Image:CCG Counterstrike Hermes 1S.jpg|''HER-1S Hermes'' during combat
+
Image:HER-1AHERMES.png|HER-1A ''Hermes'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3039|TRO:3039]]''
Image:CCG Counterstrike Hermes 3S.jpg|''HER-3S Hermes'' in battle
+
Image:HER-3S Hermes.jpg|HER-3S ''Hermes'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
Image:3050U Hermes.jpg|''HER-3S Hermes''
+
Image:3050U Hermes.jpg|HER-3S ''Hermes'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Image:HER-3S Hermes.jpg|The ''HER-3S Hermes'' from [[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]
+
Image:CCG Counterstrike Hermes 1S.jpg|HER-1S ''Hermes'' during combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
 
+
Image:CCG Counterstrike Hermes 3S.jpg|HER-3S ''Hermes'' in battle from ''CCG''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
*''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
 
*''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
 
*''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
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*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
  
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:SLDF Royal BattleMechs]]
[[Category:30 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:SLDF 2750 BattleMechs]]
 
 
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:Scout BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:C3 Equipped BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:C3 Equipped BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:C3 Slave Equipped BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:C3 Slave Equipped BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:Improved C3 Equipped BattleMechs]]

Revision as of 16:57, 28 June 2020

This article is about the light 30-ton BattleMech. For the much more common medium 40-ton BattleMech and other uses, see Hermes II and Hermes (disambiguation).
Hermes
Hermes
Production information
Manufacturer Irian BattleMechs Unlimited
Production Year 2632
Model HER-1S
Class Light
Cost 2,701,270 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 30 tons
Chassis Irian Chassis Class 10 Endo Steel
Armor Jolassa-328 Ferro-Fibrous
Engine GM 270
Communications System Irian TelStar
Targeting Tracking System Alexis Photon Target Acquisition System
Heat Sinks 10
Speed 151.2 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 596
BV (2.0) 720


Description

The Hermes was first commissioned in 2632 by Irian BattleMechs Unlimited for the Star League Defense Force and reached units in record time, allowing it to be deployed immediately as a heavy scout BattleMech. With the rushed nature of its deployment, it came as little surprise to the SLDF that 'bugs' began appearing in the Hermes and the 'Mech quickly gained a reputation for having problematic electronics. These problems would eventually be resolved through time-consuming field repairs carried out by SLDF technicians. As for the Hermes intended mission, the 'Mech was originally designed to be as fast as any 'Mech that existed at the time, trading a great deal of potential firepower and armor for an incredible ground speed. While this made the Hermes nearly untouchable at sustained pace, the MechWarriors who piloted them usually had doubts about taking such an under-armed scout 'Mech into battle and it soon became unpopular.[1][2]

The Hermes served for nineteen years on the front lines before it was reassigned to second-line units. Eventually, it was decommissioned and mothballed by the SLDF. The onset of the Succession Wars would bring the Hermes out of storage to fight again, this time in service to the Successor States as company and battalion-level scouts. As the wars dragged on much of the technology behind the Hermes became lost and repairs increasingly relied on heavier, less advanced components. When IBMU decided in 2798 to reopen the Hermes production line it was only to build a new design, the Hermes II, instead offering refit and repairs for the decreasing number of Hermes in use. By the end of the Succession Wars most Hermes still operational were little more than scavenged parts held together by sheer determination. Only the Com Guards maintained original-model Hermes, in pristine condition no less thanks to their secret stockpile of seized Star League 'Mechs.[1][2][3]

When the Helm Memory Core was recovered and the lost knowledge it contained distributed, IBMU decided in 3043 to use the Hermes as a test demonstrator for refitting other outdated designs with new technology. They succeeded in 3047 with the debut of the HER-3S, which added increased electronic surveillance capabilities, and sold these new models to the Free Worlds League Military. After the Clan Invasion the company was given permission to sell these 'Mechs to the Federated Commonwealth and Draconis Combine, although so-called "red tape" prevented any actual sales and guaranteed the FWLM's exclusive use of the new Hermes for another decade. New variants of the Hermes would continue to be produce for several more years and these 'Mechs served in the Jihad on both sides.[4]

Weapons and Equipment

The Hermes is armed with two Hellion V Medium Lasers split between the right arm and center torso and tied to an Alexis Photon Target Acquisition System. The Alexis improves accuracy by painting the target with a low-intensity targeting laser before firing. If the system fails to acquire a target lock on a sufficiently high-density target, such as an armored vehicle, the order to fire is held in suspension for two seconds. If the target lock hasn't be re-acquired by then the fire order is canceled. While the heat build-up from charging the lasers must still be dissipated, the system decreases wear and tear on the firing emitters, greatly saving on maintenance. Unfortunately the means to produce and repair the Alexis died with the Star League, and by the end of the Succession Wars no Hermes outside the Com Guards had a working system.[1][2][3]

A single Olympian Flamer is mounted in the left arm, allowing the Hermes to start fires to cover its escape or deter anti-'Mech infantry, although it is an older design using a napalm-based fuel mixture instead of directly tapping the fusion engine’s plasma field. The napalm gel is forced along pressure hoses towards the nozzle where it is mixed with small amounts of phosphorus suspended in water; when the phosphorus mixes with air it ignites. In addition to jettison racks for the napalm canisters this makes the flamer amongst the safest devised, since the fuel is stored far from the ignition point and only a small amount of phosphorus is needed.[1][2][3]

Heat management is provided for by the standard number of ten heat sinks mounted in the GM 270 engine. In spite of using an Endo Steel chassis this massive engine, taking up nearly half of the Hermes' mass, is responsible for its tremendous cruising speed of 97 km/h and both an anemic weapons payload and paltry five tons of armor. The replacement of standard armor for Ferro-Fibrous weave shortly after the 'Mech's introduction did improve survivability.[1][2][3]

Variants

  • HER-1A 
    The 1A Hermes is the downgraded refit of the 1S Hermes introduced in 2856. The primary changes that have taken place on the 1S are the removal of the Ferro-Fibrous armor and the substitution of a standard internal structure for the Endo Steel structure on the 1S model. Due to these changes, the armor has been reduced by half, but otherwise there were no sacrifices in either speed or weaponry. The Alexis targeting system was also replaced with a Wasat Aggressor. BV (1.0) = 501, BV (2.0) = 601[5]
  • HER-1B 
    The 1B Hermes is the same downgraded version of the 1A Hermes. The only difference is the flamer of the 1A has been removed and replaced with a medium laser. BV (2.0) = 687[6]
  • HER-1Sb 
    The Royal Hermes introduced in 2740 has an upgraded weapon suite with four medium lasers and one small laser in addition to the flamer. It also mounts a Beagle Active Probe and MASC motive system. Room for these improvements were made possible by switching to a XL Engine. As usual with Royal 'Mechs, it also uses double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1112[7]
  • HER-3S 
    The HER-3S variant of the Hermes is the first of several upgraded versions of the Hermes that have been modified for use in electronic warfare. Produced by Irian in 3047 this variant of the Hermes retains the Endo Steel structure and Ferro-Fibrous armor of the original while dropping the flamer and decreasing the armor tonnage by half. These modifications free up space for an upgraded electronics suite that includes the original Alexis system mated to a Beagle Active Probe, giving it advanced detection capabilities. In addition, a MASC system has been added to the Hermes to allow it bursts of speed up to 194.4 km/h. BV (1.0) = 510, BV (2.0) = 649[8]
  • HER-3S1 
    The 3S1 is the second of the electronic warfare versions of the Hermes and first saw use in 3049. This version has identical modifications to the 3S but instead of the Beagle Active Probe it carries a Guardian ECM Suite. BV (1.0) = 572, BV (2.0) = 726[9]
  • HER-3S2 
    The 3S2 is the most rare and the most extreme of the electronic warfare versions of the Hermes. Introduced alongside the 3S1 this version carries almost identical changes to the 3S except that one of the medium lasers has been sacrificed to free weight for a TAG laser designator, allowing the 'Mech to act as a spotter for Arrow IV artillery rounds. BV (1.0) = 466, BV (2.0) = 600[9]
  • HER-4K 
    This version was prepared in 3058 for export to the Draconis Combine. It removes the lasers of the 4S and replaces them with six ER Medium Lasers. A C3 Slave Unit is also added to integrate into the the Combine's C3 network. Armor is removed to make room for all this equipment and an ER Small Laser. (This version should not be confused with the HER-4K version of the Hermes II, otherwise known as the Hermes III, which was an export version of the Hermes II.) BV (2.0) = 1,470[9]
  • HER-4M 
    Introduced in 3060 for use within the Free Worlds League and by their Word of Blake allies, the 4M removes a medium and small laser from the 4K to upgrade the C3 unit to an Improved C3 Computer. BV (2.0) = 1,362[9]
  • HER-4S 
    The 4S Hermes was introduced in 3057 and based on the 3S1 variant. It carries over the MASC and chassis from the 3S1 model but has had a complete upgrade of its weapons and engine. The original standard engine has been replaced with an ExtraLight engine and the armor protection has been upgraded to five and a half tons. The weapons on board the Hermes have also been replaced by three Medium Pulse Lasers, giving the Hermes an unprecedented amount of firepower in its long history. BV (1.0) = 787[10], BV (2.0) = 1,010[9]
  • HER-4WB 
    A variant used exclusively by the Blakists starting in 3068, the 4WB swaps out the Ferro-Fibrous armor for Stealth Armor, resulting in a 'Mech that is more difficult to target at the cost of overall armor protection. BV (2.0) = 1,042[9]

Design Quirks

The Hermes has the following Design Quirk:[11]

Related BattleMechs

  • Hermes II - The Hermes II is a heavy scout BattleMech originally produced shortly after the fall of the Star League. The Hermes II was intended to replace the Hermes; the basic Hermes II mounts an AC/5, a Medium Laser, a Flamer, and 7.5 tons of armor.[12]

Gallery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Technical Readout: 2750, p. 22-23
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 14-15
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 250-251
  4. Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 190-191
  5. Technical Readout: 3039, p. 251
  6. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 412
  7. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 34
  8. Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 191
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 108
  10. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 45
  11. BattleMech Manual, p. 92 Design Quirk Table - Hermes Entry.
  12. Technical Readout: 3025, pp. 40-41

Bibliography