Difference between revisions of "Hollander"

m
 
(39 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
|image=Hollander.jpg
 
|image=Hollander.jpg
−
|name=Hollander
+
|name=''Hollander''
−
|manufacturer=[[Coventry Metal Works]]<br>[[General Motors]]<ref name="TRO3145:FSp34">''Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns'', p. 34, "BZK-D1 ''Hollander III''"</ref>
+
|manufacturer=
 +
[[Coventry Metal Works]]<ref name=TRCIp104f>''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', pp. 104–105: "BZK-F3 Hollander"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3055U -->
 +
----
 +
[[General Motors]]<ref name="TRO3145:FSp34">''Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns'', p. 34, "BZK-D1 ''Hollander III''"</ref>
 
|production year=3054
 
|production year=3054
 
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/1536/ MUL online date for the ''Hollander'']''</ref>
 
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/1536/ MUL online date for the ''Hollander'']''</ref>
−
|model=BZK-F3
+
|model=BZK-F3<ref name=TRCIp104f />
 
|class=Light
 
|class=Light
 +
|Tech Base=Inner Sphere
 +
|mech type=BattleMech
 
|mass=35
 
|mass=35
−
|chassis=Coventry BZK-III [[Endo-Steel]]
+
|chassis=[[Coventry BZK-III]] <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[endo steel]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> <!-- <ref name=TRCIp104f /> -->
−
|armor=Lexington Limited High Grade [[Ferro-Fibrous]]
+
|armor= [[Lexington Ltd. High Grade Ferro-Fibrous]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp104f /> -->
−
|engine=[[Omni 175]]
+
|engine=[[Omni 175]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp104f /> -->
−
|comsys=[[TharHes Muse 54-58K]]
+
|comsys=[[TharHes Muse 54-58K]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp104f /> -->
−
|T&T=[[Cyclops 9]]
+
|T&T=[[Cyclops 9]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp104f /> -->
−
|heat sinks=10
+
|heat sinks=10 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp104f /> -->
−
|speed=86.4
+
|speed=86 <!-- <ref name=TRCIp104f /> -->
−
|armament=  
+
|armament= 1x [[Gauss rifle]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp104f /> -->
−
*1x [[Gauss Rifle]]
+
|BV (1.0)=861<ref name=COp132>''Combat Operations'', p. 132</ref>
−
|BV (1.0)=861<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 132</ref>
+
|BV (2.0)=953<ref name=TRCIp104f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 28</ref>
−
|BV (2.0)=953<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 28</ref>
 
−
 
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
The '''''Hollander''''' was introduced in [[3054]] specifically to carry a [[Gauss Rifle]] into combat and act as a sniper. The [[Federated Commonwealth]] was in dire need of a response to the fast-moving, long-range firepower of the [[Operation Revival|Clan Invaders]] at the time, and looked at a number of light 'Mech designs featuring [[PPC]]s or [[LRM]]s as a potential answer. It was Coventry's unorthodox decision to mount such a large weapon, one that had neither the overheating or ammunition explosion drawbacks of the other designs, which won them the contract. With its single massive cannon and use of [[lostech|rediscovered technology]], the ''Hollander'' can destroy another light 'Mech in a single hit at extreme range and threaten heavier targets easily.<ref name=TRO3055>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 26</ref><ref name=TRO3055u>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p.24</ref>
+
The '''''Hollander''''' was introduced in [[3054]] specifically to carry a [[Gauss rifle]] into combat and act as a sniper. The [[Federated Commonwealth]] was in dire need of a response to the fast-moving, long-range firepower of the [[Operation Revival|Clan invaders]] at the time, and looked at a number of [[BattleMech#Light|light]] 'Mech designs featuring [[PPC]]s or [[LRM]]s as a potential answer. It was Coventry's unorthodox decision to mount such a large weapon, one that had neither the overheating or ammunition explosion drawbacks of the other designs, which won them the contract. With its single massive cannon and use of [[lostech|rediscovered technology]], the ''Hollander'' can destroy another light 'Mech in a single hit at extreme range and threaten heavier targets easily.<ref name=TRO3055p26>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 26</ref><ref name=TRO3055up24>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p.24</ref>
  
−
Unfortunately, Coventry was a bit too ambitious with the original ''Hollander'' design and had to make a number of cutbacks to get a working production model. Even using advanced lightweight materials, space and weight concerns forced a number of concessions in order to mount such a massive weapon. The original six tons of armoring was scaled back, especially around the torso and arms, so that the weapon could fully articulate, and the [[fusion engine]] was reduced in size due to the weight of the weapon. Ammunition stores had to be reduced and secondary weapons eliminated due to space concerns as well. As such, the ''Hollander'''s speed profile was reduced to that of a Clan heavy 'Mech, and it has nothing to fall back on if it should run out of ammo.<ref name=TRO3055/><ref name=TRO3055u/>
+
Unfortunately, Coventry was a bit too ambitious with the original ''Hollander'' design and had to make a number of cutbacks to get a working production model. Even using advanced lightweight materials, space and weight concerns forced a number of concessions in order to mount such a massive weapon. The original six tons of armoring was scaled back, especially around the torso and arms, so that the weapon could fully articulate, and the [[fusion engine]] was reduced in size due to the weight of the weapon. Ammunition stores had to be reduced and secondary weapons eliminated due to space concerns as well. As such, the ''Hollander''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s speed profile was reduced to that of a Clan heavy 'Mech, and it has nothing to fall back on if it should run out of ammo.<ref name=TRO3055p26/><ref name=TRO3055up24/>
  
−
In spite of these setbacks the ''Hollander'' still boasted tremendous firepower and was cheap to build, leading to its immediate deployment as a light hunter-killer 'Mech. The first production run of ''Hollanders'' went to the [[17th Skye Rangers]] and the [[1st Kearny Highlanders]], operating against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] on [[Barcelona]] and [[Mogyorod]] respectively, where they were hoped to prove effective against the ''[[Kit Fox]]''. Other units, including prominent [[mercenary]] commands, also began to receive ''Hollander'' shipments thereafter. Since its debut numerous variants of the ''Hollander'' have attempted to address the flaws in the design, including the use of an even heavier chassis to create the ''Hollander II'' models.<ref name=TRO3055/><ref name=TRO3055u/>
+
In spite of these setbacks the ''Hollander'' still boasted tremendous firepower and was cheap to build, leading to its immediate deployment as a light hunter-killer 'Mech. The first production run of ''Hollanders'' went to the [[17th Skye Rangers]] and the [[1st Kearny Highlanders]], operating against [[Clan Jade Falcon]] on [[Barcelona]] and [[Mogyorod]] respectively, where they hoped to prove effective against the ''[[Kit Fox]]''. Other units, including prominent [[mercenary]] commands, also began to receive ''Hollander'' shipments thereafter. Since its debut, numerous variants of the ''Hollander'' have attempted to address the flaws in the design, including the use of an even heavier chassis to create the ''Hollander II'' models.<ref name=TRO3055p26/><ref name=TRO3055up24/>
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
−
The only weapon carried by the ''Hollander'' is a [[Poland Main Model A]] [[Gauss Rifle]], taking up the 'Mech's right torso.  While incredibly powerful, only two tons of ammunition in the center torso means the ''Hollander'' can fire sixteen times before it is completely defenseless. So long as it still has ammo though the ''Hollander'' is very dangerous, as its heavily-reinforced legs - fitted with recoil compensators and support hydraulics - allows the 'Mech to accurately target and fire at the enemy even when running at top speed. Built on a Coventry BZK-III [[Endo Steel]] chassis, the 'Mech is protected by four tons of Lexington Limited High Grade [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor; both design features were meant to save on weight as much as possible. However, its seven-ton Omni 175 engine gives the 'Mech a cruising speed of only 86.4 km/h. While not enough to actually catch its intended targets - light and medium 'Mechs - in a foot race, the ''Hollander'''s role as a long-range sniper does not necessarily require a high top speed.<ref name=TRO3055/><ref name=TRO3055u/>
+
The only weapon carried by the ''Hollander'' is a [[Poland Main Model A]] [[Gauss rifle]], taking up the 'Mech's right torso.  While incredibly powerful, only two tons of ammunition in the center torso means the ''Hollander'' can fire just 16 times before it is completely defenseless. So long as it still has ammo though the ''Hollander'' is very dangerous, as its heavily-reinforced legs - fitted with recoil compensators and support hydraulics - allows the 'Mech to accurately target and fire at the enemy even when running at top speed. Built on a [[Coventry BZK-III]] [[endo steel]] chassis, the 'Mech is protected by four tons of [[Lexington Limited High Grade]] [[ferro-fibrous]] armor; both design features were meant to save on weight as much as possible. However, its seven-ton [[Omni 175]] engine gives the 'Mech a cruising speed of only 86.4 km/h. While not enough to actually catch its intended targets - light and medium 'Mechs - in a foot race, the ''Hollander''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s role as a long-range sniper does not necessarily require a high top speed.<ref name=TRO3055p26/><ref name=TRO3055up24/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
−
*;BZK-G1 : The G1 variant of the ''Hollander'' is built to address concerns about the ''Hollander'''s lack of back up weapons. First debuting in [[3056]] the 'Mech replaces the heavy Gauss Cannon with an [[LB-X Autocannon/10]] as its primary weapon, freeing up weight to mount two [[Defiance B3M]] [[Medium Laser]]s in its arms as backup weapons and add two tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. The G1 is an excellent 'Mech for vehicle hunting as well as anti-aircraft use with its LB-X cluster rounds. BV (1.0) = 768<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 873<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 29</ref>
+
*; BZK-G1 : The G1 variant of the ''Hollander'' is built to address concerns about the ''Hollander''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s lack of backup weapons. First debuting in [[3056]], the 'Mech replaces the weighty [[Gauss rifle]] with an [[LB 10-X autocannon]] as its primary weapon, freeing up weight to mount two [[Defiance B3M]] [[medium laser]]s in its arms as backup weapons and add two tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor.<ref name=TRCIp104f /> The G1 is an excellent 'Mech for vehicle hunting as well as anti-aircraft use with its LB-X cluster rounds. BV (1.0) = 768<ref name=COp132/>, BV (2.0) = 873<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 29</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; BZK-G2 : Developed in the [[Dark Age]], this variant of the ''Hollander'' replaces the original weaponry with a [[light Gauss rifle]] and a [[supercharger]] for the engine.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3150'', p. 223</ref> BV (2.0) = 895<ref>''Record Sheets: 3150''</ref>
 +
*; BZK-F5 ''Hollander II'' : The ''Hollander II'' series increases the mass to 45 tons in an attempt to solve the original's flaws. First built in [[3058]], the F5 still carries a [[Gauss rifle]] as its primary weapon, but is backed up by a single [[medium laser]] and a [[Streak SRM-2]] launcher.<ref name=TRCIp104f /> BV (1.0) = 1,084<ref name=COp132/>, BV (2.0) = 1,214<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 40</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; BZK-F7 ''Hollander II'' : The F7, debuting in [[3061]], is a modification of the F5 that takes advantage of the ''Hollander II''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s larger weapons payload to mount the [[Lyran Alliance]]'s new [[heavy Gauss rifle]], which is capable of causing a great deal of damage at short to medium ranges. While improving upon the firepower of the variant, the removal of backup weaponry to fit this massive weapon leaves it with the same problems as the original ''Hollander''.<ref name=TRCIp104f /> BV (1.0) = 1,087<ref name=COp132/>, BV (2.0) = 1,192<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 41</ref>
  
−
*;BZK-G2 : Developed in the [[Dark Age]], this variant of the ''Hollander'' replaces the original weaponry with a [[Light Gauss Rifle]] and a [[Supercharger]] for the engine.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3150'', p. 223</ref>
+
*; BZK-D1 ''Hollander III'' : The first of the ''Hollander III'' designs to be manufactured by General Motors from their plant on [[Kathil]], the BZK-D1 entered production in [[3114]]. Using a [[GM 175 XL]] [[extralight engine]], the [[GM BZK-III]] [[endo steel]] chassis, and six tons of [[StarGuard Reflec]] [[reflective armor]] with [[CASE II]], the BZK-D1 traded the [[Gauss rifle]] of the original for a [[UAC/10]] with three tons of ammunition, and incorporated both a [[compact gyro]] and a [[supercharger]] as well.<ref name="TRO3145:FSp34"/> The BZK-D1 also featured a [[Full-Head Ejection System]]. BV (2.0) = 1,116<ref name="TRO3145:FSp81">''Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns'', p. 81, "BZK-D1 ''Hollander III''"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 194</ref>
  
−
*;BZK-F5 : The F5 variant, called the ''Hollander II'', is a variant of the ''Hollander'' that looks to alleviate the 'Mech's problems by building it on a chassis ten tons heavier than the original, pushing it into the medium weight class.  First built in [[3058]] the 'Mech still carries a Gauss Rifle as its primary weapon, but is backed up by a single [[Medium Laser]] and a [[Streak SRM-2]] launcher.<ref name=TRO3055u/> BV (1.0) = 1,084<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 1,214<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 40</ref>
+
*; BZK-D2 ''Hollander III'' : Produced as a result of interest from the [[LCAF]],<ref name="TRO3145:FSp34"/> the BZK-D2 removes the [[UAC/10]] of the BZK-D1 and replaces it with a [[Gauss rifle]]. The BZK-D2 lacked the [[Full-Head Ejection System]], however, and carried a ton less armor. BV (2.0) = 1,270<ref name="TRO3145:FSp82">''Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns'', p. 82, "BZK-D2 ''Hollander III''"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 195</ref>
  
−
*;BZK-F7 : The F7, debuting in [[3061]] is a modification of the F5 that takes advantage of the ''Hollander II'''s larger weapons payload to mount the [[Lyran Alliance]]'s new [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]], which is capable of causing a great deal of damage at short to medium ranges. While improving upon the firepower of the variant, the removal of backup weaponry to fit these massive weapon leaves it with the same problems as the original ''Hollander''.<ref name=TRO3055u/> BV (1.0) = 1,087<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 1,192<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 41</ref>
+
*; BZK-D3 ''Hollander III'' : Manufactured for the mercenary sales market,<ref name="TRO3145:FSp34"/> the BZK-D3 completely replaced the weapons payload of the BZK-D1; retaining the armor configuration of the BZK-D1, the D3 variant mounted a [[small laser]], an [[ER PPC]], and two [[medium laser]]s along with a [[targeting computer]] and an [[Angel ECM suite]]. Like the D2, the D3 also lacked the [[Full-Head Ejection System]]. BV (2.0) = 1,575<ref name="TRO3145:FSp83">''Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns'', p. 83, "BZK-D3 ''Hollander III''"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 196</ref>
  
−
*;BZK-D1 ''Hollander III'' : The first of the ''Hollander III'' designs to be manufactured by General Motors from their plant on [[Kathil]], the BZK-D1 entered production in [[3114]]. Using a [[GM 175 XL]] engine, the [[GM BZK-III]] [[Endo Steel]] chassis and six tons of [[StarGuard Reflec]] [[Reflective Armor]] with [[CASE II]], the BZK-D1 traded the Gauss Rifle of the original for an [[Ultra AC/10]] with three tons of ammunition and incorporated both a [[Compact Gyro]] and a [[Supercharger]].<ref name="TRO3145:FSp34"/> The BZK-D1 also featured a [[Full-Head Ejection System]]. BV (2.0) = 1,116<ref name="TRO3145:FSp81">''Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns'', p. 81, "BZK-D1 ''Hollander III''"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 194</ref>
+
==Design Quirks==
 +
The ''Hollander'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 92 BattleMech Quirk Table - Hollander Entry.</ref>
 +
* [[Reinforced Legs]]
 +
* [[Stabilized Weapon|Stabilized Weapon (Gauss Rifle)]]
 +
* [[Unbalanced]]
  
−
*;BZK-D2 ''Hollander III'' : Produced as a result of interest from the [[LCAF]],<ref name="TRO3145:FSp34"/> the BZK-D2 removes the Ultra AC/10 of the BZK-D1 and replaces it with a Gauss Rifle. The BZK-D2 lacked the Full-Head Ejection system, however, and carried a ton less armor. BV (2.0) = 1,270<ref name="TRO3145:FSp82">''Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns'', p. 82, "BZK-D2 ''Hollander III''"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 195</ref>
+
The ''Hollander II'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 92 BattleMech Quirk Table - Hollander II Entry.</ref>
 +
* [[Reinforced Legs]]
 +
* [[Stabilized Weapon|Stabilized Weapon (Gauss Rifle)]]
  
−
*;BZK-D3 ''Hollander III'' : Manufactured for the mercenary sales market,<ref name="TRO3145:FSp34"/> the BZK-D3 completely replaced the weapons payload of the BZK-D1; retaining the armor configuration of the BZK-D1, the D3 variant mounted a Small Laser, an ER PPC and two Medium Lasers along with a [[Targeting Computer]] and an [[Angel ECM Suite]]. Like the D2, the D3 also lacked the Full-Head Ejection System. BV (2.0) = 1,575<ref name="TRO3145:FSp83">''Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns'', p. 83, "BZK-D3 ''Hollander III''"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 196</ref>
+
==Related Designs==
 +
* '''''[[Blitzkrieg]]''''' - Unimpressed with the ''Hollander''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s lack of speed, armor, and secondary weaponry, the [[Lyran Alliance]] commissioned the ''Blitzkrieg''. Though the ''Blitzkrieg'' fails to add a secondary weapons system, it improves upon the ''Hollander'' in every other manner, including mounting a devastating [[UAC/20]]<ref>''Technical Readout: 3060'', p. 94</ref>.
  
−
==Related BattleMechs==
+
* '''''[[Kit Fox (Uller)]]''''' - A light Clan [[OmniMech]] that had a configuration that sported a [[Gauss rifle]], inspiring the Hollander's design.
−
*'''''[[Blitzkrieg]]''''' - Unimpressed with the ''Hollander'''s lack of speed, armor and secondary weaponry, the [[Lyran Alliance]] commissioned the ''Blitzkrieg''.  Though the ''Blitzkrieg'' fails to add a secondary weapons system, it improves upon the ''Hollander'' in every other manner, including mounting a devastating [[Ultra AC/20]]<ref>''Technical Readout: 3060'', p. 94</ref>.
+
 
−
*'''''[[Kit Fox (Uller)]]''''' - A light clan OmniMech that had a configuration that sported a Gauss Rifle, inspiring the Hollander's design.
+
==Notes==
 +
* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20221102192457/https://blainepardoe.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/out-of-the-archives-the-battlemechs-i-wrote-about-or-designed/ blog entry] that he believed that the ''Hollander'' was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original stats and background as initially published in TRO:3055, though added the caveat that he was not entirely sure regarding this particular design.
 +
 
 +
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Holländer'''''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''HOL-N3'''.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:3055u_Hollander.jpg|''Hollander'' on the battlefield
+
File:Hollander.jpg|Original ''Hollander'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3055|TRO:3055]]''
−
Image:CCG Crusade Hollander.jpg|''BZK-F3 Hollander'' in combat
+
Image:3055u_Hollander.jpg|''Hollander'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade|TRO:3055 Upgrade]]''
−
Image:Hollander III.jpg|''Hollander III''
+
Image:Hollander III.jpg|''Hollander III'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns|TRO:3145FS]]''
 +
Image:CCG Crusade Hollander.jpg|BZK-F3 ''Hollander'' in combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 62: Line 81:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
<div class="desktop-3-col">
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
−
* ''[http://www.classicbattletech.com/downloads/MasterUnitList_v1-66p_Names.pdf Master Unit List.pdf]''
+
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
−
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged]]''
 
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3067]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3067]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3150]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
Line 74: Line 95:
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]''
 +
</div>
  
 +
[[Category:'Mechs]]
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category: Light BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category: Light BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category: 35 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category: 35 ton BattleMechs]]
−
[[Category: Sniper BattleMechs]]
 
 
[[Category: Federated Suns BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category: Federated Suns BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:German renamed units]]

Latest revision as of 10:04, 5 March 2024

Hollander
Hollander
Production information
Manufacturer Coventry Metal Works[1]

General Motors[2]

Production Year 3054[3]
Model BZK-F3[1]
Class Light
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 35 tons
Chassis Coventry BZK-III [endo steel]
Armor Lexington Ltd. High Grade Ferro-Fibrous
Engine Omni 175
Communications System TharHes Muse 54-58K
Targeting Tracking System Cyclops 9
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 86 km/h
Armament

1x Gauss rifle

BV (1.0) 861[4]
BV (2.0) 953[1][5]


Description[edit]

The Hollander was introduced in 3054 specifically to carry a Gauss rifle into combat and act as a sniper. The Federated Commonwealth was in dire need of a response to the fast-moving, long-range firepower of the Clan invaders at the time, and looked at a number of light 'Mech designs featuring PPCs or LRMs as a potential answer. It was Coventry's unorthodox decision to mount such a large weapon, one that had neither the overheating or ammunition explosion drawbacks of the other designs, which won them the contract. With its single massive cannon and use of rediscovered technology, the Hollander can destroy another light 'Mech in a single hit at extreme range and threaten heavier targets easily.[6][7]

Unfortunately, Coventry was a bit too ambitious with the original Hollander design and had to make a number of cutbacks to get a working production model. Even using advanced lightweight materials, space and weight concerns forced a number of concessions in order to mount such a massive weapon. The original six tons of armoring was scaled back, especially around the torso and arms, so that the weapon could fully articulate, and the fusion engine was reduced in size due to the weight of the weapon. Ammunition stores had to be reduced and secondary weapons eliminated due to space concerns as well. As such, the Hollander's speed profile was reduced to that of a Clan heavy 'Mech, and it has nothing to fall back on if it should run out of ammo.[6][7]

In spite of these setbacks the Hollander still boasted tremendous firepower and was cheap to build, leading to its immediate deployment as a light hunter-killer 'Mech. The first production run of Hollanders went to the 17th Skye Rangers and the 1st Kearny Highlanders, operating against Clan Jade Falcon on Barcelona and Mogyorod respectively, where they hoped to prove effective against the Kit Fox. Other units, including prominent mercenary commands, also began to receive Hollander shipments thereafter. Since its debut, numerous variants of the Hollander have attempted to address the flaws in the design, including the use of an even heavier chassis to create the Hollander II models.[6][7]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The only weapon carried by the Hollander is a Poland Main Model A Gauss rifle, taking up the 'Mech's right torso. While incredibly powerful, only two tons of ammunition in the center torso means the Hollander can fire just 16 times before it is completely defenseless. So long as it still has ammo though the Hollander is very dangerous, as its heavily-reinforced legs - fitted with recoil compensators and support hydraulics - allows the 'Mech to accurately target and fire at the enemy even when running at top speed. Built on a Coventry BZK-III endo steel chassis, the 'Mech is protected by four tons of Lexington Limited High Grade ferro-fibrous armor; both design features were meant to save on weight as much as possible. However, its seven-ton Omni 175 engine gives the 'Mech a cruising speed of only 86.4 km/h. While not enough to actually catch its intended targets - light and medium 'Mechs - in a foot race, the Hollander's role as a long-range sniper does not necessarily require a high top speed.[6][7]

Variants[edit]

  • BZK-G1 
    The G1 variant of the Hollander is built to address concerns about the Hollander's lack of backup weapons. First debuting in 3056, the 'Mech replaces the weighty Gauss rifle with an LB 10-X autocannon as its primary weapon, freeing up weight to mount two Defiance B3M medium lasers in its arms as backup weapons and add two tons of ferro-fibrous armor.[1] The G1 is an excellent 'Mech for vehicle hunting as well as anti-aircraft use with its LB-X cluster rounds. BV (1.0) = 768[4], BV (2.0) = 873[8]
  • BZK-G2 
    Developed in the Dark Age, this variant of the Hollander replaces the original weaponry with a light Gauss rifle and a supercharger for the engine.[9] BV (2.0) = 895[10]
    BZK-F5 Hollander II 
    The Hollander II series increases the mass to 45 tons in an attempt to solve the original's flaws. First built in 3058, the F5 still carries a Gauss rifle as its primary weapon, but is backed up by a single medium laser and a Streak SRM-2 launcher.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,084[4], BV (2.0) = 1,214[11]
  • BZK-F7 Hollander II 
    The F7, debuting in 3061, is a modification of the F5 that takes advantage of the Hollander II's larger weapons payload to mount the Lyran Alliance's new heavy Gauss rifle, which is capable of causing a great deal of damage at short to medium ranges. While improving upon the firepower of the variant, the removal of backup weaponry to fit this massive weapon leaves it with the same problems as the original Hollander.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,087[4], BV (2.0) = 1,192[12]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Hollander has the following Design Quirks:[19]

The Hollander II has the following Design Quirks:[20]

Related Designs[edit]

  • Blitzkrieg - Unimpressed with the Hollander's lack of speed, armor, and secondary weaponry, the Lyran Alliance commissioned the Blitzkrieg. Though the Blitzkrieg fails to add a secondary weapons system, it improves upon the Hollander in every other manner, including mounting a devastating UAC/20[21].

Notes[edit]

  • Author Blaine Lee Pardoe stated in a blog entry that he believed that the Hollander was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original stats and background as initially published in TRO:3055, though added the caveat that he was not entirely sure regarding this particular design.
  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Holländer. The model code was accordingly changed to HOL-N3.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, pp. 104–105: "BZK-F3 Hollander"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns, p. 34, "BZK-D1 Hollander III"
  3. ↑ MUL online date for the Hollander
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Combat Operations, p. 132
  5. ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 28
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Technical Readout: 3055, p. 26
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p.24
  8. ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 29
  9. ↑ Technical Readout: 3150, p. 223
  10. ↑ Record Sheets: 3150
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 40
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 41
  13. ↑ Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns, p. 81, "BZK-D1 Hollander III"
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 194
  15. ↑ Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns, p. 82, "BZK-D2 Hollander III"
  16. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 195
  17. ↑ Technical Readout 3145: Federated Suns, p. 83, "BZK-D3 Hollander III"
  18. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 196
  19. ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 92 BattleMech Quirk Table - Hollander Entry.
  20. ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 92 BattleMech Quirk Table - Hollander II Entry.
  21. ↑ Technical Readout: 3060, p. 94

Bibliography[edit]

Retrieved from "https://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Hollander&oldid=1058534"