Howler (Baboon)

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Howler (Baboon)
Howler
Production information
Manufacturer Novy Minsky Armaments Plant

CJF Factory Zone 5

Production Year 2871[1]
Model Baboon
Class Light
Cost 1,826,240 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan BattleMech
Mass 20 tons
Chassis Type-A endo steel
Armor Type 2 Ferro Fibrous with CASE
Engine 140 Standard
Communications System Mercer 973 (Only confirmed for Howler (Baboon) 2)[2]
Targeting Tracking System GEG Pattern 490/1 (Only confirmed for Howler (Baboon) 2)[2]
Heat Sinks 10 double heat sinks
Speed 119 km/h
Armament

3x LRM-5

BV (1.0) 587
BV (2.0) 645[3]


Description

Although this simian-looking BattleMech was conceived as a Totem 'Mech for Clan Fire Mandrill,[4] in the Inner Sphere where it was given the reporting name Baboon, the Howler was first observed among Clan Jade Falcon second-line units, though it has since been proven to be much more widespread. It is relatively fast for a 'Mech its size, topping out at 119 km/h. Its good speed and armament is made possible by the use of an endo steel structure and three tons of ferro-fibrous armor.

Weapons and Equipment

The Howler is, essentially, a missile boat, very potent for its size. Meant to provide fire support to light garrison Stars, the 'Mech carries three LRM-5 launchers and three tons of ammunition. It is also used extensively as a training 'Mech.[4]

Variants

  • Howler
    The Howler was redesigned by Clan Steel Viper scientists to improve their light second-line units after the Clan was expelled from the Inner Sphere by Clan Jade Falcon. A smaller extralight engine provides the space for four ATM-3s along with two tons of ammunition. Though the 'Mech's running speed is reduced, it uses MASC to accelerate to 130 km/h in short bursts. BV (1.0) = 634, BV (2.0) = 757[3]
  • Howler 3 ("Devil") 
    Clan Snow Raven scientists refitted captured Howler 2s with an ER PPC and a targeting computer, turning the 'Mech into a sniper. This variant was supposedly inspired by the 30-ton Devil, a BattleMech design in turn inspired by early Howlers Clan Snow Raven had captured from Clan Fire Mandrill.[2] BV (1.0) = 1,048, BV (2.0) = 1,277[3]
  • Howler
    Developed by Clan Jade Falcon, this model drops two of the LRM-5s, installs jump jets that can cover 210 meters, and reduce the carried ammunition to a single ton. It is prominently used as a trainer. BV (2.0) = 506[5]
  • Howler
    The standard Howler chassis has had its LRM-5s removed and replaced with six ER medium lasers, fitted in triple mounts in each side torso. BV (2.0) = 1,363[6]
  • Howler
    Another close range combatant, this Howler variant carries a pair of SRM-6s in a shoulder turret. Two tons of ammunition are carried in a CASE II protected bay. BV (2.0) = 550[7]

Design Quirks

The Howler has the following Design Quirks:[8]

Related Designs

  • Devil[9] - A 30 ton light BattleMech, which built off the Howler's design.

Notable Pilots

See Category:Notable Howler (Baboon) Pilots

Notes

  • In German products, the unit's proper Clan name was translated to Heuler. The unit's proper Inner Sphere name was also perfectly translated to Pavian.

Gallery

References

  1. MUL online date for Howler (Baboon)
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 104
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 66
  4. 4.0 4.1 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8, p. 4
  5. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8, p. 22
  6. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8, p. 23
  7. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8, p. 24
  8. BattleMech Manual, p. 90: Battlemech Quirk Table - Howler Entry.
  9. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 8, p. 6

Bibliography