Hunchback

Hunchback
Hunchback
Production information
Manufacturer Kali Yama Weapons Industries, Komiyaba/Nissan General Industries, Coventry Metal Works, Norse-Storm BattleMechs
Model HBK-4G
Class Medium
Cost 3,467,875 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 50 tons
Chassis Komiyaba Type VIII
Armor Starshield
Engine Nissan 200
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 851
BV (2.0) 1,037


Description

Originally conceived in 2572, the Hunchback is well-known as an urban combat BattleMech built for close-range combat. The only real flaw in the Hunchback's design as a city fighter is its lack of jump jets combined with its relatively slow ground speed of only 64.8 km/h. Aside from this flaw, the design is a respected and dangerous 'Mech when in a city environment. When in the open though, its lack of any long-range weapons makes the Hunchback little more than a slow-moving target.[1]

Armament

The primary weapon on the Hunchback is a Tomodzuru Autocannon Mount Type 20 which can strip one and a quarter tons off of an enemy 'Mech in a single blow. This is paired with two Ichiba 2000 Medium Lasers and a Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Laser. All of the weapons carried by the Hunchback excel at close ranges and make it a devastating opponent at close range.[2]

Variants

  • HBK-2 - Described as a venerable Star League-era model, this version of the Hunchback was the basis from which the Clans developed the Hunchback IIC (see below).
  • HBK-4H - One of many variants, the 4H Hunchback is a modification of the design that uses a lighter Autocannon/10 and adds an additional two Medium Lasers. This modification increases the Hunchback's long range striking capability at the expense of raw firepower. BV (1.0) = 850, BV (2.0) = 1,067[1]
  • HBK-4J - This variant changes the 'Mech's focus from short range combat to fire support by removing the Autocannon/20 and replacing it with two LRM-10 launchers and three additional Medium Lasers. This variant can act as a bodyguard 'Mech for fire support lances without degrading the mission of those lances because of its mix of LRMs and Medium Lasers. BV (1.0) = 853, BV (2.0) = 1,143[1]
  • HBK-4N - The 4N variant combines the qualities of the 4H and 4J. The main weapon is an Autocannon/5 and a pair of LRM-5 launchers. This makes the 4N capable of direct fire and indirect fire support. Additionally, two Medium Lasers have been added to the design. BV (1.0) = 843, BV (2.0) = 1,087[1]
  • HBK-4P - Also called the Swayback, the 4P Hunchback is modified to carry only energy weapons. The Autocannon/20 was replaced with six additional Medium Lasers. In order to handle the incredibly high heat load, the 'Mech has twenty three heat sinks. While this may seem like a downgrade to the design, the combined firepower of all eight Medium Lasers can do twice as much damage as the Autocannon they replaced. BV (1.0) = 960, BV (2.0) = 1,138[1]
  • HBK-4SP - The 4SP variant replaces the Autocannon with two SRM-6 launchers. These missile launchers provide the 'Mech with a great deal of damage capability at close range but they do not have the same raw power as the original Autocannon/20. The 'Mech also has four Medium Lasers as secondary weapons. BV (1.0) = 854, BV (2.0) = 1,043[1]
  • HBK-5H - The 5H Hunchback is a Periphery upgrade of the basic design. The Small Laser was removed as well as one and a half tons of armor and three Rocket Launcher 20s were added to the design, giving it a incredible amount of close range striking capability. BV (1.0) = 901, BV (2.0) = 1,092
  • HBK-5M - The 5M Hunchback is a simple upgrade of the original 4G model that first saw production in 3046. The heat sinks have been upgraded to double heat sinks. Additionally, the Small Laser has been upgraded to a Small Pulse Laser and CASE has been added to protect against ammunition explosions BV (1.0) = 932, BV (2.0) = 1,054[3]
  • HBK-5N - A very simple field upgrade of the basic Hunchback, the 5N model simply downgrades the pulse laser back to a Small Laser. The CASE is removed to add an additional ton of ammunition. BV (1.0) = 903, BV (2.0) = 1,037[3]
  • HBK-5P - The 5P Hunchback is an upgrade on the Swayback 4P variant. The 'Mech carries six ER Medium Lasers and two Medium Pulse Lasers. Additionally, the 5P carries an ECM Suite as well as a C3 slave to share targeting telemetry with its lance mates. BV (1.0) = 1,162, BV (2.0) = 1,340[3]
  • HBK-5SG - A prototype that never saw full production, the 5SG trades out the autocannon and Small Laser of the 5S for a Gauss Rifle and Guardian ECM Suite. The addition of Stealth Armor makes this Hunchback a long-range sniper that is difficult to hit. A Compact Gyro is used to make room for all of the equipment. BV (2.0) = 1,577[3]
  • HBK-5SS - Produced by Norse-Storm, the 5SS is an upgrade to the Swayback. Based on the chassis of the 5S, it carries two MML 9s fed by three tons worth of ammunition. Three ER Medium Lasers and an ER Small Laser provide added close-in damage potential. The use of a Heavy-Duty Gyro protects this fragile piece of equipment from damage. BV (2.0) = 1,342[3]
  • HBK-6N - This factory-produced variant of the 5N removes the three extra heat sinks and replaces them with three more tons of ammunition. BV = ??? (Note that this variant is described in Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, but is not present in the accompanying record sheets.). BV (2.0) = 1,130[3]
  • HBK-7X-4 - This failed factory experimental variant of the Hunchback was developed by Kali Yama Weapons Industries of Kalidasa. Only four prototypes were produced in 3065, but no orders were placed for it. This experimental version of the 'Mech included CASE II, Torso-Mounted Cockpit, Armored Gyro, and Reinforced Structure. The 'Mech was protected by 9 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armor and its armored and reinforced components enhanced its battlefield survivability. It was armed with a single Class 10 Ultra Autocannon carrying two tons of ammo. However, the design was considered too expensive for the reduction in firepower. BV (2.0) = 1,208[4]

Custom Variants

  • HBK-4G Hunchback Shakir - The personal 'Mech of Sorenson’s Sabres member and future ISF director Shakir Jerrar was refitted to an advanced variation of the 4H in the lead-up to the War of 3039, carrying two prototype Medium Pulse Laser in place of the four standard Medium Lasers.[5]
  • HBK-4G Hunchback Hohiro - Assigned Jerrar's 'Mech after his retirement from the Sabres, when piloted by Hohiro Utsonomiya during the Jihad it was refitted with post-Clan Invasion technology. The addition of an Endo steel chassis and Ferro-Fibrous armor frees up weight to swap the standard AC/10 for an Ultra Autocannon/10, retaining the two ton ammo bay, carrying standard production grade Medium Pulse Lasers in the arms and a ER Small Laser in the head, adding a C3 Slave in the center torso. [6]

Notable Pilots

Related BattleMechs

  • Hunchback IIC - The HBK-2 Hunchback was one of the 'Mechs taken with the SLDF on their exodus from the Inner Sphere. Eventually, the Hunchback was upgraded with Clan technology and the Hunchback IIC was created. BV (1.0) = 1,524, BV (2.0) = 1,679

Gallery

  • HBK-4G Hunchback

  • HBK-5M Hunchback

  • HBK-5M Hunchback

  • HBK-7X-4 Hunchback with experimental equipment

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 136
  2. ↑ Introductory Record Sheets, p. 13
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 58
  4. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations p. 4 - Experimental Hunchback.
  5. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 41, 95
  6. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 108

Bibliography

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