IIC

Description

IIC ("two-C", for "Mark Two, Clan technology") is an Inner Sphere designation used for various items of Clan equipment that are built with superior Clan technology and evolved out of certain classic designs or items. Originally coined for certain BattleMech designs, the "IIC" designation was later also used for superior (Clan-level) technology rebuilds of Aerospace Fighters, vehicles, and other equipment that evolved out of an earlier namesake in a similar fashion, and is now used for a broad range of advanced items.

Many IIC designs have altered the design's mass and some bear little resemblance to the earlier design or item of the same name.

IIC 'Mechs and fighters do not make use of Omni technology and were thus already considered obsolete by the time of the Clan Invasion. They were absent from frontline formations, but were used in second-line and garrison units.

The Clans themselves do not seem to use the "IIC" designation, referring to IIC units and items by their traditional name (without the "IIC" appendix) instead.

No IIC Spaceships

Spaceships seem to be a notable exception from the IIC naming scheme:

There are no IIC DropShips. Despite effectively being IIC-style redesigns, the Union-C and Overlord-C are named thus, even by the Clans themselves. Similarly, the upgraded Clan version of the K-1 DropShuttle is called the K-1C (and not K-1 IIC).

The Clans do operate upgraded versions of common JumpShips with (it is implied) improved on-board electronics and other technologies such as HarJel, but the overall differences seem to be minor and they are not named differently.

Neither is there a IIC WarShip class, although many vessels in the Clan fleets have undergone some form of upgrade.

Difference betwen "IIC" and "C" designs

"IIC" BattleMechs should not be confused with "C" BattleMechs: Unlike "IIC" designs, which are essentially new 'Mech models designed and (initially) produced in the Clan homeworlds to make use of Clan technology, "C" 'Mech models are simple upgrades of existing designs with higher-technology components, without changing the basic design. They are built at captured Inner Sphere factories where the Clans were unable or unwilling to retool the factories to produce an entirely new 'Mech type, and merely upgraded it with advanced versions of the same technologies.

Known IIC designs

BattleMechs

• Beowulf IIC
• Clint IIC
• Commando IIC
• Conjurer (Hellhound), the Wolverine IIC in all but name; five tons lighter than the original Wolverine
• Dervish IIC (apocryphal)
• Griffin IIC, fifteen tons lighter than the original Griffin
• Guillotine IIC
• Highlander IIC
• Hunchback IIC
• Jenner IIC
• Locust IIC, five tons heavier than the original Locust
• Marauder IIC, ten tons heavier than the original Marauder and thus classed as an assault 'Mech, not a heavy 'Mech
• Orion IIC
• Phoenix Hawk IIC, thirty-five tons heavier than the original Phoenix Hawk and thus classed as an assault 'Mech, not a medium 'Mech
• Rifleman IIC, five tons heavier than the original Rifleman
• Shadow Hawk IIC, ten tons lighter than the original Shadow Hawk
• Stinger IIC
• Thunderbolt IIC
• UrbanMech IIC
• Warhammer IIC, ten tons heavier than the original Warhammer and thus classed as an assault 'Mech, not a heavy 'Mech
• Wolfhound IIC, a rebuild of Phelan Kell's personal 'Mech and presumably a unique one-off design
• Wyvern IIC

Aerospace fighters

• Chippewa IIC

Vehicles

• Axel IIC tank

Other

• Mauser IIC assault rifle