Iron Cheetah
Sarna News
| |
| Iron Cheetah | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Manufacturing Plant SFF-IT5 |
| Production Year | 3054[1] |
| Model | Prime |
| Class | Assault |
| Technical specifications | |
| 'Mech type | Clan OmniMech |
| Mass | 100 tons |
| Chassis | DSAM Endo 4 |
| Armor | Composite A-4 Ferro-Fibrous |
| Engine | 400 Model SF-3 XL |
| Communications System | TJ6 Bell Integrated Communication System |
| Targeting Tracking System | Series III OPT |
| Heat Sinks | 16 Double Heat Sinks |
| Speed | 64 km/h |
| Armament |
Prime Configuration
|
| BV (2.0) | 3155[2] |
Contents
Description
The Iron Cheetah is an Assault OmniMech originally designed by Clan Smoke Jaguar in an effort to create the ultimate assault OmniMech. Even though the Smoke Jaguars were running into issues of limited resources, they were still able to develop one last OmniMech. The Iron Cheetah was designed to supplement the Dire Wolf and represented the pinnacle of 3050's BattleMech technology. The lack of sufficient resources precluded the Jaguar ability to field more than a handful of these machines before their Annihilation at the hands of the Inner Sphere. The Draconis Combine was able to salvage a few chassis, which were assigned to the most prestigious of MechWarriors.
The plans for the Iron Cheetah managed to find their way to Clan Diamond Shark but it wasn't until 3080s that the Diamond Sharks were able to put the OmniMech into production. The Republic of the Sphere purchased an exclusivity contract, thus preventing widespread dissemination of the Iron Cheetah. The Republic concentrated its machines in Stone's Brigade and the Fidelis. With the death of the Republic, Clan Sea Fox began selling the Iron Cheetah on the open market, mostly to House Steiner, Marik, and Davion. Out of the Clans only Clan Snow Raven and Clan Wolf-in-Exile have shown interest in the 'Mech.
Weapons and Equipment
Designed to improve upon the Dire Wolf, the Iron Cheetah mounts a 400-rated XL engine. This enables to the 'Mech to reach speeds of 64 km/h. While designers feared the increased engine mass would excessively reduce the 'Mech's payload, the increased cooling efficiency meant little impact to the 'Mech's practical punch. Both Endo Steel and ferro-fibrous armor were used to save additional weight.
The Primary Configuration mounts a number of long-range weapons, giving the Iron Cheetah amazing sniping potential. Dual ER PPCs supported by an Artemis-IV-augmented LRM 15 rack and Gauss rifle allow it to disable or destroy most opponents before they can close. Medium pulse lasers and an ER small laser provided close-in defense, while an anti-missile system handled any incoming missile barrages.[2]
Alternate Configurations
- Alternate Configuration A
- A close-in brawler, the A's primary weapon is a massive Ultra AC/20 mounted in the right arm. Double Streak SRM 6 racks and multiple Machine Guns support the main weapon. A pair of Large Pulse Lasers provide accurate long-range fire. Finally, a single Active Probe helps prevent ambushes. BV (2.0) = 2,708[2]
- Alternate Configuration B
- Mounting paired Large Pulse Lasers and six Medium Pulse Lasers, the B-configuration is capable of highly accurate fire even while utilizing its four Jump Jets to seek cover and firing positions. A Targeting Computer provides additional firing assistance. BV (2.0) = 3,303[2]
- Alternate Configuration C
- The C-configuration is designed for holding the line with direct fire weapons. Quadruple ER Large Lasers and an LRM 15 allow the Iron Cheetah to strike at extreme ranges. Four Medium Pulse Lasers and two Streak SRM 2s handle any opponents who manage to close into shorter distances. Eight additional Double Heat Sinks handle the extra waste heat. BV (2.0) = 2,915[2]
- Alternate Configuration D
- Configuration D mounts an eclectic assortment of weapons that manage to complement each other fairly well. A single Gauss rifle and paired ER Large Lasers let this configuration punch holes in the enemy. Once the target's armor is in tatters, the D-Configuration can bring its massive LB 20-X AC into play, where its cluster ammunition can devastate internal components. An ECM Suite provides defense against enemy electronics. BV (2.0) = 2,871[2]
- Alternate Configuration L
- Configuration L was created using advanced technology. A Supercharger allows the Iron Cheetah to hit speeds greater than 85 km/h. A massive HAG 40 provides devastating short-range and long-range punch. The main weapon is supported by a Large Pulse Laser at longer ranges, while two Medium Pulse Lasers and four Improved Heavy Medium Lasers add significant short-range damage. A Light Active Probe helps prevent ambushes, and CASE II protects the right torso and left arm from the explosive components. BV (2.0) = 3,416[2]
Notes
- The Iron Cheetah Prime and Configurations A–D originally appeared in MechForce Quarterly.[3]