Null Signature System
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Description
First used on the EXT-4D Exterminator, and in other mechs such as the Spector and the Werewolf, the Star League's finest achievement in stealth systems consists several sub-systems that combine to mask a BattleMech's presence on the battlefield. The system makes a hidden BattleMech as good as invisible. Only Inner Sphere BattleMechs can mount this system; the Clans find such systems dishonorable, and stopped researching them more than a century ago.
While the system is engaged, the 'Mech is more difficult to attack at long distance. In addition, Beagle Active Probes and their Clan equivalents cannot locate a hidden unit with its null signature system engaged. Only the Bloodhound Active Probe can penetrate the null signature masking.
The null signature system features heat baffles that mask the 'Mech's heat sinks and reduce its infrared signature. However, the baffles restrict the normal venting of heat, meaning the 'Mech generates an additional 10 points of heat while the system is active. The null signature system also incorporates a phased-array sensor system and a sheathed directional communication beacon. Therefore, a 'Mech with this system may not mount any special Targeting and Tracking Systems or Satellite Uplink systems, and also may not mount a Targeting Computer or C3 equipment. Strangely, this rule does not apply to C3i computers. While it is unknown whether this was intentional, or in error, all signs show no conflict between the two systems.
The null signature system does not weigh a significant amount, but does take up one critical slot in each of the BattleMech's hit locations except for the head, for a total of seven critcal slots. A critical hit to any of these slots will disable the entire system.