Difference between revisions of "Phoenix Hawk"

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==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 
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* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
 
* ''[[BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid]]''
 
* ''[[BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid]]''
 
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''
 
* ''[[BattleTech: Legends]]''
 
* ''[[BattleTech Dossiers: The Bounty Hunter]]''
 
* ''[[BattleTech Dossiers: The Bounty Hunter]]''
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
 
 
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]''
 
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]''
* ''[http://www.battlecorps.com/BC2/news.html?article=351 Capellan Mean Machine]'' (dead link)
 
 
* ''[[Combat Manual: Kurita]]''
 
* ''[[Combat Manual: Kurita]]''
 
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''
 
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''

Revision as of 12:01, 23 October 2022

Phoenix Hawk
Phoenix Hawk
Production information
Manufacturer Orguss Industries

Achernar BattleMechs


Alshain Weapons


Ceres Metals Industries


Cosby BattleMech Research Firm


Coventry Metal Works


Earthwerks Incorporated


Gorton, Kingsley, and Thorpe Enterprises


Majesty Metals and Manufacturing[1]


Bordello Military Goods, Inc. [2]

Production Year 2568[3]
Model PXH-1
Class Medium
Cost 4,066,090 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 45 tons
Chassis Earthwerks PXH
Armor Durallex Light
Engine GM 270
Communications System Neil 6000
Targeting Tracking System Octagon Tartrac System C
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets Rawlings 45[4]
Armament
BV (1.0) 838
BV (2.0) 1,041[5][6]


Description

First introduced by the Terran Hegemony in 2568,[3] the Phoenix Hawk was one of the most famous BattleMechs in the Inner Sphere. The 'Mech began life when Orguss Industries realized that it could reinforce the Stinger chassis to create a larger version, one with the same speed and maneuverability as the Stinger but with superior armor, firepower, and electronics. Though not without its own drawbacks, the Phoenix Hawk quickly became the standard by which all other reconnaissance 'Mechs were measured.[4][5][7]

Originally a staple of the Star League Defense Force, Phoenix Hawks remained common within the armies of the Successor States after the fall of the Star League. At first Phoenix Hawks were grouped together to form powerful recon lances, but as they started reaching their various deployments, their full potential as command 'Mechs was discovered and many were reassigned to instead lead units of smaller recon 'Mechs.[4][5] By the middle of the thirty-first century the Phoenix Hawk was still in production at factories on Keystone, New Avalon, Coventry, Jarett and Satalice. Its commonness made it an early candidate for the use of recovered lostech following the Helm Memory Core recovery, and a variety of upgraded variants were produced in time for the Clan Invasion.[8]

When Vicore Industries began peddling its Project Phoenix concept, they had trouble even arranging a meeting with Ceres Metals about upgrading the Phoenix Hawk, until General Motors agreed to contact them on their behalf. What followed were several months of negotiations, concluding with an agreement for Ceres to build the new PXH-4L Phoenix Hawk on St. Ives in exchange for technical assistance retooling their BJ-3 Blackjack production line. The Capellan Confederation, impressed with what they saw in these new Phoenix Hawks, acquired the first run when they stepped off the production lines in late 3066 and assigned them to front-line units; their job was to work alongside RVN-4L Ravens in a support role. New variants based on this updated 'Mech soon found their way into the hands of other users, including ComStar and the Word of Blake.[9]

Weapons and Equipment

Standing at 11 meters tall,[10] the Phoenix Hawk was armed in such a way that it can be used in several different combat roles including command, reconnaissance, and front line duty. The primary weapon on board was a Harmon large laser carried in the right arm, giving the 'Mech a weapon which could strike at an enemy at a respectable distance. This was backed up by two Harmon medium lasers for close range combat, one in either forearm. Finally, to deter infantry attacks, the 'Mech carried two M100 Heavy machine guns, also one in each arm, with one ton of ammunition stored in the center torso.[4][5]

Eight tons of armoring on the Phoenix Hawk gave it acceptable endurance for short combat actions, though not for any sustained brawling. Just 10 single heat sinks meant the 'Mech had a relatively low heat threshold; green pilots were known to lose their 'Mechs by overtaxing this system overusing their heat-intensive weapons and jump jets. However, a GM 270 fusion engine also gave the Phoenix Hawk a good cruising speed of 64.8 km/h, and the 'Mech could go from standing still to top speed within the span of 100 meters.[11] Six jump jets split between right and left rear torsos provided a maximum jumping distance of 180 meters. These attributes helped make the 'Mech just as fast and maneuverable as its smaller brethren, the Stinger and Wasp.[4][5]

It was the Phoenix Hawk's electronics, though, which truly helped it perform best as a command 'Mech for recon lances. Its Tek Tru-Trak targeting computer was particularly accurate, while the heavily shielded Tek BattleCom system could overcome interfering radiation, whether ambient or manmade, that would've shut down other units. Unfortunately, after the fall of the Star League, the ability to reproduce these systems became lost and many units had to replace them with simpler systems, such as the Octagon Tartrac System C and Neil 6000 respectively.[4][5]

Variants

  • PXH-1c "Special" 
    An upgrade that never saw full production due to the fall of the Star League, the 1c called for swapping out the ER PPC in exchange for a snub-nose PPC, which was still an experimental weapon when the first models started field Trials in 2784. The extra ton left over was used to increase the variant's armoring.[12] BV (2.0) = 1,443[17][18]
  • PXH-1D 
    The 1D variant of the Phoenix Hawk was commonly used by the forces of the Federated Suns. Introduced in 2856, it removes both of the machine guns and the ammunition and replaces them with two additional single heat sinks. While removing a small amount of the 'Mech's short-range firepower and a powerful set of weapons against infantry, the additional heat sinks made the 1D's heat load more manageable.[4] BV (1.0) = 883; BV (2.0) = 1,083[21][22]
  • PXH-1K 
    The 1K variant was particularly favored by House Kurita, though when it was introduced in 2603 it represented a departure from the traditional thinking of the Phoenix Hawk. By removing all jump jets from the 'Mech, room is freed up to install three additional single heat sinks and another one and a half tons of armor. The machine guns and ammunition have also been removed from the design and replaced with a single small laser carried in the center torso. BV (1.0) = 872; BV (2.0) = 1,073[23][24][7]
  • PXH-2 
    Based on the PXH-1, this electronic warfare variant introduced in 2599 drops the machine guns and ammunition in favor of a Guardian ECM suite and another half-ton of armor. BV (2.0) = 1,145[26]
  • PXH-3D 
    The 3D variant of this 'Mech was introduced in 3048, based on the 1D used by House Davion forces, and was built out of New Avalon by Achernar BattleMechs as one of a slew of redesigns using recovered lostech. The 'Mech utilized endo steel construction techniques and an extralight fusion engine to free up weight and space for a number of improvements, particularly its weaponry. The 'Mech carried a pair of ER large lasers and a pair of medium pulse lasers split between both arms. With the machine guns and their ammunition removed, this allowed two additional single heat sinks to be added, as well as upgrading all heat sinks to double strength models.[8][28] BV (1.0) = 1,148; BV (2.0) = 1,315[29][30]
  • PXH-3K 
    The 3K Phoenix Hawk was another upgrade of the design that used rediscovered technologies, built by Alshain Weapons and GKT Enterprises for House Kurita and the Free Rasalhague Republic respectively. Introduced in 3050, the engine was upgraded to an extralight model, with the saved weight used to upgrade the weapons payload on the 'Mech, taking its cues from the 1K variant. Like the PXH-3D model the 3K carries two ER large lasers and two medium lasers, but used medium pulse lasers in place of the extended-range type. It also carried 12 double heat sinks to manage the additional waste heat, and the eight tons of standard armor were replaced with the same amount of New Samarkand Royal ferro-fibrous armor, improving its survivability.[31] BV (1.0) = 1,204; BV (2.0) = 1,359[32][33]
  • PXH-3PL 
    The 3PL Phoenix Hawk is an upgrade of the 3D model that was introduced in 3067. The armor has been upgraded to nine tons and the weapons have been stripped from the chassis. The 'Mech's new primary weaponry is a large pulse laser backed up by two medium pulse lasers. This weapons complement is rounded out with two ER small lasers. The final touch on the design is a targeting computer, which gives the 'Mech extremely accurate fire.[37] BV (1.0) = 1,116; BV (2.0) = 1,244[38]
  • PXH-3S 
    The 3S model of this 'Mech, first deployed in 3042, was another upgrade using rediscovered technology that attempted to make the Phoenix Hawk even more effective for reconnaissance. The engine was upgraded to an extralight version and 10 double heat sinks improved heat management. The overall armor protection was increased by one ton and replaced with Lexington Limited High Grade ferro-fibrous armor. The primary weapon on the 'Mech was a Thunderbolt-12 large pulse laser built into the right arm, though it still retained the two medium lasers and machine guns of the original. Additionally, an anti-missile system was mounted on the right arm, with its two tons of ammo, along with two tons of machine gun ammo, protected by CASE in the left torso. The primary difference, from other variants introduced during the time period, was the addition of a MASC system, which allowed the 'Mech to reach speeds of up to 129.6 km/h in short bursts.[8][39] BV (1.0) = 1,019; BV (2.0) = 1,237[40][41]
  • PXH-4L 
    The 4L Phoenix Hawk was a variant built for the Capellan Confederation by Ceres Metals starting in 3066. The design used a standard Warner 270M engine for power and was built around a Ceresplex IV endo steel skeleton. The 'Mech carried a Martel ER large laser in its right forearm as its primary weapon, joined by two Ceres Arms ER medium lasers in the left and right arm for secondary weapons. It also mounted two Sperry Browning 30mm Mini-Gun machine guns in either arm, with one ton of reloads carried in the center torso. The six Anderson Propulsion 30 jump jets split between the rear side torsos were also upgraded from the original, being specially designed to protect the exhaust ports and improve cooling during operation. One of the more radical changes was the use of eight tons of stealth armor, making the Phoenix Hawk harder to target at range. The armor was specially angled around the torso to better deflect incoming shots and designed to improve protection around the shoulders and lower arm actuator. The other radical difference was the use of a Full-Head Ejection System. The 'Mech's electronics, a Ceres Metals Model 686 comm system and Apple Churchill 2000 T&T system, were built into the head's protective cowling, while a Guardian ECM suite was added to the right torso.[9][42] BV (1.0) = 1,117; BV (2.0) = 1,399[43]
  • PXH-6D 
    The 6D variant was built using an endo steel chassis and carried 10 tons of armor for protection. Introduced in 3067, it carried as its primary weapon an ER PPC, giving it incredible range. The ER PPC was backed up by four ER medium lasers, all of which were tied to a targeting computer, allowing the 6D to stay back and act in direct fire support and sniper roles.[49] It also mounts a Full-Head Ejection System. BV (1.0) = 1,463; BV (2.0) = 1,665[50]
  • PXH-7K 
    A highly mobile variant of the Phoenix Hawk, the 7K was built in 3070 using a weight-saving endo steel chassis and armored with eight and a half tons of light ferro-fibrous armor. The 'Mech was capable of speeds of up to 97.2 km/h and could jump up to 270 meters through the use of nine improved jump jets. It was armed with a powerful snub-nose PPC backed up by an ER medium laser, making the 'Mech exceptional in close combat.[53] Like the PXH-7CS it was also equipped with a Full-Head Ejection System. BV (2.0) = 1,241[54]
  • Phoenix Hawk
    Developed by the Clans during the Golden Century, this rebuilt version of the Phoenix Hawk uses an endo steel chassis and XL engine. Nine tons of armor and CASE protect the 'Mech. Each arm carries a medium pulse laser while each side torso carries a UAC/2 with one ton of ammunition for each autocannon. The left torso carries a half ton of machine gun ammunition to feed the machine guns mounted in the head and center torso. BV (2.0) = 1,396[61]

Custom Variants

  • PXH-3M Roc 
    Piloted by Sir Paul Masters when the Knights of the Inner Sphere were formed, this refit of the 3M version drops one of the large lasers, replacing it with twin Holly SRM-4 launchers and ammunition.[67] BV (2.0) = 1,154[68] NOTE: Ideal War says the 'Mech uses two Streak SRM-2 launchers, not SRM-4s, with the weapons loadout change introduced in RS: 3085 Unabridged Project Phoenix. Previously referred to the Masters variant, the Roc name was introduced in MechWarrior Online in Line Developer-written lore for the apocryphal PXH-R model designation before reappearing in BattleTech: Legends.[65][66]

Apocryphal Variants

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

From MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries:

  • PXH-KB Kobold
    Exclusive to the X-Box and Microsoft Game Store copies of MW5, the Kobold is the customized 'Mech of the similarly exclusive pilot "Goblin". Kobold features a single large laser and medium laser in the right arm, supported by an SRM-4 and SRM-2 launcher in the left arm in the manner of the Roc and fed from a single ton of reloads, rounded out by a final medium laser in the right torso.

Apocryphal Content Ends

Design Quirks

The Phoenix Hawk is subject to the following Design Quirks:[73]

Related BattleMechs

  • Phoenix Hawk IIC - The Phoenix Hawk was one of the 'Mechs taken with the SLDF when they left the Inner Sphere on their Exodus. Over time, the Phoenix Hawk was redesigned as an assault 'Mech using Clan technology and was redesignated the Phoenix Hawk IIC.
  • Phoenix Hawk L - With similar weapons, movement profile, and appearance to the standard Phoenix Hawk, the Phoenix Hawk L is ten tons lighter and is used extensively by the Draconis Combine.[74]
  • Bakeneko - Based off of the Phoenix Hawk 3K chassis, this 55-ton Clan-tech design is produced by Clan Nova Cat and the Draconis Combine.[75]
  • Agrotera - This 50-ton multipurpose BattleMech was based on a specific variant of the venerable Phoenix Hawk created by the Word of Blake.
  • Phoenix Hawk LAM - The SLDF experimented with producing Land-Air BattleMech variants of several light and medium BattleMechs. The Phoenix Hawk LAM proved to be the largest Land-Air 'Mech capable of being produced.[76]

Notable Pilots

See: Category:Notable Phoenix Hawk Pilots

Notes

  • A Phoenix Hawk Special is placed fighting in the September Revolt of 2549, this might be an early prototype model as it is almost 20 years prior to the 'Mech entering production. The use of the term "Special" might not actually refer to the later PXH-1b variant.[77]
  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Feuerfalke, which rather means Fire Falcon. The model code was accordingly changed to FFK-1.
  • In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as Faucon Phénix.

Gallery

References

  1. Objectives: Periphery, p. 16
  2. Objectives: Periphery, p. 31, "Bordello Military Goods, Inc."
  3. 3.0 3.1 Era Digest: Age of War, p. 11: "BattleMech Tech Timeline"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Technical Readout: 3025, pp. 50–51
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 286: "Phoenix Hawk"
  6. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 452
  7. 7.0 7.1 Combat Manual: Kurita, p. 96
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Technical Readout: 3050, pp. 84–85
  9. 9.0 9.1 Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, p. 24
  10. Lethal Heritage, ch. 16
  11. Blood Legacy, ch. 44
  12. 12.0 12.1 Technical Readout: 3075, p. 169
  13. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 161
  14. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 18
  15. BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid, p. 160: "Phoenix Hawk PXH-1bC"
  16. Phoenix Hawk PXH-1bC entry on the MUL
  17. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 162
  18. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 19
  19. Technical Readout: Golden Century, p. 62
  20. Technical Readout: Golden Century, p. 80
  21. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 63
  22. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 453
  23. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 64
  24. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 454
  25. Era Report: 2750, p. 129
  26. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 45
  27. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, p. 30
  28. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 65
  29. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 46
  30. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, p. 31
  31. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 66
  32. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 47
  33. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, p. 32
  34. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 67
  35. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 48
  36. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, p. 33
  37. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 68
  38. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 50
  39. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 69
  40. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 51
  41. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, p. 34
  42. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 70
  43. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 52
  44. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, p. 35
  45. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 236
  46. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 53
  47. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 71
  48. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 237
  49. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 72
  50. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 55
  51. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 73
  52. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 56
  53. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 74
  54. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 57
  55. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 75
  56. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 58
  57. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 236
  58. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 59
  59. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, pp. 9, 36
  60. Experimental Technical Readout: Caveat Emptor, p. 12
  61. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, p. 37
  62. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, p. 9
  63. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 11, p. 38
  64. BattleTech: Legends, p. 91: "PHX-3M Phoenix Hawk (Modified) Kuroi Kiri"
  65. 65.0 65.1 MechWarrior Online Phoenix Hawk Lore and Blueprint
  66. 66.0 66.1 MechWarrior Online Phoenix Hawk Sale Page
  67. BattleTech: Legends, p. 109: "PXH-3M Phoenix Hawk (Modified) Roc"
  68. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 49
  69. BattleTech Dossiers: The Bounty Hunter, p. 8
  70. BattleTech Dossiers: The Bounty Hunter, p. 22
  71. Experimental Technical Readout: Royal Fantasy, p. 5: "PXH-7KJ Jasmine"
  72. Operational Turning Points: Fronc Reaches, p. 42: "Phoenix Hawk PXH-3D (Jiemin)"
  73. BattleMech Manual, p. 94: Design Quirk Table - Phoenix Hawk Entry
  74. Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 30
  75. Historical: Wars of the Republic Era, p. 106
  76. Technical Readout: 3025, pp. 130–131
  77. The Star League, p. 34

Bibliography