==Overview:==
Introduced in 2998, the TPN-series Typhoon represented Taurus Territorial
Industries medium-weight entrant into Project 3000. Unlike the VMI Hydra and
the Pinard Fusilier, the Typhoon (in both of the standard production models)
was designed not to replace existing BattleMechs in the Defense Force, but to
provide the TDF with a new and powerful 'Mech design capable of holding its
own against all other mediums, and more than a few comtemporay heavies.
Soon after the initial prototypes of the TPN-1A and TPN-2A reached the field
battalions of the Defense Force, the Procurement Board of the TDF began to
receive glowing reports on both designs. Although the Typhoon had taken two
years longer to reach active duty than the Fusilier and Hydra, the examples
reaching the troopers in the field were virtually flawless, lacking any of the
typical glitches and system failures common to most prototypes. In addition,
the MechWarriors of the Defense Force were greatly impressed with the speed,
armor, and firepower of these war machines.
Full production was approved in less than seven months of testing, with the
first production models reaching the field in the early months of 2999.
==Capabilities:==
At 50 tons in weight, the Typhoon shares the Concordat Common Standard Fifty
chassis with the Fusilier, the Hydra, and the Tornado. A powerful and robust
250 Magna fusion engine (common with the Fusilier and Hydra designs as well)
provides ample power and allows the new 'Mech to travel at a maximum sustained
ground speed of 86.4 kilometers per hour.
The new Mark XIV ejection system was intended to be included in the Typhoon
series from the initial prototypes onward. However, the system was upgraded
to the Mark XIVb during the prototype testing stage. The XIVb uses a more
powerful set of rockets to catapult the 'pilot pod' farther and higher than
the previous stock XIV unit. This allows the quadruple parachutes more time
to deploy and safely bring the MechWarrior to the ground. A second change
incorporated in the XIVb is the removal of the canopy removal system.
In previous models of Taurian (and most Inner Sphere) ejectors, the cockpit
canopy is blown clear before the pilot is ejected. With the Mark XIVb, the
canopy remains in place as part of the ejection pod, reducing the chance of
stray debris damaging the ejector or the MechWarrior as he abandons his 'Mech.
The TDF plans to gradually upgrade all existing Mark XIVs to the XIVb
standard by no later than 3030.
Ten tons of Renault Composites 160 standard armor provide the Typhoon with
substantial armor protection that rivals that of many existing heavy 'Mechs.
Combined with the solid construction of the frame and the reliable analog
style electronics and control circuitry, Taurus Territorial expects the
Typhoon to have the lowest ratio of down-time for maintenance of any current
production Defense Force 'Mech.
The standard TPN-1A Typhoon carries a heavy array of firepower as well. The
right arm mounts a High Energy Systems Corona PPC as the sole long-range
weapon of the design. Unlike many 'Mechs that carry PPCs in an arm mount, the
Typhoon does not forego the use of a hand actuator on the right arm; instead
the Corona is carried on the outer surface of the arm, much like the Sunglow
large laser of the TDR series Thunderbolt heavy 'Mech.
Twelve heat sinks are included in the Typhoon, giving MechWarriors assigned to
this war machine the ability to run and gun with the Corona without having to
worry about excess overheat. The short-range secondary battery has also been
configured to generate the same amount of heat as the Corona, making the -1A
Typhoon perfectly heat-neutral in both long and short-ranged brackets.
The left torso carries an Aurora Missiliers Hemlock six-tube SRM launcher and
a one-ton missile magazine with fifteen salvoes as the primary short-range
weapon system. While the Hemlock has just half the range of the Corona, it is
potentially capable of inflicting 20% more damage, albeit scattered over the
surface of a target rather than concentrated in a single location. This
tendacy to spread the damage does, however, make the Hemlock lethal against
enemy vehicles.
A pair of Martin-Gordan Rapier medium lasers are fitted to the design to
supplement the Hemlock and provide secondary weapons that do not require
reloads of ordnance. Reliable and capable, the Rapiers ensure that a Typhoon
pilot will always have something with which to shoot. Installed one each in
the center and right torso, the Rapiers are well-protected behind thick plates
of armor; yet, they still have a decent arc of fire.
Finally, twin Hyades Weapons Consortium Reaper machine-guns were fitted to the
left arm, along with a half-ton magazine for 100 bursts of fire. Able to
engage at only point-blank range, the Reapers generate no excess heat
production and provide the Typhoon with a solid anti-personnel battery, as
well as adding to the maximum damage potential of the design against armor and
'Mechs.
Many within the TDF consider the Taurus Territorial Typhoon as a
nearly-perfect BattleMech, lacking only jump jets to achieve that
nigh-mythical status. From the first design sketches to the final production
models, the Typhoon is the living embodiment of Taurian tactical doctrine:
fast, lethal, and well-protected.
==Battle History:==
The only significant combat operation involving the new Typhoons involved the
mercenary force known as the Roughneck Cavalry. On contract with the Capellan
Confederation in 3021, the Roughnecks launched a raid against the Davion world
of Bell. Remaining on-planet for nearly four weeks, the Roughnecks used the
above-average mobility and firepower of their Taurian designs to defeat in
detail elements of the Capellan March Militia and smash several vital
component factories that produced parts for Davion Hornets and Valkyries.
With no fewer than eight Typhoons in various configurations among their ranks,
the Roughnecks performed the task handily and lifted off-planet before
elements of the Syrtis Fusiliers could land to engage them.
Maximillian Liao was impressed with the performance of the Roughnecks; even
moreso with that of the Bandits, Typhoons, and other Taurian designs of
Project 3000. In the past few months, he has contacted the Protector to
suggest a mutual defense pact between the two nations, along with the opening
of trade between the two. While he recogonizes the advantages of such an
alliance, the Protector is also wary of Mad Max based upon past Capellan
history of broken promises and raids upon Taurian worlds. While some trade of
military technology between the two is certainly possible, it is highly
unlikely that Thomas will sign any agreement requiring the Concordat to come
to the aid of the Capellans--and even less likely that should such an
agreement be signed that the Capellans would ever come to the defense of
Taurian worlds against Davion aggression.
==Variants:==
Built at the same time as the standard TPN-1A, the -2A model Typhoon was
intended to serve as a fire support model. Retaining the sizable short-range
and anti-personnel battery of the -1A, the model 2A removes the High Energy
System Corona from the right arm along with a pair of heat sinks. The right
torso Rapier has been moved to the arm, using a mount similar to that of the
SHD-series Shadow Hawk.
Replacing the Corona is an Aurora Missiliers Deathscap fifteen-tube LRM
launcher that Taurus Territorial installed in the right torso, alongside a
two-ton missile magazine containing sixteen salvoes.
While slightly more susceptible to overheat generation at short-range, the
Typhoon -2A has better range and a heavy damage potential than the standard
-1A model and is capable of indirect fire support missions as well.
MechWarriors assigned to field test the -2A prototypes favourable compared the
design to the Marik Trebuchet. While capable of launching just half the
number of long-range missiles in a single salvo, the Typhoon mod 2A featured
double the endurance, far greater armor protection, and much heavier
short-range armament than the older design; all while retaining the speed of
the Treb. Some of the test pilots even went so far as to call the new Typhoon
variant a fast mini-Crusader, but with better heat management capabilities,
albeit at the cost of redundent launchers for both short-range and long-range
missiles.
Regardless of which 'Mech the Typhoon mod 2A was compared to, it passed all
trials with flying colors and was soon placed in full production. Although
normally assigned one per medium lance as a fire-support unit, more than few
Defense Force battalions were soon juggling unit rosters to assemble dedicated
fire-support lances of four Typhoon -2As. Able to conduct both bombardment
and strike missions, these fire support lances remain effective only so long
as they are able to resupply and rearm their missile launchers. Because of
this, TDF doctrine frowns upon the wide-spread use of such lance
configurations.
==Notable 'Mechs & MechWarriors:==
Lieutenant Hiroyoshi Tanaka is the lance commander of Charlie Lance, 1
Company, the Roughneck Cavalry. Formerly a member of the Taurian Defense
Force, Tanaka left TDF service in 3019 in order to accept the offer of a
commission in the merc battalion. Assigned to a newly manufactured TPN-1A
Typhoon that he has named 'Musashi', Tanaka leads his medium-weight lance into
action with panache and flair. Seeing himself as a samurai, the Taurian merc
constantly trains both in the cockpit and in the dojo.
On Bell, he and his lance-mates successfully screened the Roughnecks
withdrawal under fire from elements of the Capellan March Militia and a
company of the Syrtis Fusiliers. Although all four of his 'Mechs took heavy
damage, none were lost, and his lance bought enough time to finish loading the
DropShips and retreat off-world.
Rumor has it that Tanaka is being considered for promotion to command of 2
Company.
==Deployment==
Currently, doctrine calls for the establishment of non-jump medium-weight
lances consisting of a Pinard FSL-series Fusilier as a flanker and harrasser,
two TPN-1A Typhoons as the main battle elements, and one TPN-2A Typhoon for
fire support. Often, the Fusilier will be replaced with a lighter 'Mech, such
as Grenadier or Bandit, giving the medium lance slightly more mobility on the
battlefield.
A handful of fire-support lances consisting of three or four TPN-2A Typhoons,
and up to one Grenadier (in various models) also exist. These bombarment
lances are capable fo launching devastating assaults with up to sixty
long-range missiles, two dozen short-range missiles, eight medium lasers, and
eight machine-guns. However, their effectiveness drops dramatically once
their magazines begin to run dry.
Only a handful of Typhoons have been authorized for export, primarily to
long-term mercenaries on contract with Taurus. Some other merc units that
have long had friendly relations with the Concordat have also been able to
purchase the new 'Mechs. In 3017, represenatives from Wolf's Dragoons
arranged for the procurement of six brand-new Typhoons (four -1A and two -2A)
to evaluate the design for themselves. Due to the current difficulties
between House Kurita and the Dragoons, reports of the performance of the
Typhoons in Dragoon service have been unavailable.
BattleMech Technical Readout
Type/Model: Typhoon TPN-1A
Tech: Inner Sphere / 2998
Config: Biped BattleMech
Rules: Level 1, Custom design
Mass: 50 tons
Chassis: Concordat Standard 50 Standard
Power Plant: 250 Nissan Fusion
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor Type: Renault Composite 160 Standard
Armament:
1 High Energy Systems Corona PPC
2 Hyades Weapons Consortium Reaper Machine Guns
2 Martin Gordan Rapier Medium Lasers
1 Aurora Missiliers Hemlock SRM 6
Manufacturer: Taurian Military Industries
Location: Taurus, Jamestown, Samantha
Communications System: Wintershaven Comm IVIS Mk XI
Targeting & Tracking System: Bell & Sun Phalanx Gold
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Typhoon TPN-1A
Mass: 50 tons
Equipment: Crits Mass
Int. Struct.: 83 pts Standard 0 5.00
Engine: 250 Fusion 6 12.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 12 Single 2 2.00
(Heat Sink Loc: 1 LL, 1 RL)
Gyro: 4 3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors: 5 3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA+H R: Sh+UA+LA+H 16 .00
Armor Factor: 160 pts Standard 0 10.00
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 16 23
Center Torso (Rear): 6
L/R Side Torso: 12 18/18
L/R Side Torso (Rear): 4/4
L/R Arm: 8 16/16
L/R Leg: 12 23/23
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Crits Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 PPC RA 10 3 7.00
2 Machine Guns LA 0 100 3 1.50
(Ammo Locations: 1 LA)
1 Medium Laser RT 3 1 1.00
1 SRM 6 LT 4 15 3 4.00
(Ammo Locations: 1 LT)
1 Medium Laser CT 3 1 1.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 20 44 50.00
Crits & Tons Left: 34 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 4,144,250 C-Bills
Battle Value: 904
Cost per BV: 4,584.35
Weapon Value: 764 / 764 (Ratio = .85 / .85)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 15; MRDmg = 7; LRDmg = 2
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 4/4
Damage PB/M/L: 3/2/1, Overheat: 1
Class: MM; Point Value: 9
BattleMech Technical Readout
Type/Model: Typhoon TPN-2A
Tech: Inner Sphere / 2998
Config: Biped BattleMech
Rules: Level 1, Custom design
Mass: 50 tons
Chassis: Concordat Standard 50 Standard
Power Plant: 250 Nissan Fusion
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor Type: Renault Composite 160 Standard
Armament:
2 Martin Gordan Rapier Medium Lasers
2 Hyades Weapons Consortium Reaper Machine Guns
1 Aurora Missiliers Deathscap LRM 15
1 Aurora Missiliers Hemlock SRM 6
Manufacturer: Taurian Military Industries
Location: Taurus, Jamestown, Samantha
Communications System: Wintershaven Comm IVIS Mk XI
Targeting & Tracking System: Bell & Sun Phalanx Gold
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Typhoon TPN-2A
Mass: 50 tons
Equipment: Crits Mass
Int. Struct.: 83 pts Standard 0 5.00
Engine: 250 Fusion 6 12.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 10 Single 0 .00
Gyro: 4 3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors: 5 3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA+H R: Sh+UA+LA+H 16 .00
Armor Factor: 160 pts Standard 0 10.00
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 16 23
Center Torso (Rear): 6
L/R Side Torso: 12 18/18
L/R Side Torso (Rear): 4/4
L/R Arm: 8 16/16
L/R Leg: 12 23/23
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Crits Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
2 Machine Guns LA 0 100 3 1.50
(Ammo Locations: 1 LA)
1 LRM 15 RT 5 16 5 9.00
(Ammo Locations: 2 RT)
1 SRM 6 LT 4 15 3 4.00
(Ammo Locations: 1 LT)
1 Medium Laser CT 3 1 1.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 15 44 50.00
Crits & Tons Left: 34 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 4,190,750 C-Bills
Battle Value: 875
Cost per BV: 4,789.43
Weapon Value: 743 / 743 (Ratio = .85 / .85)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 14; MRDmg = 8; LRDmg = 4
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 4/4
Damage PB/M/L: 3/2/1, Overheat: 1
Class: MM; Point Value: 9
Specials: if
