Overview
for as successful as the HBK-4G Hunckback is even well into the 32nd Century, it is difficult to imagine that the original model was brought about because the Terran Hegemony was for the first time technologically stumped by another power. The "Mech Smasher" Autocannon (known today as the assualt grade Autocannon or AC-20) was, until the reunification war, purely proprietary to the Lyran Commonwealth. when Director General Cameron called for a middle weight Battlemech that was supposed to escort the HAF Archers all attempts to copy the technology stumped Hegemony Engineers. As a compromise action, the use of much better understood PPCs w2as used instead. in hindsight, the combination of the "Volley Gun" Principle in combination with traditional feed systems seems simple. the only speculation available is that the HAF engineers were unable to see low tech innovations as an option for their new weapon.
Capabilities
The HBK 2 was mostly successful by time it hit it's stride in the reunifacation war. in an open field Huncbacks were not just able to protect thier charges, but contribute concentrated fire to the lance. the problem lay in the mechs cooling system. after 30 seconds of sustained fire pilots had to lay off one of the cannons before their targeting was effected, and after 60 seconds of sustained fire by even a single PPC the molecular bonds of the heat sink coolant began to disintegrate, dropping efficiency drastically in the heat of battle. the poorly designed radiators also quickly ionized and required replacement after heavy combat weather they were damaged or not. this led to the HBK 2 being called "the best hunk of junk you can pilot while it is working."
Deployment
the HBK 2 was deployed widely throughout the HAF and later SLDF, until the propagation of the AC-20 led to the original specs of the hunchback to be realized, resulting in the 4G model. the HBK2s were mothballed, and ultimately taken by Kerensky, to later be given life as the Huncback IIC (ironically with paired Ultra Autoannons)
Hunchback HBK-2
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Introductory
Era: Age of War/Star League
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/C-E-D
Production Year: 2572
Cost: 3,479,875 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,120
Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 200 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
2 PPCs
1 Small Laser
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 83 points 5.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 200 8.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 17 7.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 3 RT, 2 LL, 2 RL
Gyro: Standard 2.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 160 10.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 26
Center Torso (rear) 5
L/R Torso 12 20
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 8 16
L/R Leg 12 20
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Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPC RT 10 3 7.00
PPC LT 10 3 7.00
Small Laser HD 1 1 0.50
Free Critical Slots: 31
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 11
4 2 2 2 0 2 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
