OBT Forum

And some were just willing to give me this catagory on a silver platter.

THUNDER HOUND
Mass: 50 tons
Chassis: Coriolos Class V QuadFrame EndoSteel
Power Plant: Redline 350 XL
Cruising Speed: 75.6 kph
Maximum Speed: 118.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Forging ZM15 Ferro Fibrous
Armament: 1 Type 22 Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon
   2 Series 2 Extended Range Medium Lasers
   4 Series 1 Extended Range Small Lasers
Manufacturer: W-8 Facilities
   Primary Factory: Tiber
Communications System: Garret 500A
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret GRNDTRK 9 with Targeting Computer

OVERVIEW
   The Third Quicksilver Trail saw the emergence of the Allard Quad ‘Mech and along with it some revolutionary new ideas. Sponsored by saKhan Phelan Ward this innovative design drew upon his extensive knowledge of how the InnerSphere fought and how the Clans could best combat their tactics. Called "Perpendicular Warfare" by Coyote Scientists the radical proposal would require an extensive rethinking of how the Clans would engage in battle. This obstacle along with the requirements of certain exotic equipment like an Omni-Capable Turret ultimately proved too daunting to overcome. Its impressive second place finish and unorthodox nature earned the Quad a measure of respect from the Wolves. However, development of the Allard as a standard BattleMech in their Touman was thwarted by its unusual specifications and Clan prejudice. Even though the Allard, and its heavier cousin the Lioness, would be consigned to the Quicksilver Institute for further testing this would not deter Phelan Ward.
   Championing the production of at least one Quad ‘Mech for the Wolves earned the saKhan the right to advance a more conventional proposal. Recognizing that there were nearly thirty quadrupedal BattleMech submissions made over the course of the Quicksilver Trails the young Wolf decided to enlist some help. After all the stress bought on by this massive reorganizational effort a degree of reapproachment to traditional Wolf allies could serve a secondary purpose. Bringing together warring Clans however proved difficult and in the end only three (Cloud Cobra, Goliath Scorpion, and Hell’s Horses) sent members of their lower Castes to assist on the project. Unfortunately, this aimed insult went right over the head of the Wolf saKhan who failed to notice till the work was completed. The tight knit group of unlikely friends decided to call the final product the Thunder Hound after a genetically engineered beast released on the Clan Homeworlds and used by Goliath Scorpion’s as common familiar. While Cloud Cobra had previously submitted a similar fifty-ton Quad ‘Mech for the Eighth Quicksilver Trail with the same designation the moniker was bestowed to honor saKhan Ward’s origins with Kell Hounds and his first BattleMech, a Wolfhound.

CAPABILITIES
   While the final product lacked innovations like modular ready turrets it is without a doubt a high end second line war machine for the Clans. Using his past experience as a guide Khan Phelan Ward selected a chassis suggested by Master Scientist Leopold (Kalashnikov) of Goliath Scorpion. At fifty tons it would be twice the size of the Allard but the same mass as his legendary cousin’s BattleMech. The Coriolos Class V QuadFrame he had painstakingly built from advanced EndoSteel was quite simply a slightly refined version of the original Brigadier 800F from the SCP-1N Scorpion. This Scorpion IIC internal structure was also constructed in part on lessons learned from the Fire Scorpion Quad ‘Mech. Further adjustments from other Quicksilver Quads made this practical foundation far more rugged and durable than the original model.
   Another Scorpion Scientist, Mordecai of the Bloodhouse of Elam, proposed a radical cockpit design that borrowed from modern Aerospace and OmniFighters. The cockpit itself would be mounted on a three dimensional powered gimbal that would allow it to remain stable regardless of the pitch, roll, or yaw of the central chassis. Computer simulations showed that this would eliminate more than 99% of the instability of the SLDF model; indeed, the new design promised to have a smoother gait than contemporary OmniMechs. While some Clan test pilots used to bipedal machines disputed this claim all agreed that it made for a highly stable firing platform.
   Scientist Tygra set to work on creating the finest electronic systems for the new BattleMech. Originally a Smoke Jaguar engineer he had been captured long ago by the Hell’s Horses who themselves were looking to create an effective Quad. Always one to examine existing material for reuse in Clan service he discovered that both the venerable Garret 500A Communications and the Garret GRNDTRK 9 Targeting Systems were the best option. Clan Technicians loving restored and replicated these simple yet effective electronics found on the SCP-1N Scorpion. Supplementing these proven systems with a Targeting Computer further increased the Thunder Hound’s deadly precision.
   Perhaps the most well-known advocate for Quad ‘Mechs in Clan space, Scientist David (Harrison) of Goliath Scorpion, devised it’s total energy arsenal. This dreamer who claimed his labname from the twenty sixth century Hollis Incorporated engineer despite no known genetic proof put forward two one hundred Quad entries during the Quicksilver Trails. Recognizing the unique advantage of heat sinks on four legged ‘Mech when placed in the proper conditions he drew a single Type 22 Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon from the Indra Infantry Transport as well as a pair of Series 2 Extended Range Medium Lasers along with a quartet of Series 1 Extended Range Small Lasers from other conventional vehicles. Unfortunately leg mounted heat sinks did not make the final product for two reasons. Advanced armor and framework caused a lack of critical internal space as well as the large power plant which could accommodate all of the Hound’s fourteen heat sinks within.
   The Redline 350 XL Engine initially supplied by Clan Hell’s Horses Summoner production line was selected by Scientist-Warrior Timothy Cobb. This Bloodnamed Warrior who had 'retired' from the Horse Touman in 3042 at the age of forty-one to begin his second life as a Scientist had long been working with Quad ‘Mechs. Directed by Khan Lar Seidman to develop such technologies his efforts culminated in the seventy-ton Tomb Scarab seen during Eleventh Quicksilver Trail. While unsuccessful, his work looked at the inclusion of that Extra Light plant which could be useful on this fifty-ton model. Others thought that a standard fusion engine would produce a far more durable war machine but saKhan Ward’s speed minimum required at least a 300 rated power plant at the cost of nineteen tons which reduced armor or armament four tons. This fact along with the impressive performance of the Redline 350XL Engine contributed to the Wolf Khan’s decision to include it over the standard 300.
   The Cloud Cobras leading scientist on the project was Senior Scientist Hannah, the direct descendant of a former Clan Mongoose Mechwarrior, put together the Thunder Hound’s armor. Using nine and a half tons of Forging ZM15 Ferro Fibrous manufactured originally for the Pouncer and provided by the Wolf Clan provided this ‘Mech with an impressive ninety-eight percent of maximum protection. When compared to the original which could muster a mere five-five percent of maximum protection the new BattleMech is far superior. Even if one considers the five-ton weight difference between the SCP-1N Scorpion and the Thunder Hound a thirty-five percent improvement in armor plating can not be denied.

DEPLOYMENT
Completed earlier this year the Thunder Hound successfully earned a spot among the Wolf Touman and generating goodwill among those involved. How successful this new design will ultimately become and if relations between old allies are now back to normal are questions which will only be answered in time. In a final gesture of appreciation, the design team presented saKhan Phelan Ward with a Thunder Hound pup he named Lobo. The first Quad ‘Mech completed went to Mechwarrior Kiba of the Wolf Clan. This freebirth had been selected as a test pilot for the project and performed so well that saKhan Phelan Ward honored him with a front line billet in his new Beta Galaxy Keshik. Most of the Wolves’ other Thunder Hounds have thus far been assigned to the 25th Wolf Chasseurs (Mongrels) of Xi Galaxy in order to bolster homeworld defenses. This freebirth cluster has already faced some difficult challenges from Clans intent on punishing the ilKhan for his Quicksilver foolishness.
The lion’s share of production, a full star, has been routed to the Goliath Scorpions. The Clan has created a Quad ‘Mech Cluster, the 4th Striker Assault (Deathstalkers), to gauge the effectiveness of such commands. This unprecedented action has drawn interest as well as ire from other Clans who anxiously await the results. Since the Thunder Hound is being made at a secondary production facility Hell’s Horses and Cloud Cobra have received less than a handful of these new Quads so far. Its numbers will continue to grow gradually among the Toumans of these Clans unless more lines are dedicated to manufacturing. Ice Hellion may be the most interested Clan outside the original creators to desire such a facility but there are several major obstacles which must be overcome before they can do so. Diamond Shark is also examining the profitability of such a design while Coyote has dedicated a few Scientists for further study. Steel Viper, Blood Spirit, and Fire Mandrill have all been interested in a new Quad design but they prefer something simpler than the sophisticated Thunder Hound. The remaining seven Clans (Burrock, Ghost Bear, Jade Falcon, Nova Cat, Smoke Jaguar, Snow Raven, Star Adder) seem to have no interest whatsoever in Quad ‘Mechs whatsoever.

Type: Thunder Hound
Technology Base: Clan Level 2
Tonnage: 50 tons

Equipment                           Mass
Internal Strucure:          EndoSteel            2.5
Engine:            350 XL            15
   Walking MP:         7
   Running MP:         11
   Jumping MP:         0               0
Heat Sinks:            14 (28)               4
Gyro:                              4
Cockpit:                           3
Armor Factor:            182               9.5

            Internal Structure      Armor Value
   Head            3            9
   Center Torso        16            24 / 7
   R/L Torso         12            18 / 5
   R/L Front Leg      12            24
   R/L Rear Leg      12            24

Weapons and Ammo:      Location      Critical   Mass
ER PPC            Left Torso      2      6
ER Medium Laser      Left Torso      1      1
ER Small Laser         Left Torso      1      .5
ER Small Laser         Left Torso      1      .5
ER Medium Laser      Right Torso   1      1
ER Small Laser         Right Torso   1      .5
ER Small Laser         Right Torso   1      .5
Targeting Computer      Center Torso   2      2

Thanks Shadow Wraith, here is the Sparrow to finish out this one.

SPARROW
Mass: 25 tons
Chassis: Ironhold Stage 2 EndoSteel
Power Plant: Fusion 200 Engine
Cruising Speed: 86 kph
Maximum Speed: 130 kph
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Compound Alpha Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 6 tons of pod space available for weapons and equipment
Manufacturer: Ironhold Alpha Complex
   Primary Factory: Ironhold
Communications System: JF Integrated
Targeting and Tracking System: Series JFVIII KITT

OVERVIEW
   The Sparrow Light OmniMech is somewhat a surprising design coming from Clan Jade Falcon. In 3052, before the Quicksilver Program was ever announced the Clan had just introduced the Fire Falcon to replace the Mist Lynx in their Touman. So as the Quicksilver Trails got underway few expected another Light ‘Mech entry from the Jade Falcons. What the general consensus failed to take into account were the initial stress tests that kicked off the Quicksilver Program. Each Clan was subjected to a variety of trails that gauged their industrial strength for the war effort. While the Falcons, the Wolves, and Ghost Bear were all able to validate their projected manufacturing levels, the Smoke Jaguars were not. This loss of production share when combined with the failure of Operation Revival bought the wrath of Falcons down upon the Jaguars.
   Star Captain Jonathan Uston, a Falcon Mechwarrior well known for his personal feuds with the Smoke Jaguars, led a daring strike against Circe Manufacturing Center Alpha. There he successfully claimed the rights to the Locust IIC BattleMech from the Smoke Jaguars who had possessed it since their absorption of Clan Mongoose in 2868. While Khan Osis publicly down played the loss of this two-hundred-year old relic it became clear that the Falcons had a plan. Falcon Scientists under the watchful eye of Warriors were intent on modularizing the Locust IIC into a new OmniMech. What they produced in a mere thirty days was a first of its kind BattleMech upgrade which would set the standard for the omnification of existing Clan war machines. Star Captain Uston gleefully endorsed the new adaptation which piloted to victory over the Allard Quad ‘Mech submitted by Clan Wolf in the Third Quicksilver Trail.

CAPABILITIES
The Sparrow is essentially an Omni-Locust IIC which uses many of the same components that its forbearer did. The gyroscope, myomers, fusion power plant and the Compound Alpha Ferro-Fibrous Armor remain completely unchanged. Even the newly rebranded “Ironhold Stage 2 EndoSteel” chassis is nearly indistinguishable from the original Locust IIC frame.
This moniker merely reflects the modularized end product as well as denote Falcon Clan ownership. The cockpit was slightly reconfigured and the electronics systems were taken directly from the Fire Falcon. It was these systems which were largely responsible for allowing modular ready upgrades to the Locust IIC.
This Light OmniMech favors both speed and armor at a significant cost of pod space for weapons. The Jade Falcons were not overly concerned given the roles they intended the Sparrow to perform. Capable of a top speed of over 129 kilometers an hour, the Sparrow was meant to be a scout first, a skirmisher second, and finally when pressed into service to defeat InnerSphere opponents.
The design also retains the ability to flip its arms like the classic Locust because it lacks lower arm and hand actuators. In its Primary Weapons Configuration the Sparrow is almost identical to the Locust IIC. Armed with eight ER Small Lasers and Medium Pulse Laser it is a strong anti-infantry unit, which is well known and familiar to Clan Warriors.
Alternate Configuration A is a purpose built skirmisher featuring an ER Large Laser, a Small Pulse Laser and more importantly a Targeting Computer to make long range, high speed shots a possibility. Star Captain Jonathon Uston favors this variant and pressed hard to see it developed.
Falcon Scientists included Alternate B to deal with the always troublesome prospect of garrison work inside the InnerSphere. Meant for suppressing riots within urban areas this model includes jump jets, a quartet of Flamers and an Active Probe to crush any foolish attempt to rebel against the Clans.
Alternate C was designed to be an alternative skirmisher equipped with a Streak SRM 4 in either arm along with a ER Medium Laser. The single ton of ammunition is considered more than sufficient to feed both Short Range Missile systems during a single battle. A favored dueling variant, Falcon Warriors often focus on high speed passes instead of simply grinding away at an opponent.
The final variant included after the Sparrow was completed creates a fast moving Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon which can roam the battlefield and inflict long range damage indefinitely. Alternate Configuration D is rare but has to be respected by any would be opponent.

DEPLOYMENT
While the Fire Falcon was a closely guarded possession of the Jade Falcon Clan the Sparrow was not. Garnering resources here enriched the Clan enabling them to rebuild their losses more comfortably. Highly sought after for its modular ready upgrade Falcon Merchants documented record sales. Falcon Technicians were also able to develop a field kit to upgrade any Locust IIC BattleMech to full OmniMech status which fueled swift growth. Cited by ilKhan Ulric Kerensky as a brilliant engineering concept it should come as no surprise that the Wolves have rapidly become the second largest user of the Sparrow. Wolf uses them in its newly codified Garrison Clusters which occupy a mid-level status between true front line fighters and second line units. Blood Spirit and Goliath Scorpion hurriedly move to renovate their Locust IIC force into OmniMechs eliminating BattleMechs from line formations. Burrock and Cloud Cobra have followed the Falcons example at a balanced pace. Even Fire Mandrill has supplemented their large Mist Lynx contingents with Sparrows were possible. While all Clans field at least a handful of examples the Smoke Jaguars remain the only one no to use any. Instead it serves as a constant reminder of their humiliation one which they will not doubt move to avenge.  It remains to be seen if that proud Clan will ever get over this very deliberate insult. Eventually it is hoped that modularized designs such as the Sparrow will provide a means to promote Touman growth among the Clans so they can one day effectively rule a restored Star League.

Type: Sparrow
Technology Base: Clan Level 2
Tonnage: 25 tons

Equipment                           Mass
Internal Structure:          EndoSteel            1.5
Engine:            200               8.5
   Walking MP:         8
   Running MP:         12
   Jumping MP:         0               0
Heat Sinks:            10 (20)               0
Gyro:                              2
Cockpit:                           3
Armor Factor:            77               4

            Internal Structure      Armor Value
   Head            3            8
   Center Torso           8            10 / 3
   R/L Torso         6            8 / 2
   R/L Arm         4            8
   R/L Leg         6            10

Weight and Space Allocation
Location            Fixed            Spaces Remaining
Head               None               1
Center Torso                 None               2
Right Torso                 2 EndoSteel            6
                 2 Ferro-Fibrous
               Double Heat Sink
Left Torso                 2 EndoSteel            6
                 2 Ferro-Fibrous
               Double Heat Sink
Right Arm          No Lower Arm or Hand Actuators         7
                        2 EndoSteel
                 1 Ferro-Fibrous
Left Arm          No Lower Arm or Hand Actuators         7
                        2 EndoSteel
                 1 Ferro-Fibrous
Right Leg                  None               2
Left Leg                  None               2

Weapons and Ammo:      Location      Criticals   Mass
   Primary Weapons Configuration
Medium Pulse Laser         Center Torso      1      2
4 ER Small Lasers         Right Arm      4      2
4 ER Small Lasers         Left Arm      4      2
   Alternate Configuration A
ER Large Laser         Right Arm      1      4
Small Pulse Laser         Left Arm      1      1
Targeting Computer         Head         1      1
   Alternate Configuration B
2 Flamers            Right Arm      2      1
2 Flamers            Left Arm      2      1
Active Probe            Center Torso      1      1
Jump Jets            Right Leg      2      1
Jump Jets            Left Leg      2      1
Jump Jets            Right Torso      1      .5
Jump Jets            Left Torso      1      .5
   Alternate Configuration C
ER Medium Laser         Center Torso      1      1
Streak SRM 4            Right Arm      1      2
Streak SRM 4            Left Arm      1      2
Ammo (Streak SRM) 25      Right Torso      1      1
   Alternate Configuration D
ER PPC            Center Torso      2      6

Thank you for the Sparrow, sir!