OBT Forum

Snow Leopard

The name Snow Leopard was chosen quite deliberately to irk the Jaguars following the ‘theft’ of the Arctic Cheetah and Star Captain Josh Kyle, the Leopard actually started off as the Thresher, a Mech the Hellions oddly enough liked due to its impressive ground speed when its MASC system was active.  Although their Tourman was notoriously light, the Hellions knew they would need a heavy Mech to match the heavier machines fielded by their opponents, and, if all went as planned and they were able to join the Invasion and liberation of the Inner Sphere, then they would also need a bigger Mech to match those fielded by the Bandit Lords who called themselves the Successor Lords.

Although the Thresher was a good starting place, it could not be used as the base chassis, for one, it was not modular, and it was dated as a design, and the ever proud Hellions would never even consider fielding a standard Mech in their front line Galaxies.

Instead the Hellions turned to the descendant of the Thresher, the Summoner, not overly common in their Tourman mainly due to its fixed jump jets and a perceived lack of speed, but three were taken to be studied and used as a basis for the new design.  The fact that the Hellions new mech was also based on ‘their’ design also irritated the Falcons, a fact which pleased the Hellions.

Using both Thresher and Summoner as inspiration the result was a fast Mech with heavy protection but without being ‘hobbled’ with fixed jump jets like the Summoner.  Unfortunately, the Snow Leopard wasn’t produced in huge numbers owing to the lack of facilities that could build a large Machine and despite upgrading facilities on Hector it took several years for the Snow Leopard to be seen in appreciative numbers. 

The Appearance of the Snow Leopard also saw a jump in Trials of Possession and Position by Hellion Warriors to claim one of the new Mechs as their own, and this did lead to the deaths of a number of Hellion Warriors in these trials which stymied the growth plans the Khans had for their Tourman.

Design

Built around a commonly available 350 rated XL engine the Snow Leopard was capable of hitting 86kph at full speed but its MASC booster let it exceed 100kph, making it terrifyingly fast for 70 ton Mech.  An Endo-steel skeleton and Ferro-fibrous armour saved yet more weight to give the Snow Leopard the pod space of a Hellbringer, but not the critical space.

11 tons of Ferro-fibrous armour plated the Mech and gave it a solid hide that could withstand considerable abuse, its leg and hip actuators were heavily reinforced due to the need to hold the enhanced musculature needed for the MASC system. Two heatsinks are fitted to the engine but there is still room for more to be installed if needed.

Variants

Prime – Drawing heavily on its Thresher and Summoner Origins the Snow Leopard Prime’s armament marks it out as a skirmisher, able to dance at mid-range and control the engagement with its MASC enhanced speed before closing in to finish off a kill.  Although it does not hit as hard as some Mech’s its size the Prime can do so consistently.  A pair of large pulse lasers comprise its main armament and allow a MechWarrior to use the Mech’s mobility to its fullest without degrading their firing solutions.  An LB-10X autocannon sits in the right torso and draws from a 2-ton ammo bin, allowing it to either sand-blast a target or provide solid punches.  Finally, a pair of SRM-6’s can be brought to bear, although their 1 ton of ammo is shared between the launchers.  And at point-blank range the Prime has a flamer although this is mainly for anti-infantry work.  The 12 double heatsinks allow a Warrior to use their lasers without any heat build-up but a full alpha strike will cause a significant heatspike and is not suggested.

Snow Leopard Prime
Clan TW
70 tons 
BV: 2,446
Cost: 22,858,271 C-bills

Movement: 5/8(10)
Engine: 350 XL
Heat Sinks: 12 [24]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 107 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 211/217 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               22       30
Center Torso (rear)                 10
Right Torso                15       22
Right Torso (rear)                   7
Left Torso                 15       22
Left Torso (rear)                    7
Right Arm                  11       22
Left Arm                   11       22
Right Leg                  15       30
Left Leg                   15       30

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Large Pulse Laser               LA    10
Large Pulse Laser               RA    10
LB 10-X AC                      RT     2
SRM 6                           RT     4
SRM 6                           LT     4
Flamer                          LT     3

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC Ammo                 RT    10
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo            RT    10
SRM 6 Ammo                      LT    15

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad



 
A – The Alfa is a nod to the Hellions First Strike doctrine and is built to engage at range.  Armed with a pair of fearsome ER PPCs the A has the firepower to reach out and maul an opponent.  Backing these weapons up is an LB-5X autocannon which draws from a 2-ton ammo bin.  This lets the A engage VTOL and other air threats at long range and the cannons range meshes well with the PPC’s.  Short range armament was initially an ER Medium laser and flamer, but this was replaced in testing with an AMS as the common ‘response’ to an Alfa dancing at long range was a missile barrage.   An ECM was also added to foul hostile electronics, making the A even harder to engage at its preferred range.  Seventeen double heatsinks easily handle the heat load generated by the Mech, allowing its pilot to concentrate on engaging targets without having to worry about heat.

Snow Leopard A
Clan TW
70 tons 
BV: 2,765
Cost: 23,345,958 C-bills

Movement: 5/8(10)
Engine: 350 XL
Heat Sinks: 17 [34]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 107 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 211/217 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               22       30
Center Torso (rear)                 10
Right Torso                15       22
Right Torso (rear)                   7
Left Torso                 15       22
Left Torso (rear)                    7
Right Arm                  11       22
Left Arm                   11       22
Right Leg                  15       30
Left Leg                   15       30

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
ER PPC                          LA    15
ER PPC                          RA    15
LB 5-X AC                       RT     1
AMS                             CT     1

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LB 5-X AC Ammo                  RT    20
LB 5-X Cluster Ammo             RT    20
AMS Ammo                        LT    24

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
ECM Suite                       LT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


B – Built for long and short range battles the Bravo’s weapons are all tied into a targeting computer for maximum accuracy.  Its primary punch comes from a Gauss rifle fed by an oversized 3-ton ammo bin.  Supporting it is an ER large laser whilst at shorter ranges a pair of ER medium lasers and a Medium pulse laser can be brought to bear.  Finally, an anti-infantry flamer is fitted.  Cool running, the B’s heat will only start to noticeably rise if a full alpha strike is used.  The three ton ammo bin did raise some eyebrows but it allowed the big rifle to keep firing in some of the longer trials, giving the Hellions an edge in combat when other Clan Mech’s might have run dry.

Snow Leopard B
Clan TW
70 tons 
BV: 3,099
Cost: 22,554,396 C-bills

Movement: 5/8(10)
Engine: 350 XL
Heat Sinks: 13 [26]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 107 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 211/217 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               22       30
Center Torso (rear)                 10
Right Torso                15       22
Right Torso (rear)                   7
Left Torso                 15       22
Left Torso (rear)                    7
Right Arm                  11       22
Left Arm                   11       22
Right Leg                  15       30
Left Leg                   15       30

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle                     RA     1
ER Large Laser                  LA    12
ER Medium Laser                 LT     5
ER Medium Laser                 RT     5
Medium Pulse Laser              CT     4
Flamer                          LA     3

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
Gauss Ammo                      RA     8
Gauss Ammo                      RA     8
Gauss Ammo                      RT     8

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
Targeting Computer              RT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


C – Built for close quarter engagements the Charlie can joust at long range with its ER Large laser but at shorter ranges it has a fearsome Ultra-20 class autocannon, fed by a large 3-ton ammo bin as well as a pair of medium pulse lasers.  An AMS and ECM are also installed to help it stay alive long enough so it can bring the big cannon into firing range.  Although it can run a bit hot, a full alpha is still manageable, but the target on the receiving end is likely to be crippled or destroyed.  This variant was quite popular in battles against larger Mechs who had trouble keeping the range open due to their lower speed.  One thing that did make this variant stand out was that its right arm was fully actuated and had a hand, this made it rather useful in built up or rough terrain.

Snow Leopard C
Clan TW
70 tons 
BV: 2,749
Cost: 23,310,046 C-bills

Movement: 5/8(10)
Engine: 350 XL
Heat Sinks: 15 [30]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 107 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 211/217 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               22       30
Center Torso (rear)                 10
Right Torso                15       22
Right Torso (rear)                   7
Left Torso                 15       22
Left Torso (rear)                    7
Right Arm                  11       22
Left Arm                   11       22
Right Leg                  15       30
Left Leg                   15       30

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Ultra AC/20                    RA/RT     7
AMS                             CT     1
ER Large Laser                  LA    12
Medium Pulse Laser              RT     4
Medium Pulse Laser              LT     4

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
Ultra AC/20 Ammo                RT     5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo                RT     5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo                RT     5
AMS Ammo                        LT    24

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
ECM Suite                       LT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


D – Although disparagingly called the Crusader IIC by other Clans, this variant not only mimics the old SLDF standby, but improves upon it and performs the same role as a general-purpose Mech.  A pair of Artemis IV enhanced LRM-15s, each with their own 2-ton ammo bin provide long range fire whilst at shorter ranges a quartet of ER medium lasers and a pair of Streak-6s make it a dangerous threat whilst a flamer provides some anti-infantry protection.  Although it lacks a solid knock down punch and it can run hot, the D can engage targets at any range and is a fast, flexible threat to any Mech it may face.

Snow Leopard D
Clan TW
70 tons 
BV: 2,938
Cost: 23,935,646 C-bills

Movement: 5/8(10)
Engine: 350 XL
Heat Sinks: 15 [30]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 107 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 211/217 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               22       30
Center Torso (rear)                 10
Right Torso                15       22
Right Torso (rear)                   7
Left Torso                 15       22
Left Torso (rear)                    7
Right Arm                  11       22
Left Arm                   11       22
Right Leg                  15       30
Left Leg                   15       30

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
LRM 15                          LA     5
LRM 15                          RA     5
ER Medium Laser                 LA     5
ER Medium Laser                 LA     5
Streak SRM 6                    LT     4
Streak SRM 6                    RT     4
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5
Flamer                          CT     3

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA     8
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA     8
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  LA     8
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  LA     8
Streak SRM 6 Ammo               LT    15
Streak SRM 6 Ammo               RT    15

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
Artemis IV FCS                  LA
Artemis IV FCS                  RA

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad
E – Built to engage tanks, aircraft and infantry the E’s armament is centered round a pair of LB-10X autocannons, each with their own 2-ton ammo bin.  Five ER small lasers and a pair of flamers let it engage battle armour and infantry positions whilst an active probe lets the Echo hunt for targets.  Although not too hard hitting the E’s firepower still makes it a threat to a Mech as no one ignores a pair of heavy autocannons.  This variant quickly became a priority target in Trials against the Horses, Ravens and Cloud Cobras and it was hated by Inner Sphere commanders for its ability to ruin armoured forces.

Snow Leopard E
Clan TW
70 tons 
BV: 1,965
Cost: 23,161,615 C-bills

Movement: 5/8(10)
Engine: 350 XL
Heat Sinks: 12 [24]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 107 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 211/217 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               22       30
Center Torso (rear)                 10
Right Torso                15       22
Right Torso (rear)                   7
Left Torso                 15       22
Left Torso (rear)                    7
Right Arm                  11       22
Left Arm                   11       22
Right Leg                  15       30
Left Leg                   15       30

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC                      LA     2
LB 10-X AC                      RA     2
ER Small Laser                  LT     2
ER Small Laser                  LT     2
ER Small Laser                  RT     2
ER Small Laser                  RT     2
Flamer                          LT     3
Flamer                          RT     3
ER Small Laser                  RT     2

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC Ammo                 LA    10
LB 10-X AC Ammo                 RA    10
LB 10-X AC Ammo                 LA    10
LB 10-X AC Ammo                 RA    10

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
Active Probe                    CT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad



F – Built to operate as a heavy raider or headhunter the F is made for close quarter engagements.  Although it features a large pulse laser, its main punch comes from its six medium pulse lasers.  The electronics suite is linked into an Active probe and a rather rare TAG designator whilst an ECM fouls hostile sensors.  Nineteen heatsinks fight all but the worst of the heat if the point defense flamer is used, and onboard supplies for the pilot let the Foxtrot remain in the field for a long time.  It also features fully articulated arms and hand actuators to assist with its raiding role. 

Snow Leopard F
Clan TW
70 tons 
BV: 2,700
Cost: 23,020,196 C-bills

Movement: 5/8(10)
Engine: 350 XL
Heat Sinks: 19 [38]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 107 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 211/217 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               22       30
Center Torso (rear)                 10
Right Torso                15       22
Right Torso (rear)                   7
Left Torso                 15       22
Left Torso (rear)                    7
Right Arm                  11       22
Left Arm                   11       22
Right Leg                  15       30
Left Leg                   15       30

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Medium Pulse Laser              LA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              LA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              LA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              RA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              RA     4
Medium Pulse Laser              CT     4
Large Pulse Laser               RA    10
Flamer                          RT     3
Clan TAG                        RT     0

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
Active Probe                    RT
ECM Suite                       RT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


G – Although the Timberwolf was designed and built by the Hellions hated enemies, they were respectful of its firepower which the Golf imitates, at least at long range.  With a pair of ER large lasers and Artemis enhanced LRM-20s, each with their own 2-ton ammo bin, the G can deliver the same firepower of a Timberwolf Prime at long range, but is able to remain in the fight longer due to the missile launchers deeper ammo bins.  The now almost standard flamer provides anti-infantry defences whilst the rest of the Mech’s tonnage is given over to its cooling systems. Despite this the G can run worryingly warm if a full alpha is fired and the G variant is generally considered a bit of a failure.


Snow Leopard G
Clan TW
70 tons 
BV: 2,920
Cost: 23,697,646 C-bills

Movement: 5/8(10)
Engine: 350 XL
Heat Sinks: 16 [32]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 107 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 211/217 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               22       30
Center Torso (rear)                 10
Right Torso                15       22
Right Torso (rear)                   7
Left Torso                 15       22
Left Torso (rear)                    7
Right Arm                  11       22
Left Arm                   11       22
Right Leg                  15       30
Left Leg                   15       30

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
LRM 20                          LA     6
LRM 20                          RA     6
ER Large Laser                  LT    12
ER Large Laser                  RT    12
Flamer                          CT     3

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA     6
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA     6
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  LA     6
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  LA     6

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
Artemis IV FCS                  LA
Artemis IV FCS                  RA

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


Deployment

Although initially built in limited numbers the Snow Leopard became a more common sight in the Hellion Tourman as the years went on.  Initially deployed only amongst the Khan and saKhan's Keshik's the Snow Leopard's ground speed came as a deeply unpleasant surprise to those who faced it.  Expecting some kind of Summoner, the Wolf Warriors of the 101st Battle Cluster suffered badly against the Hellions when they first faced the new Mech.  Quite a few Snow Leopards ended out in Jaguar hands, either traded or taken as Isorla in Trials, their first encounters with Inner Sphere forces went well due to the Mech's speed which again was deeply underestimated. 

Really nice designs Hellion very much doing the "We are not going to stick it to the Wolves. WE ARE GOING TO RAM IT SIDE WAYS DOWN THEIR THROATS!" feeling of many a Hellion, deliberately aping their designs is sure to tug awoo tails :p