RHN-10 Rhino
Source: BattleTechnology - February 3046
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Brigadier 900F
Power Plant: Pitban 240
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Star Slab
Armament:
6 Martell Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Brigadier Corporation
Primary Factory: None
Communications System: Garret 600
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret GRNDTRK 15
Overview:
The Rhino is a little known four-legged BattleMech created by Dr Harrison of the Brigadier Corporation. The design is an attempt to overcome the disadvantage a four-legged Mech suffers in close combat due to its lack of arms. This was accomplished by strengthening the Mech’s internal structure and adding a ram plate. This, coupled with the superior stability of the quadropod footing makes the charge attack of a Rhino particularly devastating.
Although the design improvements made the Rhino an effective close assault 'Mech, the Star League military was not impressed, so few Rhinos were ever produced. Only a rare few operational Rhinos are scattered about the Inner Sphere today.
Capabilities:
The Rhino’s internal structure has been reinforced, at a cost of ten percent of the 'Mech’s total weight. The ram plate that was mounted on the front allows the Rhino to deliver terrific punishment from a charge, while it remains unharmed. The arrangement also has the secondary benefits of allowing the Rhino to walk through buildings unscathed and giving it limited protection from physical attacks.
The only real disadvantage caused by the ram plate is that it prevents the mounting of forward firing weapons in any of the torsos. This forces weapons to be placed in the head and legs where there is only limited space available, thus keeping the Rhino from carrying heavy weapons. Dr Harrison tried to compensate for this by equipping the Rhino with five medium lasers; the theory being that while one medium laser does not do much damage, five together can seriously damage even a heavy 'Mech. The Rhino also has a medium laser firing into the rear arc to discourage attacks from behind.
Deployment:
The Rhino was never produced in great enough numbers to make any significant contribution to any major battle. It has, however, done remarkably well in single combat.
One notable victory for a Rhino occurred during a Marik raid on Ford. While defending the planet’s main spaceport, a Lyran MechWarrior was surprised when a Rhino came crashing through a building and then smasjing into his Zeus, knocking it to the ground. While the Lyran pilot tried desperately to stand his Zeus back up, the Rhino kicked and stomped on the downed BattleMech. After regaining his feet, the Lyran, obviously unfamiliar with the Rhino, made the mistake of trying to slug it out with his opponent. The two normally devastating punches of the Zeus did less damage than he'd expected as they thudded into the Rhino’s ram plate. The Marik pilot responded by firing all of his lasers. Realizing his mistake, the Lyran resorted to his weapons, but it was too late. The Rhino’s second laser salvo crippled the already badly battered Zeus, and forced the Lyran pilot to eject. The Rhino had bested a twenty-ton-heavier 'Mech, suffering only minor damage.
Despite such successes, military experts are still not impressed with the Rhino. They claim that the majority of Rhino victories can be attributed to the ignorance of most MechWarriors as to the capabilities of the 'Mech, due to its rarity. As an example, the case of Leftenant Kim Laurens of the AFFS is often cited. Leftenant Laurens, familiar with the design, destroyed a Kurita Rhino by using her Phoenix Hawk’s superior mobility to keep the Combine 'Mech from closing the range while she slowly shot it apart with her large laser.
Type: RHN-10 Rhino
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 12
Engine: 240 11.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 17 7
Gyro: 3
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 184 11.5
Internal
Structure Armor
Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 20 27
Center Torso (rear) 10
R/L Torso 14 25
R/L Torso (rear) 8
R/L Front Legs 15 18
R/L Rear Legs 15 18
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
Ram Plate CT 2 6
Medium Laser RFL 1 1
Medium Laser RFL 1 1
Medium Laser LFL 1 1
Medium Laser LFL 1 1
Medium Laser H 1 1
Medium Laser LT (R) 1 1
