BattleMech Technical Readout
Name/Model: Jenner JR7-H
Designer: IronRaven Special Projects Group
Source(s): Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: D
Tonnage: 35
Role: Striker
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: Succession Wars / 2785
Rules (Current): Introductory
Rules (Era): Introductory
Rules (Year): Introductory
Total Cost: 3,092,175 C-Bills
Battle Value: 941
Chassis: Diplan Scout-A
Power Plant: Magna 210
Walking Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph
Jump Jets: Smithson Lifters
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Starshield
Armament:
4 Argra 3L Medium Lasers
1 Thunderstroke SRM 4
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Dawson III
Targeting & Tracking: Bk-309
================================================================================================
Overview:
In the centuries since it was introduced, the Jenner has become ubiquitous with Draconis
forces. And far from unknown in those of it's neighbors in the form of captured and salvaged
machines. While Steiner and Davion forces use captured machines, they are often part of
compensation packages with mercenaries in their employ. While the Jenner is a good mech, it
has two issues. The first and best known is that the back armour is thin enough to be
compromised with a fire axe; while that has lead to the -F variant, it's a known
shortcoming. The other issue that fewer people think of is the engine. While it's mobility
is wonderful, the 245-class engine that makes it possible is unique to the Jenner. They can
be repaired, but short of raiding and the black market, you're never going to find a
new-in-box one outside of the Combine. And that's a problem.
Or is it? Sometimes your problems solve each other. We at This Old Mech have seen the
solution before, more than once, with AFFS, LCAF and mercenary mechs. Oddly, the
identification and reference guides that a quarter of teenagers have all overlook this. What
this is has no official designation, so I get to name it. Jenner JR7-H, "H" for "Heavy".
For compatible engines, the options are limited, but there is a great one in the form of the
Omni 210. It's used in the Firestarter and manufactured in the Commonwealth, Federated Suns
and Confederation, and is widely distributed by Star Corps. While not the most common engine
in the Sphere, it can be found readily enough. This does reduce the performance of the
Jenner Heavy, but a top speed of 97kmh and 150m range of the jump jets is respectable for
it's weight class.
The way this solution to a problem also solves the armour issue is simple- it's three tons
lighter. This creates possibilities. Some users have replaced the SRM rack with an LRM-10,
others take some of the mass to add a pair of machine guns, ammo and armor. But most,
including those used by both the LCAF and the AFFS, upgrade the armour so it duplicates the
JN7-F. I'd estimate that two thirds of the Jenners with a 210-class engine are in this
configuration. With seven tons of armour, decent mobility, four medium lasers and an SRM-4
rack, the Jenner Heavy is as much a bruiser as any light mech is ever going to be. Along the
way, the Arga lasers are usually replaced with more readily available but functionally
identical models, as is the SRM rack
While the -H variant is by no means universal among users of captured Jenners, it's rarity
is decreasing as Luthien-made 245s remain hard to source. Tactically speaking, it fills the
same roles as the Wasp but does it better, and with enough armour and firepower to add being
an ambush hunter and a real threat to most mechs up to 50 tons if properly piloted. While it
still has the heat issues as the parent configuration, the wisdom of the centuries is that
heat management is the mark of a good mechwarrior. It could be argued that if you've
captured a Jenner and survived having it damaged to the point it needs a new engine, you're
probably a good mechwarrior. Or the new kid with the machine no one wants because to your
own side it looks like a "shoot me" sign.
But the better question is this: if ComStar has overlooked something much more common than
LosTech downgrades of certain SLDF mechs, what else are they leaving out.
[Editor's note: While Soldiers of Lost Fortunes, of which This Old Mech is a column, is
distributed via ComStar, we are not controlled by them. The tradition of a free press
compels me to leave this last comment intact, I disavow and disagree with the feelings of
the author and deny any connection to him.]
[Editor-in-Chief's note: Don't talk about your brother that way, Isaac. As your mother, I
have to tell the Sphere you do have a connection with your little brother.]
[Note from the ComStar Acolyte who approved the document for distribution: We also believe
in a free press as it is part of Blake's Vision. It seems it was a just an oversight. Why
would we censor anything. Blake's Peace be upon you, and it sounds like you folks need it.]
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 3.50
Engine: 210 Fusion 9.00
Walking MP: 6
Running MP: 9
Jumping MP: 5
Heat Sinks (Single): 10 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 112 7.00
Type: Standard
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 7
Center Torso: 11 15
Center Torso (rear): 6
R/L Torso: 8 11
R/L Torso (rear): 5
R/L Arm: 6 11
R/L Leg: 8 15
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jump Jet CT 1 0.50
SRM 4 CT 1 2.00
2 Jump Jets RT 2 1.00
SRM 4 (Ammo 25) RT 1 1.00
2 Jump Jets LT 2 1.00
2 Medium Lasers RA 2 2.00
2 Medium Lasers LA 2 2.00
================================================================================================
Alpha Strike Statistics
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Value (PV): 25
TP: BM, SZ: 1, TMM: 2, MV: 12"/10"j
Damage: (S) 2 / (M) 2 / (L) 0, OV: 1
Armor (A): 4, Structure (S): 3
Specials:
|