BattleMech Technical Readout
Name/Model: Charon ((Shrikes Mech)) CRN-N34
Designer: The Grand Poobah
Source(s): Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 75
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: Clan Invasion / 3057
Rules (Current): Tournament Legal
Rules (Era): Tournament Legal
Rules (Year): Tournament Legal
Total Cost: 7,799,750 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,677
Chassis: DSC Model CRN Special Endo Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 300
Walking Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
2 Magna Hellstar PPCs
1 Imperator Code Red LB 10-X AC
1 Diverse Optics Type 2 Medium Laser
2 Hovertech Quad SRM 4s
Manufacturer: DSC Armory
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: DSC CombatCom
Targeting & Tracking: DSC BattleTrak
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Overview:
Lacking a top selling battlemech in the heavy class, the DSC Armory staff began discussions
to create a solid heavy battlemech to give to boost sales figures. Design work began on a
'mech labeled the DSC-X34 in late 3054 and would incorporate new technology in order to
place it in competition with popular designs such as the Warhammer and Marauder. By 3056 the
testing stage was completed and the first of the prototype CRN-N34 Charon battlemechs walked
out of the Kathil weapons research division. Full production would begin later that
year on Keystone.
Capabilities:
Aiming for a very solidly designed heavy line 'mech that could serve alongside the Marauders
and Orions that were common in the Inner Sphere armies, designers wanted to focus not only
on the weapons package, but also keeping to cost a bit more reasonable than many other
battlemechs in the class. The first step in curtailing the cost was deciding upon the Pitban
300 fusion plant over a VOX extra-light engine. While the weight savings of the VOX engine
could've gone directly towards more impressive armament, the added cost was projected to be
detrimental towards sales. Instead, the DSC engineers chose to use advanced construction
materials to save the additional
weight for intended weaponry.
While the Charon sports eleven and a half tons of armor, just as much as the old MAD-3R, the
protection is more in line with the Thunderbolt or Grasshopper thanks to Kallon Unity Weave
Ferro-Fibrous plate. Not only is the Charon well armored, but it is well armed as well. The
primary armament is the reliable Imperator Code Red LBX
autocannon in the left arm. Providing both versatility and a reliable damage potential, the
Code Red is suited for most combat situations and is adequately supplied with two full tons
of ammunition. Secondary to the autocannon are a pair of older Magna Hellstar particle
cannons mounted on the shoulders. While lacking the range of the newer Magna Firestar
cannons, the Hellstars are reliable, cheap, and readily available. The Hellstar also has a
thoroughly documented history, as it served quite well on the older MAD-3R Marauder. Using
the paired PPCs and the autocannon, the Charon's primary damage potential lies at medium
engagement ranges. When the battle moves closer, the CRN can fall back on a single Diverse
Optics medium laser in the right arm and a pair of hip mounted Hovertec Quad short range
missile packs. While a bit unorthodox, the hip mounting was chosen in light of the stability
of the Crusader's Harpoon SRM-6 packs, which are also mounted on the hips. Carrying only a
ton of SRM missiles, the Hovertecs will find their ammo bin empty in short order, but they
were intended more as backup armament than a primary source of damage. It should be noted
that all ammunition on the Charon is protected in the left torso by Cellular Ammunition
Storage Equipment.
Should any shots penetrate the armor, both pilot and battlemech will be spared.
Deployment:
After a harsh reception by battlemech pilots, many have grown to love the Charon. It has
made a small step to replace damaged Warhammers, Marauders, and Orions in several units, but
it doesn't appear that it will eclipse any of the classic heavy battlemechs anytime soon.
Still, sales have been higher than expected and have brought a great deal of profit to the
DSC Armory allowing them to pursue other ventures.
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Equipment Mass
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Internal Structure: Endo Steel 4.00
Engine: 300 Fusion 19.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 11 [22] 1.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 206 11.50
Type: Ferro-Fibrous
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 23 31
Center Torso (rear): 10
R/L Torso: 16 22
R/L Torso (rear): 7
R/L Arm: 12 21
R/L Leg: 16 28
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Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
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PPC RT 3 7.00
CASE LT 1 0.50
LB 10-X AC (Ammo 20) LT 2 2.00
PPC LT 3 7.00
SRM 4 (Ammo 25) LT 1 1.00
Medium Laser RA 1 1.00
LB 10-X AC LA 6 11.00
SRM 4 RL 1 2.00
SRM 4 LL 1 2.00
================================================================================================
Alpha Strike Statistics
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Point Value (PV): 40
TP: BM, SZ: 3, TMM: 1, MV: 8"
Damage: (S) 3 / (M) 4 / (L) 3, OV: 1
Armor (A): 7, Structure (S): 6
Specials: CASE, FLK1/1/1, SRM1/1/-
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