FrankenMech

HybridMech redirects here.

Description[edit]

FrankenMech is an informal term referring to 'Mechs that combine parts of different 'Mech designs, sometimes to the point of not being based on any single parent design. They may either have been constructed entirely out of spare parts, or otherwise have been modified beyond recognition with parts from other units.[1]

According to MechWarrior Online lore, Heavy or assault-class FrankenMechs, i.e. those massing between 60 and 100 tons, are often also called "Corsairs", though this has not been confirmed as canon.[2]

Despite an existing overlap, FrankenMechs should not be confused with the HybridMech concept. Although often used synonymously with FrankenMech, HybridMech is a somewhat more formal term that technically has a different meaning: it refers to 'Mechs built with a mixed tech base (typically combining Inner Sphere and Clan technology base.

FrankenMechs became somewhat common during the Succession Wars as factories, spare parts, and reliable supply lines became increasingly rare. They are typically cobbled-together one-of-a-kind individual designs, although some (like the Wolfman) may in fact have been created more than once.

In the Succession Wars era some new 'Mech designs were created by recombining proven components of other, older 'Mech designs. These are generally treated as new, distinct 'Mech designs although they are arguably just standardized FrankenMechs put into regular production. Notable examples include the Merlin and the Cataphract.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Strategic Operations, p. 189, "FrankenMechs (Optional)"
  2. MechWarrior Online - Corsair Lore

Bibliography[edit]