Rhino (Battle Armor)

This article is about the battle armor. For other uses, see Rhino.
Gnome BA LTMEG.png
Rhino
Production information
Manufacturer Clan Hell's Horses [1]
Use
Chassis Type Humanoid
Weight Class Heavy
Tech Base Clan
Introduced 2871
Technical specifications
Mass 1,500 kg
Top Speed 10.8 km/h
Armament
Armor Type Standard
BV (2.0) 473

Description[edit]

The Rhino was an early attempt made by Clan Hell's Horses to develop true battle armor during the Golden Century.[2]

Capabilities[edit]

The Rhino's weapons layout and equipment was similar to the Elemental (Battle Armor), but was not as capable as the later machine. Its weapons ranges were shorter and it lacked maneuverability and speed. However, the armor was greater than what the Elemental battlesuit would carry. In addition, while the suit's SRM 2 was easy to use and reload, it had a significant jamming issue. This issue would cause catastrophic ammo explosions dealing major damage to the suit and the pilot (for an example, see Bertram). Engineers tried to resolve the issue, but the Rhino was shelved before the issue could be rectified.[2]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Rhino was armed with a Small Pulse Laser, an SRM-2 and a Heavy Battle Claw. These weapons were in fixed mounts and could not be changed.[1]

Combat History[edit]

In 2879 on Atreus, Clan Hell's Horses tried to sneak a Star of Rhino's behind Clan Smoke Jaguar lines. There they encountered two Points of Elemental battle armor. In the ensuing battle, the better mobility of the Elemental battle armor allowed the Jaguars, with less numbers and firepower, to defeat the Horses with few losses. Meanwhile, only a point of Rhinos would survive the encounter.[2]

Notes[edit]

The Rhino would serve as a source on inspiration in the creation of the Gnome battle armor in the thirty-first century.[3][4]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Technical Readout Golden Century, p. 7
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Technical Readout Golden Century, p. 6: "Rhino"
  3. Field Manual: Crusader Clans, p. 181: "Gnome Battle Armor"
  4. LosTech: The MechWarrior Equipment Guide, p. 62: "Gnome"

Bibliography[edit]