Difference between revisions of "Chameleon"
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{{InfoBoxBattleMech | {{InfoBoxBattleMech | ||
− | |image= | + | |image = Chameleon_RGilClan v25.jpg |
− | |name=Chameleon | + | |name = ''Chameleon'' |
− | |manufacturer=[[J.B. BattleMechs Incorporated|J.B. BattleMechs Inc.]] | + | |manufacturer = |
− | |production year= | + | [[Defiance Industries]]<ref name=TRSWp78f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 78–79: CLN-7V Chameleon</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3058U --> |
− | |year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info MUL online | + | ---- |
− | |model=CLN-7V | + | [[J.B. BattleMechs Incorporated|J.B. BattleMechs Inc.]]<ref name=TRSWp78f /> |
− | |class=Medium | + | |production year = 3056 |
− | |cost= 4,623,375 C- | + | |year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/543/chameleon-cln-7v MUL online entry for ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> |
− | |mass=50 | + | |model = CLN-7V<ref name=TRSWp78f /> |
− | |chassis=Enran TXS2A | + | |class = Medium |
− | |armor=SimplePlate Manufacturers Type M | + | |introduced = [[2510]]<ref>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 11</ref> |
− | |engine=[[Vlar 300]] | + | |cost = 4,623,375 [[C-bill]]s |
− | |speed=97 | + | |Tech Base = Inner Sphere |
− | |jumpjets=McCloud Specials | + | |mech type = BattleMech |
− | |armament= | + | |mass = 50 |
− | *1x[[ | + | |chassis = [[Enran TXS2A]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp78f /> --> |
− | *2x[[ | + | |armor = [[SimplePlate Manufacturers Type M]] |
− | *3x[[ | + | |engine = [[Vlar 300]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp78f /> --> |
− | *2x[[ | + | |comsys = [[Jolex Systems]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp78f /> --> |
− | |BV (1.0)=839 | + | |T&T = [[Optisight-12]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp78f /> --> |
− | |BV (2.0)=1,042<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 240</ref> | + | |heat sinks = 10 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp78f /> --> |
+ | |speed = 97 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp78f /> --> | ||
+ | |jumpjets = [[McCloud Specials]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp78f /> --> | ||
+ | |armament = <!-- <ref name=TRSWp78f /> --> | ||
+ | * 1x [[large laser]] | ||
+ | * 2x [[medium laser]] | ||
+ | * 3x [[small laser]] | ||
+ | * 2x [[machine gun]] | ||
+ | |BV (1.0) = 839<ref name=TRO3058Up132f/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 213</ref> | ||
+ | |BV (2.0) = 1,042<ref name=TRSWp78f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 240</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
− | Since the [[Terran Hegemony]] introduced it in [[2510]] | + | Since the [[Terran Hegemony]] introduced it in [[2510]], the '''''Chameleon''''' has been the premiere training [[BattleMech]] for light- and medium-BattleMech MechWarriors. In fact, with its role away from the battlefield, except in the most desperate of circumstances, the ''Chameleon'' has suffered relatively little attrition. Combined with its continuous production on [[Hesperus II]], the ''Chameleon'' is one of the most common BattleMechs. Even in the thirty-first century, the ''Chameleon'' is widely used at academies and training cadres throughout the [[Inner Sphere]].<ref name=TRO3058p106>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 106</ref><ref name=TRO3058Up132f>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', pp. 132–133: "Chameleon"</ref> |
− | + | The ''Chameleon'' was designed to help a new [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] master the skills of maneuvering and heat management, with a top speed of 97.2 km/h and a jumping distance of 180 meters. The 'Mech also had an almost all-energy-weapon loadout, but was cooled by only 10 [[Heat Sink|single heat sinks]]; this paucity of freezers forces MechWarriors to concentrate on the 'Mech's heat levels. In some instances, the ''Chameleon'' had been forced into combat situations, notably during the [[Dragoon Civil War]] and the [[Battle_of_Terra_(3058)|World of Blake's conquest of Terra]].<ref>''Wolf Pack'', p. ??{{cn}}</ref><ref name=TRO3058p106/><ref name=TRO3058Up132f/> | |
− | + | Production of the ''Chameleon'' halted briefly in [[3052]] when [[Defiance Industries]] decided to switch its production to the ''[[Nightsky]]'', but was quickly resumed when [[J.B. BattleMechs Incorporated]] purchased the rights to the design. J.B. BattleMechs also introduced two battleworthy variants of the ''Chameleon''.<ref name=TRO3058p106/><ref name=TRO3058Up132f/> | |
− | |||
+ | The ''Chameleon'' is a training 'Mech, intended to simulate a variety of opponents by mounting a wide variety of weapon systems. While a medium 'Mech by design, it doesn't always look like one; it can be fitted out with extra plates to modify its appearance, and carries special electronics to falsify its signature. It is these special abilities that let it look and scan as something other than what it is, hence the machine's name.<ref name=WP>''Wolf Pack'', ch. 41</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Weapons and Equipment== | ||
+ | The ''Chameleon'' carried a basic arsenal that allowed a MechWarrior-in-training to learn the skill of heat management. The 'Mech's reliable low-tech arsenal proved effective when forced into combat; the primary weapon was a [[Cyclops Eye]] [[large laser]], backed up by two [[Medium laser#Intek|Intek]] [[medium laser]]s, and a trio of [[Defiance B3S]] [[small laser]]s. To make the threat of overheating more real to the new MechWarrior, the 'Mech carried two [[Scatter Gun Light]] [[machine gun]]s that could be used for anti-infantry training.<ref name=TRO3058p106/><ref name=TRO3058Up132f/> | ||
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
− | * TRC-4B | + | *; TRC-4B : Also referred to as the CHM-3 ''Chameleon Training Scout'',<ref name=B2EBTp1>''BattleTech 2nd Edition: BattleMech Training'', p. 1</ref> this formerly common but now obscure training 'Mech was armed with one [[large laser]], two [[medium laser]]s, four [[small laser]]s, and two [[machine gun]]s. With only 10 [[single heat sink]], this [['Mech]] was quite prone to overheating, forcing trainees to carefully manage their heat. As manufactured, this 'Mech is perhaps the only [[Rules Level 1]] official, if not canonical, design with three critical spaces of equipment installed in the center torso, two [[machine gun]]s and half a ton of ammo, in violation of the design rules released with it. Additionally, as released, a quarter ton of armor remained unallocated. BV (1.0) = 811; BV (2.0) = 999<ref name=B2EBTp1 /> |
− | * CLN-4V - | + | *; CLN-4V : An editing error. ''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', page 241, presented the stats for the TRC-4B but gave the designator as CLN-4V. This was corrected to TRC-4B in official errata, and it was also expressly clarified that there is no CLN-4V variant of the ''Chameleon''.<ref>In [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/ask-the-writers/a-question-about-the-chameleon/msg1656002/#msg1656002 this] posting on the official [[BattleTech forum]] by [[Joshua "nckestrel" Franklin]]: ''"There is errata for RS 3058U stating "Chameleon CLN-4V, p. 241 designation - replace "CLN-4V" with "TRC-4B"" IE. There is no CLN-4V."''</ref> |
− | * CLN-7W | + | *; CLN-7W : The 7W variant of the ''Chameleon'' looked to use the 'Mech in a full-time combat role. The 'Mech upgraded the [[large laser]] to an [[ER large laser]]. Additionally, the [[machine gun]]s and [[small laser]]s were removed and replaced with a [[medium pulse laser]] and [[double heat sink]]s. J.B. BattleMechs allowed pilots to turn off the heat management software for battlefield flexibility.<ref name=TRSWp78f /> BV (1.0) = 1,101;<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 214</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,243<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 242</ref> |
− | * CLN-7Z | + | *; CLN-7Z : Another J.B. BattleMechs combat variant of the ''Chameleon'', the 7Z carried as its primary weapons two [[large laser]]s and a single [[ER large laser]]. The 7Z carried no other weapons on its chassis and used 12 [[double heat sink]]s to handle its massive heat load.<ref name=TRSWp78f /> BV (1.0) = 1,283;<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 215</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,527<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 243</ref> |
+ | |||
+ | *; CLN-7VQ : This one-off ''Q-Mech'' variant of the ''Chameleon'' hunted down and attacked senior officers at several academies across the [[Inner Sphere]]. It was equipped with a [[heavy PPC]] and [[PPC capacitor]], and three [[improved heavy medium laser]]s tied into an advanced [[Clan]] [[targeting computer]]. An [[Angel ECM suite]] was mounted in the center torso to disguise its weapons. Despite the increased scrutiny and security at academies caused by this 'Mech, it wasn't a success on the field, with only one confirmed kill.<ref name=XTRO:Pp4>''Experimental Technical Readout: Phantoms'', p. 4</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | *; CLN-8V : This variant sought to make the ''Chameleon'' a capable frontline fighter. The weapons complement was changed considerably. An [[ER large laser]] and standard [[medium laser]] were mounted in the right arm. Another medium laser remained in the left arm. Two [[medium X-pulse laser]]s were mounted in the right torso, while another was mounted in the left. A pair of machine guns were still carried in the center torso but now shared a [[CASE II]]–protected half-ton magazine in the left torso. To make room for all these improvements, a 300 XL engine was used. The heat sinks were upgrade to twelve doubles. Nine tons of standard armor protected this variant. BV (2.0) = 1,426<ref name=RGIv25p9>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 25'', p. 9</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | *; CLN-9V : Another attempt to make the ''Chameleon'' perform in real combat, the 9V took an uncommon approach. Mounting only six tons of [[light ferro-fibrous]] armor, this variant instead relied on [[reinforced structure]] to increase its durability. A [[light PPC]] was now the main gun in the right arm, with both arms also featuring an [[ER medium laser]]. Three [[small X-pulse lasers]] resided in the torsos, with one in the left and two in the right. Standard [[machine gun]]s remained in the center torso, but their half-ton of ammo was protected by [[CASE II]] in the left torso. A light fusion engine and ten double heat sinks were also used by this variant. BV (2.0) = 1,276<ref name=RGIv25p9 /> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Design Quirks== | ||
+ | The CLN-7V ''Chameleon'' is subject to the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 90: BattleMech Quirk Table -CLN-7V Entry</ref> | ||
+ | * [[Easy to Pilot]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | The CLN-7VQ ''Chameleon'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:Pp4/> | ||
+ | * [[Easy to Pilot]] | ||
+ | * [[Non-Standard Parts]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Notable Pilots== | ||
+ | :''See [[:Category:Notable Chameleon Pilots]]'' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Notes== | ||
+ | * In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Chamäleon'''''. The model code was left unchanged. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
− | + | TRC-4B_Chameleon.jpg|Original TRC-4B ''Chameleon'' from ''[[BattleTech, Second Edition]]'' rulebook | |
− | + | Chameleon.jpg|''Chameleon'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3058|TRO:3058]]'' | |
+ | Chameleon Q.jpg|Experimental CLN-7VQ ''Chameleon'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Phantoms|XTRO:Phantoms]]'' | ||
+ | Chameleon_RGilClan_v25.jpg|''Chameleon'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 25|RGilClan: vol. 25]]'' | ||
+ | CCG Arsenal Chameleon.jpg|CLN-7W ''Chameleon'' in battle from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|BTTCG]]'' | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Line 51: | Line 86: | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
− | *''[[BattleTech 2nd Edition]]'' | + | * ''[[BattleTech 2nd Edition]]'' |
− | *''[ | + | * ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]'' |
− | *''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]'' | + | * ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Phantoms]]'' |
− | *''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]'' | + | * ''[[Master Unit List]]'' |
− | *''[[ | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]'' |
− | *''[[Technical Readout: 3058 | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]'' |
− | *''[[ | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades]]'' |
− | *''[[Wolf Pack]]'' ( | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]'' |
− | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]'' | |
+ | * ''[[Wolf Pack]]'' (novel) | ||
+ | [[Category:'Mechs]] | ||
[[Category:BattleMechs]] | [[Category:BattleMechs]] | ||
[[Category:Medium BattleMechs]] | [[Category:Medium BattleMechs]] | ||
[[Category:50 ton BattleMechs]] | [[Category:50 ton BattleMechs]] | ||
− | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Lyran Commonwealth BattleMechs]] |
− | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Star League BattleMechs]] |
− | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Terran Hegemony BattleMechs]] |
+ | [[Category:German renamed units]] |
Latest revision as of 10:12, 20 February 2024
![]() | |
Chameleon | |
---|---|
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Defiance Industries[1]
|
Production Year | 3056[2] |
Model | CLN-7V[1] |
Class | Medium |
Introduced | 2510[3] |
Cost | 4,623,375 C-bills |
Technical specifications | |
'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
Mass | 50 tons |
Chassis | Enran TXS2A |
Armor | SimplePlate Manufacturers Type M |
Engine | Vlar 300 |
Communications System | Jolex Systems |
Targeting Tracking System | Optisight-12 |
Heat Sinks | 10 single |
Speed | 97 km/h |
Jump Jets | McCloud Specials |
Armament |
|
BV (1.0) | 839[4][5] |
BV (2.0) | 1,042[1][6] |
Contents
Description[edit]
Since the Terran Hegemony introduced it in 2510, the Chameleon has been the premiere training BattleMech for light- and medium-BattleMech MechWarriors. In fact, with its role away from the battlefield, except in the most desperate of circumstances, the Chameleon has suffered relatively little attrition. Combined with its continuous production on Hesperus II, the Chameleon is one of the most common BattleMechs. Even in the thirty-first century, the Chameleon is widely used at academies and training cadres throughout the Inner Sphere.[7][4]
The Chameleon was designed to help a new MechWarrior master the skills of maneuvering and heat management, with a top speed of 97.2 km/h and a jumping distance of 180 meters. The 'Mech also had an almost all-energy-weapon loadout, but was cooled by only 10 single heat sinks; this paucity of freezers forces MechWarriors to concentrate on the 'Mech's heat levels. In some instances, the Chameleon had been forced into combat situations, notably during the Dragoon Civil War and the World of Blake's conquest of Terra.[8][7][4]
Production of the Chameleon halted briefly in 3052 when Defiance Industries decided to switch its production to the Nightsky, but was quickly resumed when J.B. BattleMechs Incorporated purchased the rights to the design. J.B. BattleMechs also introduced two battleworthy variants of the Chameleon.[7][4]
The Chameleon is a training 'Mech, intended to simulate a variety of opponents by mounting a wide variety of weapon systems. While a medium 'Mech by design, it doesn't always look like one; it can be fitted out with extra plates to modify its appearance, and carries special electronics to falsify its signature. It is these special abilities that let it look and scan as something other than what it is, hence the machine's name.[9]
Weapons and Equipment[edit]
The Chameleon carried a basic arsenal that allowed a MechWarrior-in-training to learn the skill of heat management. The 'Mech's reliable low-tech arsenal proved effective when forced into combat; the primary weapon was a Cyclops Eye large laser, backed up by two Intek medium lasers, and a trio of Defiance B3S small lasers. To make the threat of overheating more real to the new MechWarrior, the 'Mech carried two Scatter Gun Light machine guns that could be used for anti-infantry training.[7][4]
Variants[edit]
- TRC-4B
- Also referred to as the CHM-3 Chameleon Training Scout,[10] this formerly common but now obscure training 'Mech was armed with one large laser, two medium lasers, four small lasers, and two machine guns. With only 10 single heat sink, this 'Mech was quite prone to overheating, forcing trainees to carefully manage their heat. As manufactured, this 'Mech is perhaps the only Rules Level 1 official, if not canonical, design with three critical spaces of equipment installed in the center torso, two machine guns and half a ton of ammo, in violation of the design rules released with it. Additionally, as released, a quarter ton of armor remained unallocated. BV (1.0) = 811; BV (2.0) = 999[10]
- CLN-4V
- An editing error. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), page 241, presented the stats for the TRC-4B but gave the designator as CLN-4V. This was corrected to TRC-4B in official errata, and it was also expressly clarified that there is no CLN-4V variant of the Chameleon.[11]
- CLN-7W
- The 7W variant of the Chameleon looked to use the 'Mech in a full-time combat role. The 'Mech upgraded the large laser to an ER large laser. Additionally, the machine guns and small lasers were removed and replaced with a medium pulse laser and double heat sinks. J.B. BattleMechs allowed pilots to turn off the heat management software for battlefield flexibility.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,101;[12] BV (2.0) = 1,243[13]
- CLN-7Z
- Another J.B. BattleMechs combat variant of the Chameleon, the 7Z carried as its primary weapons two large lasers and a single ER large laser. The 7Z carried no other weapons on its chassis and used 12 double heat sinks to handle its massive heat load.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,283;[14] BV (2.0) = 1,527[15]
- CLN-7VQ
- This one-off Q-Mech variant of the Chameleon hunted down and attacked senior officers at several academies across the Inner Sphere. It was equipped with a heavy PPC and PPC capacitor, and three improved heavy medium lasers tied into an advanced Clan targeting computer. An Angel ECM suite was mounted in the center torso to disguise its weapons. Despite the increased scrutiny and security at academies caused by this 'Mech, it wasn't a success on the field, with only one confirmed kill.[16]
- CLN-8V
- This variant sought to make the Chameleon a capable frontline fighter. The weapons complement was changed considerably. An ER large laser and standard medium laser were mounted in the right arm. Another medium laser remained in the left arm. Two medium X-pulse lasers were mounted in the right torso, while another was mounted in the left. A pair of machine guns were still carried in the center torso but now shared a CASE II–protected half-ton magazine in the left torso. To make room for all these improvements, a 300 XL engine was used. The heat sinks were upgrade to twelve doubles. Nine tons of standard armor protected this variant. BV (2.0) = 1,426[17]
- CLN-9V
- Another attempt to make the Chameleon perform in real combat, the 9V took an uncommon approach. Mounting only six tons of light ferro-fibrous armor, this variant instead relied on reinforced structure to increase its durability. A light PPC was now the main gun in the right arm, with both arms also featuring an ER medium laser. Three small X-pulse lasers resided in the torsos, with one in the left and two in the right. Standard machine guns remained in the center torso, but their half-ton of ammo was protected by CASE II in the left torso. A light fusion engine and ten double heat sinks were also used by this variant. BV (2.0) = 1,276[17]
Design Quirks[edit]
The CLN-7V Chameleon is subject to the following Design Quirk:[18]
The CLN-7VQ Chameleon variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[16]
Notable Pilots[edit]
Notes[edit]
- In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Chamäleon. The model code was left unchanged.
Gallery[edit]
Original TRC-4B Chameleon from BattleTech, Second Edition rulebook
Chameleon from TRO:3058
Experimental CLN-7VQ Chameleon from XTRO:Phantoms
Chameleon from RGilClan: vol. 25
CLN-7W Chameleon in battle from BTTCG
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 78–79: CLN-7V Chameleon
- ↑ MUL online entry for Chameleon
- ↑ Era Digest: Age of War, p. 11
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, pp. 132–133: "Chameleon"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 213
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 240
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Technical Readout: 3058, p. 106
- ↑ Wolf Pack, p. ??[citation needed]
- ↑ Wolf Pack, ch. 41
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 BattleTech 2nd Edition: BattleMech Training, p. 1
- ↑ In this posting on the official BattleTech forum by Joshua "nckestrel" Franklin: "There is errata for RS 3058U stating "Chameleon CLN-4V, p. 241 designation - replace "CLN-4V" with "TRC-4B"" IE. There is no CLN-4V."
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 214
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 242
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 215
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 243
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Phantoms, p. 4
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 25, p. 9
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 90: BattleMech Quirk Table -CLN-7V Entry