Difference between revisions of "Sentinel"

m (→‎Variants: fixed formatting.)
m (tweaks, ref tagging)
Line 21: Line 21:
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
The '''''Sentinel''''' is a medium [[BattleMech]] built by [[Defiance Industries]], originally only for house [[Steiner]], as an [[infantry]] support [['Mech]]. The ''Sentinel'' gained in popularity though, and by the early twenty-eight century was being used in the [[SLDF]] and by houses [[House Marik|Marik]] and [[Davion]]. The ''Sentinel'' has several features that attracted the use of so many interstellar nations. Among those reasons were the unique weapons that it carried at the time. The ''Sentinel'' had a critical flaw which was originally blamed on its [[Fusion Engine|engine]]. After testing, it was found that the Pitban 240 in use was not the cause, but that there was a flaw in the cooling system for the ''Sentinel'' that required a reworking of that system in the units that had already reached the field, resulting in a redesign of the cooling system by Defiance in all future models.
+
The '''''Sentinel''''' is a medium [[BattleMech]] built by [[Defiance Industries]], originally only for [[House Steiner]], as an [[infantry]] support and installation defense [['Mech]]. While initially pleased to have a then [[Terran Hegemony]] controlled factory manufacturing the 'Mech exclusively for the [[LCAF]], the Lyrans were less so when a [[Star League]] Council amendment in [[2652]] permitted the [[Star League Defense Force]] to purchase a highly advanced version of the design which Houses Steiner, [[House Marik|Marik]] and [[House Davion|Davion]] would not receive til years later. The ''Sentinel'' was one of many designs to suffer from the technological decline of the [[Succession Wars era]], with Defiance first losing the ability to manufacture its advanced weapon systems before discontinued production entirely in [[3014]] due to lack of both parts and interest. Rather than disappear from the battlefield, the ''Sentinel'' now began to appear in increasing numbers thanks to [[ComStar]] and its massive stockpile of SLDF material, both providing the design to the [[Draconis Combine]] prior to the [[War of 3039]] and using it to help outfit its [[Com Guards]].
 +
<ref name=TRO2750-26>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 26 "STN-3L ''Sentinel''"</ref>
 +
<ref name=TRO3025R-40>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 40 "STN-3K''Sentinel''"</ref>
 +
<ref name=TRO3039-254>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 254 "STN-3K''Sentinel''"</ref>
 +
<ref name=TRO3050-100>''Technical Readout: 3050'', pp. 100-101 "''Sentinel''"</ref> <ref name=TRO3050R-90>''Technical Readout: 3050 Revised'', pp. 90-91 "STN-3M ''Sentinel''"</ref> <ref name=TRO3050U-194>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 194 "STN-3L 'Sentinel''"</ref>
 +
 
 +
Ignoring its weapons load-out, the ''Sentinel'' was a relatively mundanely constructed 'Mech, built on a standard chassis and clad in five and half tons of armor. A dependable Pitban 240 rated [[Fusion Engine]] gives the 'Mech a top running speed of 97.1kph, but when first manufactured the engine was also blamed as the cause for chronic overheating of the 'Mech. An investigation eventually found instead it was an issue with the heat circulation of the 'Mechs ten standard heat sinks, which required a field replacement program and redesign for future production. <ref name=TRO2750-26/> <ref name=TRO3025R-40/> <ref name=TRO3039-254/> <ref name=TRO3050-100/> <ref name=TRO3050R-90/> <ref name=TRO3050U-194/>
  
 
==Armament==
 
==Armament==
−
The ''Sentinel'' carries a somewhat unique, and some would even say haphazardly, arrayed armament. The primary weapon on the Sentinel is a KWI [[Ultra Autocannon/5]]. This weapon is capable of firing at double the rate of a standard [[AC/5]]. The system does have a slight chance of failure of the firing circuitry, making the [[autocannon]] useless until repaired. The rest of the weaponry is all short ranged, including a Defiance B-1A [[Small Laser]] and a Defiance [[Streak SRM-2]]. The Streak SRM is one of the things that attracted buyers to the design; because the weapon will only fire if it gains a lock, the entire salvo is virtually guaranteed to hit.
+
The Star League ''Sentinel'' carried a somewhat unique and highly advanced armament for its time. Its primary weapon was a Kawabata Weapons Industries [[Ultra Autocannon/5]], developed especially for the 3L this advanced weapon was capable of firing at double the rate of a standard [[AC/5]], at the cost of slightly increased possibility of jamming the weapon until it can be overhauled. The ''Sentinel'' also mounted an advanced Defiance [[Streak SRM-2]], the launcher designed to only fire if it gains a lock, saving ammo until the entire salvo is virtually guaranteed to hit. However the weapon's benefits were hampered by the companion [[Small laser]], the swap from the fragile A-1 for more sturdy Defiance B-1A moved the launcher's ammo feed by half a meter, resulting in ammo jams during abrupt maneuvers. Though [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] discovered that they could clear a jam in the field by thumping the 'Mech's chest with its right fist, opponents quickly learned to concentrate fire on any ''Sentinel'' performing this, forcing pilots to retreat from battle anyway. <ref name=TRO2750-26/> <ref name=TRO3025R-40/> <ref name=TRO3039-254/> <ref name=TRO3050U-194/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
−
*STN-1S - The 1S ''Sentinel'' was the original production model commissioned by [[House Steiner]] in [[2651]].  The 1S lacks the advanced technologies of the 3L, mounting an [[Autocannon/5|AC/5]] instead of the [[Ultra Autocannon/5|Ultra AC/5]] and an [[SRM-4]] instead of the [[Streak SRM-2]].  The 1S also mounts a half ton more armor, but is otherwise identical to the 3L.  After years of hassles and bureaucratic maneuvering, all Lyran 1S ''Sentinels'' were eventually upgraded to 3L, only to be all but destroyed during the [[Succession Wars]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 194</ref>
+
*STN-1S - The 1S ''Sentinel'' was the original production model commissioned by House Steiner in [[2651]].  The 1S lacked the advanced technologies of the 3L, mounting an Defiance Model F AC/5 instead of the advanced Ultra model and a Conventry Quad-Rack [[SRM-4]] instead of the [[Streak Missile Launcher]].  The 1S also mounted a half ton more armor, but is otherwise identical to the 3L.  After years of hassles and bureaucratic maneuvering, all Lyran 1S ''Sentinels'' were eventually upgraded to 3L, only to be all but destroyed during the Succession Wars.<ref name=TRO3050U-194/>
  
−
*STN-3K - The 3K ''Sentinel'' is the downgraded version of the 3L model. The Ultra Autocannon and Streak SRM have both been downgraded to their standard versions. The speed of the [['Mech]] has stayed the same, and the armor has actually been improved by one half ton. BV (1.0) = 536<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 130</ref>, BV (2.0) = 652<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 104</ref>
+
*STN-3K - The 3K ''Sentinel'' is the downgraded Succession Wars era version of the 3L model. The Ultra Autocannon and Streak SRM have both been downgraded to a Defiance Type J Autocannon and a Holly SRM-2 rack. While its speed has stayed the same, the 'Mechs endurance in the field is actually enhanced by an extra ton of autocannon reloads and an extra half ton of armor. <ref name=TRO3025R-40/> <ref name=TRO3039-254/> <ref name=TRO3050U-194/> BV (1.0) = 536<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 130</ref>, BV (2.0) = 652<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 104</ref>
  
−
*STN-3Lb - The royal ''Sentinel'' replaces the weapon loadout with a Gauss Rifle, a medium laser and a small laser. To handle the weight of the Gauss Rifle, it uses a XL engine, Endo-Steel structure and Ferro-Fibrous Armor. BV (2.0) = 1260<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 35</ref>
+
*STN-3Lb - The [[Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions|Royal version]] of the ''Sentinel'' featured a significantly upgraded weapon load-out, mounting a [[Gauss Rifle]] in place of the autocannon and a [[Medium Laser]] in place of the Streak rack, retaining the small laser. To handle the weight of the Gauss Rifle, it was almost entirely rebuilt using a [[XL engine]] and [[Endo-Steel]] structure, with the one and a half tons of [[Ferro-Fibrous]] plate enhancing its protection. <ref name=HOK-159>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 159 "SLDF Royal Units - BattleMechs"</ref> BV (2.0) = 1260<ref name=RSOK-35>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 35</ref>
  
−
*STN-3M - The 3M carries attributes of both the 3L and 3K ''Sentinels''. The [['Mech]] carries the [[Ultra Autocannon/5]] of the 3L model, but also the standard [[SRM-2]] of the 3K. In addition, the [[Small Laser]] has been upgraded to a [[Medium Laser]] and the armor is the same as the -3L model. BV (1.0) = 655<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 125</ref>, BV (2.0) = 758
+
*STN-3M - The downgraded STN-3M model provided by ComStar to the Draconis Combine as part of [[Operation Rosebud]] carried attributes of both the 3L and 3K ''Sentinels'', retaining the advanced 'Mech's Ultra autocannon, but replacing the Streak rack with a standard Markin Mini SRM-2 launcher. While House Kurita was angered as much as the loss of the [[LosTech]] system as the use of a "foreign" [[Magistracy of Canopus]] manufactured launcher, the swap allowed the small laser to be upgraded to Manga Mk II Medium Laser. <ref name=TRO3050-100/> <ref name=TRO3050R-90/> <ref name=TRO3050U-194/> BV (1.0) = 655<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 125</ref>, BV (2.0) = 758
  
−
*STN-4D - The 4D adds a [[Davion]] touch to the ''Sentinel''. The SRM launcher has been completely done away with on this model and the [[Ultra Autocannon/5]] has been replaced with a [[Rotary AC/5|rotary model]]. The [[Medium Laser]] from the 3M version has been upgraded to an [[ER Medium Laser]], and its five and a half tons of standard armor have been replaced with seven tons of [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor. BV (1.0) = 1,064<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 127</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,179
+
*STN-4D - The 4D adds a [[Davion]] touch to the ''Sentinel''. The SRM launcher has been completely done away with on this model and the Ultra Autocannon has been replaced with a [[Rotary AC/5|rotary model]]. The Medium Laser from the 3M version has been upgraded to an [[ER Medium Laser]], and its five and a half tons of standard armor have been replaced with seven tons of Ferro-Fibrous plate. <ref name=TRO3050U-194/> BV (1.0) = 1,064<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 127</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,179
  
−
*STN-5WB - This variant was produced by Defiance after it was lost to [[Word of Blake]] during the [[Jihad]]. Built on the same chassis as the 3L, the 5WB removes the weapons and adds a ton of armor. It uses a [[Light Engine]] for power, allowing it to mount a pair of [[Light Autocannon/5]]s that are fed from a single, one-ton ammunition bin. Three [[ER Medium Laser]]s back up the autocannon. BV (2.0) = ???
+
*STN-5WB - This variant was produced by Defiance after it was lost to [[Word of Blake]] during the [[Jihad]]. Built on the same chassis as the 3L, the 5WB removes the weapons and adds a ton of armor. It uses a [[Light Engine]] for power, allowing it to mount a pair of [[Light Autocannon/5]]s that are fed from a single, one-ton ammunition bin. Three [[ER Medium Laser]]s back up the autocannon. <ref name=TRO3050U-194/> BV (2.0) = ???
  
−
*STN-C - The STN-C is an upgrade of the design made to carry a [[C3 Slave Unit]]. The laser was removed from the 3K in order to add the electronics package. BV (1.0) = 586 (C3: 47)<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 689
+
*STN-C - The STN-C is a Combine upgrade of the 3M model, with the medium laser removed in order to carry a [[C3 Slave Unit]]. <ref name=TRO3050U-194/> BV (1.0) = 586 (C3: 47)<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 689
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
Line 52: Line 58:
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
 +
*''[[Historical: Operation Klondike]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
Line 57: Line 64:
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
 +
*''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
Line 64: Line 72:
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
−
 
  
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]

Revision as of 09:22, 15 April 2011

Sentinel
Sentinel
Production information
Manufacturer Defiance Industries
Model STN-3L
Class Medium
Cost 3,292,030 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 40 tons
Chassis Defiant V
Armor Valiant Lamellor
Engine Pitban 240
Speed 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets None
Armament
BV (1.0) 614
BV (2.0) 717


Description

The Sentinel is a medium BattleMech built by Defiance Industries, originally only for House Steiner, as an infantry support and installation defense 'Mech. While initially pleased to have a then Terran Hegemony controlled factory manufacturing the 'Mech exclusively for the LCAF, the Lyrans were less so when a Star League Council amendment in 2652 permitted the Star League Defense Force to purchase a highly advanced version of the design which Houses Steiner, Marik and Davion would not receive til years later. The Sentinel was one of many designs to suffer from the technological decline of the Succession Wars era, with Defiance first losing the ability to manufacture its advanced weapon systems before discontinued production entirely in 3014 due to lack of both parts and interest. Rather than disappear from the battlefield, the Sentinel now began to appear in increasing numbers thanks to ComStar and its massive stockpile of SLDF material, both providing the design to the Draconis Combine prior to the War of 3039 and using it to help outfit its Com Guards. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Ignoring its weapons load-out, the Sentinel was a relatively mundanely constructed 'Mech, built on a standard chassis and clad in five and half tons of armor. A dependable Pitban 240 rated Fusion Engine gives the 'Mech a top running speed of 97.1kph, but when first manufactured the engine was also blamed as the cause for chronic overheating of the 'Mech. An investigation eventually found instead it was an issue with the heat circulation of the 'Mechs ten standard heat sinks, which required a field replacement program and redesign for future production. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Armament

The Star League Sentinel carried a somewhat unique and highly advanced armament for its time. Its primary weapon was a Kawabata Weapons Industries Ultra Autocannon/5, developed especially for the 3L this advanced weapon was capable of firing at double the rate of a standard AC/5, at the cost of slightly increased possibility of jamming the weapon until it can be overhauled. The Sentinel also mounted an advanced Defiance Streak SRM-2, the launcher designed to only fire if it gains a lock, saving ammo until the entire salvo is virtually guaranteed to hit. However the weapon's benefits were hampered by the companion Small laser, the swap from the fragile A-1 for more sturdy Defiance B-1A moved the launcher's ammo feed by half a meter, resulting in ammo jams during abrupt maneuvers. Though MechWarriors discovered that they could clear a jam in the field by thumping the 'Mech's chest with its right fist, opponents quickly learned to concentrate fire on any Sentinel performing this, forcing pilots to retreat from battle anyway. [1] [2] [3] [6]

Variants

  • STN-1S - The 1S Sentinel was the original production model commissioned by House Steiner in 2651. The 1S lacked the advanced technologies of the 3L, mounting an Defiance Model F AC/5 instead of the advanced Ultra model and a Conventry Quad-Rack SRM-4 instead of the Streak Missile Launcher. The 1S also mounted a half ton more armor, but is otherwise identical to the 3L. After years of hassles and bureaucratic maneuvering, all Lyran 1S Sentinels were eventually upgraded to 3L, only to be all but destroyed during the Succession Wars.[6]
  • STN-3K - The 3K Sentinel is the downgraded Succession Wars era version of the 3L model. The Ultra Autocannon and Streak SRM have both been downgraded to a Defiance Type J Autocannon and a Holly SRM-2 rack. While its speed has stayed the same, the 'Mechs endurance in the field is actually enhanced by an extra ton of autocannon reloads and an extra half ton of armor. [2] [3] [6] BV (1.0) = 536[7], BV (2.0) = 652[8]
  • STN-3Lb - The Royal version of the Sentinel featured a significantly upgraded weapon load-out, mounting a Gauss Rifle in place of the autocannon and a Medium Laser in place of the Streak rack, retaining the small laser. To handle the weight of the Gauss Rifle, it was almost entirely rebuilt using a XL engine and Endo-Steel structure, with the one and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous plate enhancing its protection. [9] BV (2.0) = 1260[10]
  • STN-3M - The downgraded STN-3M model provided by ComStar to the Draconis Combine as part of Operation Rosebud carried attributes of both the 3L and 3K Sentinels, retaining the advanced 'Mech's Ultra autocannon, but replacing the Streak rack with a standard Markin Mini SRM-2 launcher. While House Kurita was angered as much as the loss of the LosTech system as the use of a "foreign" Magistracy of Canopus manufactured launcher, the swap allowed the small laser to be upgraded to Manga Mk II Medium Laser. [4] [5] [6] BV (1.0) = 655[11], BV (2.0) = 758
  • STN-4D - The 4D adds a Davion touch to the Sentinel. The SRM launcher has been completely done away with on this model and the Ultra Autocannon has been replaced with a rotary model. The Medium Laser from the 3M version has been upgraded to an ER Medium Laser, and its five and a half tons of standard armor have been replaced with seven tons of Ferro-Fibrous plate. [6] BV (1.0) = 1,064[12], BV (2.0) = 1,179
  • STN-5WB - This variant was produced by Defiance after it was lost to Word of Blake during the Jihad. Built on the same chassis as the 3L, the 5WB removes the weapons and adds a ton of armor. It uses a Light Engine for power, allowing it to mount a pair of Light Autocannon/5s that are fed from a single, one-ton ammunition bin. Three ER Medium Lasers back up the autocannon. [6] BV (2.0) = ???
  • STN-C - The STN-C is a Combine upgrade of the 3M model, with the medium laser removed in order to carry a C3 Slave Unit. [6] BV (1.0) = 586 (C3: 47)[11], BV (2.0) = 689

Gallery

  • STN-3L Sentinel

  • STN-3L Sentinel in Motion

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Technical Readout: 2750, p. 26 "STN-3L Sentinel"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 40 "STN-3KSentinel"
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 254 "STN-3KSentinel"
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Technical Readout: 3050, pp. 100-101 "Sentinel"
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Technical Readout: 3050 Revised, pp. 90-91 "STN-3M Sentinel"
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 194 "STN-3L 'Sentinel"
  7. ↑ Combat Operations, p. 130
  8. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 104
  9. ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 159 "SLDF Royal Units - BattleMechs"
  10. ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 35
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Combat Operations, p. 125
  12. ↑ Combat Operations, p. 127

Bibliography

Retrieved from "https://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Sentinel&oldid=177076"