Difference between revisions of "Thorn (BattleMech)"

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==Description==
 
==Description==
The ''Thorn'' is a light [[BattleMech]] that was designed for front line use. When the 'Mech first debuted it was with a great deal of hype that unfortunately the 'Mech could never truly live up to. Critics who look at the 'Mech generally see it in one of two ways. As a light 'Mech that isn't fast enough for its own good or a light 'Mech that tries to do a job that only a heavier 'Mech should.  
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The '''''Thorn''''' is a light [[BattleMech]] that was designed for front line use. When the 'Mech first debuted it was with a great deal of hype that unfortunately the 'Mech could never truly live up to. Critics who look at the 'Mech generally see it in one of two ways. As a light 'Mech that is not fast enough for its own good or a light 'Mech that tries to do a job that only a heavier 'Mech should.  
  
Looking at the ''Thorn'' with neither bias it is easy to see where these two viewpoints come from. As far as being able to intercept or hunt down recon 'Mechs of it's era it is far too slow, and as far as front line combat the ''Thorn'' doesn't have the armor or staying power of most front line machines. The only real unique and advanced aspect of the ''Thorn'' is that it was the first 'Mech to utilize an [[Endo Steel]] chassis and [[CASE]] which paved the way for much heavier 'Mechs in later eras to utilize the technology and make themselves far deadlier with a greater degree of survivability.
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Looking at the ''Thorn'' with neither bias it is easy to see where these two viewpoints come from. As far as being able to intercept or hunt down recon 'Mechs of its era it is far too slow, and as far as front line combat the ''Thorn'' does not have the armor or staying power of most front line machines. The only real unique and advanced aspect of the ''Thorn'' is that it was the first 'Mech to utilize an [[Endo Steel]] chassis and [[CASE]], which paved the way for much heavier 'Mechs in later eras to utilize the technology and make themselves far deadlier with a greater degree of survivability.
  
 
==Armament==
 
==Armament==
The ''Thorn'' carries a weapons array that is not usually seen on light 'Mechs. The reason for this is the use of the Zeus-5 [[LRM-5]] launcher, paired with two Hellion Spitfire [[Medium Laser]]s. These weapons allow the ''Thorn'' some flexibility on the battlefield but with its slow speed and its lackluster armor the ''Thorn'' is best suited as a light fire support unit for recon lances.
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The ''Thorn'' carries a weapons array that is not usually seen on light 'Mechs. The reason for this is the use of the Zeus-5 [[LRM-5]] launcher, paired with two Hellion Spitfire [[Medium Laser]]s. These weapons allow the ''Thorn'' some flexibility on the battlefield but with its slow speed and its lackluster armor, the ''Thorn'' is best suited as a light fire support unit for recon lances.
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
*THE-S - The THE-S ''Thorn'' is a downgraded version of the ''Thorn'' that is very similar to the original THE-N ''Thorn''. While this variant loses some of it's survivability, there are few changes to the design even when you take into account its loss of [[Star League]] era technology. The primary changes are the loss of the [[Endo Steel]] structure and the [[Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment]]. The extra ton of weight needed due to the heavier standard structure is achieved through the removal of CASE and by reducing the already meager armor protection by half a ton. BV (1.0) = 445, BV (2.0) = 510
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*THE-S - The THE-S ''Thorn'' is a downgraded version of the ''Thorn'' that is very similar to the original THE-N ''Thorn''. While this variant loses some of its survivability, there are few changes to the design even with its loss of [[Star League]]-era technology. The primary changes are the loss of the [[Endo Steel]] structure and the [[Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment]]. The extra ton of weight needed due to the heavier standard structure is achieved through the removal of CASE and by reducing the already meager armor protection by half a ton. BV (1.0) = 445, BV (2.0) = 510
*THE-N1 - The THE-N1 ''Thorn'' is the newest variant of this venerable old [[BattleMech]]. All of the weapons have been stripped from the chassis and the standard engine has been replaced with an ExtraLight engine while retaining the same speed. The increased weight savings have allowed for the addition of an [[ER PPC]] and a [[Small Laser]]. This new weapons array adds a level of lethality never seen before on the ''Thorn'' at the cost of reduced survivability. BV (1.0) = 595, BV (2.0) = 656
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*THE-N1 - The THE-N1 ''Thorn'' was produced in the early 3050s, shortly after the [[Clan Invasion]]. All of the weapons have been stripped from the chassis and the standard engine has been replaced with an [[XL Engine]] while retaining the same speed. The increased weight savings have allowed for the addition of an [[ER PPC]] and a [[Small Laser]]. This new weapons array adds a level of lethality never seen before on the ''Thorn'' at the cost of reduced survivability. BV (1.0) = 595, BV (2.0) = 656
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*THE-N2 - This upgrade of the N1 hearkens back to the N in this upgrade that replaces the PPC with an [[MML 7]]. While capable of launching more long-range missiles than the original, it is also able to fire short-range missiles that are capable of dealing twice as much damage. The laser has also been upgraded to an [[ER Small Laser]]. BV (2.0) = ???
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
*[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]
 
*[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]
 
*[[Record Sheets: 3050]]
 
*[[Record Sheets: 3050]]
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*[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Inner Sphere)]]
 
*[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]
 
*[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]
 
*[[Technical Readout: 2750]]
 
*[[Technical Readout: 2750]]
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*[[Technical Readout: 3050]]
 
*[[Technical Readout: 3050]]
 
*[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]
 
*[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]
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*[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]
  
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:20 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:20 ton BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:000-500 BV BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:SLDF 2750 BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:SLDF 2750 BattleMechs]]
[[Category:000-500 BV BattleMechs]]
 

Revision as of 20:06, 9 April 2008

Thorn (BattleMech)
Thorn
Production information
Manufacturer Ford Military Limited
Model THE-N
Class Light
Technical specifications
Mass 20 tons
Chassis Chariot Type II Endo Steel
Armor Armorscale
Engine GM 120
Speed 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets None
Armament
BV (1.0) 484
BV (2.0) 546


Description

The Thorn is a light BattleMech that was designed for front line use. When the 'Mech first debuted it was with a great deal of hype that unfortunately the 'Mech could never truly live up to. Critics who look at the 'Mech generally see it in one of two ways. As a light 'Mech that is not fast enough for its own good or a light 'Mech that tries to do a job that only a heavier 'Mech should.

Looking at the Thorn with neither bias it is easy to see where these two viewpoints come from. As far as being able to intercept or hunt down recon 'Mechs of its era it is far too slow, and as far as front line combat the Thorn does not have the armor or staying power of most front line machines. The only real unique and advanced aspect of the Thorn is that it was the first 'Mech to utilize an Endo Steel chassis and CASE, which paved the way for much heavier 'Mechs in later eras to utilize the technology and make themselves far deadlier with a greater degree of survivability.

Armament

The Thorn carries a weapons array that is not usually seen on light 'Mechs. The reason for this is the use of the Zeus-5 LRM-5 launcher, paired with two Hellion Spitfire Medium Lasers. These weapons allow the Thorn some flexibility on the battlefield but with its slow speed and its lackluster armor, the Thorn is best suited as a light fire support unit for recon lances.

Variants

  • THE-S - The THE-S Thorn is a downgraded version of the Thorn that is very similar to the original THE-N Thorn. While this variant loses some of its survivability, there are few changes to the design even with its loss of Star League-era technology. The primary changes are the loss of the Endo Steel structure and the Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment. The extra ton of weight needed due to the heavier standard structure is achieved through the removal of CASE and by reducing the already meager armor protection by half a ton. BV (1.0) = 445, BV (2.0) = 510
  • THE-N1 - The THE-N1 Thorn was produced in the early 3050s, shortly after the Clan Invasion. All of the weapons have been stripped from the chassis and the standard engine has been replaced with an XL Engine while retaining the same speed. The increased weight savings have allowed for the addition of an ER PPC and a Small Laser. This new weapons array adds a level of lethality never seen before on the Thorn at the cost of reduced survivability. BV (1.0) = 595, BV (2.0) = 656
  • THE-N2 - This upgrade of the N1 hearkens back to the N in this upgrade that replaces the PPC with an MML 7. While capable of launching more long-range missiles than the original, it is also able to fire short-range missiles that are capable of dealing twice as much damage. The laser has also been upgraded to an ER Small Laser. BV (2.0) = ???

References