Editing Awesome

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image          = Awesome_BTRSAGoAC.jpg
|name           = ''Awesome''
|manufacturer   =
[[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]
------
[[Lycomb-Davion IntroTech]]
------
[[Technicron Manufacturing]]<ref name=TRSWp146f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 146–147: "AWS-8Q Awesome"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
|model          = AWS-8Q
|year reference =<ref name=TRO3025-104>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 104: "Assault 'Mechs - AWS-8Q ''Awesome''"</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 98–99</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 154–155</ref><ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/174/awesome-aws-8q ''MUL online date for the'' {{PAGENAME}}]</ref>
|cost           = 6,598,170 C-bills
|production year=2665
|Tech Base= Inner Sphere
|mech type= BattleMech
|feet=biped
|mass           = 80
|chassis        = [[Technicron Type G]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp146f /> -->
|armor          = [[Durallex Heavy Special]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp146f /> -->
|engine         = [[Pitban 240]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp146f /> -->
|comsys         = [[Garret T19-G|Garrett T19-G]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp146f /> -->
|T&T            = [[Dynatec 2780]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp146f /> -->
|heat sinks     = 28 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp146f /> -->
|speed          = 54 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp146f /> -->
|armament= <!-- <ref name=TRSWp146f /> -->
*3x [[PPC]]s
*1x [[Small Laser]]
|BV (1.0) = 1,358<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref>
|BV (2.0) = 1,605<ref name=TRSWp146f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 163</ref>
}}

==Description==
[[Technicron Manufacturing]] began production of the '''''Awesome''''' in [[Introduction Year::2665]] to replace the STR-2C ''[[Striker (BattleMech)|Striker]]''.  What they produced not only replaced the aging ''Striker'', it became one of the most feared [[BattleMechs]] of all time.  The ''Awesome'' is built around its impressive all-energy based arsenal and heavy armor making it a highly independent and powerful [[assault 'Mech]]. Rugged and reliable, the ''Awesome'' is traditionally used in a vanguard role when penetrating enemy defenses. The ''Awesome''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s massive firepower also lends it to defensive actions, acting as a mobile turret when necessary. Because of its reliance on [[PPC]]s, the ''Awesome'' is able to act independently for extended periods of time. This trait is also useful in siege situations where the 'Mech can keep up a constant barrage, allowing it to win battles of attrition through bleeding an enemy dry.  The only downsides to the ''Awesome'' is its low maneuverability and lack of rear-facing weaponry, making it vulnerable to being outflanked and surrounded by lighter 'Mechs, although good intelligence and a well-deployed screening force can mitigate this issue.<ref name=TRO3025-104/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Originally built for the [[Star League]] out of Technicron's factory on [[Savannah (planet)|Savannah]], the ''Awesome'' soon became a common sight in the armies of all the [[Successor Lord|House Lords]]. At the start of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], the [[Free Worlds League]] was able to maintain control of the Savannah factory, making them the only Successor State capable of building new ''Awesomes'' and thus the largest user of them.<ref name=TRO3025-104/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/> [[Lycomb-Davion IntroTech]] had been producing the ''Awesome'' and other designs from their main factory on [[Demeter]],<ref name="FR2765:FSp11">''Field Report 2765: AFFS'', p. 11: "Arcadian Cuirassiers"</ref> but the [[Capellan Confederation]] struck at and destroyed the manufacturing lines on Demeter early in the [[First Succession War]].<ref name="HD(TFS)p152">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 152: "Lycomb-Davion IntroTech"</ref>

Eventually Technicron partnered up with [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]] to open a new line on [[Irian]], although neither one was willing to tamper with the venerable design.  The discovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] and the onset of the [[Clan Invasion]] finally spurred them on to build a new variant, the AWS-9M, which took advantage of recovered [[lostech]] to address some of the issues of the original.  The AWS-9Q was built in time to take part in [[Operation Guerrero]], while the advanced AWS-10KM built at the time of the [[Jihad]] was the result of a joint venture between Irian Technologies and [[Alshain Weapons|Alshain Weaponry]].<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 84–85</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Awesome'' has a limited, but effective, armament consisting of three [[Kreuss|Kreuss PPC]]s, one mounted in its right arm and two split between the left and right torsos.  These give it an immense amount of damage potential at ranges exceeding five hundred meters, enough to destroy some 'Mechs with a single salvo, although at point-blank range they are less useful.  For close combat the 'Mech mounts in its head a [[Diverse Optics Type 10| Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Laser]] while its left arm ends in a battlefist sufficient for hand-to-hand fighting.<ref name=TRO3025-104/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=IRS>''Introductory Record Sheets'', p. 21</ref>

To handle the tremendous heat load of its weaponry the ''Awesome'' carries twenty-eight [[heat sinks]], although even these can be overwhelmed; most pilots only fire two of their PPCs per salvo to reduce the strain.  With fifteen tons of armor plating the ''Awesome'' is one of the most heavily-armored assault 'Mechs, making it better protected than even the ''[[BattleMaster]]'', including some of the thickest rear armor of any 'Mech.  Although an enemy coming at it from the rear or left flank has a fighting chance, most soldiers agree that "the only defense against an ''Awesome'' is another ''Awesome''."<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

==Variants==
*;AWS-8R : The 8R variant of the ''Awesome'' was introduced in [[2683]],<ref name=MUL/> and while also focused on long range damage it dispenses with the traditional energy-based loadout.  Retaining the small laser it replaces the three PPCs with two [[LRM-15]] launchers in the left and right torso, each fed by two tons of ammo in the same location, and a [[Large Laser]] in its right arm. Although providing long range damage potential equal to that of the 8Q, the heavy dependence on ammunition limits the amount of time a barrage can be maintained to just under a minute and a half.<ref name=TRSWp146f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,283;<ref name=CO /> BV (2.0) = 1,470<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 164</ref>

*;AWS-8T : Introduced in [[2815]]<ref name=MUL>''Master Unit List'': "Awesome introduction dates"</ref> and taking the concept of the 8R further, the 8T removed five heat sinks and replaces them with an additional large laser in the left arm while retaining the two LRM-15s of the 8R. This modification makes good use of the ''Awesome''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s heavily cooled design, as the removal of the five heat sinks has little effect on the 'Mech and it is still effective when the LRM ammunition has been depleted.<ref name=TRSWp146f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,312;<ref name=CO /> BV (2.0) = 1,593<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 165</ref>

*;AWS-8V : An attempt to meld the concepts behind the 8R with the 8Q, the 8V was introduced in [[2980]].<ref name=MUL/> It is armed with a single PPC in its right arm, an LRM-15 launcher with two tons of reloads in the right torso, and a large laser in the left torso. This mix of weapons allows the ''Awesome'' to keep up a constant barrage after it has depleted its LRM ammunition.<ref name=TRSWp146f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,323;<ref name=CO /> BV (2.0) = 1,510<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 166</ref>

*;AWS-9M : The 9M is an upgrade of the ''Awesome'' that uses Star League technologies and was introduced in [[3049]].<ref name=MUL/> The 'Mech is built around a 320 Hermes [[Extralight fusion engine|XL fusion engine]], giving the 'Mech a top speed of 64.8 km/h. The heat sinks were upgraded to [[double heat sink]]s to allow this variant to be rearmed with three [[Fusigon Longtooth]] [[ER PPC]]s. The ER PPCs are backed up by two Hovertec [[Streak SRM-2]]s, split between the left arm and center torso and fed by one ton of reloads in the left leg, a [[Magna 400P]] [[Medium Pulse Laser]] also in the center torso, and a Diverse Optics Type 10 [[Small Pulse Laser]] in place of the head-mounted small laser.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,469;<ref name=CO /> BV (2.0) = 1,812<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 85</ref>

*;AWS-9Md (Drone) : A Capellan experimental unit in [[3071]] based on the AWS-9M, the cockpit weight is increased to seven tons to accommodate the [[Robotic Cockpit|robotic drone control]] and the two Streak SRM-2s and their ammo are removed. These 'Mechs were operated by an AI controller known as [[The Broken]].<ref>''Necromo Nightmare'', p. 22</ref> BV (2.0) = blank

*;AWS-9Q : A basic upgrade to the original 8Q introduced in [[3057]],<ref name=MUL/> the heat sinks are upgraded to double heat sinks and are reduced to nineteen. The saved weight is used to add a fourth PPC to the 'Mech as well as a [[Guardian ECM Suite]].  Although there was some criticism for using basic PPCs and not upgrading to ER models, the 9Q proved itself during Operation Guerrero to be quite devastating.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,623;<ref name=CO /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'', p. 200</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,875<ref name=MUL62>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 66</ref>

*;AWS-10KM : The 10KM, a joint project between IBMU and Alshain Weaponry, was introduced in [[3067]].<ref name=MUL/> The 'Mech utilizes Irian's [[compact engine]] and [[Compact Gyro]] to save space at the expense of mass. It retains the speed and ECM of the 9Q, but utilizes an [[Endo Steel]] structure. Two [[Heavy PPC]]s deal a good amount of damage in each blow, while a [[Snub-Nose PPC]] is deadly and accurate at close range.  At the time of its introduction the 10KM was reserved for only the elite units of the Free Worlds League and [[Draconis Combine]], and thanks to an iron-clad contract even the wily Irian Technologies had trouble finding a loophole to sell the 'Mech to the other Houses or mercenary units.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,961<ref name=MUL62/>

*;AWS-11H : Introduced after Technicron perfected production of [[Clan]]-spec Endo Steel and double heat sinks,<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 4'', p. 13</ref> the 11H ''Awesome'' carries three [[Heavy PPC]]s and can fire them continuously. In a nod to the traditional ''Awesome'', the head carries an [[ER Small Laser]]. All the heat is dissipated by the twenty-three Clan-spec double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 2,036<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 4'', p. 29</ref>

*;AWS-11M : This advanced tech variant of the ''Awesome'' was introduced during the end of the Jihad in [[3079]],<ref name=MUL/> and uses eight [[Light PPC]]s as its main armament. To improve the damage potential of the 'Mech, half of those PPCs are equipped with [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] [[PPC Capacitor]]s. Technicron engineers were forced to reduce the top speed of the ''Awesome'' to that of an 8Q, and to provide the room for two of the Light PPCs, they had to equip the 11M with a heavy [[Compact Gyro]]. To offset the heat caused by the eight PPCs and capacitors, the engineers used twenty [[Clan]]-spec [[Double Heat Sink]]s. BV (2.0) = 1,801<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Marik'', p. 6</ref>

*; AWS-11R : Developed in [[3133]] this ''Awesome'' variant is protected by thirteen tons of [[Stealth Armor]] and a [[Guardian ECM Suite]]. The weaponry has been replaced with a [[Light Gauss Rifle]], [[LRM-15]], [[Extended LRM-15]], and a single [[ER medium laser]]. The ammunition and Gauss rifle are protected by [[CASE II]] systems. For emergency use, a single [[Coolant Pod]] can supplement the ten double strength heat sinks. A [[Compact Gyro]] freed enough room in the center torso to store three tons of ELRM ammunition. A 240 [[XL engine]] provides a top speed of 54 km/h, but this is supplemented by a [[Supercharger]] which allows for bursts of speed up to 64 km/h. BV (2.0) = 1,878<ref name=XTRO:RV2p12>''Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2'', p. 12: "AWS-11R Awesome"</ref>

*;AWS-11V : Derived from the AWS-11R, this variant uses direct fire weaponry.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3150'', p. 223</ref>

*;''Awesome C'' : Developed and manufactured by the [[Scorpion Empire]], this variant uses mostly Clan technology and was introduced in [[3143]].<ref name=MUL /><ref>''Spotlight On: Hellion Keshik'', p. 34 </ref> By replacing the internal structure with [[Endo-Composite|Endo-Composite Structure]] and removing the small laser, this variant of the ''Awesome'' frees up the necessary tonnage but keeps enough critical space to mount four [[Extended Range Particle Projector Cannon|ER PPC]]s, one in each arm and side torso, 27 [[Double Heat Sink|double heat sinks]] and 15.5 tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 2,737<ref>''Spotlight On: Hellion Keshik'', p. 34 </ref>

===Custom Variants===
*;AWS-8Q Buck : This standard ''Awesome'' was modified by [[Major]] [[Buck Tripp]] of [[The Thumpers]]. It carries the standard three PPCs of the ''Awesome''-8Q, but uses an [[XL Gyro]] and larger XL engine to reach a maximum speed of 84 km/h. It removes twelve heat sinks and upgrades the remaining sixteen to double strength models. It also removes the small laser and standard armor, instead using thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor to provide protection. BV (2.0) = 1,787<ref>''Historical Turning Points: Tortuga'', p. 24</ref>

*;AWS-8Q Smith : The personal 'Mech of [[Black Omen]] commander [[Captain]] [[Richard Smith (Black Omen)|Richard Smith]], Smith's 8Q ''Awesome'' was refitted with Clan salvage given to the Omen by the grateful [[Draconis Combine]] following their escape from [[Damian]]. Hiring [[Wolf's Dragoons]] techs to perform the refit, the 8Q's primary weaponry was replaced with a pair of Clantech ER PPCs and a Clan-grade [[Ultra AC/5]].<ref name=FMM-38>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 38: "The Black Omen: Riding the Edge"</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,166<ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3768/awesome-aws-8q-smith MUL online data for the AWS-8Q (Smith)]</ref>

*;AWS-9Ma : A customized variant of the stock AWS-9M model that was utilized by [[Adam Steiner]] during the [[1st Somerset Strikers]]' liberation of [[Somerset]] in the midst of the [[Clan Invasion]]. The pulse lasers were removed and the AWS-8Q's standard Small Laser was restored; the remaining weight was devoted to a [[Guardian ECM Suite]], [[Command Console]], and two tons of advanced Communications Equipment. The small laser was moved to the left arm, and twenty double heat sinks kept things cool. BV (2.0) = 1,836<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 206</ref> ''Note: The AWS-9Ma as it appeared in the 1st Somerset Striker sourcebook used the now superseded [[Tactical Handbook]] Command Console.''<ref name=1SS-121>''1st Somerset Strikers'', p. 121: "Game Information - Inner Sphere BattleMechs - Awesome"</ref>

*;AWS-9Q ''Klatt'' : A customized variant piloted by [[Rodney Klatt]] of the famed [[Crescent Hawks]], this simple modification of the AWS-9Q removes the Guardian ECM suite and replaces it with a [[C3 slave]] unit. The Small Laser is replaced by a [[Small Pulse Laser]].<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,805<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 209</ref>

*;AWS-10KM ''Cameron'' : The ''Awesome'' used by [[Cameron St. Jamais]] for his last stand during [[Operation SCOUR]] mixed both [[Clan]] and [[Inner Sphere]] technology. It replaces the standard ''Awesome''-10KM's Heavy PPCs with two [[Clan]] built ER PPCs. It also mounts an [[Improved C3]] computer to share targeting data, and is equipped with an advanced [[Targeting Computer]]. A single ER Small Laser has been reinstalled in the head. The heat sinks have been built to Clan specifications. The compact fusion engine has been replaced with a standard fusion engine. The Guardian ECM and Snub Nosed PPC of the standard AWS-10KM remain, but to provide more protection this ''Awesome'' uses an [[Armored Engine]], [[Armored Cockpit]], and [[Armored Gyro]]. BV (2.0) = 2,466<ref>''Total Chaos'', p. 254</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*;AWS-PB ''Pretty Baby'' : While there are no indications that [[Danielle Peterson]] piloted anything other than a standard and most likely AWS-8Q variant, in ''[[MechWarrior Online]]'' the ''Pretty Baby'' [[Hero 'Mech]] first released in February 2013 is easily identified by its flashy flame paintjob and unexpected speed, achieved through the use of an 340-rated Extralight Engine. The MWO ''Pretty Baby'' (serial number AWS8V99TG-2957) also features a unique weapon loadout as well - mounting a standard PPC in the right arm, an LRM-15 in the right torso, a [[medium laser]] in the head, Large Laser in the left torso and an [[SRM-4]] in the left arm. 19 Double Heat Sinks, two tons of LRM and three of SRM missiles keep it in the thick of battle.
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Awesome'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 90: BattleMech Quirk Table - Awesome Entry</ref>
*[[Battlefists]]

The AWS-11R ''Awesome'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:RV2p12/>
* [[Battlefists]]
* [[Distracting]]
* [[Poor Performance]]

==Notable Pilots==
:''See: [[:Category:Notable Awesome Pilots]]''

==Related Designs==
* ''[[Regent]]'' - This [[Dark Age]]-era design was a hybrid of Technicron's ''Awesome'' and [[Coventry Metal Works]]' ''[[Hauptmann]]''<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan Vol. 21'', p. 10</ref>
* ''[[Templar]]'' - Prior to the outbreak of the [[FedCom Civil War]], [[George Hasek]] designed this machine to replace the ''Awesome'' in the AFFC's assault 'Mech corps.<ref>''Field Manual: Federated Suns'', p. 161</ref>

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to '''''Todesbote''''', which literally translates to ''Harbinger of Death''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''TDS-8T'''.
* In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as '''''Redoutable''''', the meaning of which is closer to "impressive" or "formidable".

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025 Awesome1.jpg|Original AWS-8Q ''Awesome'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
Awesome_BTRSAGoAC.jpg|AWS-8Q ''Awesome'' from ''[[BattleTech Record Sheets: A Game of Armored Combat|BTRS:AGoAC]]''
3050 Awesome.jpg|An AWS-9M ''Awesome'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U Awesome.jpg|Upgraded AWS-9M ''Awesome'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
XTROM Awesome.jpg|Variant AWS-11M ''Awesome'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Marik|XTRO:Marik]]''
AWS-11R Awesome.jpg|Variant AWS-11R ''Awesome'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2|XTRO:Republic Vol. 2]]''
Camomercsmccarronsarmoredcav.png|''Awesome'' in colors of [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]] from ''[[Camo Specs]]''
Day of Heroes (11).jpg|An ''Awesome'' enters a [[DropShip]] from ''[[Day of Heroes]]''
Awesome_CBTIRp38.png|An ''Awesome'' cools down in the water from ''[[Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set|CBT Intro Box Set]]''
AwesomeFactory.jpg|An ''Awesome'' of [[4th Free Worlds Legionnaires]] runs into battle from ''[[Classic BattleTech Universe|CBT Universe]]''
CCG Unlimited Awesome Q.jpg|An AWS-8Q ''Awesome'' in battle from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
CCG Unlimited Awesome M.jpg|AWS-9M ''Awesome'' in combat from ''CCG''
MW4-M Awesome.png|Model of ''Awesome'' from ''[[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries|MW4:Mercs]]''
MWO Awesome.png|Model of ''Awesome'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
AWS-PB Pretty Baby MW5Mercs.jpg|Model of ''Awesome "Pretty Baby"'' from ''[[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries|MW5:Mercs]]''
File:Awesome Token.jpg|''Awesome'' standee from ''[[BattleTech, Fourth Edition]]''
File:Alpha Strike Support Lance - Awesome.jpg|''Awesome'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Support Lance Pack]]''
File:A Game of Armored Combat - Awesome.jpg|''Awesome'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>
==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)|1st Somerset Strikers]]''
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[BattleTech Record Sheets Volume Four: Assault 'Mechs]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Marik]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''
* ''[[Field Report 2765: AFFS]]''
* ''[[Historical Turning Points: Tortuga]]''
* ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)]]''
* ''[[Introductory Record Sheets]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Necromo Nightmare]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 4]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade Print Edition]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
* ''[[Spotlight On: Crescent Hawks]]''
* ''[[Spotlight On: Hellion Keshik]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]''
* ''[[Total Chaos]]''
</div>


[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]