Black Python (Viper)

Revision as of 08:42, 19 May 2020 by Phasis (talk | contribs) (german name)
Black Python (Viper)
Black Python
Production information
Manufacturer New Kent Armor Works
Production Year 3051[1]
Model Prime
Class Heavy
Cost 18,837,000 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan BattleMech
Mass 75 tons
Chassis Viper Endo Steel BP 2
Armor Armorweave NK 62 Ferro-Fibrous
Engine New Kent Model VII 375 XL
Communications System Unknown
Targeting Tracking System Unknown
Heat Sinks 13 Double Heat Sinks
Speed 86 km/h
Jump Jets Pryzhok
Armament
BV (1.0) 2,413[2]
BV (2.0) 2,813[3]


Description

The Black Python, which was designated the Viper by Inner Sphere forces, is similar in many ways to the Warhammer and Marauder BattleMechs. Though it is faster than those heavies, it has a similar weapons load-out with comparable damage, albeit with much more accurate damage potential. In order to achieve this, this expensive second-line 'Mech avails itself of all weight saving technologies that were at the disposal of the Clans, including an XL Engine, Endo Steel frame, and eleven tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. In addition to its speed, the Black Python mounts five jump jets that propel it up to 150 meters at a time.[4][5]

Weapons and Equipment

The paired Large and Lambda Medium Pulse Lasers provide highly accurate firepower at ranges that are possible to close in on thanks to the 'Mech's speed. Four Chi Series Small Pulse Lasers and two Series XIb Machine Guns provide more firepower at close range while also able to annihilate unarmored infantry that stray too close. All of the lasers are made even more accurate by the inclusion of a Targeting Computer. Thirteen double heat sinks keep heat levels in check.[4][5]

Variants

  • Black Python 3 
    A substantial redesign by Clan Steel Viper that changed the outward appearance of the Black Python. This model removes the large lasers of the original and replaces them with a pair of Omega Heavy Large Lasers. One jump jet is removed, lowering the 'Mech's jumping capacity to 120 meters. The added heat of the heavy lasers necessitated the inclusion of four additional double heat sinks. Even with that, enough tonnage was freed up to add another ton of armor. BV (1.0) = 2,201[9], BV (2.0)= 2,421[10]
  • Black Python 4 
    This variant of the 3 removes the Machine Guns and replaces them with an ER Medium Laser. This makes the design more effective against hardened targets and eliminates any ammo dependency, but makes the 'Mech slightly more vulnerable to infantry. BV (1.0) = 2,318, BV (2.0)= 2,594[11]

Notable pilots

Notes

In German products the unit's proper Clan name was perfectly translated to Schwarzpython. The unit's proper Inner Sphere name was altered to Kobra, which means Cobra.

Gallery

References

  1. MUL online date for the Black Python (Viper)
  2. Combat Operations, p. 109
  3. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 199
  4. 4.0 4.1 Technical Readout: 3055, pp. 126-127, "Viper OmniMech Profile"
  5. 5.0 5.1 Technical Readout: 3055 Revised, pp. 110-111, "Viper OmniMech Profile"
  6. Combat Operations, p. 119
  7. Record Sheets: 3060, p. 199
  8. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 200
  9. Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 119, "Viper 3 Profile"
  10. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 201
  11. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 202

Bibliography