Difference between revisions of "Blackjack (BattleMech)"

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{{Otheruses|the 45-ton BattleMech|other uses|Blackjack}}
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
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|image=3025_Blackjack1.jpg
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|image=Blackjack RGilClan v04.png
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|name=Blackjack
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|name=''Blackjack''
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|manufacturer=[[General Motors]], [[Ceres Metals Industries]]
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|manufacturer=
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[[Ceres Metals Industries]]
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----
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[[General Motors]] (BJ-1; destroyed 2796)<ref name=TRSWp68f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 68–69: "BJ-1 Blackjack"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
 
| production year=2757
 
| production year=2757
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|year reference=<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039, 2nd Ed.'', p. 48</ref><ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/373/blackjack-bj-1 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
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|year reference=<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039, 2nd Ed.'', p. 48</ref><ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/373/blackjack-bj-1 MUL online date for the {{PAGENAME}}]''</ref>
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|model=BJ-1
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|model=BJ-1<ref name=TRSWp68f/>
 
|class=Medium
 
|class=Medium
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|cost= 3,147,225 C-bills
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|cost= 3,147,225 [[C-bill]]s
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|Tech Base=[[Inner Sphere]]
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|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
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|mech type =BattleMech
 
|mass=45
 
|mass=45
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|chassis=GM BJ-I
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|chassis=[[GM BJ-1]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp68f/> -->
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|armor=Durallex Medium
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|armor=[[StarGuard II]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp68f/> -->
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|engine=[[GM 180]]
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|engine=[[GM 180]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp68f/> -->
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|comsys=[[Dalban Micronics]]
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|comsys=[[Dalban Micronics]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp68f/> -->
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|T&T=[[Dalban AQ]]
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|T&T=[[Dalban AQ]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp68f/> -->
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|heat sinks=11
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|heat sinks=11 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp68f/> -->
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|speed=64.8
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|speed=64 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp68f/> -->
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|jumpjets=Whitworth Jetlift
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|jumpjets=[[Whitworth Jetlift]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp68f/> -->
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|armament=  
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|armament= <!-- <ref name=TRSWp68f/> -->
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*2x [[Autocannon/2]]s
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* 2x [[AC/2]]
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*4x [[Medium Laser]]s
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* 4x [[medium laser]]
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|BV (1.0)=795<ref name=CO126>''Combat Operations'', p. 126</ref>
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|BV (1.0) = 795<ref name=CO126>''Combat Operations'', p. 126</ref>
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|BV (2.0)=949<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 110</ref>
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|BV (2.0) = 949<ref name=TRSWp68f/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 110</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
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The '''''Blackjack''''' was designed by [[General Motors]] in the decades before the fall of the [[Star League]], as seditious revolutionaries began popping up while the League's authority was eroding, mainly in the [[Periphery]]. To combat the increasing threats of the separatists, the League contracted for a medium [[BattleMech]] to be built with anti-insurgency and fire-support capabilities. General Motors' original prototype was equipped with a large [[fusion engine]] supplying increased speed and endurance and [[flamer]] weapons, but these were eventually replaced with more reliable [[autocannon]]s and a smaller engine supported by [[jump jet]]s. The final production model met all of the production requirements and by all accounts was destined to be regarded as a good, reliable 'Mech.<ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 46-47</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 128-129</ref>
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The '''''Blackjack''''' was designed by [[General Motors]] in the decades before the fall of the [[Star League]], as seditious revolutionaries began popping up while the League's authority was eroding, mainly in the [[Periphery]]. In [[2757]], to combat the increasing threats of the separatists, the League contracted for a medium [[BattleMech]] to be built with anti-insurgency and fire-support capabilities. General Motors' original prototype was equipped with a large [[fusion engine]] supplying increased speed and endurance and [[flamer]] weapons, but these were eventually replaced with more reliable [[autocannon]]s and a smaller engine supported by [[jump jet]]s. The final production model met all of the production requirements and by all accounts was destined to be regarded as a good, reliable 'Mech.<ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 46–47</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 128–129</ref><ref name=TROSW>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 68–69</ref>
  
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General Motors was blindsided by the bad press the ''Blackjack'' received upon its introduction. Chief among its critics was the charge that the StarGuard II armor was brittle and tended to fall off, and that its footpads were too narrow and made it susceptible to falling. None of these claims were ever substantiated, but the damage was already done.  The ''Blackjack'' quickly fell out of favor and only spent a few years in service to the Star League. It wasn't long before production was halted altogether and those still in service were either given to [[Terran Hegemony]] militia units or sold off to the Member States. When the Star League was eventually dissolved and the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] began, few shed a tear as the ''Blackjack'' production line on [[Kathil]] was destroyed in [[2796]].<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 46-47</ref>
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General Motors was blindsided by the bad press the ''Blackjack'' received upon its introduction. Chief among its critics was the charge that the [[StarGuard II]] armor was brittle and tended to fall off, and that its footpads were too narrow and made it susceptible to falling. None of these claims were ever substantiated, but the damage was already done, and as a result the ''Blackjack'' quickly fell out of favor and only spent a few years in service to the Star League. It wasn't long before production was halted altogether and those still in service were either given to [[Terran Hegemony]] militia units or sold off to the Member States. When the Star League was eventually dissolved and the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] began, few shed a tear as the ''Blackjack'' production line on [[Kathil]] was destroyed in [[2796]].<ref name=TRSWp68f/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 46–47</ref>
  
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While all the Successor States had ''Blackjacks'' the majority ended up with the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Federated Suns]], and all but the Suns largely abandoned the design based on its reputation. Tinkering with the 'Mech, Davion techs soon discovered that the reputed claims about the ''Blackjack'''s flaws were without foundation, although it was still largely relegated to the March Militias. It wouldn't be until [[3022]] that the myth received its first mortal wound on [[Xhosa VII]].  In battle for control of the planet the infamous ''[[Tai-i]]'' [[Mercer Ravannion]] attempted to test his "Horde" tactic against the local Davion garrison. The garrison's ''Blackjack''s took the brunt of the Kuritan attack, destroying wave after wave of light 'Mechs attempting to overwhelm their position, and earned great honor for their successful defense.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
+
While all the Successor States had ''Blackjacks'' the majority ended up with the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Federated Suns]], and all but the Suns largely abandoned the design based on its reputation. Tinkering with the 'Mech, Davion techs soon discovered that the reputed claims about the ''Blackjack''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s flaws were without foundation, although it was still largely relegated to the March Militias. It wouldn't be until [[3022]] that the myth received its first mortal wound on [[Xhosa VII]]; in battle for control of the planet the infamous ''[[Tai-i]]'' [[Mercer Ravannion]] attempted to test his "Horde" tactic against the local Davion garrison. Led by [[New Avalon Institute of Science]] cadet [[Michael Ubodo]], the garrison's ''Blackjack''s took the brunt of the Kuritan attack, destroying wave after wave of light 'Mechs attempting to overwhelm their position, and earned great honor for their successful defense.<ref name=TRSWp68f/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
  
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In the aftermath of the battle other Davion units began to take renewed notice of the ''Blackjack'', and even [[Hanse Davion]] was sufficiently impressed with their performance on Xhosa VII to commission new variants be built. For their part the Confederation continued to treat the design with utter contempt, although the breakaway nation of [[St. Ives Compact]] couldn't afford to be as discerning and adopted the ''Blackjack'', experimenting with new variants of their own. These efforts culminated with the introduction of the BJ-2, built by Davion techs using newly-recovered [[lostech]], which was first a refit kit before limited production restarted at General Motor's Kathil plant in [[3054]]. Further variants would continue to be produced by both St. Ives and the Federated Suns, and eventually a new [[OmniMech]] version of the ''[[Blackjack (OmniMech)|Blackjack]]'' was completed in [[3058]].<ref name=TRO3050u/><ref name=TRO3058/>
+
In the aftermath of the battle other Davion units began to take renewed notice of the ''Blackjack'', and even [[Hanse Davion]] was sufficiently impressed with their performance on Xhosa VII to commission new variants be built. For their part, the Confederation continued to treat the design with utter contempt, although the breakaway nation of [[St. Ives Compact]] couldn't afford to be as discerning and adopted the ''Blackjack'', experimenting with new variants of their own. These efforts culminated in the introduction of the BJ-2, built by Davion techs using newly-recovered [[lostech]], which was first a refit kit before limited production restarted at General Motor's Kathil plant in [[3054]]. Further variants would continue to be produced by both St. Ives and the Federated Suns, and eventually a new [[OmniMech]] version of the ''[[Blackjack (OmniMech)|Blackjack]]'' was completed in [[3058]].<ref name=TRSWp68f/><ref name=TRO3050u/><ref name=TRO3058/>
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
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The ''Blackjack'' carries two Whirlwind-L [[Autocannon/2]]s in either arm for long range, direct fire support. While these autocannons provide excellent reach and were sufficient for combating mostly non-'Mech insurgents, they lacked the firepower to deal with well-armored targets. Both weapons are fed from a single ton of ammo located within the center torso.  For close combat, the ''Blackjack'' has four Intek [[Medium Laser]]s, one in either arm and one in both left and right sides of the torso. These lasers, when combined with the ''Blackjack''s maneuverability, make the 'Mech very dangerous and an entire [[lance]] or [[company]] of ''Blackjacks'' can lay down impressive firepower.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
+
The ''Blackjack'' carries a [[Whirlwind-L|40mm Whirlwind-L]] [[AC/2]] in either arm for long range, direct fire support. While these autocannons provide excellent reach and were sufficient for combating mostly non-'Mech insurgents, they lacked the firepower to deal with well-armored targets. Both weapons are fed from a single ton of ammo located within the center torso.  For close combat, the ''Blackjack'' has four [[Intek (ML)|Intek]] [[medium laser]]s, one in each arm and both the left and right sides of the torso. These lasers, when combined with its maneuverability, make the 'Mech very dangerous and an entire [[lance]] or [[company]] of ''Blackjacks'' can lay down impressive firepower.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
  
−
A Whitworth Jetlift [[jump jet]] in either leg give the ''Blackjack'' a jumping distance of 120 meters. These were added late in the design's development, compensation for using the GM 180 [[fusion engine]] which was smaller than in the original. Eight and a half tons of armor protect the ''Blackjack'' while eleven [[heat sinks]] keep it cool during combat.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
+
Four [[Whitworth Jetlift]] [[jump jet]]s in either leg give the ''Blackjack'' a jumping distance of 120 meters. These were added late in the design's development, compensation for using the [[GM 180]] [[fusion engine]] which was smaller than in the original. Finally, eight and a half tons of armor protect the ''Blackjack'' while eleven [[single heat sink]]s keep it cool during combat.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
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*;BJ-1X : Early Blackjack prototype differed from the production model significantly. It was armed with twin GM Flashpoint [[flamer]]s and additional heat sinks in place of each autocannon and was powered by a VOX 225 power plant allowing it for greater speed than the later models, but lacked the jumpjets.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
+
*; BJ-1X : Early ''Blackjack'' prototypes differed from the production model significantly. They were armed with twin [[GM Flashpoint]] [[flamer]]s and additional heat sinks in place of each autocannon, and were powered by a [[VOX 225]] power plant allowing it for greater speed than the later models, but lacked the [[jump jet]]s.<ref name=TRSWp68f/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
  
−
*;BJ-1DB : The 1DB ''Blackjack'' is a Federated Suns variant intended to increase the 'Mech's lethality. Introduced in [[3022]] after the BJ-1's success on Xhosha VII, one ton of armor plus the arm-mounted autocannons and torso-mounted lasers were replaced with two [[Large Laser]]s and six extra heat sinks added to the design to handle the extra heat load.<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 881<ref name=CO126/>, BV (2.0) = 1,015<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 111</ref>
+
*; BJ-1DB : The 1DB ''Blackjack'' is a Federated Suns variant intended to increase the 'Mech's lethality. Introduced in [[3022]] after the BJ-1's success on Xhosha VII, one ton of armor plus the arm-mounted autocannons and torso-mounted lasers<ref>''[http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=3797.msg1204705#msg1204705 Errata report by user jymset] that was confirmed by [http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=52212.msg1205301#msg1205301 the moderator Xotl]''</ref> were replaced with two [[large laser]]s, and six extra [[single heat sink]]s added to the design to handle the extra heat load.<ref name=TRSWp68f/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 881,<ref name=CO126/> BV (2.0) = 1,015<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 111</ref>
  
−
*;BJ-1DC : The 1DC ''Blackjack'' is another variant inspired by the Xhosha VII battle and was introduced a year after the similar 1DB. Rather than replace the arm-mounted weapons the 1DC sacrifices the 'Mech's jumping ability in order to add two [[Small Laser]]s and an additional heat sink to deal with the extra heat load. BV (1.0) = 718<ref name=CO126/>, BV (2.0) = 917<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 112</ref>
+
*; BJ-1DC : The 1DC ''Blackjack'' is another variant inspired by the Xhosha VII battle and was introduced a year after the similar 1DB. Rather than replace the arm-mounted weapons, the 1DC sacrifices the 'Mech's jumping ability in order to add two [[small laser]]s and an additional [[single heat sink]] to deal with the extra heat load.<ref name=TRSWp68f/> BV (1.0) = 718,<ref name=CO126/> BV (2.0) = 917<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 112</ref>
  
−
*;BJ-2 : The BJ-2 was introduced in [[3052]] by the Federated Suns as the new production model of the ''Blackjack'', based on earlier experimental designs. It upgrades the 'Mech with two Diverse Optics Sunbeam [[ER Large Laser]]s in place of the autocannons and removes the medium lasers for four Hovertec [[Streak SRM-2]] launchers, two each in the left and right sides of the torso. One ton of ammo for the launchers is kept in the left torso while the standard heat sinks were upgraded to [[double heat sink]]s.<ref name=TRO3050u/> ''[note, the BJ-2 was errata'd to use [[double heat sinks]] by [[FASA]] Corporation after its release]'' BV (1.0) = 858<ref name=CO126/>, BV (2.0) = 1,148
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*; BJ-2 : The BJ-2 was introduced in [[3052]] by the Federated Suns as the new production model of the ''Blackjack'', based on earlier experimental designs. It upgrades the 'Mech with two [[Diverse Optics Sunbeam (ERLL)|Diverse Optics Sunbeam]] [[ER large laser]]s in place of the autocannons, and removes the medium lasers for four [[Hovertec (SSRM2)|Hovertec]] [[Streak SRM-2]] launchers, two each in the left and right sides of the torso. One ton of ammo for the launchers is kept in the left torso while the [[single heat sink]]s were upgraded to [[double heat sink]]s.<ref name=TRO3050u/> Note that errata corrected the BJ-2 to use double heat sinks. BV (1.0) = 858,<ref name=CO126/> BV (2.0) = 1,148
  
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*;BJ-2r : Introduced in the [[Dark Age]] this ''Blackjack'' variant replaces the weaponry of the BJ-2 with a [[Large Re-engineered Laser]] in each arm, backed up by a single medium laser. It can jump 120 meters at a time, and uses eleven double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1,076<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 111</ref>
+
*; BJ-2r : Introduced in the [[Dark Age]], this ''Blackjack'' variant replaces the weaponry of the BJ-2 with a [[large re-engineered laser]] in each arm, backed up by a single [[medium laser]]. It can jump 120 meters at a time, and uses 11 [[double heat sink]]s. BV (2.0) = 1,076<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 111</ref>
  
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*;BJ-3 : Built by the [[Capellan Confederation]] on [[St. Ives]] during the [[Fourth Succession War]], this 'Mech was probably the first in decades if not centuries to feature [[Double Heat Sink]]s, a revolutionary re-discovered technology. It is implied<ref>''[[Proprietary]]'' short story</ref> that the heat sinks were actually stolen from the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Commonwealth]], but in any case the BJ-3 was the first regular variant to employ them again as part of its standard loadout (as opposed to field refits or ancient [[Star League era]] 'Mechs). The superior heat dissipation allowed the 'Mech to be equipped with two Ceres Arms Smasher [[PPC]]s and four medium laser]]s. The majority of the BJ-3 models were turned over to the Federated Suns by the [[St. Ives Compact]] after the Fourth Succession War, following that state's secession from the Confederation during the war,<ref name=BPFSW-37>''Battlepack: Fourth Succession War'', p. 37 "New 'Mechs - BJ-3 Blackjack"</ref> but production continued domestically within the St. Ives Compact, predominantly but not exclusively for St. Ives Compact forces, afterwards.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,099, BV (2.0) = 1,271<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 113</ref><ref>''Objective Raids'', p.148 </ref>
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*; BJ-3 : Built in 3042 by the [[Capellan Confederation]] on [[St. Ives]] based on the experimental BJ-3X, created during the [[Fourth Succession War]], this 'Mech was probably the first in decades if not centuries to feature [[double heat sink]]s, a revolutionary rediscovered technology. It is implied<ref>''Proprietary''</ref> that the heat sinks were actually stolen from the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Commonwealth]], but in any case the BJ-3 was the first regular variant to employ them again as part of its standard loadout, as opposed to field refits or ancient [[Star League era]] 'Mechs. The superior heat dissipation allowed the 'Mech to be equipped with two [[Ceres Arms Smasher]] [[PPC]]s and four [[medium laser]]s. The majority of the BJ-3 models were turned over to the Federated Suns by the [[St. Ives Compact]] after the Fourth Succession War, following that state's secession from the Confederation during the war,<ref name=BPFSW-37>''BattlePack: Fourth Succession War'', p. 37: New 'Mechs - BJ-3 ''Blackjack''</ref> but production continued domestically within the St. Ives Compact, predominantly but not exclusively for St. Ives Compact forces, afterwards.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,099, BV (2.0) = 1,271<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 113</ref><ref>''Objective Raids'', p. 148</ref> (The dates and ancillary data from the [[MUL]] establish that the BJ-3 featured in the ''Fourth Succession War Scenarios: Volume 1'' was actually the BJ-3X; this would also have been the one to receive the stolen prototype double heat sinks.)
  
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*;BJ-4 : Many ''Blackjack''s in the Federated Suns were upgraded to this model during the [[FedCom Civil War]]. A half-ton of armor is removed, though it is upgraded to [[Light Ferro-Fibrous]], resulting in almost the same amount of armor protection. All the weapons of the BJ-2 were stripped out and a [[Light Fusion Engine]] was included to free up additional mass. Each arm mounts a [[Light Autocannon/5]] and an [[ER Medium Laser]], while two tons of [[CASE]]-protected ammo in each torso allow the BJ-4 to make use of special munitions. A [[Targeting Computer]] makes all the weapons more accurate.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,063<ref name=MUL73>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 73</ref>
+
*; BJ-3X : The St. Ives Compact prototype version of the production model BJ-3, it differs only by mounting three [[Prototype Double Heat Sinks]] plus seven engine-mounted [[single heat sink]]s.<ref name=TRSWp68f/><ref name=TRO3039/>
 +
 
 +
*; BJ-4 : Many ''Blackjack''s in the Federated Suns were upgraded to this model during the [[FedCom Civil War]]. A half-ton of armor is removed, though the remaining is upgraded to [[light ferro-fibrous]], resulting in almost the same amount of armor protection. All the weapons of the BJ-2 were stripped out and a [[light fusion engine]] was added to free up additional mass. Each arm mounts a [[light autocannon/5]] and an [[ER medium laser]], while two tons of [[CASE]]-protected ammo in each torso allow the BJ-4 to make use of special munitions. A [[targeting computer]] makes all the weapons more accurate.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,063<ref name=MUL73>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 73</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; BJ-5 : Introduced in [[3107]] this variant carries four [[light PPC]]s and two [[light AC/2]]s to extend the ''Blackjack''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s engagement range. To make room for this, the 'Mech uses [[endo steel]] chassis, [[light engine]], and [[light ferro-fibrous]] armor.<ref name=rg4p13>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 4'', p. 13</ref> A single ton of autocannon ammunition is stored in a [[CASE II]] protected bay. BV (2.0) = 1,165<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 4'', p. 20</ref>
 +
 
 +
*; ''Blackjack'' C : A [[Clan]]-tech refit, equipped similarly to the BJ-2. This variant carries a [[large pulse laser]] in each arm, and a [[Streak SRM-4]] in each side torso. The ammunition for the missile launchers is carried in the left torso, protected by a [[CASE II]] system - the 'Mech also sports [[double heat sink]]s and [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. BV (2.0) = 1,639<ref>''ForcePack Record Sheets: Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 2</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Apocryphal Variants===
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{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
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''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
 +
*; BJ-A ''Arrow'' : ''MechWarrior Online'''s apocryphal version of [[Michael Ubodo]]'s ''Arrow'' is armed with a trio of [[machine gun]]s in each arm supplied with two tons of ammo, supported by a [[medium laser]] in side torso and a [[large pulse laser]] mounted in the center torso. Mounting a 235-rated standard engine, its variation of the ''Arrow'' is clad in [[ferro-fibrous]] armor on an [[endo steel]] frame, carrying 11 [[double heat sink]]s and just two [[jump jet]]s.<ref name=MWO>''MechWarrior Online'': "The Arrow Hero Mech now available"</ref>
 +
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
 +
 
 +
==Design Quirks==
 +
The ''Blackjack'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 90: Design Quirk Table - ''Blackjack'' Entry</ref>
 +
*[[Bad Reputation]] (prior to Clan Invasion Era)
  
 
==Related OmniMechs==
 
==Related OmniMechs==
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*''[[Blackjack (OmniMech)|Blackjack]]'' - This OmniMech version of the venerable ''Blackjack'' debuted around 3058.<ref name=TRO3058>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 88</ref>
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* ''[[Blackjack (OmniMech)|Blackjack]]'' - This OmniMech version of the venerable ''Blackjack'' debuted around 3058.<ref name=TRO3058>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 88</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Notable Pilots==
 +
: ''See [[:Category:Notable Blackjack Pilots]]''
 +
 
 +
==Notes==
 +
* [[:File:Dev-Level Errata-Blackjack 1DB-TRO3039 p128.png|Errata was submitted for ''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 128]], Variants, 2nd paragraph: "Change the following sentence pertaining to the BJ-1DB: 'This necessitated the removal of the arm-mounted medium lasers...' to 'This necessitated the removal of the torso-mounted medium lasers...'"
 +
 
 +
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Totschläger''''', which is the common German expression for a blackjack (sap in British English). The model code was accordingly changed to '''TG-1'''.
 +
 
 +
* In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as '''''Assommoir'''''.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
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Image:CCG Counterstrike Blackjack.jpg|BJ-1 ''Blackjack'' in battle
+
3025_Blackjack1.jpg|Original BJ-1 ''Blackjack'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
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Image:CCG Unlimited Blackjack.jpg|BJ-2 ''Blackjack'' in combat
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3050 Blackjack.jpg|BJ-2 ''Blackjack'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
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Image:CCG Crusade Blackjack.jpg|BJ-3 ''Blackjack'' in combat
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3050U Blackjack.jpg|BJ-2 ''Blackjack'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
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Image:3050 Blackjack.jpg|BJ-2 ''Blackjack''
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Blackjack RGilClan v04.png|''Blackjack'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 4 |RG:ilClan v4]]''
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Image:Blackjack_4th_SW.jpg|BJ-3 ''Blackjack''
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Camoliaocapellanhussars.png|''Blackjack'' in colors of [[Capellan Hussars]] from ''[[Camo Specs]]''
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Image:3050U Blackjack.jpg|BJ-2 ''Blackjack''
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Blackjack_4th_SW.jpg|BJ-3 ''Blackjack'' from ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War|BP:4thSW]]''
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CCG Counterstrike Blackjack.jpg|BJ-1 ''Blackjack'' in battle from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
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CCG Unlimited Blackjack.jpg|BJ-2 ''Blackjack'' in combat from ''CCG''
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CCG Crusade Blackjack.jpg|BJ-3 ''Blackjack'' in combat from ''CCG''
 +
MWO Blackjack Concept.jpg|''Blackjack'' concept art from [[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]
 +
BJ-A Arrow MW5Mercs.jpg|BJ-A ''Blackjack "Arrow"'' in combat from ''[[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries|MW5:Mercs]]''
 +
PlasTechBlackjack.jpg|''Blackjack'' miniature from ''[[PlasTech]]''
 +
Alpha Strike Assault Lance - Blackjack.jpg|''Blackjack'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Assault Lance Pack]]''
 +
Inner Sphere Striker Lance - Blackjack.jpg|''Blackjack'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Striker Lance|Inner Sphere Striker Lance]]''
 +
Wolfs Dragoons Assault Star - Blackjack.jpg|''Blackjack'' miniature from ''[[Wolf's Dragoons Assault Star]]''
 +
Alpha Strike Blackjack.jpg |''Blackjack'' miniature from ''[[Alpha Strike Boxed Set]]''
 +
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 71: Line 113:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
+
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
−
*''[[Master Unit List]]''
+
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
−
*''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
+
* ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
+
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
+
* ''[[ForcePack Record Sheets Wolf's Dragoons]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
+
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
+
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
+
* ''MechWarrior Online'' [http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/160032-arrow-hero-mech-now-available/ The Arrow Hero Mech now available]
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
+
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
+
* ''[[Proprietary]]'' (short story)
−
*''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War|Battlepack Fourth Succession War]]''
+
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 4]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades]]''
+
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
−
 
+
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
 +
{{div col end}}
  
−
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:'Mechs]]
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[[Category:Medium BattleMechs]]
 
−
[[Category:45 ton BattleMechs]]
 
 
[[Category:Capellan Confederation BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Capellan Confederation BattleMechs]]
−
[[Category:Comstar BattleMechs]]
 
 
[[Category:Federated Suns BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Federated Suns BattleMechs]]
−
[[Category:SLDF 2750 BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:German renamed units]]

Latest revision as of 09:47, 20 February 2024

This article is about the 45-ton BattleMech. For other uses, see Blackjack.
Blackjack (BattleMech)
Blackjack
Production information
Manufacturer Ceres Metals Industries

General Motors (BJ-1; destroyed 2796)[1]

Production Year 2757[2][3]
Model BJ-1[1]
Class Medium
Cost 3,147,225 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 45 tons
Chassis GM BJ-1
Armor StarGuard II
Engine GM 180
Communications System Dalban Micronics
Targeting Tracking System Dalban AQ
Heat Sinks 11 single
Speed 64 km/h
Jump Jets Whitworth Jetlift
Armament
BV (1.0) 795[4]
BV (2.0) 949[1][5]


Description[edit]

The Blackjack was designed by General Motors in the decades before the fall of the Star League, as seditious revolutionaries began popping up while the League's authority was eroding, mainly in the Periphery. In 2757, to combat the increasing threats of the separatists, the League contracted for a medium BattleMech to be built with anti-insurgency and fire-support capabilities. General Motors' original prototype was equipped with a large fusion engine supplying increased speed and endurance and flamer weapons, but these were eventually replaced with more reliable autocannons and a smaller engine supported by jump jets. The final production model met all of the production requirements and by all accounts was destined to be regarded as a good, reliable 'Mech.[6][7][8]

General Motors was blindsided by the bad press the Blackjack received upon its introduction. Chief among its critics was the charge that the StarGuard II armor was brittle and tended to fall off, and that its footpads were too narrow and made it susceptible to falling. None of these claims were ever substantiated, but the damage was already done, and as a result the Blackjack quickly fell out of favor and only spent a few years in service to the Star League. It wasn't long before production was halted altogether and those still in service were either given to Terran Hegemony militia units or sold off to the Member States. When the Star League was eventually dissolved and the Succession Wars began, few shed a tear as the Blackjack production line on Kathil was destroyed in 2796.[1][6][7][9]

While all the Successor States had Blackjacks the majority ended up with the Capellan Confederation and Federated Suns, and all but the Suns largely abandoned the design based on its reputation. Tinkering with the 'Mech, Davion techs soon discovered that the reputed claims about the Blackjack's flaws were without foundation, although it was still largely relegated to the March Militias. It wouldn't be until 3022 that the myth received its first mortal wound on Xhosa VII; in battle for control of the planet the infamous Tai-i Mercer Ravannion attempted to test his "Horde" tactic against the local Davion garrison. Led by New Avalon Institute of Science cadet Michael Ubodo, the garrison's Blackjacks took the brunt of the Kuritan attack, destroying wave after wave of light 'Mechs attempting to overwhelm their position, and earned great honor for their successful defense.[1][6][7][9]

In the aftermath of the battle other Davion units began to take renewed notice of the Blackjack, and even Hanse Davion was sufficiently impressed with their performance on Xhosa VII to commission new variants be built. For their part, the Confederation continued to treat the design with utter contempt, although the breakaway nation of St. Ives Compact couldn't afford to be as discerning and adopted the Blackjack, experimenting with new variants of their own. These efforts culminated in the introduction of the BJ-2, built by Davion techs using newly-recovered lostech, which was first a refit kit before limited production restarted at General Motor's Kathil plant in 3054. Further variants would continue to be produced by both St. Ives and the Federated Suns, and eventually a new OmniMech version of the Blackjack was completed in 3058.[1][9][10]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Blackjack carries a 40mm Whirlwind-L AC/2 in either arm for long range, direct fire support. While these autocannons provide excellent reach and were sufficient for combating mostly non-'Mech insurgents, they lacked the firepower to deal with well-armored targets. Both weapons are fed from a single ton of ammo located within the center torso. For close combat, the Blackjack has four Intek medium lasers, one in each arm and both the left and right sides of the torso. These lasers, when combined with its maneuverability, make the 'Mech very dangerous and an entire lance or company of Blackjacks can lay down impressive firepower.[6][7]

Four Whitworth Jetlift jump jets in either leg give the Blackjack a jumping distance of 120 meters. These were added late in the design's development, compensation for using the GM 180 fusion engine which was smaller than in the original. Finally, eight and a half tons of armor protect the Blackjack while eleven single heat sinks keep it cool during combat.[6][7]

Variants[edit]

  • BJ-1X 
    Early Blackjack prototypes differed from the production model significantly. They were armed with twin GM Flashpoint flamers and additional heat sinks in place of each autocannon, and were powered by a VOX 225 power plant allowing it for greater speed than the later models, but lacked the jump jets.[1][6][7]
  • BJ-1DB 
    The 1DB Blackjack is a Federated Suns variant intended to increase the 'Mech's lethality. Introduced in 3022 after the BJ-1's success on Xhosha VII, one ton of armor plus the arm-mounted autocannons and torso-mounted lasers[11] were replaced with two large lasers, and six extra single heat sinks added to the design to handle the extra heat load.[1][7] BV (1.0) = 881,[4] BV (2.0) = 1,015[12]
  • BJ-1DC 
    The 1DC Blackjack is another variant inspired by the Xhosha VII battle and was introduced a year after the similar 1DB. Rather than replace the arm-mounted weapons, the 1DC sacrifices the 'Mech's jumping ability in order to add two small lasers and an additional single heat sink to deal with the extra heat load.[1] BV (1.0) = 718,[4] BV (2.0) = 917[13]
  • BJ-2 
    The BJ-2 was introduced in 3052 by the Federated Suns as the new production model of the Blackjack, based on earlier experimental designs. It upgrades the 'Mech with two Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER large lasers in place of the autocannons, and removes the medium lasers for four Hovertec Streak SRM-2 launchers, two each in the left and right sides of the torso. One ton of ammo for the launchers is kept in the left torso while the single heat sinks were upgraded to double heat sinks.[9] Note that errata corrected the BJ-2 to use double heat sinks. BV (1.0) = 858,[4] BV (2.0) = 1,148
  • BJ-3 
    Built in 3042 by the Capellan Confederation on St. Ives based on the experimental BJ-3X, created during the Fourth Succession War, this 'Mech was probably the first in decades if not centuries to feature double heat sinks, a revolutionary rediscovered technology. It is implied[15] that the heat sinks were actually stolen from the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth, but in any case the BJ-3 was the first regular variant to employ them again as part of its standard loadout, as opposed to field refits or ancient Star League era 'Mechs. The superior heat dissipation allowed the 'Mech to be equipped with two Ceres Arms Smasher PPCs and four medium lasers. The majority of the BJ-3 models were turned over to the Federated Suns by the St. Ives Compact after the Fourth Succession War, following that state's secession from the Confederation during the war,[16] but production continued domestically within the St. Ives Compact, predominantly but not exclusively for St. Ives Compact forces, afterwards.[9] BV (1.0) = 1,099, BV (2.0) = 1,271[17][18] (The dates and ancillary data from the MUL establish that the BJ-3 featured in the Fourth Succession War Scenarios: Volume 1 was actually the BJ-3X; this would also have been the one to receive the stolen prototype double heat sinks.)
  • BJ-4 
    Many Blackjacks in the Federated Suns were upgraded to this model during the FedCom Civil War. A half-ton of armor is removed, though the remaining is upgraded to light ferro-fibrous, resulting in almost the same amount of armor protection. All the weapons of the BJ-2 were stripped out and a light fusion engine was added to free up additional mass. Each arm mounts a light autocannon/5 and an ER medium laser, while two tons of CASE-protected ammo in each torso allow the BJ-4 to make use of special munitions. A targeting computer makes all the weapons more accurate.[9] BV (2.0) = 1,063[19]

Apocryphal Variants[edit]

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

From MechWarrior Online:

Apocryphal Content Ends

Design Quirks[edit]

The Blackjack has the following Design Quirk:[24]

Related OmniMechs[edit]

  • Blackjack - This OmniMech version of the venerable Blackjack debuted around 3058.[10]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Blackjack Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • Errata was submitted for Technical Readout: 3039, p. 128, Variants, 2nd paragraph: "Change the following sentence pertaining to the BJ-1DB: 'This necessitated the removal of the arm-mounted medium lasers...' to 'This necessitated the removal of the torso-mounted medium lasers...'"
  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Totschläger, which is the common German expression for a blackjack (sap in British English). The model code was accordingly changed to TG-1.
  • In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as Assommoir.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 68–69: "BJ-1 Blackjack"
  2. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, 2nd Ed., p. 48
  3. ↑ MUL online date for the Blackjack (BattleMech)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Combat Operations, p. 126
  5. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 110
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, pp. 46–47
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 128–129
  8. ↑ Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 68–69
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, pp. 46–47
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Technical Readout: 3058, p. 88
  11. ↑ Errata report by user jymset that was confirmed by the moderator Xotl
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 111
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 112
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 111
  15. ↑ Proprietary
  16. ↑ BattlePack: Fourth Succession War, p. 37: New 'Mechs - BJ-3 Blackjack
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 113
  18. ↑ Objective Raids, p. 148
  19. ↑ Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 73
  20. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 4, p. 13
  21. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 4, p. 20
  22. ↑ ForcePack Record Sheets: Wolf's Dragoons, p. 2
  23. ↑ MechWarrior Online: "The Arrow Hero Mech now available"
  24. ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 90: Design Quirk Table - Blackjack Entry

Bibliography[edit]

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