Poseidon (BattleMech)

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Poseidon (BattleMech)
Poseidon
Production information
Manufacturer Rhodes Foundry
Production Year 3136[1]
Model PSD-V2
Class Superheavy
Technical specifications
'Mech type Mixed-tech BattleMech
Mass 125 tons
Chassis Rhodes-P Endo Steel
Armor Maximillian 320 with CASE II
Engine PlasmaStar 375 XL
Communications System Titan’s Shout Mk. IVA
Targeting Tracking System Titan’s Vantage Mk. II and Apollo FCS
Heat Sinks 20 Double Heat Sinks
Speed 54 km/h
Armament

Main Weaponry

BV (2.0) 3,760[2][3]


Description

The Poseidon was a Superheavy Tripod Class BattleMech originally produced in secret by the Republic of the Sphere. Designed with know-how acquired through experimentation undertaken by the Republic during the early thirty-first century, the Poseidon’s development was spurred on due to the events of Gray Monday. Its development, among other secret weapons, was put under the codename "Rhodes Project".

Two of the initial prototypes of the Poseidon saw combat during the Senate's Rebellion in 3135 on Terra.[4] The Poseidon’s prototypes were able to engage rebel forces at their Serbian Proving Grounds in Asia and fend them off. The engagements helped to work out the development problems in the 'Mech, leading to the V2 design.

The Poseidon was the basis for what would become the Ares Omni Superheavy tripod. The 'Mech would be placed into production at the then-unknown factory on Devil's Rock called Rhodes Foundry. It would be deployed during the Fortress Republic time period to the Republic's most reliable regiments, only to be deployed in defensive roles as of 3145.[5]

Weapons and Equipment

Originally based loosely on the Orca Superheavy BattleMech, the Poseidon was the first of its kind in modern times in using three legs instead of the commonly found bipedal and quad designs. Commonly known as a Superheavy Tripod or because of its immense size as "Colossal", the Poseidon’s method of locomotion gains advantage over more commonly used ones, allowing it to change direction without losing speed. Faster than many in its size class, its powerful PlasmaStar 375-rated Extra-Light Engine and sturdy Endo-steel construction allows the 'Mech to move and carry a ponderous amount of weaponry. Its hull is protected by 24 tons of Maximillian 320 standard armor, allowing it to absorb an immense amount of damage before succumbing to enemy fire. The 3-Man Cockpit used in the Superheavy Tripod designs allows the 'Mech to act as a command unit and be able to target multiple enemies with less of a penalty. This is due to the Poseidon’s command responsibilities being split between a dedicated pilot, gunner and technician/engineer.

Its long-range arsenal includes a pair of Clan-grade ER PPCs mounted in the left arm actuator. A pair of 5-tube Long-Range Missile launchers backs up the 'Mech's energy weapons in each of its side torsos. The Poseidon’s intermediate weaponry includes an Apollo Guided 20-tube Medium Missile Launcher and a TSEMP Cannon both found in the right arm.

Its short range weaponry includes; A pair of side-torso Clan ER Medium Lasers, three Clan ER Small Lasers, and three 2-tubed SRM launchers. To help cope with infantry attacks, each of its three legs has a pair of A-Pods. All of the 'Mech’s missile ammunition is protected by CASE II found in each of the 'Mech side torsos.[6]

Variants

  • PSD-X1 
    The original prototype of the Poseidon, unlike other Superheavy Tripods, had a one-man cockpit. The initial prototypes suffered from faulty fire control systems. Only two were known to be made.[7]

Notes

As of this writing, there is no published record sheet or details on the PSD-X1's stats.

The Poseidon was originally conceived by Wizkids for their MechWarrior Dark Age Collectable Miniatures game as a part of their Battleforce expansion set. It was originally known as the Ares 'Poseidon' when it was introduced to Wizkid's game. The figure would be used as a unique BattleMech in the CGC game. The 'Mech would be later adapted by Catalyst Game Labs and redefined in the tabletop game once the company advanced the franchise's timeline to 3145.

Design Quirks

The Poseidon has the following Design Quirks

Gallery

References

  1. MUL online date for the Poseidon (BattleMech)
  2. Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, pp. 44-45, 126 Poseidon - BV2.
  3. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 396
  4. Era Report: 3145, pp. 15 & 18 Vultures Circling/Timeline - Senate rebellion and some details of the conflict.
  5. Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, pp. 44-45, 126 Poseidon - Background.
  6. Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, pp. 44-45, 126 Poseidon - Stats and capacities of the 'Mech.
  7. Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, p. 44 Poseidon - Stats.


Bibliography