Sarna News: Bad 'Mechs - Icestorm

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*; UM-AIV : This variant of the ''UrbanMech'' replaces the standard weaponry with an [[Arrow IV]] missile launcher and [[ER medium laser]]. It requires an [[endo steel]] chassis and [[small cockpit]] to provide room, and the ''UrbanMech'' can only carry ten rounds for the Arrow system. Despite these limitations, it is still a decent fire support unit. Notably, it can be used to launch nuclear-tipped Arrow IV missiles (see Notes below). BV (2.0) = 603<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 63</ref>
 
*; UM-AIV : This variant of the ''UrbanMech'' replaces the standard weaponry with an [[Arrow IV]] missile launcher and [[ER medium laser]]. It requires an [[endo steel]] chassis and [[small cockpit]] to provide room, and the ''UrbanMech'' can only carry ten rounds for the Arrow system. Despite these limitations, it is still a decent fire support unit. Notably, it can be used to launch nuclear-tipped Arrow IV missiles (see Notes below). BV (2.0) = 603<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 63</ref>
  
*; UM-R90 ''SuburbanMech'' : This redesign was created by [[Hanse Davion]] as a way to reduce the power of [[Michael Hasek-Davion]] by fixing [[AFFS]] supply lines. The ''SuburbanMech'' is visually identical to an ''UrbanMech'' but has a larger engine that allows it to reach 54 km/h. The autocannon is replaced with a single [[PPC]] and two [[medium laser]]s. The small laser remains in place, but jump range has been increased to 90 meters. 13 [[Heat Sink|single heat sinks]] struggle to dissipate the heat of an alpha strike. BV (2.0) = 773.<ref name=S4>''Shrapnel #4'', ''SuburbanMech'' article</ref> This variant first appeared in [[BattleTechnology#Issue 18|''BattleTechnology'', Issue #18]] (1992), created by [[Craig Reed]] and [[Robert Madson (person)|Robert Madson]], and was picked up in the 2019 ''Urban Warfare'' expansion for the ''[[BattleTech (Video Game)|BattleTech]]'' video game by [[Harebrained Schemes]] before being properly canonized through the [[Shrapnel (magazine)|''Shrapnel'' magazine, issue #4]].
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*; UM-R90 ''SuburbanMech'' : This redesign was created by [[Hanse Davion]] as a way to reduce the power of [[Michael Hasek-Davion]] by fixing [[AFFS]] supply lines. The ''SuburbanMech'' is visually identical to an ''UrbanMech'' but has a larger engine that allows it to reach 54 km/h. The autocannon is replaced with a single [[PPC]] and two [[medium laser]]s. The small laser remains in place, but jump range has been increased to 90 meters. 13 [[Heat Sink|single heat sinks]] struggle to dissipate the heat of an alpha strike. BV (2.0) = 773.<ref>''Shrapnel #4'', ''SuburbanMech'' article</ref> This variant first appeared in [[BattleTechnology#Issue 18|''BattleTechnology'', Issue #18]] (1992), created by [[Craig Reed]] and [[Robert Madson (person)|Robert Madson]], and was picked up in the 2019 ''Urban Warfare'' expansion for the ''[[BattleTech (Video Game)|BattleTech]]'' video game by [[Harebrained Schemes]].
  
 
*; UM-R93 : First appeared in [[3130]], this Capellan Confederation [[Dark Age]] era upgrade of the ''UrbanMech'' carries a [[plasma rifle]], [[ER medium laser]], and [[ER small laser]]. Additionally, it carries 12 tons of [[hardened armor]] which, while making it as tough as many medium 'Mechs, reduces its already slow speed even further. BV (2.0) = 894<ref name=xtrorots2p7>''Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2'', p. 7</ref><ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/7344/urbanmech-um-r93 MUL Profile for the UM-R93 UrbanMech - Alpha Strike Card, Introduction Date, and BV2 included.]</ref>
 
*; UM-R93 : First appeared in [[3130]], this Capellan Confederation [[Dark Age]] era upgrade of the ''UrbanMech'' carries a [[plasma rifle]], [[ER medium laser]], and [[ER small laser]]. Additionally, it carries 12 tons of [[hardened armor]] which, while making it as tough as many medium 'Mechs, reduces its already slow speed even further. BV (2.0) = 894<ref name=xtrorots2p7>''Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 2'', p. 7</ref><ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/7344/urbanmech-um-r93 MUL Profile for the UM-R93 UrbanMech - Alpha Strike Card, Introduction Date, and BV2 included.]</ref>
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*; UM-R96 : Another field refit developed by chronic tinker [[Njord Wing]] in [[3149]], the R96 is an evolution of the R80 with features of Wing's R93 refit. The R80's [[snub-nose PPC]] serves as the R96's main weapon, supported by a [[small X-Pulse laser]], reducing its logistical needs. The weight saved allows the use of the R93's [[hardened armor]] shell for enhanced protection at the cost of speed. This is partially offset with the addition of three [[improved jump jet]]s giving the new model a 90 meter range.<ref name=RGIV2p13/> BV (2.0) = 852<ref name=RGIV2p14>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2'', p. 14: "UrbanMech UM-R93"</ref>
 
*; UM-R96 : Another field refit developed by chronic tinker [[Njord Wing]] in [[3149]], the R96 is an evolution of the R80 with features of Wing's R93 refit. The R80's [[snub-nose PPC]] serves as the R96's main weapon, supported by a [[small X-Pulse laser]], reducing its logistical needs. The weight saved allows the use of the R93's [[hardened armor]] shell for enhanced protection at the cost of speed. This is partially offset with the addition of three [[improved jump jet]]s giving the new model a 90 meter range.<ref name=RGIV2p13/> BV (2.0) = 852<ref name=RGIV2p14>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2'', p. 14: "UrbanMech UM-R93"</ref>
  
*; UM-R100 ''SuburbanMech'' : A variant proposed during the [[Clan Invasion]] but ultimately never put into production because of high cost and the Clan Invasion, this ''SuburbanMech'' would have used a 120-rated engine to reach a running speed of 64 km/h and power four [[jump jet]]s. 10 [[double heat sink]]s were to be installed, and the [[PPC]] would be swapped for an [[ER PPC|extended-range model]] but the rest of the weaponry matched the UM-R90 variant. Six and a half tons of armor would be carried. BV (2.0) = 915<ref name=S4/>
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*; UM-R100 ''SuburbanMech'' : A variant proposed during the [[Clan Invasion]] but ultimately never put into production because of high cost and the Clan Invasion, this ''SuburbanMech'' would have used a 120-rated engine to reach a running speed of 64 km/h and power four [[jump jet]]s. 10 [[double heat sink]]s were to be installed, and the [[PPC]] would be swapped for an [[ER PPC|extended-range model]] but the rest of the weaponry matched the UM-R90 variant. Six and a half tons of armor would be carried. BV (2.0) = 915<ref>''Shrapnel #4'', ''SuburbanMech'' article</ref>
  
 
*; UM-R27 : This model drops a heat sink and all weapons from the UM-R60. In their place are 3 [[SRM-6|SRM-6s]] in the arms benefiting from [[Actuator Enhancement System|actuator enhancement]]. The 3 tons of reloads are protected with [[CASE]]. BV (2.0) = 610<ref>''ForcePack Record Sheets UrbanMech Lance''</ref><ref>The designation on the [[Master Unit List]] is a correction.</ref>
 
*; UM-R27 : This model drops a heat sink and all weapons from the UM-R60. In their place are 3 [[SRM-6|SRM-6s]] in the arms benefiting from [[Actuator Enhancement System|actuator enhancement]]. The 3 tons of reloads are protected with [[CASE]]. BV (2.0) = 610<ref>''ForcePack Record Sheets UrbanMech Lance''</ref><ref>The designation on the [[Master Unit List]] is a correction.</ref>
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===Apocryphal Variants===
 
===Apocryphal Variants===
 
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
 
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
*; "Machine Gun variant" : In the entry for the UM-R63 ''UrbanMech'' in ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]'', it is noted that the -R63's [[small pulse laser]] was substituted for "the machine gun". As the original ''UrbanMech'' has no [[machine gun]] in any known variant, it has been speculated that an unspecified ''UrbanMech'' variant existed in Capellan Confederation space in significant numbers, in which a machine gun and half a ton of ammo would possibly take the place of the curious and largely useless eleventh [[single heat sink]] found on the standard -R60 and most other models including even the -R63. However, this supposed variant is pure conjecture. It was not mentioned in the original ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]'', the reference was removed entirely from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'', no [[record sheet]] was ever created for such a variant, and no [[MUL]] entry exists.
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*; "Machine Gun variant" : In ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s entry for the UM-R63 ''UrbanMech'', it is noted that the -R63's [[small pulse laser]] was substituted for "the machine gun". As the original UrbanMech has no [[machine gun]], it has been speculated that a previously unknown Capellan UrbanMech variant exists, in which a machine gun and half a ton of ammo would take the place of the curious and largely useless eleventh [[single heat sink]] found on the standard -R60 and most other models including even the -R63. However, this supposed variant is pure conjecture. It was not mentioned in the original ''TR 3050'', the reference was deleted entirely from TR3050U, no record sheet was ever created, and no MUL entry exists. BV (1.0) = 448; BV (2.0) = 492{{cn}}
  
 
''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
 
''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
 
*; UM-K9 ''K-9'' : Complete with a light bar, the ''K-9'' is an ''UrbanMech'' refitted for use by a planetary police department. The standard variant's [[AC/10]] is swapped for a [[UAC/5]] and the left arm [[small laser]] is updated to a [[large laser]], with two small lasers mounted in the center torso. While its ground speed remains unchanged, the ''K-9''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s heavier weapons loadout is made possible through the use of an [[endo steel]] chassis and mounting 10 double heat sinks.<ref name=MWO-K9>''MechWarrior Online'' Resistance Heroes Sale Page</ref>
 
*; UM-K9 ''K-9'' : Complete with a light bar, the ''K-9'' is an ''UrbanMech'' refitted for use by a planetary police department. The standard variant's [[AC/10]] is swapped for a [[UAC/5]] and the left arm [[small laser]] is updated to a [[large laser]], with two small lasers mounted in the center torso. While its ground speed remains unchanged, the ''K-9''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s heavier weapons loadout is made possible through the use of an [[endo steel]] chassis and mounting 10 double heat sinks.<ref name=MWO-K9>''MechWarrior Online'' Resistance Heroes Sale Page</ref>
  
*; UM-SC ''Street Cleaner'' : Themed as the ''UrbanMech'' utilized by an unnamed member of [[Philip Capet]]'s "[[Capellan Mafia]]" during Capet's final duel against [[Justin Allard]] in [[Solaris VII]], the ''Street Cleaner'' is very similar to the standard ''UrbanMech'', featuring an [[AC/10]], supported by a [[small laser]] and [[jump jet]]s.<ref name=MWO-SC>''MechWarrior Online'' Solaris-7 Sale Page</ref>
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*; UM-SC ''Street Cleaner'' : Themed as the ''UrbanMech'' utilized by an unnamed member of [[Philip Capet]]'s Capellan Mafia during Capet's final duel against [[Justin Allard]] in [[Solaris VII]], the "Street Cleaner" is very similar to the standard ''UrbanMech'', featuring an [[AC/10]], supported by a [[small laser]] and [[jump jet]]s.<ref name=MWO-SC>''MechWarrior Online'' Solaris-7 Sale Page</ref>
 
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
 
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
  
 
== Design Quirks ==
 
== Design Quirks ==
The ''UrbanMech'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 95: Design Quirk Table - UrbanMech Entry</ref><ref name=xtrorots2p7/>
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The ''UrbanMech'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 95: Design Quirk Table - UrbanMech Entry</ref>
* [[Extended Torso Twist]]  
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* [[Extended Torso Twist]]
**(in MechWarrior Online it can notably rotate its torso a continuous 360 degrees but this is apocryphal; see Notes below)
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* [[Narrow/Low Profile]]
 +
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]
 +
 
 +
The UM-R93 ''UrbanMech'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=xtrorots2p7/>
 +
* [[Extended Torso Twist]]
 
* [[Narrow/Low Profile]]
 
* [[Narrow/Low Profile]]
 
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]
 
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]
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* Throughout the BattleTech fan community, the quirky ''UrbanMech'' is something of a beloved mascot 'Mech that features in many fan-made cartoon strips, video clips and memes. Joke variants or derivatives of the ''UrbanMech'', and even joke products, abound:
 
* Throughout the BattleTech fan community, the quirky ''UrbanMech'' is something of a beloved mascot 'Mech that features in many fan-made cartoon strips, video clips and memes. Joke variants or derivatives of the ''UrbanMech'', and even joke products, abound:
 
** A canonical example is the UM-AIV variant, which was thought up as a means to bring a nuclear weapon and nuke the [[Kell Hounds]] at the gaming table for Gen Con 2011; it even famously featured in the Gen Con diorama.
 
** A canonical example is the UM-AIV variant, which was thought up as a means to bring a nuclear weapon and nuke the [[Kell Hounds]] at the gaming table for Gen Con 2011; it even famously featured in the Gen Con diorama.
** A 30 ton UM-L99 ''[[UrbanMech LAM]]'' was listed, among numerous other joke units, in the [[Random Allocation Tables]] of the non-canonical ''[[Third League Turning Points: Free Taiw...St. Ives]]'' 2012 [[:Category:April Fools Products|April Fools]] publication. Over the course of the 2019 Clan Invasion crowdfunding campaign, CGL produced an April Fools update (Update #99, dated 2 April 2020) in which they presented [[Technical Readout]]-style drawings of an ''UrbanMech LAM'' by fan Bishop Steiner. A [[Salvage Box: UrbanMech LAM]] was seen amid product for 2024 Adepticon, though because it was still pre release and close to April Fools its canonicity is still unknown.
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** A 30 ton UM-L99 ''[[UrbanMech LAM]]'' was listed, among numerous other joke units, in the [[Random Allocation Tables]] of the non-canonical ''[[Third League Turning Points: Free Taiw...St. Ives]]'' 2012 [[:Category:April Fools Products|April Fools]] publication. Over the course of the 2019 Clan Invasion crowdfunding campaign, CGL produced an April Fools update (Update #99, dated 2 April 2020) in which they presented [[Technical Readout]]-style drawings of an ''UrbanMech LAM'' by fan Bishop Steiner.
 
** ''Third League Turning Points: Free Taiw...St. Ives'' also included a [[Record Sheet]] for the 70-ton UBL-20 ''UrbanLord''. It has a 4/6/6 movement profile, 204 points of armor, and is armed with a "Gauss Cannon/20" and a "Large Grazer".
 
** ''Third League Turning Points: Free Taiw...St. Ives'' also included a [[Record Sheet]] for the 70-ton UBL-20 ''UrbanLord''. It has a 4/6/6 movement profile, 204 points of armor, and is armed with a "Gauss Cannon/20" and a "Large Grazer".
 
** When [[CGL]] sought fan input for additional stretch goals for their wildly successful [[2019 Clan Invasion crowdfunding campaign]], the fans opted for, and received, an [[UrbanMech Plushie]] – the first-ever BattleTech plush toy.
 
** When [[CGL]] sought fan input for additional stretch goals for their wildly successful [[2019 Clan Invasion crowdfunding campaign]], the fans opted for, and received, an [[UrbanMech Plushie]] – the first-ever BattleTech plush toy.
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* An inflatable ''UrbanMech'' was present at Gen Con 2022 in Indianapolis, IN. It was a big eye-catcher and promoter of [[BattleTech]] and [[Catalyst Game Labs]].
 
* An inflatable ''UrbanMech'' was present at Gen Con 2022 in Indianapolis, IN. It was a big eye-catcher and promoter of [[BattleTech]] and [[Catalyst Game Labs]].
  
*[[MechWarrior Online]] features the ''UrbanMech'' in many of its standard variants, including all of their classic strengths and weakness. However, players are able to customize their ''UrbanMech'' with higher rated engines and/or additional jump jets to greatly improve their mobility and forego the chassis' traditional drawback, albeit at the expense of tonnage for weaponry and other equipment. This interpretation of the 'Mech also features the unique ability to freely rotate its torso 360 degrees without ever needing to turn back, an apocryphal quirk that helps it stand its ground in its favored urban environment.
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*[[MechWarrior Online]] also features the ''UrbanMech''. However, it is not considered a viable unit that is worth playing in this game unless the design is modified to have significantly better speed and jump capacity. A notable special ''UrbanMech'' ability in MWO is a 360 degree torso rotation.
  
 
* In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to '''''Stadtkoloss''''', which literally means ''Urban Colossus''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''ST-K60'''.
 
* In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to '''''Stadtkoloss''''', which literally means ''Urban Colossus''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''ST-K60'''.
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</div>
 
</div>
  
[[Category:'Mechs]]
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[[Category:Artillery Support Unit]]
 
[[Category:Artillery Support Unit]]
 
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:German renamed units]]
 
[[Category:German renamed units]]

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