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Difference between revisions of "Zeus"

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==Description==
 
==Description==
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The '''''Zeus''''' was first built by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] in [[2787]], as the [[First Succession War]] began. It had a long and storied history within the Commonwealth and was a respected assault [[BattleMech]]. Having gone through a few changes since its original inception and production, the ''Zeus'' carried an arsenal that was built to attempt to keep an enemy at arms reach. If necessary though, the 'Mech could engage enemies at short range. The ''Zeus'' has also seen newer upgrades with experimental technologies, and, as it was the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]'s pride and joy, it was usually one of the first 'Mechs to receive upgraded technologies.
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The '''''Zeus''''' was first built by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] in [[2787]], as the [[First Succession War]] began. It had a long and storied history within the Commonwealth, becoming a respected assault [[BattleMech]]. In its original production form, the ''Zeus'' was designed to keep an enemy at arm's reach, although it could engage opponents at closer ranges if necessary. The ''Zeus'' has also seen newer upgrades using recovered and experimental technologies. Since it was the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]'s pride and joy, it was usually one of the first 'Mechs to receive upgraded equipment.
  
 
==Armament==
 
==Armament==
−
The prototype ''Zeus'' carried a PPC but the most common and well known variant of the ''Zeus'', the 6S, mounted as its primary weapon a Defiance Type J [[Autocannon/5]] backed up by a Coventry Star Fire [[LRM-15]] for engaging enemies at long ranges. The 'Mech had a Thunderbolt A5M [[Large Laser]] to engage enemies when they were at intermediate ranges and finally, for close range combat, the ''Zeus'' had two [[Defiance B3M Medium Laser|Defiance B3M]] [[Medium Laser]]s. This made the ''Zeus'' a 'Mech that was deadly at any range.<ref name=IRS>''[[Introductory Record Sheets]], pp 22</ref>
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The prototype ''Zeus'' carried a PPC, but the most common, best-known variant of the ''Zeus'', the ZEU-6S, mounted as its primary weapon a Defiance Type J [[Autocannon/5]], backed up by a Coventry Star Fire [[LRM-15]] for engaging enemies at long ranges. It also had a Thunderbolt A5M [[Large Laser]] to engage enemies at intermediate ranges and two [[Defiance B3M Medium Laser|Defiance B3M]] [[Medium Laser]]s for close-in work. This made the ''Zeus'' a 'Mech that was deadly at any range.<ref name=IRS>''[[Introductory Record Sheets]], pp 22</ref>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
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* ZEU-6T - The earlier and less common 6T model of the ''Zeus'', the 6T carried as its primary weapon a Parti-Kill [[PPC]]. This weapon had the same effective range as the [[Autocannon/5]] and did twice as much damage but also created a great deal of excess heat. The 6T was otherwise armed identically to the 6S model and was also protected with eleven and a half tons of armor. BV (1.0) = 1,170, BV (2.0) = 1,436<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 179</ref>
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* ZEU-6T - The earlier, less-common -6T model carried as its primary weapon a Parti-Kill [[PPC]]. This weapon had the same effective range as the [[Autocannon/5]] and did twice as much damage, but also created a great deal of excess heat. The -6T was otherwise armed identically to the -6S model, and was also protected with eleven and a half tons of armor. BV (1.0) = 1,170, BV (2.0) = 1,436<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 179</ref>
  
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* ZEU-9S - The 9S was an upgrade using [[Star League]] technology. The 'Mech's arsenal and armor had been upgraded and the [[heat sink]]s have been upgraded to [[double heat sink]]s. The 'Mech was now armored with eleven tons of [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor and carried as its main weapon an Defiance 1001 [[ER PPC]]. This was backed up for long-range combat by a Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 launcher and a Cyclops XII [[ER Large Laser]]. For close combat, the 9S carried two Defiance P3M [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,419, BV (2.0) = 1,639<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050'', p. ??</ref>
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* ZEU-9S - The -9S was an upgrade using [[Star League]] technology, adding [[double heat sink]]s and eleven tons of [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor. It carried as its main weapon an Defiance 1001 [[ER PPC]]. This was backed up for long-range combat by a Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 launcher and a Cyclops XII [[ER Large Laser]]. For close combat, the -9S carried two Defiance P3M [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,419, BV (2.0) = 1,639<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050'', p. ??</ref>
  
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* ZEU-9T - The 9T variant of the ''Zeus'' carried the 6T to its next logical step. The 'Mech was built with a [[Light Fusion Engine]] and armored with thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. The 'Mech carried, as its primary weapon, an ER PPC backed up by an LRM-15 launcher with an [[Artemis IV]] fire control system for greater missile accuracy. Also, for long-range combat, the 9T carried an ER Large Laser. For close combat, the 'Mech was armed with two Medium Pulse Lasers and an [[ER Medium Laser]]. BV (1.0) = 1,480, BV (2.0) = 1,832
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* ZEU-9T - The 9T variant of the ''Zeus'' carried the -6T to its next logical step. The 'Mech was built with a [[Light Fusion Engine]] and carried thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. As its primary weapon, the -6T carried an ER PPC, backed by an LRM-15 launcher with an [[Artemis IV]] fire control system for greater missile accuracy. Also, for long-range combat, the -9T carried an ER Large Laser. For close combat, the 'Mech was armed with two Medium Pulse Lasers and an [[ER Medium Laser]]. BV (1.0) = 1,480, BV (2.0) = 1,832
  
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* ZEU-10WB - This variant was produced by the [[Word of Blake]] following their seizure of [[Hesperus II]] from the Lyrans in [[3070]]. It was armed with a pair of [[Heavy PPC]]s, supplemented by an ER Large Laser, though eleven double heat sinks could scarcely keep up with the heat buildup. Four ER Medium Lasers and a [[Small Laser]] provided short range backup. This was made possible by the inclusion of an [[XL Gyro]]. BV (2.0) = ???
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* ZEU-10WB - This variant was produced by the [[Word of Blake]] following their seizure of [[Hesperus II]] from the Lyrans in [[3070]]. It was armed with a pair of [[Heavy PPC]]s, supplemented by an ER Large Laser, though its 11 double heat sinks could scarcely keep up with the heat buildup. Four ER Medium Lasers and a [[Small Laser]] provided short range backup. This was made possible by the inclusion of an [[XL Gyro]]. BV (2.0) = ???
  
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* ZEU-X - The first of what is commonly referred to as the ''Zeus X'' the ZEU-X was a variant of the ''Zeus'' that uses [[Experimental Technology]] to push the envelope of the design. The 'Mech was built using a [[Composite]] chassis which weighed half as much, but was only half as strong as a normal internal structure. The 'Mech was also armored with both normal armor and [[Reactive Armor]] on its limbs. The 'Mech was armed with an [[LB-X Autocannon/20]] for the majority of its firepower. This was backed up by an [[MRM-30]] launcher. For close combat, the ''Zeus'' had two [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]]s. Finally, for added speed, the 'Mech was built using a [[XXL engine]] which weighed only seventeen and a half tons, giving the 'Mech a maximum speed of 86.4 kph. BV (1.0) = 1,471, BV (2.0) = 1,902
+
* ZEU-X - The first of what is commonly referred to as the ''Zeus X'' the ZEU-X was a variant of the ''Zeus'' that uses [[Experimental Technology]] to push the envelope of the design. The 'Mech was built using a [[Composite]] chassis which weighed half as much, but was only half as strong as a normal internal structure. The 'Mech was also armored with both normal armor and [[Reactive Armor]] on its limbs. The 'Mech was armed with an [[LB-X Autocannon/20]] as its primary weapon, backed up by an [[MRM-30]] launcher. For close combat, the ''Zeus'' had two [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]]s. Finally, for added speed, the 'Mech was built using a [[XXL engine]] which weighed only seventeen and a half tons, giving the 'Mech a maximum speed of 86.4 kph. BV (1.0) = 1,471, BV (2.0) = 1,902
  
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* ZEU-X2 - Built using the same engine and chassis as the ZEU-X, the X2 took its weapons cues from the 9T model. The 'Mech carried as its main weapon an[ER PPC, giving it a much greater range than the [[LB-X Autocannon/20]] carried by the ZEU-X model. The 'Mech was otherwise armed identically to the ZEU-X model and was highly effective as a sniper 'Mech with its high mobility, able it to dictate the range of an engagement. BV (1.0) = 1,493, BV (2.0) = 1,747
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* ZEU-X2 - Built using the same engine and chassis as the ZEU-X, the X2 took its weapons cues from the 9T model. The 'Mech carried as its main weapon an ER PPC, giving it a much greater range than the [[LB-X Autocannon/20]] carried by the ZEU-X model. The 'Mech was otherwise armed identically to the ZEU-X model. It was highly effective as a sniper 'Mech, with its high mobility giving it the ability to dictate the range of an engagement. BV (1.0) = 1,493, BV (2.0) = 1,747
  
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* ZEU-X3 - An experimental variant that deviated greatly from the design philosophy of the ''Zeus'', the 3X model carried an ER PPC and four ER Medium Lasers as its weapons. The 'Mech was also armored with fourteen and a half tons of standard armor. The X3 also used the XXL engine of the ''Zeus X''. The true uniqueness of the design came in its use of [[Improved Jump Jets]]. The X3 could jump up to two hundred and forty meters, which rivaled the jumping capability of any light 'Mech. This combination of heavy armor, speed and firepower made the X3 the nightmare of any light or medium 'Mech and could outmaneuver any heavy or assault 'Mechs. BV (1.0) = 1,992, BV (2.0) = 2,189
+
* ZEU-X3 - An experimental variant that deviated greatly from the design philosophy of the basic ''Zeus'', the 3X model carried an ER PPC and four ER Medium Lasers as its weapons. The 'Mech was also armored with fourteen and a half tons of standard armor. The X3 also used the XXL engine of the ''Zeus X''. The true uniqueness of the design came in its use of [[Improved Jump Jets]]. The X3 could jump up to 240 meters, which rivaled the jumping capability of any light 'Mech. This combination of heavy armor, speed and firepower made the X3 the nightmare of any light or medium 'Mech and could outmaneuver any heavy or assault 'Mechs. BV (1.0) = 1,992, BV (2.0) = 2,189
  
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*[[Dual Cockpit]] refits: The ''Zeus'' was one of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]'s (and later [[Lyran Alliance]]'s) preferred 'Mechs to install Dual Cockpits. Standard refits usually installed the Dual Cockpit on a ZEU-6S (removing one medium laser) or a ZEU-9S (removing one heat sink).
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*[[Dual Cockpit]] refits: The [[Lyran Commonwealth]] (and later the [[Lyran Alliance]]) fitted some ''Zeus'' 'Mechs with [[Dual Cockpit]]s. The dual-cockpit versions were usually either a ZEUS-6S (with one medium laser removed to make room) or a ZEU-9S (with one less heat sink).
  
 
==Unique Variants==
 
==Unique Variants==
−
*ZEU-9WD ''Zeus-X'' - Starting life as one of ''Zeus-X'' testbeds, ZEUX0003 was gifted by the [[Kell Hounds]] to [[Black Widow Company]] commander [[Stacy Church]]. When Chruch landed on [[Outreach]] in [[3071]] it mounted a Light Fusion Engine and eleven and half tons of [[Light Ferro-Fibrous]] armor, and was armed with a Defiance 2002 [[Heavy PPC]] in its right arm supported by a left-torso mounted LB-X AC/20 and a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers. Two heat sinks were dropped to carry three tons of [[autocannon]] reloads.  BV (2.0) = 1,716 <ref name="SWB1">''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 119</ref>
+
*ZEU-9WD ''Zeus-X'' - Starting life as one of ''Zeus-X'' testbeds, ZEUX0003 was gifted by the [[Kell Hounds]] to [[Black Widow Company]] commander [[Stacy Church]]. When Chruch landed on [[Outreach]] in [[3071]] it mounted a Light Fusion Engine and eleven and half tons of [[Light Ferro-Fibrous]] armor, and was armed with a Defiance 2002 [[Heavy PPC]] in its right arm, supported by a left-torso mounted LB-X AC/20 and a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers. Two heat sinks were dropped to carry three tons of [[autocannon]] reloads.  BV (2.0) = 1,716 <ref name="SWB1">''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', p. 119</ref>
  
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*ZEU-9WD ''Zeus-X'' Stacy - Upgraded with experimental systems after the Widow's return to [[Arc-Royal]], when they faced off against the [[Opacus Venatori]] in [[3071]], Stacy's 'Mech featured improved defensive protection due to a [[Blue Shield Particle Field Damper]] and extra one and half tons of armor. This required modification of the weapons array, while the Heavy PPC was retained and even enhanced by a BL-AM-WC [[Actuator Enhancement System]], the large bore torso mounted [[LB-X Autocannon]] had to be swapped for 9S style left-arm mounted LB-X AC/10 and the medium pulse lasers replaced with extended range models. Even carrying just two tons of reloads still meant an double heat sink to be removed. BV (2.0) = 2,011 <ref name="WB2">''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', pp. 20, 108</ref>
+
*ZEU-9WD ''Zeus-X'' Stacy - Upgraded with experimental systems after the Widow's return to [[Arc-Royal]], when they faced off against the [[Opacus Venatori]] in [[3071]], Stacy's 'Mech featured improved defensive protection due to a [[Blue Shield Particle Field Damper]] and extra one and half tons of armor. This required modification of the weapons array, while the Heavy PPC was retained and even enhanced by a BL-AM-WC [[Actuator Enhancement System]], the large-bore, torso-mounted [[LB-X Autocannon]] had to be swapped for -9S-style left-arm mounted LB-X AC/10, and the medium pulse lasers replaced with extended range models. Even with only two tons of reloads, a double heat sink had to be removed to save weight. BV (2.0) = 2,011 <ref name="WB2">''Starterbook: Wolf and Blake'', pp. 20, 108</ref>
  
 
==Notable Pilots==
 
==Notable Pilots==

Revision as of 16:28, 19 August 2010

Zeus
Zeus
Production information
Manufacturer Defiance Industries of Hesperus II
Model ZEU-6S
Class Assault
Cost 7,617,900 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 80 tons
Chassis Chariot Type III
Armor Valiant Lamellor
Engine Pitban 320
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,148
BV (2.0) 1,374[1]


Description

The Zeus was first built by the Lyran Commonwealth in 2787, as the First Succession War began. It had a long and storied history within the Commonwealth, becoming a respected assault BattleMech. In its original production form, the Zeus was designed to keep an enemy at arm's reach, although it could engage opponents at closer ranges if necessary. The Zeus has also seen newer upgrades using recovered and experimental technologies. Since it was the Lyran Commonwealth's pride and joy, it was usually one of the first 'Mechs to receive upgraded equipment.

Armament

The prototype Zeus carried a PPC, but the most common, best-known variant of the Zeus, the ZEU-6S, mounted as its primary weapon a Defiance Type J Autocannon/5, backed up by a Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 for engaging enemies at long ranges. It also had a Thunderbolt A5M Large Laser to engage enemies at intermediate ranges and two Defiance B3M Medium Lasers for close-in work. This made the Zeus a 'Mech that was deadly at any range.[2]

Variants

  • ZEU-6T - The earlier, less-common -6T model carried as its primary weapon a Parti-Kill PPC. This weapon had the same effective range as the Autocannon/5 and did twice as much damage, but also created a great deal of excess heat. The -6T was otherwise armed identically to the -6S model, and was also protected with eleven and a half tons of armor. BV (1.0) = 1,170, BV (2.0) = 1,436[3]
  • ZEU-9T - The 9T variant of the Zeus carried the -6T to its next logical step. The 'Mech was built with a Light Fusion Engine and carried thirteen and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. As its primary weapon, the -6T carried an ER PPC, backed by an LRM-15 launcher with an Artemis IV fire control system for greater missile accuracy. Also, for long-range combat, the -9T carried an ER Large Laser. For close combat, the 'Mech was armed with two Medium Pulse Lasers and an ER Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,480, BV (2.0) = 1,832
  • ZEU-10WB - This variant was produced by the Word of Blake following their seizure of Hesperus II from the Lyrans in 3070. It was armed with a pair of Heavy PPCs, supplemented by an ER Large Laser, though its 11 double heat sinks could scarcely keep up with the heat buildup. Four ER Medium Lasers and a Small Laser provided short range backup. This was made possible by the inclusion of an XL Gyro. BV (2.0) = ???
  • ZEU-X - The first of what is commonly referred to as the Zeus X the ZEU-X was a variant of the Zeus that uses Experimental Technology to push the envelope of the design. The 'Mech was built using a Composite chassis which weighed half as much, but was only half as strong as a normal internal structure. The 'Mech was also armored with both normal armor and Reactive Armor on its limbs. The 'Mech was armed with an LB-X Autocannon/20 as its primary weapon, backed up by an MRM-30 launcher. For close combat, the Zeus had two Medium X-Pulse Lasers. Finally, for added speed, the 'Mech was built using a XXL engine which weighed only seventeen and a half tons, giving the 'Mech a maximum speed of 86.4 kph. BV (1.0) = 1,471, BV (2.0) = 1,902
  • ZEU-X2 - Built using the same engine and chassis as the ZEU-X, the X2 took its weapons cues from the 9T model. The 'Mech carried as its main weapon an ER PPC, giving it a much greater range than the LB-X Autocannon/20 carried by the ZEU-X model. The 'Mech was otherwise armed identically to the ZEU-X model. It was highly effective as a sniper 'Mech, with its high mobility giving it the ability to dictate the range of an engagement. BV (1.0) = 1,493, BV (2.0) = 1,747
  • ZEU-X3 - An experimental variant that deviated greatly from the design philosophy of the basic Zeus, the 3X model carried an ER PPC and four ER Medium Lasers as its weapons. The 'Mech was also armored with fourteen and a half tons of standard armor. The X3 also used the XXL engine of the Zeus X. The true uniqueness of the design came in its use of Improved Jump Jets. The X3 could jump up to 240 meters, which rivaled the jumping capability of any light 'Mech. This combination of heavy armor, speed and firepower made the X3 the nightmare of any light or medium 'Mech and could outmaneuver any heavy or assault 'Mechs. BV (1.0) = 1,992, BV (2.0) = 2,189

Unique Variants

  • ZEU-9WD Zeus-X - Starting life as one of Zeus-X testbeds, ZEUX0003 was gifted by the Kell Hounds to Black Widow Company commander Stacy Church. When Chruch landed on Outreach in 3071 it mounted a Light Fusion Engine and eleven and half tons of Light Ferro-Fibrous armor, and was armed with a Defiance 2002 Heavy PPC in its right arm, supported by a left-torso mounted LB-X AC/20 and a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers. Two heat sinks were dropped to carry three tons of autocannon reloads. BV (2.0) = 1,716 [5]
  • ZEU-9WD Zeus-X Stacy - Upgraded with experimental systems after the Widow's return to Arc-Royal, when they faced off against the Opacus Venatori in 3071, Stacy's 'Mech featured improved defensive protection due to a Blue Shield Particle Field Damper and extra one and half tons of armor. This required modification of the weapons array, while the Heavy PPC was retained and even enhanced by a BL-AM-WC Actuator Enhancement System, the large-bore, torso-mounted LB-X Autocannon had to be swapped for -9S-style left-arm mounted LB-X AC/10, and the medium pulse lasers replaced with extended range models. Even with only two tons of reloads, a double heat sink had to be removed to save weight. BV (2.0) = 2,011 [6]

Notable Pilots

  • Stacy Church, Captain in Wolf's Dragoons and commander of the new Black Widow Company piloted an experimental ZEU-9WD Zeus-X during the Jihad.[7]
  • Nondi Steiner, former commanding General of the LAAF, piloted a Zeus earlier in her career. [8]

Gallery

  • ZEU-9S Zeus

  • ZEU-9S Zeus

  • A Zeus in combat

References

  1. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 178
  2. ↑ Introductory Record Sheets, pp 22
  3. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 179
  4. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050, p. ??
  5. ↑ Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, p. 119
  6. ↑ Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, pp. 20, 108
  7. ↑ Starterbook: Wolf and Blake
  8. ↑ Operation Audacity

Bibliography

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