Sarna News: Bad 'Mechs - Icestorm

Difference between revisions of "Zeus"
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==Description==
 
==Description==
−
The '''''Zeus''''' was first built by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] in [[2787]], just as the [[First Succession War]] began.  Built at the request of [[LCAF]] commanders for a new light-assault 'Mech designed to engage the enemy at long range and perform hit-and-run attacks, the ''Zeus'' is fast enough to keep up with most heavy 'Mechs, and with a sturdy frame, eleven tons of armor and a versatile array weapons is equally capable of defeating them.  It's use of reliable, low-maintenance and easily-modified systems at a time when most 'Mechs at the time were built with cutting-edge technology also proved fortuitous, allowing the ''Zeus'' to be produced long after those advanced components had become [[lostech]].<ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised</ref><ref name=TRO3039/>  
+
The '''''Zeus''''' was first built by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] in [[2787]], just as the [[First Succession War]] began.  Built at the request of [[LCAF]] commanders for a new light-assault 'Mech designed to engage the enemy at long range and perform hit-and-run attacks, the ''Zeus'' is fast enough to keep up with most heavy 'Mechs, and with a sturdy frame, eleven tons of armor and a versatile array weapons is equally capable of defeating them.  It's use of reliable, low-maintenance and easily-modified systems at a time when most 'Mechs were built with cutting-edge technology also proved fortuitous, allowing the ''Zeus'' to be produced long after those advanced components had become [[lostech]].<ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised</ref><ref name=TRO3039/>  
  
−
On the drawing board three years prior to its introduction, the first two prototypes of the ''Zeus'' would receive their first "testing run" when they were forced to fight off an assault on the Hesperus II factory by [[DCMS]] forces.  As the enemy broke through Lyran lines the two 'Mechs were called up to assist and through sheer novelty and long-range firepower forced the Kuritans to pause, allowing additional reinforcements to push them back. While successful in holding off the attack, these prototypes were noticeably more advanced than the production model and armed with a [[PPC]], which proved erratic and unreliable during the battle.  The cause of this behavior was discovered to be insufficient shielding which created wild magnetic interactions between the weapon and the ''Zeus'''s engine.  To ensure the ''Zeus'' was delivered to the front-lines quickly it was decided to replace the advanced energy weapon with the simpler [[autocannon]].<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
+
On the drawing board three years prior to its introduction, the first two prototypes of the ''Zeus'' would receive their first "test run" when they were forced to fight off an assault on the Hesperus II factory by [[DCMS]] forces.  As the enemy broke through Lyran lines the two 'Mechs were called up to assist and through sheer novelty and long-range firepower forced the Kuritans to pause, allowing additional reinforcements to push DCMS forces back. While successful in holding off the attack, these prototypes were noticeably more advanced than the production model and armed with a [[PPC]], which proved erratic and unreliable during the battle.  The cause of this behavior was later discovered to be insufficient shielding which created wild magnetic interactions between the weapon and the ''Zeus'''s engine.  To ensure the ''Zeus'' was delivered to the front-lines quickly it was decided to replace the advanced energy weapon with the simpler [[autocannon]].<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
  
−
The 'Mech would first appear in significant numbers when the [[15th Lyran Guards]] recaptured the planet [[Sakhalin]], and through the course of the [[Succession Wars]] the ''Zeus'' had a long and storied history within the Commonwealth, becoming a well-respected assault 'Mech.  After the end of the [[Third Succession War]] advances had allowed engineers to mount a PPC on the ''Zeus'' again, with the resulting ZEU-6T model becoming the standard during the [[Fourth Succession War]] and later the [[War of 3039]].  The design also won high praise among [[mercenary]] units, none more so than [[Zeta Battalion]] of [[Wolf's Dragoons]].  The ''Zeus'' would face resistance following the creation of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] by some units of the former [[AFFS]], whose "Davion pride" prevented them from making use of the 'Mech despite it's superiority to their own machines.  Likewise as the FedCom military increasingly took on a Davion flavor many Lyran commanders were insistent that their pride and joy was too valuable to given up, and so prodded Defiance Industries to produce new models making use of newly-recovered [[Star League]] [[lostech]].<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050U/>
+
The 'Mech would first appear in significant numbers when the [[15th Lyran Guards]] recaptured the planet [[Sakhalin]], and through the course of the [[Succession Wars]] the ''Zeus'' had a long and storied history within the Commonwealth, becoming a well-respected assault 'Mech.  After the end of the [[Third Succession War]] advances had allowed engineers to mount a PPC on the ''Zeus'' again, with the resulting ZEU-6T model becoming the standard during the [[Fourth Succession War]] and later the [[War of 3039]].  The design also won high praise among [[mercenary]] units, none more so than [[Zeta Battalion]] of [[Wolf's Dragoons]].  The ''Zeus'' would face resistance following the creation of the [[Federated Commonwealth]] by some units of the former [[AFFS]], whose "Davion pride" prevented them from making use of the 'Mech despite it's superiority to their own machines.  Likewise as the FedCom military increasingly took on a Davion flavor many Lyran commanders were insistent that their pride and joy was too valuable to given up, and so prodded Defiance Industries to produce new models making use of newly-recovered [[Star League]] lostech.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050U/>
  
 
==Armament==
 
==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]] mounted in the left arm, backed up by a Coventry Star Fire [[LRM-15]] in the right arm for engaging enemies at long ranges.  The missile launcher's placement, placed around and set back from a central core, was a unique way to protect the weapon while allowing the ''Zeus'' to use that arm as a bludgeon in hand-to-hand combat; the complicated arrangement also made the launcher prone to failure without regular maintenance.  Both were fed by a ton of ammunition each, a source of concern among some pilots who prefered more shots from the LRM-15, though others noted by the point it ran dry the armor was probably compromised and an empty missile bin was less likely to explode.  The Thunderbolt A5M [[Large Laser]], mounted in the left torso and used to engage enemies at intermediate ranges, was also a unique challenge for Defiance.  Whereas a typical barrel-type large laser wouldn't fit in the compact space, the company used their rare knowledge of fiber optics to design a smaller though no less effective weapon.  Finally two [[Defiance B3M Medium Laser|Defiance B3M]] [[Medium Laser]]s, one mounted in the center torso and one in the left facing rearwards, were used for close-in work. This combination of weaponry made the ''Zeus'' a 'Mech that was deadly at any range.<ref name=IRS>''Introductory Record Sheets'', p. 22</ref>.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
+
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]] mounted in the left arm, backed up by a Coventry Star Fire [[LRM-15]] in the right arm for engaging enemies at long ranges.  The missile launcher's placement, set around and back from a central core, was a unique way to protect the weapon while allowing the ''Zeus'' to use that arm as a bludgeon in hand-to-hand combat; the complicated arrangement also made the launcher prone to failure without regular maintenance.  Both were fed by a ton of ammunition each, a source of concern among some pilots who prefered more shots from the LRM-15, though others noted by the point it ran dry the armor was probably compromised and an empty missile bin was less likely to explode.  The Thunderbolt A5M [[Large Laser]], mounted in the left torso and used to engage enemies at intermediate ranges, was also a unique challenge for Defiance.  Whereas a typical barrel-type large laser wouldn't fit in the compact space, the company used their rare knowledge of fiber optics to design a smaller though no less effective weapon.  Finally two [[Defiance B3M Medium Laser|Defiance B3M]] [[Medium Laser]]s, one mounted in the center torso and one in the left facing rearwards, were used for close-in work. This combination of weaponry made the ''Zeus'' a 'Mech that was deadly at any range.<ref name=IRS>''Introductory Record Sheets'', p. 22</ref>.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
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* ZEU-5T- One of the two original models of the ''Zeus'', it was equipped with an [[ER PPC]], the LRM-15 was equipped with Artemis IV FCS, and the large laser was likewise an extended range model.  The use of [[Ferro-Fibrous Armor]] increased the 'Mech's protection and seventeen double heat sinks kept the entire machine cool. BV (2.0) = 1,729 <ref>''Record Sheets 3039 Unabridged'', p. 250</ref>
 
* ZEU-5T- One of the two original models of the ''Zeus'', it was equipped with an [[ER PPC]], the LRM-15 was equipped with Artemis IV FCS, and the large laser was likewise an extended range model.  The use of [[Ferro-Fibrous Armor]] increased the 'Mech's protection and seventeen double heat sinks kept the entire machine cool. BV (2.0) = 1,729 <ref>''Record Sheets 3039 Unabridged'', p. 250</ref>
  
−
* ZEU-6T - Advancements after the 3rd Succession War led to the 6T model which 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 (partially mitigated by 2 additional heat sinks). The -6T was otherwise identical to the -6S model and would go on to become the standard model, as well as serving as a base for the later -9S and -9T models. BV (1.0) = 1,170, BV (2.0) = 1,436<ref name=TRO3039/>
+
* ZEU-6T - Advancements after the Third Succession War led to the 6T model which 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 (partially mitigated by 2 additional heat sinks). The -6T was otherwise identical to the -6S model and would go on to become the standard model, as well as serving as a base for the later -9S and -9T models. BV (1.0) = 1,170, BV (2.0) = 1,436<ref name=TRO3039/>
  
−
* ZEU-6Y - An experiment in logistical support in [[2922]], the -6Y kept the AC/5 in the right arm, but replaced the LRM-15 with a single [[LRM-10]] launcher and a single [[Binary Laser Cannon]] was installed place of the large laser.  The missile downgrade was an attempt to alleviate the ''Zeus''' otherwise headache-free design, and indeed field refits had shown that the ten-tube launchers were easily adaptable.  The addition of the little-loved binary cannon was a combination of two factors: fears that the slow-to-produce Thunderbolt laser was becoming [[lostech]] and an attempt to give the ''Zeus'' a long-ranged and powerful energy weapon minus the side-effects caused by its original PPC weapon.  Unfortunately the heat produced from this weapon caused catastrophic failures in the surrounding [[myomer]] bundles.  Engineers attempted to redesign the left torso to better dissipate heat, eventually placing the cannon on an over-shoulder mount in the right torso, but in the end they couldn't solve the problem.  Defiance went to to produce this variant in limited numbers before abandoning the project.<ref name=XTRO:SWp8>''Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1'', p. 8</ref>
+
* ZEU-6Y - Prototypes in [[2922]] as an experiment in logistical support, the -6Y kept the AC/5 in the right arm, but replaced the LRM-15 with a single [[LRM-10]] launcher and a single [[Binary Laser Cannon]] was installed place of the large laser.  The missile downgrade was an attempt to alleviate the one problem in the ''Zeus''' otherwise headache-free design, and indeed field refits had shown that the ten-tube launchers were easily adaptable.  The addition of the little-loved binary cannon was a combination of two factors: fears that the slow-to-produce Thunderbolt laser was becoming [[lostech]] and an attempt to give the ''Zeus'' a long-ranged and powerful energy weapon minus the side-effects caused by its original PPC weapon.  Unfortunately the heat produced from this weapon caused catastrophic failures in the surrounding [[myomer]] bundles.  Engineers attempted to redesign the left torso to better dissipate heat, and eventually resorted to placing the cannon on an over-shoulder mount in the right torso, but in the end they couldn't solve the problem.  Defiance went to to produce this variant in limited numbers before abandoning the project.<ref name=XTRO:SWp8>''Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1'', p. 8</ref>
  
−
* ZEU-9S - The -9S was an upgrade using [[Star League]] technology, replacing the standard heat sinks with double-strength models, the eleven tons of standard armor for Ferro-Fibrous plating, and adding [[CASE]] to prevent ammunition explosions. It carried as its main weapon a Defiance 1001 [[ER PPC]] in its left arm, retained as back-up for long-range combat the Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 launcher and replaced the Thunderbolt large laser for a Cyclops XII [[ER Large Laser]]. For close combat, the -9S replaced the two medium lasers for Defiance P3M [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,419, BV (2.0) = 1,639<ref name=MUL171>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 174</ref>
+
* ZEU-9S - The -9S was an upgrade using Star League technology, replacing the standard heat sinks with double-strength models, the eleven tons of standard armor for Ferro-Fibrous plating, and adding [[CASE]] to prevent ammunition explosions. It carried as its main weapon a Defiance 1001 [[ER PPC]] in its left arm, retained as back-up for long-range combat the Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 launcher and replaced the Thunderbolt large laser for a Cyclops XII [[ER Large Laser]]. For close combat, the -9S replaced the two medium lasers for Defiance P3M [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,419, BV (2.0) = 1,639<ref name=MUL171>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 174</ref>
  
 
* ZEU-9S2 - The -9S2 was a modified version of -9S.  The armor and twelve double heat sinks of original are retained, but the engine is changed to an [[XL Engine|XL]].  A [[Gauss Rifle]] takes the place of the [[ER PPC]] while the right arm now sports a pair of [[LRM-15]]s.  Though the Cyclops XII extended range laser was kept, the medium pulse lasers had to be removed to provide enough space for the modifications.  BV (2.0) = 1,769<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'' p. 233</ref>
 
* ZEU-9S2 - The -9S2 was a modified version of -9S.  The armor and twelve double heat sinks of original are retained, but the engine is changed to an [[XL Engine|XL]].  A [[Gauss Rifle]] takes the place of the [[ER PPC]] while the right arm now sports a pair of [[LRM-15]]s.  Though the Cyclops XII extended range laser was kept, the medium pulse lasers had to be removed to provide enough space for the modifications.  BV (2.0) = 1,769<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'' p. 233</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 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) = 1,835<ref name=MUL171/>
 
* 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) = 1,835<ref name=MUL171/>
  
−
* 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 eleven double heat sinks could scarcely keep up with the heat buildup. Four ER Medium Lasers provided short range backup. This was made possible by the inclusion of an [[XL Gyro]]. BV (2.0) = 2,043<ref name=MUL171/>
+
* 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 eleven double heat sinks could scarcely keep up with the heat buildup. Four ER Medium Lasers provided short range backup. This was made possible by the inclusion of an [[XL Gyro]]. BV (2.0) = 2,043<ref name=MUL171/>
  
 
* ZEU-X - The first of what is commonly referred to as the ''Zeus X'', (which types are noted for the distinctive "fins" extending from their shoulders) 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<ref>''Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I'', p. 70</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,902{{cn}}
 
* ZEU-X - The first of what is commonly referred to as the ''Zeus X'', (which types are noted for the distinctive "fins" extending from their shoulders) 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<ref>''Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I'', p. 70</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,902{{cn}}

Revision as of 17:14, 26 August 2013

Zeus
Zeus
Production information
Manufacturer Defiance Industries of Hesperus II
Production Year 2787[1][2]
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[3]


Description

The Zeus was first built by the Lyran Commonwealth in 2787, just as the First Succession War began. Built at the request of LCAF commanders for a new light-assault 'Mech designed to engage the enemy at long range and perform hit-and-run attacks, the Zeus is fast enough to keep up with most heavy 'Mechs, and with a sturdy frame, eleven tons of armor and a versatile array weapons is equally capable of defeating them. It's use of reliable, low-maintenance and easily-modified systems at a time when most 'Mechs were built with cutting-edge technology also proved fortuitous, allowing the Zeus to be produced long after those advanced components had become lostech.[4][1]

On the drawing board three years prior to its introduction, the first two prototypes of the Zeus would receive their first "test run" when they were forced to fight off an assault on the Hesperus II factory by DCMS forces. As the enemy broke through Lyran lines the two 'Mechs were called up to assist and through sheer novelty and long-range firepower forced the Kuritans to pause, allowing additional reinforcements to push DCMS forces back. While successful in holding off the attack, these prototypes were noticeably more advanced than the production model and armed with a PPC, which proved erratic and unreliable during the battle. The cause of this behavior was later discovered to be insufficient shielding which created wild magnetic interactions between the weapon and the Zeus's engine. To ensure the Zeus was delivered to the front-lines quickly it was decided to replace the advanced energy weapon with the simpler autocannon.[4][1]

The 'Mech would first appear in significant numbers when the 15th Lyran Guards recaptured the planet Sakhalin, and through the course of the Succession Wars the Zeus had a long and storied history within the Commonwealth, becoming a well-respected assault 'Mech. After the end of the Third Succession War advances had allowed engineers to mount a PPC on the Zeus again, with the resulting ZEU-6T model becoming the standard during the Fourth Succession War and later the War of 3039. The design also won high praise among mercenary units, none more so than Zeta Battalion of Wolf's Dragoons. The Zeus would face resistance following the creation of the Federated Commonwealth by some units of the former AFFS, whose "Davion pride" prevented them from making use of the 'Mech despite it's superiority to their own machines. Likewise as the FedCom military increasingly took on a Davion flavor many Lyran commanders were insistent that their pride and joy was too valuable to given up, and so prodded Defiance Industries to produce new models making use of newly-recovered Star League lostech.[4][1][2]

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 mounted in the left arm, backed up by a Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 in the right arm for engaging enemies at long ranges. The missile launcher's placement, set around and back from a central core, was a unique way to protect the weapon while allowing the Zeus to use that arm as a bludgeon in hand-to-hand combat; the complicated arrangement also made the launcher prone to failure without regular maintenance. Both were fed by a ton of ammunition each, a source of concern among some pilots who prefered more shots from the LRM-15, though others noted by the point it ran dry the armor was probably compromised and an empty missile bin was less likely to explode. The Thunderbolt A5M Large Laser, mounted in the left torso and used to engage enemies at intermediate ranges, was also a unique challenge for Defiance. Whereas a typical barrel-type large laser wouldn't fit in the compact space, the company used their rare knowledge of fiber optics to design a smaller though no less effective weapon. Finally two Defiance B3M Medium Lasers, one mounted in the center torso and one in the left facing rearwards, were used for close-in work. This combination of weaponry made the Zeus a 'Mech that was deadly at any range.[5].[4][1]

Variants

  • ZEU-5T- One of the two original models of the Zeus, it was equipped with an ER PPC, the LRM-15 was equipped with Artemis IV FCS, and the large laser was likewise an extended range model. The use of Ferro-Fibrous Armor increased the 'Mech's protection and seventeen double heat sinks kept the entire machine cool. BV (2.0) = 1,729 [7]
  • ZEU-6T - Advancements after the Third Succession War led to the 6T model which 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 (partially mitigated by 2 additional heat sinks). The -6T was otherwise identical to the -6S model and would go on to become the standard model, as well as serving as a base for the later -9S and -9T models. BV (1.0) = 1,170, BV (2.0) = 1,436[1]
  • ZEU-6Y - Prototypes in 2922 as an experiment in logistical support, the -6Y kept the AC/5 in the right arm, but replaced the LRM-15 with a single LRM-10 launcher and a single Binary Laser Cannon was installed place of the large laser. The missile downgrade was an attempt to alleviate the one problem in the Zeus' otherwise headache-free design, and indeed field refits had shown that the ten-tube launchers were easily adaptable. The addition of the little-loved binary cannon was a combination of two factors: fears that the slow-to-produce Thunderbolt laser was becoming lostech and an attempt to give the Zeus a long-ranged and powerful energy weapon minus the side-effects caused by its original PPC weapon. Unfortunately the heat produced from this weapon caused catastrophic failures in the surrounding myomer bundles. Engineers attempted to redesign the left torso to better dissipate heat, and eventually resorted to placing the cannon on an over-shoulder mount in the right torso, but in the end they couldn't solve the problem. Defiance went to to produce this variant in limited numbers before abandoning the project.[8]
  • ZEU-9S - The -9S was an upgrade using Star League technology, replacing the standard heat sinks with double-strength models, the eleven tons of standard armor for Ferro-Fibrous plating, and adding CASE to prevent ammunition explosions. It carried as its main weapon a Defiance 1001 ER PPC in its left arm, retained as back-up for long-range combat the Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 launcher and replaced the Thunderbolt large laser for a Cyclops XII ER Large Laser. For close combat, the -9S replaced the two medium lasers for Defiance P3M Medium Pulse Lasers. BV (1.0) = 1,419, BV (2.0) = 1,639[9]
  • ZEU-9S2 - The -9S2 was a modified version of -9S. The armor and twelve double heat sinks of original are retained, but the engine is changed to an XL. A Gauss Rifle takes the place of the ER PPC while the right arm now sports a pair of LRM-15s. Though the Cyclops XII extended range laser was kept, the medium pulse lasers had to be removed to provide enough space for the modifications. BV (2.0) = 1,769[10]
  • 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) = 1,835[9]
  • 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 eleven double heat sinks could scarcely keep up with the heat buildup. Four ER Medium Lasers provided short range backup. This was made possible by the inclusion of an XL Gyro. BV (2.0) = 2,043[9]
  • ZEU-X - The first of what is commonly referred to as the Zeus X, (which types are noted for the distinctive "fins" extending from their shoulders) 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[11], BV (2.0) = 1,902[citation needed]
  • 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[12], BV (2.0) = 1,747[citation needed]
  • 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[13], BV (2.0) = 2,189[citation needed]

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 Church 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 [14]
  • 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 [15]
  • Zeus Leonidas - The personal 'Mech of Hauptmann-General Leonidas Brannock, commander of the 4th Skye Guards during their assault on Glengarry, the Zeus Leonidas was based on the ZEU-9S. It carried an Artemis IV enhanced LRM-20 and a Gauss Rifle (each with two tons of ammunition) in place of the PPC and LRM-15. The rest of the weapons remained the same. It also carried an extra heat sink, bringing the total to twelve. To make room for this equipment the Leonidas used an XL Engine. BV (2.0) = 1,878[16]

Notable Pilots

Design Quirks

The ZEU-6Y Zeus variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[8]

Gallery

  • Prototype ZEU-6Y

  • ZEU-9S Zeus

  • ZEU-9S Zeus

  • A Zeus in combat

  • A Zeus in the Battle of Coventry

  • Camosteinertamarjaegers.png

    A Zeus of the Tamar Jagers

  • A 3rd Lyran Guards Zeus leads an assault

  • BattleTech Maximum Tech cover.png

    ZEU-X Zeus

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 160
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 92
  3. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 178
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised
  5. ↑ Introductory Record Sheets, p. 22
  6. ↑ Record Sheets 3039 Unabridged, p. 249
  7. ↑ Record Sheets 3039 Unabridged, p. 250
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1, p. 8
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 174
  10. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere) p. 233
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 70
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 71
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 72
  14. ↑ Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, p. 119
  15. ↑ Starterbook: Wolf and Blake, pp. 20, 108
  16. ↑ Historical Turning Points: Glengarry, p. 15
  17. ↑ Starterbook: Wolf and Blake
  18. ↑ Operation Audacity

Bibliography

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