Zhen Niao
Sarna News
- HEXTECH Review - Wave 3 Brings More Urban Options To Your Battlefield
- Your BattleTech News Round-Up For March, 2024
- Crashing 'Mechs With Jennifer Brozek, Author Of The Rogue Academy Trilogy
- Getting The Word Out With Rem Alternis, Catalyst Community & Marketing Director
- Bad 'Mechs - Yeoman
- Read more →
| |
| Zhen Niao | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Unknown[1] |
| Use | Assault Craft[1] Screening[1] |
| Type (Shape) | Military Spheroid[1] |
| Tech Base | Inner Sphere (Advanced)[1] |
| Cost | ??? |
| Introduced | 3092[1] |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 140 Tons[1] |
| Structural Integrity | 8[1] |
| Length | 21 meters[1] |
| Width | 19 meters[1] |
| Engine (Type) | |
| Safe Thrust | 5[1] |
| Maximum Thrust | 8[1] |
| Fuel | 24 tons (1,920 Points)[1] |
| Burn Rate | |
| Armament | 2x ER Medium Lasers[1] 1x Space Mine Dispenser[1] |
| Armor | Ferro-Aluminum[1] |
| Heat Sinks | 5 Double Heat Sinks[1] |
| Crew | 1 Officer[1] 2 Enlisted / Non-Rated[1] 1 Gunner[1] |
| Passengers | |
| BV (1.0) | |
| BV (2.0) | 1,148[1][2] |
Contents
Description
An armed noncombatant rather than an actual combat vessel, the Zhen Niao was intended to act as an observation satellite - only one capable of random powered orbits, designed to throw off the tactics used by enemy AeroSpace Fighters hunting for such craft. Operating without escorts and impersonating civilian commercial intrasystem craft, Zhen Niao were excellent electronic warfare and interdiction vessels that were used to great effect by the Capellan Confederation after their introduction to service in 3092.[1]
The powerful electronics systems aboard each Zhen Niao included a Hyperspectral Imager, a Beagle Active Probe and a Guardian ECM Suite, and with twenty-four tons of fuel aboard each craft was capable of lengthy operations. Each Zhen Niao was protected by twelve tons of ferro-aluminum armor.[1]
Weapons and Equipmentt
The Zhen Niao mounts a pair of Extended-Range Medium Lasers in the aft of the craft, along with a single Space Mine Dispenser. Weaponry was a secondary concern on the Zhen Niao, which relied on its electronics and the tactic of impersonating civilian craft for protection.[1]
Cargo
Cargo Bays:[1]
- Bay 1: Cargo (3 tons), 1 Door
Notes
All crew quarters aboard a Zhen Niao were Steerage-class.[1]
Design Quirks
The Zhen Niao was subject to the following Design Quirk:[1]