Bellerophon (BattleMech)

This article is about the BattleMech. For other uses, see Bellerophon.

Bellerophon
Production information
Manufacturer	Defiance Industries Omnitech Industries Innovative Design Concepts
Production Year	2442
Model	BEL-1X
Class	Heavy
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Primitive Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass	60 tons
Chassis	Unspecified
Armor	Primitive Armor
Engine	Primitive Fusion Engine
Communications System	Unknown
Targeting Tracking System	Unknown
Heat Sinks	14
Speed	60 km/h
Armament	2x Large Laser 1x SRM-4
BV (2.0)	957

Description

The Bellerophon was a failed prototype BattleMech developed in 2442 by what would later be known as Defiance Industries. Designed during the infancy of BattleMech technology, Defiance Industries used what later was known as Primitive Technology to create the Bellerophon. It was envisioned that the design would complement the Mackie with its higher speed, while having nearly as much armor as its companion. Using technology based on the original Mackie prototype, the design inherited a host of design flaws from its predecessor. Chief among these were stability issues: the weapon arrangement would amplify its balance problems despite numerous improvements to the gyro system. After four prototypes were produced, the program was canceled due to the Terran Hegemony's lack of interest in the design.

The design was briefly revived during the Jihad, where Omnitech Industries and Innovative Design Concepts produced the 'Mech on Solaris VII until sometime before 3079.

Weapons and Equipment

The design incorporated a pair of Large Lasers coupled with an SRM-4 which it would use to provide supporting fire for the Mackie. However, the two large lasers were mounted in the right arm, and the small SRM launcher found in the left arm was hardly able to keep the design balanced and upright, particularly while maneuvering. The Bellerophon's 14 heat sinks were not enough to offset any heat spikes should the MechWarrior choose to fire all their weapons at once, or even fire the two Large Lasers in tandem.

On the other hand, the Bellerophon's speed for the time was exceptional. This allowed the design to outpace the Mackie at 60 km/h, assuming the pilot was able to keep the machine upright. The Bellerophon's hull is protected by 11.5 tons worth of Primitive Armor.

Resurgence Era Update

After the fall of the Republic of the Sphere, the Nomad Republic Forges began to reproduce updates to this old design but, without the balancing issues thanks to modern components and technology. In the early days of Hell's Breach in June of 3152, this mech gave the Nomads some much needed mass to hold off the Blakist assault on Abbeville to evacuate as many civilians as possible.

BEL-2X

A mech well suited to Cavalry work alongside other staples of the Nomad Republic such as the Lament and Prefect, the Bellerophon gained new life as the Nomads drifted across the stars. A simple, yet sturdy design, it uses a similar loadout to the original. Two Large Lasers, two ER Medium Lasers, and a Streak SRM-4. BV(2.0)=1469

BEL-3X

Allowing some additional tonnage with the use of Endo-Steel and Ferro-Fibrous materials, this variant can make use of the life-lengthening Compact Gyro. Further increasing it's capabilities, a Beagle Active Probe and Guardian ECM Suite is added. BV(2.0)=1545

BEL-4X

The savagery of the fighting on Abbeville showed that a brawler variant would provide additional benefit. Replacing the Large Lasers with Large Pulse Lasers and the Medium Lasers with Medium Pulse Lasers ensured that the mech could keep moving at maximum speed and have reliable shots. This required the use of a Light Fusion Engine. BV(2.0)=1418

[Note: Resurgence Era variants would be considered "custom units" in normal gameplay, before using, verify with the Game Master if they are approved for use.]

Design Quirks

Design Quirks:

• Cowl
• EM Interference
• Prototype
• Unbalanced
• Obsolete/2456

Bibliography

• Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3
• Master Unit List