View source for Black Python (Viper)

{{otheruses|the Clan 'Mech with the Inner Sphere reporting name of "Viper"|other uses of that term|Viper}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=White Raven RGilClan v12.png
|name=''Black Python''
|manufacturer=[[New Kent Armorworks]]<ref name=TRO:3055Up118>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', pp. 118–119: "Viper 3"</ref>
[[Raveena Electronics]]<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 10</ref>
|production year=3051
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3432/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|model=Prime
|cost= 18,837,000 C-bills
|Tech Base=Clan
|mech type=BattleMech
|mass=75
|chassis=[[Viper Endo Steel BP 2]]
|armor= [[Armorweave NK 62 Ferro-Fibrous]]
|engine=[[New Kent Model VII 375 XL]]
|comsys=Unknown
|T&T=Unknown
|heat sinks=13 [[Double Heat Sink]]s
|speed=86
|jumpjets=[[Pryzhok]]
|armament=
*2x [[Large Pulse Laser]]s
*2x [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s
*4x [[Small Pulse Laser]]s
*2x [[Machine Gun]]s
|BV (1.0)=2,413<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 109</ref>
|BV (2.0)=2,813<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 199</ref>
}} 

==Description==
The '''''Black Python''''', which was [[Inner Sphere Designation for Clan BattleMechs|designated]] the '''''Viper''''' by [[Inner Sphere]] forces, is similar in many ways to the ''[[Warhammer]]'' and ''[[Marauder]]'' [[BattleMech]]s. Though it is faster than those heavies, it has a similar weapons loadout with comparable damage, albeit with much more accurate damage potential. In order to achieve this, this expensive second-line 'Mech avails itself of all weight saving technologies that were at the disposal of the [[Clans]], including an [[XL engine]], [[Endo Steel]] frame, and eleven tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. In addition to its speed, the ''Black Python'' mounts five [[jump jet]]s that propel it up to 150 meters at a time.<ref name=TRO3055p126-127>''Technical Readout: 3055'', pp. 126–127: "Viper OmniMech Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3055Rp110-111>''Technical Readout: 3055 Revised'', pp. 110–111: "Viper OmniMech Profile"</ref>

In the thirty-second century, the [[Raven Alliance]] restarted production of the ''Black Python'', renaming it the '''''White Raven'''''. The ''White Raven'' was one of the first production BattleMechs to use [[Ferro-Lamellor]] armor.<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 10</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
Paired [[Large Pulse Laser|Large]] and Lambda [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s provide highly accurate firepower at range, while the 'Mech's speed allows it to close in on a target and use its quartet of Chi Series [[Small Pulse Laser]]s. Two Series XIb [[Machine Gun]]s provide more firepower at close range, and increase the ''Black Python's'' ability to annihilate unarmored [[infantry]] that stray too close. All of the lasers are made even more accurate by the inclusion of a [[Targeting Computer]]. Thirteen [[double heat sink]]s keep heat levels in check.<ref name=TRO3055p126-127/><ref name=TRO3055Rp110-111/>

==Variants==
*;''Black Python'' 2 : This variant removes the large and medium lasers and replaces them with an [[Ultra Autocannon/2]], two [[ER Large Laser]]s, an additional [[Small Pulse Laser]], and an [[ECM Suite]]. This configuration allows the ''Black Python'' to provide effective direct-fire support. BV (1.0) = 2,131,<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 119</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3060'', p. 199</ref> BV (2.0)=2,520<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 200</ref><ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 36</ref>

*;''Black Python'' 3 : A substantial redesign by [[Clan Steel Viper]] that changed the outward appearance of the ''Black Python''. This model removes the large lasers of the original and replaces them with a pair of Omega [[Heavy Large Laser]]s. One [[jump jet]] is removed, lowering the 'Mech's jumping capacity to 120 meters. The added heat of the heavy lasers necessitated the inclusion of four additional [[double heat sink]]s. Even with that, enough tonnage was freed up to add another ton of armor. BV (1.0) = 2,201,<ref name=TRO:3055Up118/> BV (2.0)= 2,421<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 201</ref>

*;''Black Python'' 4 : This variant of the 3 removes the Machine Guns and replaces them with an [[ER Medium Laser]]. This makes the design more effective against hardened targets and eliminates any ammo dependency, but makes the 'Mech slightly more vulnerable to [[infantry]]. BV (1.0) = 2,318, BV (2.0)= 2,594<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 202</ref>

*;''Black Python'' 5 : This variant was introduced by [[Clan Steel Viper]]. It replaces the traditional weaponry with a pair of ER PPCs, a [[Gauss rifle]], and two Machine Guns. BV (2.0) = 2,925<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 37</ref>

*;''White Raven'' : The first ''White Raven'' keeps the same skeleton, engine, and jump capabilities of the ''Black Python'', but is protected by fourteen and a half tons of [[Ferro-Lamellor]] armor. The weapons kit has also been updated. Two ER Large Lasers, two Medium Pulse Lasers, four ER Small Lasers, and two [[AP Gauss Rifle]]s are present; All of these are tied into a [[Targeting Computer]]. Sixteen double heat sinks are installed as well. BV (2.0) = 2,941<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 38</ref>

*;''White Raven'' 2 : The ''White Raven 2'' uses more advanced technology. An [[XXL engine]] maintains the top ground speed of 86 km/h, and eight [[Improved Jump Jet]]s allow the 'Mech to cover 240 meters per jump. Like the ''White Raven'' it carries a [[Targeting Computer]] for its weapons. The armament includes two ER Small Lasers in each arm, a Large Pulse Laser in each side torso, and two Medium Pulse Lasers in the center torso. Ten double heat sinks are equipped. This variant, unlike the other ''White Raven'', is protected by standard armor instead of Ferro-Lamellor. BV (2.0) = 2,703<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 39</ref>

== Design Quirks ==
The ''Black Python'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 95: Design Quirk Table - Black Python (Viper) Entry</ref>
* [[Improved Targeting: Short]]

==Notable Pilots==
* See [[:Category:Notable Black Python (Viper) Pilots]]

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's proper Clan name was translated to '''''Schwarzpython'''''. The unit's proper Inner Sphere name was altered to '''Kobra''', which means ''Cobra''.
* Author [[Ashley Watkins]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20231121234813/https://panther6actual.blogspot.com/2015/10/technical-read-out-3055.html blog entry] that she designed stats and wrote background for ''Viper'' as originally published in ''TRO:3055''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Black Python (Viper).png|Original [[Unseen]] ''Black Python'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3055|TRO:3055]]''
White Raven RGilClan v12.png|''White Raven'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12|RG:ilClan v12]]''
3055U Black Python.jpg|''Black Python 3'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade|TRO:3055 Upgrade]]''
CCG Crusade Black Python.jpg|''Black Python'' in combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Clan Steel Viper BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Raven Alliance BattleMechs]]
[[Category:BattleMechs]]

[[Category:Clan Snow Raven BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]