Bellerophon (BattleMech)

This article is about the BattleMech. For other uses, see Bellerophon.
Bellerophon (BattleMech)
Bellerophon
Production information
Manufacturer Defiance Industries

Omnitech Industries


Innovative Design Concepts[1]

Production Year 2442[2]
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

BV (2.0) 957[3]


Description[edit]

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.[4]

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.[1]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

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 his 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.[4]

Design Quirks[edit]

Design Quirks:

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Objectives: Lyran Alliance, p. 4
  2. MUL online date for the Bellerophon (BattleMech)
  3. MUL Profile of the Bellerophon. BV2 listed
  4. 4.0 4.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 3, p. 6: "Bellerophon"

Bibliography[edit]