Editing Black Knight

{{Otheruses|the 75-ton BattleMech|other uses|Black Knight (disambiguation)}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Black Knight RGilClan v12.png
|name = ''Black Knight''
|manufacturer = 
[[Kong Interstellar Corporation]]<ref name=TRSWp138f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 138–139: "BL-6-KNT Black Knight"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3050U -->
----
[[Robinson Standard BattleWorks]]<ref name=TRSWp138f />
|production year = 2578
|year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/358/black-knight-bl-6-knt MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|model = BL-6-KNT<ref name=TRSWp138f />
|cost = 7,136,938 C-bills
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type = BattleMech
|feet = biped
|mass = 75
|chassis = [[Technicron 1L Endo Steel]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp138f /> -->
|armor = [[Valiant Lamellor]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp138f /> -->
|engine = [[Vlar 300]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp138f /> -->
|comsys = [[Communications_System#TransComm_Alpha|TransComm Alpha]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp138f /> -->
|T&T = [[Targeting-tracking system#T|TransComm Beta]] with [[Beagle Active Probe]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp138f /> -->
|heat sinks = 20 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp138f /> -->
|speed = 64 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp138f /> -->
|armament = <!-- <ref name=TRSWp138f /> -->
* 1x [[PPC]]
* 2x [[large laser]]
* 4x [[medium laser]]
* 1x [[small laser]]
|BV (1.0) = 1,191<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 106</ref>
|BV (2.0) = 1,550<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 213</ref> or 1,551<ref name=TRSWp138f />
}}

==Description==
The '''''Black Knight''''' was introduced in [[Introduction Year::2578]] both as a front-line combatant and as a command [[BattleMech]] at the [[company]] and [[battalion]] level for the [[Star League Defense Force]].  Its advanced communications gear allowed the ''Black Knight'' to effortlessly coordinate an entire company of 'Mechs simultaneously, and could easily link together the command frequencies of an entire parent [[regiment]] and connect with orbital support [[satellite]]s.  Advanced building materials gave the ''Black Knight'' a light but strong chassis able to carry more weapons and armor for less weight.  Given the type and amount of firepower the 'Mech carries the only issue facing the ''Black Knight'' is heat management.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', pp. 46–47</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 90–91</ref>

The ''Black Knight'' first debuted in the [[Reunification War]] when they were fielded by the [[3rd Heavy Assault Regiment]] in combat with the [[Taurian Concordat]]; following its success it was soon adopted by [[1st Corps (Star League)|I Corps]] and the rest of the SLDF. When the [[Star League]] collapsed, Kong Interstellar continued producing ''Black Knight''s until their [[Connaught]] orbital factory was destroyed in [[2802]]. In [[2809]], Kong was able to restart their production line, but was no longer capable of producing many of the more advanced components found in the ''Black Knight''. As a result, Kong was forced to design a downgraded version, the BL-7-KNT. Finally the ''Black Knight'' production line was permanently destroyed in a raid by the [[Capellan Confederation]] in [[2820]], reducing the company to producing low-grade spare parts and performing maintenance.<ref name=TRO3050u/><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 270–271</ref>

During the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] many ''Black Knights'' fell into the hands of the [[Great Houses]], although as the years progressed they were increasingly forced to repair them with inferior components and their numbers slowly decreased.  Some were modified with a number of nonstandard components such as [[jump jets]] but few if any survived into the [[thirty-first century]].  [[ComStar]]'s stockpiles of Star League 'Mechs included the ''Black Knight'', which they found to be an excellent command unit for [[Level II]] and [[Level III]] units when the [[Com Guards]] were formed, but the very few ''Black Knights'' gifted to the [[Draconis Combine]] during [[Operation ROSEBUD]] was apparently the result of a clerical error.  For their part the [[Clans]] maintained the ''Black Knight'', although by the time of the [[Clan Invasion]] it was reserved for ''[[solahma]]'' units.<ref name=TRO3050u/><ref name=TRO3039/>

The ''Black Knight'' was one of several [[Clanbuster]]s put together by ComStar leading up to the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]], and in [[3063]] [[Robinson Standard BattleWorks]] secured a license from Kong Interstellar to build a new variant, the BL-12-KNT.  Two years later KIC finished rebuilding their plant and began producing ''Black Knights'' of their own.<ref name=TRO3050u/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Black Knight'' is an all energy weapon 'Mech, with a [[Magna Hellstar II]] [[PPC]] in the right arm serving as its primary weapon.  Backing up the PPC are two [[McCorkel]] [[Large Laser]]s in either side torso that can inflict a great deal of damage as the ''Black Knight'' closes with its enemy.  Finally, for close range fighting, the 'Mech employs four [[Maxell DT]] [[medium laser]]s, one in either arm and in either side torso and a single [[Magna (SL)|Magna]] [[Small Laser]] in the head.  The small laser in particular is directly tied-in to the [[Beagle Active Probe]] mounted in the center torso, allowing the scanner to piggyback a low-power laser pulse to travel through any interfering objects.  While allowing for a more detailed analysis of objects the limited range of the laser reserves this type of scanning only for nearby targets.<ref name=TRO2750/>

Thirteen tons of armor protection on an [[Endo Steel]] frame also allows the ''Black Knight'' to stand up to a great deal of punishment. The main drawback of the design is its use of [[heat sinks|single heat sinks]], though the fact it mounts twenty of them means the ''Black Knight'' is still able to dissipate a great deal of the heat produced by its weapons.  However, if the 'Mech finds itself in a protracted combat situation, a less experienced [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] unskilled at heat management can find themselves in trouble.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

==Variants==
*; BL-6-RR : A mysterious variant sighted in [[3057]] on an uninhabited world in the [[Spinward]] [[Periphery]] near [[Antallos]], the so-called BL-6-RR swaps out the standard medium lasers and PPC of the BL-6-KNT for more deadly Clan [[ER medium laser]]s and an [[ER PPC]]. The lighter particle cannon allows an additional single heat sink to be added.<ref name=TRSWp138f /><ref name=RRp17>''Royalty and Rogues'', p. 17: "Good News/Bad News - Trini's Meet"</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,954<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged Clan & Star League'', p. 287</ref>

*; BL-6b-KNT : Used by the [[SLDF Royal units|SLDF Royal]] BattleMech regiments, the 6b was introduced in [[2751]] and upgraded the heat dissipation system with [[double heat sink]]s.  The tonnage saved was used to upgrade the large lasers to [[Raker-X]] [[Large Pulse Laser]]s and the PPC to a [[Kinslaughter (ER PPC)|Kinslaughter]] ER PPC.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,627<ref name=MUL71>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 71</ref>

*; BL-7-KNT : The BL-7 ''Black Knight'' is the downgraded version of the 'Mech produced during the Succession Wars following the destruction of Kong Interstellar Corporation's factories on Connaught in [[2802]]. Production of the BL-7-KNT began in [[2809]] and continued until the [[CCAF]] destroyed the plant in [[2820]]; thereafter many of the repairs made by the Great Houses to their own ''Black Knights'' in many ways mimicked Kong's version. The Endo Steel chassis was replaced with a [[Technicron Standard]] chassis which, while keeping the weapons payload and engine the same, required a reduction in overall armor protection by two tons.  While the same weapon types was retained, the McCorkel, Maxell and Magna lasers were replaced with their respective [[Tronel III]], [[Tronel II|II]] and [[Tronel I|I models]]. Kong Interstellar also replaced the communications system with the [[Tek BattleCom]] system and the targeting and tracking systems with a [[Tek Tru-Trak]] system.<ref name="TRO:3039p270">''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 270: "BL-7-KNT ''Black Knight''"</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,106;<ref name=CO123>''Combat Operations'', p. 123</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,443<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 157</ref>

*; BL-7-KNT-L : This is a field modification from the [[Free Worlds League]] during the Succession Wars. Because of the scarcity of PPCs within that realm ''Black Knights'' with a damaged PPC would have that weapon replaced with a large laser, while the extra space and weight left over allowed for two additional heat sinks to be added. BV (2.0) = 1,409<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 158</ref>

*; BL-9-KNT : One of the so-called "Clanbuster" refits developed by ComStar in the lead-up to the Battle of Tukayyid, this variant has been equipped with an [[Vlar 300 XL|Vlar 300]] [[XL engine]], allowing it to mount an upgraded and heavier weapons load. The PPC was upgraded to a [[Magna Sunspot]] ER PPC, the medium lasers switched to [[Aberdovey (MPL)|Aberdovey]] [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, an [[Aberdovey (LPL)|Aberdovey]] Large Pulse Laser added to the center torso, and both the small laser and Beagle Active Probe removed. To handle the heavier heat load, the heat sinks were upgraded to double strength versions. In addition, for close-in work, the ''Black Knight'' carries long-sword shaped 5-ton [[Hatchet]] in its left hand, allowing it to make devastating physical attacks.<ref name=TRSWp138f /><ref name="T(SP)p12+">''Tukayyid'', pp. 12–17: "Com Guard 'Mechs"</ref><ref name=BoTp170>''BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid'', pp. 170–171: "Black Knight BL-9-KNT"</ref>  BV (1.0) = 1,222;<ref name=CO123/> BV (2.0) = 1,678<ref name=BoTp170/>

*; BL-12-KNT : The BL-12 was probably the most technologically advanced version of the ''Black Knight'' leading up to the [[Jihad]]. While still based on the original BL-6 model this design goes in a completely different direction from the BL-9.  Introduced in [[3063]] the first thing that was done to the BL-12 was the upgrade of all of the medium lasers and the PPC to extended range versions, then its single heat sinks were upgraded to double strength versions, reducing the total number from twenty to sixteen.  Finally, all of the weapons were mated to a [[Targeting Computer]].<ref name=TRSWp138f /> BV (1.0) = 1,450;<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 125</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,840<ref name=MUL71/>

*; BL-18-KNT : Produced for the Republic of the Sphere by Kong Interstellar, this variant uses a Light Engine to run at 64 km/h. The Endo-Composite frame carries a Clan-spec ER PPC, two ER Large Lasers, and four ER medium lasers. For anti-infantry work, a Clan Small Pulse Laser is mounted in the head. Twenty Clan-built double heat sinks are provided to keep the 'Mech cool. All these weapons are tied into an Inner Sphere [[Targeting Computer]]. BV (2.0) = 2,585<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 34</ref>

*; BLK-NT-5H : This [[Dark Age]] version of the ''Black Knight'' uses a [[Light Engine]] to reach a top speed of 54 km/h. It also has an advanced [[Endo-Composite]] skeleton protected by thirteen and a half tons of armor. Seventeen Clan-spec double heat sinks keep heat load under control. The right arm carries a [[Medium Shield]], and it has an advanced [[Targeting Computer]]. Its weaponry is all [[Clan]]-spec. An [[ER PPC]], two [[ER Large Laser]]s, two ER medium lasers, two [[ER Small Laser]]s and twin [[Small Pulse Laser]]s arm the ''Black Knight''. BV (2.0) = 2,423<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns'', p. 45</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 211</ref>

*; BLK-NT-2Y : Another Dark Age version of the ''Black Knight'', the -2Y is equipped with an XL engine that drives it to 54 km/h. The weight freed by the XL engine is used to add a [[Beagle Active Probe]], [[Guardian ECM Suite]], and [[C3 slave]] unit. It has thirteen and a half tons of armor to protect an [[Endo-Composite]] skeleton. It is also equipped with a Targeting Computer, and a Medium Shield is carried on the right arm. Offensively, it mounts a PPC, two large lasers, and three medium lasers. All equipment is of [[Inner Sphere]] quality. BV (2.0) = 1,847<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns'', p. 92</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 207</ref>

*; BLK-NT-3A : This version was also introduced during the Dark Age. It uses the Endo-Composite structure of the other models and is protected by the same thirteen and a half tons of armor, but has a larger XL engine that gives it a top speed of 64 km/h. It also carries a Medium Shield on the right arm, and its weapon array consists of a pair of ER Large Lasers, four ER medium lasers, and a pair of ER Small Lasers. It also carries a single [[Flamer]] for anti-infantry work. It lacks the electronics of other versions, and carries nineteen double heat sinks. Again, all equipment is of Inner Sphere manufacture. BV (2.0) = 1,707<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns'', p. 93</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 208</ref>

*; BLK-NT-3B : This version uses the same Endo-Composite skeleton and XL engine of the 3A variant above. Its weapons array has been modified however. Keeping the right arm mounted Medium Shield, this variant carries twin ER PPCs, two ER Small Lasers, twin Small Pulse Lasers, and a pair of Small Lasers. This version has also been equipped with seventeen double heat sinks. For increased speed and strength, the 3B version uses [[Triple Strength Myomer]]. BV (2.0) = 1,911<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns'', p. 94</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 209</ref>

*; BLK-NT-4D : This version is equipped with an ER PPC, two [[ER Medium Pulse Laser]]s, two ER small lasers, and two small pulse lasers, all made to Clan specifications. This ''Black Knight'' also carries a [[plasma rifle]] in each arm, which use three tons of ammunition. The Medium Shield and thirteen and a half tons of armor protect the Endo-Composite structure. An [[Angel ECM Suite]] provides electronic warfare support, and eighteen Clan-spec double heat sinks keep the 'Mech running cool. Its max speed is 54 km/h. BV (2.0) = 2,280<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns'', p. 95</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 210</ref>

===Custom Variants===
*; BL-6-KNT ''Black Knight'' Ian : Downgraded during the technological decline of the [[Succession Wars era]], the personal 'Mech of the McKinnon family was selected to receive among the first experimental weapons developed from the [[Helm Memory Core]] by the [[New Avalon Institute of Science]], thanks to the exploits of [[Fox's Teeth]] commander [[Ian McKinnon]]. When piloted by Ian during the [[War of 3039]], the 'Mech was clad in prototype [[ferro-fibrous]] armor and the standard heat sinks outside the engine were replaced with corrosive 3039-era double heat sinks. These weight savings, along with the removal of the head-mounted small laser, allowed the 'Mech to carry a Hatchet whose damage was boosted by the addition of [[Triple Strength Myomer]].<ref name=SBSD1>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', pp. 20, 101</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,830<ref name=MUL72>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 72</ref>
::[[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Call to Arms|''MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms'' DLC]] refers to its [[Hero 'Mech]] version of Ian's 'Mech with the apocryphal BL-P-KNT2 ''Partisan2'' name and designation.<ref name=MW5CtA>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Call to Arms''</ref>

*; BL-10-KNT ''Black Knight'' Ross : Given to [[Ross McKinnon (31st c.)|Ross McKinnon]] upon his father's retirement in [[3051]], the family 'Mech continued to be upgraded with the latest technology. By the [[FedCom Civil War]] the right arm and torso weaponry of Ross's 'Mech was upgraded to extended range models, with the triple strength myomers and hatchet retained. The use of production grade ferro-fibrous and double heat sinks, along with downgrading the large lasers to medium pulse lasers and the left arm medium for an [[ER Small Laser]], freed up enough weight for a Targeting Computer to be added.<ref name=SBSD2>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', p. 111</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,072<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/355/ MUL online BV]''</ref>

*; BL-X-KNT ''Black Knight'' "Red Reaper" : Based on a BL-9-KNT chassis, this personal ride of [[Reginald VanJaster]] was created during the [[Word of Blake]]'s occupation of [[Solaris]]. The standard weaponry was removed and replaced with a [[Large Shield]] and [[Large Vibroblade]] for hand to hand combat, while five [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]]s inflict huge amounts of damage in close quarter combat. For long range firepower, a single [[Heavy PPC]] paired with a [[PPC Capacitor]] are used. The whole 'Mech is protected by thirteen tons of [[light ferro-fibrous]] armor. Fifteen double heat sinks are available to dissipate heat.<ref name=XTRO:MWp5>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 5</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,858<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 18</ref>

===Unstatted Variants===
*; ''Tomoe'' (Agro-saw) : In use as of [[3049]], this custom variant had its laser-bearing left arm removed and replaced with an agro-saw. Its pilot, [[Gorton]], used it to cut trees and work the fields of the [[Deep Periphery]] colony [[Roskan]]. No stats have been given for this variant.<ref>''The Plowshare''</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Call to Arms|''MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms'' Expansion Pack]]:''
*; BL-7-KNT-P : Introduced in [[3040]], this variant retains the side torso–mounted large lasers and right arm medium laser, replacing the PPC with another large laser and upgrading the head-mounted small laser to another medium. The weight saved allows the BL-7-KNT-P to carry a [[Sword (weapon)|heavy longsword]] in its left arm.<ref name=MW5CtA/>

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; BL-P-KNT ''Partisan'' : This variant is based on Ian McKinnon's Black Knight. The only difference is the Hatchet being replaced by an [[Autocannon/5]] and [[SRM-2]].<ref name=MWO>''MechWarrior Online'' Resistance Heroes Page</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Black Knight'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 90: Design Quirk Table - Black Knight Entry</ref>
*[[Command BattleMech]]

The BL-X-KNT ''Black Knight'' "Red Reaper" variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:MWp5/>
* [[Distracting]]
* [[Unbalanced]]

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[Spirit Walker]]'' - The ''Spirit Walker'' is a "[[Pueblo Initiative]]" OmniMech that [[Clan Coyote]] developed from the chassis of the ''Black Knight''.<ref name=TPFp19>''Turning Points: Foster'', p. 19: BattleMechs</ref>

==Notable pilots==
: ''See: [[:Category:Notable Black Knight Pilots]]''

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Schwarzer Ritter'''''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''SW6-RTR'''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Black Knight.jpg|Original BL-6-KNT ''Black Knight'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 2750|TRO:2750]]''
Black Knight RGilClan v12.png|''Black Knight'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12|RG:ilClan v12]]''
BL-KNT-Black-Knight.png|BL-7-KNT ''Black Knight'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised|TRO:3025 Revised]]''
BL-7-KNTBLACKKNIGHT.png|BL-7-KNT ''Black Knight'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3039|TRO:3039]]''
3050U Black Knight.jpg|BL-6-KNT ''Black Knight'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
BL-X-KNT Black Knight Red Reaper.jpg|BL-X-KNT ''Black Knight'' "Red Reaper" from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted|XTRO:Most Wanted]]''
Black Knight BLK-NT-5H.jpg|BLK-NT-5H ''Black Knight'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns|TRO:3145FS]]''
Battle of Tukayyid (8).jpg|A ''Black Knight'' in combat from ''[[Tukayyid (scenario pack)|Tukayyid]]''
Black Knight (Dana Kufahl) OpKlondike.jpg|[[Dana Kufahl]] in her ''Black Knight''
Shrapnel Magazine 011 cover.jpg|''Tomoe'' in combat, ''[[Shrapnel Issue 11]]''
Black Knight KS2019.jpg|''Black Knight'' concept sketch from [[2019 Clan Invasion Crowdfunding Campaign|2019 Clan Invasion Campaign]]
CCG Unlimite Black Knight.jpg|BL6-KNT ''Black Knight'' in motion from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
MW4-M Black Knight.png|Model of ''Black Knight'' from [[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries|MW4]]
MWO Black Knight.png|Model of ''Black Knight'' from [[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]
BL-P-KNT Partisan MW5Mercs.jpg|Model of ''Black Knight "Partisan"'' from [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries|MW5:Mercs]]
ComStar Command Level II - Black Knight.jpg|''Black Knight'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: ComStar Command Level II]]''
Black Knight Julian.png|[[Danai Liao-Centrella|Danai Liao-Centrella’s]] BL-18-KNT “Julian”
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[MechWarrior 4: Black Knight]]''
* ''[[The Plowshare]]'' (short story)
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Royalty and Rogues]]''
* ''[[Starterbook: Sword and Dragon]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Federated Suns]]''
* ''[[Tukayyid (scenario pack)|Tukayyid]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Melee BattleMechs]]
[[Category:ComStar BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Federated Suns BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:SLDF Royal BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]