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[[Taurus Territorial Industries]]
 
[[Taurus Territorial Industries]]
 
|production year = 3023
 
|production year = 3023
|year reference = <ref name=TRO3025-48>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 48</ref><ref name=TRO3039-229>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 228–229: "HCT-3F ''Hatchetman''"</ref>
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|year reference = <ref name=TRO3025-48>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 48</ref><ref name=TRO3039-229>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p . 228-229 "HCT-3F ''Hatchetman''"</ref>
 
|model = HCT-3F<ref name=TRSWp70f />
 
|model = HCT-3F<ref name=TRSWp70f />
 
|class = Medium
 
|class = Medium
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Introduced in [[Introduction Year::3023]] during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], the '''''Hatchetman''''' is a very distinctive [[BattleMech]] because, as its name suggests, it carries a 'Mech-sized [[hatchet]]. As well as being the first design to carry one, the ''Hatchetman'' itself was the first totally new 'Mech produced in the [[Inner Sphere]] in over a century, and was also the first production 'Mech to use a [[Full-Head Ejection System]]. Despite being first manufactured in the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] the ''Hatchetman'' was actually designed by the enigmatic Dr. B. Banzai of [[Team Banzai]], a [[mercenary]] unit associated with the [[Federated Suns]]' [[New Avalon Institute of Science]]. Thus the 'Mech was also a signal of the growing cooperation between these newly-allied [[Successor States]].<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/>
 
Introduced in [[Introduction Year::3023]] during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], the '''''Hatchetman''''' is a very distinctive [[BattleMech]] because, as its name suggests, it carries a 'Mech-sized [[hatchet]]. As well as being the first design to carry one, the ''Hatchetman'' itself was the first totally new 'Mech produced in the [[Inner Sphere]] in over a century, and was also the first production 'Mech to use a [[Full-Head Ejection System]]. Despite being first manufactured in the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] the ''Hatchetman'' was actually designed by the enigmatic Dr. B. Banzai of [[Team Banzai]], a [[mercenary]] unit associated with the [[Federated Suns]]' [[New Avalon Institute of Science]]. Thus the 'Mech was also a signal of the growing cooperation between these newly-allied [[Successor States]].<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/>
  
At its heart, the ''Hatchetman'' is an urban combat 'Mech. Once it has safely escorted friendly forces out of a city the 'Mech assumes the role of guerrilla fighter, ambushing from hiding places to blast an enemy apart at point-blank ranges with its impressive weaponry or cleave them in two with its hatchet. This was illustrated in the design's first combat test, when elements of the [[Fourth Proserpina Hussars]] raided [[Sevren]] and were literally cut to pieces by a mostly ''Hatchetman''-equipped battalion of the [[Twenty-sixth Lyran Guards]] which lured the enemy into an industrial park. Where the ''Hatchetman'' is at a disadvantage is on open terrain, as its relatively slow speed, light armoring, and general frailty leaves it vulnerable to other 'Mechs.<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/>
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At its heart, the ''Hatchetman'' is an urban combat 'Mech. Once it has safely escorted friendly forces out of a city the 'Mech assumes the role of guerrilla fighter, ambushing from hiding places to blast an enemy apart at point-blank ranges with its impressive weaponry or cleave them in two with its hatchet. This was illustrated in the design's first combat test, when elements of the [[4th Proserpina Hussars]] raided [[Sevren]] and were literally cut to pieces by a mostly ''Hatchetman''-equipped battalion of the [[26th Lyran Guards]] which lured the enemy into an industrial park. Where the ''Hatchetman'' is at a disadvantage is on open terrain, as its relatively slow speed, light armoring, and general frailty leaves it vulnerable to other 'Mechs.<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/>
  
Initially the ''Hatchetman'''s first production run was limited to garrisoning large Lyran cities, but its early successes inspired further deployments and the 'Mech soon began appearing in the arsenal of the Federated Suns, particularly among the [[Crucis Lancers]] and [[First Kathil Uhlans]]. In the wake of the [[Fourth Succession War]] and the formal creation of the [[Federated Commonwealth]], the ''Hatchetman'' was selected to become one of the standard designs for the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]]. Demand for the 'Mech soon began to outstrip [[Defiance Industries]]' ability to supply it, even after tripling output from their [[Hesperus II]] factory, and so it contracted [[Johnston Industries]] to set up a ''Hatchetman'' line in [[House Davion|Davion]] space. The recovery of [[lostech|lost Star League technology]] eventually allowed for the creation of the HCT-5S in [[3049]], with additional variants created in years hence.<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/><ref name=TRO3050U-48>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 48: "HCT-5S ''Hatchetman''"</ref>   
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Initially the ''Hatchetman''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s first production run was limited to garrisoning large Lyran cities, but its early successes inspired further deployments and the 'Mech soon began appearing in the arsenal of the Federated Suns, particularly among the [[Crucis Lancers]] and [[1st Kathil Uhlans]]. In the wake of the [[Fourth Succession War]] and the formal creation of the [[Federated Commonwealth]], the ''Hatchetman'' was selected to become one of the standard designs for the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]]. Demand for the 'Mech soon began to outstrip [[Defiance Industries]]' ability to supply it, even after tripling output from their [[Hesperus II]] factory, and so it contracted [[Johnston Industries]] to set up a ''Hatchetman'' line on [[Johnston]]. The recovery of [[lostech|lost Star League technology]] eventually allowed for the creation of the HCT-5S in [[3049]], with additional variants created in years hence.<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/><ref name=TRO3050U-48>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p . 48 "HCT-5S ''Hatchetman''"</ref>   
  
 
Among the other realms, the [[Draconis Combine]] managed to capture a few examples of the ''Hatchetman'' and successfully copy most of the design to produce their own following the [[War of 3039]], however the 'Mech proved to be unpopular and the program was canceled.<ref name=TRSWp70f /> Hoping to salvage the project, [[Independence Weaponry]] experimented with the design and eventually created the 5K variant, which was more palatable to Kuritan pilots.<ref name=TRO3050U-48/> Out in the [[Periphery]], the introduction of the ''Hatchetman'' caused quite a stir within the [[Taurian Concordat]] when a group of mercenaries brought along their old HCT-3Fs upon integrating with the [[Taurian Defense Forces]]. [[Protector of the Realm]] [[Thomas Calderon]] ordered [[Taurus Territorial Industries]] to reverse engineer the design, which they finally succeeded in accomplishing after much delay by [[3054]], only for production to be halted in [[3066]] when the [[Fighting Urukhai]] destroyed the Taurus Territorial Industries facility.<ref name=TRO3050U-48/>
 
Among the other realms, the [[Draconis Combine]] managed to capture a few examples of the ''Hatchetman'' and successfully copy most of the design to produce their own following the [[War of 3039]], however the 'Mech proved to be unpopular and the program was canceled.<ref name=TRSWp70f /> Hoping to salvage the project, [[Independence Weaponry]] experimented with the design and eventually created the 5K variant, which was more palatable to Kuritan pilots.<ref name=TRO3050U-48/> Out in the [[Periphery]], the introduction of the ''Hatchetman'' caused quite a stir within the [[Taurian Concordat]] when a group of mercenaries brought along their old HCT-3Fs upon integrating with the [[Taurian Defense Forces]]. [[Protector of the Realm]] [[Thomas Calderon]] ordered [[Taurus Territorial Industries]] to reverse engineer the design, which they finally succeeded in accomplishing after much delay by [[3054]], only for production to be halted in [[3066]] when the [[Fighting Urukhai]] destroyed the Taurus Territorial Industries facility.<ref name=TRO3050U-48/>
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
Aside from its [[hatchet]], the 11-meter-tall<ref name=BoKOepub-289>''Blood of Kerensky Omnibus Epub'', pp. 289–299: "Lethal Heritage - Chapter Thirty-Six"</ref> ''Hatchetman'' carries a [[Defiance Killer]] [[AC/10]] embedded within its right torso. As its primary ranged weapon the autocannon allows the 'Mech to be effective in both stand-up fights in front line combat and in the concrete jungle of a city. It is supplied with two tons of ammunition located in the center torso, organized into two ten-round clips just like those used in the ''[[Enforcer]]''. As secondary weapons, the ''Hatchetman'' carries two [[Defiance B3M]] [[medium laser]]s, one in each arm. The use of 11 [[single heat sink]]s are enough to keep the 'Mech cool while firing its weapons.<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/>
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Aside from its [[hatchet]], the 11-meter-tall<ref name=BoKOepub-289>''Blood of Kerensky Omnibus Epub'', pp. 289-299 "Lethal Heritage - Chapter Thirty-Six"</ref> ''Hatchetman'' carries a [[Defiance Killer]] [[AC/10]] embedded within its right torso. As its primary ranged weapon the autocannon allows the 'Mech to be effective in both stand-up fights in front line combat and in the concrete jungle of a city. It is supplied with two tons of ammunition located in the center torso, organized into two ten-round clips just like those used in the ''[[Enforcer]]''. As secondary weapons, the ''Hatchetman'' carries two [[Defiance B3M]] [[medium laser]]s, one in each arm. The use of 11 [[single heat sink]]s are enough to keep the 'Mech cool while firing its weapons.<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/>
  
 
The weaponry is aimed by a versatile [[Ares-8]] battle computer, which is particularly adept at targeting [[aerospace fighter]]s. Using data gathered through the armored sensor globe attached to the head, it is able to effectively advise the pilot where to aim in order to score a direct hit. Four [[jump jets]] split between the two legs gives the ''Hatchetman'' a jumping distance of 120 meters, allowing for impressive mobility in an urban environment and making up for its pedestrian top speed. Only six and a half tons of armor protect the 'Mech, and its thin legs are particularly susceptible to well-placed shots.<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/>
 
The weaponry is aimed by a versatile [[Ares-8]] battle computer, which is particularly adept at targeting [[aerospace fighter]]s. Using data gathered through the armored sensor globe attached to the head, it is able to effectively advise the pilot where to aim in order to score a direct hit. Four [[jump jets]] split between the two legs gives the ''Hatchetman'' a jumping distance of 120 meters, allowing for impressive mobility in an urban environment and making up for its pedestrian top speed. Only six and a half tons of armor protect the 'Mech, and its thin legs are particularly susceptible to well-placed shots.<ref name=TRO3025-48/><ref name=TRO3039-229/>
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*; HCT-7S : Developed during the [[Jihad]] in [[3084]], this ''Hatchetman'' variant has an expanded role beyond urban combat. By using a larger [[light fusion engine]], designers increased the 'Mech's cruising speed by 25% and added another [[jump jet]] to increase the jump range by 25%. The biggest change, however, is in the 'Mech's armament; the traditional [[AC/10]] is replaced by a single [[MML-9]] and three tons of ammunition. A [[Guardian ECM suite]] disrupts enemy electronics while [[ferro-fibrous]] armor and [[CASE]] protect the 'Mech from weapons fire and an ammunition explosion. BV (2.0) = 1,243<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 77</ref>
 
*; HCT-7S : Developed during the [[Jihad]] in [[3084]], this ''Hatchetman'' variant has an expanded role beyond urban combat. By using a larger [[light fusion engine]], designers increased the 'Mech's cruising speed by 25% and added another [[jump jet]] to increase the jump range by 25%. The biggest change, however, is in the 'Mech's armament; the traditional [[AC/10]] is replaced by a single [[MML-9]] and three tons of ammunition. A [[Guardian ECM suite]] disrupts enemy electronics while [[ferro-fibrous]] armor and [[CASE]] protect the 'Mech from weapons fire and an ammunition explosion. BV (2.0) = 1,243<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 77</ref>
  
*; HCT-7R : Developed for [[The Republic of the Sphere]] after the [[Capellan Crusades]], this ''Hatchetman'' uses a [[light fusion engine]] to develop a maximum ground speed of 85 km/h, has a jump range of 150 meters, and is protected by eight and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. 12 [[double heat sink]]s are also installed, which dissipates the extreme heat from the single [[medium X-Pulse laser]] and six standard [[medium laser]]s mounted in the right arm. The left arm has the trademark [[hatchet]]. What makes this version so deadly is the fact that each arm has an [[actuator enhancement system]], which improves targeting. BV (2.0) = 1,521<ref name=XTRO:3145RV1p6>''Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 1'', p. ?: "HCT-7R Hatchetman"</ref>
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*; HCT-7R : Developed for [[The Republic of the Sphere]] after the [[Capellan Crusades]], this ''Hatchetman'' uses a [[light fusion engine]] to develop a maximum ground speed of 85 km/h, has a jump range of 150 meters, and is protected by eight and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. 12 [[double heat sink]]s are also installed, which dissipates the extreme heat from the single [[medium X-Pulse laser]] and six standard [[medium laser]]s mounted in the right arm. The left arm has the trademark [[hatchet]]. What makes this version so deadly is the fact that each arm has an [[actuator enhancement system]], which improves targeting. BV (2.0) = 1,521<ref name=XTRO:3145RV1p6>''Experimental Technical Readout: Republic, Volume 1'', p. "HCT-7R Hatchetman</ref>
  
 
*; HCT-8S : This Dark Age LCAF configuration uses a Clan-spec engine to move at 86 km/h and five [[jump jet]]s to cover 150 meters at a time. The traditional arm-mounted [[medium laser]]s have been replaced by Clan-spec [[ER medium laser]]s. The typical [[LB 10-X]] remains, but the traditional [[hatchet]] has been augmented by an [[actuator enhancement system]] for better close-combat capabilities. BV (2.0) = 1,479<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 19</ref>
 
*; HCT-8S : This Dark Age LCAF configuration uses a Clan-spec engine to move at 86 km/h and five [[jump jet]]s to cover 150 meters at a time. The traditional arm-mounted [[medium laser]]s have been replaced by Clan-spec [[ER medium laser]]s. The typical [[LB 10-X]] remains, but the traditional [[hatchet]] has been augmented by an [[actuator enhancement system]] for better close-combat capabilities. BV (2.0) = 1,479<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 12'', p. 19</ref>
  
 
===Custom Variants===
 
===Custom Variants===
*; HCT-3F Austin : Originally assigned to the [[NAIS Training Cadre]]s, it was selected as an [[NAIS]] technology testbed before being assigned to [[Fox's Teeth]] member Austin Vorster in the lead-up to the [[War of 3039]]. Mounting a [[NAIS Mk. 1]] [[LB 10-X AC]] prototype saved enough weight to add a third [[medium laser]], moving all three to the left arm to avoid inhibiting use of the 'Mech's hatchet.<ref name=SBSD1>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', pp. 22, 94</ref>
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*; HCT-3F Austin : Originally assigned to the [[NAIS Training Cadre]]s, it was selected as an [[NAIS]] technology testbed before being assigned to [[Fox's Teeth]] member Austin Vorster in the lead-up to the [[War of 3039]]. Mounting a [[NAIS Mk. 1]] [[LB 10-X AC]] prototype saved enough weight to add a third [[medium laser]], moving all three to the left arm to avoid inhibiting use of the 'Mech's hatchet.<ref name=SBSD1>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', p. 22, 94</ref>
 
::[[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Call to Arms|''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries' Call to Arms'']] refers to its [[Hero 'Mech]] version of Austin's 'Mech with the apocryphal HCT-MA ''Man-at-Arms'' name and designation.<ref name=MW5CtA>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Call to Arms''</ref>
 
::[[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Call to Arms|''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries' Call to Arms'']] refers to its [[Hero 'Mech]] version of Austin's 'Mech with the apocryphal HCT-MA ''Man-at-Arms'' name and designation.<ref name=MW5CtA>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Call to Arms''</ref>
  
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==Design Quirks==
 
==Design Quirks==
The ''Hatchetman'' is subject to the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 92: Design Quirk Table - Hatchetman Entry</ref>
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The ''Hatchetman'' is subject to the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 92 Design Quirk Table - Hatchetman Entry.</ref>
 
* [[Anti-Aircraft Targeting]]
 
* [[Anti-Aircraft Targeting]]
  
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==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
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<div class="desktop-3-col">
 
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
 
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
 
* ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]''
 
* ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]''
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* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]''
{{div col end}}
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</div>
  
 
[[Category:'Mechs]]
 
[[Category:'Mechs]]

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