Editing Hermes II

{{otheruses|the 40-ton BattleMech|other uses|Hermes (disambiguation)}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Hermes II RGilClan v26.jpg
|name = ''Hermes II''
|manufacturer = [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]<ref name=TRSWp58f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 58–59: "HER-2S Hermes II"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
|model = HER-2S<ref name=TRSWp58f />
|production year = 2798
|year reference = <ref name=TRO3025Rpp38f>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 38–39</ref>
|cost = 3,165,680 [[C-bill]]s
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type = BattleMech
|mass = 40
|feet = biped
|chassis = [[Irian Chassis Class 40]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp58f /> -->
|armor = [[Riese 456]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp58f /> -->
|engine = [[Hermes 240]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp58f /> -->
|comsys = [[Irian E.A.R.]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp58f /> -->
|T&T = [[Wasat Aggressor]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp58f /> -->
|heat sinks = 10 [[heat sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp58f /> -->
|speed = 97 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp58f /> -->
|armament = <!-- <ref name=TRSWp58f /> -->
* 1x [[AC/5]]
* 1x [[medium laser]]
* 1x [[flamer]]
|BV (1.0) = 665
|BV (2.0) = 784<ref name=TRSWp58f /><ref name=TRO3039pp122f>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 122–123</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Hermes II''''' was first produced in [[Introduction Year::2798]], based on the original ''[[Hermes]]'' [[BattleMech]] that had been used by the [[Star League]]. A heavy scout, the ''Hermes II'' boasted respectable weaponry, armoring, and speed, allowing it to easily brawl with lighter 'Mechs or survive an encounter with heavier 'Mechs and retreat. Out of all medium-weight 'Mechs at the time the ''Hermes II'' was the easiest to perform field maintenance on, leading to its nickname "old reliable."<ref name=TRO3025Rpp38f/><ref name=TRO3039pp122f/><ref name=TRO3050Upp40f>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 40–41</ref>

As combination scout and light strike platforms, ''Hermes II'' 'Mechs often operated alone, employed for missions for which lighter 'Mechs were too fragile and heavier 'Mechs too clumsy. The ''Hermes II'' was in its element when operating in a restrictive environment like a forest or city, where it could employ a most unusual tactic of setting its surroundings on fire to escape pursuit. Since most 'Mech pilots would naturally avoid a fire to prevent overheating and the flames interfered with most thermal scanners, starting a blaze allowed the ''Hermes II'' to more easily slip away. When operating as part of a team the ''Hermes II'' was usually paired with 'Mechs sharing similar performance statistics, such as the ''[[Vulcan (BattleMech)|Vulcan]]'' or ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', but it was also paired with heavier 'Mechs like the ''[[Hunchback]]'' or ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' where it served as bait to draw the enemy in to its compatriot's heavier guns.<ref name=TRO3025Rpp38f/><ref name=TRO3039pp122f/><ref name=TRO3050Upp40f/>

When first produced, the ''Hermes II'' had its [[AC/5]] mounted in the center of the torso, although this proved to be disastrous since even a minor hit to the chest rendered the weapon inoperable. A replacement model armed with lasers was temporarily deployed while [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]] reworked the design and shifted the weapon to its current placement. The ''Hermes II'' stayed in production throughout the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], with minor stoppages every time Irian's 'Mech factories were destroyed, and served almost exclusively with the [[Free Worlds League]]. A few could be found in the arsenals of the other [[Great Houses]] as a result of battlefield salvage, and IBMU was willing to sell the design to [[mercenary]] units; the company preferred to sell the 'Mech in large lots but was willing to make small custom orders for a premium.<ref name=TRO3025Rpp38f/><ref name=TRO3039pp122f/><ref name=TRO3050Upp40f/>

With the slow recovery of [[lostech]] Irian was not only able to begin producing the original ''Hermes'' again, but also upgrade the ''Hermes II'', building upon the original Star League-era schematics they had saved to create the HER-5S model in [[3050]]. As a result of the [[Clan Invasion]] and the accords reached by the Great Houses on [[Outreach]], Irian began selling these upgraded models to the rest of the Inner Sphere. The HER-5S was also used to replace older variants within the [[Free Worlds League Military]] as part of a massive upgrade program, with the first models going to elite units such as the [[Free Worlds Guards]] and slowly trickling down to other units. This also meant a large number fell into the hands of the [[Word of Blake]] and were used on both sides of the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3025Rpp38f/><ref name=TRO3039pp122f/><ref name=TRO3050Upp40f/> Production of the ''Hermes II'' would continue through the [[Dark Age era|Dark Age]] to the  [[ilClan era]].<ref name=RGIV26p12>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 26'', p. 12: "Hermes II"</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The primary weapon on the ''Hermes II'' is an [[Oriente (AC5)|Oriente]] [[AC/5]] in the right torso, a reliable weapon which gives it a respectable reach on the battlefield. A single ton of ammo in the left torso only supplies 20 rounds for the weapon, limiting its utility for true front-line combat. As secondary weapons, the ''Hermes II'' carries an [[Irian Weapons Works]] [[medium laser]] in the right arm for anti-'Mech combat as well as an [[Olympian]] [[flamer]] in the left for anti-[[infantry]] combat. Unlike most 'Mech flamers, the Olympian is a liquid-fuel flamer, although it is far safer that other models in that it uses a flammable gel which is prevaporized before ignition by the heating element. This gel is also harder to manufacture and takes up more space than equivalent fuels.<ref name=TRO3025Rpp38f/><ref name=TRO3039pp122f/>

Seven and a half tons of armor provides the ''Hermes II'' with good protection, superior to that of the lighter scouting elements it's likely to encounter. Its [[Hermes 240]] engine gives it a respectable cruising speed of 64.8 km/h, enough to scout ahead of the main force, although the heart of this reconnaissance 'Mech is its [[Irian E.A.R.]] [[communications system]]. Powerful enough to communicate with orbiting [[satellite]]s, drawbacks to system include its bulk and the required surface area it takes up on the 'Mech in order to function.<ref name=TRO3025Rpp38f/><ref name=TRO3039pp122f/>

10 [[Heat Sink|single heat sink]]s provide the ''Hermes II'' with adequate cooling, and were originally what gave the 'Mech its moniker. The prototype model mounted two of the heat sinks on its heels in the form of distinctive "wings" which could swing away when the 'Mech lay prone on its back. Engineers eventually decided to forgo this layout and removed both from the legs, putting one back with the engine and the other in the left torso. The latter's placement has provided some relief to ''Hermes II'' pilots over the years as the heat sink acts as "armor" for the vulnerable ammo bin.  While no longer serving their intended function, the wings remain in place on the production model.<ref name=TRO3025Rpp38f/><ref name=TRO3039pp122f/>

==Variants==
*; Prototypes : Carried a prototype autocannon "spread across the torso," making it more vulnerable to damage. A temporary replacement using lasers was deployed to replace field units while designers reworked the autocannon mount.<ref name=TRSWp58f />

*; HER-2M : Also known as the '''''Mercury''''', this variant of the ''Hermes II'' was introduced in [[2802]] and used primarily by [[SAFE]]'s [[Dark Shadows]] units<ref name=TRSWp58f />. A larger [[VOX 280]] engine was installed to bring the 'Mech's top speed up to 118.8 km/h, although this necessitated the removal of the [[AC/5]], eliminating the 'Mech's long-range firepower. To make up for this, short-range firepower was increased with two additional [[medium laser]]s and two [[machine gun]]s mounted in the right torso. Half a ton of machine gun ammo was stored in the left torso while an additional single heat sink was added.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 185</ref> BV (1.0) = 740; BV (2.0) = 910<ref name=TRO3039pp122f/> (Earlier publications either failed to mention the engine upgrade, suggesting an underweight design, or stated one full ton of machine gun ammunition, resulting in an overweight design; the 'Mech was later officially corrected to the aforementioned stats.)

*; HER-4K : Also sometimes referred to as the '''''Hermes III''''', this variant of the ''Hermes II'' was introduced in 3025. Based on the prototype ''Hermes II'' which used lostech, it is a modification of the design built to remove its dependence on ammunition by replacing all of the weapons with two [[Tronel III]] [[large laser]]s and an additional single heat sink.<ref name=TRSWp58f /> In at least one instance this was done as a field refit on a salvaged HER-2S by [[Ostmann Industries]] with help from [[Kong Interstellar]]; the refit 'Mech had its [[Wasat Aggressor]] [[communications system]] replaced by an [[Ostmann SatNav]] system and the [[targeting-tracking system]] was exchanged for a [[TRSS.2L3]] system.<ref>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', p. 47; ''Sorenson's Sabres'', p. 26</ref><br />The ''Hermes III'' appeared only in the [[Draconis Combine]]; the [[Master Unit List]] canonically confirms its exclusive availability to the Draconis Combine and Free Rasalhague Republic, but notably not to the Free Worlds League. The Combine bought ''Hermes II'' 'Mechs from [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]] in the Free Worlds League under the auspices of the [[Concord of Kapteyn]] since around [[3025]],<ref>''House Marik (The Free Worlds League)'', p. 133</ref> so the ''Hermes III'' was apparently a joint Marik/Kurita version for which the Free Worlds League only provided the chassis.<br />(The HER-4K ''Hermes III'' should not be confused with the HER-4K variant of the ''[[Hermes]]'', which was an export version for the Draconis Combine of the ''Hermes II''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s predecessor.) BV (1.0) = 749; BV (2.0) = 976<ref name=TRO3039pp122f/>

*; HER-5C : Used by [[Word of Blake]], the 5C variant of the ''Hermes II'' was introduced in [[3062]] and takes aspects of the 2M and 4K variants. The chassis has been upgraded to [[endo steel]] and the 'Mech is powered by an [[extralight engine]]. The primary weapon is an [[ER large laser]] in place of the [[AC/5]], backed up with three [[ER medium laser]]s. Finally, the 5C carries an [[improved Narc missile beacon]] and an [[improved C3 computer]] to allow it to assist other friendly units in targeting enemy units. BV (1.0) = 887;<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 65</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,119<ref name=TRO3050Upp40f/>

*; HER-5ME : An upgrade of the ''Mercury'' model used by Dark Shadows units, the "Mercury Elite" is armed with only a [[light Gauss rifle]], albeit with two tons of ammo, turning the ''Hermes II'' into a sniper. This comes at the cost of two tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 886<ref name=MUL108>''Master Unit List'', p. 108</ref> ''[Note that the Technical Readout states that this variant makes use of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. Despite having the room, the Record Sheet does not incorporate this.]''<ref name=TRO3050Upp40f/>

*; HER-5S : The 5S variant of the ''Hermes II'' was an upgrade of the design incorporating the recovery of lostech. Its standard chassis has been replaced with an [[endo steel]] one, freeing up mass for a number of changes. The original [[AC/5]] was replaced with an Imperator [[UAC/5]], although it still only carries one ton of ammo, and the [[medium laser]] with an [[Intek (MPL)|Intek]] [[medium pulse laser]]. The original [[Olympian]] [[flamer]] was kept, while the single heat sinks were replaced with [[Double Heat Sink|double]]s. Although this change was met with some criticism since the original design was not known to cause heat management problems in the first place, the double heat sinks allow pilots to redline their machines even after significant engine damage. BV (1.0) = 740; BV (2.0) = 857<ref name=TRO3050Upp40f/>

*; HER-5Sr : A field refit employed during the Jihad, the 5Sr uses an [[XL gyro]] and removes the [[UAC/5]], allowing engineers to install a [[Guardian ECM suite]] and a [[heavy PPC]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,242<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 68</ref>

*; HER-5SA : The 5SA was a training variant commissioned by the [[Legionary Training Academy]] in [[3068]]. It incorporated an [[XL engine]] to upgrade the [[medium laser]] to a [[large pulse laser]] while the remaining half-ton was used as additional armor on the legs. An extravagant upgrade for what was ostensibly a training 'Mech, the 5SA added more fuel to the political fire regarding the Academy's political connection to [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Thomas Marik]].<ref name=TRO3050Upp40f/> BV (2.0) = 924<ref name=MUL108/>

*; HER-6D : This variant introduced in [[3062]] was used by the [[Davion Light Guards]]. It exchanges the [[medium laser]] for an [[ER medium laser]] and the [[AC/5]] for a [[RAC/5]]. It still has only one ton of ammo for the autocannon, however, forcing MechWarriors to use their ammunition wisely.<ref name=TRO3050Upp40f/> BV (2.0) = 1106<ref>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 109</ref>

*; HER-7A : An ilClan-era variant, this version of the Hermes II mixes [[Clan]] and [[Inner Sphere]] technology. Built around a 240-rated Light Fusion engine with an XL Gyro and an [[endo-steel]] structure, the 7A is an evolution of the original 2S, replacing the AC/5 with a Clan-spec [[Type 9]] [[Ultra AC/10]], also utilized by the ''[[Shikra]]'' [[aerospace fighter]],<ref name="TRO:3145FWLp46+">''Technical Readout: 3145 Free Worlds League'', p. 46-47, "SKR-4M ''Shikra''"</ref> with three tons of [[CASE II]]–protected ammunition. The other weapons are similar to its ancestor, both a [[flamer]] and a [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]].<ref name=RGIV26p12/>  BV (2.0) = 1,121<ref name=RGIV26p21>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 26'', p. 21: "Hermes II HER-7A"</ref>

*; HER-7S : An [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] 'Mech "ahead of its time", the HER-7S is the brainchild of [[Baron]] [[Roderick Axel]] of [[Lopez]], who long believed he knew better than the military industrial complex how to develop an advanced upgrade of the ''Hermes II''. Unfortunately, he was short on practical understanding of the true cost involved. Built on a [[composite internal structure]], powered by a massive 320-rated [[XXL engine]] and clad in relatively low seven an half tons of armor, the HER-7S had a top speed of over 120 km/h and a 240 meter jump distance. Mounting 10 double heat sinks, an [[ER flamer]], a [[Clan]]-spec [[large pulse laser]], and a [[light PPC]] linked to a Clan-grade [[targeting computer]], the 'Mech is a deadly combatant. However, due to the absurd expense and extreme fragility of the design, only three prototypes were manufactured, and in fact the whole proceedings seem to have been just a way for [[Irian Technologies|IBMU]] to use the Baron's money to gain more hands-on experience with the technologies involved. BV (2.0) = 1,578<ref name=XTROMp4>''Experimental Technical Readout: Marik'', p. 4</ref>

== Design Quirks ==
The ''Hermes II'' is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 92: Design Quirk Table - Hermes II Entry</ref><ref>[https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BattleMech-Manual-2022-09-14-v6.01.pdf ''BattleMech Manual Errata (Version 6.01)''], p. 17</ref>
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
* [[Improved Communications]]
<!-- No Torso Twist removed by errata -->

==Notes==
* In German products, the variant HER 2-M ''Mercury'' was translated to '''''Merkur'''''. Additionally, the model code was changed to '''MER-2S'''.

* In French products, the proper name was translated to '''''Hermès II'''''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025_Hermes1.jpg|Original HER-2S ''Hermes II'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
HER-HermesII.png|''Hermes II'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U Hermes II.jpg|HER-5S ''Hermes II'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Hermes II XTROM.jpg|Experimental HER-7S ''Hermes II'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Marik|XTRO:Marik]]''
Hermes II RGilClan v26.jpg|''Hermes II'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 26|RGilClan: vol. 26]]''
Camomech-hermesII.png|HER-2S ''Hermes II'' of [[Fusiliers of Oriente]] from ''[[Classic BattleTech Universe]]''
CCG Mercenaries Hermes II.jpg|HER-5S ''Hermes II'' in combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG'']]
BattleTech4e-Hermes II.jpg|''Hermes II'' standee from ''[[BattleTech, Fourth Edition]]''
File:BattleTech Introductory Box Set - Hermes II.jpg|''Hermes II'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Introductory Box Set]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Marik]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 26]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)|Sorenson's Sabres]]''
* ''[[Starterbook: Sword and Dragon]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
</div>


[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Improved C3 Equipped BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Improved NARC Equipped BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]