Editing Raven

{{Otheruses|the Capellan Confederation BattleMech|other uses|Raven (disambiguation)}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=Raven RGilClan v06.png
|name=''Raven''
|manufacturer=[[Hellespont 'Mech Works]]
|production year=3048
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/2664/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|model=RVN-3L
|cost= 5,701,725 [[C-bill]]s
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type =BattleMech
|feet=biped
|mass=35
|chassis=[[Hellespont Type R]]
|armor=[[Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous]]
|engine=[[Hermes 210 XL]]
|comsys=[[Communications System#Ceres Metals Model 666|Ceres Metals Model 666]] with [[Guardian ECM suite]]
|T&T=[[C-Apple Churchill]]
|heat sinks=11 [[Heat Sink|single]]
|speed=97.2
|armament=
* 1x [[SRM-6]]
* 2x [[medium laser]]
* 1x [[Narc missile beacon]]
* 1x [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]]
* 1x [[Guardian ECM suite]]
* 1x [[Beagle active probe]]
|BV (1.0) = 592
|BV (2.0) = 710<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 31</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Raven''''' is a light-weight electronic warfare [[BattleMech]] which, when it first debuted after the end of the [[Third Succession War]], was one of the first truly original 'Mech designs produced in centuries.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 222</ref> Originally the [[Capellan Confederation]] attempted to recreate the [[Lostech|sophisticated technology]] once common during the [[Star League era]], specifically the [[Guardian ECM suite]]. While the resulting [[EW Equipment|electronic warfare device]] was a technical success, it proved too large and bulky to be installed on any existing 'Mechs. Desperate for any force multiplier, the Capellans decided to build an entirely new 'Mech around the electronics, creating the first prototype ''Ravens''.<ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 224</ref>

At first these experimental ''Ravens'' were meant as stand-off support units for 'Mech [[Company|companies]], designating targets for artillery and scrambling enemy sensors, but in most cases they were assigned at the [[battalion]] level as a temporary fifth member of the command [[lance]]. When it finally saw battle however, the ''Raven'' did not meet its lofty expectations; it simply could not provide a sufficient advantage to influence combat. Many were captured by the [[Federated Suns]] during the [[Fourth Succession War]], and the design would languish as just another light 'Mech until the recovery of the [[Helm Memory Core]] allowed Hellespont to create a production version, the RVN-3L, equal to the prototype's ambitiousness.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>

While heavily associated with [[House Liao]], the Capellans also sold a number to the [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Draconis Combine]], the larger share going to the former. The [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Alliance]] also acquired smaller numbers of ''Ravens'' through other means including salvage, and a large number of variants were eventually created.<ref name=TRO3050u/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Raven'' carries a small weapons array that was nevertheless respectable for its size. The primary weapons are a pair of [[Ceres Arms (ML)|Ceres Arms]] [[medium laser]]s carried in the right arm, backed up by a [[Harpoon-6]] [[SRM-6]] mounted in the right torso, with one ton of SRM reloads placed within the [[CASE]]-protected left torso. Generally, the ''Raven'' was kept out of direct firefights as much as possible, since it was more valuable as a recon or electronic warfare asset than as a front-line combatant. Indeed, any mission in which the 'Mech was forced into combat was seen as a failure.<ref name=TRO3050u/>

At the time of its introduction the ''Raven'' carried the most advanced electronic warfare equipment in the [[Inner Sphere]], all produced by [[Apple Churchill]]. A [[Guardian ECM suite]] mounted in the left torso blanketed friendly units with electronic jamming, a [[Beagle active probe]] in the center torso helped locate enemies, [[Target Acquisition Gear]] mounted in the right torso and a [[Narc missile beacon]] in the left arm, with two tons of reloads in the left torso, helped call down accurate artillery fire. A [[Hermes 210]] [[XL engine]] and four and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor helped save on weight, provided good armoring and a respectable cruising speed of 64.8 km/h - features which allowed the 'Mech to survive combat encounters until reinforcements could arrive.<ref name=TRO3050u/><ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 78</ref>

==Variants==
*; RVN-1X : The original [[Introduction Year::3024]] prototype of what became the RVN-3L ''Raven'', this was the unit that was pressed into service against the Federated Suns during the [[Fourth Succession War]]. With [[XL engine]] technology not yet available, the 'Mech mounted a standard [[Omni 175]] [[fusion engine]], giving it a maximum speed of 86 km/h, and was protected by four tons of [[standard armor]]. The [[EW equipment|Ceres Arms Electronic Warfare X-1 Equipment]] at the time that this 'Mech was built around consisted of a massive seven-and-a-half-ton experimental electronic warfare suite that did not live up to expectations.  The equipment also had the unfortunate side effect, when damaged, of disrupting other systems, though normally communications and targeting only. The communications system was a [[CeresCom Model 22-A]]<ref name=TRSWp44f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 44–45: "RVN-1X Raven"</ref><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 674; BV (2.0) = 589<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 88</ref> or N/A<ref name=TRSWp44f />

*; RVN-2X : Many of the ''Ravens'' captured by the Federated Suns in the Fourth Succession War were refit in [[3030]] to the 2X standard. This variant replaced the [[EW equipment]] with a [[large laser]] and added an additional two and a half tons of armor.<ref name=TRSWp44f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (2.0) = 887<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 89</ref>

*; RVN-3Ld : A Capellan experimental unit in 3071 based on the RVN-3L, the cockpit weight was increased to five tons to accommodate the robotic drone control; the [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] and one [[heat sink]] were removed to fit this. These 'Mechs were operated by an AI controller known as [[The Broken]].<ref>''Necromo Nightmare'', p. 22</ref> BV (2.0) = ??

*; RVN-3M : This [[3053]] variant, based on the 3L variant, removed the [[SRM-6]] launcher, the [[medium laser]]s, and the electronic warfare systems and [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] laser in order to turn the ''Raven'' into a long range fire support unit, provided by a single [[LRM-15]]. Additionally, the 'Mech sports two [[small laser]]s and a [[small pulse laser]] in the event any enemies get under the minimum range of its missile launcher. This version retains the [[Narc missile beacon]] used by the 3L, and also includes two ammunition bins for the missile launcher so that the ''Raven'' can maintain its fire support role far from supply lines. BV (2.0) = 659<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 61</ref>

*; RVN-3X : The RVN-3X uses, despite its sabotaged nature, the original [[Triple Strength Myomer]], the plans for which were captured in the Fourth Succession War on [[Bethel]] by [[Warrior House Imarra]]. Since the ''Raven'' is not intended for direct combat, the fact that it can catch on fire if subjected to the catalyst gas is, in theory, outweighed by the additional speed.<ref name=TRSWp44f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (2.0) = 640<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 90</ref> However, Prototype TSM does not increase movement speed under any circumstances.<ref>''Interstellar Operations'', pp. 103–104</ref>

*; RVN-3X ''Raven X'' : This version uses [[Experimental Technology|experimental systems]] to increase battlefield performance. The standard skeleton is traded for a [[composite internal structure]] and the electronic systems are replaced with a [[Bloodhound active probe]], [[Angel ECM suite]], and an [[Apollo FCS]] for the [[MRM-20]] system that replaces the [[SRM-6]] launcher; the remaining weaponry has been replaced by a [[laser AMS]] and two [[medium X-Pulse laser]]s. An [[XL gyro]] provides the weight savings for this equipment. BV (2.0) = 1,050<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Liao'', p. 3</ref>

*; RVN-4L : This early 3060s<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 30</ref> variant of the ''Raven'' incorporates the Confederation's new [[stealth armor]]. The 'Mech carries six tons of this advanced armor and also uses 10 [[double heat sink]]s for greater heat dissipation capabilities. The 'Mech is armed with two [[ER medium laser]]s and an [[SRM-6]], and also carries the complete electronic warfare package carried by the 3L model.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 667; BV (2.0) = 873<ref name=MUL143>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 143</ref>

*; RVN-4Lr : This variant removes the [[Narc missile beacon]] and [[SRM-6]], replacing them with an [[MML-7]] equipped with [[Artemis IV]] guidance. The Capellans added a third [[medium laser]], making this variant of the ''Raven'' an effective scout hunter. It can set easy ambushes because its [[stealth armor]] gives it an advantage against scouts.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 989<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 66</ref>

*; RVN-4LC : This variant allows the ''Raven'' to integrate with a C3 network by removing the 4L's [[Beagle active probe]], replacing it with a [[C3 slave unit]] and an [[ER small laser]]. BV (2.0) = 884<ref name=MUL143/>

*; RVN-4X : A Capellan variant of the original prototype, with the battlefield failure of the -1X, the -4X was an attempt to reuse the chassis as a more combat orientated unit. Retaining the 1X's standard weaponry, it removes the balky EW equipment to mount five [[jump jet]]s along with two [[machine guns]] with one ton of ammunition. The 4X's armor was increased to the chassis' limit of seven tons.<ref name=TRSWp44f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (2.0) = 820<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 91</ref>

*; RVN-SR : This variant is a field upgrade made by [[Capellan March]] forces who captured many ''Ravens'' during [[Operation SOVEREIGN JUSTICE]]. This modification of the -3L replaces the lasers and [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] with four [[machine gun]]s linked to a [[Machine Gun Array]] to protect it from the [[infantry]] assaults that resulted in the capture of the 'Mechs to begin with.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 64</ref> BV (2.0) = 601<ref name=MUL143/>

*; RVN-SS : Another modification of the -3L by Capellan March troops, the -SS removes the [[Narc missile beacon]] and [[SRM-6]] launcher. This makes room for an additional pair of [[medium laser]]s, a [[small laser]], a [[Streak SRM-6]], and an additional single heat sink.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 65</ref> BV (2.0) = 904<ref name=MUL143/>

*; RVN-4N : Appeared with [[MechWarrior: Age of Destruction]] figures.{{cn}}

*; RVN-4R : Appeared with [[MechWarrior: Age of Destruction]] figures.{{cn}}

*; RVN-5L : Introduced in [[3125]] to operate alongside the ''[[Raven II]]'', it uses the ''Raven II''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s engine and the ''Raven X''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[XL gyro]].<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6'', p. 13</ref> It carries two [[ER medium laser]]s in the right arm, with an [[iNarc]] launcher in the left arm, fed by three tons of iNarc ammo. Electronic support for the [[stealth armor]] is provided by an [[Angel ECM suite]], and a [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] system allows it to designate for artillery fire. Finally, three [[Improved One Shot]] [[SRM-2]]s are carried in the right torso. BV (2.0) = 1,035<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6'', p. 15</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[Solaris VII: The Game World#Arena-Planet Solaris VII|Solaris VII Boxed Set - German Edition]]:''
*; RVN-1XL DC : This variant of the 1X version was used as an arena fighter in the [[Solaris Games]]. Two single heat sinks were removed to allow for the installation of a [[dual cockpit]] and an additional ton of armor. The [[ECM 3025]] is mounted in the left torso while two heat sinks are mounted in the center torso; together with the seven heat sinks installed in the engine this curiously leaves one heat sink unaccounted for, although plenty of free critical slots are available. ''(The [[Canon|canonicity]] of this design is questionable, as it was only published in the German edition of the [[Solaris VII: The Game World|Solaris VII Box Set]].)''<ref name=GermanSolaris>''Arena-Planet Solaris VII'': "German-language edition of the boxed set Record Sheets Booklet"</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,157; BV (2.0) = ??

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; RVN-H ''Huginn'' : Named for one of the mythical ravens that aided the Norse god Odin and piloted by Sergeant [[Odin Sigurd]] of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]], the ''Huginn'' [[Hero 'Mech]] is built around 280-rated [[XL engine]] on an [[endo steel]] frame, fitted with two [[jump jet]]s and clad in near-maximum [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. The ''Huginn'' is armed for close range combat, mounting paired [[machine gun]]s in each arm in support of right torso [[SRM-6]] and left torso [[Streak SRM-2]]. Two tons of machine gun and SRM reloads are carried along with a single ton of Streak munitions.<ref>[["Huginn" Raven Hero Mech Now Available!]]</ref><ref>[https://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/154533-patch-notes-%e2%80%93-13279-1-april-2014/page__pid__3263270#entry3263270 Patch Nummer: 1.3.279 Change log]</ref> <!-- misspelling of number is in the original -->
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

== Design Quirks ==
The ''Raven'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 94: Design Quirk Table - Raven Entry</ref>
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]

==Related 'Mechs==
* '''''[[Men Shen]]''''' - Impressed by the ''Raven'' BattleMech, and eager to promote the [[Xin Sheng]] spirit of Capellan nationalism, the [[Capellan Confederation]] increased the weight by 20 tons and redesigned the chassis to be Omni-capable. The result is the ''Men Shen'' [[OmniMech]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3060'', p. 102</ref>

* '''''[[Raven II]]''''' - The ''Raven II'' is the next generation of the ''Raven'', developed from the RVN-3X ''Raven X'' model. It weighs five tons more and has greatly improved speed and weaponry.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation'', p. 34</ref>

* '''''[[Sha Yu]]''''' - The success of the RVN-4L ''Raven'' variant as a testbed for the introduction of [[stealth armor]] led to the introduction of the ''Sha Yu'' based around a slightly heavier version of the ''Raven''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s chassis.<ref name="TRO:3067p60+">''Technical Readout: 3067'', pp. 60-61: "SYU-2B Sha Yu"</ref>

==Notable Pilots==
:''See [[:Category:Notable Raven Pilots]]''

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Rabe'''''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''RAB-1X'''.
* The 'Mech is named after the US Air Force EF-111A '''Raven''' electronic warfare aircraft, with the mechs beaked nose and cockpit drawing inspiration from the airplane.{{cn}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Rvn1x.jpg|RVN-1X ''Raven'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3039|TRO:3039]]''
3050 Raven.jpg|Original ''Raven'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U Raven.jpg|RVN-3L ''Raven'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Raven 3X.jpg.jpg|Experimental RVN-3X ''Raven'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Liao|XTRO:Liao]]''
Raven RGilClan v06.png|''Raven'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6 |RG:ilClan v6]]''
Raven BTCTRoW.jpg|''Raven'' from ''[[BattleTech Compendium: The Rules of Warfare|BTC:TRoW]]''
MW4-M Raven.png|Model of ''Raven'' from ''[[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries|MW4: Mercenaries]]''
MWO Raven.png|Model of ''Raven'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
File:MWDA-WS050-Raven.jpg|''Raven'' miniature from [[Miniatures - MechWarrior#MechWarrior: Wolf Strike|MechWarrior: Wolf Strike set]]
File:Alpha Strike Command Lance - Raven.jpg|''Raven'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Command Lance Pack]]''
File:Inner Sphere Urban Lance - Raven.jpg|''Raven'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Urban Lance]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Liao]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Capellan Confederation]]''
* ''[[House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[Necromo Nightmare]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3067]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets Volume One: Light 'Mechs]]''
* ''[[Solaris VII: The Game World]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3067]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Capellan Confederation BattleMechs]]
[[Category:C3 Slave Equipped BattleMechs]]
[[Category:NARC Equipped BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]