BattleMech Technical Readout
Name/Model: Backblast BKB-5N
Designer: Captain_Frosty
Source(s): Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 60
Role: Brawler
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: Clan Invasion / 3055
Rules (Current): Experimental
Rules (Era): Experimental
Rules (Year): Experimental
Total Cost: 10,103,680 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,394
Chassis: Endo Steel
Power Plant: 300 Light Fusion
Walking Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
1 Binary Laser Cannon
1 LRM 10
2 Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking: Unknown with Advanced Targeting Computer
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Overview:
A Hunchback modified beyond all recognition, the BKB-5N 'Backblast' was first spotted on the
battlefield in 3055 but was only officially confirmed and identified in late 3060, shortly
before the end of the clan invasion. Used by a seemingly small-time mercenary group
identifying themselves as the 'Casket Nails', the BKB-5N operates as a frontline command
unit; always deployed as part of a reinforced lance which, in most observed cases, was made
up of two light 'mechs, three medium 'mechs and the BKB-5N itself. Exceptions were noticed
in some deployments but they were few and rarely replaced the BKB-5N's presence in the
reinforced lance.
The exact number of BKB-5Ns is unclear. What is clear, however, is that the manufacturing of
their equipment is done privately; the presence of a binary laser and follow-the-leader
missiles, both of unidentified model, having caught the attention of those few forces that
have fought alongside the 'mech. The two arm-mounted small pulse lasers are one of the few
vague similarities maintained with the original hunchback, alongside the 'box' now housing
the LRM10 instead of the expected Autocannon class 20. Equally surprising has been the
installation of both a cockpit command console and a targeting computer which grant the unit
its command capabilities as well as an additional edge in combat.
Overall, the BKB-5N has proven effective where it has been spotted but its novel nature has
not been enough to attract any significant amount of attention. Partly due to the rarity of
its sightings and partly due to the presumed insignificance of its creators and only users.
Capabilities:
The BKB-5N 'Backblast' is both a versatile combat unit and command 'mech, capable of
delivering devastating damage at just about any range while providing crucial support for
allied units. With 12 shots of 'follow-the-leader' missiles and another 12 shots of 'smoke'
missiles, the LRM10 provides both long range damage and potentially critical assistance by
obscuring line of sight and forcing hostiles out of position.
The binary laser, enhanced by a targeting computer, makes closing the distance with a BKB-5N
a dangerous prospect. Able to tear through armor, a single lucky headshot can instantly drop
most 'mechs and cut the engagement short.
At 'melee' range, two light pulse lasers make up for the LRM's inability to engage; also
enhanced by the targeting computer, they are almost guaranteed to hit every shot and
supplement the 'mech's firepower. Similarly, they are also an effective infantry deterrent
whose opposite locations make them hard to fully neutralize.
Lastly, the cockpit command console provides a noticeable advantage both in and out of the
field. Able provide assistance through electronic warfare, connection to orbital assets or
simply coordinating allied units, the perhaps questionable cherry on top is the ability to
significantly improve the 'mech's abilities by having each of the two pilots specialize in a
field; a dedicated pilot and dedicated gunner.
Deployment:
The BKB-5N 'Backblast' is a true brawler as much as a command unit. While its armor is not
the most impressive, it is enough to push through a respectable amount of damage while
hitting back just as hard. Where the Backblast suffers is its vulnerability to crit-seeking
tactics; with a light fusion engine and relatively few weapons, it can and will quickly find
itself disarmed if focused upon with LB-X class autocannons or similar 'scattershot'
weapons.
As such, target selection and proper positioning are paramount for making the most of the
BKB-5N. While not fast, the 'mech has sufficient speed to escape a dangerous or exposed
position; the LRM10's smoke missiles further allowing for minimal exposure against dangerous
hostiles.
Against hostiles reliant on raw damage output, however, it is far more capable of matching
if not surpassing a lot of the competition. Best kept at medium range, its two primary
weapons can quickly tear apart hostiles of equal or even heavier tonnage while also
disallowing any chance at escape. Assuming the presence of allied forces, it can prove
invaluable in leaving heavier units stripped of armor and exposed to allied fire for a
relatively easy kill.
Variants:
None; at least that the inner sphere has seen.
Notable MechWarriors:
No specific names of pilots have been given by the 'Casket Nails' and so any achievements
that individual pilots may have achieved have largely been lost in reports or overlooked due
to the group's overall insignificance.
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo Steel 3.00
Engine: 300 Light Fusion 14.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 12 [24] 2.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 161 9.00
Type: Ferro-Fibrous
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 20 21
Center Torso (rear): 5
R/L Torso: 14 20
R/L Torso (rear): 5
R/L Arm: 10 19
R/L Leg: 14 19
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Command Console H 1 3.00
CASE RT 1 0.50
LRM 10 RT 2 5.00
LRM 10 (Ammo 12) [Smoke] RT 1 1.00
LRM 10 (Ammo 12) [Follow-the-Leader] RT 2 2.00
Targeting Computer LT 3 3.00
Small Pulse Laser RA 1 1.00
Binary Laser Cannon LA 4 9.00
Small Pulse Laser LA 1 1.00
================================================================================================
Alpha Strike Statistics
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Value (PV): 30
TP: BM, SZ: 3, TMM: 2, MV: 10"
Damage: (S) 3 / (M) 2 / (L) 1, OV: 0
Armor (A): 5, Structure (S): 3
Specials: CASE, IF1, MHQ1
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