Viewing BattleMech Unit
    Overview |  Distribution |  Battle Value |  Alpha Strike |  Cost |  Availability  | Reviews   
 Units  »  Search  »  BattleMechs  »  Raven (Ghost Raven) RVN-X3
Design Overview
Generate in     format       
                 BattleMech Technical Readout

Name/Model:         Raven (Ghost Raven) RVN-X3
Designer:           Strider Arashi
Source(s):          Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology:         Inner Sphere (Mixed)
Technology Rating:  F
Tonnage:            35
Role:               Scout
Configuration:      Biped BattleMech
Era/Year:           Dark Age / 3150
Rules (Current):    Experimental (Extinct)
Rules (Era):        Experimental
Rules (Year):       Experimental (Extinct)
Total Cost:         25,920,225 C-Bills
Battle Value:       1,255

Chassis:              Hellespont Type R2 Endo Steel
Power Plant:          Hermes 280 XXL
Walking Speed:        86.4 kph  
Maximum Speed:        129.6 kph 
Jump Jets:            Angel's Wings 
    Jump Capacity:    150 meters
Armor:                Hellespont Lite with CASE II
Armament:             
    2 Crystal Core Sunlight (c) ER Medium Lasers (C)
    1 Ceres Stalking Cougar Harpoon Streak LRM 5 (C)
Manufacturer:         Acme Widgets, Hellespont 'Mech Works, Huntress Manufacturing Facility Beta, Huntress Manufacturing Facility Epsilon
    Primary Factory:  Zollikofen (AW), Sian (HMW), Huntress (HMFB), Huntress (HMFE)
Communications:       Ceres Metals Model 666 w/ ECM with Nova CEWS
Targeting & Tracking: C-Apple Churchill

================================================================================================
Overview:
    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.[3] Originally, the Capellan Confederation attempted to recreate the
    sophisticated technology once common during the Star League era, specifically the Guardian
    ECM suite. While the resulting 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.
    
    At first these experimental Ravens were meant as stand-off support units for 'Mech
    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.
    
    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.
    
    This newest variant allows it to flit into and out of visibility allowing for ambush-style
    combat when needed, and damn near impossible to find and or hide from scouting abilities

Capabilities:
    Weapons and Equipment:
    
    The Raven carries a small weapons array that was nevertheless respectable for its size. The
    primary weapons are a pair of Crystal Core Sunlight (c) Extended Range Medium Lasers carried
    in the right arm, backed up by a Ceres Stalking Cougar Harpoon Streak Long Range Missile-5
    mounted in the right torso, with one ton of LRM reloads placed within the CASE-protected
    Right Arm. 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.
    
    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 Clan Nova CEWS suite
    mounted in the Left Arm and a Recon Camera located in the Head, blanketed friendly units
    with electronic jamming and helped locate enemies. Target Acquisition Gear mounted in the
    Right Arm, with two tons of reloads in the Right Arm, helped call down accurate artillery
    fire.
    
    A Hermes 280 XLX engine and four tons of armor helped to 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.
    
    With this newest variant, using a Chameleon LPS and Null Signature System combined with a
    Nova CEWS and a Recon Camera, this allows a commander to send in pilots who are damn near
    invisible and can spot almost anything with BattleMechs that can flit into and out of
    visibility

Deployment:
    At first these experimental Ravens were meant as stand-off support units for 'Mech
    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.
    
    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.

Variants:
    Variants:
    
    RVN-1X
    The original 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
    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[6][4] BV (1.0) = 674; BV (2.0) = 589[7] or
    N/A[6]
    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.[6][4] BV (2.0) = 887[8]
    
    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 TAG and one heat sink were
    removed to fit this. These 'Mechs were operated by an AI controller known as The Broken.[9]
    BV (2.0) = ??
    
    RVN-3M
    This 3053 variant, based on the 3L variant, removed the SRM-6 launcher, the medium lasers,
    and the electronic warfare systems and 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 lasers 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[10]
    
    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.[6][4] BV (2.0) = 640[11] However, Prototype TSM does not increase movement speed
    under any circumstances.[12]
    
    RVN-3X Raven X
    This version uses 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 lasers. An XL gyro provides the weight savings for this
    equipment. BV (2.0) = 1,050[13]
    
    RVN-4L
    This early 3060s[14] 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 sinks
    for greater heat dissipation capabilities. The 'Mech is armed with two ER medium lasers and
    an SRM-6, and also carries the complete electronic warfare package carried by the 3L
    model.[2] BV (1.0) = 667; BV (2.0) = 873[15]
    
    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.[16] BV (2.0) = 989[17]
    
    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[15]
    
    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 bulky EW equipment to mount five jump jets along with two
    machine guns with one ton of ammunition. The 4X's armor was increased to the chassis' limit
    of seven tons.[6][4] BV (2.0) = 820[18]
    
    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 TAG
    with four machine guns linked to a Machine Gun Array to protect it from the infantry
    assaults that resulted in the capture of the 'Mechs to begin with.[19] BV (2.0) = 601[15]
    
    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 lasers, a small
    laser, a Streak SRM-6, and an additional single heat sink.[20] BV (2.0) = 904[15]
    
    RVN-4N
    Appeared with MechWarrior: Age of Destruction figures.[citation needed]
    
    RVN-4R
    Appeared with MechWarrior: Age of Destruction figures.[citation needed]
    
    RVN-5L
    Introduced in 3125 to operate alongside the Raven II, it uses the Raven II's engine and the
    Raven X's XL gyro.[21] It carries two ER medium lasers 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 TAG system allows it to designate for
    artillery fire. Finally, three Improved One Shot SRM-2s are carried in the right torso.
    
    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 canonicity of this design is questionable, as it was only published in the German
    edition of the Solaris VII Box Set.)[23] 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 jets and clad in near-maximum
    ferro-fibrous armor. The Huginn is armed for close range combat, mounting paired machine
    guns 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.[24][25]
    
    BV (2.0) = 1,255 (32)

Notable MechWarriors:
    Notable Raven Pilots:
    
    Ajax (Black Thorns)
    
    Ajax was a mercenary known for being a recon lance commander in the Black Thorns mercenary
    company.
    
    Ajax, which was named by his fathers in honor of the namesake greek hero, grew up in the
    Capellan Confederation and joined Warrior House Hiritsu, fighting with them for ten
    years.[1] After becoming burned-out with a life of unrelenting hate against the Federated
    Commonwealth, the lack of honor, and the constant losses in frontal attacks, when his unit
    was posted on No Return, he defected with his Raven BattleMech. He informed his superior
    officer of his intentions, and his commander, also a veteran like him, gave him a day before
    denouncing him to his superiors, and Ajax was outside the planet by then.[2]
    
    Once in Outreach, he searched an able and honorable mercenary unit to join them. In 25
    September 3054, he chose Captain Jeremiah Rose, talking him in private. His experience
    impressed Rose, which allowed to join the Black Thorns, though Ajax, for fear of Capellan
    persecution, refused to participate in a drill the next day due to his characteristic
    'Mech.[3]
    
    Ajax was placed in the pursuit (a.k.a. Recon) lance.[4] An excellent scout, he filled his
    role as lance commander effortlessly. In the fighting on Borghese, his lance commander Angus
    Lochart was killed by Clan Jade Falcon forces.[5] After the death of the lance's commander,
    Ajax assumed temporary command, refusing formal promotion, though he eventually accepted it,
    more out of respect for Rose than from believing he deserved it, being promoted to
    lieutenant.[6][7]
    
    Later, the Black Thorns took a contract with the Draconis Combine to garrison Wolcott.[8]
    During this time, they took on a mission to raid Courchevel and went up against Clan Nova
    Cat.[9] Ajax survived the costly fighting there.[10]
    
    Quiet and unassuming by nature, Ajax speak little of his life before becoming mercenary, and
    would prefer to forget it. Though content fighting the Clans, he secretly hoped to fight one
    day for the Federated Commonwealth to compensate his past raids and skirmishes he did
    against them in the past.[11]
    
    Eric Chang
    
    Eric "Uncle" Chang was a notable MechWarrior in the Dynasty Guard during the Dark Age Era.
    
    Sao-wei Chang, known as "Uncle" for his friendly nature, spent fifteen years assisting the
    Raven IIs of the Dynasty Guards in combat—earning himself the highest number of assisted
    kills in his battalion in the process. While fighting on Avigait, Chang's ECM and iNarc ECM
    support helped to dismantle the First Syrtis Fusiliers' C3 Computer network, allowing the
    Raven IIs to shut down the enemy's commanding officers with their TSEMP cannons. Chang then
    used his homing iNarcs to provide his company with targeting data, leading to the Fusiliers'
    survivors being quickly eliminated following their retreat into the Blackfield Forest. Chang
    continued to score assisted kills in the fighting on Jaipur, Taygeta, and New Syrtis,
    although he failed to earn any outright kills of his own. While some considered his combat
    record dubious and looked down on him and his BattleMech, Chang's only wish was to earn
    glory for the Chancellor. To that end, Chang understood his role in combat and always fought
    to his 'Mech's strengths, always returning it to base unscathed while his enemies were left
    in ruins.[1]
    
    Jordan Weiss
    
    Subcommander Jordan Weiss was a scout MechWarrior with the Capellan Hussars during the
    Andurien Crisis.
    
    Weiss, who was fanatically loyal to House Liao, fought against the Tooth of Ymir mercenary
    regiment on Betelgeuse during the Andurien Crisis. During this campaign, Weiss' Raven
    BattleMech was hit several times, causing an electronics overload. His canopy jammed
    trapping him in darkness for 30 minutes, receiving electric shocks from short-circuiting
    systems, as he fought a malfunctioning waste management system and praying no one shot at
    his disabled 'Mech.[1][2]

================================================================================================
Equipment                                                             Mass                      
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure:                       Endo Steel (C)               2.00                     
Engine:                                    280 XXL (C)                 5.50                     
    Walking MP:                                 8                                               
    Running MP:                                 12                                              
    Jumping MP:                                 5                                               
Heat Sinks (Double):                       16 [32] (C)                 6.00                     
Gyro:                                        Compact                   4.50                     
Cockpit:                                    Small (C)                  2.00                     
Armor Factor:                                   64                     4.00                     
    Type:                                    Standard                                           

                                    Internal         Armor     
                                    Structure        Value     
    Head:                               3              8       
    Center Torso:                      11              8       
    Center Torso (rear):                               2       
    R/L Torso:                          8              8       
    R/L Torso (rear):                                  1       
    R/L Arm:                            6              7       
    R/L Leg:                            8              7       

================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo                                       Location          Critical     Tonnage   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recon Camera                                              H                 1          0.50             
Jump Jet                                                  CT                1          0.50             
2 Jump Jets                                               RT                2          1.00             
2 Jump Jets                                               LT                2          1.00             
CASE II (C)                                               RA                1          0.50             
2 ER Medium Lasers (C)                                    RA                2          2.00             
Streak LRM 5 (C)                                          RA                1          2.00             
Streak LRM 5 (Ammo 24) (C)                                RA                1          1.00             
Chameleon LPS                                             *                 6          0.00             
Nova CEWS (C)                                             LA                1          1.50             
Null-Signature System                                     **                7          0.00             
TAG (C)                                                   LA                1          1.00             

* Chameleon LPS occupies 1 critical slot in each location except the Head and Center Torso
** Null-Signature System occupies 1 critical slot in each location except the Head

================================================================================================
Alpha Strike Statistics                                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Value (PV): 32
TP: BM,  SZ: 1,  TMM: 3,  MV: 16"/10"j
Damage: (S) 2 / (M) 2 / (L) 1,  OV: 0
Armor (A): 2,  Structure (S): 1
Specials: CASEII, ECM, JMPW1, MHQ1, NOVA, PRB, RCN, STL, TAG
 
"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live." - Dorothy Thompson
Copyright © 1995-2025 Scott Bukoski. All rights reserved.
BattleTech, 'Mech, BattleMech, MechWarrior, CityTech, BattleForce, and AeroTech
are registered trademarks of The Topps Company, Inc. © 2025 The Topps Company, Inc., All rights reserved.
Code Release 2.25.5 (2025-11-01T16:12:58-04:00)