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                 BattleMech Technical Readout

Name/Model:         Thorn X
Designer:           alimickwhit
Source(s):          Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology:         Clan (Mixed)
Technology Rating:  F
Tonnage:            20
Role:               Striker
Configuration:      Biped BattleMech
Era/Year:           Jihad / 3080
Rules (Current):    Experimental (Extinct)
Rules (Era):        Experimental
Rules (Year):       Experimental
Total Cost:         3,815,240 C-Bills
Battle Value:       653

Chassis:              Endo Steel
Power Plant:          140 XL
Walking Speed:        75.6 kph  
Maximum Speed:        118.8 kph [151.2 kph]
Jump Jets:            None
    Jump Capacity:    None
Armor:                Standard
Armament:             
    1 ER Medium Laser (IS)
    2 ER Small Lasers (IS)
Manufacturer:         Ford Military Limited
    Primary Factory:  Terra
Communications:       Opus I Ultrabeam with Nova CEWS
Targeting & Tracking: Unknown

================================================================================================
Overview:
    The Thorn is an older BattleMech design, incorporated into the Hegemony Armed Forces during
    the late 24th Century. It was the first 'Mech to incorporate the Endo Steel II Skeleton. The
    Thorn was unveiled with tremendous hype, but initial reviews were mixed.  Commanders later
    agreed that Endo Steel II had obvious advantages but would not be suitable for all 'Mechs.
    
    The Thorn was designed to serve in front-line combat units.  Its inability to jump was
    not considered unusual for this type of duty, but commanders who tried to use all light
    'Mechs as scouts found the Thorn to be useless.  Once seperated from company mates, the
    Thorn's heavier armor and greater firepower were no match for a quicker opponent.

Capabilities:
    The Thorn has had mixed reviews for the entire length of its service.  Supporters point out
    that the design packs more punch per ton than any other 'Mech and that its armor is also the
    best of its size. In a toe-to-toe slugfest, the Thorn can usually reduce an equal weight
    opponent to scrap in minutes.
    
    Opponents of the design note that a 'Mech cannot hit what it cannot reach. Although the
    120 Class engine allows the 'Mech to run at a respectable speed, its lack of jump jets
    leaves the Thorn in the dust of other light 'Mechs. The Zeus Long-Range Missile system only
    partially offsets this lack of pursuit ability.
    
    This favoring of armor and weapons over maneuverabilty has made the Thorn a favorite of
    front-line light companies.
    
    The weapon placement and ease of maintenance have given the design high marks in every
    technician's manual. The arms and legs are completely accessible, allowing a service crew to
    actually enter the limbs and work on repairs from the inside.
    
    The Thorn's main armament consists of twin medium lasers. These identical weapons
    further imrove maintenance and are extremely efficient.  The design is noted as a "cool
    running" 'Mech, but the placement of one laser directly under the pilot's feet makes the
    Thorn seem to be running hotter than it really is. Extensive cooling is provided in the
    cockpit area, but the lack of an effective venting system for the medium laser makes
    repeated firing uncomfortable for the pilot.
    
    The Zeus Long-Range Missile system is extremely accurate, and the arm mount allows the
    pilot to switch targets quickly. If damaged, the entire system can be replaced in a few
    hours, which is fortunate as the launcher can easily be destroyed if the 'Mech engages in
    hand-to-hand combat. The missile-feed system, which passes reloads from the torso storage
    compartment, is average at best.  If damaged, reloads can become lodged in the upper arm,
    where additional damage has been known to cause detonation, destroying the arm.

================================================================================================
Equipment                                                             Mass                      
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure:                         Endo Steel                 1.00                     
Engine:                                       140 XL                   2.50                     
    Walking MP:                                 7                                               
    Running MP:                              11 [14]                                            
    Jumping MP:                                 0                                               
Heat Sinks (Double):                         10 [20]                   0.00                     
Gyro:                                        Standard                  2.00                     
Cockpit:                                     Standard                  3.00                     
Armor Factor:                                   69                     4.50                     
    Type:                                    Standard                                           

                                    Internal         Armor     
                                    Structure        Value     
    Head:                               3              9       
    Center Torso:                       6              8       
    Center Torso (rear):                               4       
    R/L Torso:                          5              6       
    R/L Torso (rear):                                  4       
    R/L Arm:                            3              6       
    R/L Leg:                            4              8       

================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo                                       Location          Critical     Tonnage   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nova CEWS                                                 H                 1          1.50             
ER Small Laser (IS)                                       CT                1          0.50             
MASC                                                      RT                1          1.00             
ER Medium Laser (IS)                                      RA                1          1.00             
ER Small Laser (IS)                                       LA                1          0.50             

================================================================================================
Alpha Strike Statistics                                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Value (PV): 29
TP: BM,  SZ: 1,  TMM: 3,  MV: 18"
Damage: (S) 2 / (M) 2 / (L) 0,  OV: 0
Armor (A): 2,  Structure (S): 1
Specials: ECM, ENE, MHQ1, NOVA, PRB, RCN
 
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Code Release 2.26.2 (2026-01-19T13:20:38-05:00)