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BattleMech Technical Readout
Name/Model: Gremlin (Black Falcon) GMN - 1J
Designer: Kylo Kruis
Source(s): Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 30
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: Jihad / 3069
Rules (Current): Standard
Rules (Era): Experimental
Rules (Year): Experimental
Total Cost: 4,985,890 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,110
Chassis: Standard
Power Plant: 210 XL
Walking Speed: 75.6 kph
Maximum Speed: 118.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Light PPCs
1 Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking: Unknown with Advanced Targeting Computer
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Overview:
Well known as one of the ugliest 'Mechs ever put into production, the Gremlin was designed
to meet the Lyran Alliance's 'Specification X-1042' which called for a long range Light
'Mech for low-medium intensity combat and general utility duties. Designed and built in the
remarkably short time of 26 weeks, the Gremlin was first tested by the elite Skye Ranger
'MechWarrior Mitt von Stalenhein in early February 3068 on Skye. During one of the test
runs, von Stalenhein encountered 3 Word of Blake (formerly of the Lyran Alliance) Ursa
MNR-3J 15 ton scout 'Mechs each armed with a Snub PPC. The Gremlin, with its Targeting
Computer, easily destroyed them, despite being much slower. The Blakist 'MechWarriors were
afterwards found out to be veterans. The Gremlin was placed into large scale production the
next week and first entered service in early 3069 with the Skye Rangers. Other Lyran
Alliance regiments adopted the 'Mech soon afterwards.
During the test period, von Stalenhein noted an inherent instability at high speed in the
early Gremlin design. With its long, spindly legs the Gremlin was apt to losing the tight
turning circle that is expected from a BattleMech; often skidding in high speed
'zero-turns'. To rectify this, a more complex terrain adjusting segmented 'crow's' foot was
incorporated with a serrated base with improved traction over the standard solid foot.
Additionally, fins similar to the rudders used on AeroSpace fighters were added to the
design. They both help to keep the 'Mech stable at high speeds and during high speed turns
the rear portion of the fin turns; effectively helping to steer the 'Mech.
Capabilities:
Designed using several modern technologies, the Gremlin made full use of the Heavy
Ferro-Fibrous armor that had recently been designed for the Lyran Alliance by Durallex for
just such purposes. While this design of armor did not enter full scale production until
almost a year after the 'Mech was designed, limited quantities of the technology were
available for testing on Skye as early as November 3067 and it was this that was first
fitted to the Gremlin.
In an effort to strengthen ties with a powerful planet, designers opted to purchase
production rights to the expensive but excellently designed Blackenburg Medium Laser and all
new Light PPC which was later mated with an indigenous PPC Capacitor.
As an interesting side note, if the Blackenburg Co. had put the deal with the Lyran
Alliance on a lower priority then the Gremlin would most likely not exist in the form we see
it today: the Word of Blake invaded Terra the week after the blueprints to the Medium Laser
and Light PPC were sent to Skye.
Contrary to popular belief, the gas canisters on the 'Mech's back are not Oxygen tanks for
the life support system, which are internal for safety reasons, but pressurised Argon or
Nitrogen depending on availability. The system, which can be automatic or manually engaged,
floods pockets in the 'Mech's internal structure with the inflammable gas; reducing the
chance of a fire or explosion in atmospheres where combustion is possible.
As well as this, the Gremlin (in accordance with the original design brief) has excellent
all-round vision, particularly in the downward and rearward directions despite having a
small cockpit.
Deployment:
At the peak of its deployment with the Lyran Alliance in 3082, the Gremlin equipped most
Lyran planets with a total of 80 'Mechs in the Skye area alone. It also had the distinction
of serving with the Lyran Royal Guards, parading in front of Adam Steiner's procession after
his first election in 3071.
Used extensively during the battles of the Jihad era, the Gremlin was key to the victory in
the battle of Benjamin III where it acted as a medium intensity patrol and reconnaissance
'Mech. Once, a lance consisting of 4 Gremlin GMN-1Js encountered and destroyed a Blakist
assault 'Mech whilst on patrol on Benjamin III by all the Gremlins concentrating their fire
on one location using their Targeting computers.
One of only a handful of 'Mechs to do so, the Gremlin worked in close co-operation with Clan
Nova Cat during their assault against the Blakists on Benjamin III where it easily coped
with fighting along side the superior Clan technology.
Variants:
In lower intensity areas, some Gremlins have 1 ton of armor removed and a C3 Slave added for
improved lance communications or a Machine Gun with half a ton of ammo for areas with
stronger infantry resistance. These simple modifications are often done outside the factory
and are named GMN-1JA and GMN-1JB respectively.
The GMN-1JA variant is easily identifiable by the large antenna on the right hand side
(rather than the left side on the standard model) of the cockpit and the GMN-1JB by the
Machine Gun mounted in the center torso.
Notable MechWarriors:
To commemorate his victory, Mitt von Stalenhein was presented with his own personal Gremlin
GMN-1J (No.14) in a special camouflage paint scheme with an advanced HUD and uprated
electronics (see 'Mech photo). He frequently uses this 'Mech for light scouting duties and
is an firm favorite of his in this role.
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Equipment Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 3.00
Engine: 210 XL 4.50
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 11 [22] 1.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Small 2.00
Armor Factor: 105 5.50
Type: Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 10 16
Center Torso (rear): 4
R/L Torso: 7 11
R/L Torso (rear): 3
R/L Arm: 5 10
R/L Leg: 7 14
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Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser CT 1 1.00
Targeting Computer LT 2 2.00
Light PPC w/ Capacitor RA 3 4.00
Light PPC w/ Capacitor LA 3 4.00
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Alpha Strike Statistics
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Point Value (PV): 30
TP: BM, SZ: 1, TMM: 3, MV: 14"
Damage: (S) 2 / (M) 2 / (L) 2, OV: 0
Armor (A): 4, Structure (S): 1
Specials: ENE
Distribution
Name/Model: Gremlin (Black Falcon) GMN - 1J
Technology: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 30
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
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Left ArmHeadRight Arm
1. Shoulder 1. Life Support 1. Shoulder
2. Upper Arm Actuator 2. Sensors 2. Upper Arm Actuator
3. Lower Arm Actuator 3. Small Cockpit 3. Lower Arm Actuator
4. Hand Actuator 4. Sensors 4. Hand Actuator
5. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 5. Roll Again 5. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
6. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 6. Roll Again 6. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
1. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 1. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
2. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 2. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
3. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 3. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
4. PPC Capacitor 4. PPC Capacitor
5.Light PPC 5.Light PPC
6.Light PPC 6.Light PPC
Left TorsoCenter TorsoRight Torso
1. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 1. XL Engine 1. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
2. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 2. XL Engine 2. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
3. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 3. XL Engine 3. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
4. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 4. Gyro 4.Double Heat Sink
5.Targeting Computer 5. Gyro 5.Double Heat Sink
6.Targeting Computer 6. Gyro 6.Double Heat Sink
1.Double Heat Sink 1. Gyro 1.Double Heat Sink
2.Double Heat Sink 2. XL Engine 2.Double Heat Sink
3.Double Heat Sink 3. XL Engine 3.Double Heat Sink
4. XL Engine 4. XL Engine 4. XL Engine
5. XL Engine 5. Medium Laser 5. XL Engine
6. XL Engine 6. Roll Again 6. XL Engine
Left LegRight Leg
1. Hip 1. Hip
2. Upper Leg Actuator 2. Upper Leg Actuator
3. Lower Leg Actuator 3. Lower Leg Actuator
4. Foot Actuator 4. Foot Actuator
5. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 5. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
6. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous 6. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Light PPC 5.
Light PPC 6.
Double Heat Sink
6.
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