BattleMech Technical Readout
Name/Model: Talon TLN-5V
Designer: Catalyst Game Labs
Source(s): Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged, Clan & Star League
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 35
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: Star League / 2670
Rules (Current): Tournament Legal
Rules (Era): Tournament Legal
Rules (Year): Tournament Legal
Total Cost: 5,899,275 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,075
Chassis: Standard
Power Plant: 280 XL
Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Standard
Armament:
1 PPC
2 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking: Unknown
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Overview:
Fast, well-armed, and heavily armored, the Talon was designed to complement the
SLDF's Mongoose light command mech. Though the Talon weighs ten tons more than the
Mongoose, it is just as fast as the smaller 'Mech. After witnessing the impressive
combat trials in the fall of 2669, the Star League High Command ordered the 'Mech
into full-scale production. In May of 2670, the talon reached the first frontline
Mech companies.
During the First Succession War many of the Houses formed raiding companies of
combined Mongoose/Talon lances consisting of one Mongoose and three Talons. The
Talons provided long-range fire support with their PPCs while the Mongoose
advanced, sweeping the surrounding areas with its Beagle probe in search of
camouflaged enemy positions. The Mongoose had the firepower to deal with lightly
equipped infantry and the speed to get away from the more heavily armed
opponents-if the Mongoose ran into something it could not handle, it would speed
away under the covering fire of the Talon.
Unfortunately, missions like this were extremely dangerous even when
everything went according to plan. Once things fell apart, the lance commander's
'Mech was invariably the first to fall, depriving the unit of its leader at the
time it needed him most. As the meat grinder of the Succession Wars progressed,
more and more Talon/Mongoose raiding companies were lost. In 2815 the last Talon
production facility vanished in a thermo-nuclear fireball, and by 2830 the last
known Talon was cannibalized for parts.
In 3056 Blackstone opened a new Talon production line, though the company has
yet to begin full production.
Capabilities:
With a top speed of more than 130 kph, the Talon is one of the fastest of the Star
League-era 'Mechs, surpassed only by the Hussar and the Hermes. To achieve this
speed, the design team used a Vox 280 XL engine, one of the most efficient fusion
plants produced during the Star League era. To help the Talon withstand combat,
the design team gave it the maximum armor protection feasible for its weight
class. In addition, the Talon carries three impressive weapons. The BattleMech's
primary weapon is an extended-range PPC, which gives the Talon excellent striking
power at all ranges. Rounding out the Talon's weapons are two ChisComp 39
medium-lasers. Because all its weapons are energy-based, the Talon can remain in
the field for extended periods of time without needing ammunition reloads. This
capability makes the Talon a valuable asset of any light 'Mech company.
Deployment:
Eighteen Talons currently help patrol the Jade Falcon-Lyran Alliance border. The
'Mechs have yet to see combat, but that could change soon. Blackstone recently
announced plans to produce at least two more runs of the Talon.
Variants:
No information provided
Notable MechWarriors:
No information provided
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Equipment Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 3.50
Engine: 280 XL 8.00
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 11 [22] 1.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 119 7.50
Type: Standard
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 11 17
Center Torso (rear): 5
R/L Torso: 8 12
R/L Torso (rear): 4
R/L Arm: 6 12
R/L Leg: 8 16
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Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
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PPC RA 3 7.00
2 Medium Lasers LA 2 2.00
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