Name/Model: Shadow Hawk (Sempai Hawk) SHD-2S
Designer: IronRaven Special Projects Group
Source(s): Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: D
Tonnage: 55
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: Star League / 2657
Rules (Current): Introductory
Rules (Era): Introductory
Rules (Year): Introductory
Total Cost: 4,447,157 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,231
Chassis: Lang T1
Power Plant: Core Tek 275
Walking Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-50
Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: Ryerson 150
Armament:
1 Sunglow Type 2 Large Laser
1 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Laser
1 Holly LRM 5
1 Bical Twin-Rack SRM 2
2 Voelkers 200 Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Neil 8000
Targeting & Tracking: RCA Instatrac Mark X
================================================================================================
Overview:
The SHD-2S is a peculiar variant of the Shadow Hawk developed for a very specific
role. It was produced in limited numbers for the SLDF for only about eight years. Despite
that, it is an interesting version of the mech.
Before examining the why, let us look at the mech itself. The most important change is that
the Armstrong autocannon was swapped for a Sunglow Type-2 large laser. Fifty percent more
powerful than the original ballistic weapon, the range is shortened by 90m and reduces the
logistical need for the main weapon. It is restricted to direct fire, but with the retention
of Holly five tube LRM launcher the lack of maximum range isn't as important. The other arms
are changed as well, with the Holly SRM launcher replaced by a Bical model, and the Martel
medium laser is swapped for a similar Diverse Optics product. There is also a pair of
Voelkers 200 machine guns in the left arms supported with a half ration of ammunition giving
it a reasonable anti-infantry capability that most Shadow Hawks lack. With the weight
savings from the switch to the laser, an extra heat sink and an additional ton and half of
armour improves the survivability of the mech. While it is easy to overheat the mech, in the
hands of a skilled Mechwarrior who isn't continuously "alpha striking" is also easily
managed. And that is part of why this general specification was developed, but it doesn't
explain the exact weapons fit.
During the mid 2600s, SLDF experimented with what was called the Kohai/Sempai training
program. Developed by SLDF Colonel Shoji, the plan was on the concept that different models
of mech could be very similarly armed with one being lighter but faster. In theory, the
senior mechwarior of a pair would be assigned to the more mobile machine, with two identical
pairs per lance. Originally it was done with the pairing of Bombadiers and
Archers, Crusaders and Chargers, and similar matches. One of those
pairs was the Shadow Hawk and Battlemaster or much more frequently
Thunderbolt.
Initially, units using that pairing modified their SHDs with spare large lasers for their
T-bolts. Not only did Earthwerks manufacture the Thunderbolts but was also a licensed
manufacturer of the Shadow Hawk for the SLDF in an agreement with Lang Industries.
When one of the units that made the regimental-level modification reached out to Earthwerks
to help trouble shoot issues, an engineer had an idea. It took less than 30 days for
Earthwerks to turn out a prototype SHD-2 armed with the same weapons and electronics as the
TDR-5S. Informally designated the SHD-2S, these mechs were quickly and quietly absorbed into
units partaking in the Sempai/Kohai program as it reduced the numbers and types of spares
they needed to keep in stock. And that is where the procurement people got involved, and
then the judge adjutant general.
These were adopted on the record as SHD-2Hs and were requisitioned at the regimental level
as replacements, either whole or as conversion kits. Then the maintenance crews showed
overages of AC/5 parts and other components, and higher than expected spares consumption for
the Thunderbolt-spec parts. While the Investigator General's office demanded an
explanation, Lang started legal proceedings against Earthwerks. It would take several years
but Lang would win in court, arguing that Earthwerks has exceeded the terms of their license
agreement. A dozen colonels, many lesser officers and a score of Warrant officers would be
cashiered as a result of the court martials. And the SLDF had some mechs that while not
wrong (and considered quite good by their pilots), the machines weren't regulation. In the
end, they had their SRMs, medium lasers and electronics reverted to SLDF SHD spec at
Earthwerks' expense, while retaining the large laser and Voelkers. The SLDF would further
purchase a limited number from Lang with the Martell large laser (these would be classified
as the SHD-2S*) while the various legal proceedings were underway.
Ignoring the economic and legal issues surrounding them, the SHD-2S performed exactly as
required- like a little Thunderbolt. This allowed the more experienced pilot to not
only maneuver around the heavier mech and take the tactically advantageous position relative
to the Thunderbolt and the threat in a classic hammer and anvil tactic. Even as the
Star League abandoned the training paradigm that gave birth to it, those SHD-2Ss that were
in service would be retained and used in full lances, usually with two lances of
Thunderbolts or Battlemasters as an assault company. In that role, the
so-called "Sempai Hawks" would eventually be attritioned out of existence. If any survived,
they would have left during the Exodus. But that is the not end of the story of the lost
Sempai Hawk.
Despite not being adopted in large numbers, at least by SLDF and HAF standards, the SHD-2S
was popular with it's pilots. Analysis of its battle history proved the value of the large
laser, and the machine guns gave it the flexibility to deal with enemy infantry formations.
While many things can be said about Lang's management over the centuries, they could never
be called stupid. One of the most popular mechs of all time could be made able to undertake
a wider variety of missions and given greater protection. The simple answer would be to make
and sell more -2S*, but the lawsuit had forever bound that designation and spec to the
Earthwerks machines. After all that trouble, Lang would never approach Earthwerks to make
them under license. But what the lawsuit giveth to their competitor, the lawsuit may taketh
away.
If there was ever a criticism of the SHD was that it wasn't able to keep up with the
Wolverine and Griffin in broken ground. So if a way could be found to improve
the jump jets, that would protect them from counter suit from Earthwerks. Given that the
Sempai Hawks were already carrying only a half ration of MG ammunition for a mech
that was supposed to be more independent of logistics, a very valid question could be raised
about having paired Sperry-Brownings. Particularly in one place. (The decision to change MGs
was based on the Sperry-Browning being the most widely used model in the SLDF, and given the
Earthwerks-Voelker relationship inquiries might been suspect considering that this model was
developed in secret.) By removing one of them, a fourth jump jet may be added. With a few
other minor changes that simplified the replacement and maintenance of the large laser, Lang
put the SHD-2T out to the market on a speculative basis. With the same eleven tons of armour
and thirteen heatsinks, the 120m jump range allows this configuration to keep up with mechs
like the Victor and out maneuver others like the Crockett or
Highlander. Designated the SHD-2T, this model of the Shadow Hawk would fill as
many roles at the -2D and excelled at urban and counterinsurgency warfare. The -2T and the
less common -2TI (which replaced the machinegun with a flamer) with those who had purchased
them during the twelve year production run, with fewer than two hundred being produced.
The largest user was the Star League, but many pilots incorrectly assumed it was a Taurian
mech and would transfer to other machines quickly. Ironically, Taurian forces assumed the T
designator was intended as an insult or at least to specify a model made specifically to
oppress the Periphery starting with them. During the subjugation and occupation of the
Periphery states by the SLDF, SHD-2Ts were often specifically targeted for that reason.
Several of the Great Houses would buy the -2T in limited quantities, filling in for the -2H
or various House models on a limited basis. The largest buyer of them was the Rim World
Republic. In the urban fighting that would occur during the Aramis Coup, mech after mech
after mech would be ground up, including most SHD-2Ts. The handful that survived were with
House forces that hadn't volunteered to join Kerensky, and would be lost during the first
two Succession Wars. A lone surviving Shadow Hawk armed with a large laser and at
least one MG, presumably a -2T, was known to be in service with the Oberon pirates as late
as 3009; its whereabouts and fate are unknown, but it was heavily damaged and the reactor
shielding was in a dangerous state of disrepair at that time.
There was a further variant of note along this evolutionary path. When the SLDF began the
process of upgrading older designs in what became known as "Royal" configurations, Land did
arrange for a pair of endo-steel chassis to be built. With eleven double heatsinks (integral
to the engine) and a fifth jump jet, this proposed Royal mech would have carried the same
eleven tons of conventional armour. It would again carry two MGs, this time with a full ton
of ammunition, it was equipped with CASE on both the left and right torsos. The collar
mounted SRM-2 was upgraded to a Streak model, and the large laser swapped for an extended
range model. Given the counterinsurgency role that the -2S and -2T performed will in, an
active probe was added as well. Instead, the SLDF would provide it's own specification that
included an LB-10X cannon and a change in operational paradigm for the Shadow Hawk
resulting in Royal units getting the SHD-2Hb. One of the prototypes would be converted to to
mount the autocannon, while the other would be scrapped.
The long term legacy of the Sempai Hawk is debatable. Many would say that it
influenced the Kuritian SHD-2K, at least as proof that the autocannon could be replaced with
an energy weapon, but you saw similiar changes with other mechs ranging from
Blackjack to the Wolverine to the Highlander. And there is no doubt
that various field refits to a large laser, either from an AC/5 or a PPC, did occur and were
usually accompanied by more armour and heatsinks. Those Shadow Hawk -2Hs that remain
could be upgraded easily enough to the -2S spec at minimal cost, and new -2Ts could be
produced by an of the Great Houses or the major Periphery states.
Outside of the technical legacy, notable mechwarriors undoubtedly pilots these mechs, but as
time passes and ancient battleROMs degrade, it is hard to tell who piloted a -2S or -2T, vs
those who used the -2H. The battlefield data of the "Minnesota Tribe" at Selvik suggests a
machine gun equipped SHD was present, but that is from one recording while others lack
sufficient evidence to support it.
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 5.50
Engine: 275 Fusion 15.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 3
Heat Sinks (Single): 13 3.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 176 11.00
Type: Standard
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 18 25
Center Torso (rear): 10
R/L Torso: 13 20
R/L Torso (rear): 6
R/L Arm: 9 18
R/L Leg: 13 22
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM 2 H 1 1.00
Jump Jet CT 1 0.50
SRM 2 (Ammo 50) CT 1 1.00
Jump Jet RT 1 0.50
LRM 5 RT 1 2.00
LRM 5 (Ammo 24) RT 1 1.00
Jump Jet LT 1 0.50
Large Laser LT 2 5.00
Machine Gun (Ammo 100) LT 1 0.50
Medium Laser RA 1 1.00
2 Machine Guns LA 2 1.00
================================================================================================
Alpha Strike Statistics
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Value (PV): 32
TP: BM, SZ: 2, TMM: 2, MV: 10"/6"j
Damage: (S) 2 / (M) 2 / (L) 0*, OV: 0
Armor (A): 6, Structure (S): 5
Specials: IF0*, JMPW1 |
