Gyrfalcon

Description
Clan Jade Falcon developed this medium-weight BattleMech as part of a Clan-wide project in the early 3110s, aiming to revitalize the whole Clan. It replaced some older designs whose parts became increasingly scarce since the loss of home world ties. Conceived by the Clan's Council, it served as its intended purpose not only to act as replacement for older designs, but also bolster the Clan's morale for older warriors and next generation.

Among the design's early deployments, it would see action against Clan Hell's Horses in 3113. As part of an effort to showcase the 'Mech, the 2nd Falcon Dragoons were sent to Chateau. There the Dragoons conducted a Trial of Possession for a Star of Horse's Balius Quad OmniMech. The Dragoons winning bid consisted entirely of a Star of Gyrfalcons against 30th Mechanized Strike Cluster's Star of Balius. A fight which would pit both Clans' totem 'Mechs against one another, in this battle the Gyrfalcons would prove its worth to its creators. After the defeat of the Horses, the Dragoon's commander would order the complete destruction of the Balius in front of their former MechWarriors instead of claiming them as their prize.

Weapons and Equipment
Built for speed, firepower, and simplicity, the Gyrfalcon became common in Jade Falcon Stars. Its 275-Rated Extra-Light Fusion Engine would help propel the design into the battlefield at 86 kph and at bursts to 108 kph with the help of its MASC. Included in its construction is a Partial Wing, which gives the design the ability to jump further than the normal 150 meters that its Jump Jets would be capable of. In addition to its regular sensors, the engineers would fit a Light Active Probe in the 'Mech's head to help it identify potential enemy targets.

While it has been noted that its MechWarriors have it customized for their purposes, this design's original weapons layout consisted of two Series 6b Extended Range Large Lasers and two Type OVR-V LB 2-X ACs mounted in its shortened arms actuators. In addition to these ranged weapons systems, engineers would go on to reinforce the Gyrfalcon's legs. This is a nod to their touman changing its attitude towards the use of physical attacks, namely using Death from Above maneuver.

Variants

 * Gyrfalcon 2: The second version of the Gyrfalcon would appear in 3112. This version dropped the Reflective Armor of the standard model for Ferro-Fibrous. Using a less advanced armor, this version also drops the Light Active Probe and adds two laser heat sinks. BV(2.0)=2,105


 * Gyrfalcon 3: The third variant produced in 3112, replacing both LB 2-X ACs with two Type 25 Ultra AC/2s, the original engine and Ferro-Fibrous Armor. The variant retains the original's Targeting Computer, while fitted with Gyrfalcon 2's Ferro armor, a Small Cockpit, and carries only 10 Laser Heat Sinks. BV(2.0)=2,228


 * Gyrfalcon 4: Produced with a mix of Inner Sphere and Clan technologies, the fourth variant of the Gyrfalcon carries a pair of TSEMP Cannons in place of the original's autocannons. Similar to the third variant, this version retains the same level of Ferro armor protection and is still equipped with a Targeting Computer. The design has been equipped with 3 additional Laser Sinks in comparison to the previous three variants' 10. BV(2.0)=3,716

Notable Pilots

 * Aleksandr Hazen: Arguably the Gyrfalcon’s most famous MechWarrior, he was Galaxy Commander of Zeta Galaxy during the Clan's desant into the Republic of the Sphere in 3134. Piloting his 'Mech which he named the White Lily, he would artfully cut through enemy forces in the Republic until reaching Prefecture IX's Capital of Skye. With his sibkin, Galaxy Commander Malvina Hazen, they would nearly take the world through his methods. However, he would be killed in action with Prefect Tara Campbell at the hands of her Hatchetman signature weapon.

Design Quirks
The Gyrfalcon has the following Design Quirks:
 * Distracting
 * Reinforced Legs