Phoenix Hawk

Description
First introduced by the Terran Hegemony in Introduction Year::2568, the Phoenix Hawk was one of the most famous BattleMechs in the Inner Sphere. The 'Mech began life when Orguss Industries realized that it could reinforce the Stinger chassis to create a larger version, one with the same speed and maneuverability as the Stinger but with superior armor, firepower, and electronics. Though not without its own drawbacks, the Phoenix Hawk quickly became the standard by which all other reconnaissance 'Mechs were measured.

Originally a staple of the Star League Defense Force, Phoenix Hawks remained common within the armies of the Successor States after the fall of the Star League. At first Phoenix Hawks were grouped together to form powerful recon lances, but as they started reaching their various deployments, their full potential as command 'Mechs was discovered and many were reassigned to instead lead units of smaller recon 'Mechs. By the middle of the thirty-first century the Phoenix Hawk was still in production at factories on Keystone, New Avalon, Coventry, Jarett and Satalice. Its commonness made it an early candidate for the use of recovered lostech following the Helm Memory Core recovery, and a variety of upgraded variants were produced in time for the Clan Invasion.

When Vicore Industries began peddling its Project Phoenix concept, they had trouble even arranging a meeting with Ceres Metals about upgrading the Phoenix Hawk, until General Motors agreed to contact them on their behalf. What followed were several months of negotiations, concluding with an agreement for Ceres to build the new PXH-4L Phoenix Hawk on St. Ives in exchange for technical assistance retooling their BJ-3 Blackjack production line. The Capellan Confederation, impressed with what they saw in these new Phoenix Hawks, acquired the first run when they stepped off the production lines in late 3066 and assigned them to front-line units; their job was to work alongside RVN-4L Ravens in a support role. New variants based on this updated 'Mech soon found their way into the hands of other users, including ComStar and the Word of Blake.

Weapons and Equipment
Standing at 11 meters tall, the Phoenix Hawk was armed in such a way that it can be used in several different combat roles including command, reconnaissance, and front line duty. The primary weapon on board was a Harmon large laser carried in the right arm, giving the 'Mech a weapon which could strike at an enemy at a respectable distance. This was backed up by two Harmon medium lasers for close range combat, one in either forearm. Finally, to deter infantry attacks, the 'Mech carried two M100 Heavy machine guns, also one in each arm, with one ton of ammunition stored in the center torso.

Eight tons of armoring on the Phoenix Hawk gave it acceptable endurance for short combat actions, though not for any sustained brawling. Just 10 single heat sinks meant the 'Mech had a relatively low heat threshold; green pilots were known to lose their 'Mechs by overtaxing this system overusing their heat-intensive weapons and jump jets. However, a GM 270 fusion engine also gave the Phoenix Hawk a good cruising speed of 64.8 km/h, and the 'Mech could go from standing still to top speed within the span of 100 meters. Six jump jets split between right and left rear torsos provided a maximum jumping distance of 180 meters. These attributes helped make the 'Mech just as fast and maneuverable as its smaller brethren, the Stinger and Wasp.

It was the Phoenix Hawk ' s electronics, though, which truly helped it perform best as a command 'Mech for recon lances. Its Tek Tru-Trak targeting computer was particularly accurate, while the heavily shielded Tek BattleCom system could overcome interfering radiation, whether ambient or manmade, that would've shut down other units. Unfortunately, after the fall of the Star League, the ability to reproduce these systems became lost and many units had to replace them with simpler systems, such as the Octagon Tartrac System C and Neil 6000 respectively.

Variants

 * PXH-1b "Special" : Referred to as the Phoenix Hawk "Special," the 1b was introduced in 2760 for the Star League's Royal units. It utilized an XL engine as well as endo steel for its chassis, which allowed the designers to upgrade its weaponry. The pistol-like laser was upgraded to an ER PPC, while a swivel-mounted ER large laser found its way onto the right torso. Upgrading the 10 single heat sinks with double heat sinks kept these high-heat weapons from overwhelming the 'Mech. A Guardian ECM suite in the center torso improved the 1b's defense, while moving the machine gun ammunition to the left torso and adding CASE virtually ensured that the MechWarrior would survive an ammunition explosion. BV (2.0) = 1,512


 * PXH-1bC : Refits of heavily damaged 'Mechs from the 112th Royal Hussar Regiment developed by ComStar for the Battle of Tukayyid, this Phoenix Hawk "Special" variant replaces damaged arm-mounted ER PPCs with the Blankenburg 25 ER large laser from its torso. The most significant change was mounting Narc missile beacons, stripped from KTO-19 Kintaros as part of Operation ROSEBUD, in the left arm with three tons of ammunition in a CASE-protected bay in the left torso. Pilots became renowned for tagging overeager Clan warriors with homing pods. The Harmon medium lasers remain in the arms, but in recognition of Elementals the machine guns are replaced with a Zippo flamer, more to cause havoc and cover retreats than for combat. Retaining the six jump jets, it also carries the Guardian ECM suite of the "Special", and 12 double heat sinks. While highly successful in its role, almost all PXH-1bCs were destroyed on Tukayyid, though it would later inspire the Tessen. BV (2.0) = 1,174


 * PXH-1c "Special" : An upgrade that never saw full production due to the fall of the Star League, the 1c called for swapping out the ER PPC in exchange for a snub-nose PPC, which was still an experimental weapon when the first models started field Trials in 2784. The extra ton left over was used to increase the variant's armoring. BV (2.0) = 1,443


 * PXH-1-EC : Techs assigned to Clan Goliath Scorpion traded the standard large laser for an improved larger laser and replaced the arm-mounted medium lasers for prototype ER medium lasers. They also added an anti-missile system, but ammunition explosions were a great concern to pilots. (Note: EC is an abbreviation used by historians to designate "Early Clan" designs.) BV (2.0) = 1,206


 * PXH-1D : The 1D variant of the Phoenix Hawk was commonly used by the forces of the Federated Suns. Introduced in 2856, it removes both of the machine guns and the ammunition and replaces them with two additional single heat sinks. While removing a small amount of the 'Mech's short-range firepower and a powerful set of weapons against infantry, the additional heat sinks made the 1D's heat load more manageable. BV (1.0) = 883; BV (2.0) = 1,083


 * PXH-1K : The 1K variant was particularly favored by House Kurita, though when it was introduced in 2603 it represented a departure from the traditional thinking of the Phoenix Hawk. By removing all jump jets from the 'Mech, room is freed up to install three additional single heat sinks and another one and a half tons of armor. The machine guns and ammunition have also been removed from the design and replaced with a single small laser carried in the center torso. BV (1.0) = 872; BV (2.0) = 1,073


 * PXH-1Kk : Developed by House Kurita some time during the Star League Era, this Phoenix Hawk replaces the large laser for an ER large laser and the two medium lasers for medium pulse lasers. To handle the heat load, the 'Mech carries 11 double heat sinks.


 * PXH-2 : Based on the PXH-1, this electronic warfare variant introduced in 2599 drops the machine guns and ammunition in favor of a Guardian ECM suite and another half-ton of armor. BV (2.0) = 1,145


 * PXH-2K : This Draconis Combine variant carries an ER large laser, a center torso small laser, and an additional medium laser in each side torso. 12 double heat sinks are carried, and eight and a half tons of ferro-fibrous armor provides protection. BV (2.0) = 1,271


 * PXH-3D : The 3D variant of this 'Mech was introduced in 3048, based on the 1D used by House Davion forces, and was built out of New Avalon by Achernar BattleMechs as one of a slew of redesigns using recovered lostech. The 'Mech utilized endo steel construction techniques and an extralight fusion engine to free up weight and space for a number of improvements, particularly its weaponry. The 'Mech carried a pair of ER large lasers and a pair of medium pulse lasers split between both arms. With the machine guns and their ammunition removed, this allowed two additional heat sinks to be added, as well as upgrading all heat sinks to double-strength models. BV (1.0) = 1,148; BV (2.0) = 1,315


 * PXH-3K : The 3K Phoenix Hawk was another upgrade of the design that used rediscovered technologies, built by Alshain Weapons and GKT Enterprises for House Kurita and the Free Rasalhague Republic respectively. Introduced in 3050, the engine was upgraded to an extralight model, with the saved weight used to upgrade the weapons payload on the 'Mech, taking its cues from the 1K variant. Like the PXH-3D model the 3K carries two ER large lasers and two medium lasers, but used medium pulse lasers in place of the extended-range type. It also carried 12 double heat sinks to manage the additional waste heat, and the eight tons of standard armor were replaced with the same amount of New Samarkand Royal ferro-fibrous armor, improving its survivability. BV (1.0) = 1,204; BV (2.0) = 1,359


 * PXH-3M : The 3M variant of the 'Mech was also introduced in 3048, built by Earthwerks Incorporated from their Keystone factory and using upgrades based on rediscovered Star League technology. First, the internal structure of the 'Mech has been redesigned to utilize a 1A Type7 endo steel chassis. The engine was then replaced with a GM 270 XL and the heat sinks were upgraded to doubles. This allowed the weapons payload to be changed extensively, with all of the original weapons being stripped from the chassis. In their place the 'Mech carried two Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER large lasers as its primary weapons and two Martell medium pulse lasers for close in work, with one of each mounted in either arm. Finally, a MainFire Point Defense anti-missile system replaced the right-arm machine gun, with two tons each of AMS and machine gun reloads carried in the CASE-protected left torso.  The electronic systems were also replaced with an Achernar Electronics HID-8 comm system and Federated Hunter target-tracking system. BV (1.0) = 1,057; BV (2.0) = 1,307


 * PXH-3PL : The 3PL Phoenix Hawk is an upgrade of the 3D model that was introduced in 3067. The armor has been upgraded to nine tons and the weapons have been stripped from the chassis. The 'Mech's new primary weaponry is a large pulse laser backed up by two medium pulse lasers. This weapons complement is rounded out with two ER small lasers. The final touch on the design is a targeting computer, which gives the 'Mech extremely accurate fire. BV (1.0) = 1,116; BV (2.0) = 1,244


 * PXH-3S : The 3S model of this 'Mech, first deployed in 3042, was another upgrade using rediscovered technology that attempted to make the Phoenix Hawk even more effective for reconnaissance. The engine was upgraded to an extralight version and 10 double heat sinks improved heat management. The overall armor protection was increased by one ton and replaced with Lexington Limited High Grade ferro-fibrous armor. The primary weapon on the 'Mech was a Thunderbolt-12 large pulse laser built into the right arm, though it still retained the two medium lasers and machine guns of the original. Additionally, an anti-missile system was mounted on the right arm, with its two tons of ammo, along with two tons of machine gun ammo, protected by CASE in the left torso.  The primary difference, from other variants introduced during the time period, was the addition of a MASC system, which allowed the 'Mech to reach speeds of up to 129.6 km/h in short bursts. BV (1.0) = 1,019; BV (2.0) = 1,237


 * PXH-4L : The 4L Phoenix Hawk was a variant built for the Capellan Confederation by Ceres Metals starting in 3066. The design used a Taurian-produced standard Warner 270M Fusion engine for power and was built around a Ceresplex IV Endo Steel skeleton. The 'Mech carried a Martel ER large laser in its right forearm as its primary weapon, joined by two Ceres Arms ER medium lasers in the left and right arm for secondary weapons. It also mounted a Sperry Browning 30mm Mini-Gun machine gun in either arm, with one ton of reloads carried in the center torso. The six Anderson Propulsion 30 jump jets split between the rear side torsos were also upgraded from the original, being specially designed to protect the exhaust ports and improve cooling during operation. One of the more radical changes was the use of eight tons of Ceres Metals Stealth Armor, making the Phoenix Hawk harder to target at range. The armor was specially angled around the torso to better deflect incoming shots and designed to improve protection around the shoulders and lower arm actuator. The other radical difference was the use of a full-head ejection system. The 'Mech's electronics, a Ceres Metals Model 686 w/ Guardian ECM comm system and Apple Churchill 2000 T&T system, were built into the head's protective cowling. BV (1.0) = 1,117; BV (2.0) = 1,399 or 1,117


 * PXH-4M : This Dark Age variant of the Phoenix Hawk uses a light fusion engine to improve survivability. Eight and a half tons of armor coat the endo steel chassis, while each arm carries a light PPC and medium X-Pulse laser, while additional close in firepower comes from two small X-Pulse lasers in the center torso. Maximum ground speed is 96 km/h and it still jumps 180 meters. BV (2.0) = 1,327


 * PXH-4W : This version, introduced in 3079, used a light fusion engine that reduced the 'Mech's top speed, though engineers installed improved jump jets to compensate. The 240 meter jump range allowed the Phoenix Hawk to use the light PPC and ER medium laser in each arm to great effect. Additionally a Guardian ECM suite helps jam enemy networks, a heavy-duty gyro allows the 'Mech to hang in a fight longer, and a full-head ejection system protects the pilot. BV (2.0) = 1,395


 * PXH-5L : This variant of the 4L, unveiled in 3069, removed the machine guns, one double heat sink, a jump jet, and the ER large laser to mount a Ceres Arms Crusher plasma rifle and two tons of ammunition. Its endo steel skeleton was covered in eight tons of stealth armor and it was also equipped with a full-head ejection system and a PlasmaStar 270 engine. BV (2.0) = 1,589


 * PXH-6D : The 6D variant was built using an endo steel chassis and carried 10 tons of armor for protection. Introduced in 3067, it carried as its primary weapon an ER PPC, giving it incredible range. The ER PPC was backed up by four ER medium lasers, all of which were tied to a targeting computer, allowing the 6D to stay back and act in direct fire support and sniper roles. It also mounts a full-head ejection system. BV (1.0) = 1,463; BV (2.0) = 1,665


 * PXH-7CS : The 7CS variant of the Phoenix Hawk was designed and built for ComStar in 3067 as an electronic warfare 'Mech. The 'Mech uses an extralight engine for power and is protected by nine tons of armor, with a full-head ejection system protecting the pilot. The primary weapon on the design is an ER large laser supported by two ER medium lasers. The 'Mech also carries an improved Narc missile beacon launcher, allowing it mark enemy units for bombardment by artillery, as well as an improved C3 computer which allows the 7CS to share targeting telemetry with other friendly units. BV (1.0) = 1,063; BV (2.0) = 1,281


 * PXH-7K : A highly mobile variant of the Phoenix Hawk, the 7K was built in 3070 using a weight-saving endo steel chassis and armored with eight and a half tons of light ferro-fibrous armor. The 'Mech was capable of speeds of up to 97.2 km/h and could jump up to 270 meters through the use of nine improved jump jets. It was armed with a powerful snub-nose PPC backed up by an ER medium laser, making the 'Mech exceptional in close combat. Like the PXH-7CS it was also equipped with a Full-Head Ejection System. BV (2.0) = 1,241


 * PXH-7S : The 7S Phoenix Hawk was introduced in 3067 for House Steiner, using a new light engine for power and a MASC system to augment its ground speed. The 'Mech was built around an endo steel structure, used the full-head ejection system, and was protected by nine tons of ferro-fibrous armor. The 7S carried a large pulse laser as its primary weapon and four medium lasers for close range work. The weapons were rounded out with a small laser located in the 'Mech's head. BV (1.0) = 1,190; BV (2.0) = 1,496


 * PXH-8CS : Based on the PXH-7CS, this version used an experimental XXL engine to reach a maximum speed of 110 km/h. An XL gyro and C3 slave unit were also installed while retaining the full-head ejection system. All the weapons were replaced with a pair of snub-nose PPCs and four extra double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1,482


 * PXH-9 : Developed in the Dark Age by Earthwerks-FWL on Calloway VI, this version keeps the typical ground speed of 96 km/h but uses eight improved jump jets to cover 240 meters at a time. The weaponry consists of a medium laser and light machine gun in each arm, but the main striking power comes from a right arm–mounted large X-Pulse laser. The center torso carries a half ton of light machine gun ammunition in a CASE II–protected bay. BV (2.0) = 1,244


 * PXH-99 : A failed Dark Age version designed by Biff McStrongjaw. This version uses, on top of 18.5 tons of hardened armor, modular armor on both legs and side torsos. The modular armor, along with the 45-rated engine, results in a heavily armored but nearly immobile 'Mech. The PXH-99 is armed with two ER medium lasers, two ER small lasers, and a large X-Pulse laser. BV (2.0) = 1,444


 * Phoenix Hawk C : Developed by the Clans during the Golden Century, this rebuilt version of the Phoenix Hawk uses an endo steel chassis and XL engine. Nine tons of armor and CASE protect the 'Mech. Each arm carries a medium pulse laser while each side torso carries a UAC/2 with one ton of ammunition for each autocannon. The left torso carries a half ton of machine gun ammunition to feed the machine guns mounted in the head and center torso. BV (2.0) = 1,396


 * Phoenix Hawk C 2 : Another Earthwerks-FWL developed model, this variant was produced on Keystone. An Inner Sphere XL engine and endo steel chassis were fitted with multiple Clan-spec systems. Like the traditional Phoenix Hawk, this version carries a Clan medium pulse laser and AP Gauss rifle in each arm. The right arm also carries a Clan large pulse laser. All these weapons are tied into a Clan-built targeting computer. What makes this version stand out is the supercharger which allows the 'Mech to reach 120 km/h. BV (2.0) = 2,187

Custom Variants

 * PHX-3M Kuroi Kiri: Refitted on Coordinator Takashi Kurita's order when Shin Yodama was promoted to command the Izanagi Warriors, the basic frame of the Kuroi Kiri mirrored the 3M and was primarily armed with a Lord's Light PPC and Victory Nickel Alloy ER large laser in its right and left arms respectively. For supporting weaponry, a ChisComp 39 medium laser is also carried in each arm, along with a left arm–mounted GM machine gun and right arm–mounted Yori Flyswatter anti-missile system. Fitted with 11 double heat sinks, Shin's 'Mech carries a single ton each of machine gun and AMS ammo in the CASE-protected left torso. Initially introduced as the second Phoenix Hawk Hero 'Mech in MechWarrior Online game, the only difference was use of an apocryphal PXH-KK model designation.


 * PXH-3M Roc : Piloted by Sir Paul Masters when the Knights of the Inner Sphere were formed, this refit of the 3M version drops one of the large lasers, replacing it with twin Holly SRM-4 launchers and ammunition. BV (2.0) = 1,154 NOTE: Ideal War says the 'Mech uses two Streak SRM-2 launchers, not SRM-4s, with the weapons loadout change introduced in RS: 3085 Unabridged Project Phoenix. Previously referred to the Masters variant, the Roc name was introduced in MechWarrior Online in Line Developer-written lore for the apocryphal PXH-R model designation before reappearing in BattleTech: Legends.


 * PXH-4L Sante : Used by Christina Sante, a known associate of The Bounty Hunter, this version trades the Inner Sphere large laser for a Clan model and adds TAG to the center torso. BV (2.0) = 1,559


 * PXH-7KJ Jasmine : Debuting in 3142 on the King of the Mountain, Jasmine is a customized PXH-7K variant piloted by Team Genie's Lindsey Larkin in the 3146 Royal Fantasy Tournament. Mounting standard jump jets to save weight, Jasmine adds a PPC capacitor to the snub-nose PPC in its right arm, supported by a right torso-mounted RL-10 and twin ER medium laser in the left arm. While boasting an extra-half ton of armor, the majority of the extra weight reclaimed from removing the 7K's improved jump jets allows Jasmine to amount an Angel ECM suite and a Drone Command Console that its pilot uses to command a companion Celerity drone dubbed Rajah in the arenas.


 * PXH-3D Jiemin : The personal 'Mech of Shen-sè Tian commander Noyan Qiangjun Jiemin, his customized Phoenix Hawk is armed with a large X-Pulse laser in the right arm supported by single medium X-Pulse laser in the left arm. The light weapons array is because Jiemin's 'Mech mounts a larger 315-rated XL engine and extra jump jets to match to dramatically increase its ground speed and jump distance even with the addition of a weight saving endo steel frame and ferro-fibrous armor.

Apocryphal Variants
From MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms Expansion Pack:
 * PXH-1P : Introduced in 3024, the PXH-1P drops the PXH-1's large laser and the left arm machine guns for an additional center torso medium laser and a left arm–mounted medium hatchet.

From MechWarrior 5: Heroes of the Inner Sphere Expansion Pack:
 * PXH-KB Kobold: Exclusive to the X-Box and Microsoft Game Store copies of MW5, the Kobold is the customized 'Mech of the similarly exclusive pilot "Goblin". Kobold features a single large laser and medium laser in the right arm, supported by an SRM-4 and SRM-2 launcher in the left arm in the manner of the Roc and fed from a single ton of reloads, rounded out by a final medium laser in the right torso.

Design Quirks
The Phoenix Hawk is subject to the following Design Quirks:
 * Command BattleMech
 * Improved Communications
 * Jettison-Capable Weapon (Large Laser)
 * Ubiquitous

Related BattleMechs

 * Phoenix Hawk IIC - The Phoenix Hawk was one of the 'Mechs taken with the SLDF when they left the Inner Sphere on their Exodus. Over time, the Phoenix Hawk was redesigned as an assault 'Mech using Clan technology and was redesignated the Phoenix Hawk IIC.


 * Phoenix Hawk L - With similar weapons, movement profile, and appearance to the standard Phoenix Hawk, the Phoenix Hawk L is ten tons lighter and is used extensively by the Draconis Combine.


 * Bakeneko - Based off of the Phoenix Hawk 3K chassis, this 55-ton Clan-tech design is produced by Clan Nova Cat and the Draconis Combine.


 * Agrotera - This 50-ton multipurpose BattleMech was based on a specific variant of the venerable Phoenix Hawk created by the Word of Blake.


 * Phoenix Hawk LAM - The SLDF experimented with producing Land-Air BattleMech variants of several light and medium BattleMechs. The Phoenix Hawk LAM proved to be the largest Land-Air 'Mech that could be produced.

Notable Pilots

 * See: Category:Notable Phoenix Hawk Pilots