Bakeneko

Description
The Bakeneko is a Medium Class BattleMech originally created by the Draconis Combine and Clan Nova Cat at the dawn of the 32nd Century. The 'Mech was conceived in a collaboration between Clan Nova Cat scientists and engineers from LAW. Based on the Phoenix Hawk, this slightly bigger design was intended as a fire-support and skirmisher with the same mobility of the older design. The 'Mech was put into production in early 3100, where it was deployed to both Clan Nova Cat and the DCMS's 11th Ghost and 5th Sword of Light Regiments during the last year of the 2nd Combine-Dominion War prior to the invasion of Irece in June, 3100. During the invasion, the greatly expanded factories which housed the Bakeneko's production lines were destroyed.

The Bakeneko had a reputation as an effective fighting machine, as it was credited numerous kills by Draconis Combine forces during the conflict.

Weapons and Equipment
The product of a hybrid of Clan and Inner Sphere technology, the 'Mech benefits significantly from its dual heritage. Using a Clan built 330-Rated Extra-Light Fusion Engine and an Inner Sphere Endosteel chassis, the Bakeneko was able carry a large array of weapons and equipment while maintaining a decent top speed. It was also fitted with MASC, giving it crucial bursts of extra acceleration, and its six Icarus 99 TurboProp Experimental Jump Jets.

The Bakeneko's main weaponry comes from an arm mounted Clan produced Large Pulse Laser and a Light PPC enhanced with a PPC Capacitor. Additionally, found in the 'Mech's side torsos are a pair of 3-tubed Shigunga-Light Multi-Missile Launcher, each supplied by a ton of ammunition. The launcher provides supplemental firepower at long and short ranges, while at short range a head mounted Extended-Range Medium Laser provides additional firepower. Protecting the design from enemy fire, the chassis was fitted with 11.5 tons of StarSlab-5X Class Armor, with Clan CASE installed to mitigate any explosive detonations from its ammunition and PPC Capacitor.

Related BattleMechs

 * Phoenix Hawk - First introduced by the Terran Hegemony in 2568 the 45-ton Phoenix Hawk is one of the most well known BattleMechs in the Inner Sphere.
 * Phoenix Hawk IIC - Clan-produced 80-ton upgrade of the venerable Phoenix Hawk.
 * 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.
 * Phoenix Hawk LAM - Land-Air Mech version of the original Phoenix Hawk, which can transform from Mech to Aerospace Fighter.