Bellerophon (BattleMech)

The Bellerophon was a failed prototype BattleMech developed in Production Year::2442 by what would later be known as Defiance Industries. Designed during the infancy of BattleMech technology, Defiance Industries used what later was known as Primitive Technology to create the Bellerophon. It was envisioned that the design would complement the Mackie with its higher speed, while having nearly as much armor as its companion. Using technology based on the original Mackie prototype, the design inherited a host of design flaws from it's predecessor. Chief among these were stability issues: the weapon arrangement would amplify its balance problems despite numerous improvements to the gyro system. After four prototypes were produced, the program was cancelled due to the Terran Hegemony's lack of interest in the design.

The design was briefly revived during the Jihad, where OmniTech Industries and Innovative Design Concepts produced the 'Mech on Solaris VII until sometime before 3079.

Weapons and Equipment
The design incorporated a pair of Large Lasers coupled with an SRM-4 which it would use provide supporting fire for the Mackie. However, the two large lasers were mounted in the right arm, and the small SRM launcher found in the left arm was hardly able to keep the design balanced and upright, particularly while maneuvering. The Bellerophon's 14 heat sinks were not enough to offset any heat spikes should the MechWarrior choose to fire all his weapons at once, or even fire the two Large Lasers in tandem.

On the other hand, the Bellerphon's speed for the time was exceptional. This allowed the design to outpace the Mackie at 60 kph, assuming the pilot was able to keep the machine upright. The Bellerophon's hull is protected by 11.5 tons worth of Primitive Armor.

Design Notes
Design Quirks:
 * Cowl
 * EM Interference
 * Prototype
 * Unbalanced
 * Obsolete/2456