Crossbow (OmniMech)

Description
Developed during the Golden Century by Clan Steel Viper as an early second-generation OmniMech, the Crossbow is a relatively cheap OmniMech. The Crossbow was Clan Steel Viper's first attempt to crash-start their OmniMech manufacturing capability, and was initiated in part by a small cadre of captured Clan Snow Raven scientist caste. Since both parties were relatively new to Omni-technology, the teams developed a novel Omni-pod system confined to replacing the 'Mech's arms. Since only the arms of early Crossbows can mount Omni-pods, early Crossbows are jump-incapable (more recently, configurations have been published containing weapon systems in the torsos). As the Crossbow is much less flexible than most OmniMechs, and since the Crossbow lacks of lighter materials of most OmniMechs, the Crossbow has largely been relegated to second-line duty, though it still appears frequently in the front lines, especially within Clan Steel Viper. However, the Crossbow is still quite effective - from its first engagement at Firebase Climax on Homer in 2870 to the present, the Crossbow's mix of arm-mounted missiles make it a superb fire-support choice.

Considered rare design by the Jihad era, the Crossbow's remaining production facilities would end up being destroyed in 3074 by fighting during the Wars of Reaving.

Weapons and Equipment
Often described as a sleeker version of the Star League Longbow, the Crossbow is solidly protected by twelve tons of armor, though its traditionally missile-heavy weapons loadout means that it does not need any extra double heat sinks.

The weapons on the Crossbow are simple: two Artemis-guided LRM-20s that are just as effective at point blank range as they are at long. The limited ammo supply is rarely a problem in Clan Trials, but it cannot stay on the field for an extended period of time. The majority of the configurations mount all the weapons in the arms, and the primary configuration is no exception.

Alternate Configurations

 * Alt. Config. A : The first alternate configuration pares down the LRMs to LRM-5s and adds a pair of Streak SRM-6s and Medium Pulse Lasers for close range work. BV (1.0) = 1,628, BV (2.0) = 1,797


 * Alt. Config. B : Another configuration that is simple, though it is more efficient, the B uses a pair of Streak SRM-6s in each arm, along with a ton of ammo for each. BV (1.0) = 1,521, BV (2.0) = 1,687


 * Alt. Config. C : The third variant continues the missile-heavy loadout with a pair of ATM 6s, along with enough ammo for each launcher to have access to all of the different types possible. These are supplemented by a pair of Heavy Machine Guns in the torso for anti-infantry work and an ECM Suite. BV (1.0) = 1,385, BV (2.0) = 1,557


 * Alt. Config. D : This variant drops the LRM-20s and Artemis IV, and replaces them with a Mech Mortar/8 in each arm. BV (2.0) = 1,210


 * Alt. Config. E : Each arm of the E variant is equipped with eight AP Gauss Rifles linked to a Targeting Computer for better fire control. BV (2.0) = 1,558


 * Alt. Config. H : Designed to take advantage of the heavy laser technology pioneered by Clan Star Adder, variant H mounts a Large and a Medium. It has an LRM-15 in the opposite arm, and two Light Machine Guns on each side of the torso to protect against unarmored infantry. Four additional double heat sinks help keep the 'Mech cool. BV (1.0) = 1,461, BV (2.0) = 1,707


 * Alt. Config. U : Each arm on this variation is equipped with an LRT-10, SRT-2, and ER Medium Laser. To maintain a high underwater speed, the Crossbow U is equipped with five UMUs. BV (2.0) = 1,856

Related BattleMechs

 * Crossbow - Though produced centuries after the Age of War Lyran Crossbow BattleMech, the original BattleMech "likely inspired" the design of the Crossbow OmniMech.

Notable pilots

 * Khan Natalie Breen, of clan Steel Viper prior of the Battle of Tukayyid piloted a Crossbow during the fight again clan Jade Falcon on Waldorff.