Hammerhands

The second exclusive Federated Suns BattleMech, the Hammerhands was developed in Introduction Year::2475 after a decade reviewing the performance and complaints received about the earlier BattleAxe. Little more than a heavier and slower version of the BattleAxe, the design received its name based on the impressive weapons carried in each arm, serving to trigger the Federated Suns' seeming love affair with autocannons. Much like its sibling design, the Hammerhands went on to influence and be outdone by the immensely popular Warhammer, causing it to fade into history, all but forgotten.

During the Jihad, both Achernar BattleMechs and the New Hessen MechWorks production plant started producing Hammerhands for the AFFS. Production continued after the end of the Jihad.

Weapons and Equipment
The Achernar designers' solution for the high heat generated by the BattleAxe's PPCs was to replace them with a pair of Mydron Model B Autocannon/10s backed up by ChisComp 38 Medium Lasers in each arm, while retaining the earlier design's shoulder-mounted Harpoon-6 SRM-6. Carrying four tons of ammunition spread between the arms and torsos, the Hammerhands autocannons were rarely silenced during most Age of War era conflicts.

Variants

 * HMH-4D : A solution to both Davion MechWarriors early dislike of jump jets and desire for decreased reliance upon supply chains, the 4D strips out the jump jets and SRM-6 rack for a single PPC. BV (2.0) = 1,356


 * HMH-5D : The first upgraded Age of War design produced by Achernar, the 5D variant is a minor modernization, utilizing more advanced materials to enhance the armor and jump capacity while saving space to add a C3 Slave Unit. While the Medium Lasers were exchanged for extended range models, the standard autocannons were retained, the advantage being that their split ammo bins can be used to carry Armor-Piercing, Precision, as well as standard munitions. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,496


 * HMH-6D : A true modern updating, the 6D maximizes the jump capacity and adds a targeting computer and C3 Slave unit. The Hammerhands' classic autocannons are replaced with Rotary versions and the removed heat sinks are nullified to a degree by the addition of Triple Strength Myomer. Most controversially, rear armor has been almost entirely stripped to strengthen the 'Mech's frontal protection. BV (2.0) = 2,139


 * HMH-6E : This version adds a Guardian ECM Suite and CASE to increase protection, as well as expanding the ammunition bays by four tons. This provides more ammunition for the Rotary AC/5s located in the arms. It also carries a Guardian ECM Suite and a C3 Slave. To make room for these changes, engineers removed the Targeting Computer. Triple Strength Myomer allows the 'Mech to temporarily reach speeds of 64km/h. BV (2.0) = 2,204

Custom Variants

 * Hammerhands Prince's Champion ( HMH-3D (Kessem) ): Used by the AFFS Prince's Champion on Royal during the Second Hidden War, this Hammerhands has had the jump jets and autocannons removed and replaced with two LB-10X autocannons, three extra heat sinks, and two more tons of armor.

Related BattleMechs

 * BattleAxe - The Hammerhands was designed to replace the Battleaxe and its flaws.


 * Warhammer - The Hammerhands is, together with the Battleaxe, one of the two 'Mechs that influenced the design of the Warhammer.