Initial assessment and backgroundThe Thunderbolt IIC follows the grand Clan tradition of using older Inner Sphere Mech’s usually found in storage in Brian Caches, relics from the Exodus and Star League, refitted with modern technology before being given to Garrison and Solahma Clusters and formations. Only that’s not exactly true. The Thunderbolt IIC is not a reconditioned several hundred year old relics rearmed with Clan weaponry but it is a rather different beast entirely.
What it is instead is an entirely new machine, built at the Olivetti Weaponry factory that fell into Clan Jade Falcon’s claws and started entering service in 3085. Whereas most IIC variants are often just a weapons swap and upgrade, with structural changes often resulting in a lighter or indeed heavier machine the Thunderbolt IIC gains an added 5 tonnes of weight and seems to almost be a technology demonstrator and test bed when it was first introduced.
The beating heart of the Thunderbolt IIC is a Redline 350XL Engine that is also used on the older Summoner and Hellbringer Mech’s and indeed the engine comes from stockpiles of surplus engines for these older machines. As does the communications and targeting systems. Either the Clan was simply overburdened with these systems after salvaging them or the production facilities have built so many that they can be employed elsewhere. This is still being investigated.
This powerful and reliable engine gives the Thunderbolt IIC a 5/8 movement curve with a full sprint at 86kph, allowing it to keep up with the standard Clan Heavy Mech’s although it cannot jump.
We do know that the internal skeleton and armour are of standard design, using no advanced compounds although the ammunition bay for its LRM launcher is protected by the highly effective CASE II system which also helps increase the survivability of the Mech with its somewhat vulnerable engine (although still less vulnerable than an Inner Sphere XL engine.) The standard armour plate, 13.5 tonnes of it gives the Thunderbolt IIC almost full protection and allows the machine to endure quite a pounding.
The cooling system is quite comprehensive 17 double strength heat sinks though still work hard to keep the machine cool due to its armament.
For long range firepower the Thunderbolt IIC has an impressive array of very modern weapons. For long range firepower a classic LRM launcher in the traditional position on the right Torso is employed although this missile launcher is the new and advanced Type XV-S Streak LRM-15 launcher which draws from a 2 tonne ammo bin.
The machine’s main punch comes from yet more very modern weapons in the form of a pair of Series XVI-a Improved Heavy lasers. Firing these weapons as a pair will overwhelm the heatsinks but not significantly and whilst short ranged for a Clan weapon they pack a truly formidable punch for weapons their size. Also both weapons are arm mounted giving them the widest possible firing arcs. The focusing arrays and laser assembly is also seemingly retractable allowing the Thunderbolt IIC to use its hands, always useful in garrison roles.
(You’ll be 2 over with heat if you don’t factor in movement.)
For extra firepower that has the same reach as the Heavy Lasers the Thunderbolt IIC also features a trio of the classic 7Ja ER Medium Lasers nestled in the right torso. Of course firing all the lasers together would seriously overheat the Mech but it would also deliver a blast capable of causing tremendous damage to anything hit by the volley
Curiously for a Garrison Mech the machine does not feature anything in the way of anti-personnel weaponry and is seemingly designed purely to take on and destroy hostile Mech’s or battle armour with its laser and missile armament either leaving the role of dealing with lesser troops to other Mech’s or infantry forces.
EvaluationThe Thunderbolt IIC is a rather curious machine for its designation. In essence a completely new design that is replete with cutting edge weaponry as well as reliable and tried and true systems. A machine this capable would be taken with arms wide open by any front line Inner Sphere Regiment or Command and the Falcons are producing them in large numbers to fill gaps in their Garrison forces as well as front line Clusters (although not the mainline ones).
Heavily armed, fast and well protected the Thunderbolt IIC is a formidable machine and should not be underestimated, if possible salvage should be obtained so we can study the Streak LRM and improved heavy lasers without them firing upon us.
Because the machine is so new there has thus far been only one variant constructed and it seems to be a more generalist machine than the IIC. The Thunderbolt IIC 2 is built with greater endurance both in the field and in terms of durability in mind.
Slower at 64kph but fitted with a quartet of Grand Lift Jump jets the added weight meant that a pair of heatsinks had to be sacrificed bringing it down to 15 double strength ones. The gyro is also replaced with a heavy duty one whilst 11 tonnes of ferro fibrous armour provide more than ample protection. The robust J-D 067 Comms system and Hawkeye 58 TTS are also joined by a Clan made ECM unit which can disrupt C3 and some targeting systems.
The armament of the IIC 2 is quite different, an advanced ER Large Pulse laser forms the Mech’s primary heavy punch as well as its long range armament and this is mounted in the right arm. At shorter ranges a standard Heavy Large Laser sits in the place of the missile launcher whilst a trio of medium pulse lasers sit in the place of the ER Mediums of the standard model. A small pulse laser rests in the left arm and rounds out the armament giving it a modicum of anti-infantry firepower.
It is theorised that this variant is actually the dedicated Garrison machine, its standard, cheap engine, the mobility of jump jets and all energy armament point to an easy to maintain machine that needs minimal logistical support save for the ER large pulse laser. This could then free up the standard model for use with frontline forces but this is still being investigated.
Report from - Agent
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Any thoughts or comments are most welcome.
