I got this idea from the General Discussion thread asking about what 'mech Dr. B. Banzai had. Since he was involved with the Hatchetman, and some posters (including myself) think the Awesome is a nice 'mech for him, I decided to come up with a custom Awesome with a hatchet! To make room for it, Dr. Banzai took it upon himself to test out some double heat sinks researched by NAIS.
Awesome AWS-8Q (Banzai)
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type G
Power Plant: Pitban 240
Cruising Speed: 32.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Special
Armament:
1 Small Laser
3 PPC
Manufacturer: Lüneburg Vehicle Corporation,Lyran 'Mech Corporation,Technicron Manufacturing
Primary Factory: Braunschweig,Nichol's Rest,Savannah
Communication System: Garrett T19-G
Targeting & Tracking System: Dynatec 2780
Introduction Year: 3025
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-F(F*)-X-X
Cost: 7,080,570 C-bills
Overview
The Awesome was designed in 2665 for the Star League by the Technicron Conglomorate and was based on the aging STR-2C Striker. While not as fast as its forefather, the Awesome is a strong assault 'Mech.
Capabilities
The Awesome's abilities are nearly entirely dependent on its particle projection cannons. The AWS can withstand a severe and consistent onslaught from its weaponry thanks to several heat sinks. With one and a half tons more armor than the Striker, the AWS is more protected than even the BattleMaster. The Amazing, like any other BattleMech, has weaknesses. While it is lethal at range, it is less effective in close-quarters combat since its PPCs have a tougher time connecting with the victim. In that case, it just possesses a light weapon and a left fist to fall back on. Because of its limited mobility, it is vulnerable to flanking attacks from speedier opponents seeking to get past the PPCs. While they face arguably of the heaviest rear armor found on any BattleMech, the Awesome's lack of rear facing armaments or a weapon mount on its left arm has offered numerous MechWarriors a fighting chance. Formations of Awesomes (or even just a few) are incredibly effective and tough to stop or defeat when correctly placed by commanders who are knowledgeable of the AWS's limitations.
Deployment
The Awesome has a limited, but effective, armament consisting of three Kreuss PPCs, one mounted in its right arm and two split between the left and right torsos. These give it an immense amount of damage potential at ranges exceeding five hundred meters, enough to destroy some 'Mechs with a single salvo, although at point-blank range they are less useful. For close combat the 'Mech mounts in its head a Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Laser while its left arm ends in a battlefist sufficient for hand-to-hand fighting.
History
Awesomes can be found in every military House. Because the Free Worlds League has the last remaining manufacturing factories capable of generating the Awesome, it also has the most Awesomes of any of the Great Houses. Opinions on the 'Mech vary greatly within the League. Many people laud its powers, while others believe that its limited mobility is too high a price to pay for what it can do. Similar sentiments exist in the other Houses, but none of them can debate the issue beyond academics. Few commanders would turn down the opportunity to acquire an Awesome for their army. The Awesome is typically used to assault a fixed position or to breach the enemy's line of defense. They are also in demand for defensive operations. MechWarriors piloting the Awesome can expect to be involved in heavy battle and to be charged with obtaining or guarding the most crucial objectives from the adversary.
Type: Awesome
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental)
Tonnage: 80
Battle Value: 1,629
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 240 Fusion 11.5
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sink 22 12
Gyro 3
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 240 15
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 30
Center Torso (rear) 19
R/L Torso 17 24
R/L Torso (rear) 10
R/L Arm 13 24
R/L Leg 17 33
Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Weapons
and Ammo Location Critical Heat Tonnage
2 Heat Sink LL 2 - 2.0
3 Double Heat Sink RT 9 - 3.0
PPC RT 3 10 7.0
Heat Sink LA 1 - 1.0
Hatchet LA 6 - 6.0
3 Double Heat Sink LT 9 - 3.0
PPC LT 3 10 7.0
2 Heat Sink RL 2 - 2.0
Small Laser HD 1 1 0.5
2 Double Heat Sink RA 6 - 2.0
PPC RA 3 10 7.0
Features the following design quirks: Battle Fists (LA)