Part 751: Mech Update: Copperhead (Mad Dog)
Alternate-Universe 3032 TRO Entry 1Copperhead (Mad Dog)
Overview:
Named for its wedge-shaped cockpit, the Copperhead is a fast heavy ‘Mech that seems to have numerous configurations suggesting it has been in production for quite some time. Named by the Mechwarriors of the 2nd Donegal Guards, the Copperhead seems more prevalent among the forces of the Hell’s Horses, who use the design as a type of fast cavalry unit. Although not rare among the other clans, the Widowmakers appear to use the design with the lowest frequency.
Capabilities:
Our Blessed Order has identified three distinct configurations of the Copperhead. The most prevalent of these seems to be a fire support design we have declared the ‘Alpha’ variant. Mounting a pair of LRM racks on either shoulder, the Copperhead Alpha is well-suited to long-range bombardments. Carrying nine shots per launcher, the Alpha is only at risk of running low on ammunition in the most prolonged battles. Were it a Star League design, those heavy LRM racks would have been the main of its armament, but the Copperhead’s threat does not end with a missile barrage. An array of lasers that would themselves be considered a powerful and complete armament on an Inner Sphere ‘Mech of the same size complement its bombardment abilities, making the Alpha a deadly threat at close range.
If there were any speculation that the other variants of the Copperhead filled a similar battlefield role, the Beta variant would be more than enough to convince an attacker otherwise. Turning the concept of a heavy missileboat on its head, the Copperhead Beta packs over forty-eight SRMs into a redesigned shoulder housing. A devastating combatant in an urban environment, the Beta is hardly helpless at range. Backing up its close-range armament with a pair of PPCs, the Beta variant is a threat that cannot be ignored in any situation.
The strangest configuration we’ve encountered, the Gamma variant of the Copperhead seems at first glance to be nearly identical to its cousin the Alpha. Packing a pair of LRM racks backed by an array of lighter lasers to deter would-be attackers, the Gamma is overshadowed by the Alpha in every aspect save speed. With a maximum speed of 97.2 kph, the Copperhead Gamma seems tailor-made for the sudden, speedy assaults favored by the Steel Vipers. This version of the Copperhead also appears to have a completely redesigned torso and arm structure, and is the only variant of the ‘Mech with fists.
Originally believed to be another ‘Mech entirely, the Copperhead’s Delta variant is so different from the others that only careful study suggests it likely has the same internal structure. Lacking the missile pods so prevalent on the other models of the design, this version of the Copperhead sports an array of four heavy lasers and a completely redesigned shoulder housing. This version of the Copperhead has been seen only among the forces of Clan Goliath Scorpion, and the other Clans appear to disdain it.
Deployment:
Although first seen among the Steel Vipers, they do not seem fond of the Copperhead and prefer to allow more specialized units to take on its battlefield roles. The Hell’s Horses use the Copperhead with the greatest frequency, although it is not a common ‘Mech by any means. It has appeared with every Clan yet encountered in some form or other, which suggests the Copperhead has had an extended production run.
Equipment:
Mass: 60 tons
Cruising Speed: 54 kph (64.8 kph - Gamma Variant)
Walking MP: 5 (6 – Gamma Variant)
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph (97.2 kph - Gamma Variant)
Running MP: 8 (9 – Gamma Variant)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Jumping MP: 0
Armament: 31 tons of Pod Space available
Heat Sinks: 12 [24] (minimum)
Armor Factor: 163
Head Structure: 3
Head Armor: 9
Center Torso Structure: 20
Center Torso Armor: 23
Center Torso (Rear) Armor: 7
Left/Right Torso Structure: 14
Left/Right Torso Armor: 16
Left/Right Torso (Rear) Armor: 7
Left/Right Leg Structure: 14
Left/Right Leg Armor: 23
Left/Right Arm Structure: 10
Left/Right Arm Armor: 16
Alpha Weapons and Ammo:
Large Pulse Laser – Right Arm
Medium Pulse Laser – Right Arm
Large Pulse Laser – Left Arm
Medium Pulse Laser – Left Arm
LRM 20 w/ Artemis IV – RT
LRM 20 w/ Artemis IV – LT
Ammo LRM 20 – RT
Ammo LRM 20 – LT
Ammo LRM 20 – CT
CASE – RT
CASE – LT
CASE – CT
Beta Weapons and Ammo:
ER PPC – Right Arm
ER PPC – Left Arm
SRM 6 – Right Torso
SRM 6 – Right Torso
SRM 6 – Right Torso
SRM 6 – Right Torso
SRM 6 – Left Torso
SRM 6 – Left Torso
SRM 6 – Left Torso
SRM 6 – Left Torso
Ammo SRM 6 – Right Torso
Ammo SRM 6 – Right Torso
CASE – Right Torso
Ammo SRM 6 – Left Torso
Ammo SRM 6 – Left Torso
CASE – Left Torso
Double Heat Sink – Center Torso
Double Heat Sink – Right Leg
Double Heat Sink – Left Leg
Gamma Weapons and Ammo:
360 XL Fusion Engine (6/9/0)
Medium Pulse Laser – Right Arm
Medium Pulse Laser – Right Arm
Medium Pulse Laser – Right Arm
Hand – Right Arm
Medium Pulse Laser – Left Arm
Medium Pulse Laser – Left Arm
Medium Pulse Laser – Left Arm
Hand – Left Arm
LRM 15 w/ Artemis IV – Right Torso
LRM 15 w/ Artemis IV – Left Torso
Ammo LRM 15 – Right Torso
CASE – Right Torso
Ammo LRM 15 – Left Torso
CASE – Left Torso
Delta Weapons and Ammo:
Large Pulse Laser – Right Arm
Large Pulse Laser – Left Arm
Large Pulse Laser – Right Torso
Large Pulse Laser – Left Torso
Active Probe – Center Torso
Double Heat Sink – Right Arm
Double Heat Sink – Left Arm
Double Heat Sink – Right Torso
Double Heat Sink – Right Torso
Double Heat Sink – Left Torso
Double Heat Sink – Left Torso