9 replies to this topic

[Thorqemada]

So i have now played a few Matches in my "Phoenix Hawk".

I have some fun piloting it (though i have maxed out the Skills with GXP bcs i hate grinding) and will probably change the loadout even more as it is now to similar to my Centurion.

I like the Look and the Skin and could apply my Colours well.
The morphing of the weaponry i tested in the Mechlab seems very well.

The Hitboxes so far seem to be well designed.

It came to my eyes - especially after watching a BJ, the inside of an Awesome as spectator (runs like a mouse) and as comparison different Phoenix Mechs - that the Animations so far are well done and look "alive" and "stompy" as it can on such a Piece of Hardware.

I like the Recoil of the Gunbarrels.
The Cockpit seems very functional and looks very "naked" using Pilot view to look around in it - but that is not bad, only a description.

The Scale of the Mech, while it is somewhat lean, is very Tall for my sense of scale, comparing a Medium Mech to Heavys and Assaults and again the Medium can spit upon most of their Heads.
I would like to see more sensibility for the "sense of scale" in the future Scaling and a rework at times pls!

Atm i use 3 MGs as Ballistics bcs Money and Weight dictate so.
Oh yes, 3 MGs start to become somewhat usefull compared to the Fluff-MG in my Centurions Arm - i think 4 MGs start to be a Setup that is not merely wasted tons.
Though i have witnessed that from the 3 MG Barrels from which i can see 2 from my Cockpit only 1 moves up and down while walking, the other 1 is more static - this looks weird!

At all so far a good fun Mech and i see forward to test different loadouts.

Edited by Thorqemada, 16 October 2013 - 08:57 PM.

[lshtaria]

The Hawk is by far and away my favourite mech of the Phoenixes. It's hardpoints are very reminiscent of my favourite medium skirmisher the Treb 7K. I'll need more matches to plateau the stats out but in the 2H I currently have a k/d ratio of 6.00 and a kills/match of 2.4 The loadout is 1xLL 3xMG 3xSSRM2. Nice speed and agility with decent sustained firepower which is what I prefer to lay down and the whole mech itself suits me perfectly.

The only criticism I have is the muzzle flash from the MGs in that torso location. I wipes out a good 1/3 of the screen and while it's not a game breaker it certainly is an annoyance.

[Thorqemada]

Kyocera, on 16 October 2013 - 10:06 PM, said:

The Hawk is by far and away my favourite mech of the Phoenixes. It's hardpoints are very reminiscent of my favourite medium skirmisher the Treb 7K. I'll need more matches to plateau the stats out but in the 2H I currently have a k/d ratio of 6.00 and a kills/match of 2.4 The loadout is 1xLL 3xMG 3xSSRM2. Nice speed and agility with decent sustained firepower which is what I prefer to lay down and the whole mech itself suits me perfectly.

The only criticism I have is the muzzle flash from the MGs in that torso location. I wipes out a good 1/3 of the screen and while it's not a game breaker it certainly is an annoyance.

Lol, i have a ERLL and the same Setup so far and a surprisingly good success with it for my rusty piloting.

Yeah - i see the MG fire taking out 1/3 of the Screen too but should it not?

[1Sascha]

Quote

Yeah - i see the MG fire taking out 1/3 of the Screen too but should it not?

Nope. At least not if we base this on RL physics/optics.

It's a common misconception that automatic weapon-fire will always cause a huge "fireball" type of muzzle-flash. Those do tend to show up on film quite often, but that has to do with the way cameras/filming work. In RL and under daylight conditions, you can fire all day long and hardly notice the muzzle-flash of even a large caliber MG.

I guess we can blame Hollywood and its fascination with big, flashy things for this. They use special loads to create highly unrealistic flashes *and* (in some cases) will even use equipment that'll synch the camera-shutter to the cyclic-rate of the gun.. so they'll get maximum flash-action on screen. This was done in "Scarface" for example... hence the huge muzzle flashes during the final shootout.



I wouldn't mind as much if the tcockpit-view of the SH wasn't already insanely restrictive. But as it is, that "Michael-Bay"-style fireball robs you of even *more* vision.


S.

Edited by 1Sascha, 17 October 2013 - 02:37 AM.

[Flyto]

1Sascha, on 17 October 2013 - 02:31 AM, said:

Nope. At least not if we base this on RL physics/optics.

It's a common misconception that automatic weapon-fire will always cause a huge "fireball" type of muzzle-flash. Those do tend to show up on film quite often, but that has to do with the way cameras/filming work. In RL and under daylight conditions, you can fire all day long and hardly notice the muzzle-flash of even a large caliber MG.

I'm glad you put your first sentenace caveat in. Because it would be quite silly to worry about the real-life realities of muzzle flashes in a game with visible laser beams everywhere... :-)

[1Sascha]

Ahhh.. but we can only see those because the optics in our Mechs make them visible for us. Or maybe, in my case, because my pilot chain-smokes and thus fills the entire map with smoke which'll make the beams stand out to the naked eye..

It's quite interesting to note that the authors of the BT-novels were aware of this and describe laser-beams as "invisible" many, many times.

S.

[Rift Hawk]

I want my clan mechs and my enhanced imaging so that I can see muzzle flashes everywhere on a green grid of sexiness !

[Carcoona]

I'm Loving the Shadow so far. The Phoenix Pattern im using as a short ranged brawler that moves at 100kph with full armour. It has 2SRM6's 1 SRM4, 1 LL 3 MG. Its fun, and dangerous. And even though its side torsos seem to be bigger than it's CT, i tend to get killed by coring more than XL destruction. So the XL is worth it by miles!

My my 5M uses a balanced arsenal of 2 SSRMS, 2 ML and 2AC2's. with XL at the default speed of 81. it has full armour and tears through most mechs if not destroyed fast. Reminds me fondly of my Cent.

As for the 2D2, currently I have it with 3SSRMs 2ML and a Gauss. So far not sure about it, but its a good sniper, and can close and do serious damage. But is my least favourite of the varients. Is fun with 2 LL and 1 LBX10 though.

The mech as a whole is tough, well balanced, and very popular. It is tall, but I dont think thats a problem. The canon Centurion was tall and thin and nothing like the current one.

As for the gun barrel covering some of the view, I like it. Its a nice quirk similar to the Hunch. And as for firing MG's, the muzzel flash mostly becomes unbearable with Night Vision. But so does energy weapons.

So far, the best mech in ages.

[CyclonerM]

Spoiler

Shadow Hawk
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[color=#7D7D7D]
[/color]

Shadow Hawk Production information Manufacturer Lang Industries Incorporated,
Earthwerks Incorporated,
Majesty Metals and Manufacturing,
Odin Manufacturing,
Vandenberg Mechanized Industries Production Year 2550^[1] Model SHD-2H Class Medium Cost 4,539,382 C-bills Technical specifications Mass 55 tons Chassis Lang T1 Armor Maximillian 43 Engine Core Tek 275 Communications System O/P 300 COMSET Targeting Tracking System O/P 2000A Heat Sinks 12 Speed 86.4 km/h Armament

• 1xAutocannon/5
  
• 1xLRM-5
  
• 1xSRM-2
  
• 1xMedium Laser

BV (1.0) 918 BV (2.0) 1,064^[2][3]



The Shadow Hawk is one of the most iconic BattleMechs in BattleTech. Due to legal difficulties, the Shadow Hawk was among the UnseenBattleMechs of BattleTech. Legal disputes over ownership of this image were resolved in Summer, 2009.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 Description
  
• 2 Armament
  
• 3 Variants
  
  • 3.1 Custom Variants
    
  • 3.2 Apocryphal Variants
• 4 Related BattleMechs
  
• 5 Notable Pilots
  
• 6 BattleMech Gallery
  
• 7 References
  
• 8 Bibliography

[edit]Description




A recon and strike BattleMech developed during the Golden Age, the Shadow Hawk is a powerful fusion of maneuverability and firepower. With long-range missiles and class-5 autocannon for ranged combat, and SRMs and lasers for close in work, the Shadow Hawkoutguns many BattleMechs in its weight class. Jump Jets enhance an already speedy BattleMechs ability to bring its guns to bear and keep better-armed enemies at range. A superior BattleMech for commanding a reconnaissance company or serving as a spotter for heavy and assault lances, the Shadow Hawk is a proven and capable design that has served with distinction for more than five centuries.^[4][5]
[edit]Armament

The Shadow Hawk as mentioned above carries a varied, but effective, mix of weapons. Primary among them is the Armstrong J11Autocannon/5. This weapon as well as the Holly LRM-5 launcher provide the Shadow Hawk with good long range striking capabilities. When the Shadow Hawk closes to shorter ranges it can bring to bear its Holly SRM-2 launcher and its Martell Medium Laser which can generally finish off most 'Mechs of its own weight class or smaller that might have survived the mixed autocannon and LRM fire.^[4][5]
[edit]Variants

• SHD-1R First introduced in 2457, this first generation of the Shadow Hawk employs early BattleMech technology in its weaponry, equipment and its armor. This design was first produced by Lang Industries on Caph, where design as part Hegemony's efforts to keep ahead of Inner Sphere newly stolen BattleMech technology. The SHD-1R was equipped with single shoulder mounted Class 5 Autocannon and single Medium Laser. The 'Mech's primitive fusion engine allowed the 'Mech to reach maximum of 60+ Km/ph and power its three Jump Jets. The 'Mech was protected by 14 tons of Primitive Armor and had 10 heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 841^[6]

• SHD-2Hb The Royal upgrade of the Shadow Hawk changes the role of the 'Mech to a close-range brawler. The weapon systems are replaced with a LB 10-X AC, two Streak SRM-2 and two medium lasers. The heat sinks are doubles and the ammo is protected by CASE. To save weight it uses Endo-Steel chassis and Ferro-Fibrous armor. BV (2.0) = 1354^[7]

• SHD-2K The -2K Shadow Hawk dramatically overhauls the chassis by replacing all original armaments, save the LRM-5, with a Donal PPC and extra heat sinks. This House Kurita specialty became one of the deadliest units of the Succession Wars.^[8] BV (1.0) = 1,018, BV (2.0) = 1,147^[8][9]

• SHD-2D The -2D looks to increase the close range capabilities of the Shadow Hawk at great cost to its armor. The -2D reduces the armor protection by five tons and adds a second SRM-2 launcher and an additional Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 765, BV (2.0) = 899^[10]

• SHD-2H © A Clan-tech retrofit of the classic Shadow Hawk and intended for second-line and solahma troops, the Shadow Hawk C replaces allInner Sphere-tech weaponry with Clan equivalents but leaves the structural components of the SHD-2H unaltered. The Shadow Hawk C mounts an LB 5-X AC, an LRM-5 equipped with Swarm LRM munitions, a Streak SRM-2, and an ER Medium Laser. ^[11] BV (2.0) = 1,260^[12]

• SHD-2D2 The -2D2 is an upgrade of the -2D Shadow Hawk. This upgrade changes the SRM-2 launchers to Streak SRM-2s and carries a total of six and a half tons of armor. Otherwise, it is identical to the -2D Shadow Hawk. BV (1.0) = 896, BV (2.0) = 1,049^[13]

• SHD-3K Based on the -2K, this variant carries a Heavy PPC, MML-5, and ER Medium Laser. CASE protects the missile ammunition, whileHeavy Ferro-Fibrous armor covers the 'Mech. A C3 Slave unit is installed to provide targeting data to friendly units.^[14] BV (2.0) = 1,591^[15]

• SHD-5D The -5D Shadow Hawk is a Davion upgrade to the original. The -5D utilizes the new Rotary Autocannon/5 and also carries twoMedium Lasers and a Streak SRM-4. In addition, the 'Mech uses an Endo Steel chassis & carries nine and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor, with CASE. BV (1.0) = 1,629, BV (2.0) = 1,684^[16]

• SHD-5M The -5M Shadow Hawk is the first complete overhaul and upgrade of the design. The chassis has been upgraded with Endo Steel, the engine is an extralight version, and the weapons load has undergone an almost complete renovation. The 'Mech uses double heat sinks, carries ten and a half tons of armor with CASE, and is armed with an Ultra Autocannon/5, LRM-20 launcher, Streak SRM-2, and a Medium Laser. In addition, the jumping distance is now a full 150 meters. BV (1.0) = 1,349, BV (2.0) = 1,430^[17]

• SHD-7CS The -7CS is an electronics heavy, high tech upgrade of the Shadow Hawk. The 'Mech carries an Ultra Autocannon/5, an LRM-15 launcher mated to an Artemis IV fire control system, and two ER Medium Lasers. This is all linked to an improved C3 computer. The 'Mech has ten and a half tons of armor, is built with an Endo Steel chassis and uses an extralight engine. BV (1.0) = 1,370, BV (2.0) = 1,496^[18]

• SHD-7M The -7M Shadow Hawk uses one of the newest technologies available in the Free Worlds League. The 'Mech is built using an Endo Steel chassis with ten and a half tons of standard armor, with CASE. The -7M carries a Light Gauss Rifle, LRM-15, Streak SRM-2, and a Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,351, BV (2.0) = 1,447^[19]

• SHD-8L This variant uses a Medium VSP, an MML-5, and a Plasma Rifle. Improved Jump Jets provide a jump range of 210 meters. For electronic warfare support, this version uses a Guardian ECM Suite and a Beagle Active Probe. Power is provided by an XL Engine.^[20] BV (2.0) = 1,536^[21]

• SHD-9D The Shadow Hawk 9D carries as its primary weapons a new Light Autocannon/5 and a pair of MML-5 launchers. The MML launchers can fire both LRM and SRM ammunition, giving the 'Mech a great deal of tactical flexibility. For close range defense, the 'Mech has a highly accurate Medium Pulse Laser which is also linked to a Targeting Computerwith the Autocannon for increased accuracy. The 9D also has a C3 Slave, allowing it to share targeting data with friendly units which are linked to the 'Mech in a C3 Network. The pilot is protected by Light Ferro-Fibrous armor and a Full-Head Ejection System. BV (2.0) = 1,313^[22]

• SHD-11CS This variant uses a Light Engine, Endo Steel, and Light Ferro-Fibrous armor to mount a Snub-Nose PPC, and LRM-15 guided by an Artemis IV FCS, and a pair of ER Medium Lasers. The accuracy of this weapons is aided by the inclusion of an Improved C3 Computer. Like the other "Phoenix" variants, it's equipped with a Full-Head Ejection System. BV (2.0) = 1,700^[23]

• SHD-12C Built for the Rasalhaugian forces of the Ghost Bear Dominion, this variant uses a Heavy PPC as its main weapon, supported by an ER Medium Laser and an MML-7. Light Ferro-Fibrous armor protects the pilot, but in the event of a catastrophic failure the pilot can use a Full-Head Ejection System to escape. It has a limited jump capability of 120 meters. To make room for all this equipment, the Bears used an Inner Sphere-grade XL Engine and Endo Steel chassis. BV (2.0) = 1,574^[24]

[edit]Custom Variants

• SHD-2H Shadow Hawk Sandy Used by Alexander "Sandy" Romanov, a known associate of the Bounty Hunter, this Shadow Hawk is equipped with double heat sinks, a jump range of 150 meters, and a TAGunit. The weapons have been removed and replaced with a single Heavy PPC and Light PPC. BV (2.0) = 1,517^[25]

[edit]Apocryphal Variants

• SHD-5S The 5S is a variant of the 5M used by the Special Forces. It replaces all standard weapons with one Large Laser, one Medium Pulse Laser and four Medium Lasers. In addition, it carries a Beagle Active Probe in the right torso, while an Guardian ECM Suite is installed in the left torso. Its left arm is also equipped with a TAG, while its head contains a cargo space. It is armored by eleven and a half tons of standard armor. BV (1.0) = , BV (2.0) = ^[26]

[edit]Related BattleMechs

• Shadow Hawk IIC - The SLDF took several Shadow Hawks with them on their Exodus. The Clans eventually upgraded several of the old SHD-2H 'Mechs with Clan technology, creating the Shadow Hawk C and, later, completely redesigned the original model to make the Shadow Hawk IIC. BV (1.0) = 1,646, BV (2.0) = 1,732

[edit]Notable Pilots




Famous individuals in the BattleTech universe who are associated with the Shadow Hawk include:

• Dechan Fraser, recruited in the Inner Sphere by Wolf's Dragoons, was a Sergeant in the Dragoons in 3023 but quickly rose through the ranks. By 3026 he was a Lieutenant in command of a lance, and on 8 October 3026 he was promoted to Captain. Piloting his dark blue Shadow Hawk with a golden falcon painted on the chest, Dechan Fraser helpedMinobu Tetsuhara save Jaime Wolf's life on Quentin IV in 3023, successfully commanded a light company on Barlow's End in 3026, killed the CO of the attacking Ryuken on An Ting on 11 January 3028 and killed Jerry Akuma two days later. In a battle on Misery on 23 April 3028, his lance captured Fadre Singh and on 20 May engaged Minobu Tetsuhara's provisional command lance, capturing both Tetsuhara and Michi Noketsuna. After Misery, Dechan Fraser left the Dragoons to follow Noketsuna in his quest for vengeance against Warlord Samsanov.^[27] By the time of the War of 3039 he fought in the DCMS, piloting a HTM-27W Hatamoto-ku.
  
• Grayson Death Carlyle re-acquired a former Carlyle's Commandos Shadow Hawk after their rout on Trellwan. He used it as his personal 'Mech during the following campaign to free Trellwan from Duke Ricol and the Draconis Combine and during the infancy of the Gray Death Legion. Carlyle's Shadow Hawk was disabled and later passed to Lori Kalmarafter the liberation of Verthandi in 3024 when Grayson switched to a Marauder. The Gray Death Legion fielded two Shadow Hawk Battlemechs in their next campaign on Helm in 3027.

[edit]BattleMech Gallery

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  SHD-1R Shadow Hawk
  
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  SHD-5D Shadow Hawk
  
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  SHD-7M Shadow Hawk
  
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  SHD-7CS Shadow Hawk
  
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  SHD-12C Shadow Hawk
  
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Edited by CyclonerM, 17 October 2013 - 10:57 AM.

[Carcoona]

Thanks for that lol