Overview:
It took several attempts to acquire OmniMech technology from the Clans,
and when House Shinwa finally succeeded, they unexpectedly demanded to
be allowed to create the first OmniMech before sharing the technology.
As such, the Loose Cannon was the first Omni to be fielded by the Storm
Phoenix Combine and is mostly considered a test model. Despite this
it is one of their most effective designs, mostly because of sheer unpredictability.
The often bizarre weapons combinations that make the Cannon live up to
its name are enough to surprise anyone it might come across, often giving
it a critical edge in battle.
Capabilities:
The primary variant of the Loose Cannon is a formidable Mech at any range.
Each shoulder mount carries an extended-range PPC wired to a targeting
computer, backed up by two SRM packs in the left-arm missile slots.
The right arm carries a total of 10 light machine guns for anti-infantry
work and close-range armor shredding. The primary carries enough
heat sinks to utilize all of its weapons.
The cool-running A variant, unlike all other Loose Cannon designs, does
not carry anything in its missile mount, simply placing on a hand actuator
for physical attacks. Twin gauss rifles, one over each shoulder, more than
make up for the loss of any missiles. A pentagonal mount of three
small lasers and two mediums on the right arm provide the Mech's only other
firepower.
The B variant's disparate weapons make it unpopular among pilots, but it
does pack quite a punch. A large laser on the left shoulder allows
it to usually get off the first hit, while after moving slightly closer
it can bring the right-shoulder autocannon and arm-mounted LRM racks into
play. For short range work the B configuration carries three medium
pulse lasers and a small SRM rack.
While not as powerful as other configurations, the C variant makes up for
it with accuracy, installing Artemis IV systems on both the LRM rack on
the left arm and the SRMs on the right. A large laser in the left
shoulder and a light LBX cannon on the right, as well as a small laser
mounted above the SRMs, also give solid striking power.
The D variant has jump capability, which can be a bit of a surprise for
enemy pilots. It has less range than other variants, but carries the most
feared weapon on the battlefield, an Ultra class-20 autocannon. Three
small Streak SRM racks in the missile mount and four medium lasers--two
in each shoulder--augment the cannon. The D configuration tends to
start running very hot very quickly if the pilot does not watch the heat
levels.
The E variant is often mistakenly reported as the A configuration.
A large pulse laser over the left shoulder and extended-range large laser
in the right give it long range firepower, as well as the LRM rack in the
left arm. The right arm carries two medium pulse lasers, two extended
medium lasers, and a small pulse laser, in a pentagonal mount. The
shoulder lasers are built on unusual projecting mounts, and the LRMs are
cleverly hidden behind the Mech's hand actuator, thus the resemblance to
the A variant that makes the two difficult to tell apart.
Deployment:
The Loose Cannon is not fast enough to be used as a raider, and is deployed
mostly in defensive positions around the Combine. Several have been reported
in the front-line Shock Vortex Regiment, however, making it likely that
they have the potential to be taken along on attack missions. Each
Striker Regiment has at least a lance of these OmniMechs, and Houses Rikugou,
Naraku, and Shinwa each have a few in their Sweeper Regiments as well.
Only House Shinwa has a Loose Cannon in its home guard.
Loose Cannon Base Chassis
Technology Base: - Clan - Level 2
Equipment
Mass
Internal Structure: - EndoSteel
3.5
Engine:
350 XL
15
Walking MP:
5
Running MP:
8
Jumping MP:
0
Heat Sinks:
10(20) - Double
0
Gyro:
4
Cockpit:
3
Armor Factor:
217
14
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head
3
9
Center Torso
22
33
Center Torso(rear)
11
R/L Torso
15
23
R/L Torso(rear)
7
R/L Arm
11
22
R/L Leg
15
30
