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HBK-4G Hunchback

HBK-4H Hunchback
HBK-4J Hunchback
HBK-4N Hunchback
HBK-4P Hunchback
HBK-4SP Hunchback

Armament:

1 Tomodzuru Autocannon Mount Type 20 Autocannon/20

2 Ichibi 2000 Medium Lasers

1 Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Laser

Manufacturer:    Komiyaba/Nissan General Industries

   Location:    (Unknown)

Communications System:    Sony MST-15

Targeting & Tracking System: Tacticon Tracer 300

Overview:

         The HBK-4G Hunchback is a heavy-hitting fighting vehicle. Serving in medium and assault lances of many regiments of the Successor States, it has earned a distinguished fighting record. Designed in early 2572, the Hunchback continues to be popular in both House Liao and House Kurita regiments. It is also used extensively by House Marik armed forces.
         The Hunchback is widely known for its street-fighting abilities in the confined spaces of urban battles. With its massive firepower at close range and its two heavy battle fists, it is more than a match for many heavier 'Mechs.

Capabilities:

         The Hunchback is armed for short- to medium-range combat. At medium ranges, its combined armament of two Ichiba 2000 medium lasers and its massive Tomodzuru Type 20 autocannon mount can rip through even the heaviest armor. At close ranges, the powerful autocannon and the Diverse Optics Type 10 small laser make the Hunchback a very dangerous opponent.
         From a defensive point of view, the Hunchback's armor fits its tonnage class. The medium amount of armor carried plus the immense close-in firepower ensure that the 'Mech will overcome many other medium 'Mechs. Too many MechWarriors, however, considerer the Hunchback a match for heavy 'Mechs, only to find that its armor just does not have the staying power for extended combat with the behemoth heavy models.
         The 'Mech's maneuverability and heat dispersion are also average for a medium machine. Unfortunately, its large autocannon creates so much heat when fired that a pilot must take great care to avoid overheating.

Variants:

       Because of the serious heat buildup associated with use of the Type 20 autocannon, most variations of the Hunchback design have dropped this weapon in favor of smaller weapons systems. Some of these include SRM six-racks, LRM five- and ten-racks, increased numbers of medium lasers and smaller autocannon. Indeed, a variety of weapons variations exist throughout the Successor States. Eliminating the Type 20 autocannon from the Hunchback makes it almost an entirely new 'Mech. Because of this, many warriors refer to the Hunchback with no AC-20 as a "Swayback," because removing the massive weapon totally alters the 'Mech's torso.

Deployment

       During the battle of Pike IV in 3012, Right's Medium Lance of Pasquesi's Battalion led the assault on the city of Paramus. The two Hunchbacks of the unit were first into the city and began to tear apart the light 'Mechs left as a screen by the 42nd Armored Lightning Regiment. As Pasquesi's assault lances came charging into the central business district, they saw the two Hunchbacks of Right's Lance in a fistfight with two Crusaders. A third Crusader leaned drunkenly against a skyscraper, its center torso shot through. Before Pasquesi's heavy 'Mechs could come to the aid of the Hunchbacks, the 'Mechs finished off both their adversaries. One Crusader had a punched0in head section, and the right leg of the other had been ripped off with a pointblank autocannon shot.
       During the attack on New Ivaarsen in October 3021, House Kurita's Fifth Galedon Regulars charged their assault and medium lances against the Davion defense position outside the fortified city of Twin Peaks. Organized as city-busters for this campaign, the Fifth Galedon unfortunately lacked enough 'Mechs with long-range projectile weapons, because the Kurita commander never expected that House Davion could set up an effective defense outside the city.
       The Hunchbacks and other 'Mechs of the Kurita assault lances were ordered to force their way into Twin Peaks, but the charge was short-lived. Peppered with Davion's long-range missile and autocannon fire, many Galedon 'Mechs were disabled before getting halfway to the city gates. Unable to return effective fire, first one, then many MechWarriors turned their 'Mechs around and charged for the nearest cover. The defenders held Twin Peaks until substantial Davion reinforcements arrived, then forced the Fifth Galedon Regulars to retreat.

In use by:

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Type/Model:	Hunchback HBK-4G
Mass:	50 tons

Equipment:		Crits	Mass
Internal Structure:	83 pts Standard	0	5.00
Engine:	200	6	8.50
Walking MP:	4
Running MP:	6
Jumping MP:	0
Heat Sinks:	13 Single	5	3.00
(Heat Sink Loc: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL)
Gyro:		4	2.00
Cockpit, Life Support, Sensors:		5	3.00
Actuators:	L: Sh+UA+LA+H, R: Sh+UA+LA+H	16	.00
Armor Factor:	160 pts Standard	0	10.00

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		Internal	Armor
		Structure	Value
	Head:	3	9
	Center Torso:	16	26
	Center Torso (Rear):		5
	L/R Side Torso:	12	20/20
	L/R Side Torso (Rear):		4/4
	L/R Arm:	8	16/16
	L/R Leg:	12	20/20

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Weapons & Equipment:	Loc	Heat	Ammo	Crits	Mass
1 Autocannon/20	RT	7	10	12	16.00
(Ammo Loc: 2 LT)
1 Medium Laser	LA	3		1	1.00
1 Medium Laser	RA	3		1	1.00
1 Small Laser	HD	1		1	.50
TOTALS:		14		51	50.00
Crits & Tons Left:				27	.00

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Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:	3,467,876 C-Bills
Battle Value:	851
Cost per BV:	4,075.06
Weapon Value:	854 / 854 (Ratio = 1.00 / 1.00)
Damage Factors:	SRDmg = 23; MRDmg = 4; LRDmg = 0
BattleForce2:	MP: 4,   Armor/Structure: 4/4
	Damage PB/M/L: 4/3/-,   Overheat: 0
	Class: MM,   Point Value: 9