MercTech: Shadow Hawk

History:
An iconic mech that sits at the top of the medium weight class, the 55-ton Shadow Hawk has proven itself an extremely versatile machine that can accomplish numerous roles, from a light lance command unit to a heavy lance spotter. However, due to its multi-role nature, the Shadow Hawk falls into the common issue of most medium-class mechs, their lack of a defined niche. A top speed of 81 kph and three jump jets allow the mech to outmaneuver most heavy mechs, but it would be hard pressed to keep up with most mechs lighter than itself, while ample armor allows it to take a beating against other mechs in the medium class, but not against anything heavier. This problem is further confounded by its ecclectic mix of weapons, which, while allowing the Shadow Hawk to fight at all ranges, lacks the firepower to punch through armor, even against much lighter mechs. Ultimately, the Shadow Hawk is best suited at range, where it can lay down supporting fire and try to exploit breaches left by its lancemates.

Despite the loss of nearly all of its factories during the Succession Wars, with the exception of the Free Worlds League's and the Magistracy of Canopus', the Shadow Hawk would remain a common mech throughout human space, even within militias and mercenary commands. The mech would see a large number of new variants throughout the next century among all the Great Houses' militaries as new factories would come online, ensuring its continued survival.

SHD-2H:
Structure: Standard

Armor: Standard 9.5 tons

Engine: Standard 275

Top Speed: 81 kph

Gyro: Standard

Heat Sinks: 12 Single Heat Sinks

Cockpit: Standard

Equipment: 1x AC-5 w/ 1t ammo, 1x LRM-5 w/ 1t ammo, 1x Medium Laser, 1x SRM-2 w/ 1t ammo, 3x Jump Jets

SHD-2K:
Structure: Standard

Armor: Standard 9.5 tons

Engine: Standard 275

Top Speed: 81 kph

Gyro: Standard

Heat Sinks: 17 Single Heat Sinks

Cockpit: Standard

Equipment: 1x PPC, 1x LRM-5 w/ 1t ammo, 3x Jump Jets

SHD-2D:
Structure: Standard

Armor: Standard 4.5 tons

Engine: Standard 275

Top Speed: 81 kph

Gyro: Standard

Heat Sinks: 14 Single Heat Sinks

Cockpit: Standard

Equipment: 1x AC-5 w/ 1t ammo, 1x LRM-5 w/ 1t ammo, 2x Medium Lasers, 2x SRM-2s w/ 2t ammo, 3x Jump Jets

SHD-2D2:
Structure: Standard

Armor: Standard 6.5 tons

Engine: Standard 275

Top Speed: 81 kph

Gyro: Standard

Heat Sinks: 12 Single Heat Sinks

Cockpit: Standard

Equipment: 1x AC-5 w/ 1t ammo, 1x LRM-5 w/ 1t ammo, 2x Streak SRM-2s w/ 1t ammo, 2x Medium Lasers, 3x Jump Jets

SHD-5M:
Structure: Standard

Armor: Standard 10.5 tons

Engine: Extra-Light 275

Top Speed: 81 kph

Gyro: Standard

Heat Sinks: 10 Double Heat Sinks

Cockpit: Standard

Equipment: 1x LRM-20 w/ 1t ammo, 1x Ultra AC-5 w/ 1t ammo, 1x Streak SRM-2 w/ 1t ammo, 1x Medium Laser, 5x Jump Jets, 1x CASE