PGI Announces "Project Phoenix" (The Unseen, Reseen, Whatever)

The variants included are revealed now!

Locust
The Locust was one of the most common BattleMechs in existence, having been produced since the design was introduced by Bergan Industries in 2499. The Locust was built exclusively for reconnaissance. The design used a 160-rated LTV Fusion Engine to attain speeds of up to 129.6 km/h. With such phenomenal speed the Locust was capable of outrunning most enemies. In a situation where it was unable to outrun its enemies, it did have a light array of weapons with which to defend itself. As of 3050, it is estimated that over 2,000 Locusts were in service throughout the Inner Sphere.

LCT-1V(P)
The main weapon of the Locust was a single Martell Medium Laser. Backing this up were two Sperry Browning Machine Guns, which effectively deterred infantry attacks against the Locust's vulnerable legs.

LCT-3M
The -3M Locust carried a single Medium Laser, four Small Lasers, and an Anti-Missile System for missile defense. The armor was upgraded to Ferro-Fibrous with CASE and the chassis utilized Endo Steel construction techniques. It was produced at both Corean Enterprises on Stewart and Free Worlds Defense Industries on Gibson.

LCT-3S
The -3S Locust, constructed on Furillo by Defiance Industries, carried the -1S upgrade (SRM2 instead of MGs) further. This time, as with the -3M, the structure used Endo Steel and the armor was upgraded with Ferro-Fibrous. The SRM-2s were upgraded to Streak SRM-2s and the design also carried a single Medium Laser.


Shadow Hawk
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 Hawk outguns 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.

SHD-2H(P)
The Shadow Hawk as mentioned above carries a varied, but effective, mix of weapons. Primary among them is the Armstrong J11 Autocannon/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.

SHD-2D2
The -2D2 is an upgrade of the -2D Shadow Hawk (note: additional SRM2). 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.

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.


Thunderbolt
The Thunderbolt started production in 2491 as an assault 'Mech. Since that time the 'Mech's classification may have changed but it is still feared and respected by many. With the Thunderbolt's varied arsenal, it is capable of serving in many roles. As is common for 'Mechs of its size in the era it was produced, the Thunderbolt has a maximum ground speed of 64.8 kph and does not have any jump capabilities. For protection, the Thunderbolt also carries thirteen tons of armor.

TDR-5S(P)
Because of its eclectic weapons mix, the Thunderbolt does not have just one primary weapon. Its longest-range weapon is a Delta Dart LRM-15 missile launcher. Next in its long range arsenal is a Sunglow Type 2 Large Laser, which provides the Thunderbolt with respectable medium to long-range firepower. As ranges close, the Thunderbolt is able to bring its three Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers and a Bical SRM-2 missile launcher into play. Finally, for anti-infantry use, the Thunderbolt has two Voelkers 200 Machine Guns.

TDR-5SS
The 5SS Thunderbolt is a 'Mech that depends more on direct long-range fire instead of missiles. The 'Mech carries a PPC as its primary weapon and for close ranges carries three Medium Lasers and a SRM-6. Finally, for anti infantry use, the 'Mech carries a Flamer. To help with the 'Mechs added heat load, the 5SS variant has twenty one heat sinks.

TDR-9SE
The 9SE variant of the Thunderbolt is based primarily around an energy weapons arsenal and maneuverability. The 'Mech is armed with an LRM-10 missile launcher for long-range combat. For close to medium ranges, the 'Mech carries a Large Pulse Laser and three Medium Lasers. Of note is the shifting of the missile launcher from the right-side torso to the left. The additional mobility of the 9SE comes from its four jump jets giving it a jumping distance of one hundred and twenty meters.


Battlemaster
Versatile and powerful, the BattleMaster was one of the best known 'Mechs in existence. Hollis Industries began production in 2633, originally designing it to be the largest and most powerful 'Mech on the battlefield. It has since been eclipsed in both size and firepower by larger and more advanced 'Mechs. Despite this, the BattleMaster was still capable of causing a great deal of damage to any unit that it engaged and was capable of carrying out many different roles on the battlefield, from direct fire support to command to urban assault. This versatility is what made the BattleMaster so memorable and so famous throughout the Successor States.

BLR-1G(P)
The BattleMaster carried a Donal PPC as its main weapon, which allowed the 'Mech to cause damage at ranges exceeding five hundred meters. For close range combat, the 'Mech was armed with six Martell Medium Lasers, which gave the 'Mech the ability to unleash a devastating barrage of lasers at short to medium ranges. The short-range firepower was further enhanced with a Holly SRM-6, which could seek out weak points in the enemy’s armor. Finally, the BattleMaster was equipped with two Sperry Browning Machine Guns, which deterred infantry attacks.

BLR-1D
The 1D was a basic modification of the 1G model. The SRM-6 and two Medium Lasers were removed and the 'Mech had six heat sinks and an additional ton of armor added to make the 'Mech more forgiving when dealing with the 'Mechs intensive heat load from its energy weapon heavy arsenal.

BLR-1S
Another variant built around making the BattleMaster's heat more manageable, the PPC and SRM-6 were removed. They were replaced with an LRM-15, an LRM-5, and two SRM-2 launchers, giving the BLR-1S both long and short range capability. Additionally, two heat sinks have been added to the 'Mech.