While the Investigator General's office demanded an explanation, Lang started legal proceedings against Earthwerks. It would take several years but Lang would win in court, arguing that Earthwerks has exceeded the terms of their license agreement. Then the maintenance crews showed overages of AC/5 parts and other components, and higher than expected spares consumption for the Thunderbolt-spec parts. These were adopted on the record as SHD-2Hs and were requisitioned at the regimental level as replacements, either whole or as conversion kits.
And that is where the procurement people got involved, and then the judge adjutant general. Informally designated the SHD-2S, these mechs were quickly and quietly absorbed into units partaking in the Sempai/Kohai program as it reduced the numbers and types of spares they needed to keep in stock. It took less than 90 days for Earthwerks to turn out a prototype SHD-2 armed with the same weapons and electronics as the TDR-5S. When one of the units that made the regimental-level modification reached out to Earthwerks to help trouble shoot issues, an engineer had an idea. Not only did Earthwerks manufacture the Thunderbolts but was also a licensed manufacturer of the Shadow Hawk for the SLDF in an agreement with Lang Industries. Initially, units using that pairing modified their SHDs with spare large lasers for their T-bolts. One of those pairs was the Shadow Hawk and Battlemaster or much more frequently Thunderbolt. Originally it was done with the pairing of Bombadiers and Archers, Crusaders and Chargers, and similar matches. In theory, the senior mechwarior of a pair would be assigned to the more mobile machine, with two identical pairs per lance. Developed by SLDF Colonel Shoji, the plan was on the concept that different models of mech could be very similarly armed with one being lighter but faster. And that is part of why this general specification was developed, but it doesn't explain the exact weapons fit.ĭuring the mid 2600s, SLDF experimented with what was called the Kohai/Sempai training program. While it is easy to overheat the mech, in the hands of a skilled mechwarrior who isn't continuously "alpha striking" is also easily managed. With the weight savings from the switch to the laser, an extra heat sink and an additional ton and half of armour improves the survivability of the mech. There is also a pair of Voelkers 200 machine guns in the left arms supported with a half ration of ammunition giving it a reasonable anti-infantry capability that most Shadow Hawks lack. The other arms are changed as well, with the Holly SRM launcher replaced by a Bical model, and the Martel medium laser is swapped for a similar Diverse Optics product. It is restricted to direct fire, but with the retention of Holly five tube LRM launcher the lack of maximum range isn't as important. Fifty percent more powerful than the original ballistic weapon, the range is shortened by 90m and reduces the logistical need for the main weapon. The most important change is that the Armstrong autocannon was swapped for a Sunglow Type-2 large laser. Despite that, it is an interesting version of the mech.īefore examining the why, let us look at the mech itself. It was produced in limited numbers for the SLDF for only about eight years. The SHD-2S is a peculiar variant of the Shadow Hawk developed for a very specific role. Mass: 55 tons Chassis: Lang T1 Power Plant: CoreTek 275 Fusion Cruising Speed: 54 km/h Maximum Speed: 85 km/h Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-50 Jump Capacity: 90 meters Armor: Ryerson 150 Armament:Ģ Voelkers 200 Machine Guns Manufacturer(s):Įarthwerks Incorporated Communications System: Neil 8000 Targeting & Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X
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