RVN-1X Raven for Battletech

The Raven was a light-weight electronic warfare BattleMech which, when it first debuted after the end of the Third Succession War, was not just one of the first truly original 'Mech designs produced in centuries, but also represented humanity's refusal to slide back technologically. Originally the Capellan Confederation had attempted to recreate the sophisticated technology once common during the Star League era, specifically the Guardian ECM Suite. While the resulting electronic warfare device was a technical success, it proved too large and bulky to be installed on any existing 'Mechs. Desperate for any force multiplier, the Capellans decided to build an entirely new 'Mech around the electronics, creating the first prototype Ravens.

At first these experimental Ravens were meant as stand-off support units for 'Mech companies, designating targets for artillery and scrambling enemy sensors, but in most cases they were assigned at the battalion level as a temporary fifth member of the command lance. When it finally saw battle however the Raven did not meet its lofty expectations; it simply could not provide a sufficient-enough advantage to influence combat. Many were captured by the Federated Suns during the Fourth Succession War, and the design would languish as just another light 'Mech until the recovery of the Helm Memory Core allowed Hellespont to create a production version, the RVN-3L, equal to the prototype's ambitiousness.

While heavily associated with House Liao, the Capellans were also forced to sell a number to the Free Worlds League and Draconis Combine, the larger share going to the former. The Federated Suns and Lyran Alliance also acquired smaller numbers of Ravens through other means including salvage, and a large number of variants were eventually created.

Model is printed in a grey resin and supplied with a base.

Mech design by Matt Mason.