compiled overview of the 50ton Centurion 'Mech, from various BattleTech novels and game sourcebooks:



The Centurion was designed and built by Corean Enterprises as an operating partner for the highly successful Trebuchet. Produced from 2801 until the Corean plant on Ramen II was destroyed in 2845, it boasts a powerful Luxor medium-heavy autocannon and two Photech 806c medium lasers, one of which fires to the rear. For long-range hitting power, it has a chassis-mounted Luxor 3R LRM-10. This cross section of weaponry gives the Centurion a potential damage curve that increases steadily as it nears its target.

Unfortunately, many CN9-As have developed defects in their autocannon loading mechanisms. In many cases, it has been necessary to replace the entire loader. As replacement parts for the Luxor autocannon become increasingly rare, techs often replace the entire autocannon with another model or choose to mount a different type of weapons system in its place. Both alternatives require an extremely complicated and time-consuming operation, because the manufacturer custom-fit the Luxor system into the Centurion's chassis with no room for modifications.

Though the CN9 is a fine 'Mech when in good condition, the defective autocannon makes its future uncertain. In the future, Centurions may adopt a variety of roles, depending on the refits they receive.

The CN9-D Centurion is manufactured at Corean Enterprises' New Avalon factory and at Jalastar Aerospace's facility on Panpour. The design combines endo-steel internal structure, extra-light engine technology, Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment to guard against an internal missile explosion, and an Artemis IV fire-control system to improve the accuracy of the Centurion's Luxor 3R LRM-10 long-range missiles.

Additionally, the CN9-D employs a Mydron Excel LB 10-X autocannon in place of the Luxor D-Series autocannon used in earlier versions of the Centurion. BattleMech troops have especially welcomed the new autocannon.

Reportedly, Davion engineers continue to test new Centurion prototypes that feature improved myomers stable enough for battlefield use, and apparently the Davion military has deployed one such machine against the Clans.

The Centurion is best known for making slow, steady advances. Its autocannon and medium lasers allows the CN9 to inflict maximum damage when attacking at close range, and with 8.5 tons of armor, the Centurion is tough enough to absorb a considerable amount of punishment. Moreover, its heat sinks allow it to keep up a vigorous assault without danger of overheating.

The twenty autocannon reloads and twenty-four LRM reloads make it possible for the CN9-A to operate away from a supply base for short periods. Because of this, and its ability to move quickly and fire without overheating, the Centurion is often used as part of a raiding lance.

The CN9 can also lay covering fire at long ranges. However, it is rarely used in this capacity during major engagements because the launch rate of its LRM-10 is too slow to be effective against multiple opponents. In smaller encounters, the LRMs are very effective, and the twenty-four reloads allow the Centurion to keep up the pressure.

The formidable appearance of the Centurion's Luxor autocannon tends to elevate the pilot's confidence and give him the feeling that he can blast his way through anything. This fighting spirit can often be a valuable psychological advantage to a lance or company facing stiff opposition.

During the Battle for Hoff, it was MechWarrior Fadre Sing, not the company commander, who is credited with leading the decisive assault on the Eridani forces at Azure Stone Mesa. According to official reports, the young pilot became restless while his commanding officer debated the rationality of a frontal assault. Sing announced that he was "going over there to pound a few Eridani 'Mechs into spare parts" with or without help from the rest of the lance. He set off across the mesa and after a moment's hesitation, the rest of the company followed, leaving the commander with his mouth gaping. Under Sing's command, the company smashed through the enemy line and destroyed a vital supply depot. The spectacular success of the raid made it politically dangerous to court-martial Sing. Instead, he and his Centurion were assigned to "an important post" on a frontier world.

In the battle for New Mendham, Lieutenant Ian Grimm distinguished himself, and his Centurion, by attacking and destroying a Marauder single-handedly. The Marauder had been punching its way through an office tower when the building caught fire. The pilot panicked and started firing his PPCs wildly to blast his way out. By the time the Marauder cleared the fire, it was badly overheated and close to shut-down. Grimm saw it coming out and moved in to attack at close range.

Grimm's Centurion was too close to be easily hit with a PPC, and the Marauder was too hot to make wild shots, so the Marauder began kicking and punching, trying to pound its attacker into scrap. The CN9 managed to move out to about sixty meters and started hammering away at the Marauder with its autocannon and medium laser. The only weapons that the Marauder could effectively fire were its two medium lasers, but with its targeting system malfunctioning due to high temperatures, even those were little use. In the end, the Centurion managed to blast through the left-torso armor and hit the autocannon magazine. The explosion gutted the Marauder.



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