Editing Shadow Cat

{{otheruses|[[Clan Nova Cat]]'s medium [[OmniMech]]|[[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s heavy fire-support [[BattleMech]]|Shadow Cat II|}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Shadow Cat RGilClan v09.png
|name = ''Shadow Cat''
|manufacturer = 
[[Barcella Beta]]<ref name=TRCIp34f>''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', pp. 34–35: "Shadow Cat"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3058U -->
----
[[Clan Protectorate Arms]]<ref name=rg9p12>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 9'', p. 12</ref>
|model = Prime<ref name=TRCIp34f />
|class = Medium
|production year = 3003
|year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/2892/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|cost = 11,785,510 [[C-bill]]s
|Tech Base = Clan
|mech type = OmniMech
|mass = 45
|chassis = [[Type 79-45 Endo Steel]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
|armor = [[Compound H17 Ferro-Fibrous]] with [[CASE]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
|engine = [[RFUM 270 XL]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
|comsys = [[JNE Integrated]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
|T&T = [[Build 2 CAT TTS]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
|heat sinks = 10 [[Double Heat Sink|double]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
|speed = 97 <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
|speed with MASC = 129 <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
|jumpjets = [[Model KY Boosters]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
|armament = Primary Configuration <!-- <ref name=TRCIp34f /> -->
* 1x [[Gauss rifle]]
* 2x [[ER medium laser]]
* 1x [[active probe]]
|BV (1.0) = 2,057<ref name=TRO3058Upp170f>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', pp. 170–171: "Shadow Cat Profile"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 201</ref>
|BV (2.0) = 2,156<ref name=TRCIp34f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 134</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Shadow Cat''''' is a heavily armed and maneuverable medium [[OmniMech]] that was developed by [[Clan Nova Cat]] to supersede the ''[[Ice Ferret]]'' in the early [[thirty-first century]] during preparations for [[Operation Revival]].<ref name=TRO3058Upp170f /> Use of the ''Shadow Cat'' has spread to other Clans since its introduction, most notably the [[Trial of Annihilation|Annihilated]] [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]] as well as Clans [[Clan Cloud Cobra|Cloud Cobra]], [[Clan Diamond Shark|Diamond Shark]], [[Clan Fire Mandrill|Fire Mandrill]], [[Clan Steel Viper|Steel Viper]], and [[Clan Wolf|Wolf]].<ref>''The Black Thorns'', pp. 58–59</ref><ref name=TRO:3058pp166f>''Technical Readout: 3058'', pp. 166–167: "Shadow Cat"</ref><ref name=TRO3058Upp170f/>

First used against [[Inner Sphere]] forces during the [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Battle of Luthien]], the successful ''Shadow Cat'' was subsequently deployed by the Clans against [[ComStar]] during the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]]. The ''Shadow Cat'' is one of the few Invasion-era Clan 'Mechs to lack a separate Inner Sphere designation; every Inner Sphere pilot who encountered the 'Mech before the Battle of Tukayyid was killed in action, and ComStar was informed of its designation before that battle which resulted in both sides using the same name to refer to the ''Shadow Cat''.{{cn}}

Production of the ''Shadow Cat'' in the [[Clan Homeworlds]] faltered in the years after the [[Great Refusal]], and stopped altogether around the time of the [[Wars of Reaving]]. This 'Mech was one of several older designs that were being phased out of manufacture in the Homeworlds.<ref>''The Wars of Reaving Supplemental'', p. 17</ref>  The reasons for the cessation of ''Shadow Cat'' production were never explicitly given, but it is possible that the 'Mech's association with the exiled Clan Nova Cat played a role in the decision to phase out this 'Mech.{{cn}}

In the Inner Sphere, however, no such reservations existed - despite its historical associations, the ''Shadow Cat'' remains a highly successful design that has seen continued production by Clan Nova Cat well into the [[Dark Age]] period. Rights to produce the 'Mech were acquired by the rechristened [[Clan Sea Fox]], who continue to sell ''Shadow Cat''s to most Clans and even Inner Sphere militaries.<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 6'', p. 12: "Shadow Cat"</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
This expensive OmniMech makes use of weight-saving technologies in the form of a [[Type 79-45]] [[endo steel]] internal structure, an [[RFUM 270 XL]] [[extralight engine]], and seven tons of [[Compound H17]] [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. All of these together allow the ''Shadow Cat'' to employ more [[pod space]] than the ''Ice Ferret'' at the expense of speed. To counteract this, the base chassis employs enough [[jump jet]]s to vault up to 180 meters in a single bound and [[MASC|Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry]] that enables it to move nearly 130 km/h in bursts.<ref name=TRO3058Upp170f/><ref name=TRO:3058pp166f/>

The Primary configuration of the ''Shadow Cat'' wields a [[Gauss rifle]], allowing it to handily defeat smaller opponents, often before they can get within range. A pair of smaller [[ER medium laser]]s back up the rifle, together able to deal almost as much damage as the Gauss rifle can at closer ranges. An [[active probe]] gives the ''Shadow Cat'' the ability to detect hidden units, making it a capable scout.<ref name=TRO3058Upp170f/><ref name=TRO:3058pp166f/>

==Alternate Configurations==
*; Alternate Configuration A : The first alternate configuration is potent at long range thanks to a pair of [[ER large laser]]s. It retains the Prime's [[active probe]] but carries a [[Streak SRM-6]] for backup instead of the [[ER medium laser]]s. It also utilizes three extra [[double heat sink]]s to keep heat levels comfortable.<ref name=TRCIp34f /> BV (1.0) = 1,972;<ref name=TRO3058Upp170f/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 202</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,220<ref name=TRCIp34f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 135</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration B : This configuration is also a fusion of long-range weaponry with a scouting system, but emphasizes indirect firepower. This configuration carries a pair of [[Artemis IV]]-guided [[LRM-15]]s as well as a pair of [[ER medium laser]]s for point defense. Retaining the [[active probe]], the B configuration adds an [[ECM suite]] to the electronics package.<ref name=TRCIp34f /> BV (1.0) = 2,123;<ref name=TRO3058Upp170f/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 203</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,420<ref name=TRCIp34f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 136</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration C : A more recent configuration, the ''Shadow Cat'' C marries a pair of [[ATM 6]]s to three [[ER medium laser]]s, and mounts enough ammunition to make full use of the flexibility of the Advanced Tactical Missile system. A [[Narc missile beacon]] helps colleagues' missiles target an enemy unit.<ref name=TRCIp34f /> BV (1.0) = 1,817;<ref name=TRO3058Upp170f/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 204</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 77</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,199<ref name=TRCIp34f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 137</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration D : This configuration carries an [[ER large laser]] and an extra double heat sink in the right arm, while the left arm carries a pair of [[medium pulse laser]]s. The left torso carries two [[machine gun]]s, an [[ER small laser]] and another medium pulse laser. To capitalize on the damage inflicted by the close-range weapons, the right torso mounts a [[Streak SRM-6]]. One ton of ammo is provided for the machine guns and the missile launcher. BV (2.0) = 2,298<ref name=rg9p12/>

*; Alternate Configuration E : This [[Dark Age]] configuration uses two [[improved heavy large laser]]s as its weaponry. To control the heat, 17 [[double heat sink]]s are augmented by two [[coolant pod]]s. BV (2.0) = 2,084<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 112</ref><ref name=rg9p12/>

*; Alternate Configuration F : Another Dark Age configuration, this variant carries a [[TSEMP cannon]], [[ER PPC]], and [[Streak SRM-6]]. BV (2.0) = 2,997<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades'', p. 113</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration H : This configuration makes its presence known at long range through the use of an [[LRM-20]] with [[Artemis IV FCS]] capability. A [[targeting computer]]–assisted [[heavy large laser]] packs a wallop, though four extra [[double heat sink]]s are used to keep heat in check.<ref name=TRCIp34f /> BV (1.0) = 1,980;<ref name=TRO3058Upp170f/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades'', p. 205</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 78</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,155<ref name=TRCIp34f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 138</ref>

*; Alternate Configuration I : This configuration carries an [[ER medium pulse laser]] and [[improved heavy medium laser]] in each arm; these are linked into a [[targeting computer]]. Each side torso carries a [[Streak SRM-6]] with one ton of ammunition. An extra [[double heat sink]] is mounted in the right arm. BV (2.0) = 2,408<ref name=rg9p12/>

*; Alternate Configuration J : A model of advanced Gauss technology, this [[Jihad]]-era ''Shadow Cat'' configuration mounts a total of 6 [[AP Gauss rifle]]s and a [[HAG/20]]. It uses a [[Beagle active probe]] to scout for enemy infantry forces. BV (2.0) = 1,802<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 139</ref><ref name=rg9p12/>

*; Alternate Configuration M : A fast striker, this configuration mounts a [[large pulse laser]] in each arm and an [[ER medium laser]] in each side torso. Three additional [[double heat sink]]s help mitigate the heat generated by such an energy-intensive weapons loadout. BV (2.0) = 2,438<ref name=rg9p12/>

*; Alternate Configuration T : This configuration carries a [[UAC/10]] in the right arm with two tons of ammo stored in the right torso. A [[medium pulse laser]] is mounted in the left arm and another in the right torso. An [[active probe]] is mounted in the left torso to find hidden foes. BV (2.0) = 1,852<ref name=rg9p12/>

*; Alternate Configuration TC : Used in the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]], this configuration carries an [[LB 10-X]] autocannon in the right arm, fed by two tons of ammunition is stored in the right torso. The left torso mounts an [[SRM-4]] with a ton of ammunition, along with an [[active probe]]. The TC configuration also makes use of two [[small pulse laser]]s, one in the left arm and one in the right torso. BV (2.0) = 1,378<ref>''BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid'', p. 148</ref>

===Apocryphal Configurations===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; SHC-MI ''Mishipeshu'' : A customized variant of the ''Shadow Cat''. A depiction of Nova Cat Khan, Lucian Carns' personal 'Mech of choice. The ''Mishipeshu'' uses an [[ER large laser]] in its left arm, a [[UAC/5]] with one ton of ammo, supported by an [[ER medium laser]]. In the right torso, a [[Streak SRM-6]] with a ton of ammo.<ref name=MWO>''MechWarrior Online'' - "Night Gyr"</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Shadow Cat'' is subject to the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 94: BattleMech Quirk Table - Shadow Cat Entry</ref>
* [[Narrow/Low Profile]]

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[Shadow Cat II]]'' - The ''Shadow Cat II'' is a heavier, non-Omni variant of the ''Shadow Cat'' developed by [[Clan Jade Falcon]].
* ''[[Shadow Cat III]]'' - The ''Shadow Cat III'' was made as an improvement to the original ''Shadow Cat''

==Notable Pilots==
* [[Lucian Carns]] - The [[saKhan]] of Clan Nova Cat was piloting a ''Shadow Cat'' Prime at the time of his death during the [[Great Refusal]].<ref name=TOTC38-A-LC-1>''Twilight of the Clans'', p. 38: "Attacker", Carns' 'Mech and BattleTech statistics</ref>

* [[Dominic Paine]] - A [[Federated Commonwealth]] officer who piloted a ''Shadow Cat'' during the initial stages of [[Operation DAMOCLES]].<ref name=TUF>''Trial Under Fire''</ref><ref name=MW3>''MechWarrior 3''</ref>

* [[Ian Dresari]] - Scion of [[House Dresari]], Ian fought in [[Operation BIRD DOG]] and [[Operation BULLDOG]], capturing a ''Shadow Cat'' D from Clan Smoke Jaguar at some point. He would begin the campaign to recapture [[Kentares IV]] piloting this 'Mech. <ref name=MW4V> ''Mechwarrior 4: Vengeance'' </ref>

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's proper Clan name was translated to '''''Schattenkatze'''''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Shadow_Cat_TBTp59.png|Original ''Shadow Cat'' from ''[[The Black Thorns]]''
Shadowcat.jpg|''Shadow Cat'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3058|TRO:3058]]''
Shadow Cat RGilClan v09.png|''Shadow Cat'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 9|RG:ilClan v9]]''
The Dragon Roars (4).jpg|A ''Shadow Cat'' in action from ''[[The Dragon Roars]]''
Shadowcat forest.jpg|''Shadow Cat'' firing its Gauss Rifle from ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction|BT:25 Years]]''
CCG Crusade Shadow Cat Prime.jpg|''Shadow Cat'' Prime in motion from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
CCG Arsenal Shadow Cat A.jpg|''Shadow Cat'' A standing at attention from ''CCG''
CCG Arsenal Shadow Cat B.jpg|''Shadow Cat'' B in motion from ''CCG''
MW4-M Shadow Cat.png|Model of ''Shadow Cat'' from ''[[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries|MW4:Mercenaries]]''
MWO Shadow Cat.png|Model of ''Shadow Cat'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
MW-CMG-Shadowcat.jpeg|Annihilation Expansion Dark Age era ''Shadow Cat'' from [[WizKids]] website
Shadow Cat BTCCS.jpg|''Shadow Cat'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Clan Command Star]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
* ''[[BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid]]''
* ''[[The Black Thorns]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 9]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]''

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Clan OmniMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]
[[Category:NARC Equipped BattleMechs]]