Editing Highlander

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Highlander RGilClan v10.png
|name = ''Highlander''
|manufacturer = 
[[Hollis Incorporated]]
----
[[StarCorps Industries]]<ref name=TRSWp172f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 172–173: "HGN-732 Highlander"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3050U -->
|production year = 2592
|year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/1514/highlander-hgn-732 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|model = HGN-732<ref name=TRSWp172f />
|cost = 8,936,080 C-bills
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type = BattleMech
|mass = 90
|feet = biped
|chassis = [[Star League XT]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp172f /> -->
|armor = [[Grumman-3 Ferro-Fibrous]] with [[CASE]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp172f /> -->
|engine = [[GM 270]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp172f /> -->
|comsys = [[Hector VII]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp172f /> -->
|T&T = [[Starlight LX-1]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp172f /> -->
|heat sinks = 12 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp172f /> -->
|speed = 54 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp172f /> -->
|jumpjets = [[HildCo Model 10]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp172f /> -->
|armament = <!-- <ref name=TRSWp172f /> -->
* 2x [[medium laser]]
* 1x [[SRM-6]]
* 1x [[LRM-20]]
* 1x [[Gauss rifle]]
|BV (1.0) = 1,838<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', pp. 123, 132</ref>
|BV (2.0) = 2,227<ref name=TRSWp172f /><ref name=TRO3050Up220-210>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 220–221: "Highlander 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 306</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Highlander''''' is one of the most well-known [[Star League Defense Force]] assault [['Mech]]s, serving with distinction for almost two centuries since first entering service in [[Introduction Year::2592]].  Initially designed as a dedicated city and installation defender, the original model featured a variety of weaponry along with fifteen and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, but perhaps its most useful asset were the three [[HildCo Model 10|HildCo]] [[jump jet]]s giving it a jumping range of 90 meters. Among the heaviest 'Mech designs to feature jump jets at the time, their original task was to allow the ''Highlander'' the ability to jump over inconvenient obstacles such as buildings and outpace other 'Mechs with a faster ground speed, but because of this increased mobility and its versatile weaponry the ''Highlander'' proved to be a capable fighter on any battlefield and within decades nearly every BattleMech [[regiment]] of the Regular and Royal Armies featured them.  However it was during the design's initial trial runs that [[MechWarrior (pilot)|pilots]] began using these 'Mechs in what would infamously become known as the "[[Death from Above|Highlander Burial]]".  Leaping into the air and landing directly on their enemy, a ''Highlander'' could literally drive a light 'Mech into the ground.  So successful was this maneuver that the design team reengineered the legs to withstand repeated death-from-above attacks and turned what had been a desperation move into an art form, giving ''Highlander'' pilots an additional psychological edge.<ref name=TRO3050Up220-210/><ref name=TRO2750p52-53>''Technical Readout: 2750'', pp. 52–53: "HGN-732 Highlander 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3025Rp114-115>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 114–115: "HGN-733 Highlander 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3039p276-277>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 276–277: "HGN-733 Highlander 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3050Rp174-175>''Technical Readout: 3050 Revised'', pp. 174–175: "HGN-732 Highlander Profile"</ref>

As with other [[Star League]] era designs the ''Highlander'' would suffer the [[lostech|loss of technology]] brought about by the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], and when StarCorps' factory on [[Son Hoa]] was devastated towards the end of the [[Second Succession War]] the original HGN-732 became virtually extinct.  An agreement between StarCorps and [[Hollis Incorporated]] to rebuild destroyed chassis from scratch using readily-available technology kept the line going until the mid-3030s when limited production was restarted by StarCorps on Son Hoa and [[Corey]], producing barely a dozen new 'Mechs per year.  These HGN-733 ''Highlander''s were used in small numbers by the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Lyran Commonwealth]], commonly as part of [[lance]]s containing ''[[Exterminator]]s'', ''[[Victor]]''s, ''[[Grasshopper]]''s and ''[[Catapult]]''s.<ref name=TRO3050Up220-210/><ref name=TRO3025Rp114-115/><ref name=TRO3039p276-277/>

Unbeknownst to many, [[ComStar]] also maintained a large stock of ''Highlander''s left over from the Star League, some of which they gifted to the [[Draconis Combine]] during the [[War of 3039]].  The appearance of so many seemingly rare 733s, along with a few 732s whose advanced technology managed to slip through ComStar screening, had a large impact on Lyran morale during that conflict.  ComStar would also use the design in their own military forces, the [[Com Guards]], and even during the [[Clan Invasion]] a few original 732s would take to the field as part of the [[Clans]]' fighting forces.
The [[Northwind Highlanders]] especially favored this namesake BattleMech. In fact, during the Succession Wars, they were the only Inner Sphere army to keep a large number of them operational, along with ComStar. The Highlanders are especially skilled in delivering the famed Highlander Burial maneuver.<ref name=ACtA012>''Combat Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 58</ref>
By [[3057]] StarCorps' Son Hoa line was at full production, producing brand-new original-spec ''Highlander''s for Lyran units of the [[Federated Commonwealth]], just in time to take part in the [[FedCom Civil War]].  ''Highlander''s would continue to be produced all the way through to the [[Jihad]], where advanced variants fought both for and against the [[Word of Blake]].<ref name=TRO3050Up220-210/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Highlander'' carries a weapons mix that is more at home when fighting a ranged battle, but when the ranges close the ''Highlander'' has the right equipment for the job. The primary weapon is an [[Gauss rifle#M-7|M-7]] [[Gauss rifle]] that is capable of stripping armor off of an enemy a ton at a time. The Gauss is backed up at long ranges by a [[LRM-20#Holly|Holly-20]] [[LRM-20]] launcher. For close range work, it carries two [[Harmon Starclass]] [[medium laser]]s and a [[Holly-6]] [[SRM-6]] launcher.  Two tons of ammo for the gauss rifle, LRM and SRM launchers each provide good endurance while the use of [[CASE]] grants added protection.  Low heat buildup from the weapons allows for a nearly continuous barrage without taxing the twelve [[heat sink]]s, though pilots must still exhibit caution.<ref name=TRO3025Rp114-115/><ref name=TRO3050Up220-210/><ref name=TRO2750p52-53/><ref name=TRO3050Rp174-175/>

==Variants==
*; HGN-694 : Introduced during the FedCom Civil War, this ''Highlander'' variant replaces the missiles, medium lasers, and jump jets with two [[Large Laser]]s and a [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]]. The M-7 Gauss Rifle remains in place. BV (2.0) = 2,358<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 305</ref>

*; HGN-641-X-2 : This ComStar developed variant is equipped with a pair of [[Artemis IV]]-equipped [[MML-7]] launchers with four tons of ammo. It keeps the Gauss Rifle of the standard ''Highlander'' and mounts a pair of [[ER medium laser]]s. [[CASE II]] systems protect the Gauss Rifle and missile ammunition from explosions. A [[C3 slave]] unit allows the ''Highlander'' to share targeting data. [[Light Ferro-Fibrous]] armor and a [[Reinforced Structure]] provide protection from weapons fire. To make room for all the equipment, this ''Highlander'' uses an [[XL engine]] and [[XL Gyro]].BV(2.0) = 2185<ref name=XTRO:CSp7>''Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar'', p. 7</ref>

*; HGN-732b : The 732b model is an upgrade of the classic 732 built exclusively for [[SLDF Royal units|SLDF Royal]] units.  This variant drops two heat sinks and a ton of SRM ammo.  [[Artemis IV]] FCS is added to the LRM and SRM launcher, while the heat sinks are upgraded to [[Double Heat Sink|doubles]].  Additional short-range firepower comes in the form of a medium laser added to the right torso.  BV (2.0) = 2,335<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 185</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 35</ref>

*; HGN-733 : The 733 model is a downgrade of the ''Highlander'', although it weathered the use of more primitive technology better than other SLDF designs. In place of the Gauss Rifle the 'Mech now carries an [[Mydron Class B]] [[Autocannon/10]] with two tons of ammo and an additional ton of LRM reloads while the rest of the ''Highlander''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s weapons have remained the same. The armor has also been upgraded by two tons, providing even more protection than the original 732 model. The speed profile of the ''Highlander'' maintains the original model's maximum speed of 54.0 km/h. The communications system is a [[Hartford Com/A-7]]<ref name=TRO3025Rp114-115/> BV (1.0) = 1,424; BV (2.0) = 1,801<ref name=TRO3039p276-277/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 187</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 435</ref>

*; HGN-733C : This model drops a ton each of SRM and LRM ammo. The [[Autocannon/10]] is upgraded to an [[Autocannon/20]]. BV (2.0) = 1867<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 434</ref>

*; HGN-733P : This model swaps the [[Autocannon/10]] for a [[PPC]] and seven additional Heat Sinks BV (2.0) = 1865<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 435</ref>

*; HGN-734 : The 734 ''Highlander'' emphasizes its role as an urban combat 'Mech, produced by the [[Lyran Alliance]] in the wake of the civil war. The Gauss Rifle has been replaced with a massive [[LB-X Autocannon/20]], the medium lasers have been upgraded to ER medium lasers, the SRM-6 was upgraded to a Streak version with another [[Streak SRM-6]] launcher added, as well as an [[ER Large Laser]]. Upgrading the standard fusion engine to a new [[Light Engine]] and removing the LRM-20 launcher allowed these changes.<ref name=TRSWp172f /> BV (1.0) = 1,889<ref name=CO/> or 1,793;<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 145</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,214<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 307</ref>

*; HGN-736 : This ComStar version of the ''Highlander'' introduced in the late 3050s has been upgraded to carry the [[improved C3 computer]], as well as upgrading the LRM-20 with an [[Artemis IV]] fire control system and replacing the SRM-6 to a [[Streak SRM-4]]. This was accomplished by replacing the twelve single heat sinks of the 732 model with ten double heat sinks and by only using one ton of ammunition for the upgraded SRM launcher.<ref name=TRSWp172f /> BV (1.0) = 2,118;<ref name=CO/><ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 146</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,255<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 308</ref>

*; HGN-738 : Another upgrade by the Lyran Alliance following the civil war, the 738's largest weapon is its [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]]. The long-range missile launcher is replaced with an [[LRM-15]], though it is guided by an Artemis IV FCS, with an ER Large Laser providing additional long range firepower. Should an enemy unit close, the 738 can bring a pair of ER medium lasers and a Streak SRM-4 to bear. Though the 'Mech utilizes a standard fusion engine, the concentration of ammunition in one torso and the Gauss in the other make it extremely vulnerable to critical damage, even with the inclusion of CASE for the ammunition bins. BV (2.0) = 2,413<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 309</ref>

*; HGN-740 : This [[Dark Age]] variant of the ''Highlander'' uses an [[ER PPC]] with a [[PPC Capacitor]] for its main firepower. This is supplemented by an [[LRM-20]] with an [[Artemis IV Fire Control System]] to enhance accuracy. The left arm carries a [[Streak SRM-6]] and the right torso has a pair of ER medium lasers. Light Ferro-Fibrous armor provides protection. [[CASE II]] protects the two tons of LRM and one ton of Streak SRM ammunition. The final weapons system is a pair of [[M-Pod]]s on each leg.<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10'', p. 34</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,237<ref>Incorrect BV on record sheet as noted in [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/errata/recognition-guide-ilclan-all-volumes/msg1679494/#msg1679494| this errata post]</ref>

===Custom Variants===
*; HGN-732 ''Colleen'' : This version replaced the standard weaponry with an [[ER PPC]], a prototype Streak SRM-6, twin [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, and a pair of LRM-15 missile launchers. Fourteen double heat sinks keep everything cool. BV (2.0) = 2,127<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 52</ref>

*; HGN-732 ''Jorgensson'' : Used by [[Clan Widowmaker]] Khan Cal Jorgensson, this ''Highlander'' uses two [[Clan]] spec ER Large Lasers and a Clan spec Gauss Rifle for its armament. It also has an Artemis IV enhanced LRM-20 and thirteen double heat sinks. Its protection is identical to the standard HGN-732 ''Highlander''. BV (2.0) = 2,682<ref>''Operational Turning Points: Widowmaker Absorption'', p. 30</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#Call to Arms|''MechWarrior 5: Call to Arms'' Expansion Pack]]:''
*; HGN-733PP : Introduced in [[3025]] as a melee-enhanced version of the standard HGN-733P, the HGN-733PP moves the SRM-6 to the left torso, drops one of the right-torso medium lasers and downgrades the LRM rack to an LRM-15, allowing it to carry an [[Sword (weapon)|assault ''katana'']] in its left arm.<ref name=MW5CtA>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Call to Arms''</ref>

*; HGN-RS ''Redshank'' : The personal Hero 'Mech of [[Roz Sheridan]], senior member of the [[Dragon's Breath (Mercenary Command)|Dragon's Breath]] mercenary unit, ''Redshank'' is based off the HGH-733, dropping the SRM rack to mount an additional ton of autocannon ammo and an extra medium laser in the right torso as well as allowing it to carry a massive assault claymore in its left arm.<ref name=MW5CtA/>

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; HGN-HM ''Heavy Metal'' : [[PGI]]'s [[Hero 'Mech]] version of Rhonda Snord's custom ''Highlander'', ''Heavy Metal'' retaining the right-arm mounted Gauss Rifle and left-torso LRM-20, the left-arm mounted SRM-6 is moved to the left torso while the twin right-torso medium lasers are moved to the left arm with a third laser added. Built around a 275-rated XL engine, ''Heavy Metal'' carries two tons each of Gauss, LRM and SRM reloads along with thirteen Double Heat Sink, the remaining weight being devoted to standard armor plate. Visually ''Heavy Metal'' features the bright pink color scheme and speakers surrounding the head of the Snord's 'Mech, these speakers are not just ornamental - each time a player gets a kill in a match the 'Mech plays one of three rock riffs.[https://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/109619-april-2nd-patch-is-live/]
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Highlander'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 92: Design Quirk Table - Highlander Entry</ref>
* [[Command BattleMech]]
* [[Cowl]]
* [[Difficult Ejection]]
* [[Reinforced Legs]]

The HGN-641-X-2 ''Highlander'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:CSp7/>
* [[Command BattleMech]]
* [[Cowl]]
* [[Difficult Ejection]]
* [[Prototype]]
* [[Reinforced Legs]]

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[Highlander IIC]]'' - The ''Highlander'' was one of the [['Mechs]] carried on the Exodus with General Kerensky and the remnants of the [[SLDF]]. The [[Clans]] have created their own variant of the ''Highlander'' called the '''''Highlander IIC''''' which is similar to an original 732 model upgraded with Clan technology.<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 108</ref>
* ''[[St. Florian]]'' - Leftover chassis of the Highlander were repurposed to create a firefighting 'Mech.<ref>''Technical Readout: Irregulars'', pp. 52–53: "St. Florian FireMech MOD"</ref>

==Notable Pilots==
* [[Rhonda Snord]], who commanded [[Snord's Irregulars]] after her father [[Cranston Snord]] retired, piloted a ''Highlander''.  The words "Heavy Metal" were painted on the barrel of the Gauss rifle, and several external speakers were mounted, which she would use to flood the battlefield with twentieth-century rock and roll.  Despite her fondness for Elvis Presley, she was well aware of the disruptive value provided by heavy metal music.<ref>''Rhonda's Irregulars'', p. 17</ref>
* [[Cal Jorgensson]], younger brother of Ghost Bear Khan [[Hans Ole Jorgensson]] and the last Khan of [[Clan Widowmaker]], piloted a modified ''Highlander'' when he accidentally (or deliberately) killed [[ilKhan]] [[Nicholas Kerensky]] in a duel between himself and Wolf Khan [[Jerome Winson]] during a [[Trial of Refusal]].<ref>''Operational Turning Points: Widowmaker Absorption'', pp. 1, 8</ref>

==Notes==
* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20221102192457/https://blainepardoe.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/out-of-the-archives-the-battlemechs-i-wrote-about-or-designed/ blog entry] that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the ''Highlander'' was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in ''TRO:2750''; for some of these he also designed the stats.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Highlander.jpg|Original HGN-732 ''Highlander'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 2750|TRO:2750]]''
Highlander RGilClan v10.png|''Highlander'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10|RG:ilClan v10]]''
HGN-HIGHLANDER.png|HGN-733 ''Highlander'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised|TRO:3025 Revised]]''
HGN-733 HIGHLANDER.png|HGN-733 ''Highlander'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3039|TRO:3039]]''
3050U Highlander.jpg|HGN-732 ''Highlander'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Highlander_641-X-2_XTRO_Comstar.png|Experimental HGN-641-X-2 ''Highlander'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar|XTRO:ComStar]]''
Highlander 732B (E Hazen) BTLegends.jpg|HGN-732b ''Highlander'' piloted by [[Elizabeth Hazen]]
Day of Heroes (24).jpg|A ''Highlander'' firing on a ''[[Cataphract]]'' from ''[[Day of Heroes]]''
Highlander OpKlondike.jpg|A [[Clan Blood Spirit]] ''Highlander'' during [[Operation KLONDIKE]]
Northwind Highlander cover promo.jpg|A range of ''Highlander''s from ''[[Northwind Highlanders (scenario pack)|Northwind Highlanders]]''
Historical Liberation of Terra I cover.gif|''Royal Black Watch'' ''Highlander'' realizing a Highlander burial attack during the ''[[Amaris Civil War]]''
CCG Unlimited Highlander.jpg|HGN-732 ''Highlander'' in motion from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
CCG Mercenaries Highlander.jpg|[[Rhonda Snord]]'s custom ''Highlander'' from ''CCG''
MW4-M Highlander.png|Model of ''Highlander'' from ''[[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries|MW4]]''
ComStar Command Level II - Highlander.jpg|''Highlander'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: ComStar Command Level II]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[Operational Turning Points: Widowmaker Absorption]]''
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Rhonda's Irregulars (scenario pack)|Rhonda's Irregulars]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:SLDF Royal BattleMechs]]
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