Why Do We Love The Fire Falcon?

Today we dive into one of my favorite clan light mechs; the Fire Falcon!
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[@Based_Lord_Humongous]

It's an Omni Jenner, and it's nasty. Love the Fire Falcon E!

[@MechanicalFrog]

yay!

[@JadeHarpy]

My favorite tidbit about the Fire Falcon was that it and the Black Lanner were designed to be symbiotic like the fictional raptors they were named after. Not only is it a good hint on how to use the mechs to maximize their potential but it also gives some flavor to the Jade Falcons, there's something really poetic about basing your war machines off something you see in nature

[@MechanicalFrog]

A lovely little relationship.

[@Star-qc4br]

You're KILLING IT, Frog! Half way through this vid, I was already over at the gaming site ordering up a few more boxes of mechs containing the Fire Falcon. So glad you're spotlighting so many great mechs that I've previously known nothing about!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Heh. Well I'm glad there's at least one new Fire Falcon fan out there.

[@sharlin648]

The Fire Falcon is a VERY nasty bit of kit, if these had been around for REVIVAL, then it would have been the terror of Inner Sphere light and medium 'mechs as it packs a serious wallop with that 10 tons of pod space, its far and a way superior to the Kit Fox which is too slow to disenagage, but also well armed enough to attract a lot of attention, which it can't run from and can't take in terms of protection. The Fire Falcon can run and hide with its speed and whip round fast to turn the tables in a heartbeat. Great opening story too!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank ya much! I'm glad it found a foothold among clan toumans.

[@jeremysaklad6703]

I think re-engineered lasers were actually supposed to be heavy pulse lasers. They make some sense on OmniMechs, if your reconnaissance confirms a lot of enemies are using hardened armor. Within an hour or two, often less, you can reconfigure your units to punish that. If they're using reflective armor, of course, you're probably better off just using non-energy weapons.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah if you have the intel for it, go wild.

[@Geeko170]

I love this thing. It is a light mech that can keep pace with other lights and still one tape an assault mech. My personal favorite use of it was to core out a Banshee from behind. I think it was the H variant. It tore through the rear armor and blew the core out the chest. Love that little bird.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Can't take your eyes off of it.

[@mikegould6590]

As a proud Hell's Horse, yes, I do have a Fire Falcon in my touman. It delivers the correct message to many heavier opponents: You cannot assume a smaller opponent is any less deadly

[@MechanicalFrog]

It can definitely hit above its weight.

[@franksmedley7372]

Hello Frog. I have faced Fire Falcon Mechs many times, and hated it almost every time. About the only way to deal with them, is to field fast, Headhunter Mechs in response. The F variant caused me significant issues when I fielded Battle Armor units. Although, in City Fighting, I was able to lure a star of Fire Falcon F Mechs into a hidden and camouflaged minefield and do enough damage that the hidden Infantry and Battle Armor units could 'take them down' quickly. Given the predominance of short ranged weaponry on most Fire Falcon Mechs, fielding a G type Hunchback, suitably upgraded, was a way to put enough laser fire on target to turn the Fire Falcons into piles of smoking scrap. Given that the Hunchbacks would NOT be out in the open, and have suitable backup forces, the Hunchbacks would, and did, do well in that particular engagement. Overall, if I were building a group of mixed Inner Sphere and Clan Mechs, I would carefully consider the addition of several Fire Falcons of various types to fill my TO&E. As scouts, the Fire Falcons have an advantage of speed (8-12 hexes per turn) that should be taken advantage of each, and every, turn. 'Speed is Life' as the saying goes. Most Commanders can easily find a place for Fire Falcons in their Toumains, and even Inner Sphere Commanders can, and sometimes do, place a premium upon having them in their own force mixtures. All in all, the Fire Falcon is a decent Light Mech. And one that all Commanders should consider carefully to be added to their forces. At least, that is my one, honest, opinion. Your 'mileage' may vary.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Best plan is to catch one out in the open as far away as possible, for sure.

[@Star-qc4br]

Along with the versatility of loadouts and system positives, let's not forget that this mech is a clear winner with aesthetics! That's a SWEET looking piece of hardware on the game table!

[@MechanicalFrog]

It definitely looks good. Always a plus considering how many mechs have faces only a mother could love.

[@nachoneitzscheese]

Awesome, I'm painting one of these right now, as part of my first Jade Falcon star. When I first got the force pack it comes in, I was much more excited by the Kodiak, but the Fire Falcon has really grown on me. I could see trying out almost every variant at some point, which isn't something I say very often about a mech with this many configurations. Looking forward to getting a Black Lanner for it to be friends with.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It is almost shocking how many of the variants are useful...

[@haileysaint5443]

I created 2 of my own Fire Falcon variants, which would probably have such a visual difference as to be considered the "Fire Falcon II", although it shares the same weight as the 'regular' Fire Falcons. The J variant uses a partial-wing and 8 regular Jump Jets, which reduces its pod space to 4.5 tons - almost the same as the lighter Ion Sparrow. That pod space is occupied by 3 ER Medium Lasers and 3 ER Small Lasers. The K variant is based off of the J variant, but differs in armament. 2 Improved Medium Heavy Lasers and 2 ER Micro Lasers are its sole 'ranged' punch; the remaining 2 tons is occupied by Talons on each foot to aid it in Death From Above attacks; it's also supposed to mount IS-made Triple Strength Myomer, but the Mech Factory app I use won't let me add it to the design.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm all for a Fire Falcon with a partial wing. Sign me up.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

To me this appears to be what the Locust wants to grow up to become. I especially like the heat competent heavy laser variant, though I am not a fan of the heavy lasers normally. Personally I would take this mech and equip it with stealth armor, a narc beacon, and a watchdog system all tied to a C3 slave to make a great stealth spotter. And then let it rain pure death from both LRMs and artillery from multiple directions so the enemy can never find cover. Excellent video as always, thanks Frog.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Stealth Fire Falcon... hmm...

[@RobertWilke]

That beginning gave me some disturbing flashbacks to when I and a few others played against Sam Lewis at GenCon years ago. He said you can take any medium mech you want. He'll choose the biome. Well you gussed it it was a swamp and he was running a lance of Savannah Masters. To say he tore us apart would be the largest of understatements. This is Why light and fast mechs in the proper conditions can absolutely rule over their chunkier brothers. Great vid there.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks a ton. Gotta watch out for those environments. They can be practically their own player in a fight.

[@strcmdrbookwyrm]

I'd never heard of the Fire Falcon before this, and I've really been missing out. It's got a bunch of solid variants. One of my favorites has to be the H. It's pretty much exactly what I thought would get the best performance out of heavy lasers. Putting the high accuracy Pulse lasers with the lower accuracy but hard hitting heavies just felt like the right thing to do. The only difference is that I would have gone with a targeting computer rather than the heavy smalls, but the HSL's are probably the right choice.

[@MechanicalFrog]

New Fire Falcon fans all over the place today!

[@ChaosTicket]

The Fire Falcon is more or less an Omnimech upgrade to the Locust IIC. Being as light as it is with a relatively low tonnage for equipment Energy Weapons and Anti-Personal are the primary weapons. It has some solid variants, though oddly none of them try to add in jump jets. A variant I can come up with would be an Missile Boats with 30-40 long range missile tubes plus ammunition.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Definitely an aggressive pick.

[@Ironclockwork]

I love the design of the Fire Falcon and its weapon loadouts carry a very hefty punch for the weight class. Although I'm still an Assault-class nutjob, you really have to give well-designed Light-class 'Mechs their due respect. Big shame that the Fire Falcon also suffers from lost production facilities.

[@MechanicalFrog]

As far as we know, the line is still up and running on Sudeten, so that's good. Who knows who will end up in control of it...

[@Ironclockwork]

@@MechanicalFrog At least I hope it'll end up under someone's control rather than getting blown out of existence.

[@shaunhall960]

This might be the first mech I cast in bronze. I absolutely love how it looks.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I've always been a fan of it. Even the original art which for some is a little wonky.

[@DapperRaccoon]

Honestly I don't use them too often, but I do have two of them in my Hell's Horses cluster. Mainly if I know I might be facing BA/infantry they might come out, especially to keep objectives clear.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Better to have and not need, than need and not have? :D

[@greysonjones5429]

Dang it frog, this is jusy another reason to buy the Ad Hoc Star. I already wanted the Kodiak but this thing is just nasty. The Prime config is amazing and it has so many good variants

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a good one, for sure.

[@ajax31100]

I really liked that MF build. B has always been my favorite, but that plasma cannon is HOT. 😁

[@MechanicalFrog]

The toasty cannon just wants to hug.

[@OrigamiShinigami]

I'd love to see a video on the Horned Owl or Vapor Eagle

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm sure we will cover them sooner rather than later.

[@catzo_5762]

Fire Falcon is one of my favorite clan lights mechs post-Tukkayid, it combined with larger mechs like the Nova Cat, makes a terrifying duo

[@MechanicalFrog]

Anything that forces your enemy to split attention or worry about two threats... all good.

[@kierdalemodels]

Another very good video👍 As an AlphaStrike player, I think the A is alright for its points, but for the same points you can get the D with SNARC and the same damage output at short and medium range. I’d probably use that or the E (a little more short range damage) or if I could afford the points, the F.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank ya!

[@bthsr7113]

I think the best way to offset the E's limitations might be to carry battle armor since it's an omnimech. Though personally, that L config looks like run and gun fun.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Plenty of good options, which is wonderful.

[@sirius_r]

I used to use the Fire Falcon B variant quite a bit when trying to counter heavier BV2-matched IS forces (kind of like the ComGuards on Tukayyid I guess, haha). It's hard to win on raw firepower in a match like that, but if you have a range advantage AND a speed advantage, you can make it work as a sniper as long as you Don't Stop Moving. It was a bit more satisfying than just trying to use jumping pulse boats - that always felt kind of lazy to me and the Falcons had a bit more limited access to those in the 3060s.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It requires some conditions on the map that aren't always guaranteed.

[@sirius_r]

Yeah, you've got to have space to run a bit. If it's excessively hilly, or lots of cover, I probably wouldn't use it. It can still hit in short-range encounters, but you might as well use something with more punch like the Prime or H configs.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah at some point all the conditional stuff just points you back to the Prime.

[@marsar1775]

I too love the plasma cannon. it is great fun to kit out a light mech with various heat weapons and then make assaults run away or spend far too much ammo swatting this bug. but then, im just not nice i hadnt heard of his mech e=before, i need to give it a go

[@MechanicalFrog]

Creating new Fire Falcon fans today. A noble effort.

[@MKmaki6094]

Always thought the art on the CCGs makes it out like a Mech Frog Thought you might get a kick out of that lol

[@MechanicalFrog]

There is a distinct shortage of frog-themed battlemechs. The closest we get are a couple of reptiles and a Salamander.

[@harbingerx7793]

Haven't gotten to field one of these yet. But always wanted to. I also really like the resculpt.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Put it on the list and squawk toward victory.

[@harbingerx7793]

@MechanicalFrog I've a friend who we've been meaning to play together. He wants to run inner sphere mercs on the cusp of the clan invasion. It will be a good opportunity to show him the sharpness of the Jade Falcon talons.

[@Robo-kz3nr]

If you look at it right, the Fire Falcon's cockpit kinda looks like a toe

[@MechanicalFrog]

mmmaybe...

[@myzimensi]

Huh! On holiday and saw a salvage box for eight dollars and figured what the hell, turns out it was a fir falcon, as a long term fan of the jenner which this feels in the same family as, excited to paint it up!

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's an excellent pull. I just seem to always get Dragonflies.

[@myzimensi]

@MechanicalFrog Actually don't have a dragonfly so maybe I'll grab another one on my way back home :)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good luck. Apparently I got them all. @@myzimensi

[@Spartaner251]

for the F in anti mech combat: uncouple one array, set all 4 MGs to burst fire mode: 1-6 dmg/heat per gun, but its eating ammo quickly

[@MechanicalFrog]

That is a lot of dakka.

[@Brigand231]

Yeah, I hate facing these things because they're nasty! For the folks who are put off by the lack of jump jets, there's no reason you can't use pod space for JJ's.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Absolutely. Slap those JJs on there, give it a partial wing even. Let's go!

[@gregdomenico1891]

I like your version, but I would probably drop the micro's for a half ton of Infernos. Might as well go all the way and just cook the pilot.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Toasty boi.

[@lukedudley5030]

Another great vid :-) another clan mech I've not experienced but i recently brought the star with this in so might give it a go :-) as an inner sphere merc it might be another good mech to steal :-)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank ya. It's a neat little mech and not that expensive BV-wise.

[@stormcrow28]

The Fire Falcon is a great design. It's far better then the Koshi and has a better synergy as a scout in a light Star.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Better or not, might be up for personal taste. It's just nice to have the options.

[@derekburge5294]

I want to love the Fire Falcon, but that lack of boing really sets it back. The MF custom though... Might need to try that. A pair of them could really do some work in the backline.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The lack of jumpjets really is a bridge too far for some. I understand that.

[@derekburge5294]

@@MechanicalFrog Indeed. Though, I'm an unironic Hellbringer driver, so my tastes are well documented as bad.

[@nukenuked5749]

love the fire chicken thanks again mate

[@MechanicalFrog]

Hope you enjoy

[@nukenuked5749]

all ways do mate got to ask any eta on explor corp im hanging for some new corps @@MechanicalFrog

[@atmosdwagon4656]

It looks vaguely like a Raven IIC, which I dig. The configurations are all solid, though it comes with the usual problems I have with Omnimechs, in that if you really want to change the internal heat management profile of the mech, you can't because the internals are all locked in. The only other gripe I have is the lack of any options with jump jets. This is more forgiveable for being a 25 ton mech, which is already pushing for every iota of tonnage it can in order to cram equipment without major compromise on speed (or armor), but simultaneously disappointing since it's an omni mech, and I know for a fact that leg omni-pods on other omni-mech models can include (or omit) jump jets. I have no alternative configuration to offer here, since I think the Falcons did a pretty good job for once. I will idly comment that it's amusing to call the mech a FIRE Falcon, but never make a model that features Flamers and only one canonical fit that features a Plasma Cannon. (Speaking of...the Plasma Cannon is a fan-favorite in my Mechwarrior/BT circle of friends. We all kinda wish it will show up in a future game, so long as it isn't MWO since an AC/10 that can inflict significant heat on opposing mechs would kinda degenerate that game into nonsense very quickly. Like, PGI had to nerf Flamers because of that already.)

[@MechanicalFrog]

I totally get that the lack of jump jets is a bridge too far for some.

[@bthsr7113]

Eh, I don't really see that much raven. The D though, that feels like a Raven. I thought that a (clan flamer might be better to install than the improved one shot SRM4.

[@sim.frischh9781]

Such an unassuming design, yet it can wield surprisingly heavy weapons despite its impressive speed. An excellent Bugger, i would say, but it has quite a few tricks up its non-existing sleeves. Yeah, on the TT the AC2 family is just a waste of tonnage, better spend it on an ER-PPC or ER Large Laser. Good in the sims though. I rename the Fire Falcon MF to the Fire Frog!

[@MechanicalFrog]

The 2-5 autocannons really struggle to have a reason to exist.

[@sim.frischh9781]

@@MechanicalFrog Unless you go for Rotary.

[@EdmondHiggins]

The 'T' is north of 1,600 BV with a 4/5 pilot... 1,600+. That is so perfectly Clan.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Everything in its right place, time, and explosive enough to get the job done.

[@bthsr7113]

If the Jenner IIC wasn't already a think, one could be forgiven for assuming this was a Jenner IIC. It's certainly vicious enough.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Star w/ 2 Fire Falcons, 2 Jenner IICs, and a Conjurer.

[@bthsr7113]

@@MechanicalFrog fast moving, hard hitting.

[@codieandrews4359]

So I have come back to this mech multiple times in megamek lab trying to make it a more optimized build, but no matter what I think about I always go back to the same prime configuration when trying to modify it, it's optimized as is, although the other ones can still be improved

[@MechanicalFrog]

It can be tough on some of these mechs that are already so squeezed for optimal gear.

[@Tatsu_of_Liao]

Bravo, sir!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you much!

[@jeremysaklad6703]

I don't think any discussion of an Omni is complete without touching on mechanized battle armor, especially faster designs. The right infantry can cover weaknesses or press advantages, though depending on the location of weaponry they may have to get deployed immediately to avoid constraining firepower. The Fire Falcon is mostly a good infantry transport, though most of the configurations place missile launchers in the side torsos that can't see use until you drop off troops. This is especially painful for the E configuration, since you can't do the usual ER→Standard→HE weapons fire without dropping off battle armor far from the target.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's fair.

[@sebastiang.5032]

I need this one for my 🌊🦊 force!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Who knows who might end up with the production line on Sudeten following the IlClan fight on Terra.

[@jeremysaklad6703]

If I may make a suggestion for your Fire Falcon MF: consider using Inferno SRMs alongside that Plasma Cannon. It might be overkill, but I use an OmniVTOL with a Plasma Rifle and SRM 6 that is incredibly powerful.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's an interesting idea but I didn't want to get too gimmicky with it by going all fire.

[@jeremysaklad6703]

@@MechanicalFrog It might work with Fractional Accounting (or just adding another full ammo bin), though my VTOL had the benefit of both using a Plasma Rifle capable of dealing actual damage and also including a bin of Artemis V missiles. You could also try Heat-Seeking SRMs, though they are quite hard to find in the Dark Age.

[@MechanicalFrog]

More often than not, I'll err toward simplicity.

[@krissteel4074]

Press F for repeated war crimes with all the machineguns I am surprised there isn't one with Clan flamers in combo with the plasma cannon, really shake and bake

[@floridaman3823]

FFFFFFFFFFFUUU!!!!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Hah!

[@bthsr7113]

Machine guns aren't war crime.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Not yet, anyway. @@bthsr7113

[@krissteel4074]

@@bthsr7113 9/10 Locust Pilots disagree

[@michaelkimberling7307]

Ahh the clan omnimech locust.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"Mother, I crave violence..."

[@tenchraven]

Probably the only thing sillier than putting an XL engine in a light is making it an omni. All the money, just waiting to burn at the first kiss of a decent weapon. But if you're going to be this silly, be THIS silly. The Fire Falcon has good speed and plenty of pod space. ER PPC, jump jets, and flamers because screw infantry and the bush they're hiding behind, and it's a good scout and scout hunter.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Well put.

[@louiswilkins9624]

Mean Lil bird

[@MechanicalFrog]

Very mean

[@laggybum3218]

I want this mech in Mechwarrior Online!

[@MechanicalFrog]

It would be fun.

[@barondiamondo6676]

Cutie Jade birb!

[@MechanicalFrog]

It craves violence.

[@doc_havoc00heavywing37]

A support Lance of a scout D and two Es with an escort

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good times had by all... except their targets.

[@floridaman3823]

Liked.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Appreciated

[@gregkun1]

I never liked this mech mini. It looked like melted ice cream barely looking like a mech. But on paper, it was a good mech. I had a few variants with 5 Med-Pulse Lasers for 22/20 heat. Another one I had was 4 ER-Small Lasers, TAG, ATM9 with 2 tons of Hi-Explosive ammo. Targeting Computer for a Heat of 16/20. I made this one because GM was deploying Raven's with Flamers on a hot world.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The look seems to either really hit, or really miss.

[@jackl4349]

Big toe mech, I choose you!!!!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Go get em!

[@lexington476]

Oh, we ran out of second line 'mechs.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Still more of those, but this script grabbed me.

[@lexington476]

​@@MechanicalFrogcan you do the Baboon?

[@DjornNorthfield]

Load out aside, aesthetically I'm getting "We have Jenners at home" vibes. Lol. They look like overloaded jenners.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Heh.

[@wraith7989]

I love stories of Clanners killing Clanners. It does my Canopian heart good.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"Let them fight..."

[@Eulemunin]

Feeding the algorithm

[@MechanicalFrog]

Appreciating it.

[@claytonhollowell4488]

"An impression at long range." A very, very shallow impression, with an AC/2.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"Is it hailing?"

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

The fact that clans perpetually under armor their machines makes me think that they really are as stupid as I think. Speed is great, but you need to be able to actually yake the occasional hit.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Risk vs. Reward I suppose. If you can kill your opponent quickly, you don't need that much armor?

[@Zakiriel]

So would 3 Fire Falcons and 2 black lanners or 4 and 1 in a star?

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'd go 3 and 2 either direction.

[@Dokdiamant]

Moment, something is off with this Fire Falcon. It have 10 Dbl Heatsings = 10 Tons (one Ton for each) It have 10 Tons of Pod Space for Weapons, Ammo and additional Equipment AND also 4 Tons of Armor around the Mech. That are 24 tons. Left 1 Ton for reaktor, Gyro, Internal Structure, Communication, Target Computer, Myomers, the Light Endo Steel Skelleton and all the other Components needed to get this thing running. Is my Math Correct or have I missed something? If this Mech would be a 35Ton, this would make more sense, but for a 25 Ton Mech I feel like there is something off, like a cheat mech or so. -.-

[@gregdomenico1891]

The 10 Doubles don't count as weight: those are the ones that come standard with the engine. All mechs come with that amount ( that's why you see mech's with single HS adding alot more; Black Knight anyone?).

[@Dokdiamant]

@@gregdomenico1891 but, wouldn't that make the reactor weights 10 tons minimum?

[@gregdomenico1891]

@@Dokdiamant If I remember right(been a long time since I messed with the mech construction rules) all Mech fusion engines, no matter the size, come with 10 built in heatsinks. I think it was to simplify things for the players. So, all mechs start with 10(20 for double's) heat sinking. Additional heat sinks is when you have to add tonnage and allocate criticals.

[@Dokdiamant]

@@gregdomenico1891 Ah, thanks. :-)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Internal Structure = 1.5 tons Engine = 4.5 tons Heatsinks = 0 (Come with engine) Gyro = 2 tons Cockpit = 3 tons Armor = 4 tons Total: 15 tons

[@gammaknight2215]

Are all Jade Falcon mechs the same chicken walker shape?

[@MechanicalFrog]

No but, they do tend to have a few of them.

[@floridaman3823]

Why didn't the clans just invade with a zergling army of falcons??

[@MechanicalFrog]

Not sporting, I guess.

[@bthsr7113]

Not enough warriors to pilot them is also a factor.

[@spencerjones841]

ah yes the totally not a clanner jenner omnimech expy

[@MechanicalFrog]

The name is changed. Teacher won't notice.

[@jacobc3266]

D is for warheads on foreheads.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"Never give up. I believe in you." - Malvina Hazen

[@catherinenyxsera3900]

Never cared for this one back in the day; probably turned off by the TRO art. But with resurgence, glad to see this one had been improved and I have been a fan. It looks great. As for what it does, absolutely love it. Fast mover with substantial firepower that looks gorgeous; love everything about it.