The Centurion was designed and built by Corean Enterprises, an operational 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 make or decide to mount a different type weapons system in its stead. No matter which alternative is chosen, it is an extremely complicated and time-consuming operation, as the Luxor system was custom-fit into the Centurion's chassis with no room left for modifications.
         Although the CN9 is a fine 'Mech when in good condition, the defective autocannons make its future uncertain. In the future, Centurions may adopt a variety of roles, depending on which refits they receive.

         The Centurion is best known for making slow, steady advances. Because of its autocannon and medium lasers, the CN9 prefers to attack at close range, where it can do the most damage. With 8.5 tons of armor, the Centurion is tough enough to absorb a considerable amount of damage. Moreover, its heat sinks allow it to keep up a vigorous assault without danger of overheating.
         The 20 autocannon reloads and 24 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 24 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 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' in 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 MAD 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 MAD began kicking and punching, trying to pound its attacker into scrap. The CN9 managed to move out to about 60 meters and started hammering away at the MAD 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's magazine. The explosion gutted the Marauder.

         The chronic difficulties suffered by the Luxor autocannon have resulted in a wide range of variants.
         The most radical variant replaces the medium-heavy autocannon with a full-feature Luxor DDX-5 heavy autocannon. To accommodate the additional two tons of weight, the medium lasers have been removed. The resulting 'Mech, the CN9-AH, has a substantially higher potential damage curve at close range. This variant suffers from two serious problems. lt can only carry a maximum of ten rounds for its heavy autocannon and it must close to within 90 meters of its target to be fully effective. As a result, this variant is usually assigned to guard duty around important installations, supply bases, and DropShips, where it has an ample supply of ammunition. It functions as a major component of storming parties, where close combat is the norm.
         Another common variant replaces the autocannon with one heavy and one light Angst L-type laser and another four heat sinks to dissipate the additional heat generated. Four extra tons of armor are also added. The Lyran Commonwealth uses this model quite often as a guerrilla fighter.
         Innumerable other variants exist in small numbers. MechWarriors should be aware that when they meet a Centurion on the battlefield, there is a very good chance that it will not have standard weaponry.

Mech Warrior Fadre Sing
         This member of Wolf's Dragoons achieved prominence only briefly, but his charge on Hoff epitomizes the spirit of many Centurion pilots. By leading the assault himself, he displayed faith in his own indestructibility.   Although his 'Mech was heavily damaged by short-range missile fire, he managed to push through enemy lines and set fire to an enemy supply depot.
         Sing's current whereabouts are unknown. After being reassigned to a frontier world garrison, he left his unit and disappeared.

Lieutenant Ian Grimm
         Grimm, a member of the Illician Lancers, is a hunter who is fond of stalking heavy 'Mechs. In general, he has been successful, though deep scars in his 'Mech armor suggest that victory has not always been easily won. Already a hero within the Lancers, his reputation grows with each new kill.