Design challenge: QuadOmniLAM

[TJHairball]

It's noted that a failed Scorpion LAM project was found buried in a basement. Indeed, even the more successful LAMs mostly ended up buried.

However... what if matters had been otherwise, and the Scorpion LAM project, rather than failing horribly, spurred further LAM development? The challenge here is to build a quadrupedal Omni-LAM - the rarest and most precious of all BattleMechs, and incredible scourge of the skies. Bonus points for fluff.

[Stormcrow]

CAn SSW even support this?

[evilauthor]

CAn SSW even support this?

I don't think there even an option to make Mechs LAMs in the current SSW build. Maybe the devs are waiting for the full LAM rules?

[TJHairball]

I don't think there even an option to make Mechs LAMs in the current SSW build. Maybe the devs are waiting for the full LAM rules?

Probably. But the OmniQuadLAM can't wait that long! I doubt omni quad LAMs will be tournament legal anyway.  ;)

Enough excuses! Get crackin'!

[ProtoEva00]

There is the problem that we don't actually know what the new LAM building rules will allow.  Under old LAM rules,
OMNI was right out.  For that matter, we officially don't know what the building rules are at all, but with examples
in TRO3085, we can make some good guesses.   
I had some fun making conjecture here
LAM building

And had even more fun using that as the basis for designs here
LAMS to slaughter

Making LAMS is pretty doable in HMP by making custom "weapons" to act as holding points for tonnage and crit 
space.  You can also do it with MISC. equipment in SSW, and then edit the text file as appropriate, or just break
out the pen and paper.   I do not recomend useing the default LAM options in HMP, as they do not reflect the new changes that we see in TRO3085.

Running under the assumption you CAN OMNI a LAM (as the thread can make that theoretical assumption) in a quad,
the extra leg space just screams improved JJ to me, to increase the safe thrust.  There is always the possiblity that IJJ become restricted equipment.
Only 7 tons of pod space, but that's pretty hard to improve on, given you can only use Composite to reduce tonnage.

Code: [Select]


               BattleMech Technical Readout
                     Custom* Weapons

Type/Model:    Scorpion  SCP-XLAM
Tech:          Inner Sphere / 3132
Config:        Quad OmniMech
Rules:         Level 3, Standard design

Mass:          55 tons
Chassis:       Composite
Power Plant:   275 Core Tek Fusion
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets:     7 Improved Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor Type:    Standard
Armament:     
  6 tons pod space

Manufacturer:  (Unknown)
  Location:    (Unknown)
Communications System:  (Unknown)
Targeting & Tracking System:  (Unknown)

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Scorpion  SCP-LAM
Mass:          55 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  99 pts Composite              0      3.00
Engine:        275 Fusion                    6     15.50
   Walking MP:         : 5
   Running MP:         : 8
   Jumping MP:         : 7
   AirMech Cruising MP : 21
   AirMech Flanking MP : 31
   Saft Thust          : 7
   Maximum Thrust      : 11

Heat Sinks:     10 Double [20]               0       .00
Gyro:                                        4      3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Leg Act: Hip + UpLeg + LowLeg + Foot        16       .00
Armor Factor:  176 pts Standard              0     11.00

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9     
   Center Torso:             18         22     
   Center Torso (Rear):                  7     
   L/R Side Torso:           13      17/17     
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              6/6     
   L/R Front Leg:            13      23/23     
   L/R Rear Leg:             13      23/23     

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Avionics               RT      0           1       .00
1 Landing Gear           RT      0           1       .00
1 Landing Gear           LT      0           1       .00
1 Avionic(0.5T holder)   LT      0           1       .50
1 Landing Gear           CT      0           1       .00
1 Avionics(5T holder)    HD      0           1      5.00
7 Improved Jump Jets:                       14      7.00
 (Jump Jet Loc: 1 LFL, 1 RFL, 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LRL, 1 RRL)
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                          0          51     48.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          15      7.00



Code: [Select]

Primary config
1 SRM 4                  RT      3   25      2      3.00
  (Ammo Locations: 1 RT)
1 Light PPC*             LT      5           2      3.00
1 Light PPC Capacitor*   LT      5           1      1.00



For a primary config, I try to keep it in line with the 1N, but given the reduced tonnage availible, it does take a hit.

For those not interested in doing the paper edits, feel free to arm it as you wish.

[JPArbiter]

Probably. But the OmniQuadLAM can't wait that long! I doubt omni quad LAMs will be tournament legal anyway.  ;)

I doubt such an arraingment is legal in the construction rules.

[TJHairball]

@ProtoEva00

I like its speed, but shouldn't that be 5/8/7 in 'Mech mode?

The payload really does look a bit too anemic. I know you like the armor totals, but the armor/payload ratio makes this one look like a pure recon machine rather than a scout hunter. I'd prefer a single ERPPC to SRM-4 + LPPC + Capacitor, though, that said - same average damage per round, better accuracy, same hole-punching, albeit no critseeking. Otherwise, a nice bold stride forward in OmniQuadLAM technology.

I doubt such an arraingment is legal in the construction rules.

Doubt? DOUBT?

I'll lay long odds against it ever being legal in the construction rules. That doesn't mean it can't be done!

[ProtoEva00]

Oops.  Copied the speed from another design for the "extras".  I'll fix.

Weapon selection certainly is not optimized, simply selected to look like a scorpion, but that's why its an omni.  Could drop the armor, but gotta remember, that's composite under there. Could gain more tonnage by dropping the IJJ to regular, but that's about it.  Would recommend against a small cockpit, as LAM landings are hard enough.

[ProtoEva00]

With reduction of speed, and pretty much 3025 equipment, I could give you 14 tons of pod space to play with.  Would make the mech less squishy too, as it's conventional IS. 

Code: [Select]

               BattleMech Technical Readout
                      UNDISTRIBUTED

Type/Model:    Scorpion  SCP-XLAM-2
Tech:          Inner Sphere / 3025
Config:        Quad BattleMech
Rules:         Level 3, Standard design

Mass:          55 tons
Chassis:       Standard
Power Plant:   220 DAV Fusion
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets:     4 Standard Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor Type:    Standard
Armament:     
  1 Avionics(5T holder)*
  3 Landing Gears*
  1 Avionic(0.5T holder)*
  1 Avionics*
Manufacturer:  (Unknown)
  Location:    (Unknown)
Communications System:  (Unknown)
Targeting & Tracking System:  (Unknown)

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Scorpion  SCP-XLAM-2
Mass:          55 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  99 pts Standard               0      5.50
Engine:        220 Fusion                    6     10.00
   Walking MP:   4
   Running MP:   6
   Jumping MP:   4
   AirMech Cruising MP : 12
   AirMech Flanking MP : 16
   Saft Thust          : 4
   Maximum Thrust      : 6
Heat Sinks:     10 Double [20]               6       .00
 (Heat Sink Loc: 2 Undist)
Gyro:                                        4      3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Leg Act: Hip + UpLeg + LowLeg + Foot        16       .00
Armor Factor:  192 pts Standard              0     12.00

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9     
   Center Torso:             18         25     
   Center Torso (Rear):                  8     
   L/R Side Torso:           13      19/19     
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              6/6     
   L/R Front Leg:            13      25/25     
   L/R Rear Leg:             13      25/25     

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Avionics(5T holder)*   RT      0           1      5.00
1 Landing Gear*          RT      0           1       .00
1 Avionic(0.5T holder)*  LT      0           1       .50
1 Landing Gear*          LT      0           1       .00
1 Landing Gear*          CT      0           1       .00
1 Avionics*              HD      0           1       .00
4 Standard Jump Jets:                        4      2.00
 (Jump Jet Loc: 1 LFL, 1 RFL, 1 LRL, 1 RRL)
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                          0          47     41.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          19     14.00



[JPArbiter]

I doubt such an arraingment is legal in the construction rules.

Doubt? DOUBT?

I'll lay long odds against it ever being legal in the construction rules. That doesn't mean it can't be done!

Forgive my pompousness, but isn't that EXACTLY what that means?

[DarthRads]

Don't think you can be OMNI and LAM, it's either/or

[TJHairball]

Doubt? DOUBT?

I'll lay long odds against it ever being legal in the construction rules. That doesn't mean it can't be done!


Forgive my pompousness, but isn't that EXACTLY what that means?

No, it means it can't be done legally.

And since the BattleTech police can't put us in prison, why,  let's get our bootleggers rumbling ;) Surely ProtoEva00 isn't the only moonshiner around here, I'm a thirsty man!

[skiltao]

----------------------------------------------- Type/Model:    ZPH-O Tarantula OmniLAM Tech:          Inner Sphere / 3070 Config:        Quadruped OmniLAM Rules:         Level 3, Custom Mass: 25 tons Chassis: Corean IX-TLAM Power Plant: Hermes 200 XL Jet Propulsion System: Hermes AVRTech 125 Cruising Speed, Ground: 86.4 kph Maximum Speed, Ground: 129.6 kph Cruising Speed, Air: 1440 kph Overthrust Speed: 2160 kph Armor Type: (local, unknown) Armament:             3.51 tons of podspace Manufacturer: Wobbly (Corean) Enterprises        Location: Stewart Communications System: Garret T10B Targeting & Tracking System: Corean LAMMaster ==Overview:==        The Tarantula combined the squat, four-legged form of the Scorpion with the sleek lines of the Mercury. When the Word of Blake seized Corean Enterprises in 3070 they found the 'Mech a natural fit for the Mercury's modular replacement system; the success of this modification prompted the sect to take another look at the design, this time to replace its weapons with fully modular omnipods. Further work revealed that the ZPH's suspension system and streamlined components would accommodate elements of a long-abandoned Scorpion LAM  project (unearthed five years earlier). ==Capabilities:==        The ZPH-1A's armor posed fewer problems than the Scorpion's, but due to their inexperience Corean Enterprises was still forced to use a simpler plate and to move the machine's avionics deeper into the 'Mech. The third major flaw was born of pure laziness - Corean could have incorporated landing gear into the quad's foot actuators, and done so easily, but chose instead to compromise the belly's integrity.        The 'Mech is equipped with three small omnipods. The primary weapons are mounted in raised pods on the upper surface of the left and right torso, and are usually configured with ER Medium Lasers to mimic the ZPH-2A.        The Alpha configuration replaces the lasers and fuel with rocket launchers for quick, repeated forays from a well-stocked supply point. It also sports a rear-facing launcher in the central pod directly below the cockpit.        The 'Bootlegger' is configured with an electromagnetic grapple attached to a 12-meter tow line, like the larger ones found on the NL-42 "Battle Taxi." This allows the Tarantula to attach itself to a standardized shipping container. Once the grapple has attached to the target, the Tarantula reels in the tow line, drawing the two closer together. It also features four hardpoints rated for smaller cargo drop-pods; experiments with omnifighters earlier in the decade encouraged the Word of Blake to pod-mount bombs, and when the points are cleared for live ordnance, they will be added to other configurations.        Their engineers improved on the ancient blueprints in at least one way, thanks to the new armor. With the chassis relieved of so much stress Corean was able to vacuum-proof the Tarantula to a degree unknown by other 'Mechs, though it has little fuel and so is still ill-advised to operate in space. In atmosphere it can conserve what little fuel it has by descending from (and returning to) orbit in AirMech mode.        Naturally, there are many skeptics who doubt that a convertible design could ever compete with more traditional 'Mechs. Old habits die hard, and it will be difficult for most MechWarriors to drop preconceived notions based on head-to-head combat. Those who can will discover a startling 'Mech of unsurpassed agility and a low profile particularly well-suited to reconnaissance and surveillance. ==Battle History:==        Several Lyran regiments employ recon lances that are made up of two AeroSpace Fighters, a recon 'Mech, and one or two Packrat Patrol Vehicles. The performance of these units seems to have impressed the Word of Blake, who is already well-versed in the use of mixed-arms units. Level I's teaming Tarantula OmniLAMs with Packrats will doubtless soon appear in the Word of Blake Militia.

The Tarantula OmniLAM has yet to see combat. An institutional abhorrence for hard, accurate data combined with an inflexible adherence to rules and records routinely leads to the Protectorate Militia receiving impractical or even malfunctioning weapons and supplies. The troops have worked out alternatives, but these are informally discouraged. Rumor has it that Word of Blake quartermasters refuse to even coincidentally stock any good which had once been supplied outside of official channels. Consequently, Corean's ZPH-Os have spent months smuggling long arms and moonshine past the so-called "cannon police." ==Variants:==        Technicians have attempted to make room for heavy weapon pods but MacAdams-Suharno on Stewart lacks the expertise to redesign the Tarantula's conversion equipment. The obstacles to redeveloping the technology are substantial, but they are not insurmountable, and are far less imposing than those standing between the Inner Sphere and Clantech. The greatest hurdle is that modern military planners simply find it fashionable to marginalize LAMs. ==Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors:==        Rather than looking forward to future exploits, the Word of Blake seems intent on erasing a number of celebrated events, persons and machines from local history. The numerous gaps and revisions sow division and discord among their own partisan supporters. Type/Model:     ZPH-O Tarantula OmniLAM Mass:           25 tons Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass Int. Struct.:   43 pts Standard              0      2.50 Engine:        200 Fusion XL                12      4.25    Walking MP:   8    Running MP:  12    Jumping MP:   8    Cruise MP:   24    Flank MP:    36    Thrust MP:    8    OverThrust:  12 Struct. Int.:    8 Heat Sinks:     10 (20)                      6      0.00 Gyro:                                        4      2.00 Cockpit:                                     5      3.00 Armor Factor:   72 pts (Tech D, BAR/7)       0      3.24              Internal   Armor                 Structure  Value    Critical Hit Table    Head:         3        6       LSC aSL    CT/Rear:      8       10/6     EEE GGG GEE El.    LT/Rear:      6        7/4     EEE ... .la hhh    RT/Rear:      6        7/4     EEE ... .la hhh    FL Leg:       4        7       Xxx X**    FR Leg:       4        7       Xxx X**    RL Leg:       6        7       Xxx X**    RR Leg:       6        7       Xxx X** Conversion Gear and JJs  Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass -------------------------------------------------------- ASF 150 Fusion Engine     *      -     -     *      5.50 Fuel                      *      -    80     *      1.00 Avionics                  a      -     -     3       .00 Landing Gear              l      -     -     3       .00 -------------------------------------------------------- TOTALS:                          3          57     21.49 Crits & Tons Left:                           9      3.51 ======================================================== Primary Configuration    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass -------------------------------------------------------- ER Medium Laser           LT     5     -     1      1.00 ER Medium Laser           RT     5     -     1      1.00 Fuel                     LT/RT   -   120    1/1     1.50 -------------------------------------------------------- TOTALS:                         10           4      3.50 Crits & Tons Left:                           5      0.01 ======================================================== Alpha Configuration      Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass -------------------------------------------------------- 3 RL/10s                  LT     9     -     3      1.50 3 RL/10s                  RT     9     -     3      1.50 RL/10                    CT(r)   3     -     1       .50 -------------------------------------------------------- TOTALS:                         21           7      3.50 Crits & Tons Left:                           2      0.01 ======================================================== Bootlegger Configuration Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass -------------------------------------------------------- Tug Adapter               LT     -     -     2      2.50 Cargo                     RT     -     -     1       .45 "VTOL" Jet Booster        CT     -     -     1       .55 4 Bombing Hardpoints     LT/RT   -     -    2/2      .00 -------------------------------------------------------- TOTALS:                          0           8      3.50 Crits & Tons Left:                           1      0.01

[ProtoEva00]

I'm not sure what construction rules were used here, but there are a few things that are a bit odd.  XLE are most likely not going to be permitted, but at the same time, it seems you've installed a 2nd engine.  A full 1 ton was paid for the fuel, where TRO3085 LAMs receive that ton for free.  Your armor seems a bit funny, at 22.22 points per ton. 

[evilauthor]

I'm not sure what construction rules were used here, but there are a few things that are a bit odd.  XLE are most likely not going to be permitted, but at the same time, it seems you've installed a 2nd engine.  A full 1 ton was paid for the fuel, where TRO3085 LAMs receive that ton for free.  Your armor seems a bit funny, at 22.22 points per ton.

What I want to know is how he got his text formatted into two columns!

[ProtoEva00]

What I want to know is how he got his text formatted into two columns!

I suspect a usage of the "Preformatted text" option above the "glow".

[skiltao]

ProtoEVA00:

Note that my second engine (8/12 aerospace movement) and 1 ton of fuel = 6.5 tons = 8 jump jets + LAM conversion equipment (10% of 25 tons).  This is partly* why I said the challenge was made for the Tarantula- there's only a few such tonnage & movement combos where that works perfectly.  Not coincidentally, those combos include all three old LAMs under old rules, where you got 2 tons of fuel free.  See this thread for more on that. 

Extra-light engines would only be gamebreaking when used in conjunction with Improved Jump Jets.  Meanwhile, using Jump MP to calculate movement in other modes is a potential game imbalance in itself.  By replacing the jump jets with a wholly separate engine for aerospace movement, I eliminate both concerns, simplify the design process, and open up a wider range of design options to boot. 

The armor is from the Support Vehicle construction rules - Tech D Bar 7 armor is 45kg per point in both TechManual and Combat Equipment. (It's also a low enough BAR rating that support vehicles don't need to devote mass to the "armored chassis" modification, which I figured left enough room for a fluff remark about extra vacuum sealing.)  Regular BattleMech armors (standard, ferro, etc) all match SupVee armor masses to within half a kilogram so this isn't any great stretch. 

*The other reason is that my writeup's first sentence, and even a whole later paragraph, come almost word-for-word from TR:3055.  They fit really, miraculously well.

evilauthor:

If you hit the "quote" button above my post it should show you the formatting.  Replacing the square brackets with angle brackets, it's basically this:

<table><tr><td><tt>-----------------------------------------------</tt>
first half of writeup

</td><td><tt>  </tt></td><td>       second half of writeup


<tt>stat block</tt></td></tr></table>

The table button is to the left of the '#' insert code button.  It's hard to tell how wide the columns will be, since they readjust based on length, so placing the break takes some trial and error.  I eventually inserted a line of teletype (the 'Tt' button) at the top of the first column to fix its width (and inserted a spacer column so text from one side wouldn't run into text on the other).  I lined the statblock up in notepad first, then copy-pasted and used the teletype code to keep it lined up.  I believe my stat block is the same width as HeavyMetalPro's and I wouldn't recommend anything much wider. 

Now, a question for you guys:

Any idea why the font is a lighter color there?  It's making the teletype look faded and just a little bit harder to read.   :-\