Design Challenge, mechs for a rebooted succession war

[Liam's Ghost]

Now for something a little different. I've been avoiding mentioning some of the ideas bouncing around in my head for this setting to avoid stiffling anybody's creative ideas (the best of which I shall steal).

However, I'm imagining a thriving retrotech market providing mechs for militias, periphery states, and not particularly well to do mercenaries. Along those lines, here's the Wasp II. Like many a sequel of a classic, it's bloated and lacks some of the charm, but hey, there's a lot more explosions this time around.  :D

(yes, I know most of the weapon load says stinger. Wasp focus tested better. :P)

Wasp II WSP-2A
Base Tech Level: Advanced (IS)
Level          Era 
-------------------
Experimental    -  
Advanced      3071+
Standard        -  
Extinct       3071+
Tech Rating: D/D-X-X-F

Weight: 30 tons
BV: 482
Cost: 2,054,390 C-bills

Movement: 6/9
Engine: 220
Heat Sinks: 10
Cockpit: Primitive Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 51
Armor: 53/105 (Primitive)
                     Internal  Armor    
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      7    
Center Torso               10      8    
Center Torso (rear)                2    
Right Torso                 7      6    
Right Torso (rear)                 2    
Left Torso                  7      6    
Left Torso (rear)                  2    
Right Arm                   5      4    
Left Arm                    5      4    
Right Leg                   7      6    
Left Leg                    7      6    

Weapons             Loc  Heat  
-------------------------------
Medium Laser         RA    3   
Machine Gun          RA    0   
Machine Gun          LA    0   
Rocket Launcher 10   RT    3   
Rocket Launcher 10   RT    3   
Rocket Launcher 10   RT    3   

Ammo                   Loc  Shots  
-----------------------------------
Half Machine Gun Ammo   CT    100  

[Giovanni Blasini]

I know it's primitive tech, but no jump jets?

I'm guessing this would be this timeline's replacement for the canonical Super Wasp?

(Amusingly, I see this timeline putting the WSP-1 back in production as well. Tried doing a version with commercial armor, and MegaMekLab got mad at me for it)

[Daryk]

Hmmm... it's more expensive than a Wasp, though... Not sure how it would sell.

In that vein, here's a Wasp that's just a hair over 1M C-Bills.  It's 15 tons, uses Commercial Armor, and puts the RL-10 in the leg so reloading doesn't require a crane.

Code: [Select]

Budget Wasp WSP-1i

Mass: 15 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: All Eras (non-canon)
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/X-X-D-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 1,026,260 C-Bills
Battle Value: 288

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 90 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
    Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Unknown Commercial
Armament:
    1  Medium Laser
    1  Rocket Launcher 10
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      26 points                1.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                 90                       3.00
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP: 6 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT                                         3.00
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 HD, 2 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               1.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Commercial (BAR: 5)          AV -  48                  2.00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            8         
                                        Center Torso     5            6         
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  2         
                                           L/R Torso     4            5         
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  2         
                                             L/R Arm     2            4         
                                             L/R Leg     3            5         

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1.00
Rocket Launcher 10                           LL        3         1         0.50
                                            Free Critical Slots: 32

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      1    Points: 3
6j         1       1       1       0      1     0   Structure:  1
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

[Giovanni Blasini]

Budget Wasp!

[Giovanni Blasini]

Going with a light AC/5 frees up three tons on the Clint, which allows you to tack on two tons of armor, plus a ton of flak ammo to allow it to double as a light anti-air platform.

Code: [Select]

Clint CLNT-2-3Y
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced        - 
Standard      3145+
Tech Rating: D/X-X-F-E

Weight: 40 tons
BV: 853
Cost: 3,646,580 C-bills
Source: TRO 3039 - Star League

Movement: 6/9/6
Engine: 240
Heat Sinks: 10
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 67
Armor: 104/137
                     Internal  Armor   
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      9   
Center Torso               12     15   
Center Torso (rear)                4   
Right Torso                10     10   
Right Torso (rear)                 4   
Left Torso                 10     10   
Left Torso (rear)                  4   
Right Arm                   6     10   
Left Arm                    6     10   
Right Leg                  10     14   
Left Leg                   10     14   

Weapons       Loc  Heat 
-------------------------
Medium Laser   LT    3   
Medium Laser   CT    3   
Light AC/5     RA    1   

Ammo             Loc  Shots 
-----------------------------
LAC/5 Ammo        RT     20 
Flak LAC/5 Ammo   RT     20 




Quirks
------
Improved Targeting (Long)<br/>
Improved Targeting (Medium)<br/>
Difficult to Maintain<br/>
Exposed Actuators<br/>
Non-Standard Parts


[Liam's Ghost]

I know it's primitive tech, but no jump jets?

I'm guessing this would be this timeline's replacement for the canonical Super Wasp?

No jumpjets because I couldn't fit everything I wanted totally to cater to militias with inexperienced pilots who don't need to have exotic movement modes thrown at them.  ;)

I haven't looked over the super wasp to be sure, but I think it still works as is.

(Amusingly, I see this timeline putting the WSP-1 back in production as well. Tried doing a version with commercial armor, and MegaMekLab got mad at me for it)

I agree.

Hmmm... it's more expensive than a Wasp, though... Not sure how it would sell.

In this case I'm imagining it as less of a case of money and more of availability. Production of modern quality mechs is still limited, and the houses and high profile mercenaries snap them up, while the retrotech Wasp II would be an "open source" design that can be put together by smaller workshops and minor manufacturers to supply to those who want battlemechs but can't get the good stuff.

Modern mechs on the open market might even have a significant markup due to limited supply but high demand.

That said...

In that vein, here's a Wasp that's just a hair over 1M C-Bills.  It's 15 tons, uses Commercial Armor, and puts the RL-10 in the leg so reloading doesn't require a crane.

Neat!

[Maingunnery]

Here is a Primitive Marauder, I might just mod it using a new Flea (those are really too big).

I downgrade nearly everything, but I add a lot of small lasers.

Code: [Select]

Marauder MAD-P1

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere (Primitive)
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: All Eras (non-canon)
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/E-X-F-A
Production Year: 2750
Cost: 5.538.313 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1.198

Chassis: Unknown Primitive Structure
Power Plant: Unknown 270 Primitive Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 32,4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54,0 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Primitive
Armament:
    2  Large Lasers
    1  Autocannon/2
    5  Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Primitive Structure          114 points                7,50
Engine:             Primitive Fusion Engine      270                      14,50
    Walking MP: 3
    Running MP: 5
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             18                        8,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Primitive                                              5,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Primitive                    AV - 186                 17,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            8         
                                        Center Torso     23           34       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  12       
                                           L/R Torso     16           18       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           22       
                                             L/R Leg     16           18       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Laser                                  CT        1         1         0,50
Autocannon/2                                 RT        1         1         6,00
Small Laser                                  RT        1         1         0,50
Small Laser                                  LT        1         1         0,50
Large Laser                                  RA        8         2         5,00
Small Laser                                  RA        1         1         0,50
Large Laser                                  LA        8         2         5,00
Small Laser                                  LA        1         1         0,50
@AC/2 (45)                                   LT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 29

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 12
3          3       2       1       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


[Giovanni Blasini]

Not bad.  I'd expect to see a lot more primitive 'Mechs put into production during the Third Succession War especially, as the ability to produce more advanced technology falters.

[Speedbump]

It occurred to me that without the flawed CASE technology that made it such a disaster, the Daboku probably stayed as the Daboku and didn't get carefully renamed replaced with the Mauler. All three of my designs came up with a different replacement for the AC2 battery. First up, HVAC2s:

Code: [Select]

Daboku DCMS-MX82-D

Mass: 90 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-F-A
Production Year: 3001
Cost: 7,685,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,214

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 270 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
    2  MML-7s
    4  HV AC/2s
    2  Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     138 points                9.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                270                      14.50
    Walking MP: 3
    Running MP: 5
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             12                        2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 152                  9.50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     29           23       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  8         
                                           L/R Torso     19           15       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     15           16       
                                             L/R Leg     19           20       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 HV AC/2s                                   RT        2         4        16.00
MML-7                                        RT        4         4         4.50
2 HV AC/2s                                   LT        2         4        16.00
MML-7                                        LT        4         4         4.50
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1.00
Medium Laser                                 LA        3         1         1.00
@HVAC/2 (60)                                 RT        -         2         2.00
@MML-7 (LRM) (17)                            RT        -         1         1.00
@HVAC/2 (30)                                 LT        -         1         1.00
@MML-7 (LRM) (17)                            LT        -         1         1.00
@MML-7 (SRM) (14)                            LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 23

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 12
3          3       3       2       0      4     0   Structure:  7
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Option 2, Sniper Cannons runs a bit hot:

Code: [Select]

Daboku DCMS-MX83-D

Mass: 90 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3006
Cost: 8,578,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,178

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 270 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
    2  Large Lasers
    2  Sniper Art. Cannons
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     138 points                9.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                270                      14.50
    Walking MP: 3
    Running MP: 5
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             17                        7.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 CT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 152                  9.50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     29           23       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  8         
                                           L/R Torso     19           15       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     15           16       
                                             L/R Leg     19           20       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sniper Art. Cannon                           RT        10        10       15.00
Sniper Art. Cannon                           LT        10        10       15.00
Large Laser                                  RA        8         2         5.00
Large Laser                                  LA        8         2         5.00
@Sniper Cannon (20)                          RT        -         2         2.00
@Sniper Cannon (20)                          LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 14

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 12
3          2       2       0       0      4     2   Structure:  7
Special Abilities: ARTSC, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Finally an Light AC5 "brawler":

Code: [Select]

Daboku DCMS-MX85-D

Mass: 90 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/X-X-F-A
Production Year: 3008
Cost: 8,095,900 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,534

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 270 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
    2  Large Lasers
    4  Light AC/5s
    2  LRM-5s
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     138 points                9.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                270                      14.50
    Walking MP: 3
    Running MP: 5
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             20                       10.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 5 LT, 5 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 200                 12.50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     29           29       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  8         
                                           L/R Torso     19           28       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  6         
                                             L/R Arm     15           18       
                                             L/R Leg     19           25       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Light AC/5s                                RT        2         4        10.00
LRM-5                                        RT        2         1         2.00
2 Light AC/5s                                LT        2         4        10.00
LRM-5                                        LT        2         1         2.00
Large Laser                                  RA        8         2         5.00
Large Laser                                  LA        8         2         5.00
@Light AC/5 (40)                             RT        -         2         2.00
@Light AC/5 (20)                             LT        -         1         1.00
@LRM-5 (24)                                  LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 21

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 15
3          4       4       1       0      4     0   Structure:  7
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, AC 2/2/0, IF 1


[Maingunnery]

A bit of a min-maxed variant of the earlier Marauder:

Tip: Find some water..

Code: [Select]

Marauder MAD-P2

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere (Primitive)
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Age of War/Star League
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/E-X-F-A
Production Year: 2750
Cost: 5.594.750 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1.288

Chassis: Unknown Primitive Structure
Power Plant: Unknown 270 Primitive Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 32,4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54,0 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Primitive
Armament:
    3  Large Lasers
    4  Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Primitive Structure          114 points                7,50
Engine:             Primitive Fusion Engine      270                      14,50
    Walking MP: 3
    Running MP: 5
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             20                       10,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Primitive                                              5,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Primitive                    AV - 192                 18,00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     23           35       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10       
                                           L/R Torso     16           21       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           20       
                                             L/R Leg     16           20       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Small Lasers                               CT        2         2         1,00
Large Laser                                  RT        8         2         5,00
Large Laser                                  RA        8         2         5,00
Small Laser                                  RA        1         1         0,50
Large Laser                                  LA        8         2         5,00
Small Laser                                  LA        1         1         0,50
                                            Free Critical Slots: 27

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 13
3          3       2       0       0      3     1   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA



[Daryk]

Did someone say "a lot of small lasers"?  :D

Code: [Select]

Dragoon Hawk PXH-WD

Mass: 45 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: All Eras (non-canon)
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/C-D-D-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 4,022,953 C-Bills
Battle Value: 995

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 270 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
    Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
    1  Medium Laser
    9  Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      75 points                4.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                270                      14.50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP: 6 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT                                         3.00
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             12                        2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 CT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 152                  9.50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            8         
                                        Center Torso     14           20       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  8         
                                           L/R Torso     11           17       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     7            14       
                                             L/R Leg     11           22       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Laser                                  HD        1         1         0.50
4 Small Lasers                               RT        4         4         2.00
4 Small Lasers                               LT        4         4         2.00
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 29

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 10
6j         3       1       0       0      2     0   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
In all seriousness, it's designed to be used like a Marik Wolverine: jump in and alpha, jump out and cool off.  It's perfect for Melee Masters: full alpha plus a punch and a kick.

[Alsadius]

The "JagerMech L" design program was originally intended to use the weight savings from mounting light autocannons to enhance the JagerMech's rather measly defensive systems. However, logistical issues at the primary armour plant on Talon led to a re-design, featuring the same light autocannons, but the additional weight being invested into heavier weaponry instead. The addition of a large laser complements the slightly reduced range of the light autocannons well. While it has not yet been tested in combat, pilots who have used the "Big L" in training have reported dramatic increases in hitting power that have taken opposing commanders by surprise more than once.

In one particularly daring move, a battalion commander organized an entire lance of JagerMech L's to harass enemy scouts, and ordered them to keep their large lasers concealed and act as traditional Jagers. When the enemy reserve showed up to "trap" them, the lance managed to obliterate the opposing commander's Victor in less than twenty seconds, before he even managed to fire a single autocannon shell. The resulting collapse of enemy resistance secured the battalion the highest ranking in any bout that year.

Code: [Select]

JagerMech JM-6L

Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/X-X-F-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 5,587,010 C-Bills
Battle Value: 989

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
    1  Large Laser
    2  Light AC/5s
    2  Medium Lasers
    2  Light AC/2s
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     104 points                6.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                260                      13.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             14                        4.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV -  96                  6.00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     21           13       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  4         
                                           L/R Torso     15           13       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  3         
                                             L/R Arm     10           8         
                                             L/R Leg     15           11       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Medium Lasers                              RT        6         2         2.00
Large Laser                                  LT        8         2         5.00
Light AC/2                                   RA        1         1         4.00
Light AC/5                                   RA        1         2         5.00
Light AC/2                                   LA        1         1         4.00
Light AC/5                                   LA        1         2         5.00
@Light AC/2 (45)                             CT        -         1         1.00
@Light AC/2 (Flak) (45)                      CT        -         1         1.00
@Light AC/5 (Flak) (20)                      RT        -         1         1.00
@Light AC/5 (20)                             LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 29

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 10
4          3       3       1       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, AC 1/1/0

[Speedbump]

The canon Raven RVN-1X fits pretty much perfectly into this AU, but given that Beagle and Guardian aren't available to rapidly render them obsolete I'm guessing the other factions would end up building their own Electronic Warfare equipped mechs.

My first take on this was a Cicada built around the 3C variant. It trades the PPC and a Heat Sink for the EW equipment and a Recon Camera. It also sidegrades the MGs to LMGs loses half a ton of ammo for a tad more armour. Against anything other than infantry it's probably in for a bad day.

Code: [Select]

Cicada CDA-3X

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: All Eras (non-canon)
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 2989
Cost: 3,743,133 C-Bills
Battle Value: 543

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 280 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
    2  Light Machine Guns
    1  EW Equipment
    1  Recon Camera
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      67 points                4.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                280                      16.00
    Walking MP: 7
    Running MP: 11
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV -  72                  4.50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           13       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     10           7         
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  3         
                                             L/R Arm     6            4         
                                             L/R Leg     10           8         

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recon Camera                                 HD        0         1         0.50
EW Equipment                                 RT        0         4         7.50
Light Machine Gun                            RL        0         1         0.50
Light Machine Gun                            LL        0         1         0.50
@LMG (1/2) (100)                             CT        -         1         0.50
                                            Free Critical Slots: 43

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 5
7          1       1       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

After that I tried to build a mech that could at least sort of stick to it's previous role in combat. This Enforcer downgrades the AC10 to a Light AC5 and loses a heat sink, but with the Small Laser upgraded to Medium it can just about maintain it's trooper position while providing EW support to heavier mechs.

Code: [Select]

Enforcer ENF-4EW

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: All Eras (non-canon)
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-F-A
Production Year: 2996
Cost: 4,243,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,036

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 200 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
    Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
    1  Large Laser
    1  Light AC/5
    1  Medium Laser
    1  EW Equipment
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      83 points                5.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                200                       8.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 4 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL                                         2.00
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             11                        1.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 2 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               2.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 144                  9.00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     16           23       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  4         
                                           L/R Torso     12           17       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  3         
                                             L/R Arm     8            14       
                                             L/R Leg     12           20       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EW Equipment                                 LT        0         4         7.50
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1.00
Light AC/5                                   RA        1         2         5.00
Large Laser                                  LA        8         2         5.00
@Light AC/5 (20)                             RT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 32

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 10
4j         2       2       0       0      2     0   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Finally after doing a pair of mediums I decided to give making a light mech a go. The Commando I came up with is better armed than my Cicada, but it's still only suited to helping out in a bug mech battle rather fighting mechs on it's own.

Code: [Select]

Commando COM-2EW

Mass: 25 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: All Eras (non-canon)
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3019
Cost: 2,280,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 440

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 150 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
    1  Medium Laser
    1  Rocket Launcher 10
    1  EW Equipment
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      43 points                2.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                150                       5.50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               2.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV -  48                  3.00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            6         
                                        Center Torso     8            6         
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  2         
                                           L/R Torso     6            5         
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  2         
                                             L/R Arm     4            4         
                                             L/R Leg     6            6         

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rocket Launcher 10                           CT        3         1         0.50
EW Equipment                                 LT        0         4         7.50
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 37

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 4
6          1       1       1       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


[Daryk]

As I read Tech Manual and TacOps, you really only need six additional tons of Communications Equipment to get the maximum ECM capability, as mechs get one ton free as part of their cockpits.  That extra 1.5 tons could be useful...

[Giovanni Blasini]

EW Equipment is different, combining thr functionality of a Guardian ECM suite and Beagle Active Probe with a 3-hex radius.

[Daryk]

Is that IO or something?  I must have missed it...

[Giovanni Blasini]

Tac Ops, pg. 310-311 per Sarna:

http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Electronic_Warfare_Equipment

[Daryk]

Thanks Gio!  I have no idea how I missed that before.

[Snimm]

The Federated Suns pursuit version of the Shadow Hawk, the 2D, has been unpopular with both its pilots and its commanders.  One intrepid engineer by the name of Marvin Spieth, in an attempt to improve the Mech's combat profile, used commercial armor and lighter weapons to swap out the arm-mounted medium lasers with large lasers.  While the armor protection is only marginally better - commercial armor just doesn't stop weapons fire very well - the new weapons package has made his unit commander sit up and take notice.

There have also been rumors of an experimental version that uses hardened armor, but these have been unconfirmed.  The second listing are possible specifications that engineering consultants have speculated would be a viable version.

Code: [Select]

Shadow Hawk SHD-2DC
Base Tech Level: Experimental (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental  3145+
Advanced        - 
Standard        - 
Tech Rating: D/X-X-X-X

Weight: 55 tons
BV: 1,022
Cost: 4,658,732 C-bills
Source: TRO 3039 - Succession Wars

Movement: 5/8/3
Engine: 275
BAR Rating : 5
Heat Sinks: 14
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 91
Armor: 108/185 Commercial
                     Internal  Armor   
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      9   
Center Torso               18     15   
Center Torso (rear)                6   
Right Torso                13     10   
Right Torso (rear)                 5   
Left Torso                 13     10   
Left Torso (rear)                  5   
Right Arm                   9     12   
Left Arm                    9     12   
Right Leg                  13     12   
Left Leg                   13     12   

Weapons             Loc  Heat 
-------------------------------
Large Laser          LA    8   
Light AC/5           LT    1   
Large Laser          RA    8   
Rocket Launcher 10   HD    3   
Rocket Launcher 10   CT    3   
Rocket Launcher 15   RT    4   

Ammo                 Loc  Shots 
---------------------------------
Caseless LAC/5 Ammo   LT     40 




Quirks
------
Battle Fists (LA)<br/>
Battle Fists (RA)<br/>
Improved Life Support<br/>
Ubiquitous (Inner Sphere)<br/>
Ubiquitous (Clans)


Code: [Select]

Shadow Hawk SHD-2DHD
Base Tech Level: Experimental (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced      3145+
Standard        - 
Tech Rating: D/X-X-F-X

Weight: 55 tons
BV: 1,239
Cost: 4,784,282 C-bills
Source: TRO 3039 - Succession Wars

Movement: 5/7/3
Engine: 275
Heat Sinks: 13
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 91
Armor: 72/185 (Hardened)
                     Internal  Armor   
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      6   
Center Torso               18     12   
Center Torso (rear)                6   
Right Torso                13      9   
Right Torso (rear)                 5   
Left Torso                 13      9   
Left Torso (rear)                  5   
Right Arm                   9      5   
Left Arm                    9      5   
Right Leg                  13      5   
Left Leg                   13      5   

Weapons             Loc  Heat 
-------------------------------
Medium Laser         LA    3   
Medium Laser         RA    3   
Light AC/5           LT    1   
Large Laser          LT    8   
Rocket Launcher 10   RT    3   
Rocket Launcher 10   CT    3   
Rocket Launcher 10   HD    3   

Ammo                 Loc  Shots 
---------------------------------
Caseless LAC/5 Ammo   LT     40 


[Daryk]

Hardened armor is tasty, but I'm not so sure about using it for a "pursuit" mech...  ???

[Snimm]

Oh, I agree.  But you have to look at the original SHD-2D's purpose...light Mech armor and a pack of short range weapons.  That's a recipe for disaster against anything but other recon units.  At least with Hardened armor, it might be SLIGHTLY less ridiculous.  But only slightly.

The fun part, though, is getting a few extra tons to play with on this Mech design.  If you look at everything but the armor, it's a pretty solid Mech, so you'd think I'd just increase the armor.  But I have always been willing to sacrifice armor for more guns and/or speed.  It means I probably lose way more than I might, but at least I enjoy myself! 

I cheated a little bit:  The idea was to keep the same number and type of weapons systems, but still find a way to improve the design.  The three rocket launchers in place of the 2 SRM and 1 LRM rack and ammo make it easy to find those tweakable tons of weight.

[Daryk]

Fair points, all! :)

[Liam's Ghost]

I'm considering whether the prototype improved jump jets from XTRO: Succession Wars should be allowed. Megameklab seems to consider them tech level E, however that doesn't actually appear to be specified anywhere in the canon books.


Also it might be interesting to see folks try to get use out of them without double heatsinks.

[Giovanni Blasini]

What about LAMs? We know the Stinger was still in production in the original timeline...

[monbvol]

And what is a Rifleman without rifles in this sort of madness?

Rifleman RFL-1RC
Base Tech Level: Experimental (IS)
Level            Era   
-----------------------
Experimental  2439-2442
Advanced        2443+  
Standard          -    
Extinct         2520+  
Tech Rating: D/D-X-X-F

Weight: 65 tons
BV: 908
Cost: 4,391,200 C-bills

Movement: 3/5
Engine: 235
Heat Sinks: 12
Cockpit: Primitive Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 104
Armor: 123/211 (Primitive)
                     Internal  Armor    
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      9    
Center Torso               21     16    
Center Torso (rear)                8    
Right Torso                15     13    
Right Torso (rear)                 6    
Left Torso                 15     13    
Left Torso (rear)                  6    
Right Arm                  10     10    
Left Arm                   10     10    
Right Leg                  15     16    
Left Leg                   15     16    

Weapons                 Loc  Heat  
-----------------------------------
Medium Laser             LT    3   
Medium Laser             RT    3   
Rifle (Cannon, Medium)   RA    2   
Rifle (Cannon, Medium)   RA    2   
Rifle (Cannon, Medium)   LA    2   
Rifle (Cannon, Medium)   LA    2   

Ammo               Loc  Shots  
-------------------------------
Medium Rifle Ammo   LA      9  
Medium Rifle Ammo   LA      9  
Medium Rifle Ammo   RA      9  
Medium Rifle Ammo   RA      9  

[Snimm]

Combine engineers have been purported to continue tinkering with the Jenner in an effort to further increase its effectiveness as a staple Combine strike unit.  All three versions replace the standard, thinly-allotted military armor with commercial armor, as tests have proven the Mech is not any more vulnerable with commercial armor installed.  In some cases, protection overall appears to actually be improved, even if shots might occasionally stray though the commercial plates more often than with military plates.  The simplest version, the JR7-D7, simply uses the weight savings to add two more jump jets, maximizing the Jenner's movement profile.

Code: [Select]

Jenner JR7-D7
Base Tech Level: Introductory (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced        - 
Standard      3145+
Tech Rating: D/C-E-D-D

Weight: 35 tons
BV: 758
Cost: 3,383,325 C-bills
Source: TRO 3039 - Succession Wars

Movement: 7/11/7
Engine: 245
BAR Rating : 5
Heat Sinks: 10
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 58
Armor: 72/119 Commercial
                     Internal  Armor   
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      9   
Center Torso               11     12   
Center Torso (rear)                3   
Right Torso                 8      7   
Right Torso (rear)                 4   
Left Torso                  8      7   
Left Torso (rear)                  4   
Right Arm                   6      5   
Left Arm                    6      5   
Right Leg                   8      8   
Left Leg                    8      8   

Weapons       Loc  Heat 
-------------------------
Medium Laser   LA    3   
Medium Laser   LA    3   
Medium Laser   RA    3   
Medium Laser   RA    3   
SRM 4          CT    3   

Ammo        Loc  Shots 
------------------------
SRM 4 Ammo   RT     25 




Quirks
------
No/Minimal Arms<br/>
No Torso Twist


In an effort to increase the survivability of the Jenner's ammunition, the JR7-D2 covers the vulnerable ammunition in the right torso with modular armor, usually on the front facing.  The reasoning is that if an opponent actually gets behind the speedy Jenner, the Mechwarrior probably made a horrible tactical error and deserved to have his Mech destroyed with an ammunition explosion anyway.  Some pilots, however, still instruct their techs to place the modular patch on the backside of their ammunition cell.  Of course, the modular armor also slows the Mech significantly enough that this version is likely destined for the scrap heap.

Code: [Select]

Jenner JR7-D2
Base Tech Level: Experimental (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced      3145+
Standard        - 
Tech Rating: D/X-X-F-X

Weight: 35 tons
BV: 774
Cost: 3,289,500 C-bills
Source: TRO 3039 - Succession Wars

Movement: 6/9/5
Engine: 245
BAR Rating : 5
Heat Sinks: 10
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 58
Armor: 60/119 Commercial
                     Internal  Armor   
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      7   
Center Torso               11     10   
Center Torso (rear)                3   
Right Torso                 8      8   
Right Torso (rear)                 2   
Left Torso                  8      8   
Left Torso (rear)                  2   
Right Arm                   6      4   
Left Arm                    6      4   
Right Leg                   8      6   
Left Leg                    8      6   

Weapons       Loc  Heat 
-------------------------
Medium Laser   LA    3   
Medium Laser   LA    3   
Medium Laser   RA    3   
Medium Laser   RA    3   
SRM 4          CT    3   

Ammo        Loc  Shots 
------------------------
SRM 4 Ammo   RT     25 

Equipment      Loc 
--------------------
Modular Armor   RT 



Quirks
------
No/Minimal Arms<br/>
No Torso Twist


Finally, the JR7-DM replaces the SRM 4 with an MML 3...and only one ton of SRM ammo for it.  While not taking advantage of the flexibility of the MML, it does allow for an extra jump jet, slightly less heat and more shots onboard the Mech than the classic SRM 4 and even allowed enough weight to strap on a couple rocket launchers for use in those truly tight spaces.  Some Mechwarriors have been known to load MML LRMs every now and again as well, depending on mission parameters.  (Some at Comstar would later speculate that this might truly have been the beginning of OmniMech research for the Draconis Combine when that faction started rolling out OmniMechs before anyone else after the discovery of the Helm core by the Gray Death Legion).

Code: [Select]

Jenner JR7-DM
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced        - 
Standard      3145+
Tech Rating: D/X-X-E-X

Weight: 35 tons
BV: 803
Cost: 3,280,725 C-bills
Source: TRO 3039 - Succession Wars

Movement: 7/11/6
Engine: 245
BAR Rating : 5
Heat Sinks: 10
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 58
Armor: 72/119 Commercial
                     Internal  Armor   
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      9   
Center Torso               11     12   
Center Torso (rear)                3   
Right Torso                 8      8   
Right Torso (rear)                 3   
Left Torso                  8      8   
Left Torso (rear)                  3   
Right Arm                   6      5   
Left Arm                    6      5   
Right Leg                   8      8   
Left Leg                    8      8   

Weapons             Loc  Heat 
-------------------------------
Medium Laser         LA    3   
Medium Laser         LA    3   
Medium Laser         RA    3   
Medium Laser         RA    3   
Rocket Launcher 10   RT    3   
Rocket Launcher 10   RT    3   
MML 3                CT    2   

Ammo            Loc  Shots 
----------------------------
MML 3 SRM Ammo   RT     33 




Quirks
------
No/Minimal Arms<br/>
No Torso Twist


[Snimm]

The Blackjack gained a lot of versatility with the development of light autocannon.  The standard BJ-1, rebranded as the BJ-1F, gained several tons of ammunition.  This allows the pilot incredible flexibility.  One ton of caseless and one ton of precision ammo are usually standard, with the remaining three tons of ammunition loaded with whatever mission parameters may require.  It is not uncommon, however, to see flak, flechette, and precision ammo all onboard the same Mech.

Code: [Select]

Blackjack BJ-1F
Base Tech Level: Experimental (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced        - 
Standard      3145+
Tech Rating: E/X-X-F-X

Weight: 45 tons
BV: 883
Cost: 3,266,125 C-bills
Source: TRO 3039 - Star League

Movement: 4/6/4
Engine: 180
Heat Sinks: 11
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 75
Armor: 136/153
                     Internal  Armor   
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      9   
Center Torso               14     18   
Center Torso (rear)                9   
Right Torso                11     15   
Right Torso (rear)                 6   
Left Torso                 11     15   
Left Torso (rear)                  6   
Right Arm                   7     12   
Left Arm                    7     12   
Right Leg                  11     17   
Left Leg                   11     17   

Weapons       Loc  Heat 
-------------------------
Medium Laser   LA    3   
Light AC/2     LA    1   
Medium Laser   RA    3   
Light AC/2     RA    1   
Medium Laser   LT    3   
Medium Laser   RT    3   

Ammo                  Loc  Shots 
----------------------------------
Flak LAC/2 Ammo        RT     45 
Flechette LAC/2 Ammo   RT     45 
Precision LAC/2 Ammo   RT     22 
Caseless LAC/2 Ammo    CT     90 
Precision LAC/2 Ammo   CT     22 


Another ambitious version of the Blackjack uses the weight savings simply to increase the size of the engine, allowing it to be deployed more frequently in a reconnaissance capability.  While it only carries one ton of ammunition, it is often loaded with precision ammo for recon work.

Code: [Select]

Blackjack BJ-1S
Base Tech Level: Experimental (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced        - 
Standard      3145+
Tech Rating: D/X-X-F-X

Weight: 45 tons
BV: 1,051
Cost: 3,853,375 C-bills
Source: TRO 3039 - Star League

Movement: 5/8/4
Engine: 225
Heat Sinks: 11
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 75
Armor: 136/153
                     Internal  Armor   
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      9   
Center Torso               14     18   
Center Torso (rear)                9   
Right Torso                11     15   
Right Torso (rear)                 6   
Left Torso                 11     15   
Left Torso (rear)                  6   
Right Arm                   7     12   
Left Arm                    7     12   
Right Leg                  11     17   
Left Leg                   11     17   

Weapons       Loc  Heat 
-------------------------
Medium Laser   LA    3   
Light AC/2     LA    1   
Medium Laser   RA    3   
Light AC/2     RA    1   
Medium Laser   LT    3   
Medium Laser   RT    3   

Ammo                 Loc  Shots 
---------------------------------
Caseless LAC/2 Ammo   CT     90 


Finally, the BJ-1DC was rededicated as a medium weight, anti-air platform, and given an extra pair of autocannons.  To achieve the necessary weight savings, this version sports only 6 tons of commercial-grade armor.  This was considered acceptable for an anti-air unit which was just as likely to be severely damaged with bombs even with military-grade armor.  A Federated Suns general was known to have once quipped, "Well, now they have more impetus to make their shots count!"

Code: [Select]

Blackjack BJ-1DCC
Base Tech Level: Experimental (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced        - 
Standard      3145+
Tech Rating: E/X-X-F-E

Weight: 45 tons
BV: 707
Cost: 3,208,850 C-bills
Source: TRO 3039 - Star League

Movement: 4/6
Engine: 180
BAR Rating : 5
Heat Sinks: 11
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 75
Armor: 132/153 Commercial
                     Internal  Armor   
----------------------------------------
Head                        3      9   
Center Torso               14     18   
Center Torso (rear)                9   
Right Torso                11     15   
Right Torso (rear)                 6   
Left Torso                 11     15   
Left Torso (rear)                  6   
Right Arm                   7     12   
Left Arm                    7     12   
Right Leg                  11     15   
Left Leg                   11     15   

Weapons       Loc  Heat 
-------------------------
Medium Laser   LA    3   
Medium Laser   RA    3   
Light AC/2     RA    1   
Light AC/2     RA    1   
Light AC/2     LA    1   
Light AC/2     LA    1   
Medium Laser   RT    3   
Medium Laser   LT    3   

Ammo                 Loc  Shots 
---------------------------------
Caseless LAC/2 Ammo   CT     90 
Flak LAC/2 Ammo       CT     45 




Quirks
------
Bad Reputation (Inner Sphere)


[packhntr]

I do not believe that you can use Caseless ammunition with a standard autocannon.....you must use a Caseless Autocannon. They ARE different.

[Speedbump]

To make matters worse, I don't think that Precision, Flechette or AP AC ammo are actually allowed in this AU. I'm pretty sure they're all E rated.

The -1S and -1DC are still interesting designs even without such options, but for the -F 5 tons of ammo with only Standard, Flak or Tracer rounds as options seems excessive.

[Snimm]

Ok. I don't know why, but I was under the impression caseless AC ammo simply allowed a standard AC (granted, I used Light ACs) to double its ammunition count at the risk of exploding the weapon on a 2.  Didn't realize they were actually supposed to be a separate weapon.  Easy enough to just make all the caseless ammo sets standard, then.