Phoenix PX-9B

[Black_Knyght]

A  3075 era variant of the Phoenix medium battlemech for thoughts, opinions, and constructive input.

==========

Phoenix PX-9B

Phoenix PX-9B
IS Medium Battlemech (experimental)
50 tons 
BV: 1,781
Cost: 10,220,250 C-bills

Movement: 6/9/6
Engine: 300 XL
Heat Sinks: 17 [34]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 83 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 160/169
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Head                        3        9
Center Torso               16       25
Center Torso (rear)                  6
Right Torso                12       20
Right Torso (rear)                   4
Left Torso                 12       20
Left Torso (rear)                    4
Right Arm                   8       16
Left Arm                    8       16
Right Leg                  12       20
Left Leg                   12       20

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
ER PPC                          RA    15
ER Medium Laser                 LT     5
ER Medium Laser                 LT     5
ER Medium Laser                 LT     5
ER Medium Laser                 LT     5

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
PPC Capacitor                   RA

[Sabelkatten]

While lots of heat sinks are useful, I think I'd drop a couple and either switch to a light engine or add a TC.

After all, the most heat you're ever likely to produce yourself is 31 (all ERML, charging Cap, jump 6).

[Firesprocket]

I'd actually either pitch the PPC capacitor or break down the ER PPC into two light PPCs and look at adding a second capacitor, space allowing.  It would be shorter range, but a steady group of fire.  I am assuming this thing is meant to get in closer, rather than spend  it down range to get the ER Mediums in range.

[Black_Knyght]

While lots of heat sinks are useful, I think I'd drop a couple and either switch to a light engine or add a TC.

After all, the most heat you're ever likely to produce yourself is 31 (all ERML, charging Cap, jump 6).

Somewhere there's an error in the math, because I show a much higher heat buildup potential: 4xERML (20), ERPPC+charged capacitor (20), six jump jets (6)= 46

[Sabelkatten]

Well, I'm assuming the pilot is sane enough to avoid cooking himself... ::) In most situations I can think of you'd either hang back and shoot the (charged) PPC, or close in and fire just the MLs.

Of course alpha striking can be fun, but I'd rather bracket fire and either be able to take more damage or be more likely to hit my target. :)

[Black_Knyght]

I definitely agree with your thoughts on bracket firing, which is why I dumped the SRM for the lasers. Going an all out Alpha Strike with this version would definitely be a fool's errand, but then it's not intended to operate like that anyway.

[Firesprocket]

Somewhere there's an error in the math, because I show a much higher heat buildup potential: 4xERML (20), ERPPC+charged capacitor (20), six jump jets (6)= 46

With a dual LPPC configuration you'd alternate firing one each round while the other charged.  10 for a charged Light PPC, 4 ER Mediums for 20 heat, 5 for charge/held charge.  You would still run a little warm when jumping.  Moving is going to produce heat regardless.

[Black_Knyght]

The only issue there is a lack of available internal space.

[Sabelkatten]

With a dual LPPC configuration you'd alternate firing one each round while the other charged.  10 for a charged Light PPC, 4 ER Mediums for 20 heat, 5 for charge/held charge.  You would still run a little warm when jumping.  Moving is going to produce heat regardless.

Alternating LPPCs with caps is pretty pointless - It's exactly the same firepower as a single standard PPC, but 1 ton heavier, creates 5 more heat, and can explode...

The cap'd ERPPC at least gives you a range 23 headcapper every other turn!

[Alsadius]

I'd probably embrace the bracket with this and drop about four heat sinks. Probably go from an XLFE to a LFE, which would cut the cost by millions and make it a lot more durable. Either that or think about stealth armour if you're tossing on that much heat capacity - 34 is charged ERPPC+stealth+run for -2 heat, or jump for +2, and you can still do a good non-capacitor alpha in close when the stealth is turned off.

[Black_Knyght]

Again, the biggest issue there is a lack of available internal space.

If you lose 4x DHS, you still need to lose another ton somewhere just to drop to a LFE, and switching to Stealth Armor still leaves issues with tonnage and available internal space.

All in all though, it fairs really well in our gameplay with it. Highly mobile, can headcap at a decent range, and is unhealthy to close with despite it's tonnage.

[Sabelkatten]

Well, my preference would be for this simple mod:

Code: [Select]

Phoenix PX-9TC

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 10 248 000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 972

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 300 Fusion XL 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  ER PPC + PPC Capacitor
    4  ER Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    83 points                2,50
    Internal Locations: 4 RT, 6 LA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             300                       9,50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP: 6 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT                                   3,00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             14(28)                    4,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT, 1 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 160                 10,00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     16           25       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     12           20       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  4         
                                             L/R Arm     8            16       
                                             L/R Leg     12           20       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 ER Medium Lasers                           LT        20        4         4,00
Targeting Computer                           LT        -         3         3,00
ER PPC + PPC Capacitor                       RA        20        3         7,00
    ER PPC + PPC Capacitor                   RA        5*        1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 4

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 20
6j         3       3       1       0      2     1   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
LFE works too, thought now the heat dissipation starts dropping...

Code: [Select]

Phoenix PX-9L

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 8 804 250 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 766

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 300 Light Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 64,8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97,2 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
    Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    1  ER PPC + PPC Capacitor
    4  ER Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    83 points                2,50
    Internal Locations: 5 RT, 5 LA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine:             Light Fusion Engine          300                      14,50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP: 6 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT                                   3,00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             13(26)                    3,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 161                  9,00
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 4 LT, 3 LA, 6 RA

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     16           25       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  7         
                                           L/R Torso     12           20       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  4         
                                             L/R Arm     8            16       
                                             L/R Leg     12           20       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 ER Medium Lasers                           LT        20        4         4,00
ER PPC + PPC Capacitor                       RA        20        3         7,00
    ER PPC + PPC Capacitor                   RA        5*        1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 0

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 18
6j         2       2       1       0      2     1   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
And Stealth is actually sort-of doable too. You're going to have to be VERY careful on the trigger, thought!

Code: [Select]

Phoenix PX-9S

Mass: 50 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: 3070
Cost: 11 223 000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 794

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Composite
Power Plant: Unknown 300 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 64,8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97,2 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
    Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Unknown Stealth Armor
Armament:
    1  ER PPC + PPC Capacitor
    4  ER Medium Lasers
    1  Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Composite                83 points                4,00
    Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 LT, 3 LA, 2 RA
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             300                       9,50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP: 6 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT                                   3,00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             14(28)                    4,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT, 1 LA
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Stealth Armor                AV - 160                 10,00
    Armor Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     16           25       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     12           20       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  4         
                                             L/R Arm     8            16       
                                             L/R Leg     12           20       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guardian ECM Suite                           RT        0         2         1,50
4 ER Medium Lasers                           LT        20        4         4,00
ER PPC + PPC Capacitor                       RA        20        3         7,00
    ER PPC + PPC Capacitor                   RA        5*        1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 0

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 18
6j         2       2       1       0      2     1   Structure:  1
Special Abilities: ECM, STL, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
...might be worth sacrificing half a ton of armor and drop in an XL gyro for one more DHS.

[Alsadius]

Losing 4x DHS and dropping to a LFE frees up 14 internal slots, which is enough for ferro fibre. That'll get you the weight you need - you even wind up adding one point of armour. Cost drops from 10.2M to 8.8M, though BV drops from 1781 to 1771. You're basically giving up the ability to fire the ERPPC every round at close range for improved survivability and cost efficiency, which isn't a terrible trade in most cases.

[Firesprocket]

Alternating LPPCs with caps is pretty pointless - It's exactly the same firepower as a single standard PPC, but 1 ton heavier, creates 5 more heat, and can explode...

The cap'd ERPPC at least gives you a range 23 headcapper every other turn!

I'd hardly say its pointless.  If you want you can charge both and fire both every other turn then it is 20 points every two turns as compared to 1 15 pointer every 2 turns.  Potentially exploding is par for the course with any PPC/Cap combo.  The fact that you have a head capper every other turn really does nothing for me.  I'd rather have the steady damage rather than the lucky shot.

[Sabelkatten]

But then you need to keep both LPPCs charged so it's 20 heat/turn just firing one, 30/10 firing both.

Even with the potential 2x10 salvo I'd stick with the ERPPC.

[Firesprocket]

But then you need to keep both LPPCs charged so it's 20 heat/turn just firing one, 30/10 firing both.

I am not following your math.  It is +5 heat per turn to charge, retain, or fire.  A LPPC generates 5 heat.  So it is either 5+5 heat for firing per LPPC or 5 heat for charging per weapon.  That's between 10-20 heat depending on your preferred charge and firing pattern (alternate charge or every other turn release).  Where is the extra 10 heat that  brings your total up to 30 come from?   

[Sabelkatten]

Sorry, posted while asleep. You're completely right, it's 15 or 20/10. Somewhere I got standard and light PPC mixed up... :P

I'd still much rather have range and headcapping.