Whilst the Epona was a formidable and much loved tank the vehicle was starting to show its age and in a time when the Hells Horses were fighting against the Lyrans the Epona's biggest weakness, its thin armour resulted in heavy casualties amongst the well trained Epona crews which were hard to replace.
The Scientists instead looked at improving the vehicle rather than replacing it and the biggest change was made to the engine. An XL engine saved weight whilst ferro-fibrous compound armour provided additional protection. The tank could now withstand a hit from an AC-20 from any angle save the rear and the commander and pilot in the helecopter gunship like tandem seating in the cockpit were now more likely to take a hit and be able to disengage rather than have their vehicle fail catastrophically when hit by heavy fire.
Variants.
Prime - The Prime changes very little from the Epona Prime, as its firepower was already well liked by its crews. A quartet of medium pulse lasers provides accurate mid range firepower whilst the Streak-4 is upgraded to a Streak-6. The electronics were also slightly re-worked with an ECM suite added to disrupt hostile EW assets as well as a TAG laser designator being fitted in the turret to allow the Prime to spot for friendly artillery.
Whilst more expensive to produce, the Prime was popular due to its greater suvivability and flexibility with its enhanced electronics outfit.
Epona II Prime
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Advanced Rules
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3132
Cost: 7,682,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,659
Power Plant: 215 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 97.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 151.2 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Streak SRM-6
4 Medium Pulse Lasers
1 TAG
1 Unknown CASE
1 ECM Suite
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 25 points 5.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 215 7.50
Cruise MP: 9
Flank MP: 14
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 16 6.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 5.00
Turret: 1.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 107 6.00
Armor
Factor
Front 25
Left/Right 22/22
Turret 20
Rear 18
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Medium Pulse Lasers T 16 4 8.00
Streak SRM-6 T 4 1 3.00
TAG T 0 1 1.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
ECM Suite BD 0 1 1.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 17
9h 5 5 0 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: TAG, CASE, ECM, TUR(5/5/0)
Alfa - A slight change to the original version the new Alfa trades firepower for accuracy and endurance. A pair of Artemis V enhanced LRM-15's each with their own 2 ton ammo bin provides long range firepower whilst an AMS defends against hostile barrages.
A quartet of ER Small lasers provides some direct fire deterrence against Mech's or vehicles fast enough to engage the A model whilst the ECM, light active probe and TAG allow it to act as a scout when needed.
Epona II Bravo
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 9,168,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,843
Power Plant: 215 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 97.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 151.2 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 LRM-15s w/ Artemis V FCS
4 ER Small Lasers
1 TAG
1 Light Active Probe
1 Anti-Missile System
1 ECM Suite
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 25 points 5.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 215 7.50
Cruise MP: 9
Flank MP: 14
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 5.00
Turret: 1.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 107 6.00
Armor
Factor
Front 25
Left/Right 22/22
Turret 20
Rear 18
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG FR 0 1 1.00
Light Active Probe FR 0 1 0.50
2 LRM-15s T 10 2 7.00
Artemis V FCS T - 0 3.00
Anti-Missile System T 1 1 0.50
4 ER Small Lasers T 8 4 2.00
ECM Suite BD 0 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (32) BD - 0 4.00
@Anti-Missile System (24) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 18
9h 5 5 3 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: TAG, LPRB, RCN, AMS, ECM, CASE, TUR(5/5/3, IF 3/3/3), IF 3
Bravo - 'Inspired' by the Lyran/Davion Musketeer, the B features a Diamond Shark made RAC-5 with a 2 ton ammo bin. Supporting the cannon are a pair of Streak SRM-4's that share a ton of ammo between them. The ECM is retained but the fire control system is augmented by a targetting computer that helps direct the main cannon and make it accurate even when on the move. Although the B can go through its ammo in a short period of time and the RAC can still be unreliable and prone to jam, the raw firepower it offers is very much approved by its crew.
Epona II Bravo
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-F-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 7,928,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,893
Power Plant: 215 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 97.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 151.2 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Rotary AC/5
2 Streak SRM-4s
1 Unknown Targeting Computer
1 ECM Suite
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 25 points 5.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 215 7.50
Cruise MP: 9
Flank MP: 14
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 5.00
Turret: 1.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 107 6.00
Armor
Factor
Front 25
Left/Right 22/22
Turret 20
Rear 18
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rotary AC/5 T 1 1 10.00
2 Streak SRM-4s T 6 2 4.00
Targeting Computer BD - 1 2.00
ECM Suite BD 0 1 1.00
@Rotary AC/5 (40) BD - 0 2.00
@Streak SRM-4 (25) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 19
9h 4 4 3 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: ECM, CASE, TUR(4/4/3)
Charlie - Designed as a mobile harasser and support unit the C is the first Epona II to lack any advanced electronics other than the targetting computer that allows the ER large laser to engage accurately at any range.
The C can also provide active barrage support with a pair of ATM-6s, each with their own 3 ton ammo bin allowing the vehicle commander to make maximum use of the ATM's flexible warheads whilst having the speed to be able to actually use all three different warheads.
Epona II Charlie
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-D-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 7,506,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,813
Power Plant: 215 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 97.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 151.2 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 ER Large Laser
2 ATM-6s
1 Unknown Targeting Computer
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 25 points 5.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 215 7.50
Cruise MP: 9
Flank MP: 14
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 12 2.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 5.00
Turret: 1.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 107 6.00
Armor
Factor
Front 25
Left/Right 22/22
Turret 20
Rear 18
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser T 12 1 4.00
2 ATM-6s T 8 2 7.00
Targeting Computer BD - 1 1.00
@ATM-6 (20) BD - 0 2.00
@ATM-6 (ER) (20) BD - 0 2.00
@ATM-6 (HE) (20) BD - 0 2.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 18
9h 5 4 3 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, TUR(5/4/3)
Delta - Designed to support infantry operations and engage hostile tanks the Delta often serves as a quick reaction tank in reaction to hostile armoured forces and infantry formations.
A pair of Plasma cannons, with 3 tons of ammo between them allow it to cripple armoured forces and cause heat woes for Mechs, whilst also being able to inflict devastating damage on infantry forces. This anti-infantry firepower is enhanced by the addition of a quartet of AP-Gauss Rifles which share two tons of ammo between them. All these weapons are aided by a targetting computer, allowing the D to make high speed slashing attacks. Finally an light active probe in the bow allows the D to support infantry on sweeps through built up areas, either by speeding ahead and searching for hostiles or moving slowly with the Elementals.
Epona II Delta
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 8,489,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,713
Power Plant: 215 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 97.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 151.2 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Plasma Cannons
4 AP Gauss Rifles
1 Light Active Probe
1 Unknown Targeting Computer
1 ECM Suite
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 25 points 5.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 215 7.50
Cruise MP: 9
Flank MP: 14
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 14 4.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 5.00
Turret: 1.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 107 6.00
Armor
Factor
Front 25
Left/Right 22/22
Turret 20
Rear 18
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Light Active Probe FR 0 1 0.50
2 Plasma Cannons T 14 2 6.00
4 AP Gauss Rifles T 4 4 2.00
Targeting Computer BD - 1 2.00
ECM Suite BD 0 1 1.00
@Plasma Cannon (30) BD - 0 3.00
@AP Gauss Rifle (80) BD - 0 2.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 17
9h 4 4 3 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: LPRB, RCN, ECM, CASE, HT2, TUR(4/4/3)
Echo - Perhaps the strangest variant of the Epona II is the E which serves as a heavy troop transport. With a heavily re-built body its almost an entirely different vehicle, but the structural changes allow for the space for 10 Elementals to be carried inside with all their support equipment.
In the small automated turret a Mech-Mortar 8 draws from 5 tons of ammo allowing it to support its troops from behind cover whilst a pair of bow mounted ER Small lasers provide some deterrent firepower whilst the E disengages. Not built for long term deployments the crews dislike the E as they see themselves as little more than a glorified taxi. The Technicians dislike it too as the Echo is the most time consuming variant to refit as it has to be carefully balanced to stop it tipping over. Still the E proved its worth with the Mongol doctrine, allowing for the easy transport of Elementals across the battlefield under a protective shell. The mortar also proved effective at surpressing hostile infantry forces and harassing enemy armour and Mech forces.
Epona II Echo
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-D-D-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 6,753,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 660
Power Plant: 215 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 97.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 151.2 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Mech Mortar 8
2 ER Small Lasers
1 Infantry Compartment (10.0 tons)
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 25 points 5.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 215 7.50
Cruise MP: 9
Flank MP: 14
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 5.00
Turret: 0.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 107 6.00
Armor
Factor
Front 25
Left/Right 22/22
Turret 20
Rear 18
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Small Lasers FR 4 2 1.00
Mech Mortar 8 T 10 1 5.00
Infantry Compartment (10.0 tons) BD 0 1 10.00
@Mortar 8 (Airburst) (20) BD - 0 5.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 7
9h 2 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, TUR(1/1/1), IF 1
Foxtrot - The F variant is another 'big gun' tank, capable of giving direct fire support as well as providing AA protection thanks to its HAG-20 and 4 tons of ammunition. A pair of ER medium lasers mounted in the bow provide extra firepower whilst a Streak SRM-6 adds to the firepower at close range when the HAG is less effective against close in opponents.
Epona II Foxtrot
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 7,938,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,969
Power Plant: 215 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 97.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 151.2 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 HAG-20
1 Streak SRM-6
2 ER Medium Lasers
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 25 points 5.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 215 7.50
Cruise MP: 9
Flank MP: 14
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 5.00
Turret: 1.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 107 6.00
Armor
Factor
Front 25
Left/Right 22/22
Turret 20
Rear 18
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers FR 10 2 2.00
HAG-20 T 4 1 10.00
Streak SRM-6 T 4 1 3.00
@HAG-20 (24) BD - 0 4.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 20
9h 4 4 2 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, TUR(3/3/2, FLK 1/1/1), FLK 1/1/1
As always, thoughts and comments are most welcome! Come now! Don't be shy!
