3050 Command Locust

[Wrangler]

Mbear's commander of LCT (Light Combat Team) sort got me thinking.
A Commander who too valuable shouldn't be in the front, but out harms way.
However, their still need on the battlefield. 

With the coming of the Clans, Slow poke Assault Mech would end up unable to escape the fate of speedy Clan units.  Likely, big assault Mech is prime target for ambitious warrior.

Instead of the biggest target, why not the smallest?
Keeping in mind, "speed is armor". So...i came up with this unit.  It does go against the grain of a typical command unit.

I give you the Locust Command Unit.

Code: [Select]

Locust LCT-1CC
IS unofficial
20 tons 
BV: 418
Cost: 3,097,200 C-bills

Movement: 9/14
Engine: 180 XL
Heat Sinks: 10
Cockpit: Command Console
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 33 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 64/69
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso              6          9
Center Torso (rear)                 2
Right Torso                5          8
Right Torso (rear)                   2
Left Torso                  5          8
Left Torso (rear)                     2
Right Arm                  3           5
Left Arm                    3           5
Right Leg                   4           7
Left Leg                    4        7

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Machine Gun                     LA     0
Machine Gun                     RA     0
Medium Laser                    CT     3

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
Machine Gun Ammo         LT   200

Equipment                     Loc
----------------------------------
CASE                            LT

Cheap, plenty of parts available, using the advance rules you give your units +2 for initiative.

[Giovanni Blasini]

Neat, but I thought the rules required a heavy or assault for a command console.  Still super-cool, though.

[Wrangler]

Neat, but I thought the rules required a heavy or assault for a command console.  Still super-cool, though.

I went to make sure Megalab wasn't fibbing to me.  Tactical Operations doesn't have any vehicle weight restrictions for the Cockpit Command Console which essentially says the Command Console has to be placed where the primary cockpit used to be or would be.
Most types of general units can have them. BattleMechs, Industrial Mechs, Combat Vehicles, Support Vehicles, Aerospace Fighters, Conventional Fighters.

[(SMD)MadCow]

I like the idea here, would prefer longer ranged weapons but that would mean dropping the speed for just a single large laser /maybe ppc?

[Tymers Realm]

I like the idea here, would prefer longer ranged weapons but that would mean dropping the speed for just a single large laser /maybe ppc?

Well, how about a Light PPC?
While I had to go to using F-F Armor (3.5 tons) and losing a little protection. This might be a interesting variant.

Code: [Select]

Locust LCT-1CCP

Mass: 20 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Advanced Rules
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 3,225,240 C-Bills
Battle Value: 538

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 180 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 97.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 151.2 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    1  Light PPC
    2  Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    33 points                1.00
    Internal Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             180                       3.50
    Walking MP: 9
    Running MP: 14
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL
Gyro:               Standard                                               2.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV -  62                  3.50
    Armor Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 4 LA, 4 RA

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            8         
                                        Center Torso     6            8         
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  2         
                                           L/R Torso     5            8         
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  2         
                                             L/R Arm     3            5         
                                             L/R Leg     4            7         

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Command Console                              HD        -         1         3.00
Light PPC                                    CT        5         2         3.00
Small Laser                                  RA        1         1         0.50
Small Laser                                  LA        1         1         0.50
                                            Free Critical Slots: 5

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 5
9          1       1       1       0      1     0   Structure:  1
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Possible?

[(SMD)MadCow]

This forum needs a like button.

[Giovanni Blasini]

Yes, yes it does.

[Wrangler]

I like the idea here, would prefer longer ranged weapons but that would mean dropping the speed for just a single large laser /maybe ppc?

I originally was going to make this a 3025 era machine. The limitations with Locust baseline was too harsh to make it work, with armor as bad as 1M variant. All missiles, no armor.

I can see if i can do one, the truth was i was trying keep her as base line tournament legal possible.  Light PPC version is cool idea too, i was trying use 3050 Star League tech.
If i went with a Large Laser one, it turn the mech in to a Hussar.  I'll see if i can do something later.

[Andras]

How about an LRM5 and a ton of ammo. With SL or 3050 tech, use Narc homers for no-spotter indirect fire. Otherwise you can still pop off from long range or even IDF if you have a mech out of its own weapons range.

[Wrangler]

How about an LRM5 and a ton of ammo. With SL or 3050 tech, use Narc homers for no-spotter indirect fire. Otherwise you can still pop off from long range or even IDF if you have a mech out of its own weapons range.

The original LCT-1M has barely enough room for Command Console if you add XL engine and endo and bump up armor to 2 tons.

Code: [Select]

Locust LCT-1MCC
IS unofficial
20 tons 
BV: 446
Cost: 2,980,000 C-bills

Movement: 8/12
Engine: 160 XL
Heat Sinks: 10
Cockpit: Command Console
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 33 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 32/69
                              Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso                6         4
Center Torso (rear)                  1
Right Torso                  5         4
Right Torso (rear)                    1
Left Torso                    5         4
Left Torso (rear)                      1
Right Arm                    3          2
Left Arm                      3          2
Right Leg                     4        3
Left Leg                       4          3

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
LRM 5                           LA     2
LRM 5                           RA     2
Medium Laser                    CT     3

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LRM 5 Ammo                      CT    24

Equipment                          Loc
----------------------------------
Standard                       None
This thing.

I'm not happy with it.  Marik commander who wants waste money on XL and ENDO and still have same light weight machine, is either disposable or his pilot so desperately good, that he hasn't worry in the world to being killed in combat.  This is expensive tomb stone.

[Wrangler]

I like the idea here, would prefer longer ranged weapons but that would mean dropping the speed for just a single large laser /maybe ppc?

How about keeping the speed and getting that Large Laser while having a Command Console?

This is what i came out with, this arguably the best you can do.  The LCT-1CC was basic Locust. Anti-infantry and medium lasers intact so it could perform like any Locust.

This, this is Steiner's 3050ish variant without it's original weapons.  Only Armed with Large Laser, but still has it's armor and original 8/12 speed abilities intact.

Code: [Select]

Locust LCT-3SC
IS unofficial
20 tons 
BV: 504
Cost: 2,992,000 C-bills

Movement: 8/12
Engine: 160 XL
Heat Sinks: 10
Cockpit: Command Console
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 33 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 53/69 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                                Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso                     6        8
Center Torso (rear)                      2
Right Torso                       5        6
Right Torso (rear)                        1
Left Torso                         5        6
Left Torso (rear)                          1
Right Arm                         3        4
Left Arm                           3        4
Right Leg                          4        6
Left Leg                            4        6

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Large Laser                     CT     8

For a Command Mech, she still cheap C-bills wise, with 3 million rounded up with a BV2 of 504.

Still nice, I again didn't want go Jihad, since this machine would still be able used in campaigns prior to Jihad and still be operating after the Jihad since Mechs are going be scariest.

[Wrangler]

Well there a fatal flaw in this.  Apparently the initiative bonus requires a Heavy or Assault weight Mech.  I missed it when i read the rules in my first passing.  Command Console can be used it just useless except your driving your commander around.

I apologize for the confusion this may have caused.

[Alsadius]

Remember there's more than one way to skin an init bonus. You can get an init bonus by carrying comms equipment - 3 tons for +1, or 7 tons for +2. You can do 20 tons, 8/12, XL engine, endo steel, 4 tons of FF armour, and still mount 7 tons of comms equipment. The commander's battle taxi isn't as weight-efficient as a command console mech, but it does the job. (Or at least, I think it does - don't have TacOps handy, but the Sarna info on comms equipment makes it look like it'd work)

Edit: Now that I'm at home, a TRO:

Code: [Select]

Locust (Command) LCT-01

Mass: 20 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: 2,386,240 C-Bills
Battle Value: 310

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 160 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    None
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    33 points                1.00
    Internal Locations: 1 LT, 3 RT, 4 LA, 4 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             160                       3.00
    Walking MP: 8
    Running MP: 12
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 4 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               2.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV -  64                  4.00
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 2 CT, 1 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     6            9         
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  2         
                                           L/R Torso     5            8         
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  2         
                                             L/R Arm     3            5         
                                             L/R Leg     4            7         

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Communications Equipment (1.0 tons) (7.0 tons) LT        0         7         7.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 2

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 3
8          0       0       0       0      1     0   Structure:  1
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

[Andras]

I took my HPPC Locust and replaced the HPPC with 7 tons of Comms and a LPPC. One could also use three MedLas instead, but I liked the LPPC as it lets one keep range since it only has 3 tons of armor. Or you can split the difference with an extra ton of armor and two MedLas.

Code: [Select]

Locust LCT-ComCmd

Mass: 20 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 2,686,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 416

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 160 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    1  Light PPC
    1  Communications Equipment (1.0 tons) (7.0 tons)
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    33 points                1.00
    Internal Locations: 7 LA, 7 RA
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             160                       3.00
    Walking MP: 8
    Running MP: 12
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 4 LT
Gyro:               XL                                                     1.00
Cockpit:            Small                                                  2.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV -  53                  3.00
    Armor Locations: 4 LT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     6            6         
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  2         
                                           L/R Torso     5            6         
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  2         
                                             L/R Arm     3            4         
                                             L/R Leg     4            6         

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Communications Equipment (1.0 tons) (7.0 tons) RT        0         7         7.00
Light PPC                                    HD        5         2         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 3

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 4
8          1       1       1       0      1     0   Structure:  1
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA



[Wrangler]

I like that one, Andras