PEGASUS-SERIES LAND-AIR MECHS

[Natasha Kerensky]

After the creation of the TankWarrior Phenotype and QuadVee transforming battlemechs, Clan Hell’s Horses became comfortable with cross-training and equipment that blurred the lines between the Clans’ rigid, traditional combat roles of MechWarrior, Aerospace Pilot, and Elemental.  During the Horses’ Mongol alliance with the Jade Falcons, the Horses learned that the Falcons had experimented with a Dual Cockpit Land-Air BattleMech and started their own LAM development program called Project Pegasus.

Under Project Pegasus, Horse scientists pursued designs that made the most of a LAM’s Air-Mech Mode.  Although the SLDF and House militaries has used LAMs’ Fighter and Mech Modes for deep strike and reconnaissance missions since the Star League era, the Horses sought to optimize their LAMs’ Air-Mech modes so they could contribute in conventional combat, especially under Mongol tactics that would kite, snipe, and exhaust an enemy force with fast, mobile, light strikers before the killing blow from heavier units.

The first Pegasus LAM, the Tulpar, exemplifies this design philososphy.  A small, 165-rated fusion engine makes the Tulpar a sluggish Aerospace Fighter and slow BattleMech for its 55-ton weight.  But a quintet of Improved Jump Jets allow a Tulpar in Air-Mech mode to cruise at over 160 kph, even faster than a Phantom omnimech at top speed.  Unlike the Phantom, the Tulpar is able to carry multiple heavy energy weapons, specifically dual Pulse Large Lasers, and over ten tons of thick armor.  The accuracy of the Pulse Large Lasers is augmented by an advanced Targeting Computer, ensuring that the Tulpar can regularly force enemy mechs to the ground from a safe distance while they have great difficulty obtaining a target lock on the fast-loving Tulpar.  An extra freezer allow sthe Tulpar to maintain these alpha strikes while flanking at maximum speed with no negative heat effects and minimal heat buildup.  Two one-ton Bomb Bays, often occupied by Target Acquisition Gear, gives the Tulpar additional tactical flexibility.

Code: [Select]

                 BattleMech Technical Readout

Name/Model:           TULPAR LAND-AIR MECH
Tonnage:              55
Configuration:        Trimodal Land-Air Mech
Technology Base:      Inner Sphere (Mixed)
Era/Year:             Dark Age & ilClan/3140
Rules:                Experimental
Chassis:              Pegasus-55
Power Plant:          165 SFE
Walking Speed:        32 kph
Maximum Speed:        54 kph
Jump Jets:            Trakehner Improved Light
    Jump Capacity:    150 meters
Cruising Speed:       162 kph
Flanking Speed:       248 kph
Safe Thrust Speed:    54 kph
Max Thrust Speed:     86 kph
Armor:                Barding Standard
Armament:             
    2 Pulse Large Lasers
    2 Bomb Bays
Manufacturer:         Csesztreg Industriplex Delta
    Primary Factory:  Csesztreg
Communications System:  Auricle Tight-Beam SecureComm
Targeting and Tracking System:  Cremello Bluesight w/ Adv Targeting Computer

================================================================================================
Equipment                                                             Mass                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure:                          Standard                  5.50
Engine:                                    165 Standard                6.00           
    Walking MP:                                 3                                       
    Running MP:                                 5                             
    Jumping MP:                                 5
    AirMech Cruise MP:                         15
    AirMech Flank MP:                          23     
    Safe Thrust:                                5
    Max Thrust:                                 8                               
Heat Sinks:                                  11 (22)                   1.00   
Gyro:                                       Standard                   2.00       
Cockpit:                                      Small                    2.00     
Fuel:                                           80                     0.00
Armor Factor:                                  168                    10.50     
    Type:                                   Standard                                         

                                    Internal         Armor     
                                    Structure        Value     
    Head:                               3              9       
    Center Torso:                      18             25
    Center Torso (rear):                              8
    R/L Torso:                         13             20
    R/L Torso (rear):                                  5
    R/L Arm:                            9             18
    R/L Leg:                           13             20

================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo                                       Location          Critical     Tonnage   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulse Large Laser                                         RA                2          6.00
Pulse Large Laser                                         LA                2          6.00
Targeting Computer                                        RT                3          3.00
LAM Bomb Bay                                              RT                1          1.00
LAM Bomb Bay                                              LT                1          1.00
Improved Jump Jets                                        RT                4          2.00
Improved Jump Jet                                         LT                2          1.00
Improved Jump Jet                                         RL                2          1.00
Improved Jump Jet                                         LL                2          1.00
Conversion Equipment                                      **                6          6.00
================================================================================================
**Conversion Equipment occupies two crit slots each in RT and LT and one crit slot each in H and CT.

All Pegasus LAMs are built around the same 55-ton chassis and follow the same design philosophy of minimizing engine weight and leveraging Improved Jump Jet technology.  The second in the Pegasus series, the Qianlima, pushes this design philosophy in the opposite direction of the Tulpar, reducing firepower in favor of speed and mobility.  While the Tulpar is a highly mobile, long-range, backfield sniper, the Qianlima is an even faster deep flanker, designed to directly and rapidly penetrate an enemy’s rear and attack their must vulnerable armor from that direction.  A 275-rated standard fusion engine combined with seven Improved Jump Jets let the Qianlima cruise at over 225 kph in AirMech mode, faster than even the top speed of a Fire Moth omnimech.  Like the Fire Moth H, the Qianlima mounts a massed array of small lasers — eight ER Small Lasers — for picking apart the rear armor on battlemechs and combat vehicles and destroying the critical systems underneath.  Unlike a Fire Moth, the Qianlima is well protected by the same thick armor as the Tulpar.  A “backbiter” par excellence, the Qianlima’s octet of ER Small Lasers are also augmented by an Advanced Targeting Computer and a Light Active Probe or Light Target Acquistion Gear.  The Qianlima can alpha strike while flanking in AirMech mode without heat buildup.

Code: [Select]

                 BattleMech Technical Readout

Name/Model:           QIANLIMA LAND-AIR MECH
Tonnage:              55
Configuration:        Trimodal Land-Air Mech
Technology Base:      Inner Sphere (Mixed)
Era/Year:             Dark Age & ilClan/3140
Rules:                Experimental
Chassis:              Pegasus-55
Power Plant:          275 SFE
Walking Speed:        54 kph
Maximum Speed:        86 kph
Jump Jets:            Trakehner Improved Light
    Jump Capacity:    210 meters
Cruising Speed:       227 kph
Flanking Speed:        346 kph
Safe Thrust Speed:    75 kph
Max Thrust Speed:     118 kph
Armor:                Barding Standard
Armament:             
    8 ER Small Lasers
Manufacturer:         Csesztreg Industriplex Delta
    Primary Factory:  Csesztreg
Communications System:  Auricle Tight-Beam SecureComm
Targeting and Tracking System:  Cremello Bluesight w/ Adv Targeting Computer

================================================================================================
Equipment                                                             Mass                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure:                          Standard                  5.50
Engine:                                    275 Standard               15.50         
    Walking MP:                                 5                                     
    Running MP:                                 8                         
    Jumping MP:                                 7
    AirMech Cruise MP:                         21
    AirMech Flank MP:                          32   
    Safe Thrust:                                7
    Max Thrust:                                11                           
Heat Sinks:                                  10 (20)                   0.00 
Gyro:                                       Standard                   3.00     
Cockpit:                                      Small                    2.00     
Fuel:                                           80                     0.00
Armor Factor:                                  168                    10.50   
    Type:                                   Standard                                         

                                    Internal         Armor     
                                    Structure        Value     
    Head:                               3              9       
    Center Torso:                      18             25
    Center Torso (rear):                               8
    R/L Torso:                         13             20
    R/L Torso (rear):                                  5
    R/L Arm:                            9             18
    R/L Leg:                           13             20

================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo                                       Location          Critical     Tonnage   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Small Laser                                            RA                1          0.50
ER Small Laser                                            RA                1          0.50
ER Small Laser                                            RA                1          0.50
ER Small Laser                                            LA                1          0.50
ER Small Laser                                            LA                1          0.50
ER Small Laser                                            LA                1          0.50
ER Small Laser                                            CT                1          0.50
ER Small Laser                                             H                1          0.50
Targeting Computer                                        RT                1          1.00
Light TAG or Light Active Probe                           LT                1          0.50
Improved Jump Jets                                        RT                6          3.00
Improved Jump Jets                                        LT                4          2.00
Improved Jump Jet                                         RL                2          1.00
Improved Jump Jet                                         LL                2          1.00
Conversion Equipment                                      **                6          6.00
================================================================================================
**Conversion Equipment occupies two crit slots each in RT and LT and one crit slot each in H and CT.

The third LAM in the Pegasus series, the Haizum, is a generalist midway in speed and weapons range between the Tulpar and Qianlima.  A 220-rated standard fusion engine and six Improved Jump Jets give the Haizum a cruising speed in AirMech mode as fast as the top speed of an Icestorm battlemech.  A quintet of Pulse Medium Lasers provide the Haizum with reasonable range and accuracy when acting as a mobile midfield sniper like the Tulpar and considerable takedown firepower when diving into enemy formations for rear flank attacks like the Qianlima.  With an extra freezer, the Haizum can alpha strike while flanking in AirMech mode with no negative heat modifiers and minimal heat buildup.  The Haizum mounts the same armor as the Tulpar and Qianlima, but adds an extra measure of protection with a Guardian ECM Suite, which is mainly used for ghost targets to foil flak attacks.  Because of its offensive flexibility and extra defenses, production of the Haizum has overtaken the Tulpar and Qianlima as the most popular LAM in the Horse touman.

Code: [Select]

                 BattleMech Technical Readout

Name/Model:           HAIZUM LAND-AIR MECH
Tonnage:              55
Configuration:        Trimodal Land-Air Mech
Technology Base:      Inner Sphere (Mixed)
Era/Year:             Dark Age & ilClan/3140
Rules:                Experimental
Chassis:              Pegasus-55
Power Plant:          220 SFE
Walking Speed:        43 kph
Maximum Speed:        65 kph
Jump Jets:            Trakehner Improved Light
    Jump Capacity:    180 meters
Cruising Speed:       194 kph
Flanking Speed:       292 kph
Safe Thrust Speed:    65 kph
Max Thrust Speed:     97 kph
Armor:                Barding Standard
Armament:             
    5 Pulse Medium Lasers
Manufacturer:         Csesztreg Industriplex Delta
    Primary Factory:  Csesztreg
Communications System:  Auricle Tight-Beam SecureComm
Targeting and Tracking System:  Cremello Bluesight

================================================================================================
Equipment                                                             Mass                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure:                          Standard                  5.50
Engine:                                    220 Standard               10.00       
    Walking MP:                                 4                                     
    Running MP:                                 6                         
    Jumping MP:                                 6
    AirMech Cruise MP:                         18
    AirMech Flank MP:                          27   
    Safe Thrust:                                6
    Max Thrust:                                 9                           
Heat Sinks:                                  11 (22)                   1.00   
Gyro:                                       Standard                   3.00       
Cockpit:                                      Small                    2.00     
Fuel:                                           80                     0.00
Armor Factor:                                  168                    10.50     
    Type:                                   Standard                                         

                                    Internal         Armor     
                                    Structure        Value     
    Head:                               3              9       
    Center Torso:                      18             25
    Center Torso (rear):                               8
    R/L Torso:                         13             20
    R/L Torso (rear):                                  5
    R/L Arm:                            9             18
    R/L Leg:                           13             20

================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo                                       Location          Critical     Tonnage   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulse Medium Laser                                        RA                1          2.00
Pulse Medium Laser                                        RA                1          2.00
Pulse Medium Laser                                        LA                1          2.00
Pulse Medium Laser                                        LA                1          2.00
Pulse Medium Laser                                        CT                1          2.00
Guardian ECM Suite                                         H                1          1.00
Improved Jump Jets                                        RT                4          2.00
Improved Jump Jets                                        LT                4          2.00
Improved Jump Jet                                         RL                2          1.00
Improved Jump Jet                                         LL                2          1.00
Conversion Equipment                                      **                6          6.00
================================================================================================
**Conversion Equipment occupies two crit slots each in RT and LT and one crit slot each in H and CT.

The Haizum 2 is a bomber and close support LAM that trades two of the Haizum’s Pulse Medium Lasers and extra freezer for five Bomb Bays.  By retaining three of Haizum’s Pulse Medium Lasers, the Haizum 2 can still project enough firepower to force enemy battlemechs to the ground after its bombing run.

Ever the innovators in mechanized battle armor, the Horses have also experimented with converting the Haizum 2’s Bomb Bays to Infantry Compartments for airdropping Elementals in Fighter mode behind enemy lines.  The Haizum 2 then follows the Elementals down, coverts to AirMech mode, and supports the Elementals on the ground with its Pulse Medium Lasers and Guardian ECM Suite.  Although useful for headhunter and similar raids that cannot be executed via stealthy ground approaches, extraction of Elementals deployed by a Haizum 2 after a strike is problematic, as the Elementals must either slowly work their way back to friendly lines on their own or be picked up by a friendly omnimech or infantry carrier.  However, the Haizum 2 is still considered superior to the Kirghiz C in this role as it can provide close ground support to the Elementals that the omnifighter cannot.

Code: [Select]

                 BattleMech Technical Readout

Name/Model:           HAIZUM 2 LAND-AIR MECH
Tonnage:              55
Configuration:        Trimodal Land-Air Mech
Technology Base:      Inner Sphere (Mixed)
Era/Year:             Dark Age & ilClan/3140
Rules:                Experimental
Chassis:              Pegasus-55
Power Plant:          220 SFE
Walking Speed:        43 kph
Maximum Speed:        65 kph
Jump Jets:            Trakehner Improved Light
    Jump Capacity:    180 meters
Cruising Speed:       194 kph
Flanking Speed:       292 kph
Safe Thrust Speed:    65 kph
Max Thrust Speed:     97 kph
Armor:                Barding Standard
Armament:             
    3 Pulse Medium Lasers
    5 Bomb Bays
Manufacturer:         Csesztreg Industriplex Delta
    Primary Factory:  Csesztreg
Communications System:  Auricle Tight-Beam SecureComm
Targeting and Tracking System:  Cremello Bluesight

================================================================================================
Equipment                                                             Mass                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure:                          Standard                  5.50       
Engine:                                    220 Standard               10.00       
    Walking MP:                                 4                                     
    Running MP:                                 6                         
    Jumping MP:                                 6
    AirMech Cruise MP:                         18
    AirMech Flank MP:                          27   
    Safe Thrust:                                6
    Max Thrust:                                 9                           
Heat Sinks:                                  10 (20)                   0.00 
Gyro:                                       Standard                   3.00       
Cockpit:                                      Small                    2.00     
Fuel:                                           80                     0.00
Armor Factor:                                  168                    10.50
    Type:                                   Standard                                         

                                    Internal         Armor     
                                    Structure        Value     
    Head:                               3              9       
    Center Torso:                      18             25
    Center Torso (rear):                               8
    R/L Torso:                         13             20
    R/L Torso (rear):                                  5
    R/L Arm:                            9             18
    R/L Leg:                           13             20

================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo                                       Location          Critical     Tonnage   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulse Medium Laser                                        RA                1          2.00
Pulse Medium Laser                                        LA                1          2.00
Pulse Medium Laser                                        CT                1          2.00
Guardian ECM Suite                                         H                1          1.00
LAM Bomb Bay or Infantry Compartment                      RT                1          1.00
LAM Bomb Bay or Infantry Compartment                      RT                1          1.00
LAM Bomb Bay or Infantry Compartment                      RT                1          1.00
LAM Bomb Bay or Infantry Compartment                      LT                1          1.00
LAM Bomb Bay or Infantry Compartment                      LT                1          1.00
Improved Jump Jets                                        RT                4          2.00
Improved Jump Jets                                        LT                4          2.00
Improved Jump Jet                                         RL                2          1.00
Improved Jump Jet                                         LL                2          1.00
Conversion Equipment                                      **                6          6.00
================================================================================================
**Conversion Equipment occupies two crit slots each in RT and LT and one crit slot each in H and CT.

Since Clan Hell’s Horses reached detente and nominal alliance with the ilClan, the toumans of the reconstituted Smoke Jaguar and Jade Falcon Clans have purchased Pegasus series LAMs from the Horses.  The Pegasus LAMs leverage the heavy cross-training of the Jaguars from their Fidelis service and appeal to the Falcons’ totemic aesthetic.

[Note:  Use of the Haizum 2 as an Elemental dropper may be technically illegal under official rules.  IO states that battle armor can only mechanize with LAMs in Mech mode and then only if the battle armor has Magclamps.  I’m extrapolating from the canon Kirghiz C and Yun aerospace fighters that a LAM could also use Infantry or Cargo Compartments to drop battle armor in Fighter mode.  But AFAIK, there’s no explicit provision for that in the rules.]

[Elmoth]

Given that you are using Pulse Lasers, wouldnt it be better to scrap the computer for ER versions of the lasers. Otht ehother way around. I am not knowledgeable with clan weaponry, but it looks a.little overkill to go pulse + computer, no? Either more range or more something else can help. For a 55 ton otherwise it looks a little anemic in firepower evne if it is a stinging bee.

[Lagrange]

I believe it's actually Safe Thrust 5 / Max Thrust 8.

Edit: I seem to recall that a bomb bay TAG takes a penalty of 2?  It might be better to just make it a weapon?

[Dragon Cat]

Given that you are using Pulse Lasers, wouldnt it be better to scrap the computer for ER versions of the lasers. Otht ehother way around. I am not knowledgeable with clan weaponry, but it looks a.little overkill to go pulse + computer, no? Either more range or more something else can help. For a 55 ton otherwise it looks a little anemic in firepower evne if it is a stinging bee.

Two ER Large Lasers keeping the Targeting computer would give you back 5 tons, and more range which I'd use on engine and ECM or Active Probe or both and make it a sniping scout

[PuppyLikesLaserPointers]

It can move 21 hexes and shoot two LPLs while keep the mech cold. Great.

Given that you are using Pulse Lasers, wouldnt it be better to scrap the computer for ER versions of the lasers. Otht ehother way around. I am not knowledgeable with clan weaponry, but it looks a.little overkill to go pulse + computer, no? Either more range or more something else can help. For a 55 ton otherwise it looks a little anemic in firepower evne if it is a stinging bee.

Clans Large Pulse Laser is the ultimate long ranged weapon above everything else. Also ER Large Laser cause more heat, although it is smaller. I don't think that it needs to swap that by the other weapons if a mech is able to have two of these.

Not to mention that AirMech Cruise cause the unit to suffer a +3 modifier on their attacks, so add a targeting computer on the pulse laser is never be a bad idea.

[Natasha Kerensky]

For a 55 ton otherwise it looks a little anemic in firepower evne if it is a stinging bee.

It’s a LAM.  They can’t use most weight-saving technologies.  No XLE, Endo, Ferro, XLG, etc.  And they have to a 10% weight penalty for conversion equipment.

So LAMs don’t usually have much tonnage left for armor or firepower.  In the canon, you don’t see a LAM like this that can reliably put two 10+ point holes in enemy armor and force PSRs at long-range, and with max armor, to boot.  This one gets there by constraining engine tonnage to the bare minimum and making up for it in AirMech mode with Improved Jump Jets.

Given that you are using Pulse Lasers, wouldnt it be better to scrap the computer for ER versions of the lasers.  I am not knowledgeable with clan weaponry, but it looks a.little overkill to go pulse + computer, no?

Speed is armor for LAMs.  Even though this one has near-max armor, it still suffers compared to regular mechs against flak and on the LAM crit hits table.  LAMs have to keep moving.

And because they have to keep moving, they need targeting modifiers if they’re going to hit back reliably.  When the Tulpar cruises in AirMech mode, it suffers a +3 to-hit.  When the Tulpar flanks in Airmech mode, it suffers a +4 to hit.

It’s classic munchkin, but the Pulse Larges and Targ Comp give the Tulpar a -3 to-hit, which is what’s needed to negate (or nearly negate) the Tulpar’s own movement mods.

Removing the Targ Comp and switching to ER Larges removes all of that much needed -3 to-hit.  She’d gain a little range, but she wouldn’t be able to hit much.

There are other loadouts (LRMs, RACs, etc.) that could theoretically deliver more long-range firepower.  But they won’t do it reliably because of AirMech movement mods.  It’s a balance — I at least wanted 20 damage points to induce PSRs, for example — but on a LAM, you usually want to-hit mods more than sheer firepower.

Either more range or more something else can help.

The other way to play the LAM game is to rely on their hyper-mobility in AirMech mode to get directly behind enemy mechs and try to shoot out their rear torso armor.  When I have time, I’ll post a couple more designs here with some more speed and lots of short-range weapons for that purpose.  But you’ll see that even on those, I’m also going for to-hit mods to offset AirMech movement mods.

For this type of LAM — a longer-ranged, stick-and-go sniper — I think the Tulpar is about as good as we can get within the rules.

[Natasha Kerensky]

I believe it's actually Safe Thrust 5 / Max Thrust 8.

You’re right.  Forgot to add the +2 on Safe Thrust in Fighter Mode.  Fixed above.

Edit: I seem to recall that a bomb bay TAG takes a penalty of 2?  It might be better to just make it a weapon?

You may be right.  I forgot that LAMs in AirMech mode get -3 heat points like a Partial Wing.  So I dropped one freezer and added a second Bomb Bay.  Left off the reference to TAG except in the fluff.

[Natasha Kerensky]

Two ER Large Lasers keeping the Targeting computer would give you back 5 tons, and more range which I'd use on engine and ECM or Active Probe or both and make it a sniping scout

See response above.  With +3 and +4 movement mods in AirMech mode, she won’t hit much without the Pulse and TC to-hit mods, even with slightly better range bands on the ER Larges.

She has a couple one-ton Bomb Bays which are easily traded out for ECM, Probes, etc.  But this is a sniper.  I would put the electronics on LAMs with short-ranged weapons designed for backbiting attacks.  I’ll post a couple here when I have the chance.

[Natasha Kerensky]

It can move 21 hexes and shoot two LPLs while keep the mech cold. Great.

Thx, PLLP.

Clans Large Pulse Laser is the ultimate long ranged weapon above everything else. Also ER Large Laser cause more heat, although it is smaller. I don't think that it needs to swap that by the other weapons if a mech is able to have two of these.

Not to mention that AirMech Cruise cause the unit to suffer a +3 modifier on their attacks, so add a targeting computer on the pulse laser is never be a bad idea.

Exactly.  In fact, it’s worse than that if the LAM is flanking in AirMech mode (+4 movement mod).  LAMs really need negative to-hit modifiers if their firepower is going to be effective in AirMech mode.

[Syzyx]

Scrap the bomb bays and PUT ECM ON THIS! Ghost targets and LAMs are a terrifying combination for the described mission profile. You already want a good pilot for any LAM due to the turn modes so double up on the benefit with using ghost targets to add to your defensive modifier.

For a little bit more accuracy I would also advise an Active Probe for the reduction of woods penalties.

Granted, the above are for advanced rules users but since LAMs already use said rules category I tend to think of them as a combined package.

[Dragon Cat]

See response above.  With +3 and +4 movement mods in AirMech mode, she won’t hit much without the Pulse and TC to-hit mods, even with slightly better range bands on the ER Larges.

She has a couple one-ton Bomb Bays which are easily traded out for ECM, Probes, etc.  But this is a sniper.  I would put the electronics on LAMs with short-ranged weapons designed for backbiting attacks.  I’ll post a couple here when I have the chance.

I didn't actually realise LAM Mods against themselves were so bad.  I know the reason behind it due to the original munchieness LAMs but ouch

So essentially to get to basic you need a Kai Allard-Liao clone or pulse+TC

I thought due to the lighter lasers you'd get more speed and be less prone to be aerospace fighter bait, and more range protect the innards

[grimlock1]

I don't remember the details but isn't there some trick with semi-guided mortars that offers some pretty large TH bonuses?

[Kojak]

Wow, this is way gnarlier than I was imagining it would turn out. I would normally find the dual LPLs a bit cheese, but it feels like this is the right platform for it. Where'd you find that art, by the way? I love that you found a way to repurpose it here.

[Natasha Kerensky]

Scrap the bomb bays and PUT ECM ON THIS! Ghost targets and LAMs are a terrifying combination for the described mission profile. You already want a good pilot for any LAM due to the turn modes so double up on the benefit with using ghost targets to add to your defensive modifier.

For a little bit more accuracy I would also advise an Active Probe for the reduction of woods penalties.

Granted, the above are for advanced rules users but since LAMs already use said rules category I tend to think of them as a combined package.

No doubt, ghost target modifiers would be good counters to flak modifiers.  It’s an easy, ton for ton switch if folks want to pull the Bomb Bays from the Tulpar and add ECM and/or an Active Probe.

But I saved the fixed ECM and Probes for the faster and closer-ranged Qianlima and Haizum (now added in the OP above).  The Qianlima and Haizum will spend more time closer to enemy units, where the ECM and Probes will be more valuable.

[Natasha Kerensky]

I didn't actually realise LAM Mods against themselves were so bad.  I know the reason behind it due to the original munchieness LAMs but ouch

So essentially to get to basic you need a Kai Allard-Liao clone or pulse+TC

Pretty much.  Another major nerf of LAMs is that they now use modified WiGE movement when in AirMech mode, which means they have to spend relatively more MPs to turn than a plain jumping mech.  So as crazy fast as their AirMech MP stats appear, they don’t necessarily translate into as crazy mobility.

I thought due to the lighter lasers you'd get more speed and be less prone to be aerospace fighter bait, and more range protect the innards

See the Qianlima and Haizum LAMs added to the OP above.  They use lighter, shorter-ranged Pulse Medium Lasers and ER Small Lasers (and TC) but have more speed/mobility than the Tulpar.  Almost like Papa Bear/Mama Bear/Baby Bear in terms of the tradeoff between weapons range and speed.

[Natasha Kerensky]

I don't remember the details but isn't there some trick with semi-guided mortars that offers some pretty large TH bonuses?

If you mean area-attack weapons, yeah, they might negate the high movement mods of LAMs in AirMech mode.  But someone would need to doublecheck that LAMs would be subject to those attacks when using AirMech Cruising or Flanking movement.  LAMs using that movement are considered at least one level above the underlying terrain, maybe more if I’m not remembering correctly.

[Syzyx]

Yes, LAMs are default one level above underlying terrain. They can be higher, but that adds another MP to the cost of entering each hex to maintain that altitude.

[Natasha Kerensky]

Wow, this is way gnarlier than I was imagining it would turn out.

Yeah, the small engine with iJJs makes the Tulpar a little weird.  It’s a 55-ton mech that positively waddles around at 3/5, or a 55-ton fighter that is really sluggish for its weight at 5/8.  But in AirMech mode, those iJJs let the Tulpar zoom around at 15/23, and in combination with the small engine, the iJJs leave enough tonnage for substantial armor and weapons.  The canon Waneta LAM showed the way, but there’s no canon LAM that has fully exploited this design trick/space.

I would normally find the dual LPLs a bit cheese, but it feels like this is the right platform for it.

Yeah, the downside to AirMech movement is that you’re paying a +3 or +4 movement mod.  So you really need negative targeting mods to keep your to-hit rolls reasonable. 

The Tulpar is a backfield sniper.  It zooms back-and-forth at least 10 hexes each turn horizontally to the battle line, ideally 14 hexes from opponents.  I think that inflicts a +5 movement mod on enemy attacks, which means 11+ to-hit rolls at their medium range, before their movement and any terrain modifiers are added.  But the Tulpar’s pulse+TC negates its own movement modifiers, so it’s looking at 6+ or 7+ to-hit rolls before enemy movement and terrain modifiers are added.  If it didn’t have pulse+TC, the Tulpar would be looking at 9+ or 10+ before enemy movement and terrain.  Unlike every canon LAM, I wanted to make sure the Tulpar could reliably force PSRs, and I think it can.

I used the same design trick on the Qianlima (added to the OP above) but made a different tradeoff on speed versus weapons range.  The Qianlima is much faster than the Tulpar and designed to do what LAMs traditionally do — zoom straight into the enemy’s rear flank and open up their rear armor.  It uses massed ER Smalls and a TC to do that.  It’s optimum engagement range is 2 hexes directly behind an enemy unit, where it will be looking at 6+ or 7+ to-hit rolls before enemy movement or terrain, while the enemy is looking at 9+ or 10+ between short-range, the Qianlima’s movement, and potential arm flips.

The Haizum (also added to the OP above) strikes a middle ground in the tradeoff between speed and weapons range.  With massed Pulse Medium Lasers, it’s shorter-ranged but faster than the Tulpar and longer-ranged but slower than the Qianlima.  It can mostly do what the Tulpar does at 8 or 4 hexes from the enemy line or it can mostly do what Qianlima does at 4 hexes to the rear of an opponent.

Recognizing the Horses’ interest in mechanized battle armor, I also did a bomber version of the Haizum (the Haizum 2 at the end of the OP above) that in theory can drop Elementals like the Kirghiz C does.  But it may require a house rule.

There’s also ECM, Probe, TAG, and Bomb Bays scattered throughout for those shenanigans.

Finally, the names (Tulpar, Qianlima, Haizum) all refer to winged horses from various myths and cultures.  Hence the Pegasus series LAMs for the Hell’s Horses.  Actually makes some fluff sense given the Horses’ interest in convertible QuadVees and new phenotypes.

Where'd you find that art, by the way? I love that you found a way to repurpose it here.

I just Google Images to find the art.  That was from someone’s Pinterest, and I believe it is art for the canon Pwwka LAM.  I like the clawed looks of the Spectral LAMs, but the Pwwka is the only one that could conceivably WSIWYG with one of the Pegasus series, specifically the twin arm lasers of the Tulpar.  Most canon LAMs have one big laser and some smaller ones, which don’t WSIWYG with all the identical lasers on the Pegasus series.

[Natasha Kerensky]

Added the Qianlima, Haizum, and Haizum 2 LAMs to the OP above.

Credit to Kojak for instigating the exercise in maxed out Clantech LAMs that became the Pegasus series.

[garhkal]

I like the thought process..  Though as a q, could it actually carry Bombs in that bomb bay?

[Natasha Kerensky]

I like the thought process..  Though as a q, could it actually carry Bombs in that bomb bay?

Yes, in IO somewhere shortly after p. 105, there are rules for one-ton, one-crit, internal “LAM Bomb Bays” and a list of what bombs/equipment can be carried in those.  We also have canon LAM designs with Bomb Bays.

Battle armor is not on that list, so I’m extrapolating/house-ruling from the Kirghiz C and Yun about the Haizum 2 dropping a point of Elementals from altitude.

[grimlock1]

If you mean area-attack weapons, yeah, they might negate the high movement mods of LAMs in AirMech mode.  But someone would need to doublecheck that LAMs would be subject to those attacks when using AirMech Cruising or Flanking movement.  LAMs using that movement are considered at least one level above the underlying terrain, maybe more if I’m not remembering correctly.

I meant give the LAMs area attack weapons. Sure, they take a +4 to attack while flanking but shooting at a hex is -4.

[Kojak]

Oh wow, just came back to find a whole flock of these suckers -- I love all of these, especially the Qianlima as a fan of CERSL spamming. A shame that last one probably isn't street-legal, but the rest I'm definitely gonna have to find a way to put into my Horse Galaxy.

[Kojak]

[deleted]

[RifleMech]

I think a Hell's Horses LAM is great!   
Natasha, You mentioned a Dual Cockpit but I don't see it. If it's included it'll cost a couple more tons. The Tripod cockpit is also the only one that wouldn't take up additional crits. I'd be okay with modifiying the cockpit or moving the avionics crit but I think you intended a single seat with the cross training. The referrences to QuadVees and the Jade Falcon's multiseat LAMs had me expencting a multiseat LAM though. If you did mean for a single seat, you might mention that cross training did away with the second cockpit seat.
I'd also stick with the Dual Large Pulse Lasers, but I might swap the bomb bays for extra DHS. AirMechs generate 1 heat per 3 MP rounded normally. At full speed that's 5 heat. ER Large Lasers are 12 heat each. That's 29 heat with only 11 DHS to deal with. The LAM would be running hot at 7heat over and it'd lose MP.  And it might get worse. It's been asked if Prototype Improved Jump JEts generate twice the heatgenerate twice the heat whil ein AirMech Mode. If it's ruled they do, movement would be 10 MP plus the 24 heat from the ER Large Lasers. The LAM would  be at 12 heat after 1 shot. That's a lose of 2 MP, increased movement modifiers, and increased targeting modifiers. Those aren't things a LAM can afford. ER Large Lasers are lighter but even with more DHS I don't think they're with the loss in accuracy. Movement with the Large Pulse Lasers would still be hot but not as much. And if you drop the bomb bays for extra DHS it'd be cool. Or in case of a future ruling, run cool enough not to generate any heat modifiers and allow the LAM to fire both LPLs every other turn.

If you want to get a bit munchkiny, have you considered the following quirks?
Accurate Weapon –1 Target Number modifier
Combat Computer  -4 Heat
Improved Cooling Jacket  -1 heat each
Improved Targeting –1 Target Number modifier
Stabilized Weapon –1 Target Number modifier



The newer LAMs you added good and yes, carrying BA would have to be House Ruled as Mechs can't carry BA internally legally, and LAMs can't carry cargo at all. I think they should be able to though.   

I do wonder how well Streak Launchers would do. They wouldn't have the modifiers pulse laser do but they're lower heat.

[Lagrange]

These are of course solid designs.

A few thoughts which may be useful:

• There is an opportunity here to make good use of the Micropulse laser.  20 Micropulse Lasers + targeting computer would fit on the Haizam giving a 60 points of damage with a +0 modifier, superior to the 40 with a +2 modifier of the Qianlima and 35 with a +1 modifier of the medium pulse laser Haizam.
• With a Bloodhound on the twin LPL design you have 15/23 scout that can self-transport surface<->orbit.  Then, when combat occurs there can be a smooth switch to a harasser role with some fairly potent fire.  These two roles seem to work together pretty seamlessly without subtracting from each other since more tonnage for attack does approximately nothing and more tonnage for scouting does approximately nothing.
• For the backstabbers of course C3 is potentially attractive since you are going to be up close and personal anyways.  Naturally, this may run afoul of clanner prefs.
• Arrow IVs with ADAs are the bane of AirMech LAMs.  As a flak round they have a base to hit modifier of +3 with no target movement modifier (TO page 185) and a short/medium/long range of 17/34/51 (TO page 353).

[garhkal]

C3??  Interesting option.

[Natasha Kerensky]

I meant give the LAMs area attack weapons. Sure, they take a +4 to attack while flanking but shooting at a hex is -4.

Gotcha.  Clanners may look down on mortars, but that would be a good option for a Spheroid LAM, especially if mortars are made available in the Star League and Succession Wars eras.

[Natasha Kerensky]

Oh wow, just came back to find a whole flock of these suckers -- I love all of these, especially the Qianlima as a fan of CERSL spamming. A shame that last one probably isn't street-legal, but the rest I'm definitely gonna have to find a way to put into my Horse Galaxy.

Great to hear.  We aims to please.

[Natasha Kerensky]

I think a Hell's Horses LAM is great!   

Thanks, RM.  Credit to Kojak for the idea.  It makes some sense fluff-wise what with QuadVees and all.

Natasha, You mentioned a Dual Cockpit but I don't see it.

Unless it’s in an XTRO I’m unaware of, the Dual Cockpit LAM only exists in an old Jade Falcon novel.  That’s what I was referencing — that the Horses could have been prodded into attempting an LAM if they discovered during their Mongol partnership that the Falcons had experimented with the LAMs in the past.  It could have been any old Falcon LAM that gave the Horses the idea.  The Dual Cockpit was beside the point and just what was described in that novel.

I don’t think Dual Cockpits exist anymore under the current rules, and if they did, they’d be illegal on LAMs under the current rules, which can’t have cockpits that take up extra crits (or torso-mounted cockpits).  The dual cockpit LAM design described in that old Falcon novel would have to have the Illegal Design quirk and would probably be relegated to a Boondoggles XTRO or similar.

The Pegasus designs above all use Small Cockpits, same as the canon Spectre-series LAMs.  It’s about the only weight-saving piece of equipment available to LAMs.  If you really want that two-seat fighter plane look, the Rumble Seat quirk might be an option.

I'd also stick with the Dual Large Pulse Lasers, but I might swap the bomb bays for extra DHS.

The Tulpar doesn’t need more freezers because LAMs get the same -3 heat points as mechs with Partial Wings just for being LAMs.  So the Tulpar generates 20 heat from the dual Pulse Larges and 5-8 heat from cruising or flanking in AirMech mode or 25-28 heat total.  The Tulpar sinks 25 heat per turn — 22 from its 11 freezers and 3 more from the Partial Wing effect of being a LAM.  So the Tulpar only nets 0 to 3 heat per turn — no negative heat effects.

If you want to get a bit munchkiny, have you considered the following quirks?
Accurate Weapon –1 Target Number modifier
Combat Computer  -4 Heat
Improved Cooling Jacket  -1 heat each
Improved Targeting –1 Target Number modifier
Stabilized Weapon –1 Target Number modifier

Have not taken a look.  I may come back and do so for these and some of my other design threads in the future, as time allows.

The newer LAMs you added good and yes, carrying BA would have to be House Ruled as Mechs can't carry BA internally legally, and LAMs can't carry cargo at all. I think they should be able to though.

The BA could only be carried in Fighter Mode, like the canon Kirghiz C and Yun aerospace fighters.  Basically paratroopers whose plane follows them down and turns into a combat robot.

I do wonder how well Streak Launchers would do. They wouldn't have the modifiers pulse laser do but they're lower heat.

With missiles, I’d suggest Artemis V and/or AES to generate a -1 or -2 to-hit.