IS tech concept: Ultra Compact Gyro and Fusion Engine

[Izzy193]

the idea of the ultra compact gyro and fusion engine is to take the compact version and make it even more smaller. either 75% or double the weight of the standard counterpart for an even smaller engine and gyro. No stat blocks or rules yet. but this is a collaborative project. as I can see the Combine or federated Suns developing this technology to increase survivability of thier mechs and vehicles.

[AlphaMirage]

It starts getting into the weight of armoring the gyro/engine vs making it smaller at the cost of density. Even compact gyros (and especially XL) are in my opinion iffy vs armoring them or upgrading to a heavy version

[Retry]

It starts getting into the weight of armoring the gyro/engine vs making it smaller at the cost of density. Even compact gyros (and especially XL) are in my opinion iffy vs armoring them or upgrading to a heavy version

Eh?  At practically useful engine ratings (200+), you can get an armored compact gyro for the same or less weight than the heavy variant.  At that point the armored compact gyro is strictly superior to an (unarmored) heavy one.

As far as Ultra-Compact Gyros/Fusion engines go, I guess my question is... why?  You'd go from 2 crits to 1 with a theoretical super compact gyro, or from 3 engine slots to 2, while costing some amount of extra weight.  Since weight is a major reason why the regular compact-type equipment is so rare, I don't really see the value proposition that makes this worthwhile.  If survivability's the main goal, component armoring, advanced armor usage, and reinforced structure should all be experimented with first before developing another engine or gyro standard.