[sorry for being so late getting this up, just ran into a bunch of stuff this weekend :-[ ]
OSTEON OMNIMECH BRIEFING & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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OSTEON OMNIMECHMaster Unit List Entry
This Restricted Access Briefing details the Osteon OmniMech. All known variants have been listed in detail and will be discussed below. All necessary non-restricted identifying information has been disseminated to each Clan to be uploaded into the warbook. This briefing is restricted for reverse engineering efforts and for the removal of any tainted or otherwise banned technology. Any such technology will be noted as such in the discussion below.
-Scientist Captain Wantec Browning
Head Scientist, Osteon Reclamation ProjectThe Osteon was designed in secret and first put into production by the Society Cabal. It is an 85-ton assault OmniMech with an appearance very similar to a larger Septicemia. With limited infrastructure while attempting to maintain secrecy, the designers opted to use as much advanced technology and create as durable a design as possible. Newly developed 'Mech-grade Ferro-Lamellor armor was used, 18 tons, 95% of chassis maximum.
[Ferro-Lamellor requires almost as much internal space as an Endo-Steel structure and Ferro-Fibrous armor combined. Essentially allows a chassis to be "over-armored". Very useful on any unit that has the spare internal space. -WB] As expected of overly-analytical scientist, the armor is laid out in a manner to maximize its ablative properties. Each rear torso location carries 12 points of armor, enough to stop an ER PPC or Gauss Rifle shot. Each front side torso and each arm, carries twice that amount of armor. Each leg carries triple the amount of the rear torsos, enough to stop two 20-class autocannon shots and still have armor remaining. The front center torso carries 40 points of armor, the equivalent of 50 points of standard armor. Lastly the head carries 8 points of armor, enough to prevent a Large Pulse Laser or 10-class autocannon from damaging the internal structure, but not enough to prevent an ER PPC or Gauss Rifle from destroying the location. As explained below, this is not much of a concern to Osteon pilots.
Internally the Osteon features more advanced technology. The internal structure is reinforced, able to withstand twice the damage at a cost of twice the tonnage. Also, the cockpit was moved to the torso of the Omni. This further protects the pilot from damaging hits to the 'Mech's head (or torso), but it does not allow room for an ejection system.
[Torso-mounted cockpit may need to be removed. While the extra resilience is appreciated, the lack of an ejection system is still under study. -WB] This was not deemed a downside to the few society warriors who comitted suicide (or were executed) upon the capture or destruction of their 'Mech. The torso-mounted cockpit created a large amount of storage space in the Osteon's head. Taking up a part of this space, and hardwired into the base chassis of the Osteon, was a Nova CEWS.
[Unlike on the Septicemia, but similar to the Cephalus the Nova CEWS seems to be hardwired into all of the targeting and control systems. Due to the distributed sensor and cockpit systems, it will take a lot of testing an analysis to separate the Nova CEWS system from the base chassis. -WB] The Osteon only has a top speed of 54.0 km/h. While slower than a Warhawk, it can keep pace with the slowest assault-class Omnis. The slower engine and minimal 10 double heat sinks, all in the engine, save 35 tons for weapons, ammunition, and equipment which is also comparable with other assault-class OmniMechs.
The
Osteon Prime was most frequently used in a fire-support role, a role which confused those Clan warriors not used to facing Inner Sphere-style combat tactics. Mounting only four iATM 9 racks (one in each arm and side torso), the streak-like nature of the iATMs meant that the thirteen tons of ammo lasted a long time in the field. Deployed in a Trey or Sept, an Osteon Prime would use ER ammo while staying back at long range. Attempting to make itself a target, thus drawing an enemy in close with it's allies, the pilot of a Prime would then switch to HE or other specialty ammo for a much stronger punch. In the event one of the ammo bins in the arms or side torsos was struck, advanced CASE II technology greatly reduces the chance that the other ammo bins will be hit as well as preventing most of the internal damage to that location.
[Every attempt should be made to duplicate and mass produce the CASE II technology on to other ammo-carrying 'Mechs -WB] Combat Rating: 7/10, Once the banned Nova CEWS is removed this will be an effective variant, the streak-like properties mitigate the ammo dependence, although the damage potential is limited at longer ranges.
Tactics used by a Prime: In the field, Primes were the backbone of Society forces, fighting from a distance to make the most of the long range of their weapons, as well as the tendency of Clan warriors to engage the largest 'Mechs first. In their disregard for single-combat, pilots of an Osteon Prime would attempt to "play the bait" and draw an opponent into optimal range for it's allies before closing range to use it's own more powerful munitions.
Tactics to take down a Prime: The best option is to fight at long range, where the munitions of the Prime are the weakest. Unfortunately, the hide on any Osteon is very strong and this will take a while, especially with the CASE II technology.
The
Osteon A features a trio of banned 'Mech Mortar 8s in the torso, along with a pair of Improved Heavy Lasers in each arm, an ER Large Laser and a Medium Pulse Laser. Knowing most Society pilots could not match the skill of a Clan warrior, the A variant was designed using the smaller artillery pieces. This allowed a pilot to target an area on the battlefield, rather than a specific unit, a useful benefit when fighting faster light mechs and vehicles. Four extra heat sinks were added to assist with the high heat caused by the weapons load.
Combat Rating: 6/10, Surprisingly effective, the only drawbacks of the Osteon A are the limited ammo for the mortars and the high heat load of the weapons. If the banned mortars are replaced with LRMs, this could be a very effective unit for Clan forces.
Tactics used by an A: The A variant would use it's mortars to harass lighter Clan units, where even a stray hit or two could cause trouble. Whenever Clan units attempted to rush in close, the A warrior would open up with the Heavy Lasers.
Tactics to take down an A: With so many high-heat weapons, the best bet is to load up on infernos and plasma weapons to limit how many weapons the A can fire back. Just like any other Osteon, the thick armored shell will take a while to crack.
The
Osteon B was designed as bodyguard unit for a Trey or Sept of Society forces. With triple ER Large Lasers and a pair of Improved Heavy Large Lasers, it can hit hard and effectively at any range. An extra eight heat sinks were added to handle the heat load. Lastly, a Inner Sphere-designed Large Vibroblade is carried in the right hand, most likely created based on data stolen from one of the Clans in the Inner Sphere.
Combat Rating: 8/10, simple, but effective, although the Large Vibroblade is another piece of banned equipment that must be removed before it can be used by Clan forces.
Tactics used by a B: The B variant was used as a bodyguard, comfortable fighting at any range, without any concern of running out of ammo. If a Clan unit attempted to get in close, the pilot of the B would close the range further, where it could use the Large Vibroblade.
Tactics to take down a B: Like the A, the B variant is able to fight at long or short ranges. Also like the A, the B can be hindered by heat from outside sources, however the B at least has a single melee weapon to use at close range. Ideally, use Plasma Cannons or inferno rounds without allowing the B to get into point-blank range.
The
Osteon C was an all around unit. Seen as a bodyguard unit and using its five improved jump jets as a harasser unit, it was designed to compensate for the deficiencies of Society pilots. A pair of Large Pulse Lasers are backed up by four Medium Pulse Lasers, all assisted by a targeting computer. A heat sink was added to the base ten, signifying that the designers intended for the pilot to use bracket firing.
Combat Rating: 9/10, While the long-range firepower matches that of the Septicemia/Pariah B, the Osteon C cannot match the speed of the Septicemia/Pariah B and the firepower is underwhelming for an assault 'Mech. At the same time this variant can be put into action as soon at the Nova CEWS system is removed.
Tactics used by a C: The C was seen in most every role and situation. While it's firepower is not on par with other variants, or other assault 'Mechs, it can hit targets that many other 'Mechs simply cannot hit.
Tactics to take down an C: Once again, fighting from long-range will be most effective, allowing a warrior to stay outside of most, if not all, of the C's weapons. While the C can overheat quickly, it has enough low or no heat weapons to fight back while being bombarded by infernos and plasma weapons.
The
Osteon D like the Prime is a simple design focusing solely on a single weapon system. In the Prime it was the iATM, in the D it is the Large Pulse Laser, four of them to be specific. Unfortunately, the D carries only nineteen double heat sinks, not enough to allow the pilot to ignore the heat scale, but more than enough to provide a constant threat to any opponent of any speed that it faces. Also, this variant features fully actuated hands on both arms, meaning only one weapon can reach the rear of this variant.
[This is another variant that will be ready to use once the banned technology is removed -WB]Combat Rating: 9/10, This is better than the C variant, although it still could be better. A big issue is the arm actuators, which could easily be removed in the finalized Clan design. Also the heat dissipation could be better
[which it will once the banned technology is removed -WB]Tactics used by a D: Rarely seen in combat despite the obviously solid design, in most situations Osteon pilots preferred the better accuracy and added mobility of the C variant, knowing the deficiencies in firepower could easily be made up by the other members of the Trey or Sept. The few seen in combat maximized the ranged fire benefits of the banned Nova CEWS and fired from the maximum range of its weapons.
Tactics to take down an D: The D is effective at any range, the one hole it's design is to get in behind the D where only one weapon can target it at a time.
The
Osteon E like the D was seen very rarely in the field. Each arm carries a HAG/20 with two tons of ammo for each HAG. The head carries an ER Large Laser and an ER Medium Laser. All the weapons are tied into a targeting computer in the left torso. A single heat sink was added, allowing the pilot to fire both HAGs and the ER Large Laser on the run without building any heat.
Combat Rating: 6/10, decently equipped for standard Clan combat, the five tons of the targeting computer would be better spent on other weapons.
Tactics used by an E: In the field, the E variant would be used as a long-range fire support unit, with pilots willing to fire off the ammo quickly before returning to resupply. As a result, the few Es destroyed were done so while in the process of returning for resupply.
Tactics to take down an E: Able to fight at any range, there is no secret to fighting an E except to outlast it's ammo supply.
The
Osteon F from all records found seems to be designed to feature and test the Clan version of the Rotary AC/5 found in the right arm. Four tons gives the RAC/5 better ammo endurance than most Inner Sphere designs. The left arm houses a Gauss Rifle with two tons of ammo. An ER Large Laser is mounted in the head further increasing the long-range firepower. Each side torso has a quad Machine Gun array allowing a pilot cut down infantry formations very quickly.
Combat Rating: 9/10, a very effective combatant, it is fortunate that the Society had little time to build more RAC/5s and deploy more of this variant.
Tactics used by an F: The handful of F variants seen were used by command units, fighting at long range. The Machine Gun arrays were favored by commanders who would use them to cut down any survivors and enclaves captured by the Society forces.
Tactics to take down an F: There are few options to fight an F, the best option is to use crit-seeking weapons to try and hit an ammo bin or hope for a jammed RAC/5.
The
Osteon G is artillery support unit. It carries two Arrow IV launchers split between each arm and side torso. A total of twenty five rounds of ammo is shared between the two launchers, providing good ammo endurance. Building on the experiences of Naga pilots, the G also carries an ER Medium Laser and a Medium Pulse Laser in each side torso for backup firepower in close.
Combat Rating: 6/10, Comparable to a Naga, the Osteon G is more durable, but not as fast.
Tactics used by a G: G variants were frequently used at the start of a battle, firing the edge of their hidden bases before returning to change variants or simply reload for more artillery support.
Tactics to take down a G: Somewhat obviously, getting in close is the best way to beat a G. Since it is so slow, return artillery is another option.
The
Osteon U is another rare variant that was designed for the few underwater combat zones of Clan space. Harjel was added to each arm and side torso location help protect those locations from a destructive hull breach while taking damage underwater. Two UMU's allow for easier movement underwater. For offensive firepower, each arm and side torso carries an LRT-15 with advanced Artemis V fire control. There is enough torpedo ammo for eighteen salvos per torpedo launcher. The lower arm and hand actuators were removed from both arms allowing two of the torpedo racks to fire to the rear in the event the U has someone get behind it.
Combat Rating: 9/10, Useless out of the water, this is a very good variant under water, able to deliver a great amount of firepower at very long ranges. This variant will be another good variant for Clan forces once the Nova CEWS is removed.
Tactics used by an U: Due to the few water-located enclaves in Clan-space, the U variant was rarely seen in combat. When it was used in the Society assaults, pilots of the U took advantage of the long range of the torpedoes and fired from a distance to bombard Clan forces from range, allowing the Septicemia UWs to close in on targets.
Tactics to take down an U: With the Harjel in key areas the best bet is to hope to flood an area by eliminating the armor.
The
Osteon Jaguar is the custom variant of The Jaguar, given to him by Society forces. The right arm holds an Ultra 20/AC fed by three tons of ammo in the head. The right torso carries an ER PPC and an ER Small Laser while the left has a Large Pulse Laser and an ER Small Laser. Rounding out the armament is a Retractable Blade in the left arm. Two extra heat sinks were added to help handle the heat of the heat of the energy weapons.
Combat Rating: 8/10, While this variant is good as a Clan combatant, the retractable blade is wasted tonnage in Clan combat. Traded for more weapons and heat sinks this variant will improve.
Tactics used by The Jaguar: The Jaguar was a highly skilled former Clan warrior. As a result he was very deadly in this machine. Disgusted by what the Clans had become he no longer kept to honorable combat and he liked to fire his energy weapons as he closed the distance, before carving up the cockpit of his enemies with the retractable blade to ensure the death of as many Clan warriors as possible.
Tactics to take down The Jaguar: If a variant of the Osteon similar to this is used again, keep to long range combat to prevent the Osteon from using the autocannon or the retractable blade.
