APDS Phalanx

[Empyrus]

Alternatively could be called "Phalanx Phalanx"... geddit?

Simple weapon swap. Removed the SRMs and the King David, replaced them with the RISC APDS and Heavy Recoilless Rifle, these use the mass quite appropriately.
I did consider the MagShot but that left so much weight over i didn't know what to do with it, i didn't want to increase the armor or modify mobility as i think this should be doable as a field-refit.

Currently, the only canon design with the BA APDS is the Aegis (basically Angerona variant), but that one does nothing but carry the APDS. Figured the Phalanx would make an excellent platform for one, on the account of having a lot of weapons and being Omni-capable, so it can pull double-duty as additional missile defense and supporting firepower.

Code: [Select]

Phalanx Battle Armor (APDS)
Type: Phalanx Battle Armor
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown

Tech Base: Inner Sphere (Standard)
Chassis Type:  Biped
Weight Class: Heavy
Maximum Weight: 1,500 kg
Battle Value: 260
Swarm/Leg Attack/Mechanized/AP: No/No/Yes/No
</p>

Equipment                                     Slots      Mass
Chassis:                                               300 kg
Motive System:                                               
     Ground MP:          2                              80 kg
     Jump MP:            0                               0 kg
Manipulators:                                                 
    Left Arm:            Battle Claw                    15 kg
    Right Arm:           Armored Gloves                  0 kg
Armor:                   Stealth (Improved)     5      420 kg
    Armor Value:         8 (Trooper)                         

                                              Slots           
Weapons and Equipment              Location (Capacity)   Mass 
RISC Advanced Point Defense System   Body       2       350 kg
Recoilless Rifle                   Right Arm     3       325 kg


[Dragon Cat]

How good is APDS?  I haven't used it yet

[Empyrus]

How good is APDS?  I haven't used it yet

Well, it is like Laser AMS when it protects a target in the same hex, but can also do that farther away, though the cluster hit penalty gets reduced on farther hexes. Useful for shielding vehicles or other units that are vulnerable to missiles.

Is it good? Depends a lot on whether the enemy has a lot of missiles or not. If yes, the APDS adds extra layer of defense against missiles and is probably worth it. If not... Well.
Even when the APDS is useful, it is only that only if mounted on Battle Armor (the 'Mech version is heavy at 3 tons and has limited ammo), and even then i think the BA needs to contribute something else than just the APDS like the Aegis does (hence this Phalanx), just in-case there ain't many missiles around.

Strictly speaking this Phalanx isn't quite ideal platform for the APDS as it can't really keep pace with 'Mechs, though it is OK for something like the Colossals (with their pitiful mobility) or static things. The APDS cannot be used while the BA is riding an Omni.

[Dragon Cat]

Thanks that helps for big slow or barely mobile would benefit most handy to know