The 'Mech Mortar system (TO, p.324) has had an errata that changes it's Battle Value. The errata states that the Clan versions (TO, p.385) use the same BV as the Inner Sphere versions (TO, p.382). Considering that both Tech Bases of MM/x play exactly the same, this errata makes sense. What does not make sense is changing them all to the lowest stated BV. Furthering the confusion, is that the current version of Tactical Operations (4th PDF edition, 3rd Printed edition) states higher BV again for the Clan versions.
The original, 1st edition, BV for the IS-MM/x are as follows: MM/1 = 10/1, MM/2 = 14/2, MM/4 = 26/3, MM/8 = 50/6. The current PDF version states the exact same BV.
The 1st edition gives a BV for the Clan-MM/x as follows: MM/1 = 29/4, MM/2 = 57/7, MM/4 = 86/11, MM/8 = 114/14. The current PDF versions states: MM/1 = 29/1, MM/2 = 57/2, MM/4 = 86/3, MM/8 = 114/6.
To give an idea of which is the true BV, I think it is best to compare the MM/8 to the IS LRM-15 (TM, p.317). Both may fire indirectly, have the same ranges, and the maximum potential damage (with standard ammo) is within one point of each other. The LRM-15 has a BV of 136/17. If we compare both systems firing indirectly, at the same target, no movement or terrain modifiers, and with the same spotter the math works out as follows: IS LRM-15 has a to-hit of 9 (4[Base]+4[Long Range]+1[Indirect]) with an average damage of 9. MM/8 has the same to-hit of 9 with an average damage of 10.
The MM/8 has a stiff penalty if fired directly, but it is immune to AMS and may fire indirectly even if it has a valid LoS. Knowing all of this, the only BV that makes sense, for the MM/8, is the 1st edition's originally stated value of 114/14. If this is the case, then the 1st edition's Clan BV should be applied to all MM/x.
1) Is the 1st edition's Clan Battle Value for the MM/x the proper BV for these systems?
