After tinkering with the
Acarid fighter and the
Minibeast bugmech, I thought that it would be fun to make another theoretical Goliath Scorpion design that reflected their limited resources.
G1A1 "Macana" Heavy TankMass: 60 tons
Movement Type: Tracked
Power Plant: Prosoma 240 Turbine
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Armor: Compound FM4
Armament:
1 AP Gauss Rifle
1 ProtoMech AC/8
1 Large Chemical Laser
2 SRM 2
Manufacturer: Prosoma War Works
Primary Factory: Córdoba
Communication System: JNE Integrated
Targeting & Tracking System: Build 2 JRD TTS
Introduction Year: 3080
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-F-E
Cost: 1,683,360 C-bills
Overview
After conquering Nueva Castile and the Umayyad Caliphate, Clan Goliath Scorpion was in urgent need of conventional units to help garrison the new Escorpión Imperio. Along with various militarized Industrialmechs and more conventional designs like the Acarid fighter, the Macana was part of the Scorpions' early crash program to provide suitable equipment for their garrison clusters. The resulting design pushed the limits of what an ICE-powered tank could achieve, and the Macana's popularity ensured that it continued in use with the Scorpion Empire. Like its historical namesake the Macana is a simple but deadly weapon.
Capabilities
Several directives drove the Macana's design.
First, it had to be powered by a gas turbine. This was done to ensure that the tank's core components could be produced by, and more importantly supported by, existing Periphery infrastructure.
Secondly, the weapons loadout had to be effective while drawing from existing Scorpion stockpiles and technical knowledge. To this end the Macana's primary weapon is a Large Chemical Laser. This weapon removes the needs for power amplifiers and heat sinks, and has sufficient reserves for 20 firings. The secondary weapon is the same Protomech AC/8 used on the Reptar. While the AC/8 is short-ranged, it is powerful for its size. Two tons of ammunition allow the crew to mix ammo loads as desired. Tertiary weaponry consists of one AP Gauss Rifle and two SRM-2s. The missile launchers also have a two-ton ammunition bin for tactical flexibility. All weapons are mounted in the turret.
Thirdly, the vehicle had to offer high serviceability even in rudimentary conditions. On this point Scorpion scientists succeeded beyond the Clan's wildest expectations. Every component is readily accessible and replaced, and the tank itself is sensibly designed and surprisingly comfortable. Finally, the tank is well protected with 7.5 tons of Clan ferro-fibrous armor.
Deployment
Garrison clusters throughout Scorpion space field the Macana in large numbers. It has frequently been used in offensive operations as well.
History
The Macana still pales in comparison to first-rate Clan tanks like the Oro, but such comparisons are missing the point. Against the opponents that the Scorpions typically face the Macana is a superb weapon. In fact, it is probably one of the most powerful gas-driven heavy tanks of this weight and speed anywhere, which is a great boon considering its low production cost.
Prosoma War Works operates a subsidiary factory on Córdoba that is exclusively dedicated to producing this vehicle.
Type: G1A1 "Macana" Heavy Tank
Technology Base: Clan (Standard)
Movement Type: Tracked
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 781
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 6
Engine 240 ICE 23
Cruising MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: 0 0
Control Equipment: 3.0
Power Amplifier: 0.0
Turret: 1.5
Armor Factor (Ferro) 144 7.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front 6 38
R/L Side 6/6 27/27
Rear 6 21
Turret 6 31
Weapons
and Ammo Location Tonnage
2 SRM 2 Turret 1.0
Large Chemical Laser Turret 5.0
ProtoMech AC/8 Turret 5.5
AP Gauss Rifle Turret 0.5
Large Chemical Laser Ammo (20) Body 2.0
ProtoMech AC/8 Ammo (10) Body 1.0
SRM 2 Ammo (50) Body 1.0
Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle Ammo (40) Body 1.0
SRM 2 Fragmentation Ammo (50) Body 1.0
Precision ProtoMech AC/8 Ammo (5) Body 1.0
Features the following design quirks: Easy to Maintain