I am having good results with these 30ton VTOLs against Clan mechs in a 3052 campaign.
I play them in pairs: one with AC20 and another with LRMs. By definition I preferred a low tech approach with ICE engines and introdutory-level weapons. But you can make them even faster with Fuel cell engines or Fusion engines.
They normally have a hard time against mechs equiped with pulse lasers and LB-X cannons but do very well against anything else. If the terrain allows, the AC20 version can sneak around the hills and forests to avoid hits at long distance. They are fragile like any vtol, but if they survive the first round of damage taken they can achieve rear arc shots against enemy mechs.
The LRM version has an easier life, taking shots from distance. It is more effective than a tracked LRM carrier because it is faster and less affect by terrain to hit. You can move them easily from one point to another for shots at optimum 7 hex distance.
Havoc AC20 Gunship
Mass: 30 tons
Movement Type: VTOL
Power Plant: 70 ICE
Cruising Speed: 75.6 kph
Maximum Speed: 118.8 kph
Armor: Standard
Armament:
1 AC/20
Manufacturer: Quikscell
Primary Factory: Pandora
Communication System: Xilex 2000
Targeting & Tracking System: N&D Handsfree
Introduction Year: 3050
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-D-D
Cost: 1,090,000 C-bills
Type: Havoc
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Introductory)
Movement Type: VTOL
Tonnage: 30
Battle Value: 549
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 3
Engine 70 ICE 4
Cruising MP: 7
Flank MP: 11
Heat Sinks: 0 0
Control Equipment: 1.5
Lift Equipment: 3.0
Power Amplifier: 0.0
Armor Factor 56 3.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front 3 20
R/L Side 3/3 12/12
Rear 3 10
Rotor 3 2
Weapons
and Ammo Location Tonnage
AC/20 Front 14.0
AC/20 Ammo (5) Body 1.0
Havoc LRM
Mass: 30 tons
Movement Type: VTOL
Power Plant: 70 ICE
Cruising Speed: 75.6 kph
Maximum Speed: 118.8 kph
Armor: Standard
Armament:
6 LRM 5
Manufacturer: Quikscell
Primary Factory: Pandora
Communication System: Xilex 2000
Targeting & Tracking System: N&D Handsfree
Introduction Year: 3050
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-C-C
Cost: 1,010,000 C-bills
Type: Havoc
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Introductory)
Movement Type: VTOL
Tonnage: 30
Battle Value: 704
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 3
Engine 70 ICE 4
Cruising MP: 7
Flank MP: 11
Heat Sinks: 0 0
Control Equipment: 1.5
Lift Equipment: 3.0
Power Amplifier: 0.0
Armor Factor 56 3.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front 3 20
R/L Side 3/3 12/12
Rear 3 10
Rotor 3 2
Weapons
and Ammo Location Tonnage
6 LRM 5s Front 12.0
LRM 5 Ammo (72) Body 3.0
Overview
The Havoc gunship was a desperate response to the Clan Invasion. Produced by Quicksell Company to attend Lyran Commonwealth need for a fast and heavily armed helicopter. First untits produced were, in fact, a conversion from a military utility helicopter. They are equiped with conventional turbines, standard weapons and armor for low cost, easy construction and maintenance.
Capabilities
Havoc is produced in two main versions, meant to work together. The first is armed with a single autocannon class 20 and able to delivery massive damage at short distance. Fast enough to outmanouvre all but the fastest mechs, it could easily move around a target and fire against the rear arc. The second version is armed with 6 LRM5 missile launchers and used to provide long range support fire to the AC20 version. It is also responsible to attack fast moving targets, vehicles, infantry and to quickly lay minefields.
Deployment
Havoc were deployed in air cavalry lances with two units of each version and succesfully used in high attriction combats against Clan mechs.
History
The original conception of the Havoc is attributed to a major that made the first conversion of a 30ton utility helicopter to be armed with an AC20 after after having his armoured company destroyed by Clan invaders. He realized that only a fast unit armed with high damage weapons could match the superior technology of the Clan. He commanded the first operation unit of Havocs in combat. The Silverhawks, as they were named, became legendary for their bravery.
