Just because I like Binary Laser Cannon, an try at a post-Helm update of the Zeus 6Y;
Zeus ZEU-9Y
Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Succession Wars
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-F-E-A
Production Year: 3047
Cost: 8,014,800 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,559
Chassis: Chariot Type III Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 320 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: StarSlab 4 Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Defiance D4L Binary Laser Cannons
1 Coventry StarLight LRM-10
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries
Primary Factory: Hesperus II
Communications System: TharHes Calliope ZE-2
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHes Ares-7
Overview:
With the discovery of the Helm Memory Core, and recovery of certain elements of
Star League 'Mech equipment, Defiance Industries' engineers returned to the ZEU-6Y
design, seeing in the new dual-heat sinks a way to make the binary laser cannon
a more viable battlefield weapon. The result, derived from the Zeus 6Y and
then-prototype 9S designs, was designated the ZEU-9Y.
Ultimately, the ZEU-9Y fell victim to the very advances that had made it
possible. Less than a year after the first 9Y rolled off the production lines,
the ZEU-9S, with an extensive array of rediscovered "lostech" equipment that
made it far more attractive to the expanding AFFC, went into full production at
rates that far eclipsed its unloved half-sister. As such, most examples were
militia or privately owned machines, refitted from earlier marks using kits
that cost significantly less than a newly built 9S.
Despite the limited production run, the near-legendary reliability and ease of
maintenance of the Zeus ensured that the 9Y units produced served for a long
time; honourably, if with no special distinction. They did, however, earn a
reputation as "Toad poppers" early in the Clan Invasion, as their binary laser
cannon were one of the few 'Mech-mounted weapons available that possessed the
ability to reliably destroy Elemental battle armour with a single hit.
Capabilities:
The ZEU-9Y mounts a pair of binary laser cannon fitted with improved cooling
jackets in the left torso and arm, with a ten-tube LRM launcher and a ton of
CASE protected ammunition in the right torso and arm; cooled by an array of
seventeen dual-heat sinks, it ran remarkably cool in both testing and combat,
and is protected by eleven tons of ferro-fibrous armour.
Deployment:
Currently no examples in operational deployment with LCAF or AFFS regular
formations; last known example (ZEU-9Y/#58 "Wild Card") retired from service to
long-term storage from 7th Donegal Guards c. 3104.
Two known examples in militia/private service c. 3130; ZEU-9Y/#82 in service
with Mallory's World militia, ZEU-9Y/#36 in service with mercenary company
"Belisari's Blazers".
Notable 'Mechs & MechWarriors:
Unit ZEU-9Y/#27: One of the first newly built - as opposed to converted from
other variants - 9Y model Zeuses. Deployed with First Robinson Rangers from c.
3053 to c. 3087. Notable service includes scoring a first-salvo kill on a
Masakari (Steel Viper Command Trinary markings) at extreme range during defence
of Kooken's Pleasure Pit. Current location unknown; last recorded as being
placed in long-term storage at [REDACTED] c. 3088.
Unit ZEU-9Y/#07 "Katie": Personal BattleMech of then-Captain Rebecca duChaine
AFFC. Part of initial deployment of ZEU-9Y units for field operational testing;
deployed with 72nd BattleMech Regiment on Corinne's Shield c. 3050. During Jade
Falcon invasion in Operation REVIVAL, recorded as scoring seven Elemental and
two confirmed BattleMech kills during the 72nd's withdrawal to DropShips before
mutual destruction in engagement with Star Captain (94th Striker Cluster)
Jessine's Daishi.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 122 points 8.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 320 22.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 17(34) 7.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 3 RT
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 197 11.00
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 2 CT, 2 LT, 1 RT, 4 LA, 2 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
CASE Locations: 1 RT 0.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 30
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 17 26
L/R Torso (rear) 7
L/R Arm 13 18
L/R Leg 17 24
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Binary Laser Cannon LT 16 4 9.00
LRM-10 RA 4 2 5.00
Binary Laser Cannon LA 16 4 9.00
@LRM-10 (12) RT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 10
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 16
4 3 3 1 0 4 0 Structure: 6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
