(This post includes various entries based around the 300XL engine - on the assumption that 'XL' means 'One class of XL only'. If the AFFS is interested, further design proposals, lacking the XL engine, are possible for other machines - but the below sets the pattern. Smithforge Industries Design Group feels that while upgrades kits for existing machines would be useful, the AFFS should where possible regularize production and deployment)
Denied Warships, the Smithforge Industries Design Studies Group suggests a refit and production focus on the following 4 technologies and the following 5 Battlemech Designs. All battlemech designs are produced inside the Federated Suns, can be reliably sourced from non-hostile powers, or exist in sufficient numbers that conversion of existing designs will meet foreseeable need until production can be tooled up. Priority was also given to the oldest and most broadly familiar and common of designs, to ease training burdens and acceptance, to grown on the 'iconic' quality of those mechs, and to where possible provide an element of surprise and uncertainty to an enemy facing what appears to be classic, third-succession-war era technology.
The Technologies are:
1.) The 300 XL Engine
-despite cost and fragility concerns, the 300XL offers numerous advantages. First, it can power most existing, important Aerospace Fighter Designs (where its fragility is less of an issue and the gain in armor offers massive bonuses). Second, it can be applied to an entire range of Battlemech Chassis meeting all major battlefield roles - reducing costs through mass production and simplifying logistics support and train. Finally, though fragility is an issue, an increase in firepower and armor across the board offsets increased cost by silencing enemy fire before it can be decisive.
2.) The Freezer
Given the history of NAIS work on the Freezer, it is better positioned for massed production and distribution than any other 'Star League' technology. Further, it is the singular most powerful force multiplier for battlemech and areospace fighter forces.
3.) Endo-Steel Structures
While Ferro-Fibrous armor is easier to add, Endo-Steel offers substantial weight savings across all chassis, adds little to battlemech cost, and requires less continuous support once fielded than does Ferro-Fibrous armor.
4.) The LB-10X Autocannon
A winner in a tight run race with the ER PPC and ER Large Laser, it was felt that SOME advanced weapon should be a part of the mix. Of such weapons, the LB-10X is advantageous by sharing a range commonality with the existing PPCs in the force structure, while being a near drop-in replacement for the existing AC-10s. Greater flexibility allows a single machine to address multiple battlefield roles. Finally, the other considered weapon system (ER-PPC), although supported by the introduced freezer, demanded so many freezers that (in conjunction with Endo-Steel above) it proved prohibitive in terms of internal volume.
An alternate design proposal eschewing both Endo-Steel and the XL Engine, coupled with increased DHS useage and the avoidance of ammunition bearing weapons in favor of beams is available for continued analysis if such is desired. Until such time, further design work on proposal 'Zombie' is shelved.
AS-8D "Command Atlas"
The Command Atlas is striking in its visual similarity to its Star League predecessor, with most differences being under the hood. Its name serves from the installation of a full scale command console, allowing a large unit commander to focus on the battlefield picture while a subordinate controls the immediate action of the machine. In smaller units, or where the commander wishes to retain personal control, the second seat and full support of the command console allows the command machine to coordinate fires, call for support, analyze ongoing tactical situations, or otherwise support leadership and coordination functions.
Once combat is opened, the Command Atlas couples the missile launchers of its parent design with a massive upgrade in ranged firepower. The LB-10X cannon replaces the older Class 20, offering increased range to offset the loss in firepower. Two Particle Cannon join the existing medium lasers on the arms, while the aft mounted lasers are moved forward. Oversized cooling shrouds from the original medium lasers serve to disguise the change, leaving opponents uncertain as to which model they face until the 'medium laser' mounts release twin bolts of lighting. This combination gives the command Atlas awesome firepower at extended ranges, and its modern heat sinks coupled with increased energy weaponry allows it to outshoot its venerable forefather at all but point blank range - where no command Mech should be found.
Name/Model: Atlas AS-8D
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 100
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: 3026
Rules (Current): Tournament Legal
Total Cost: 23,530,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,051
Structure: Standard
Power Plant: 300 XL
Walking Speed: 32.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Standard
Armament:
1 LB 10-X AC
1 Small Laser
1 LRM 20
1 SRM 6
4 Medium Lasers
2 PPCs
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking: Unknown
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 10.00
Engine: 300 XL 9.50
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 14 [28] 4.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 304 19.00
Type: Standard
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 31 50
Center Torso (rear): 11
R/L Torso: 21 34
R/L Torso (rear): 8
R/L Arm: 17 33
R/L Leg: 21 42
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Command Console H 1 3.00
LRM 20 (Ammo 12) CT 2 2.00
LB 10-X AC RT 6 11.00
LB 10-X AC (Ammo 10) RT 1 1.00
LB 10-X AC (Ammo 10) [Cluster] RT 1 1.00
Small Laser RT 1 0.50
LRM 20 LT 5 10.00
LRM 20 (Ammo 6) LT 1 1.00
SRM 6 LT 2 3.00
SRM 6 (Ammo 15) LT 1 1.00
2 Medium Lasers RA 2 2.00
PPC RA 3 7.00
2 Medium Lasers LA 2 2.00
PPC LA 3 7.00
Marauder MAD-4D "Double Marauder"
The upgrade to an endo-steel chassis, coupled with a lighter engine and access to freezers allows extensive weight savings coupled with reduced heat burder. The existing AC/5 is upgraded with the new LB10-X model, and a second, matching mount is placed on the opposite shoulder. Armour is increased to near maximum, and matched ammo bins allow the LB-10X cannon to join the PPCs in making holes in enemy armor, then follow up with cluster rounds to exploit them. In addition, the same cluster technology supported by PPC Fire allows the Doublerauder (so named by the test pilots) to provide heavy AAA support to a unit under fire.
The increased vulnerability inherit in the XL engine is a concern to pilots, but it is felt that increasing the level of armored protection to better that of many assault mechs addresses this. Test pilots have also recommended pulling one or both of the medium lasers for additional ammunition storage - this suggestion is under review.
Name/Model: Marauder MAD-4D
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 75
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: 3026
Rules (Current): Tournament Legal
Total Cost: 15,988,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,734
Structure: Endo Steel
Power Plant: 300 XL
Walking Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Standard
Armament:
2 LB 10-X ACs
2 Medium Lasers
2 PPCs
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking: Unknown
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo Steel 4.00
Engine: 300 XL 9.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 11 [22] 1.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 231 14.50
Type: Standard
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 23 38
Center Torso (rear): 8
R/L Torso: 16 26
R/L Torso (rear): 6
R/L Arm: 12 24
R/L Leg: 16 32
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC RT 6 11.00
LB 10-X AC (Ammo 10) [Cluster] RT 1 1.00
LB 10-X AC LT 6 11.00
LB 10-X AC (Ammo 10) LT 1 1.00
Medium Laser RA 1 1.00
PPC RA 3 7.00
Medium Laser LA 1 1.00
PPC LA 3 7.00
Crusader CR4-DB
Arguably the least ambitious and yet most important refit, the Crusader Classic refit used upgraded structures, heat sinks, and engines to par weight. Coupled with an overall 5 ton slimming of the chassis, the Classic serves both as an indirect fire support machine and, once battle is closed, as the fast, heavy trooper/brawler of the force. Its lack of a single high impact weapon system like a heavy energy mount or auto cannon is remedied by the heavy point-punch firepower of surrounding machines, and its own paired heavy battle fists. Increased armor and ammunition stowage serves to improve battlefield longevity, and a pair of machine guns are mounted to address those infantry concerns where use of Inferno missiles is considered inappropriate.
In tactical employment, the Crusader will either lead, dropping back to provide missile support once armor is depleted, or will provide that initial support, moving forward to relieve its lancemates once they are accumulating damage and enemy armor has been perforated.
Name/Model: Crusader CRD-4DB
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 60
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: 3026
Rules (Current): Tournament Legal
Total Cost: 11,417,600 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,518
Structure: Endo Steel
Power Plant: 300 XL
Walking Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Standard
Armament:
2 Machine Guns
2 Medium Lasers
2 SRM 6s
2 LRM 15s
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking: Unknown
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo Steel 3.00
Engine: 300 XL 9.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 10 [20] 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 201 13.00
Type: Standard
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 20 32
Center Torso (rear): 8
R/L Torso: 14 23
R/L Torso (rear): 5
R/L Arm: 10 20
R/L Leg: 14 28
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun RT 1 0.50
Machine Gun (Ammo 100) RT 1 0.50
Medium Laser RT 1 1.00
SRM 6 RT 2 3.00
SRM 6 (Ammo 15) RT 1 1.00
Machine Gun LT 1 0.50
Medium Laser LT 1 1.00
SRM 6 LT 2 3.00
SRM 6 (Ammo 15) LT 1 1.00
LRM 15 RA 3 7.00
LRM 15 (Ammo 16) RA 2 2.00
LRM 15 LA 3 7.00
LRM 15 (Ammo 8) LA 1 1.00
Enforcer ENF-4D
The 4D 'Same Only More' Enforcer transforms the old machine into a fast cavalry design, working by fire and movement to provide shock force to enemy formations. Though armor is less than it could be, the 50% increase in movement speed, coupled with a 20% increase in weapons range and a 10% increase in long range firepower serves to offset this. If the Enforcer chooses to close the range, a trio of medium lasers provide additional punch.
Name/Model: Enforcer ENF-4D
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 50
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: 3026
Rules (Current): Tournament Legal
Total Cost: 9,525,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,367
Structure: Endo Steel
Power Plant: 300 XL
Walking Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Standard
Armament:
1 LB 10-X AC
3 Medium Lasers
1 PPC
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking: Unknown
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo Steel 2.50
Engine: 300 XL 9.50
Walking MP: 6
Running MP: 9
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 10 [20] 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 144 9.00
Type: Standard
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 16 26
Center Torso (rear): 5
R/L Torso: 12 18
R/L Torso (rear): 4
R/L Arm: 8 14
R/L Leg: 12 16
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC RA 6 11.00
LB 10-X AC (Ammo 10) RA 1 1.00
LB 10-X AC (Ammo 10) [Cluster] RA 1 1.00
3 Medium Lasers LA 3 3.00
PPC LA 3 7.00
LCT-IIID Locust "Golden Locust"
The most extreme transformation in the line-up occured at the bottom. It was reasoned that once a mech was opened up to replace small, dense internal bracing and bones with the much larger, if lighter Endo-Steel structures - with all the adjustments required by this - it would be a relatively straightforward matter to use somewhat stronger members and increase the total weight of the chassis.
The classic Locust Design was always fast, and surprisingly well armored for that size and speed. The Golden Locust builds on that, increasing the speed over its parent by 25%, and armored protection by 75%. A mix of small and medium lasers, backed up by a pair of flamers powered off an engine tap, makes the fast, tough bug able to serve not only as deep recon or battlefield scouting roles, but also an able insurgent and dispersed raider design, able to appear over a hillside or out of the woods, close on enemy stockpiles and command structures at speeds greater than any mech (and almost all hovercraft!) currently in service, quickly ignite soft targets and blaze down hard ones, and then vanish over the horizon while a response is still organizing. On a tight battlefield, its combination of speed, resilience, and point blank punching power make it a threat to isolated enemy fire support machines - or in fact almost any machine, as a moments inattention will see the Golden Locust dashing into its back and flaying at thin armor with heavy fire.
Name/Model: Golden Locust LCT-IIID
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 30
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: 3026
Rules (Current): Tournament Legal
Total Cost: 5,219,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 833
Structure: Endo Steel
Power Plant: 300 XL
Walking Speed: 108 kph
Maximum Speed: 162 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Standard
Armament:
2 Medium Lasers
2 Flamers
4 Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking: Unknown
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo Steel 1.50
Engine: 300 XL 9.50
Walking MP: 10
Running MP: 15
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 10 [20] 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 105 7.00
Type: Standard
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 10 16
Center Torso (rear): 4
R/L Torso: 7 12
R/L Torso (rear): 2
R/L Arm: 5 10
R/L Leg: 7 14
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Medium Lasers CT 2 2.00
Flamer RA 1 1.00
2 Small Lasers RA 2 1.00
Flamer LA 1 1.00
2 Small Lasers LA 2 1.00