Catapult CPLT-Z1
Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Introductory
Era: All Eras (non-canon)
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/C-E-D
Production Year: 3025
Cost: 4,734,675 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,390
Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 195 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
2 LRM-15s
2 SRM-6s
2 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Black Hawk Mechworks
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
Overview:
The Catapult has always been a somewhat odd design amongst the ranks of Support
Mechs in the Inner Sphere. More flexible because of its jump capability, and
possessed of relatively potent close-range weaponry, it can operate well as a
brawler in a pinch - and in fact is often forced to due to the low number of
reloads for its missile systems. Battlefield simulations of the Catapult
suggest that the optimum usage is to wear an enemy down from afar using the
LRMs, and then immediately close in order to use the laser payload at its
maximum efficiency. In this way, the Catapult can operate both as a support
'Mech, or as a main battle 'Mech in its own right. The CPT-Z1 is a Black Hawk
Mechworks redesign aimed at greatly increasing the close-in capabilities of the
Catapult, albeit at the loss of some groundspeed. The reduction in tonnage and
cost afforded by the usage of a smaller engine and gyro, coupled with the
subsequent increase in payload, is thought to balance against the reduction of
the design's maximum running speed by 10kmph - particularly in the light that
its retention of jumpjets still allows it to get into a firing position as well
or even better than some faster, yet ground-hugging, designs. In fact, even
though both the close-range punch and the long-range sustainability of the
design has increased, the cost of the design is 1,055,450 c-bills less than a
stock Catapult, making it an attractive prospect for a budget-conscious merc.
Capabilities:
The CPT-Z1 mounts a class-195 fusion engine and maintains a jumping capacity of
90 meters. 11.5 tons of armour provide greater protection than the stock
Catapult (partially in deference to the reduced ground speed), leaving the
design with no less than 31 tons of weapons and equipment. While the
characteristic swivel-mounted LRM-15 units are maintained (albeit with 150% of
the standard Catapult's ammo supply, greatly increasing its ability to function
as a support 'Mech or to wear the enemy down before closing in for the kill),
its close-range package has been greatly expanded. Two of the Medium Lasers
have been retained, however two others have been removed in order to make way
for a pair of SRM-6 units. These SRMs are more powerful than the lasers they
replace, and allow the Catapult to operate in a close-support role; crippling
the subsystems of enemy 'Mechs who have had their armour eroded during the
course of a battle. It also renders the Catapult effective at supporting
direct-fire-support lances comprising of units carrying mainly high-penetration
weapons. 14 heatsinks leave the CPT-Z1 relatively cool; allowing it to fire its
long-range missiles indefinitely or to fire all of its close-range weapons with
the only heat build-up being due to movement.
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 195 8.00
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 3 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL 3.00
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 14 4.00
Heat Sink Locations: 3 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Gyro: Standard 2.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 184 11.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 8
Center Torso 21 30
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 15 21
L/R Torso (rear) 7
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 21
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LRM-15 RA 5 3 7.00
LRM-15 LA 5 3 7.00
SRM-6 RT 4 2 3.00
SRM-6 LT 4 2 3.00
Medium Laser CT 3 1 1.00
Medium Laser HD 3 1 1.00
@LRM-15 ( 8 ) RA - 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (16) LA - 2 2.00
@SRM-6 (15) RT - 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (15) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 24
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 14
3j 1 1 0 0 3 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 1/1/0, LRM 1/1/1, IF 1