Support LAMs

[RifleMech]

I wanted make some LAMs that were designed for supporting operations instead of direct combat. I also wrote up a background for how these forgotten LAMs were rediscovered.



Support LAMs
Wreckage of sunken ships and aircraft have been popular dive spots on Terra and other planets for centuries. The same hold true of sunken LAMs and it was one such LAM that reintroduced the Support LAM to the Inner Sphere.

As a former Wasp LAM Pilot, historical author, and certified diver, C.R. Russell was interested in seeing the sunken LAM wrecks on Carver V (Liberty). During the summer of 3095 he finally got his chance. On a clear June morning he and his party set out on his expedition to dive LAM wrecks. After a week of diving, various LAMs they were scheduled to dive a pair of WSP-100 LAMs. That is where his plans changed beyond his imagination.

Both of the LAMs were in AirMech mode under fifteen meters of water. The first was upright and resting with its right side against a reef. The second about three hundred meters away was resting on its left side in the mud. They are believed to have ditched in the ocean after taking damage fighting Rim World’s Forces during the Amaris Civil War. Despite the battle and crash damage both LAMs were relatively intact, making their wrecks ideal dive sites.

Once in the water over the first wreck, Russell’s excitement turned to confusion. What he was seeing didn’t match the plans and pictures he’d studied. The wings on this LAM weren’t as swept as those on Wasp LAM and were clipped. The LAM’s jump jets were also mounted in the side torsos instead of the legs. Figuring it was an unknown variant he began to take pictures and scans of the wreck. After studying the damage to the left side jump jets, he swam under the LAM and spotted two more differences. The first was that unlike the WSP-100 Wasp LAM, this LAM’s arms were deployed while in AirMech Mode. The LAM’s left arm ended in a stump and the right forearm was buried in the reef. The other visible difference was the LAM’s open bomb bays. The WSP-100 Wasp LAM has a single continuous five-ton bomb bay in the right torso. This LAM had a bomb bay in each side torso that he estimated could carry two tons of bombs each. He was convinced that this LAM was not a WSP-100 Wasp LAM as everyone had believed. It was as yet unknown LAM. He just needed to prove it.

Later that day he dove on the second LAM. From the debris field and how it lay on its side in the mud it was evident that this LAM had suffered catastrophic damage to its left torso. Even with the damage enough of the LAM remained that he could see that it share the many of the same features as the previous LAM. The big difference was that from the rear center torso was a refueling drogue. Further examination showed what he believed to be a small laser and fluid suction system mounted on the right arm. No LAM he knew of carried industrial equipment. He was convinced it was a variant of the first LAM, one designed for support rather than combat.

Marking these LAMs for further study he set off for their next destination. Three days later he was further excited by the discovery of another misidentified LAM. Like the previous LAM, this wreck was believed to be a WSP-100 Wasp LAM. As he approached the wreck in question he could see it was laying on its back with its legs up. He could also see that it was too large to be a Wasp LAM. It was also too large to be of a type he’d dived on three days before. Like that LAM though, this one had what appeared to be two bomb bays, one in each side torso. On closer examination though, what was presumed to be bomb bays lacked bomb racks. Instead there appeared to be multiple tie-downs for cargo. Amazed he spent the rest of he day examining the wreck.

Russell would spend the next ten years scouring remaining records for the identity of the wreck he’d seen on Carver V (Liberty). During his research he identified several LAMs that because of their low production numbers and lack of public attention would cause them to be forgotten or misidentified over time. His resulting book, “Unsung and Forgotten LAMs” would catalog all the LAMs that he discovered.


Edit
I attached the Scimitar and Buccaneer LAMs as an RTF file. I hope you enjoy.

[RifleMech]

Scimitar LAM
Mass: 30 tons
Chassis: Modified Tri Modal LAM
Power Plant: 140
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 64 kph
Jump Jets: Rolls-Royce Avon Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: StarSlab/2
Armament:
4 Small Lasers
4 Internal Bomb Racks
2 Mine Dispensers
Manufacturer: Supermarine
Primary Factory: Terra (factory destroyed 2767)
Communications System: unspecified
Targeting and Tracking System: unspecified

Overview
Taking advantage of the delays in the development of the Harvard Company, Inc.’s Wasp LAM, Supermarine submitted their design for a fighter-bomber LAM to the SLDF for consideration in 2689. Also base on the Wasp Mech, and similar in appearance to its competitor, the Scimitar featured a two ton bomb bay protected by CASE and supplemented by a mine dispenser in each side torso. For defense a pair of small lasers were mounted in each arm.

To mount all the equipment, Supermarine used a 120 rated engine. While just as fast as the Wasp LAM in Fighter and AirMech Modes, in Battlemech Mode the Scimitar was 32.2 kph slower its parent design. SLDF observers were also skeptical about the Scimitar’s small lasers. Supermarine had chosen pairs of small lasers over medium lasers to keep the Scimitar pilot’s from seeking a more conventional fight. However, the laser’s short range coupled with the Scimitar’s slow speed meant that it couldn’t easily escape from a fight. However, the biggest issue SLDF observers had was with the Scimitar’s bomb bays. While the four ton bomb load was good their small size reduced the types of bombs the Scimitar could carry. The use of CASE was also questioned. Some SLDF Observers felt more armor spread over the torso would have been better.

It wasn’t all bad news for the Scimitar though. The mine dispensers held some promise. They allowed to Scimitar to deploy small mine fields that it could use to corral targets, disrupt charges, and discourage pursuit. Intrigued by the mine dispensers, and lacking a bomber LAM, the SLDF procurement office ordered 24 Scimitars for further testing.

Testing was going well until, Harvard company, Inc worked out their Wasp LAM’s conversion system issues and debuted the WSP-100 Wasp LAM to the SLDF a year later. The Wasp LAM’s faster BattleMech speed, and larger continuous bomb bay cause interest in the Scimitar to waned. SLDF officials did give Supermarine some recommendations, unfortunately to carry them out Supermarine would have needed to completely redesign the Scimitar. Facing growing cost overruns, Supermarine shelved the Scimitar program in favor of other less costly endeavors. This wasn’t the end of the Scimitar’s story, however. Ten years after Supermarine shelved the Scimitar, the SLDF placed a request for a unit that could keep up with and refuel LAMs without being limited to fixed landing fields or vulnerable mid-air refueling. Designers at Supermarine believed the Scimitar could fulfill that need with a minimum amount of retooling.
 
During the revision, Supermarine replaced the bomb bays with fuel tanks. CASE was retained in the event of a fuel explosion. A refueling drogue replaced the mine dispensers and was installed in the center torso. The final change was the replacement of two of the small lasers, one in each arm, with two light fluid suction systems to rapidly refuel its tanks. One laser in each arm were kept for defense.

While just under four tons of fuel was less than standard SLDF tanker craft, as a LAM the Scimitar could land in terrain conventional tanker units could not. This allowed the Scimitar to refuel other LAMs without being out in the open while still being capable of mid-flight refueling. Impressed, and lacking better alternatives, the SLDF Quartermaster ordered hundreds to support LAM Companies.

Capabilities
The Scimitar’s slow speed in BattleMech Mode and short ranged weaponry means it is usually only used when air travel isn’t practical or to refuel another unit while on the ground. In AirMech and Fighter Modes, the Scimitar-1F uses its bombs and mines to attack targets on the ground, set ambushes, and break up attacking formations. The Scimitar-TR2 uses its AirMech and Fighter modes to conduct mid-air refueling operations of other LAMs, and aircraft and to make quick getaways when raiding enemy fuel bunkers.

Battle History
Although not intended for combat the Scimitar did see action, usually taking part in clandestine operations. As these operations were classified, little is known about them. The Scimitar’s most known operations took place during the Amaris Civil War. During the fight for Carver V, the original SCM-TR1s were pressed into service against Republican Forces. They were often used to mine harbor entrances and beaches and to drop torpedoes on Republican naval craft. Those that survived were used in the same roles when the SLDF finally moved to retake Terra. None are know to have survived the fighting.

The SCM-TR2 Scimitar tanker variant also saw action during the fight for Carver V. They were used to transport fuel from larger SLDF bases and surface navy ship to smaller island bases. Scimitars were also used by the Third Regimental Combat Team (The Eridani Light Horse)’s Striker Regiments. The Scimitar LAM pilots of the Third RCT supply companies were well practiced keeping 3rd RCT’s other LAMs fueled while behind enemy lines while fighting against Periphery forces when Amaris staged his coup. They used that practice against Republican Forces during reconnaissance raids and resupply missions of Operation Intruder. By the end of the war they Third RCT had lost most of their Scimitar LAMs. The remainder were lost during the First Succession War keeping their Wasp LAMs operational.


Deployment
While exact numbers are not available, what records exist indicate that a lance of SCM-TR2 Scimitars were assigned to many SLDF Striker and CAAN Regiments that utilized LAMs. Most of those that survived left the Inner Sphere during Operation Exodus. It is believed that they were cannibalized to keep Wasp LAMs used by the Pentagon Powers operating. The same fate met those that remained in the Inner Sphere. Those that weren’t cannibalized were destroyed delivering fuel behind enemy lines or in nuclear fireballs. There are rumors that some survived the Succession Wars in Comstar caches only to be later used by the Word of Blake’s Forces on Gibson and Terra. These rumors cannot be substantiated.

The twenty-four SCM-TR1 Scimitars that the SLDF initially ordered were assigned to the CAAN Training Base on Carver V’s island of Quantico, for use as trainers and test craft. By 2700 they had been replaced by Wasp LAMs and placed into mothballs, where they remained until 2768 when they were pressed into service against Republican Forces. None are known to have survived the Amaris Civil War.


Variants
Besides the Tanker and Fighter Bomber variants there was the SCM-TR3, was a scout variant. It replaced the bomb bays with electronic warfare equipment consisting of a Beagle Active Probe and a reconnaissance camera and a Guardian ECM Suite and reconnaissance camera. Remote sensor dispensers replaced the mine dispensers.

Notable MechWarriors
Lieutenant John Cresswell, was instructing at the SLDF training base on Carver V when Amaris launched his coup. He safely ejected from his WSP-100 Wasp LAM before it could into the ocean. After being rescued by a CAAN submarine he returned to Quantico. As a replacement for his lost Wasp LAM he was given one of the SCM-TR1 Scimitar LAM that had been brought out of mothballs. He was killed when his Scimitar LAM crashed off the coast of Australia during the SLDF liberation of Terra.

Note:
The stats are in the first post.

[RifleMech]

Buccaneer LAM
Mass: 50 tons
Chassis: Modified Tri Modal LAM
Power Plant: 200
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 64 kph
Jump Jets: Rolls-Royce Spey Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: StarSlab/2
Armament:
1 SRM-4 or LRM-5
2 Internal Bomb Racks
Manufacturer: Blackburn
Primary Factory: Terra (factory destroyed 2767)
Communications System: Blue Parrot Com System
Targeting and Tracking System: Blue Parrot ASV search/attack radar

Overview
In response to the SLDF’s request for a larger bomber LAM, Blackburn developed the Buccaneer LAM and delivered two variants for testing in 2715. Intended operate in pairs, each variant mounted 5 tons of bomb bays and a mine dispenser in each side torso backed by a mine dispenser. For additional support the Buccaneer LAMs mounted either a rotary SRM-4 (BCN-R1S) or rotary LRM-5 (BCN-R1L) in the center torso and two tons of ammo, one in each side torso. With plenty of ammo, the missile launchers are intended to give the Blackburn additional flexibility in the battlefied support role by starting fires, laying smoke screens or mine fields but could be used to directly attack opponents. The Buccaneer LAM is protected by 7.5 tons of armor.

Capabilities
With two six ton bomb bays the BCN-R1 Buccaneer LAM was capable of carrying more than twice the bomb load of the lighter WSP-100 Wasp LAM. The missile launchers also provide greater or longer ranged firepower than the Wasp LAM. The Buccaneer LAM is also as fast as the Wasp LAM in Fighter and AirMech Modes but slower in BattleMech Mode by 10.8 kph. This wasn’t deemed a great concern though as the Buccaneer wasn’t designed to get into a close fight while on the ground. Also of concern were the Buccaneer’s jump jets. They were slow to respond making the LAM slow to accelerate. Despite this problem, the Buccaneer proved a capable support bomber and the SLDF ordered several hundred.

Later when the SLDF put out request for non-combat support LAMs Blackburn created additional variants Buccaneer LAM.  The first was a tanker variant with two fuel tanks with nearly six tons of fuel each and a centrally mounted refueling drogue. The second was a cargo variant with thirteen tons of cargo space. Both variants use a Beagle Active Probe and Guardian ECM Suite to alert them of and hide them from incoming enemy units. These are back by two small lasers in the cargo variant. The third was an electronic warfare variant. It would use it’s Beagle Active Probe to alert it to incoming units and Guardian ECM Suite and Communications Equipment to keep it hidden while deploying remote sensors and using its imaging equipment. The imaging equipment proved difficult to maintain however as converting from Fighter Mode would often require the equipment to be recalibrated.

Battle History
In 2773, the Third Regimental Combat Team used their BCN-R2C Buccaneers to help deliver much needed supplies to Quantico and other SLDF held islands on Carver V during the long fight with Republican Forces for the planet. While many tons of supplies were delivered, the Buccaneer’s slow performing jump jets proved, and light weaponry to be a liability. Their slow acceleration and light weaponry made them targets for Republican Fighter Pilots. Many would be shot down while attempting to accelerate away after dropping their supplies. This would be the fate of many Buccaneers. Do to their high losses, on supply missions, air-drops would be standard but losses remained high.
During the early days of the First Succession War, the last surviving Buccaneer Elint variant used by militia forces on the planet Carver V. After deploying it’s load of remote sensors it was attacked by  Capellan aerospace fighters. Slow, compared to the Capellan fighters, and already low on fuel the Buccanner’s pilot tried to escape in AirMech Mode. She was shot down and crashed two kilometers of the Quantico’s west coast.


Deployment
Compared to more well known LAMs, only a few hundred Buccaneer LAMs would be manufactured, with the most common being the bomber and cargo variants. These would be spread evenly between the SLDF’s Regular and Royal Regiments. The Elint variant would the least produced variant and remained exclusive to Royal units. Few Buccaneers survived the Amaris Civil War. Those that did were lost in the fires of the First Succession War and during the Pentagon Wars.

Variants
Blackburn did not make any other variants other than the ones already covered. A few individuals attempted to increase their LAMs direct combat abilities at the expense of bomb load and cargo space. This usually had atmospheric flight problems do to disrupted air flow.

Notable Pilots
Tiffany Lawson was one of the few DCMS Buccaneer LAM pilots during the First Succession War. Her BCN-R2C Buccaneer cargo variant was pressed into combat against Davion Forces. On her second bomb run, rounds from a Davion Rifleman’s AC/5 passed through the open cargo doors to strike and detonate one of the remaining bombs. The resulting explosion destroyed her LAM. She survived but was medically retired do to her injuries.


Note:
The stats are in the first post.