"Herald" Omni-Hovertank (Scorpion Empire)

[Cavgunner]

Herald Hovertank

Mass: 20 tons
Movement Type: Hover
Power Plant: 75 ICE
Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     8.0 tons of pod space
Manufacturer: Prosoma War Works
     Primary Factory: Various
Communication System: Neil 9000
Targeting & Tracking System: RCA Econotrac
Introduction Year: 3086
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-E
Cost: 415,625 C-bills or more, depending on configuration

===Overview===
The Herald is a light Omni-Hovertank that was developed in the 3080's as part of the Escorpión Imperio's modernization effort. With high firepower but very light armor, the Herald follows a design emphasis similar to Clan vehicles of earlier decades. It is primarily used to deploy and support Battle Armor points.

===Capabilities===
Like several other Scorpion vehicles developed in the 3080s the Herald relies on an internal combustion engine. Some Clans would look at such an old-fashioned powerplant with a skeptical eye. As far as the Scorpions were concerned, however, the ICE was an absolute necessity in order to fully utilize the low-tech factories found within the Imperio (and later, the Scorpion Empire). Even so, the Herald can still reach a top speed of 129.8 kph.

Protection is very light, with just enough Ferro-Fibrous armor to survive a Spheroid PPC hit to the front, sides, or turret, or a Large Laser hit to the rear. As a small, fast OmniVehicle, the Herald's primary function is the transportation of Battle Armor points, not necessarily direct combat. Therefore, Scorpion doctrine dictates that Heralds should generally decline close engagement until an opportunity to eliminate a damaged or isolated unit presents itself. Thanks to its 8 tons of pod space the Herald is well-equipped to strike at such moments.

===Configurations===
The Prime configuration boasts 3 Medium Chemical Lasers supported by a pair of SRM-2s. This can deliver a punishing coup de grâce at short range. The ammunition supply is generous, with 20 shots per laser and two tons' worth of ammo for the SRMs. It is common to designate one ton of the SRM ammo for Fragmentation or Inferno rounds. The Prime variant is by far the most common configuration.

The A configuration uses a Protomech AC/4 to harass targets at a distance. When they are available, Precision and/or Armor-Piercing rounds are the preferred ammo types. An AP Gauss Rifle serves as a backup weapon.

The B configuration is a missile fire-support platform. The twin LRM-10s boast a 3-ton ammo bay that is used to mix and match ammunition according to the tactical situation.

The C configuration is also a missile platform, but it mounts an ATM-9 with three tons of ammunition. The infrequent availability of ATM launchers and their ammunition limits the deployment of this configuration.

The D configuration is simple but popular, featuring a Large Chemical Laser, a Targeting Computer, and sufficient reserves for 20 firings.

Finally, the rare but aptly designated E configuration is a dedicated electronic warfare and reconnaissance vehicle. This package includes the much-vaunted Angel ECM suite, which can easily defeat virtually any known electronic system. An Active Probe coordinates with the Remote Sensor system to ensure that large sections of the battlefield remain fully visible; up to 3 sensor pods can be monitored at once. In addition, a TAG allows the vehicle to perform as an effective spotter for artillery and indirect fire. For self-defense the vehicle mounts a trio of SRM-2 launchers and a two-ton ammo bay.

===Deployment===
Due to the Empire's shortage of equipment it is not unknown for Scorpion Elementals to go for long stretches of their career without actually being deployed by an OmniMech. The Herald is the primary vehicle that fills this void. Scorpion Elementals often have a certain fondness for their Herald crews and are known to go to unusual lengths to protect them, and vice versa. This unique relationship fosters a level of élan and tactical initiative not often seen in other combined-arms formations. The two-person Herald crews tend to see themselves as a cut above regular armor crewmen, and this is a viewpoint that is often justified.

===History===
During the Hanseatic Crusade the Herald allowed the Escorpión Imperio to field far more mounted Battle Armor units than the Hansa had originally projected- several times more, in fact. The wide availability of highly mobile Battle Armor support during that conflict was a crucial component of the Imperio's victory.

Certain elements of the Herald were reportedly developed in cooperation with Clan Sea Fox. The Kite Reconnaissance Vehicle, which was developed by the Sea Foxes decades later, is unusually similar in appearance to an enlarged Herald E.

Code: [Select]

Type: Herald Prime
Technology Base: Clan (Standard)
Movement Type: Hover
Tonnage: 20
Battle Value: 471
Cost: 784,875 C-bills

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    2
Engine                        75 ICE                  4
Cruising MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks:                   0                       0
Control Equipment:                                  1.0
Lift Equipment:                                     2.0
Power Amplifier:                                    0.0
Turret:                                             0.5
Armor Factor (Ferro)          48                    2.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   2         14   
     R/L Side               2/2       9/9   
     Rear                    2         7     
     Turret                  2         9     

Fixed Equipment
None

Weapons
and Ammo                          Location    Tonnage   
2 SRM 2                            Turret       1.0     
3 Medium Chemical Laser            Turret       3.0     
Medium Chemical Laser Ammo (60)     Body        2.0     
SRM 2 Ammo (50)                     Body        1.0     
SRM 2 Fragmentation Ammo (50)       Body        1.0     

Code: [Select]

Type: Herald A
Technology Base: Clan (Standard)
Movement Type: Hover
Tonnage: 20
Battle Value: 312
Cost: 766,500 C-bills

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    2
Engine                        75 ICE                  4
Cruising MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks:                   0                       0
Control Equipment:                                  1.0
Lift Equipment:                                     2.0
Power Amplifier:                                    0.0
Turret:                                             0.5
Armor Factor (Ferro)          48                    2.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   2         14   
     R/L Side               2/2       9/9   
     Rear                    2         7     
     Turret                  2         9     

Fixed Equipment
None

Weapons
and Ammo                                  Location    Tonnage   
ProtoMech AC/4                             Turret       4.5     
AP Gauss Rifle                             Turret       0.5     
Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle Ammo (40)        Body        1.0     
Precision ProtoMech AC/4 Ammo (10)          Body        1.0     
Armor-Piercing ProtoMech AC/4 Ammo (10)     Body        1.0     

Code: [Select]

Type: Herald B
Technology Base: Clan (Standard)
Movement Type: Hover
Tonnage: 20
Battle Value: 643
Cost: 958,125 C-bills

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    2
Engine                        75 ICE                  4
Cruising MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks:                   0                       0
Control Equipment:                                  1.0
Lift Equipment:                                     2.0
Power Amplifier:                                    0.0
Turret:                                             0.5
Armor Factor (Ferro)          48                    2.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   2         14   
     R/L Side               2/2       9/9   
     Rear                    2         7     
     Turret                  2         9     

Fixed Equipment
None

Weapons
and Ammo                         Location    Tonnage   
2 LRM 10                          Turret       5.0     
LRM 10 Fragmentation Ammo (12)     Body        1.0     
LRM 10 Ammo (12)                   Body        1.0     
LRM 10 Narc-capable Ammo (12)      Body        1.0     

Code: [Select]

Type: Herald C
Technology Base: Clan (Standard)
Movement Type: Hover
Tonnage: 20
Battle Value: 633
Cost: 1,133,125 C-bills

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    2
Engine                        75 ICE                  4
Cruising MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks:                   0                       0
Control Equipment:                                  1.0
Lift Equipment:                                     2.0
Power Amplifier:                                    0.0
Turret:                                             0.5
Armor Factor (Ferro)          48                    2.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   2         14   
     R/L Side               2/2       9/9   
     Rear                    2         7     
     Turret                  2         9     

Fixed Equipment
None

Weapons
and Ammo                        Location    Tonnage   
ATM 9                            Turret       5.0     
Standard ATM/9 Ammo (7)           Body        1.0     
High-Explosive ATM/9 Ammo (7)     Body        1.0     
Extended-Range ATM/9 Ammo (7)     Body        1.0     

Code: [Select]

Type: Herald D
Technology Base: Clan (Standard)
Movement Type: Hover
Tonnage: 20
Battle Value: 430
Cost: 599,375 C-bills

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    2
Engine                        75 ICE                  4
Cruising MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks:                   0                       0
Control Equipment:                                  1.0
Lift Equipment:                                     2.0
Power Amplifier:                                    0.0
Turret:                                             0.5
Armor Factor (Ferro)          48                    2.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   2         14   
     R/L Side               2/2       9/9   
     Rear                    2         7     
     Turret                  2         9     

Fixed Equipment
None

Weapons
and Ammo                         Location    Tonnage   
Large Chemical Laser              Turret       5.0     
Targeting Computer                  BD         1.0     
Large Chemical Laser Ammo (20)     Body        2.0     

Code: [Select]

Type: Herald E
Technology Base: Clan (Standard)
Movement Type: Hover
Tonnage: 20
Battle Value: 391
Cost: 2,379,125

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    2
Engine                        75 ICE                  4
Cruising MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks:                   0                       0
Control Equipment:                                  1.0
Lift Equipment:                                     2.0
Power Amplifier:                                    0.0
Turret:                                             0.5
Armor Factor (Ferro)          48                    2.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   2         14   
     R/L Side               2/2       9/9   
     Rear                    2         7     
     Turret                  2         9     

Fixed Equipment
None

Weapons
and Ammo                        Location    Tonnage   
Remote Sensors/Dispenser          Rear        0.5     
3 SRM 2                          Turret       1.5     
TAG                              Turret       1.0     
Active Probe                      Body        1.0     
Angel ECM Suite                   Body        2.0     
SRM 2 Ammo (50)                   Body        1.0     
SRM 2 Fragmentation Ammo (50)     Body        1.0     

[Retry]

Interesting little hovertank here.  Omni-vehicles are a heavily underdeveloped part of the universe IMO, especially low-end cheap ones like this.

I think I like the B variant the best, looks like it would pair well with carried elementals or other BA by having the suits spot for IDF.

[Cavgunner]

Thanks!

[Charistoph]

Maybe for an F scenario provide 5 tons of Infantry bay so it can carry 2 Points of Elementals (one inside and one outside), much like the Bandit (C) variants can do.  This would be a very cheap alternative to that unit as well.

[Cavgunner]

I honestly don't know why I didn't think of that, but you and Retry got there first. So here it is.

===F and G Configurations===
The Herald-F is a recent and inexpensive package that doubles down on the Herald's role as an infantry carrier. 5 tons of pod space are given over to an infantry bay that can accommodate either a 2nd point of medium battle armor, or two points of foot infantry (the latter in very cramped conditions). The remaining pod tonnage is used to mount a Medium Chemical Laser and two 20mm machine guns. Although the reduced firepower limits the F configuration's usefulness as an attack vehicle, the ability to quickly deploy such large amounts of infantry is an advantage that cannot be overstated.

The G configuration is identical to the F, except that it can perform in a limited indirect fire support role. Its weaponry consists of a pair of LRM-5s with one ton of ammunition.

Code: [Select]

Type: Herald F
Technology Base: Clan (Standard)
Movement Type: Hover
Tonnage: 20
Battle Value: 250
Cost: 415,625 C-Bills

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    2
Engine                        75 ICE                  4
Cruising MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks:                   0                       0
Control Equipment:                                  1.0
Lift Equipment:                                     2.0
Power Amplifier:                                    0.0
Turret:                                             0.5
Armor Factor (Ferro)          48                    2.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   2         14   
     R/L Side               2/2       9/9   
     Rear                    2         7     
     Turret                  2         9     

Fixed Equipment
None

Weapons
and Ammo                          Location    Tonnage   
Medium Chemical Laser              Turret       1.0     
2 Machine Gun                      Turret       0.5     
Half Machine Gun Ammo (100)         Body        0.5     
Medium Chemical Laser Ammo (30)     Body        1.0     
Infantry                            Body        5.0     

Code: [Select]

Type: Herald G
Technology Base: Clan (Standard)
Movement Type: Hover
Tonnage: 20
Battle Value: 372
Cost: 503,125 C-Bills

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    2
Engine                        75 ICE                  4
Cruising MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks:                   0                       0
Control Equipment:                                  1.0
Lift Equipment:                                     2.0
Power Amplifier:                                    0.0
Turret:                                             0.5
Armor Factor (Ferro)          48                    2.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   2         14   
     R/L Side               2/2       9/9   
     Rear                    2         7     
     Turret                  2         9     

Fixed Equipment
None

Weapons
and Ammo              Location    Tonnage   
2 LRM 5                Turret       2.0     
LRM 5 Ammo (24)         Body        1.0     
Infantry                Body        5.0        

[Charistoph]

Looks good!