Improved Battlemech Recovery Vehicle (New Horizons AU)

[Cavgunner]

M42 Improved Battlemech Recovery Vehicle

Mass: 50 tons
Movement Type: Tracked
Power Plant: Fusion
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Armor: BAR 7
Armament: None
Manufacturer: Jalastar Aerospace
     Primary Factory: Panpour (defunct as of 2rd Succession War)
Communication System: O/P R Janxiir
Targeting & Tracking System: None
Introduction Year: 2742
Tech Rating/Availability: D/C-E-D-C
Cost: 741,497 C-bills

Overview
Battlemech Recovery Vehicles have been in service since the introduction of the Battlemech itself. However, their wheeled configurations often limited their ability to reach Mechs that had been downed in difficult terrain. Furthermore, their internal combustion engines, while powerful, limited their endurance.

Jalastar Aerospace offered their Improved Battlemech Recovery Vehicle to the AFFS and SLDF in the 2740's. The design was growing in popularity in the years prior to the Amaris Coup.

Capabilities
The IBRV's tracked design allows it to traverse all but the toughest terrain, which is a major advantage compared to a standard recovery vehicle. Just as importantly, the use of a fusion engine gives the vehicle essentially unlimited range.

Despite being smaller than a conventional recovery vehicle, the IBRV can still transport a 100-ton mech or combat vehicle thanks to a quartet of Lift Hoists. These articulated, myomer-powered mechanisms can quickly secure a mech or tank to the transport bed. The efficient distribution of mass ensures that the IBRV can still reach an off-road speed of 32kph even when fully loaded.

In order to fulfill its mission the IBRV features full environmental sealing. This allows the vehicle to perform in hostile environments, underwater, or even in airless vacuums. The IBRV's commercial-grade armor can protect against a few stray shots, but the vehicle is completely unarmed.

Behind the control module is a passenger cabin with seating for up to 13 individuals. This is used to accommodate technical specialists or the crew of the unit being carried. A 3.5-ton cargo bay carries tools, supplies, and other recovery equipment. Finally, a battlefield-grade communication system keeps the vehicle in touch with local forces.

Deployment
Although no known factory produces this vehicle in 3018, IBRV's are still seen occasionally because most combatants are loathe to destroy them. The Army of Horizon possesses four such vehicles and guards them jealously.
 

Code: [Select]

ype: Improved Battlemech Recovery Vehicle
Chassis Type: Tracked (Medium)
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Standard)
Mass: 50 tons
Battle Value: 249

Equipment                                         Mass (tons)
Chassis/Controls                                  15.975
Engine/Trans.                                      13.0
    Cruise MP:4
Flank MP:6
Heat Sinks                    0                     0.0
Fuel                                                0.0
Armor Factor (BAR 7)          100                   4.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   5         25   
     R/L Side               5/5      25/25   
     Rear                    5         25   


Weapons
and Ammo              Location    Tonnage   
None

Cargo
    Bay 1:  Cargo (3.5 tons)        1 Door   

Notes:
Features Environmental Sealing Chassis and Controls Modification
Trailer Hitch
Communications Equipment (1 ton)
Lift Hoist/Arresting Hoist (4; 3 tons each)
Crew of 3 plus 13 additional standard seats (included in chassis weight above)

[Daryk]

Not bad!  For just over 300K more per unit, you can do it as a Combat Vehicle at 35 tons and 6/9, though it only goes 3/5 when carting over 70 tons (but can make 5/8 with 70 or less).

[Cavgunner]

I thought about a combat vehicle version, but I don't think that the extra cost justifies what is essentially at best a sidegrade, or in some aspects a downgrade, in capability.

Also, I could be wrong but I believe that your speed when carrying more than 70 tons would still be 2/3, not 3/5 (at 70 tons in hoists, the 6/9 of the 35-ton combat vehicle gets reduced to 4/6, if you go over that, it gets reduced to 2/3).

The version I posted probably wouldn't ever need to transport more than 100 tons, but it could if it needed to.

[Daryk]

TW, page 137:

When carrying cargo greater than half its tonnage, reduce the unit’s Walking/Cruising MP by 1.

I'm assuming it's cut to half when exceeding the Lift Hoist capacity.

[Cavgunner]

The next paragraph indicates that if a unit is carrying more than its own tonnage in the lift hoists, mp is reduced by -2. That is why a Tonbo has its speed reduced from 6/9 to 4/6 when carrying a full load.

[Daryk]

I read that paragraph as only applying to 'mechs with TSM.

[Cavgunner]

I thought the same, initially, but I think instead of "mech" that paragraph should have said "unit."

It seems to be saying two things.

1) A mech using TSM can carry twice as much.
2) A unit carrying more than its own tonnage in the lift hoists has its MP reduced by -2.

After all, the Tonbo.

Not sure why this isn't an errata.

[Daryk]

It's probably worth asking in the rules forum.  I've been poking them a bit much lately... would you mind asking?

[Cavgunner]

done

[Daryk]

And well phrased, thanks! :)