This is the companion thread to the
Brutus Vehicle of the Week article.
Right now I've got two experimental variants fully fluffed for people to look over. My series of Jihad refits to the Brutus will be reposted a little later with full fluff.
The first one is a blazer model from the latter part of the Third Succession War. Unlike a lot of tanks or 'Mechs in that era, it's fairly simple to refit blazers onto a Brutus thanks to the double large lasers already present. The similarity in mounts probably makes it a reasonably easy switch, too.
BattleTech Vehicle Technical Readout
* CUSTOM WEAPON
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Blazer)
Tech: Inner Sphere / 3007
Config: Tracked Vehicle
Rules: Level 3, Modified design
Mass: 75 tons
Power Plant: 225 Rawlings Fusion
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor Type: Kressly Stoneskin 40X Standard
Armament:
1 Firmir DoubleLase Blazer Cannon*
1 Delta Dart LRM 20
2 SRM 6s
Manufacturer: Kressly Warworks
Location: Epsilon Eridani
Communications System: Angst Clear Channel 3
Targeting & Tracking System: Dwyerson Mark XII
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Overview:==
Stung by the Strategios decision to relegate their new Brutus Assault Tank
design to second-line status, Kressly WarWorks decided to gamble on
experimental technology to try and redeem the design. The resutls were
impressive on paper but somewhat less so in testing.
==Capabilities:==
The basic change made to the new Brutus prototypes was to use a binary laser
cannon based on older research. Replacing the two Firmir MaxiLaser large
lasers with a single custom-made Firmir DoubleLase blazer, seemingly a natural
fit given the similarities between installing two large lasers and a single
blazer cannon. The original Delta Dart LRMs were unaltered. The Hovertec SRM
2 was removed in favor of additional armor and an expanded ammunition load for
the larger racks. With three tons of ammunition available, operators could
use two tons of standard warheads and a ton of special munitions quite easily,
frequently Infernos.
That combination is where things went horribly wrong. The heat load of the
binary laser was immense but manageable thanks to the heat sinks required for
the original pair of MaxiLase lasers. At one point during testing, some sort
of problem with the new Firmir DoubleLase sparked off of the LRM launcher's
feed line, causing a fire to erupt in the main body of the tank. Carrying a
load of Infernos for that particular test, the unstable warheads exploded,
turning what should have been an annoying fire and a lot of cleaning into a
lethal accident. Later analysis revealed that the actual fault was due to a
technician incorrectly reattaching a power feed to the laser after maintenance
rather than being related to the heat load as originally suspected - an
accident that could have been caused just as easily by the combination of ammo
and a similar maintenance error. Unfortunately for what could have been a
second breath of life for the Brutus, the Strategios was unwilling to listen.
Kressly maintained the records but the entire test series was cancelled and
the other prototype converted to a PPC-armed model.
==Deployment==
Only two prototype of the blazer-armed Brutus were ever produced. One was
lost to an ammunition explosion during testing while the other was converted
to another model of Brutus and returned to normal service.
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Blazer)
Mass: 75 tons
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 40 pts Standard 0 7.50
Engine: 225 Fusion 0 10.00
Shielding & Transmission Equipment: 0 5.00
Cruise MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 16 Single 0 6.00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 4.00
Crew: 5 Members 0 .00
Turret Equipment: 0 2.00
Armor Factor: 152 pts Standard 0 9.50
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 8 37
Left / Right Sides: 8 30/30
Rear: 8 25
Turret: 8 30
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Blazer Cannon* Turret 16 1 9.00
1 LRM 20 Turret 0 18 2 13.00
2 SRM 6s Front 0 45 3 9.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 16 6 75.00
Items & Tons Left: 14 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 3,741,500 C-Bills
Battle Value 2: 1,198 (old BV = 850)
Cost per BV: 3,123.12
Weapon Value: 766 / 766 (Ratio = .64 / .64)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 30; MRDmg = 18; LRDmg = 6
BattleForce2: MP: 3T, Armor/Structure: 0 / 6
Damage PB/M/L: 3/4/1, Overheat: 0
Class: GH; Point Value: 12
Specials: if
This one's a FedCom Civil War special produced just before things really sparked off. Extended LRMs were used. I'm not sure how well this one works out.
BattleTech Vehicle Technical Readout
* CUSTOM WEAPON
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Extended LRM)
Tech: Inner Sphere / 3062
Config: Tracked Vehicle
Rules: Level 3, Modified design
Mass: 75 tons
Power Plant: 225 Rawlings Fusion
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor Type: Kressly Stoneskin 40X Standard
Armament:
2 Firmir MaxiLase Large Lasers
1 Extended LRM 15*
1 Streak SRM 6
Manufacturer: Kressly Warworks
Location: Epsilon Eridani
Communications System: Angst Clear Channel 3
Targeting & Tracking System: Dwyerson Mark XII
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Overview:==
Produced by AFFC technicians during the run up to the Federated Commonwealth
Civil War, this model of the Brutus was intended as a multirole support tank,
able to both make direct advances and offer very long range fire support.
Only one Brutus was modified to this standard before events caused the
cancellation of the program.
==Capabilities:==
In contrast to the previous attempt to provude a "force multiplier" Brutus
using experimental technology, this model focused on the missile package, not
the lasers, where were left intact. The LRMs were removed in favor of a
15-tube Coventry Extended Long Range Missile pack while the SRMs were replaced
by a single Harpoon-6s Streak SRM launcher built on Nanking. Fed by three
tons of ammunition, the extended LRMs had the same endurance as the original
Delta Dart launcher while the Harpoon rack matched the Hovertec 6 tubes for
ammunition. A spare ton was invested into improving the armor in light of the
increased lethality of modern battlefield.
==Deployment==
While lacking the incendiary end of Kressly's prototype program, the extended
LRM variant of the Brutus's need for specialized, fairly rare ammunition and
lack of substantial throw weight for its size failed to impress AFFC
observers. The tank itself floated around in the Quartermasters' inventory
for years, eventually winding up on New Avalon for examination by NAIS. Dug
out of the rubble of the facility and thrown into combat, the tank's final
fate is recorded as being destroyed by the Word of Blake.
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Extended LRM)
Mass: 75 tons
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 40 pts Standard 0 7.50
Engine: 225 Fusion 0 10.00
Shielding & Transmission Equipment: 0 5.00
Cruise MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 16 Single 0 6.00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 4.00
Crew: 5 Members 0 .00
Turret Equipment: 0 2.50
Armor Factor: 152 pts Standard 0 9.50
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 8 36
Left / Right Sides: 8 30/30
Rear: 8 26
Turret: 8 30
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
2 Large Lasers Turret 16 2 10.00
1 Extended LRM 15* Turret 0 18 2 15.00
1 Streak SRM 6 Front 0 15 2 5.50
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 16 6 75.00
Items & Tons Left: 14 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 3,829,875 C-Bills
Battle Value 2: 1,102 (old BV = 754)
Cost per BV: 3,475.39
Weapon Value: 751 / 689 (Ratio = .68 / .63)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 24; MRDmg = 18; LRDmg = 8
BattleForce2: MP: 3T, Armor/Structure: 0 / 6
Damage PB/M/L: 3/4/1, Overheat: 0
Class: GH; Point Value: 11
The following three designs are reposted from a
thread back in late 2009. While they've had fluff written for them, none of them had any design changes in this process. The dates should be understood as a rough suggestion. The first is a Liao-produced stealth armor variant.
BattleTech Vehicle Technical Readout
VALIDATED
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Stealth)
Tech: Inner Sphere / 3069
Config: Tracked Vehicle
Rules: Level 2, Modified design
Mass: 75 tons
Power Plant: 225 Rawlings Fusion
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor Type: Ceres Vee Stealth
Armament:
1 Guardian ECM
1 Inokuma Gauss Rifle
1 Delta Dart LRM 20
2 Hovertec SRM 4s
Manufacturer: Kressly Warworks
Location: Epsilon Eridani
Communications System: Angst Clear Channel 3
Targeting & Tracking System: Dwyerson Mark XII
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Overview:==
Produced as a refit kit for their extant Brutus Assault Tanks, the Capellan
Confederation Armed Forces' new Stealth Brutus is a fairly radical change in
hardware terms that affects relatively little in operational use.
==Capabilities:==
The major change for the Stealth Brutus was the use of the new Ceres Vee
Stealth armor, altering the design's profile slightly in the process.
Protection was not improved to To deal with the thermal load, the Firmir
lasers were replaced by a single Inokuma Gauss rifle similar to that used on
the Regulator. The Delta Dart LRM 20 was left in place with an extended
ammunition load to take advantage of newer LRM munitions. To free up tonnage
for these changes, the Hovertecs were replaced by a mere pair of 4-tube
launchers.
==Deployment==
Due to the disruptions of the Jihad and the desperate need for hardware, only
a few Stealth Brutus kits were produced.
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Stealth)
Mass: 75 tons
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 40 pts Standard 0 7.50
Engine: 225 Fusion 0 10.00
Shielding & Transmission Equipment: 0 5.00
Cruise MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 10 Single 0 .00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 4.00
Crew: 5 Members 0 .00
Turret Equipment: 0 2.50
Armor Factor: 136 pts Stealth 0 8.50
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 8 34
Left / Right Sides: 8 27/27
Rear: 8 21
Turret: 8 27
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Guardian ECM Body 0 1 1.50
1 Gauss Rifle Turret 0 16 2 17.00
1 LRM 20 Turret 0 24 2 14.00
2 SRM 4s Front 0 25 3 5.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 0 8 75.00
Items & Tons Left: 12 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 4,190,375 C-Bills
Battle Value 2: 1,291 (old BV = 964)
Cost per BV: 3,245.84
Weapon Value: 653 / 653 (Ratio = .51 / .51)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 28; MRDmg = 21; LRDmg = 12
BattleForce2: MP: 3T, Armor/Structure: 0 / 6
Damage PB/M/L: 3/4/3, Overheat: 0
Class: GH; Point Value: 13
Specials: ecm
This one is a bit of a take on a Steiner model, designated as such due to the heavy ferro-fibrous armor.
BattleTech Vehicle Technical Readout
* CUSTOM WEAPON
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Steiner)
Tech: Inner Sphere / 3071
Config: Tracked Vehicle
Rules: Level 3, Modified design
Mass: 75 tons
Power Plant: 225 Rawlings Fusion
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor Type: Durallex Special Hvy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Defiance 1003 Heavy PPC*
1 Delta Dart LRM 20
2 Defiance Streak SRM 6s
Manufacturer: Kressly Warworks
Location: Epsilon Eridani
Communications System: Angst Clear Channel 3
Targeting & Tracking System: Dwyerson Mark XII
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Overview:==
Cobbled together on a few remaining Brutus Assault Tanks inherited from the
Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth, the Steiner variant's refit kit
was developed to modernize the weapons load and (very slightly) increase
armor. Incorporating cutting-edge hardware from the technical proliferation
inspired by the current round of warfare, success is still being evaluated.
==Capabilities:==
The Firmir lasers were replaced by a brand new Defiance 1003 heavy particle
cannon built by Defiance of Furillo. Similar production provided two of the
new Defiance Trak-Shot III Streak SRM 6 launchers to upgrade the old Hovertec
launchers fed by two tons of ammunition. The Delta Dart LRM rack was left in
place. To provide tonnage for the SRM upgrade, the armor was replaced by a
coat of Durallex Special heavy ferro-fibrous armor.
==Deployment==
Produced on Furillo as Defiance Industries geared up component production, the
refit kits have been very limited in number.
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Steiner)
Mass: 75 tons
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 40 pts Standard 0 7.50
Engine: 225 Fusion 0 10.00
Shielding & Transmission Equipment: 0 5.00
Cruise MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 15 Single 0 5.00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 4.00
Crew: 5 Members 0 .00
Turret Equipment: 0 2.00
Armor Factor: 148 pts Hvy Ferro-Fibrous 3 7.50
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 8 34
Left / Right Sides: 8 29/29
Rear: 8 24
Turret: 8 32
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Heavy PPC* Turret 15 1 10.00
1 LRM 20 Turret 0 18 2 13.00
2 Streak SRM 6s Front 0 30 3 11.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 15 9 75.00
Items & Tons Left: 11 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 4,174,625 C-Bills
Battle Value 2: 1,269 (old BV = 928)
Cost per BV: 3,289.7
Weapon Value: 983 / 864 (Ratio = .77 / .68)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 37; MRDmg = 22; LRDmg = 9
BattleForce2: MP: 3T, Armor/Structure: 0 / 6
Damage PB/M/L: 4/5/3, Overheat: 0
Class: GH; Point Value: 13
This is a Word of Blake HPPC/MML/C3i variant.
BattleTech Vehicle Technical Readout
* CUSTOM WEAPONS
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Word)
Tech: Inner Sphere / 3069
Config: Tracked Vehicle
Rules: Level 2, Modified design
Mass: 75 tons
Power Plant: 225 Rawlings Fusion
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor Type: Krupp 200 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Donal Technologies Heavy PPC*
3 MML5 (LRM)s*
2 MML5 (SRM)s*
1 Improved C³ CPU
Manufacturer: Kressly Warworks
Location: Epsilon Eridani
Communications System: Angst Clear Channel 3
Targeting & Tracking System: Dwyerson Mark XII
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Overview:==
The only factory-built advanced variant of the Brutus at the moment, the Word
of Blake's upgraded model features two of the new weapons of the Jihad.
==Capabilities:==
The weapons were completely replaced with a single Donal heavy particle cannon
and three 5-tube missile launchers (verified as new multiple-missile launchers
by reports) in the turret and two more of the same type of launcher mounted
forward. Observations indicate that the launchers share a common 6 ton
ammunition bin. Armor protection was improved with what metallurgists report
to be Krupp armor derived from that used on certain Ostroc construction. Most
alarmingly, the design incorporates a C3i computer allowing it to act as
either spotter or fire support in a Level II.
==Deployment==
Fairly rare, the Word of Blake Brutus is typically employed as a fire support
platform in mixed or vehicle Level IIs.
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Brutus Assault Tank (Word)
Mass: 75 tons
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 40 pts Standard 0 7.50
Engine: 225 Fusion 0 10.00
Shielding & Transmission Equipment: 0 5.00
Cruise MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 15 Single 0 5.00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 4.00
Crew: 5 Members 0 .00
Turret Equipment: 0 2.00
Armor Factor: 143 pts Ferro-Fibrous 2 8.00
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 8 34
Left / Right Sides: 8 28/28
Rear: 8 22
Turret: 8 31
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Heavy PPC* Turret 15 1 10.00
3 MML5 (LRM)s* Turret 0 72 4 12.00
2 MML5 (SRM)s* Front 0 60 3 9.00
1 Improved C³ CPU Body 0 1 2.50
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 15 11 75.00
Items & Tons Left: 9 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 5,190,500 C-Bills
Battle Value 2: 1,066 (old BV = 734) (+190 for C³)
Cost per BV: 4,869.14
Weapon Value: 697 / 697 (Ratio = .65 / .65)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 27; MRDmg = 18; LRDmg = 8
BattleForce2: MP: 3T, Armor/Structure: 0 / 6
Damage PB/M/L: 3/4/2, Overheat: 0
Class: GH; Point Value: 11
Specials: c3i
