'Mech development time

[Maingunnery]

I was thinking about how long it would take to develop a 'Mech (BattleMech or OmniMech), from R&D start to start of production, now I was wondering if there can be a rule-of-thumb for estimating a reasonable timeframe.

For example OmniMechs should take more time to develop, however even the first generation of IS Omnimechs were created within record time through copying as much as possible as well as using existing 'Mechs as references. This case is also influenced by the fact that the DC had experience with 'Mech design, a lot of manpower, as well as motivation.

What are your ideas?
Any remarkable/notable references? 

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

Well, the Gunslinger was developed during a joint brainstorming session between FedCom and Draconis Combine engineers who were trying to come up with ways to fight the Clans at some time after the Battle of Luthien (so probably in 3052) and was in production by 3053.  In general, the number of mechs in TRO 3055 that were built designed specifically to counter the Clans speaks to mechs being fairly fast to develop provided that there's sufficient money being thrown at the process.

[AlphaMirage]

There are fan rules for this in the Industrial Tycoon's Guide. Available here

Logically though I'd say that for most designs that are slight variants (or refit kits) you can probably come up with a prototype or solution within a year or so. More involved projects that say need a bespoke XL engine probably need 3 years to reach prototype state and another year for low rate production.

[Lanceman]

I was thinking about how long it would take to develop a 'Mech (BattleMech or OmniMech), from R&D start to start of production, now I was wondering if there can be a rule-of-thumb for estimating a reasonable timeframe.

For example OmniMechs should take more time to develop, however even the first generation of IS Omnimechs were created within record time through copying as much as possible as well as using existing 'Mechs as references. This case is also influenced by the fact that the DC had experience with 'Mech design, a lot of manpower, as well as motivation.

What are your ideas?
Any remarkable/notable references?

Just look at the difference between TRO 3050 and 3055. In just five short years (or less in many cases as they were developed prior to the TRO's issuance) you go from a handful of new designs with mostly refits of older units to 38 brand new Inner Sphere designs produced in appreciable numbers. We do have examples of some designs that get stymied in development because of technical issues or political problems, but it very much seems like when sufficiently supplied and motivated the military industrial complex of the Inner Sphere can crank out new designs pretty quick on the whole.

[I am Belch II]

Like in WW1 and WW2 when there is a need for it, it can be designed, tested and built much faster than not in a wartime.

[EPG]

Like in WW1 and WW2 when there is a need for it, it can be designed, tested and built much faster than not in a wartime.

The number of corners that will be cut which in peacetime are done to ensure a good design, crew safety,  easy construction, ease of maintenance, etc. all go out the window when the choice is send it now and see how it works, or send soldiers into combat without it.  Everyone (the soldiers included) is willing to take their chances and figure it out as they go along

[AlphaMirage]

Also to the point I don't think Omnimechs would take longer to develop, the omnipods themselves are the limiter but if you already have those in inventory then omni-capability is much easier to enable. Most of it seems to be the more advanced gyro but considering a similar tonnage gyro already exists with many similar mobility profile/tonnage designs making such an alternation (Hellbringer/Cauldron Born, Vapor Eagle/Storm Crow, Huntsman/Nova) mostly a cosmetic change so there is nothing that necessarily precludes hasty development of an omnimech.

Therefore I actually think that if you already understand omnitech you can alter an already existent chassis to fit your need, but for a Battlemech you need to take it back to the design phase.

[glitterboy2098]

i wonder how many of the TRO3055 and TRO3058 designs described as developed to fight the clans, were actually based on chassis designs that had been in the works prior to the invasion, but hadn't been finalized yet. or were just modifications of existing chassis types in production, changed enough outwardly to not be easily recognized.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

The Bushwhacker and Tempest are the only two such designs I can think of off the top of my head.

[Col Toda]

Mechs tend to use a previous chassis of a previous design . Panther Chassis for the Wight , Charger chassis for the Hatamoto chi , Maurader chassis for the Dragonfire and the Mealstrom . If pressed for time a new configuration with an existing chassis would take a couple of days to weeks . Omni is hit or miss the O-Bakemono got slide in magazines but fell short of full Omni Status before demand to field it happened so development stopped.  The design phase is short say months or as much as 2 years yhe prototype phase maybe as much as 3 years before full production as for the Naganata : that mech was on  Solaris VII before full production.  Most designs that fail in Battletech tend to be component bottlenecks than poor design elements. 

The answer is however much time and resources alotted to do it . . Precieved need or niche is required before either is applied.  The  creation or retooling of  a factory/ assembly line is hardest part.   Minimum 6 weeks using an existing chassis or 6 month creating a new unique one . Using an old chassis  means common parts are available so that is better logistically. 

[The Eagle]

The Albatross was specifically said to be designed using observations & recommendations from units & personnel who fought the Clans.  The TRO3055 says development lasted only ten months between the start of the program and its in-service field date.