Noticed an "Oops" in the Biplaner with its armor: it allocates 55 points on 2 tons of Commercial, which is too high. Here's a revamped version with an extra configuration, that cuts the armor to 48 points.
Biplaner Aerofighter AutoMech Fireboss Config
Mass: 15 tons
Chassis: Bimodal LAM AutoMech
Power Plant: 15 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 10.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 21.6 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
Jump Capacity: 30 meters
Armor: Commercial
Armament:
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown
Introduction Year: 3060
Tech Rating/Availability: D/X-X-E-E
Cost: 765,785 C-bills
Overview
Since the time of the original Land-Air ’Mech, it has been natural to assume that all convertible ’Mech-Fighter hybrids would fly using thruster jets exclusively. That the Syberians have since introduced us rotor-flight systems with their VTOLMechs shook this up, of course, but even then, we just weren’t prepared for Biplaner. In fact, we thought that these AutoMechs were VTOL-converters at first—until they changed forms and we realized that what we took to be collapsible rotors were actually nose-mounted propellers on fixed-wing flyers. That’s right; these AutoMechs transform into propeller-driven fighters.
We’re not quite sure why these machines were developed. Their turbo-prop “jump jets” can’t cope with high speeds or high altitudes, and can’t even function in space. Some of those we’ve seen are surprisingly nimble in flight, and are modestly capable of performing some basic ground attack missions. But we’ve also met one that looked so rickety, we weren’t sure how much longer it could even stay in the air! While we haven’t been able to discover why these AutoMechs were created, we have learned that most of them are old. Considering many borrow aesthetics straight out of Terra’s first global wars, we wouldn’t be surprised if they started out as nostalgia-born recreational creations. But what is surprising is that most other AutoMechs consider these units old and outdated as well, even as they revere them as “old Aces”. (Personally, I think someone was just having fun with their programming.)
Capabilities
Most Biplaners resemble one named Sacker, a DemoCon AutoMech whose vehicle form, I’m told, resembles a WWI “Albatross” biplane fighter. Sacker was the one we thought was going to crash as it puttered about in the sky over us, driven by a single turbo-prop. (Again, why anyone would think this a good idea for a combat unit, is beyond me, but there are some perks. Other jet- and rocket-based FighterMechs require reaction mass and a minimum 1.5-gee acceleration rate for stable flight. But apparently, prop-flyers can get airborne with as little as 1 gee’s thrust, provided endlessly to their props by the ’Mech’s own reactor. This enables them to carry more armor and equipment, theoretically, but at the expense of flight speed, a limited altitude, and the need for sufficient air to keep them aloft. I doubt that would work with a LAM back home!)
Given its ultra-light weight—the Biplaner weighs all of fifteen tons—and the use of what seems to be simple sheet-aluminum “armor,” what wasn’t shocking about Sacker was just how weak this unit is compared to others. Besides a pitiful speed, both in the air and on the ground (it makes an UrbanMech look fast!), its weaponry is consisted of just two machine guns and two small lasers. (I think there are battlesuits better armed and armored than this one!) But while others in its own faction regarded Sacker and its fellow Biplaners as outdated, the AutoMech refused to admit it. Even mentioning its age sent Sacker on a rant about what it used to do in the “good ole days.” It even punched one of its fellow DemoCons for being less than respectful during our interview—barely scratching its comrade’s paint job in the process—before converting and flying off in a huff.
Deployment
We initially identified two variants of this FighterMech class, but have recently confirmed two others. In addition to Sacker’s “air superiority” configuration (snicker), we’ve seen a dedicated bomber version, and a multi-role “switch” variant that mixes machine guns and grenade launchers. An AutoBoP-affiliated Biplaner was then seen which sports a light PPC, for far greater engagement reach. Lastly, one configuration shared by both DemoCom- and AutoBoP-affiliated Biplaners is the Fireboss. These Biplaners differ from their Bomber cousins by the addition of floats, and conversion of bomb bays to liquid cargo storage, paired with sprayers originally meant to deliver pesticides, but adapted to fight fires. Fluid suction devices on the floats allows these Biplaners to refill from any of Syberia's dwindling waterways. These AutoMechs tend to be given a wide deference by either side, as it seems accepted that their firefighting mission is a neutral function that benefits all Syberian factions, making them rarely rargeted, and the only variant of the Biplaner still under construction.
Type: Biplaner Aerofighter AutoMech
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental)
Tonnage: 15
Battle Value: 129
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 1.5
Conversion Eqpt: Aero (Bimodal LAM) 2.5
Engine 15 Fusion 0.5
Walking MP: 1
Running MP: 2
Jumping MP: 1
Safe Thrust: 1
Max Thrust: 2
Heat Sink 10 0
Gyro 1
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor (Commercial) 48 2
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 7
Center Torso 5 6
Center Torso (rear) 3
R/L Torso 4 5
R/L Torso (rear) 2
R/L Arm 2 4
R/L Leg 3 5
Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Fixed Components Location Critical Mass
Avionics RT/LT/HD 3 --
Landing Gear RT/CT/LT 3 --
Jump Jet (Turbo-Prop) CT 1 0.5
10 Heat Sinks 5 RT/5 LT 8 --
Weapons
and Ammo Location Critical Heat Tonnage
Fluid Suction System RT 1 - 0.5
Liquid Storage (1 ton) RT 1 - 1.0
Sprayer LA 1 - 0.5
Fluid Suction System LT 1 - 0.5
Liquid Storage (1 ton) LT 1 - 1.0
Sprayer RA 1 - 0.5
Bomber Configuration
Bomb Bay (2 ton) RT 2 2
Bomb Bay (2 ton) LT 2 2
Dogfighter Configuration
Machine Gun RA 1 0.5
Ammo (MG) 100 RA 1 0.5
Small Laser RA 1 0.5
Recon Camera RT 1 0.5
Recon Camera LT 1 0.5
Machine Gun LA 1 0.5
Ammo (MG) 100 LA 1 0.5
Small Laser RA 1 0.5
Switcher Configuration
Machine Gun RA 1 0.5
Small Laser RA 1 0.5
Recon Camera RT 1 0.5
Vehicular Grenade Launcher RT 1 0.5
Vehicular Grenade Launcher LT 1 0.5
Ammo (MG) 100 LT 1 0.5
Machine Gun LA 1 0.5
Small Laser LA 1 0.5
Zapper Configuration
Light PPC RA 2 3
2 Small Lasers LA 2 1
Notes: Features the following Design Quirks: Illegal (Syberian Robotics AI, Turbo-Prop “Jump Jet”), Atmospheric Flyer, Water-Lander, Bad Reputation, Difficult to Maintain, Distracting (Archaic Appearance), Non-Standard Parts, Prop-Flyer, Obsolete (From the Start!)
Credit: FedComGirl for original design and fluff
Notable Biplaners:
Biplaner Type Config. Function Skill Grade Skill Set ’Mech/Vehicle Form
Electrode Zapper NinjaMech AbvAv (1/2) Infantry-AntiMech Incubus II/Pacair Hammerfist*
Sacker Dogfighter** ReconMech Vet (1/1) Scout Incubus II/A2 Thunderbird*
Diver Bomber ArtilleryMech Reg (2/3) Infantry Incubus II/A2 Thunderbird*
Blue Top Switcher ReconMech Reg (2/3) Scout Incubus II/A2 Thunderbird*
Cropslinger Fireboss ExplorerMech Vet (4/2) Planetary Surveyor Stinger LAM/Vought Skewer*
*This is a Crimson Skies miniature (TM Microsoft)
**The small lasers on this unit have regressed to primitive prototype quality (+50% heat each, round up)
And, no, I could not possibly indicate why I would be looking at Biplaners so closely right now.
