Niops Association Battlemechs (Guided by the Light of a Red Cameron Star AU)

[Hotpoint]

Hi All,

I'll be posting up machines here featured in my Guided by the Light of a (Red) Cameron Star Alternate Universe (it's the one where Operation Switchback goes better for the Wolverines and they end up in the Niops Association because it's all that's really left of the Terran Hegemony).

We'll start with the Flashman FLS-8Kn (I'm using a simple naming convention, original model code with an 'n' added to indicate it's a Niops Association upgrade):



Flashman FLS-8Kn

Mass: 75 tons
Chassis: FLS/HV-1
Power Plant: GM 375 XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Armor: Kemplar 5000
Armament:     
   5 Medium Laser     
   3 Improved Large Laser     
   1 Flamer     
   1 Anti-Missile System
Manufacturer: Renault Prime (Upgrades by Niops Military Industries)
Communication System: Duoteck 195
Targeting & Tracking System: Faust/Shinji AT/TS
Introduction Year: 2830
Tech Rating/Availability: Early Clan
Cost: 17,870,125 C-bills

Code: [Select]

Type: Flashman
Technology Base: Early Clan
Tonnage: 75
Battle Value: 1,843

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  7.5
Engine                        375 XL               19.5
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              17 [34]                 7
Gyro                                                  4
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  231                  14.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            23        35   
     Center Torso (rear)               11   
     R/L Torso               16        24   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  8     
     R/L Arm                 12        24   
     R/L Leg                 16        32   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm

Weapons
and Ammo                        Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Improved Large Laser               CT        1        8       4.0   
Medium Laser                     LT(R)       1        3       1.0   
Medium Laser                       RT        1        3       1.0   
Anti-Missile System Ammo (12)      RT        1        -       1.0   
Double Heat Sink                   RT        3        -       1.0   
Anti-Missile System                RT        1        1       0.5   
Medium Laser                       LA        1        3       1.0   
Improved Large Laser               LA        1        8       4.0   
Medium Laser                       LT        1        3       1.0   
Double Heat Sink                   LT        3        -       1.0   
Flamer                             HD        1        3       1.0   
Medium Laser                       RA        1        3       1.0   
Improved Large Laser               RA        1        8       4.0 

Effectively it's just an FLS-8K that swaps out the three Large Lasers for Improved Large Lasers and uses the weight saved to add a ton of armour and two extra double-heatsinks. Nothing fancy, just a quick and easy upgrade that makes it a little tougher and a little better at heat management.
 

[Hotpoint]

Following on from the FLS-8Kn here we have the upgraded Poor Man's Archer Dervish the DV-6Mn.


Dervish DV-6Mn

Mass: 55 tons
Chassis: Dorwinion Standard 55T
Power Plant: Core Tek 275
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Armor: Maximillian 105
Armament:     
2 Medium Laser     
2 Improved SRM 2     
2 Improved LRM 10
Communication System: Achernar Electronics HID-21
Targeting & Tracking System: Federated Hunter Mk. II
Introduction Year: 2830
Tech Rating/Availability: Early Clan
Cost: 5,017,867 C-bills

Code: [Select]

Type: Dervish
Technology Base: Early Clan
Tonnage: 55
Battle Value: 1,279

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  5.5
Engine                        275 Fusion           15.5
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Heat Sink                     14                      4
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  136                   8.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            18        19   
     Center Torso (rear)               6     
     R/L Torso               13        17   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  4     
     R/L Arm                 9         12   
     R/L Leg                 13        18   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm

Weapons
and Ammo                    Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
2 Jump Jet                     LL        2        -       1.0   
Heat Sink                      CT        1        -       1.0   
Jump Jet                       CT        1        -       0.5   
Heat Sink                      RT        1        -       1.0   
Improved LRM 10 Ammo (12)      RT        1        -       1.0   
Improved LRM 10                RT        1        4       2.5   
Improved SRM 2                 LA        1        2       1.0   
Medium Laser                   LA        1        3       1.0   
Improved SRM 2 Ammo (50)       LA        1        -       1.0   
Heat Sink                      LT        1        -       1.0   
Improved LRM 10 Ammo (12)      LT        1        -       1.0   
Improved LRM 10                LT        1        4       2.5   
2 Jump Jet                     RL        2        -       1.0   
Improved SRM 2                 RA        1        2       1.0   
Medium Laser                   RA        1        3       1.0   
Improved SRM 2 Ammo (50)       RA        1        -       1.0   

Swapping out the original LRM 10 launchers for Improved LRM 10's frees up some weight that is devoted to two additional heatsinks and another ton of armour (it goes from 7.5 to 8.5 tons). Thanks to a bit better heat management the DV-6Mn can utilise its mobility edge more effectively (the occasional extra use of the jumpjets for example) and the longer-range of the Improved SRM's play into that.

[Giovanni Blasini]

Here's a take on/proposal for a Niopian Black Knight upgrade of the BL-6-KNT.  Simple swap of the large lasers for improved large lasers, and the PPC for an Enhanced PPC.  The reduction in mass of the lasers freed up tonnage for two more single heat sinks, which went into the spots opened up by the more compact lasers.


Black Knight BL-6n-KNT

Mass: 75 tons
Chassis: Technicron 1L Endo Steel
Power Plant: Vlar 300
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
     Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor
Armament:
     1 Small Laser
     4 Medium Laser
     1 Enhanced PPC
     2 Improved Large Laser
Manufacturer: Kong Interstellar Corporation (Original), Niops Project Workshops
     Primary Factory: Connaught (Original), Niops V
Communication System: TransComm Alpha
Targeting & Tracking System: TransComm Beta
Introduction Year: 2828
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-X
Cost: 7,318,938 C-bills

Code: [Select]

Type: Black Knight BL-6n-KNT
Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)
Tonnage: 75
Battle Value: 1,722

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              4
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sink                     22                     12
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  208                    13

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            23        29   
     Center Torso (rear)               10   
     R/L Torso               16        24   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  8     
     R/L Arm                 12        24   
     R/L Leg                 16        24   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo               Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
2 Heat Sink               LL        2        -       2.0   
Active Probe              CT        2        -       1.5   
3 Heat Sink               RT        3        -       3.0   
Medium Laser              RT        1        3       1.0   
Improved Large Laser      RT        1        8       4.0   
Medium Laser              LA        1        3       1.0   
3 Heat Sink               LT        3        -       3.0   
Medium Laser              LT        1        3       1.0   
Improved Large Laser      LT        1        8       4.0   
2 Heat Sink               RL        2        -       2.0   
Small Laser               HD        1        1       0.5   
Medium Laser              RA        1        3       1.0   
Enhanced PPC              RA        3        15      7.0   

Features the following design quirks: Command Mek


[Hotpoint]

Here's a take on/proposal for a Niopian Black Knight upgrade of the BL-6-KNT.  Simple swap of the large lasers for improved large lasers, and the PPC for an Enhanced PPC.  The reduction in mass of the lasers freed up tonnage for two more single heat sinks, which went into the spots opened up by the more compact lasers.

Yep. Most of these are pretty much quick and easy upgrades. Decent extra bang for your bucks.



The Pillager PLG-3Zn will require a little more work though:


Pillager PLG-3Zn

Mass: 100 tons
Chassis: HildCo Heavy Type VIIQT
Power Plant: VLAR 300 XL
Cruising Speed: 32.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Armor: StarSlab/9.5 Mk II
Armament:      
   4 Medium Laser      
   2 Improved Gauss Rifle      
   2 Improved Large Laser
Manufacturer: HildCo Interplanetary (upgrades by Niops Military Industries)
Communication System: CeresCom Recon Model 12K
Targeting & Tracking System: C-Apple Churchill
Introduction Year: 2835
Tech Rating/Availability: Early Clan
Cost: 22,690,000 C-bills

Code: [Select]

Type: Pillager
Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)
Tonnage: 100
Battle Value: 2,852

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                   10
Engine                        300 XL                9.5
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 3
Double Heat Sink              14 [28]                 4
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  307                  19.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            31        52   
     Center Torso (rear)               10   
     R/L Torso               21        32   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  10   
     R/L Arm                 17        34   
     R/L Leg                 21        42   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo                         Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Improved Gauss Rifle Ammo (8)       LL        1        -       1.0   
Jump Jet                            LL        1        -       2.0   
Medium Laser                        CT        1        3       1.0   
Jump Jet                            CT        1        -       2.0   
Improved Gauss Rifle Ammo (16)      RT        2        -       2.0   
Improved Gauss Rifle                RT        6        1       13.0 
CASE                                RT        1        -       0.5   
Medium Laser                        LA        1        3       1.0   
Double Heat Sink                    LA        3        -       1.0   
Improved Large Laser                LA        1        8       4.0   
Improved Gauss Rifle Ammo (16)      LT        2        -       2.0   
Improved Gauss Rifle                LT        6        1       13.0 
CASE                                LT        1        -       0.5   
Improved Gauss Rifle Ammo (8)       RL        1        -       1.0   
Jump Jet                            RL        1        -       2.0   
Medium Laser                        HD        1        3       1.0   
Medium Laser                        RA        1        3       1.0   
Double Heat Sink                    RA        3        -       1.0   
Improved Large Laser                RA        1        8       4.0   

Swapping out the two Gauss Rifles for Improved Gauss Rifles frees up four tons and two crits (which allows for CASE to be added, a good thing with an XL engine).

The original PLG-3Z had a Large Laser in one arm and two Medium Lasers in the other. The PLG-3Zn gets an Improved Large Laser and a Medium Laser in both arms (it now runs hotter but unless you're constantly firing everything at once it's hardly under-sinked).

The PLG-3Zn can really dish it out (and take it).   

[Giovanni Blasini]

I had some ideas for a Highlander refit that mixes elements of the HGN-740 with the Highlander IIC, but constrained by the single heat sinks of the original.  I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it.

MegaMek Lab wouldn't let me use IS ferro armor on an Inner Sphere Mixed Chassis, which forced me to switch back to standard armor.  The Wolverines wouldn't have Clan ferro armor, since it debuted 2 years after the Annihilation.  There's enough criticals for IS ferro, but just barely enough.

Weapons loadout is the same, more or less, as the Highlander IIC, except I swapped the gauss rifle for an Enhanced PPC, since it's still a head capper and has a 23-hex range.  I suppose if you wanted to put Clan ferro on, claim it's IS ferro, and just leave 7 criticals free, you could swap the 3 MLs for an Improved large laser and another heat sink, but that just gives you heat problems firing the two energy weapons alone.

Highlander HGN-732n

Mass: 90 tons
Chassis: Star League XT
Power Plant: GM 270
Cruising Speed: 32.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Jump Jets: HildCo Model 10
     Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: Grumman-3 with CASE
Armament:
     3 Medium Laser
     2 Improved SRM 6
     1 Enhanced PPC
     1 Improved LRM 20
Manufacturer: StarCorps Industries, Niops Project Workshops
     Primary Factory: Son Hoa, Niops V
Communication System: Hector VII
Targeting & Tracking System: Starlight LX-1
Introduction Year: 2828
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-X
Cost: 8,765,080 C-bills

Code: [Select]

Type: Highlander HGN-732n
Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)
Tonnage: 90
Battle Value: 2,177

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    9
Engine                        270 Fusion           14.5
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 3
Heat Sink                     22                     12
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  272                    17

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            29        40   
     Center Torso (rear)               15   
     R/L Torso               19        28   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  10   
     R/L Arm                 15        30   
     R/L Leg                 19        36   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo                    Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
2 Heat Sink                    LL        2        -       2.0   
Jump Jet                       CT        1        -       2.0   
4 Heat Sink                    RT        4        -       4.0   
3 Medium Laser                 RT        3        3       3.0   
Jump Jet                       RT        1        -       2.0   
2 Improved SRM 6               LA        4        4       6.0   
Improved LRM 20 Ammo (12)      LT        2        -       2.0   
Jump Jet                       LT        1        -       2.0   
Improved SRM 6 Ammo (30)       LT        2        -       2.0   
CASE                           LT        1        -       0.5   
Improved LRM 20                LT        4        6       5.0   
2 Heat Sink                    RL        2        -       2.0   
4 Heat Sink                    RA        4        -       4.0   
Enhanced PPC                   RA        3        15      7.0   

Features the following design quirks: Command Mek, Cowl, Reinforced Legs, Difficult Ejection


[Hazard Pay]

A pair of Hunchbacks

A straight upgrade with an iAC/20, DHS, SPL, CASE, and some JJs for mobility in urban areas

Code: [Select]

Hunchback HBK-4Gn

Mass: 50 tons
Chassis: Crucis Type V
Power Plant: Nissan 200
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
     Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Starshield
Armament:
     1 Small Pulse Laser
     2 Medium Laser
     1 Improved Autocannon/20
Manufacturer:
     Primary Factory: Niops
Communication System: Omicron 4002 Networking Channel
Targeting & Tracking System: TRSS Eagle Eye
Introduction Year: 28XX
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-X-X
Cost: 3,886,000 C-bills

Type: Hunchback
Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)
Tonnage: 50
Battle Value: 1,205

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    5
Engine                        200 Fusion            8.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  2
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  160                    10

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            16        26   
     Center Torso (rear)               5     
     R/L Torso               12        20   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  4     
     R/L Arm                 8         16   
     R/L Leg                 12        20   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo                           Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Jump Jet                              LL        1        -       0.5   
2 Jump Jet                            CT        2        -       1.0   
Improved Autocannon/20                RT        9        7       13.0 
Double Heat Sink                      RT        3        -       1.0   
Medium Laser                          LA        1        3       1.0   
Improved Autocannon/20 Ammo (15)      LT        3        -       3.0   
CASE                                  LT        1        -       0.5   
Double Heat Sink                      LT        3        -       1.0   
Jump Jet                              RL        1        -       0.5   
Small Pulse Laser                     HD        1        2       1.0   
Medium Laser                          RA        1        3       1.0   


And a Gauss toting Hunch for open-field combat, iGR, (IS)ERML, SPL, DHS, CASE, JJs as before.

Code: [Select]

Hunchback HBK-7Gn

Mass: 50 tons
Chassis: Crucis Type V
Power Plant: Nissan 200
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
     Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Starshield
Armament:
     2 ER Medium Laser
     1 Small Pulse Laser
     1 Improved Gauss Rifle
Manufacturer:
     Primary Factory: Niops
Communication System: Omicron 4002 Networking Channel
Targeting & Tracking System: TRSS Eagle Eye
Introduction Year: 28XX
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-X-F
Cost: 4,051,000 C-bills

Type: Hunchback
Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)
Tonnage: 50
Battle Value: 1,517

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    5
Engine                        200 Fusion            8.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  2
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  160                    10

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            16        26   
     Center Torso (rear)               5     
     R/L Torso               12        20   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  4     
     R/L Arm                 8         16   
     R/L Leg                 12        20   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo                         Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Jump Jet                            LL        1        -       0.5   
2 Jump Jet                          CT        2        -       1.0   
Improved Gauss Rifle                RT        6        1       13.0 
CASE                                RT        1        -       0.5   
Double Heat Sink                    RT        3        -       1.0   
ER Medium Laser                     LA        1        5       1.0   
Improved Gauss Rifle Ammo (24)      LT        3        -       3.0   
Double Heat Sink                    LT        3        -       1.0   
Jump Jet                            RL        1        -       0.5   
Small Pulse Laser                   HD        1        2       1.0   
ER Medium Laser                     RA        1        5       1.0   

*I seem to have mistakenly put 3 tons of ammo for the Gaussback, I'll fix that later.

[ANS Kamas P81]

*I seem to have mistakenly put 3 tons of ammo for the Gaussback, I'll fix that later.

I'd keep the three tons of ammunition, it gives you more opportunities to fire off rounds when you're not carefully husbanding your shots for only good numbers.  Sometimes relying on a lucky shot can help.

[Hazard Pay]

Hmm... I'll abstain from changing the Gaussback for now.

Hotpoint said there'd be Blackjacks and Hussars, but I'm not seeign any so here are some. Also the Hussar uses a "non-canonical" piece of equipment, the "Improved ER Large Laser" but it isn't out of the question such a weapon existed given the existence of the cERLL.

Code: [Select]

Blackjack BJ-1n

Mass: 45 tons
Chassis: Standard Biped
Power Plant: 180 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
     Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Standard
Armament:
     1 Small Pulse Laser
     2 Improved Autocannon/2
     1 Improved Large Laser
Manufacturer: Unknown
     Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown
Introduction Year: 28XX
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-X-X
Cost: 3,248,725 C-bills

Type: Blackjack
Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)
Tonnage: 45
Battle Value: 956

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  4.5
Engine                        180 Fusion              7
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  2
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  144                     9

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            14        21   
     Center Torso (rear)               6     
     R/L Torso               11        15   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  5     
     R/L Arm                 7         14   
     R/L Leg                 11        20   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm

Weapons
and Ammo                          Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Jump Jet                             LL        1        -       0.5   
Small Pulse Laser                    CT        1        2       1.0   
Improved Large Laser                 CT        1        8       4.0   
Jump Jet                             RT        1        -       0.5   
CASE                                 RT        1        -       0.5   
Double Heat Sink                     RT        3        -       1.0   
Improved Autocannon/2 Ammo (90)      RT        2        -       2.0   
Improved Autocannon/2                LA        1        1       5.0   
Jump Jet                             LT        1        -       0.5   
2 Double Heat Sink                   LT        6        -       2.0   
Jump Jet                             RL        1        -       0.5   
Improved Autocannon/2                RA        1        1       5.0   

Code: [Select]

Hussar HSR-200-Dn

Mass: 30 tons
Chassis: Standard Biped
Power Plant: 270 XL
Cruising Speed: 97.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 151.2 kph
Jump Jets: None
     Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     1 Small Pulse Laser
     1 iER Large Laser
Manufacturer: Unknown
     Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown
Introduction Year: 28XX
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-X-D
Cost: 5,541,640 C-bills

Type: Hussar
Technology Base: Mixed (Standard)
Tonnage: 30
Battle Value: 960

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    3
Engine                        270 XL                7.5
Walking MP: 9
Running MP: 14
Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          98                    5.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            10        14   
     Center Torso (rear)               5     
     R/L Torso               7         10   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  4     
     R/L Arm                 5         7     
     R/L Leg                 7         14   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
iER Large Laser           CT        1        12      4.0   
Small Pulse Laser        CT        1        2       1.0   
ECM Suite                RT        2        -       1.5   
Active Probe             LT        2        -       1.5   


Quirks: Directional Torso Mount (CT: iERLL, SPL)

[DOC_Agren]

*I seem to have mistakenly put 3 tons of ammo for the Gaussback, I'll fix that later.

it a happy accident that allows you to take more shots at range.. 

[Daryk]

Why no DHS on the Highlander? ???

[Giovanni Blasini]

Why no DHS on the Highlander? ???

Same reason there aren’t on the Black Knight: it’s a refit of an existing NAM ‘Mech, done essentially on an ad hoc basis.

Canon gets funky sometimes about refits to double heat sinks.  The FLN-366 St. Florian FireMech is a prime example of this, and one that has immediate bearing on the Highlander.  TRO:Irregulars states that Star Corps of Son Hoa started building the St. Florian because they had a surplus of SHS-equipped 270 GM standard engines, after they switched their production lines to build the HGN-734 in 3062.  That certainly implies it was less hassle to come up with an IndustrialMech design to fit those engines in than it was to refit those engines to use double heat sinks.

[Daryk]

Makes sense... thanks!

[Hotpoint]

Same reason there aren’t on the Black Knight: it’s a refit of an existing NAM ‘Mech, done essentially on an ad hoc basis.

From a storytelling perspective I can't see it being remotely easy (or in any way quick and cost-effective) to upgrade to DHS which is why they're not upgrading the standard model mechs of the 295th to Royals.

When they get around to the first generation of new-builds in around a decade they'll all be Royal equivalents (Star League endo-steel and DHS) with Improved (Early Clan) weaponry and a smattering of better gear (eg. prototype Clan ER Large Lasers were around before the Wolverine Secession and the Clans had a production version by 2825 so Niops catching up by 2840 seems more than reasonable).

They'll have the ability to produce full Clan spec before they have the industrial base to do so in meaningful numbers (expect the 'Improved Royals' to be the norm a while because the Wolverines arrived with the production lines required for that). Of course by the end of the Second Succession War something better than a Royal is already an absolute nightmare of a machine by Inner Sphere standards. 

[Daryk]

Campaign Operations page 211 states "Engine-mounted heat sink changes of any kind" are Class B refits.  That means you don't even need a 'mech cubicle to do it.  Whether you can GET Double Heat Sinks is another matter.

[DOC_Agren]

Of course by the end of the Second Succession War something better than a Royal is already an absolute nightmare of a machine by Inner Sphere standards. 

You know a almost feel sorry for any raiders cool. almost 

[Hotpoint]

Here's the Hussar HSR-250-Dn as mentioned in Part XX. It gives the Hussar an anti-infantry role it was originally intended to have (before it was redesigned as a scout) by utilising lighter Clan-Tech weaponry (all in prototype stage years before the Wolverine's left) without sacrificing the recon capabilities of the HSR-200-Db Royal Hussar it was based upon.
 


Hussar HSR-250-Dn

Mass: 30 tons
Chassis: Endo Steel Biped
Power Plant: 270 XL
Cruising Speed: 97.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 151.2 kph
Jump Jets: None
     Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Standard
Armament:
     2 Machine Gun
     1 Flamer
     1 ER Large Laser
Manufacturer: Niops Association
     Primary Factory: Niops V MechWorks
Communication System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown
Introduction Year: 2835
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-E-D
Cost: 5,526,690 C-bills

Code: [Select]

Type: Hussar
Technology Base: Niops Association
Tonnage: 30
Battle Value: 1,105

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel            1.5
Engine                        270 XL                7.5
Walking MP: 9
Running MP: 14
Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  96                      6

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            10        15   
     Center Torso (rear)               4     
     R/L Torso               7         10   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  3     
     R/L Arm                 5         9     
     R/L Leg                 7         12   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo                      Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
ER Large Laser                   CT        1        12      4.0   
ECM Suite                        RT        2        -       1.5   
Half Machine Gun Ammo (100)      LA        1        -       0.5   
Machine Gun                      LA        1        0       0.25 
Active Probe                     LT        2        -       1.5   
Flamer                           HD        1        3       0.5   
Half Machine Gun Ammo (100)      RA        1        -       0.5   
Machine Gun                      RA        1        0       0.25 


[Daryk]

No room for Ferro?  Or is that a later upgrade? ???

And I don't see the Blackjack yet... If it's a Davion-like upgrade, two ER Larges would be SCARY! ;D