The Let's Play Archive

Battletech

by PoptartsNinja

Part 199: Capellan Confederation Entries 2

Capellan Entries 2

11) LeschNyhan

quote:

The Qi Bin forms the linchpin of a new Narc missile doctrine for the Capellan Confederation. Although iLK missiles have recently become available, the need to replace the entire LRM launcher rather than just the ammunition makes widespread use of the new technology an expensive proposition. The Narc missile beacon, on the other hand, can be a significant force multiplier for existing fire support lances.

To that end, the Qi Bin provides a tough and mobile delivery platform for the beacon. With a top speed of over 80 kph, it can catch most heavies and assaults, and can out-pace or match most trooper-weight mechs in its weight class.

Twin MRM-10 launchers provide a significant close-range punch to deter lighter mechs from coming too close. They can also provide a heavy barrage to supplement the support lances' fire to exploit holes left in armor or seek out vulnerabilities.

The Qi Bin carries enough ammunition to mark a full company of 'mechs if it is successful with every shot. The Narc launcher and its reserve ammunition are located in the center torso and head respectively, allowing it to fulfil its primary mission even severely damaged.

Other variants of the Qi Bin are planned for release to recently adopted mercenary units as well as to Warrior Houses. Mercenary units are slated to receive versions without improved heat sinks, and the warrior houses might elect to have iLK MRM launchers instead of regular MRMs.

Qi Bin Q1B-1N

Mass: 50 tons
Chassis Config: Biped
Cost: 3,975,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,081

Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Improved Heat Sink 13[19]
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 168

Armament
MRM-10 - RT
Medium Laser - RT
MRM-10 – LT
Medium Laser – LT
Narc Launcher - CT
@Narc (Homing) – 1 ton RT
@MRM-10 (24) – 1 ton LT
@Narc (Homing) – 1 ton HD

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: I’m really not a fan of head-mounted ammo.



12) GenericServices

quote:

Striker STC-2E (Capellan Confederation)

Quick Summary for PTN: Take STC-2C, change to improved heat sinks, remove AC/5, add MRM20 plus one heat sink. BV calculated by briefly changing to twelve double heat sinks in SSW to allow proper heat calculation; baseline SSW file employs sixteen singles (I can provide those files for both 'Mechs, if you desire them). Variant is a reasonably durable assault 'Mech with improved heat management and greater, though less accurate, firepower.

Mass: 80 tons
Cost: 7,716,720 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,592

Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Improved Heat Sink [16]24
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 216 13.50

Armament
Medium Laser - HD
2 Medium Lasers - CT
PPC - RT
Large Laser - LT
MRM-20 - LA
@MRM-20 (12) LT – 1 ton

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: Interesting, it’s a bit like the bastard child of a Cataphract and an Awesome.



13) T.G. Xarbala

quote:

Raven RVN-1HK
"Bloodbeak"
They Weren't Supposed To Pick This One

During the second phase of the Great CCAF Modernization Plan, a number of proposals were tossed about to take advantage of the Confederation's new and improved missile technology. One particular advance was more of a sidestep, as these "all-purpose missiles" were, like SRMs, lacking in guidance systems. The combination of extended fuel boosters and lack of targeting aids made Medium-Range Missiles unreliable and almost a novelty. Improvements in Listen-Kill technology, designed to defeat anti-LK countermeasures, helped turn MRMs into a competitive weapon system. At the slight expense of range, that is. Similar sacrifices were made in iLK LRMs, however, reducing their effective range to that of a PPC while dramatically reducing the notorious minimum-range arming issue standard LRMs have been known to face.

One of the many filler proposals put forward, the RVN-1HK Raven exists solely to make the other, more serious proposals look good in comparison. Instead of taking advantage of the brand-new LRM tech, this light 'Mech replaces its comically-sized Electronic Warfare equipment with an even more ludicrously-sized MRM-40 Launcher fit with iMRM ammunition. As the Raven is a dedicated EWar machine, nobody really expected this proposal to gain any ground, especially since it meant refitting scout-and-interdiction machines into hard-hitting, pack-hunting infighters. To avoid balance issues, the side-torso mounted launcher was altered to "fold over" on top of the rest of the body. Should this ever be put into production, it would be the first Light 'Mech armed with a main weapon larger than its own torso.

However, when the proposals were being reviewed, something happened along the way that nobody expected. There were talks of a new EWar 'Mech being designed by Justin Xiang's own private department, entrusted to him by the Chancellor herself. There was a growing fear that their scores of RVN-1X Ravens suddenly being obsoleted, so any new Raven proposals were viewed favorable. (The alternate possibility that the Ravens would be upgraded with new Electronics was written off out of hand.) A prototype "Missileback" Raven was built, nicknamed "The Turkey" for its comically misshappen appearance. In opening live-fire tests, however, the RVN-1HK (Hunter-Killer) proved comparable to its nearest tactical equivalent, the Hunchback. Greater overall damage, higher speed, longer range, and much lower weight, countered only by a lack of raw penetration and smaller ammo capacity. Alone, the Turkey was formidable. Combined with a "holepuncher" Gauss-based platform, like the infamous UM-R60G Urbanmech, however, this fowl is absolutely lethal.

It remains to be seen if the RVN-1HK will enter the final stages of the competition or if it will fall by the wayside in favor of the more serious proposals. However, Hellespont is hopeful, as even Justin Xiang himself was intrigued by the design. There was talk of adopting fast-moving, hard-striking infighters to complement the CCAF's already fearsome ranged firepower, and the new Raven was now seen as a serious competitor. Citizen Xiang even gave the prototype Turkey-Raven a new nickname. "Bloodbeak."

Mass: 35 tons
Chassis Config: Biped
Cost: 2,549,925 C-Bills
Battle Value: 859

Movement 5/8/0
Armor: 5.5 tons, Hellespont Lite Standard
Heat Sinks: 10, IHS (15)

Armament
MRM-40 – LT
Medium Laser – RA
@iLK MRM-40 (6) – 1 ton HD PoptartsNinja’s Notes I still hate head-mounted ammo.

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: Ahahaha, it’s like strapping a pair of LRM-20s on a Raven! I love it!



14) b0lt

quote:

Huli Jing HLJ-000

Mass: 45 tons
Chassis Config: Biped
Cost: 3,790,808 C-Bills
Battle Value: 936

Walking MP: 6
Running MP: 9
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: (IS) Improved Heat Sink 10[15]
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 96 6.000

(IS) MRM-40 – RA
@MRM-40 (6) – RT
@MRM-40 (6) – HD PoptartsNinja’s Notes: You guys realize I’m moving all head-mounted ammo to less stupid locations, right?

A 6/9/0 with a weapon that's basically a better version of the LB 20-X?
Who needs a left torso?

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: b0lt pretty much said it already



15) AJ_Impy

quote:

Hot on the heels of the Gauss urbie comes a cheap fire support 'mech designed to be fielded in bulk to make the most of the new improved listen-kill missile technology. These squat, low-profile 'mechs are most distinguished by the massive dorsal-mounted LRM-20 launcher, its skyward-pointing aspect lending the little 'mech its name. The humble exterior conceals a deadly loadout: the LRM-20 has two reloads worth of the new missiles, giving reasonable longevity to such a small 'mech. The design is perfect for indirect fire tactics, is cost-effective and quick to field, attributes that endear it to Capellan commanders far more than the armor coverage appeals to the mechwarriors piloting it.

Pepperpot PPT-1A

Weight: 25 tons
Movement: 4/6
Engine: 100
Heat Sinks: 10
Internal: 43 Armor: 56/89

Armament
LRM-20 - LT

Ammo
LRM 20 Listen-Kill Ammo – LT 2 tons

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: It’s beautiful!



16) Zod Mary Annette

quote:

MSO-14 Maestro

The high heat profile of this new line heavy would have made it unfeasible were it not for the 12 improved heat sinks it carries. Despite the 50% boost in cooling they provide, Maestro pilots must still practice discretion in their firing patterns.

Paired PPCs provide a heavy punch at range, supplemented by twin LRM-5 racks in the mech's chest. A brace of lasers discourage opponents intent on closing. This loadout brings exactly twice as much firepower to the field as the ubiquitous Vindicator, while matching that mech's movement and range profiles as well. The design team's original name for their creation, though, the "Duplicator" was deemed "frivolous" and quickly suppressed.

65 tons (Heavy)
4/6/4
12 Improved Heat Sinks (18 cooling power, 10 in engine)
11 tons standard armor (176 pts.)

Equipment:
PPC – LA
PPC – RA
ILK LRM-5 – LT
ILK LRM-5 Ammo – LT
2x Medium Laser – RT
Small Laser – HD
Small Laser - CT

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: I’m running out of useful things to say, but this is a solid all-around heavy hitter. Like a baby Warhammer with better long-range firepower.



17) jng2058

quote:

Type: LQD-1X Liquidator
Tonnage: 85

Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 3
Heat Sinks: 21 11.0
Armor Factor: 263 16.5

Weapons and Ammo Location
Medium Laser CT
Heavy PPC LA
HVAC/10 RA
Ammo(AC) 8 RT 1 1.0
Ammo(AC-Guide) 8 RT 1 1.0

History:
Taking the venerable Enforcer to the next level, the LQD-1X Liquidator retains the older Mech's Autocannon + Energy weapon configuration while keeping 75% of its mobility in a chassis with nearly twice the durability. The Heavy PPC and Hypervelocity Autocannon primary weapons give the Liquidator better range and more punch than the old Enforcer had, with a standard medium laser replacing the older machine's Small Laser.

For all that its functionality is similar, the Liquidator is forced to make some compromises. For one thing, between having only sixteen shots for the HVAC and the tempermental nature of the Heavy PPC, it is possible for a Liquidator pilot to find himself in an Assault Mech with only a Medium Laser still firing. Further, the heat sinks are not quite capable of handling the massive heat generated by the Heavy PPC, leading to overheating if too much is attempted, especially while jumping. Finally, space and weight concerns forced the designers to omit the Acid HVAC rounds entirely. Though this decision was a hard one, it was decided that to keep the Mech viable against non-Clan opponents, such as New Syrtis, the Acid rounds were more expendable than the Guided or Standard rounds were.

Nevertheless, the Liquidator remains a powerful machine, especially at range. What's more, by focusing construction at the Achernar factories on New Avalon, the prized Assault Mech is kept far from the front lines of the Clan War, on a world whose loss would probably spell the end of the Draconis Suns.

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: It’s a bit slow for an 85 tonner, but it’s hard to fit both a Heavy PPC and HV/ACs into a `Mech



18) Shoeless

quote:

The mech in question is a refit of the CC Catapult C4 mech, designed to turn the long range fire support mech into a generalist with a predilection for urban fighting. Removing the standard LRM 20s, the mech instead mounts a single MRM 30 with special new LK missiles in the left arm, managing to approximate almost as much firepower as the weapons it replaces with no minimum range, giving it an unprecedented close range punch. Two tons of ammunition should be enough to see the mech through most combats. Meanwhile, the right arm sees a PPC installed for longer range combat,providing a solid punch. Fifteen improved heat sinks provide 22 theoretical units of dissipation, allowing the Double C to fire most of its weapons even while jumping with minimal heat buildup.

Catapult CPLT-CC

Mass: 65 tons
Chassis Config: Biped
Cost: 5,588,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,300

Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4 Standard
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 15[22]
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 160 10.00

Armament
2 Small Lasers – CT
PPC – RA
MRM-30 – LA
@MRM-30 (8) RT - 1 1.00
@MRM-30 (8) LT - 1 1.00

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: It’s the Catapult we just saw, but with better medium-range stopping power. Creepy!



19) Helter Skelter

quote:

Hound HND-1B

Mass: 75 tons
Chassis Config: Biped
Cost: 6,965,438 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,462

Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4 Standard
Heat Sinks: Improved Heat Sink 14(21)

Armament
Small Laser – HD
2 Medium Lasers – RT
Narc Launcher – RA
MRM-40 (Improved Listen-Kill) – LA
@Narc (Homing) (12) – RT 2 tons
@MRM-40 (Improved Listen-Kill) (12) – LT 2 tons

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: A neat all-around heavy.



20) AtomikKrab

quote:

This is my submission for the CCAF mech. It is a Stalker in homage to the poor fellow who got taken out at the end of the rolling thunder mission. It is using the improved heatsinks, and listen kill mrm 40s and lrm 5s. The ton of ammo in the head is intentional and I feel every mech deserves a design flaw or two somewhere. I have made some slight adjustments to names in the file to make clear that this is using the equipment listed.

Stalker STK-3X

Mass: 85 tons
Chassis Config: Biped
Cost: 7,368,550 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,548

Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Improved Heat Sink 20[30]
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 216 13.50

Armament
MRM-40 iLK – RA
MRM-40 iLK – LA
LRM-5 iLK – RT
LRM-5 iLK – LT
2 Small Lasers – CT
@MRM-40 iLK (12) – 2 tons RT
@MRM-40 iLK (12) – 2 tons LT
@LRM-5 iLK (24) 1 ton HD

PoptartsNinja’s Notes: I dislike the center-torso mounted lasers, and the head-mounted ammo.