OBT Forum

Very nice Abele, only a few hours left folks if you want to get in on this contest.

Not a problem Abele. Go ahead and fix it up. No new entries though. Hopefully I will judge this contest by Sunday. I am working today.

First off folks please let me apologize for the lateness of my reply. It is the silly season at work and at home making it difficult to squeeze in any fun time. This week we had another five superb entries from the Aerospace Design Trinity that is quite possibly the hardest to judge. I thought all entries were great. I know; I keep saying that but this one was really tough to decide as you guys went in some unexpected directions. Looking over everything in detail I am really glad you did. I have tried to tie every entry together over contests to tell an overall story and here the struggle for aerospace superiority really became more apparent. Cloud Cobra was facing greater opposition from Snow Raven perhaps feeling their space dominance could be challenged. I would also like to thank drakensis and Abele for submitting 6/9 thrust designs. Unfortunately I judged the 5/8s better performers this time around but it was not necessarily just because of their speed. I think you will find the details below.

5. Tuscarora (Abele)
I could certainly see the Ice Hellions joining in the fun here with a shot at the fast assault craft. Acquiring the 380XL Engine (6/9) from Ghost Bear via trail is very Clan and does make a certain amount of sense. Basing the design on the 85 ton Rapier frame which has to be bumped upwards by 10 full tons is questionable especially since it is going to be under high strain from the massive power plant. While 13.5 tons of ferro aluminum (259 factor) provides pretty descent protection it is out done by the 5/8s in this challenge. The 46 tons of pod space for weaponry and equipment along with 2 fixed ER Mediums arrayed aft accounts for half the fighter’s weight. The configurations including Prime and Alternate A are very well done but unfortunately this one finishes in last place. Not a bad design mind you – I just think the competition was better. Nice try Abele.

4. Chippewa (drakensis)
This intriguing Coyote led project was based off continuing research into the venerable Chippewa carried out by the Snow Ravens. Even though the air frame would have to add five tons it is an interesting concept especially if you are talking about incorporating the Chippewa IIC via Clan Mongoose. I appreciate the flaws you built into the fluff especially with the upscale frame and the large power plant. The 380XL Engine (6/9) from Ghost Bear really underlines a concerted effort to challenge the Cloud Cobra position in this weight class. It makes a lot of sense given the nature of these challenges that such a rivalry for aerospace supremacy would exist. You know Coyote is gonna push to beat the hated nemesis and the Snow Ravens along with their Bear allies make great allies. The 11.5 tons of ferro aluminum (221 factor) was the lowest armor protection of any contestant. This probably did the most to scare me off but with 50 tons of pod space you really fielded a true werewolf omnifighter. Speed and firepower make for a nasty combination which comes to an apex with Configuration Omega. This design had the best configurations in my opinion. Well done!

3. Scipio (masterarminas)
Perhaps the most Clan like entry is this contest was forwarded by Kindraa Sainze of the Fire Mandrill Clan. While the name is very good it struck me as more Star Adder (see the Sulla) than Fire Mandrill. That is about the only nitpick I have on this submission which goes low tech for excellent results. Taking the Hydaspes aerospace frame from the Cloud Cobras in a well thought out Trail of Possession is a nice touch. Partnering with Blood Spirits for the 285 Fusion Engine (5/8) is inspired. This venerable power plant originally from the ancient Puma Assault Tank will soon enter production as part of the Kinslayer OmniMech. I could also see Snow Raven getting involved with this effort to once again snatch another OmniFighter design from the Cloud Cobras. A true aerospace zombie it is well protected by 17.5 tons of ferro aluminum (336 factor) and an integral ECM Suite. There is no disputing the price tag and the 45 tons of pod space which makes it a very effective fighter. I like the configurations including Prime’s Pulse Lasers and the triple LB-20X Autocannons of Alternate B. This is another great concept but performance wise I have to give the edge to your 5/8 XL Engine competitors. Sorry MA, please keep this one in mind for the next challenge. 

2. Rudel (Abele)
Teaming the Cloud Cobras with the Nova Cats was a natural thought I had going in especially building upon the Rossei Cloister. Plus the need to counter balance the recent Xerxes deal with the Jaguars makes for a natural alliance here. This is where I would have gone with the fluff and I am not sure why adding Kindraa Beyl-Grant was necessary. The inverted gull wing aerospace frame based on a modified Stuka is quite certainly an interesting concept. Certainly the Cobras have the 285XL Engine (5/8) from the Hydaspes and the Nova Cats have the resources being an Invading Clan along with the need. The 54 tons of pod space is very impressive especially when it comes along with two Anti-Missile Systems and an ER Medium Laser (4 tons total) mounted as integral rear defenses. Configurations are pretty good and 18.5 tons of ferro aluminum (355 factor) provides excellent protection. I really respect the research you did here and it made for a great entry. However in the end - one entry beat you out.

1. Hyperborean (drakensis)
At first I really was questioning the Hell’s Horses - Cloud Cobras pairing proposed by this design. Now I am considering a Hell’s Horses character named Conan who has got to be an Elemental. Not only does the name have a real world basis but it is a lot fun as well. Exploring the links between the two Clans led me to two sources. The Hell’s Horses view of the Cloud Cobras from FM Crusader Clans circa 3059: We have had little contact with the Cobras, and so hold a neutral opinion of them. The Cloud Cobras view of the Hell’s Horses from FM Warden Clans circa 3060: Though relatively weak in Mechwarriors, the Horses make up for that in passion. We also have to remember that the current leadership of these two Clans may not be conducive to a partnership because of the Warden-Crusader divide. However they are both Home Clans which gives them some common ground upon which to build. Also many other competitors here like the Chippewa and Tuscarora build on the 380XL Engine of the Ghost Bears. The Bears already field the Jengiz and the older Kirghiz which really would motivate the Horses to deal. Likewise I think there would be some serious aerospace competition starting to develop here between the Snow Ravens and the Cobras pushing the ever politically savvy snakes to approach the Horses. The 22.5 tons of ferro aluminum (432 factor) is a new high I believe for Clan OmniFighters and something we have previously established that the Horses would love. The rest of the design is all Cloud Cobra based so closely on the Hydaspes frame with its 285 XL Engine (5/8) that few even its pilots can tell. I could really see that leading to some tactical advantages for the unsuspecting opponents especially within the Clans. With 47 tons of pod space and 20 (40) Heat Sinks this thing can utilize a boat load of weapons. I would however like to see a greater variety of configurations that shy away from the LRM 15 and perhaps feature a dual Gauss/ dual ERPPC combo. Very nice job!

We are not quite finished with the aerospace contests yet. I know every weight class has been filled but certain concepts were so good that they too deserve a place in the Clan Touman. I have found that after reviewing all the data there is sufficient industrial capacity remaining to sanction four additional slots. Tonight I hope to post the first supplemental challenge. Thanks again gang!

Thanks MA. Good work by you and Abele here.