HUN
Overview: Scorpion BeginningsThe design and development of the new heavy-weight Clan
Hun OmniFighter is a convoluted tale which shows well the pit-falls and dangers inherent to the Clan production system, despite being a design intended to serve all of the existing Clans of Kerensky and not just the developers.
The concept of the
Hun arose during the Trials to determine who the Invading Clans would be. In the early months of 3049, Khan Nikolai Djerassi determined that Clan Goliath Scorpion would need a new heavy-weight design to supplement existing aerospace and OmniFighters within his Touman. Although quickly eliminated from consideration for Revival, Djerassi ordered his Scientists to press ahead with the design, computer modeling, and development of the
Hun.
Feeling little pressure of time constraints (and recognizing that in all likelihood the fighter would never fly), the Scientists spent over three years running simulations and building computer models of the new OmniFighter, in several major variations. Basing the design upon the existing
Xerxes second-line Aerospace Fighter frame, the Scorpions simply copied the Jaguar communications system and T&TS array outright, along with the Compound XAS ferro-aluminum armor (although they did incorporate far
more armor plating than the existing
Xerxes frames).
Four competing computer models (Project AS-85/4-A, AS-85/4-B, AS-85/4-C, and AS-85/4-D) emerged, with the primary difference between them being the engine. The 4-A variant included a high-powered 340-rate Extra-light fusion engine allowing for a maximum thrust of 4.5-g's, while the 4-B used a smaller 255-rate XL engine with a maximum capacity of 4-g's. Neither engine was currently in production by the Scorpions, but the Scientists behind the design viewed that as irrelevant as they sought to refine the new OmniFighter. The short-lived 4-C and 4-D featured the same thrust as the 4-A and 4-B, respectively, but used
standard engines to lower cost. However, these variations were quickly discarded as the lower acquisition value did not fully compensate for the loss of pod-space.
Eventually, a consensus settled upon the 4-B model, which despite the lower acceleration managed to carry
forty-eight tons of pod-space in addition to the five fixed heat sinks that would be installed alongside the engine (more than 56.4% of the planned 85-ton mass of the fighter; 62.5% if one includes the weight of the fixed DHS!).
In the wake of Tukayyid and ilKhan Kerensky's calls for new thinking regarding OmniMechs and OmniFighters (as well as submissions for testing by the Clans), the
Hun immediately came to the attention of Khan Suvorov. Who, much to the horror of the Scientists involved in the research and development of the OmniFighter, announced that she was planning on starting full-scale production!
Despite having no factory that produced the electronics, armor, frame, or engines!
And with the threat of provoking Clan Smoke Jaguar into taking precipitous action against the Scorpions for stealing their designs!
Many within the Scorpion leadership were convinced that the
Hun (regardless of how well the computer models and simulations performed) was simply one design too many. Although the Clan had gained some victories in Project Quicksilver, it had also lost a great deal of resources in the competitions the Scorpions had
lost. And the recent failure of the
Maori to be accepted for production had indebted the Scorpions to Clan Diamond Shark . . . whose Khan outright refused to even consider partnering with the Scorpions again (until a majority of that debt was paid back, at least).
But Khan Suvorov was adamant; she demanded that the
Hun be produced . . . by hand, if necessary!
At which point saKhan Nelson Elam stepped in. Challenging Khan Suvorov to a Trial of Refusal over her orders (but not a Trial of Possession for the rank of Khan), his public breach with her shocked Suvorov into reality. Turning to Nikolai Djerassi for advice, she discovered that he too had doubts about whether or not the Scorpions could spare the resources that the
Hun would require. And he instead offered a compromise between the Khan and saKhan.
The Scorpions would broker a deal between the Smoke Jaguars and one other Clan to produce the design for Project Quicksilver. Djerassi suggested the Coyotes, as their recent introduction of the
Savage Coyote would fill the requirement for an extra-light 255-rate fusion engine (with modification for aerospace use, of course).
While both Elam and Suvorov were skeptical of either of those Clans agreeing to produce the
Hun, it did allow both a face-saving gesture and would prevent a public split in the Scorpion leadership. In 3052, Master of Instruction Nikolai Djerassi was formally asked to meet with the leadership of Clan Coyote and Clan Smoke Jaguar and hammer out a deal.
Overview: Roaring Jaguars and Striking ScorpionsDjerassi immediately turned his attention to what he considered the more difficult of the two Clans to negotiate with: Clan Smoke Jaguar. Setting up a real-time HPG connection with Khan Lincoln Osis and saKhan Brandon Howell, he began the delicate attempt to gain permission from the extremely territorial Jaguars to use their design for the proposed
Hun.
True to form, Osis was furious at the temerity of the Scorpions in using the Jaguar
Xerxes without winning possession in a Trial! Even after Djerassi pointed out (repeatedly) that such use was limited to computer modeling and simulations, Khan Osis was on the brink of all but declaring WAR against the Scorpions.
That was when Brandon Howell stepped in. Well-regarded by even his enemies as thoughtful and a strategic thinker (in a Clan that valued strength of action over thought, no less!), Howell managed (barely) to convince his Khan to listen fully to what Djerassi had to offer. In exchange for the use of a modified
Xerxes frame, the Jaguars would supply the Coyotes with armor and electronics; and in return would receive a percentage of Coyote production of the
Hun should the heavy-weight design win the Quicksilver Competition. Djerassi added that the Jaguars manufacturing capacity was at the upper-most limits of what it was capable of producing . . . and that surely it was better to obtain new fighters for the Jaguar Touman through this means than stretch existing resources even further.
Although still fuming over the perceived theft and the implied insult (that the Jaguars simply could not
afford to expand their industrial might any further), Osis listened.
And it was that moment that Djerassi smiled and added one final caveat. He suggested that with the strength and power that the Jaguar Touman possessed, that
if the
Hun won the competition, and
if the Jaguars found themselves on the short end of this deal, then could not the Jaguars simply challenge the Coyotes to a Trial of Possession and
seize the orbital complex where the design would be manufactured?
After the Coyotes had expended
their resources on upgrading the complex in question?
For once in his life, Lincoln Osis was speechless; but Brandon Howell simply smiled and asked Djerassi what the Scorpions wanted in exchange for the design and brokering the deal. Djerassi replied with five percent of the annual production . . . in perpetuity.
Regardless of
who owned the
Hun production complex.
Osis laughed and he agreed. But he insisted that the Jaguars would have to receive a full
thirty-five percent of that self-same production in order for the Coyotes to receive the electronics and armor, as well as the Jaguar 'blessings' to use their frame. In addition to being able to procure the Coyote engine at cost
and full production rights, should the Jaguars find the excess capacity to produce the design in their own industrial complexes.
Djerassi countered with an offer of
fifteen percent of the annual production. Citing the other two Jaguar demands, he insisted that the Coyotes would never agree if Osis pressed for such a huge amount of air-frames. Osis almost refused, but after a minute to confer with his saKhan, he accepted. Saying that if the deal was not what the Jaguars expected that his Touman would indeed take the Coyote orbital facility by force.
Djerassi just smiled, and answered "Bargained well, and done." And with that, he arranged for a JumpShip to carry him to Tamaron to meet with the Coyote Khans.
Overview: Of Coyotes, Scorpions, and Wolves . . . OH MY!When he arrived on Tamaron, Djerassi met with Khan Sullivan Koga, saKhan Pazi Tchernovkov, and the holographic image of ilKhan Ulric Kerensky (projected from the Invasion Zone over a real-time HPG feed). There, he laid out the proposal that the Scorpions were offering . . . and the Jaguar terms.
The reception was a frosty one, to say the least. The antagonism between the Wolves and Scorpions since Khan Suvorov had taken over the reins of the Clan had forced the ilKhan to distance himself from Djerassi . . . and always staunch allies of Clan Wolf, the Coyotes looked upon the offer (initially) askance. Especially since they would have to deal with the Jaguars, a rabidly Crusader Clan detested by many within the Coyote rank-and-file.
And the terms of the agreement were not something that inspired the Coyotes (or the ilKhan) to make the bargain. What is more, saKhan Tchernovkov asked, even if we win, what is preventing the Jaguars from waiting for us to expend
our resources and then appear in orbit demanding a Trial of Possession for the factory?
"Nothing," Nikolai answered, "and I suggested as much to the Jaguar Khans myself."
Recordings of the event showed that no one spoke after that for almost two full minutes as the image of the ilKhan glared at the Scorpion and the Coyote Khans simply stood there slack-jawed!
When asked by the ilKhan (finally!) to explain his reasoning, Djerassi laughed. "As an Invading Clan, the Jaguars territory in the Homeworlds is protected against Trials by those Clans not included in the Invasion. Now, the Coyotes are not participants in Revival,
quiaff? Therefore, if, by purest
happenstance, should the ilKhan announce that the this immunity against territorial and industrial aggression also prevents an Invading Clan from
initiating such Trials of Possession here in the Homeworlds, than the Jaguars would be prevented from launching any such attacks on Tamaron."
After a moment's consideration, three frowning Khans (two Coyote and one Wolf) slowly nodded. "And should it come to such, my Scorpions will
always stand by their allies in defending their property."
"Will Suvorov agree?" barked the ilKhan.
"She will . . . or she will replaced. It is the best interest of our Clan, of
all the Clans, to keep the Jaguars off-balance."
"And what do the Scorpions get out of this?" asked Koga.
"Five percent of your annual production in perpetuity." Djerassi smiled. "Come now, Khan Koga . . . that is a bargain for an OmniFighter perfectly suited to your heavy-weight Touman composition. And you know it."
Koga sighed and he looked at his saKhan, who nodded. And then he looked at the ilKhan who also gave his approval, before returning his glare to the Scorpion in their midst. Finally, the Coyote sighed again and he nodded. "I will take that promise of alliance in
writing, Scorpion . . . and my own Merchants will prepare the document so that there are
NO loopholes."
"And I will enforce it," growled Ulric.
"Bargained well and done," Nikolai answered with a smile.
AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
VALIDATED
Class/Model/Name: Hun (Base)
Tech: Clan / 3052
Vessel Type: Aerospace OmniFighter
Rules: Level 2, Custom design
Rules Set: AeroTech2
Mass: 85 tons
Frame: Type 42-5 Aero (Modified)
Length: 21 meters
Power Plant: Type 255-AS 255 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust: 5
Maximum Thrust: 8
Armor Type: Compound XAS Ferro-aluminum
Armament: None
48.0 tons of pod-space
Manufacturer: Omega Orbital; Kirin Orbital Works SJ-3
Location: Tamaron; Kirin
Communications System: KOW-Comm Type 9
Targeting & Tracking System: AGS Mark VII
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Class/Model/Name: Hun (Base)
Mass: 85 tons
Equipment: Mass
Power Plant: 255 XL Fusion 6.50
Thrust: Safe Thrust: 5
Maximum Thrust: 8
Structural Integrity: 8 .00
Total Heat Sinks: 15 Double 5.00
Fuel: 5.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters: 3.00
Armor Type: Ferro-aluminum (336 total armor pts) 17.50
Standard Scale Armor Pts
Location: L / R
Nose: 91
Left/Right Wings: 91/91
Aft: 63
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
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1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
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TOTALS: Heat: 0 37.00
Tons Left: 48.00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 12,676,889 C-Bills
Battle Value: 943
Cost per BV: 13,443.15
Weapon Value: 0 (Ratio = .00)
Damage Factors: SRV = 0; MRV = 0; LRV = 0; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 8 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: -/-/-, Overheat: 0
Class: FH; Point Value: 9
Specials: omniCapabilitiesThe
Hun is an 85-ton heavy-weight OmniFighter built on a modified Type 42-5 Aero frame originally used for the Smoke Jaguar's
Xerxes. Clan Goliath Scorpion Scientists modified the frame by removing the fixed weapons and installing power and electronic connections for standard Clan omni-pods. The KOW-Comm Type 9 communications system and AGS Mark VII targeting & tracking array from the
Xerxes were retained in full.
In developing the
Hun, Clan Goliath Scorpion incorporated the existing Compound XAS ferro-aluminum armor plating used on the
Xerxes, but rather than the nine tons of the Jaguar design, the new OmniFighter instead carries seventeen and one-half tons. This provides the
Hun with sufficient armor protection to resist a threshold penetration by a Class 10 Autocannon, an Inner Sphere PPC, or a Clan Large Laser across the nose and wings. The stern is the weakest area of coverage, but even there the
Hun has enough armor to stop a Clan ER Medium Laser from penetrating.
The design features a Type 255-AS Extra-Light Fusion Drive derived from the Clan Coyote
Savage Coyote OmniMech. Although considered by some to be underpowered for a front-line OmniFighter, this engine allows the
Hun to maintain an acceleration of 2.5-g's for extended periods of time and reach a maximum thrust of 4-g's. A five ton internal fuel tank comes standard, giving the fighter average endurance when compared to the majority of current generation Clan and Inner Sphere designs.
Despite having fifteen fixed double-strength heat sinks, the
Hun retains enough free mass and internal volume to house forty-eight tons of weapons and equipment within the nose, wing, and stern Omni-bays. Carried ordnance and equipment is housed within a central bay beneath the main fuselage between the port and starboard engine housings. Up to seventeen tons can be lifted, although carrying such a heavy payload reduces safe and maximum thrust to just 0.5-g's and 1-g, respectively. As a practical limit, the
Hun normally deploys with either five tons of ordnance (for a safe/max thrust of 2-g's/3-g's). ten tons (1.5-g's/2.5-g's) or fifteen tons (1-g/1.5-g's). However, due to the sizeable amount of pod-space available on this OmniFighter, the
Hun seldom carries any type of external load other than fuel drop-tanks. This permits the Pilot assigned to this OmniFighter to enter a fight with full fuel tanks and maximum maneuverability (after dropping any remaining external tanks).
ConfigurationsThe original Scorpion design was highly optimized to obtain concentrated firepower in the nose bays . . . a design and configuration decision with which the Coyotes and Jaguars have seemingly agreed as they retained the existing configurations. Early flight tests have revealed the
Hun as a capable and lethal 'DropShip-buster' (and 'WarShip-buster) with a truly frightening level of firepower when deployed as a unit of two or three points.
The Prime Configuration is an excellent example of this. The main guns are four ER PPCs mounted in the nose, supported by a trio of rear-firing ER Medium Lasers. All seven guns are tied into a six-ton Targeting Computer. Fifteen additional DHS (for a total of thirty) allow the
Hun Prime to use the nose guns as frequently as needed. Few fighters, small craft, DropShips, or even WarShips can successfully take many impacts from the grouped ER PPCs.
Configuration A carries four Large Pulse Lasers in the nose, supported by two Medium Pulse Lasers in each wing. A single Medium Pulse is set to cover the stern and the design incorporates an ECM Suite. A total of twenty-eight DHS allows for the full use of all forward firepower without generating any excess overheat.
Configuration B is highly unusual. An ECM Suite comes standard (as with the
Hun A) and all six guns are tied into a six-ton Targeting Computer (as with the Prime). But the five nose guns are all ER Large Lasers (providing the
Hun B with the ability to engage targets at extreme range). As with the Prime, thirty DHS allow for full use of this battery. However, the rear-mounted weapon is an
ER PPC! This has come as a considerable surprise to opposing Pilots encountering the B Configuration for the first time, as few Pilots expect a weapon with that range and power to be facing to the
rear!
The
Hun C features a massed nose battery of five LRM launchers--all twenty-tube systems outfitted with Artemis IV fire-control. Ten tons of ammunition allows for a total of twelve salvos of fire. A dozen ER Small Lasers (four each in the right wing, left wing, and tail) provides secondary firepower in support of the missile battery. All twelve lasers are tied into a two-ton Targeting Computer for maximum accuracy in close. Heat can be a concern as the design only carries the fifteen fixed DHS, forcing the pilot to choose between the missiles and the lasers.
Configuration D features three LB-20X autocannons in the nose fed by six tons of ammunition (10 triple bursts). Three Medium Pulse Lasers (nose, right wing, and left wing) serve as secondary weapons. Like the
Hun C, Configuration D carries just the standard fifteen fixed DHS. But unlike that other configuration, on the D that is sufficient to use all weapons simultaneously without generating excess overheat. Most
Hun Ds carry a mixed load of slug and cluster munitions for the autocannons, sacrificing damage for accuracy (cluster) at long ranges and switching to the harder-hitting slugs for maximum firepower in close.
Designed to appeal to Clan Smoke Jaguar, the E Configuration carries two Ultra AC-20s in the nose fed by eight tons of ammunition. Two ER Medium Lasers (right wing and left wing) and four ER Small Lasers (one each right wing and left wing, two astern) serve as secondary guns. A six-ton Targeting Computer ensures the UACs and Lasers are almost always on target, while twenty-one DHS allows for use of all forward guns (with the UACs on double-tap mode) without a heat spike.
Class/Model/Name: Hun (Prime)
Total Heat Sinks: 30 Double 20.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
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4 ER PPC Nose 15 15 15 -- 60 24.00
3 ER Medium Laser Aft 7 7 -- -- 15 3.00
1 Targeting Computer 6.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
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TOTALS: Heat: 75 85.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 15,509,077 C-Bills
Battle Value: 3,771
Cost per BV: 4,112.72
Weapon Value: 4,451 (Ratio = 1.18)
Damage Factors: SRV = 63; MRV = 54; LRV = 19; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 8 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 7/7/7, Overheat: 0
Class: FH; Point Value: 38
Specials: omni
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Class/Model/Name: Hun (Configuration A)
Total Heat Sinks: 28 Double 18.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
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4 Large Pulse Laser Nose 10 10 10 -- 40 24.00
2 Medium Pulse Laser RW 7 7 -- -- 8 4.00
2 Medium Pulse Laser LW 7 7 -- -- 8 4.00
1 Medium Pulse Laser Aft 7 7 -- -- 4 2.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
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TOTALS: Heat: 60 85.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 14,953,327 C-Bills
Battle Value: 3,131
Cost per BV: 4,775.89
Weapon Value: 3,840 (Ratio = 1.23)
Damage Factors: SRV = 70; MRV = 64; LRV = 18; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 8 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 7/7/4, Overheat: 0
Class: FH; Point Value: 31
Specials: omni, ecm
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Class/Model/Name: Hun (Configuration B)
Total Heat Sinks: 30 Double 20.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
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5 ER Large Laser Nose 10 10 10 10 60 20.00
1 ER PPC Aft 15 15 15 -- 15 6.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 Targeting Computer 6.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
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TOTALS: Heat: 75 85.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 15,615,952 C-Bills
Battle Value: 3,378
Cost per BV: 4,622.84
Weapon Value: 4,256 (Ratio = 1.26)
Damage Factors: SRV = 51; MRV = 43; LRV = 21; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 8 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 6/6/6, Overheat: 0
Class: FH; Point Value: 34
Specials: omni, ecm
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Class/Model/Name: Hun (Configuration C)
Total Heat Sinks: 15 Double 5.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
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5 LRM 20+ArtIV Nose 16 16 16 -- 30 30.00
Ammo (LRM 20) 60 --- 10.00
4 ER Small Laser RW 5 -- -- -- 8 2.00
4 ER Small Laser LW 5 -- -- -- 8 2.00
4 ER Small Laser Aft 5 -- -- -- 8 2.00
1 Targeting Computer 2.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
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TOTALS: Heat: 54 85.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 17,138,920 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,849
Cost per BV: 6,015.77
Weapon Value: 4,072 (Ratio = 1.43)
Damage Factors: SRV = 73; MRV = 32; LRV = 12; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 8 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 9/6/6, Overheat: 3
Class: FH; Point Value: 29
Specials: omni, if
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Class/Model/Name: Hun (Configuration D)
Total Heat Sinks: 15 Double 5.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
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3 LB 20-X AC Nose 12 12 -- -- 18 36.00
Ammo (LB 20-X) 30 --- 6.00
1 Medium Pulse Laser Nose 7 7 -- -- 4 2.00
1 Medium Pulse Laser RW 7 7 -- -- 4 2.00
1 Medium Pulse Laser LW 7 7 -- -- 4 2.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
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TOTALS: Heat: 30 85.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 16,417,514 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,573
Cost per BV: 6,380.69
Weapon Value: 3,151 (Ratio = 1.22)
Damage Factors: SRV = 54; MRV = 45; LRV = 0; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 8 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 6/6/-, Overheat: 0
Class: FH; Point Value: 26
Specials: omni
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Class/Model/Name: Hun (Configuration E)
Total Heat Sinks: 21 Double 11.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
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2 Ultra AC/20 Nose 30 30 -- -- 28 24.00
Ammo (Ult AC/20) 40 --- 8.00
1 ER Medium Laser RW 7 7 -- -- 5 1.00
1 ER Medium Laser LW 7 7 -- -- 5 1.00
1 ER Small Laser RW 5 -- -- -- 2 .50
1 ER Small Laser LW 5 -- -- -- 2 .50
2 ER Small Laser Aft 5 -- -- -- 4 1.00
1 Targeting Computer 6.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
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TOTALS: Heat: 46 85.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 15,208,045 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,785
Cost per BV: 5,460.7
Weapon Value: 3,064 (Ratio = 1.10)
Damage Factors: SRV = 83; MRV = 56; LRV = 0; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 8 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 9/8/-, Overheat: 0
Class: FH; Point Value: 28
Specials: OmniDeploymentwhile the design originated with Clan Goliath Scorpion, to date only Clan Coyote has produced any working
Hun examples. Of the twenty frames produced to date, a star of ten have been given to the Ebon Keshik for field testing, four have been handed over to Clan Smoke Jaguar, two to Clan Goliath Scorpion, and the remaining four have been assigned to the Coyote Golden Keshik. Another twenty are in production at Omega Orbital above Tamaron.
The years of refining the design has served well and eliminated the majority of the design glitches suffered by the earlier
Maori design. Pilots who have flown this frame have commented positively on the handling characteristics, both within and outside of an atmosphere. The heavy firepower and solid armor protection have also been viewed with quite a bit of interest.
Author
Topic: Quicksilver Program #24: 85 ton Clan Omnifighter (Read 3105 times)