OBT Forum

Well this should have been done sooner but a couple of new BattleTech releases, hordes of real life stuff, and a computer virus all conspired against me. For the third aerospace contest we have the same excellent three designers with three superb entries. Very nice job guys as the Clan 55 ton aerospace frame may have been the hardest to crack out of any challenge. I thought someone might channel the Black Lanner engine (385XL) making for a super fast (9/14). All of the entries were super awesome but one stood out so without further ado let’s get to the results.

3. Pashtun (drakensis)
Trying to create a ground support flying brick for the Hell’s Horses was this entry by drakensis which ultimately finished third. The concept is pretty freaking cool plus after watching Lone Survivor I really dug the Pashtun name. I could really see a Clan digging the Pashtunwali Code as ancient inspiration for Kerensky’s Martial Code. While obtaining an airframe was next to impossible developing a 275XL Engine (7/11) for this design would take extra long. However, I am not subtracting points for that. The 19 tons of pod space and the 4 ton fuel tank seem small in comparison to other existing craft. The 21 tons of ferro aluminum (403 factor) is at first a bit much but it really takes me back to Tie Fighter when your trying to kill a B-Wing. Those things could take a pounding and the Pashtun really does a great job hitting that niche. Fantastic all the way around! This one could have been a winner but your competition was a little better. I hope you keep coming back with this concept though. I really like it!

2. Arapaho (Abele)
Abele you came very close to taking the top prize with this Coyote design. I loved the name and the entire concept which centered around a three way development (Mech / Fighter / Vehicle). With the Tyre being the one solid 55 ton aerospace frame that the Clans can hang their hats on I thought for sure you were going to go there. It was a little confusing when you steered away from that especially when you so expertly tied in the 275XL Engine (7/11) developed for the future Pariah. With the Coyotes unable to obtain the Tyre frame they instead modified a Hellcat II which isn’t a bad thing. With 27 tons of pod space and a 5 ton fuel tank you certainly reserved the most mass in this challenge for weapons and equipment. I really liked the eleven different configurations which gave a lot of interesting looks that is a big plus for an OmniFighter. Also I thought your 10 tons of ferro aluminum (192 factor) was pretty nice protection even though it was the lowest of any design presented. It is pretty tough for me not to pick this design as a winner but I just felt that the Zulu was a little bit better. Keep that Vehicle design handy, you may just need it! Great job!!

1. Zulu (masterarminas)
Scavenging the experimental Starfire from the AFFC during the invasion gives the Snow Raven’s a nice basis for this design and I found it something they would certainly do. Combining that with the 330XL Engine (8/12) from their Stormcrow gave you a great lead over the competition. Hitting that movement profile (8/12) along with the Sarmatian creates an undeniable fit IMO. With a 5 ton fuel tank and 22 tons of pod space you optimized the design well carrying enough fuel, weapons, and equipment to accomplish any goal. I really like Primary Configuration with all those Pulse Lasers and the ECM, C being a Dropship buster with 2 ER PPCs is nice, as well as F with its 3 ER Large Lasers and Active Probe. Topping it off was an impressive 12.5 tons of ferro aluminum (240 factor) which gives excellent protection. So for 55 tons it hits all the marks from swift movement to excellent armor to superb firepower. Well done!

Thanks again gang, despite winning his third in a row masterarminas narrowly made his way to the victory circle this time. The designs just keep getting better and better. A preemptive notice; with this win I believe the Snow Ravens will top out their manufacturing abilities. So next time around they will join the ranks of Clans unable to participate. I really can not wait to see what you’ll come up with next time around. Off to write it up now!!

Congratulations to M-A.

(curses, foiled again!)