OBT Forum
General BattleTech => General Discussion => MechFactory => Topic started by: Takiro on February 18, 2020, 10:45:35 PM
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A Valentine's Mech of the Week Article (link below) got me thinking about this design in serious terms. So I set out to optimize this Technical Readout 3055 BattleMech which was definitely under armed and under armored. Let me know what you think!
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=68289.0
DRT-4FC DART
Mass: 25 tons
Chassis: CMW Model D-4 EndoSteel
Power Plant: VOX 225
Cruising Speed: 97 kph
Maximum Speed: 151 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Lexington Ltd. High Grade Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 3 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Coventry Metal Works
Primary Factory: Coventry
Communications System: Cyclops 14
Targeting and Tracking System: Cyclops Multi-Tasker 10
Overview:
The Federated Commonwealth launched the Spotlight Project following the Clan Invasion to evaluate every piece of equipment in its arsenal. This comprehensive reassessment of all current military designs in AFFC service was aimed at maximizing their performance in order to overcome the current threat. The new DRT-3S Dart first deployed in 3051 drew a lot of criticism even before this grand effort got underway and it didn’t take Coventry Metal Works long to come up with proactive solutions to fix one of their newest designs.
Capabilities:
Designers from Coventry Metal Works decided to improve on the Dart by beginning with its frame. Engineering a new lightweight high-tech structure for the new DRT-4FC would free up mass for additional armor something the original model lacked. With an EndoSteel foundry already in place for other Coventry lostech upgrades, like the Firestarter and the Phoenix Hawk, both the investment and per unit cost increase would be minimal. Not to mention the ample internal space the Dart already possessed which could easily absorb the bulkier lostech chassis without issue. This meant the revised Dart could now feature four and half tons of armor plating which the designers choose to replace with Lexington Limited High-Grade Ferro-Fibrous. This increased the BattleMech's armor by twenty-eight percent to an impressive ninety-one percent of maximum protection. The head and torsos are now fully armored while leg protection was doubled to eighty-three percent of maximum in that location. The arms received the lowest armor increase which were now at three quarters of max coverage. Again, there was plenty of room to fit these advanced but bulky upgrades which did again cost more than the original model. Finally, the three Magna 200P Small Pulse Lasers were replaced with three Defiance B3M Medium Lasers which had far more range and hitting power. Mechwarriors almost universally prefer the proven older lasers despite their lack of accuracy because they general do a better job versus most enemies including Clan Elementals. Even the thirty three percent heat increase due to weapon fire is so marginal that designers choose to leave the ten Single Heat Sinks on the Mech completely unaltered. Now able to engage targets at three times the original distance with forty percent greater firepower the Dart is a more significant threat on the battlefield. The final cost of these upgrades came to only 196,250 C-bills or just over eight percent more than the original. The increased performance of the Dart more than justified this small markup which the Federated Commonwealth readily approved.
Deployment:
Originally derided for its weak armor and tiny armament the appearance of the new DRT-4FC Dart has seen a dramatic reversal in its popularity among the AFFC. Line units facing the Clans had already begun to avoid the Light ‘Mech pushing it into service with March Militias around the Commonwealth. The Draconis March in particular was a big recipient of the Dart and they took a keen interest in its possible improvement. The Duke of Robinson has moved quickly to capitalize on the refit so he can outfit several rapid reaction teams. The Steiner-Davions are concerned that these units will be used to raid the Draconis Combine and disrupt the anti-Clan alliance which is now in place. So far there has been no such offensive activity along the border to everyone’s relief. The DRT-4FC has spread less quickly among the other Marches of the realm but its presence has been welcomed by all.
Variants:
One of the most common variants to any existing Dart is the replacement of the head mounted laser with Targeting Acquisition Gear or TAG. This allows the fast Light 'Mech to serve as a spotter for AFFC artillery units equipped with Arrow IV Homing Missiles. Thanks to its inherent high-speed capabilities this 'Tagging Dart' is well suited to serve as more of an observer rather than a direct combatant for the Federated Commonwealth.
For those who have no concern about cost (double the price of the 3S) and are still left wanting by this BattleMech's performance replacing the VOX 225 Engine with a more expensive but readily available Vlar 300 XL is quite possible. This engine imported for another Coventry Metal Works’ product recently began appearing on a new ultra-fast DRT-5FC which required little other changes. The three-ton gyroscope remains capable of balancing that bulkier but higher rated power plant that increases speed to a maximum of 194 kph. This allows the Dart to match the impressive base movement of the new LCT-4M Locust while adding another half-ton of Ferro-Fibrous to maximize armor protection. This new plating goes to the limbs of the Dart which had previously been under armored. Even though some detractors have pointed out the vulnerability of the Extra Light (XL) Engine opposed to their standard Fusion counterparts no one denies the impressive capabilities of this fully optimized variant.
Type: Dart
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 25
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: EndoSteel 1.5
Engine: 225 10
Walking MP: 9
Running MP: 14
Jumping MP: 0 0
Heat Sinks: 10 0
Gyro: 3
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 81 4.5
Internal Structure Armor Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 12 / 4
R/L Torso 6 10 / 2
R/L Arm 4 6
R/L Leg 6 10
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
Medium Laser Head 1 1
Medium Laser Center Torso 1 1
Medium Laser Center Torso 1 1
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So the 4S? This is a canon variant, oh I see you put on ferro. To many of these mechs started looking like each other can only do so much with limited sizes. I'd probably swap one medium for a flamer or keep a small pulse for infantry
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No the 4S, that one does swap the Small Pulses for Medium Lasers but mine added EndoSteel to reinforce the armor and then replaced that standard plating with Ferro-Fibrous. Gives it alot more staying power.
Dart (BattleMech) - BattleTechWiki
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Dart_(BattleMech)
And don't forget my DRT-5FC. :)
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Small tonnage guys like this don't mind endosteel on odd tonnage designs but on larger ones I hate the loss of the quarter tons. Like 85 only save 4 tons instead of 4.25. I know not a lot in grand scheme but usually choose FF instead of Endo for largers depending on weapons load.
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The Clans get away with quarter ton stuff still thanks to their Machine Guns! ;)
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Here's one for you all
Dart DRT-8S
Mass: 25 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3077
Dry Cost: 4,348,750 C-Bills
Total Cost: 4,348,750 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,183
Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 225 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 97.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 151.2 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
4 ER Medium Lasers
1 Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 43 points 2.50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 225 5.00
Walking MP: 9
Running MP: 14
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 89 5.00
Armor Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 12
Center Torso (rear) 4
L/R Torso 6 9
L/R Torso (rear) 3
L/R Arm 4 8
L/R Leg 6 12
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser CT 5 1 1.00
Targeting Computer CT - 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser RT 5 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser LT 5 1 1.00
Guardian ECM Suite LT 0 2 1.50
Free Critical Slots: 17
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 12
9 3 3 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: ECM, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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Not bad Abele, I prefer EndoSteel over XL Engine with the Dart as it is so damn cheap and durable. However, as you saw with my DRT-5FC (price is not an object variant) a XL Engine can further add to your capabilities. I like how you maxed out your armor here Abele as the tissue paper on the canon variants is what annoyed me so much. One ER Mediums are available to the InnerSphere they are probably the way to go for the Dart without question. I envisioned my upgraded DRT-6FC based on the 5FC having two ER Mediums and a TAG as its preferred layout. Nice work Abele!
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And don't forget my DRT-5FC. :)
Well, I still haven't apparently four years later. I got this in my head today and decided to flesh it out with some fluff.
DRT-5FC DART
Mass: 25 tons
Chassis: CMW Model D-4 EndoSteel
Power Plant: Vlar 300 XL
Cruising Speed: 130 kph
Maximum Speed: 194 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Lexington Ltd. High Grade Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 3 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Coventry Metal Works
Primary Factory: Coventry
Communications System: Cyclops 14
Targeting and Tracking System: Cyclops Multi-Tasker 10
Overview:
Some Lyran technophiles weren’t satisfied with the 4FC insisting that the Dart was capable of so much more. While many Steiner traditionalists viewed this as a wasteful effort there were a few nobles who could afford a luxury upgrade package and with the entire FedCom market available Coventry Metal Works authorized such a limited edition. Sales and early performance reviews have justified the company’s decision despite some in the LCAF state command who continue to see this model as an unnecessary extravagance.
Capabilities:
Working off the improved DRT-4FC design engineers simply replaced the heavier VOX 225 Engine with the more expensive but readily available Vlar 300 XL. This high-tech power plant imported for another Coventry Metal Works’ product required little other changes to incorporate into the Dart. The three-ton gyroscope onboard remained quite capable of balancing that bulkier but higher rated power plant which increased speed to a maximum of 194 kph. This allows the ‘Mech to outpace the Clan Dasher on average without a MASC and even match the impressive base movement of the new LCT-4M Locust. Allocating the half-ton of design weight left over from this engine swap towards armor allowed designers to maximize protection. Five tons of Lexington Limited High-Grade Ferro-Fibrous now cover even the limbs of the Dart which had previously been under armored. Detractors enjoy pointing out the vulnerability of the Extra Light (XL) Engine opposed to their standard Fusion counterparts but no one can deny the impressive capabilities of this fully optimized variant. The only downside to some technophiles is the decision to retain the original ten Single Heat Sinks of the basic Dart design. They insist that the current weapon package combined with maximum movement will tax the cooling system with continued use and future upgrades could necessitate Double Heat Sinks which the 300 XL can easily incorporate. Technicians point out that simply holding fire with one of the three Defiance B3M Medium Lasers every fourth round would result in a heat neutral firing pattern. While true some Mechwarriors insist that they need every advantage to counter their adversaries on the battlefield and no expense should be spared. These upgrades on the lostech EndoSteel frame aren’t cheap however and with a final price which doubles the original DRT-3S design executives were happy to appease critics with some cost savings.
Deployment:
The first orders for the 5FC were routed specifically for the new Bolan Scouts of the LCAF, the elite Davion Light Guards of the AFFS, and the 4th Deneb Light Cavalry of the AFFC. Considered the premier Light Mech units of the respective militaries of the Federated Commonwealth it was up to them to evaluate it initially. As initial reviews were going on sales were also authorized to the Kell Hounds and Eridani Light Horse as trusted mercenary commands with long ties the Steiner-Davions for ‘additional independent analyses’. In all cases the reviews were highly favorable and further orders went out to the rest of the Deneb Light Cavalry, the recently expanded Davion Armored Cavalry, and the Robinson Rangers. Priority was given to those commands serving along the Clan front and there appears to be no lack of future demand. Currently one in every four Darts made by Coventry Metal Works is a 5FC with the original 3S being completely discontinued in order to make room for production.
Perhaps the most flamboyant unit fielding the new Darts is the so-called Red Barons of the Bolan Scouts. Charlie Company of the 3rd Battalion as they are officially known employs an entire company of Darts in service with the LCAF. The Scouts are a new light unit in House Steiner service with dreams of becoming the next Tamar Hussars or the Stealths in the future and the Barons happen to be three young Lance Commanders. Wealthy nobles they are the patrons of this unit which knows they have fast competition LCT-4M and Clan Dasher. Hard drinkers and dart players when not fighting they have already earned quite a reputation around the Commonwealth for their early exploits.
Variant:
As with the 4FC, one of the most common variants is the replacement of the head mounted Medium Laser with Targeting Acquisition Gear or TAG. This allows the ultra-fast Light 'Mech to serve as a spotter for AFFC artillery units equipped with Arrow IV Homing Missiles. Thanks to its inherent high-speed capabilities this 'Tagging Dart' is well suited to serve as more of an observer rather than a direct combatant for the Federated Commonwealth.
Type: Dart
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 25
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: EndoSteel 1.5
Engine: 300 XL 9.5
Walking MP: 12
Running MP: 18
Jumping MP: 0 0
Heat Sinks: 10 0
Gyro: 3
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 89 5
Internal Structure Armor Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 12 / 4
R/L Torso 6 10 / 2
R/L Arm 4 8
R/L Leg 6 12
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
Medium Laser Head 1 1
Medium Laser Center Torso 1 1
Medium Laser Center Torso 1 1
Cost = 4,423,750 C-bills
(compared to the 4FC which is 2,380,000 C-bills or the 3S which was 2,183,750 C-bills)