Years ago I developed some BattleMechs based on existing designs from TRO3025 that mounted Internal Combustion Engines rather than standard Fusion Power Plant. The rules for these Low Tech ‘Mechs can be found in Explorer Corps (FASA 1681) on pages 78 – 80. With the release of TRO 3075 and the introduction of RetroTech which isn’t quite the same as this idea I wanted to post this. What I’d like do here is to share my thoughts and get your input on a few potential settings where such a Project could be beneficial. Maybe even design a few of these bad boyz with ya all. Here are some of the drawbacks and benefits as I see them for ICE Mechs.
Low Manuverability. Two big problems ICE Mechs have to overcome is the fact that ICE rated engines weigh twice as much as their identical fusion counterparts and Jump Jets can not be mounted on ICE equipped ‘Mechs. Because of the large difference between power to weight ratio for internal combustion engines when compared to even a normal fusion engines, ICE BattleMechs tend to be slower than those equipped with fusion engines. A good rule of thumb I found for standard movement for weight classes is the following; Light - 6,9 / Medium - 4,6 / Heavy - 3,5 / Assault - 2,3.
No Integral Heat Sinks. Since internal combustion engine equipped BattleMechs come with no free heat sinks 2 or 3 tons must be preserved for heat sinks right at the start of construction to dissipate heat created by movement. Additional heat sinks must be added for weaponry also.
Power Amplifiers. If your going to equip your ICE Mech with energy weapons you’ll need to include amplifiers which takes up 1 ton of weight per 10 tons of energy weapons. As a result of this and the fact that such Mechs come with no integral heat sinks ballistic and missile weaponry is likely preferred.
Lower Survivability. The fact that ICE Mechs by their very nature are more apt to explode than their higher tech brethren is another drawback. When critical damage is taken to the engine there is a chance that a catastrophic explosion will occur. Since these Mechs prefer ammunition based weaponry by their very nature which also explodes when hit such dangers can not be under estimated.
Low Versatility. ICE Mechs have certain atmospheric limitations which prevents their usage in exotic venues. This really hampers their deployment off world which has to be taken into account. However such Mechs would be used primarily in a defensive role on their home planet relegating this issue to the least of your worries.
Low Price. On the positive side, finally I have something good to say about ICE Mechs, compared to the price of normal Fusion Engines (5,000 x Rating x Tonnage)/ 75 the ICE costs (1,250 x Rating x Tonnage)/ 75. Of course we will have to see if the savings is worth it.
Ease of Construction. Lower tech materials are much more readily available and could produced in a variety of different places. Existing industry may already be sufficient to facilitate the construction of these lower tech Mechs enabling a great build up of these machines. Quantity over quality. Creation of a series of uniform designs for this project based on existing ‘Mechs could enhance defense especially on a local level.
So now for an example, Atlas AS7-D costs 9,626,000
Gargantua
Design Basis: Atlas AS7-D (9,626,000 C-bills)
Weight Displacement: 100 tons (5,466,666 C-bills)
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 10
Engine: 200 ICE 17
Walking MP: 2
Running MP: 3
Power Amplifiers: .5
Heat Sinks: 17 17
Gyro: 2
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 304 19
Weapons and Ammo: Location Critical
AC/20 Right Torso 10 14
Ammo (AC/20) 10 Right Torso 2 2
LRM 20 Left Torso 5 10
Ammo (LRM) 12 Left Torso 2 2
Medium Laser Right Arm 1 1
Medium Laser Left Arm 1 1
Medium Laser Center Torso 1 1
Small Laser Center Torso 1 .5
Jupiter
Design Basis: Zeus
Weight Displacement: 80 tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 8
Engine: 240 ICE 23
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Power Amplifiers: .5
Heat Sinks: 9 9
Gyro: 3
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 184 11.5
Weapons and Ammo: Location Critical
Large Laser Left Torso 2 5
LRM 15 Right Arm 3 7
Ammo (LRM) 8 Right Torso 1 1
AC/5 Left Arm 4 8
Ammo (AC) 20 Left Arm 8 1
So what do you think? Would such a project be worth it? And if so for whom? A Periphery nation? The Federated Commonwealth in response to the Clan invasion? The Terran Republic in our BTSD setting? Someone else? Let me know!
