Topic: Optimizing the Archer (Read 17406 times)

Takiro · « **on:** May 24, 2021, 05:36:23 AM »

Optimizer number forty-one looks at one of the most iconic BattleMechs of all time, the Archer. That’s right folks we are taking it up five tons and entering into the seventy (70) ton weight class for this Unseen Classic. A personal favorite of mine from my pre-teen experiences with Robotech where it was known as Destroid Spartan. With legendary Mechwarriors the likes of Jamie Wolf and Morgan Kell utilizing it as their personal ride how could you not like this missile boat of all missile boats. Now in the Salient Horizon setting this fire support asset is nearly 600 hundred years old and in service with almost every Great House and the Periphery. I’m really looking forward to seeing what you guys can come up with this time and thankfully we have the Mech of the Week article from CBT and BattleTechWiki (links below) to provide us with some inspiration.

'Mech of the Week: ARC-* Archer
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/fan-articles/repost-mech-of-the-week-arc-*-archer/

Archer – BattleTechWiki
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Archer

Design Criteria
Design: Archer Heavy BattleMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: InnerSphere Level 2
Mass: 70 tons

Tech Base
The tech base for this enterprise will be InnerSphere Level 2, also known as Star League lostech, circa 3053. Remember some Level 1 standards which Bradshaw and myself think still have value like Large Lasers and PPCs which feature the same damage factor as their higher tech brethren with less range and perhaps most significantly less heat. Here is a list for your design reference. Let me know if there is anything I missed!

Star League LosTech
Anti-Missile System
Arrow IV Artillery Missile System
Extended Range Large Laser (ER Large Laser)
Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon (ER PPC)
Gauss Rifle
Ultra Autocannon/5
LB 10-X Autocannon
One-Shot Missile Packs
Pulse Lasers (Small, Medium, & Large)
Streak SRM-2
Swarm LRMs
Thunder LRMs
Artemis IV FCS
Beagle Active Probe
Guardian ECM Suite
Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC)
Narc Missile Beacon
TAG
Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)
Double Heat Sinks
Endo Steel Internal Structure
Ferro-Fibrous Armor
Extra Light (XL) Engine

InnerSphere Low Tech
Blazer Cannon (or Binary Laser)
Recon Camera
Remote Sensor Dispenser

New Innovations
Triple Strength Myomer
Hatchet
C3 Computer

Design Traits of this Setting
Both the Federated Commonwealth and ComStar seem to have gone in the other direction with LRM batteries preferring larger LRM-15s and 20s linked to Artemis IV FCS to enhance accuracy. Facing the technologically superior Clan invaders have caused them to spend vast sums of resources on the finest technology available usually translating into high priced BattleMechs that few other factions can afford.
This is somewhat true for the Draconis Combine which has lost a significant portion of their industrial capacity to the Clans. This has been forced Kurita designers to innovate in new and different ways regardless of traditional warrior ethos which pervades the realm. Many Draconis optimizations have included the C3 System which is accelerated from the canon setting which saw their deployment lag.
The Free Worlds League in particular have embraced massed LRM-5s over the larger batteries to provide closer mass equivalents to Clan LRMs. Thanks to a corresponding increase in NARC units these ‘fire teams’ have become quite effective in the Marik Civil War. Also, the Blazer has made an appearance in the shattered FWLM searching for an advantage over their former brethren.
The Capellan Confederation typically fields cost effective designs at this time thanks to their resource strapped situation. While justifications for high end increases can be made like the Outreach Conference, Wrath of Blake technical aid, spoils of war from Isis forces, and good old Capellan espionage these should be minimized. My advice would be Periphery plus for these designs as the Confederation is under strain supporting Isis right now as it is. Growing stealth tech reflected in the Raven would be appropriate in many cases as sophisticated electronic lostech devices like the Guardian ECM Suite would be a priority for their recon designs. There is also a fire support role which is a hallmark of Liao tactical doctrine. The discovery of Thunder LRMs to deploy minefields and use of Arrow IV Artillery on the Catapult are themes which could be amplified here.
Regional factions like the Draconis March and the Periphery have seen the introduction of some ‘simple’ lostech items like Double Heat Sinks, Ferro-Fibrous, Streak SRM-2s, and Pulse Lasers. Extra-Light (XL) Engines remain too expensive and have drawbacks which make their deployment unlikely here. Advanced orbital facilities needed for EndoSteel manufacturing also remain out of reach at this point. They are not beyond using PPCs and Large Lasers either which they view as more efficient than their ER successors.

Please do your research (think Objective Raids) for available components as this will be another factor in rapid production. I love fluff and your winning designs will be featured in my BattleTech Salient Horizon alternate setting. I'd like to go beyond the refits bought to you by Technical Readout 3050 and delve into extensive redesigns of your BattleTech favorites. Sharpen up your favorite war machines perhaps drawing on past or current variants while remembering the spirit or role of these Mechs. Don't forget to justify the expense of your project and multiple winners are possible. Figure that all entries have to be completed and posted on these forums by Friday June 4th 2021 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!

lrose · « **Reply #1 on:** May 24, 2021, 06:47:55 AM »

The ARC-6S was designed in response to the success of the Capellan's CPLT-C3 Catapult and its Arrow IV launcher. Realizing the value of a mobile fire support unit that could operate along side its Battlemechs, the AFFS issued a request for a new mech capable of carrying the Arrow IV. Manufacturers across the Federated Commonwealth responded to this request. Most designs involved new chassis in the heavy class carrying a single Arrow IV launcher and limited ammunition. The exception was the ARC-6S proposed by Defiance Industries. Well known as a one of the premier fire support mechs in existence the designers at Defiance managed to turn the Archer into the ultimate artillery mech. Starting with the same basic chassis and engine as the ARC-5S, the design team removed the Coventry Star Fire LRM Launchers, Coventry T4H Streak Racks, Doering Glowworm Narc Beacon and Pulse lasers.

Using the mass and space that was freed up they managed to mount a pair of Arrow IV launchers, one in each torso. While the actual launchers are mounted in the same housing as the old LRM launchers, much of the control hardware was mounted in the arm. This was necessary due to the large bulky nature of the Arrow IV system. To ensure an adequate supply of ammunition each launcher is equipped with 15 rounds of ammunition. The large size of the munitions required that 10 round be located in each torso and 5 rounds in each leg. With so much space dedicated to the Arrow IV launchers the only secondary weapons are a pair of medium lasers located in the center torso. One is mounted to fire forward while the other covers the rear arc.

To help commentate for the heat generated by the Arrow IV launchers, the designers mounted double strength heatsinks. They also removed 2 tons of armor from the mech to help offset the added weight of the Arrow IV. While this does reduce the mech's protection this was not considered a significant issue as the mech is not expected to see direct combat.

The new Archer has been assigned to artillery batteries in the AFFC where it has proven very popular.

Model ARC-6S
Mass: 70tons
Chassis: Earthwerk Archer
Power Plant: Edasich Motors 280XL
Cruising Speed: 44.1 kph
Maximum Speed: 65.6 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Maximillian 100
Armament:
   2 Valiant Catapult Arrow IV Launchers
   2 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries
Primary Factories: Hesperus
Communications System: Neil 9000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instratrac Mark XII

Type: ARC-6S
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 70 tons

Equipment:           Mass
Internal Structure           7
Engine      280XL      8
   Walking MP: 4
   Running MP: 6
   Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks       10 (20)      0
Gyro                  3
Cockpit               3
Armor Factor      176      11
         IS      Armor
Head         3      9
CT         22      25/10
R/L Torso      15      20/6
R/L Arm      11      18
R/L Leg      15      22

Weapons & Ammo   Location Critical   Tonnage
Arrow IV         RA & RT   15      15
Arrow IV         LA & LT   15      15
Ammo (10)      RT      2      2
Ammo (10)      LT      2      2
Ammo (5)         RL      1      1
Ammo (5)         LL      1      1
Medium Laser      CT       1      1
Medium Laser      CT(R)   1      1

lrose · « **Reply #2 on:** May 24, 2021, 06:48:18 AM »

There is an old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". The Taurian Concordat has apparently taken this saying to heart when designing an improved Archer. Lacking access to many of the advanced technologies that have been recovered by the Inner Sphere states, they have instead made minor changes that have significantly improved the Archer, while not taking away from its abilities as one of the premier fire support mechs in existence. The major change was to swap out the old heatsinks for new double strength models. This removes one of the main issues with the original Archer, a change to overheat when it was continuously firing it weapons. The other change was to the mech's armor protection. The old Ryerson 150 armor has been replaced with the newly developed Durallex Heavy Ferro-Fibrous armor. Despite mounting only 12 tons of armor, the armor protection is considered superior to that of the ARC-2R. The weight savings allowed the use of CASE systems to protect the mechwarrior from ammo explosions.

Model ARC-4T
Mass: 70tons
Chassis: Earthwerk Archer
Power Plant: Vox 280
Cruising Speed: 44.1 kph
Maximum Speed: 65.6 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Durallex Heavy Ferro-Fibrous Armor with CASE
Armament:
   2 Delta Dart LRM 20 Launchers
   4 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
Primary Factories: New Vandenberg
Communications System: Neil 9000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instratrac Mark XII

Type: ARC-4T
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 70 tons

Equipment:           Mass
Internal Structure           7
Engine      280         16
   Walking MP: 4
   Running MP: 6
   Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks       10 (20)      0
Gyro                  3
Cockpit               3
Armor Factor      216      12
         IS      Armor
Head         3      9
CT         22      34/10
R/L Torso      15      24/6
R/L Arm      11      22
R/L Leg      15      29

Weapons & Ammo   Location Critical   Tonnage
LRM 20         RT      5      10
LRM 20         LT      5      10
Ammo (12)      RT      2      2
CASE         RT      1      0.5
Ammo (12)      LT      2      2
CASE         LR      1      0.5
Medium Laser      RA      1      1
Medium Laser       LA      1      1
Medium Laser      CT(R)    1      1
Medium Laser      CT(R)   1      1

Takiro · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2021, 08:50:23 AM »

Two good ones to start us off Irose, very nice!

Takiro · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2021, 02:54:19 PM »

Looking forward to the completion of this energized Archer!

fabulousorcboy · « **Reply #5 on:** May 24, 2021, 06:57:40 PM »

Type: ARC-4S Archer
Production: Federated Commonwealth (Bowie Industries, Wyatt)
Combat Value: 1696 BV
Total Cost: 7,060,440 C-Bills (including x1.7 tonnage premium)

Internal Structure: Endo: 3.5t
Engine: (General Motors 210): 9t
Walking: 3
Running: 5
Heat Sinks: 10(20): 0t
Gyro/Cockpit (Std): 6t
Armor Factor (Std): 13t (208 pts)

Head 3/9
Center Torso 22/33/10
R/L Torso 15/24/6
R/L Arm 11/22
R/L Leg 15/28

Quirks: Battlefists, Command Mech, Stable, Ubiquitous

3x LRM-20 (15cr, 30t) 2RT/LT
6x Ammo 36 (6cr, 6t) LT
1x CASE (1cr, 0.5t) LT
2x Medium Lasers (2cr, 2t) CT

Although Defiance Industries unveiled the Archer ARC-5S to great fanfare in 3050, the design proved to be a massively underwhelming in combat against the Clan Invaders. Defiance had downgraded the Archer’s primary (and long-ranged) LRM racks in order to mount an array of recovered Star League era weapons that were all cursed with a truly pathetic effective range. In an unusual move, the AFFC cancelled its Archer procurement with Defiance in 3052, having received just one third of the initial order, and the executive board at Hesperus decided to simply mothball their Archer line, and instead devote more of their facilities investments and manpower to other, more profitable lines.

This meant that Bowie Industries, the other FedCom manufacturer of the venerable and well-loved Succession Wars era ‘Mech, found themselves with an opportunity to seize hold of the heavy fire support ‘Mech niche. Their ARC-5W, designed in conjunction with the Wolf’s Dragoons, continued its run at the Alarion orbital plant, but as a converted refit facility, Alarion was never going to be able to produce Archers in bulk, if Bowie wished to seize market share from its far larger and more powerful rival.

Ultimately, Bowie decided to go all-in on cost-effective solutions, not only removing extra light fusion engines from the design space, but ultimately deciding on a General Motors 210, licensed from TharHes Industries and their Wolfhound lines, as the bargain-basement priced motive power for their now 54mph top speed bruiser. Engineers argued that a dedicated long range fire-support unit could get away with the speed of a lumbering Assault-class ‘Mech. The designated ARC-4S (designed to emphaisize the use of classic Succession Wars era technology in their Archer) is also Bowie’s first ‘Mech design to utilize a Endo-Steel frame – a proprietary composite used primarily in their upgrade Dropship fleet, but which they have taken to identifying as “Bowie Heavy Endo Steel Model 4.” A modest set of double heat sinks had been fitted to the fusion core, and the remainder of the weight has been used to increase the firepower of the Ancient Heavy design.

Bowie made these changes in the simplest manner possible in order to get the updated design into production ASAP at its Wyatt plant. They removed all of the short-ranged missile weaponry originally larded onto their ARC-5W, then reduced the Archer to its absolute core essence: adding a third LRM-20 to the two signature weapons that have definted the Archer since its original unveiling in the 25th century Terran Hegemony. The third LRM-20 sits directly next to the other LRM-20 in its more traditional ‘shoulder’ mount, and a similarly size ammunition storage bay in the other torso help fuel the firepower needs of the ARC-4S. That ammunition bay is wrapped in a layer of CASE, fitted into the standard thirteen tons of protective Maxmillian 100 armor, and the Hegemony-designed (and Star League updated) Neil 9000 communications system still allows an Archer commander to coordinate over a dozen units spread out over several kilometers of a skirmish line.

The 4S was a runaway success, and Bowie has spent the early part of 3053 frantically expanding their modest Wyatt facility into a sizable production site, in order to meet the heavy demand from both the AFFS as well as other militaries around the Inner Sphere. /Its only major weakness is one that is quite familiar to commands that have fielded Archers at any time in the prior six centuries: the 4S carries a modest twelve volleys per LRM rack, and thus has a fairly strict leash tying it to ammunition resupply. The design so impressed manufacturers around the Inner Sphere that Defiance Industries rushed through their larger (and more nimble..and nearly thrice as expensive!) LRM fire-support rival to the Archer 4S – the Salamander PPR-5S – in 3055. Bowie had clearly cornered the market on Archer (and equivalent) designs, however, and continued brisk sales of their 4S model into the 32nd century, even tinkering here and there with more high-tech variants of the same, in 3067’s ARC-6S model, and 3070’s ARC-7S.

Takiro · « **Reply #6 on:** May 24, 2021, 09:07:17 PM »

Radical redesign there fabulousorcboy, I like it!

Takiro · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2021, 09:28:31 PM »

Interesting internal arrangement with the C3 and LRMs.

lrose · « **Reply #8 on:** May 26, 2021, 11:37:46 PM »

The ARC-6K is probably the most surprising new Archer to enter service. Prior to the Clan Invasion the Archer was produced by Gorton, Kingsley & Thorpe Enterprises at their factory on New Oslo. The company produced the ARC-2K, and later the ARC-5R, for both the Free Rasalhague Republic and the Draconis Combine. During the Clan Invasion the factory on New Oslo was relocated to Satalice before the Clans could capture it. Plans were underway to relocate the factory a second time when Satalice fell to the Wolves. Fortunately for the Combine the complete data core for the Archer was spirited off world before the Wolves captured the factory. This data core was provided to Alshain Weapons (a subsidiary of GK&T) who used the information to develop a new variant of the Archer at their factory on Tok Do.

Rather then simply put the ARC-5R into production the company instead decided to develop a new model. It was decided to turn the Archer into a close assault unit that could take advantage of the Archer powerful fists. As part of this decision Alshain Weapons teamed up with Cosby Myomer Research Firm of Vega. Cosby had recently put Triple Strength Myomer into production, using data provided by the Capellan Confederation. The TSM would dramatically increase the damage potential of the Archers already power physical attacks. To further improve the mech's close combat capability it was decided to equip the Archer with a Hatchet. Combined with the TSM the Archer could cleave through almost any mech.

Backing up the Hatchet are a pair of Victory Nickel Alloy ER Large Lasers. One of these is mounted in the Left Arm, the other has been relocated from the Right Arm to the Center Torso, below the Archers cockpit. This was done so that the mechwarrior could continue to use this weapon while also using the hatchet. Designed for close combat, the Archer's LRM racks were removed and replaced with 8 Guided Technologies Gen 2 SRM Streak Racks. These are supplied from a single ton of Ammo stored in a CASE protected ammo bin. While this seems to be an insufficient amount of ammunition for so many launchers, the ammo efficiency of the Streak racks ensures their will be enough rounds for most combats. Rounding out the weapons are a pair of rear firing medium lasers mounted in the torso and a single laser mounted above the cockpit.

Despite retaining the high heat weapons of the ARC-5R, the -6K model removes 2 heatsinks. This was an intentional choice of the design team. With the heat needed to activate the TSM, the designers realized that mechwarriors would keep the mech running hot and their was little reason to have larger numbers of heatsinks. This allowed the designers to use the more effective armor configuration of the ARC-2R, rather then the weaker armor of the ARC-5R.

The new mech has been generally well received. The biggest complaint is that the hatchet, while effective is an inelegant weapon. In response to this complaint, Cosby Myomer Research, who had developed the Hatchet for the Archer, has begun looking into developing a mech sized sword, similar to the Katana. Should this program prove successful it is suspected that the hatchet on the Archer will be replaced with a sword.

Model ARC-6K
Mass: 70 tons
Chassis: Earthwerk Archer II Endo Steel
Power Plant: Vox 280
Cruising Speed: 44.1 kph
Maximum Speed: 65.6 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Durallex Heavy with CASE
Armament:
   2 Victory Nickel Alloy Large Lasers
   2 Victory 23R Medium Lasers
   8 Guided Technologies 2nd Gen Streak Racks
Manufacturer: Alshain Weapons/Cosby Myomer Research Firm
Primary Factories: Tok Do
Communications System: Sipher CommSys 3
Targeting and Tracking System: Matabushi Sentinel

Type: ARC-6K
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 70 tons

Equipment:           Mass
Internal Structure     Endo      3.5
Engine      280         16
   Walking MP: 4
   Running MP: 6
   Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks       10 (20)      0
Gyro                  3
Cockpit               3
Armor Factor      208      13
         IS      Armor
Head         3      9
CT         22      33/10
R/L Torso      15      24/6
R/L Arm      11      22
R/L Leg      15      26

Weapons & Ammo   Location Critical   Tonnage
Hatchet         RA      5      5
ER Large Laser      CT      2      5
ER Large Laser      LA      2      5
Streak 2         RT      1      1.5
Streak 2         RT      1      1.5
Streak 2         RT      1      1.5
Streak 2         RT      1      1.5
Streak 2         LT      1      1.5
Streak 2         LT      1      1.5
Streak 2         LT      1      1.5
Streak 2         LT      1      1.5
Ammo (50)      LT      1      1
CASE         LT      1      0.5
Medium Laser      H      1      1
Medium Laser      LT(R)    1      1
Medium Laser      RT(R)   1      1
TSM            RL/LL/LA   6      0

Takiro · « **Reply #9 on:** May 27, 2021, 05:07:45 AM »

Now that is different

fabulousorcboy · « **Reply #10 on:** May 27, 2021, 06:16:22 AM »

Irose, I inexplicably love this design, it's so brutal!

I get that this is supposed to be a FRR/DC design, but this is just begging for one of the medium lasers (probably one of the rear-facing ones) to be pulled out and replaced with a C3 slave. With two medium lasers, the design can remain heat-neutral at a run, adding the ER Large Laser, so once it heats up (using two ER Larges and a Medium at a walk) it can stay in the Triple-Strength Myomer Zone all day, just tweaking the heat load with Streak fire when it gets closer.

And adding the C3 slave gives it another reason to get in close and really get every opposing 'Mech's attention -- which it might otherwise struggle with if armed just with Streaks and a few lasers because its 4/6 speed (5/8 with TSM) is really kind of mediocre for a hatchet 'Mech going up against Clan units.

lrose · « **Reply #11 on:** May 27, 2021, 11:17:34 AM »

That's a good point on the C3 system- here's a slightly tweaked version of the design.

The ARC-6K is probably the most surprising new Archer to enter service. Prior to the Clan Invasion the Archer was produced by Gorton, Kingsley & Thorpe Enterprises at their factory on New Oslo. The company produced the ARC-2K, and later the ARC-5R, for both the Free Rasalhague Republic and the Draconis Combine. During the Clan Invasion the factory on New Oslo was relocated to Satalice before the Clans could capture it. Plans were underway to relocate the factory a second time when Satalice fell to the Wolves. Fortunately for the Combine the complete data core for the Archer was spirited off world before the Wolves captured the factory. This data core was provided to Alshain Weapons (a subsidiary of GK&T) who used the information to develop a new variant of the Archer at their factory on Tok Do.

Rather then simply put the ARC-5R into production the company instead decided to develop a new model. It was decided to turn the Archer into a close assault unit that could take advantage of the Archer powerful fists. As part of this decision Alshain Weapons teamed up with Cosby Myomer Research Firm of Vega. Cosby had recently put Triple Strength Myomer into production, using data provided by the Capellan Confederation. The TSM would dramatically increase the damage potential of the Archers already power physical attacks. To further improve the mech's close combat capability it was decided to equip the Archer with a Hatchet. Combined with the TSM the Archer could cleave through almost any mech.

Backing up the Hatchet are a pair of Victory Nickel Alloy ER Large Lasers. One of these is mounted in the Left Arm, the other has been relocated from the Right Arm to the Center Torso, below the Archers cockpit. This was done so that the mechwarrior could continue to use this weapon while also using the hatchet. Designed for close combat, the Archer's LRM racks were removed and replaced with 8 Guided Technologies Gen 2 SRM Streak Racks. These are supplied from a single ton of Ammo stored in a CASE protected ammo bin. While this seems to be an insufficient amount of ammunition for so many launchers, the ammo efficiency of the Streak racks ensures their will be enough rounds for most combats. Rounding out the weapons is a rear firing medium lasers mounted in the torso and a single laser mounted above the cockpit.

Despite retaining the high heat weapons of the ARC-5R, the -6K model removes 2 heatsinks. This was an intentional choice of the design team. With the heat needed to activate the TSM, the designers realized that mechwarriors would keep the mech running hot and their was little reason to have larger numbers of heatsinks. This allowed the designers to use the more effective armor configuration of the ARC-2R, rather then the weaker armor of the ARC-5R. Since the mech is designed as a close assault unit the engineers included a C3 slave unit on the mech. This allows the Archer to share targeting information with its lance mates, improving their accuracy.

The new mech has been generally well received. The biggest complaint is that the hatchet, while effective is an inelegant weapon. In response to this complaint, Cosby Myomer Research, who had developed the Hatchet for the Archer, has begun looking into developing a mech sized sword, similar to the Katana. Should this program prove successful it is suspected that the hatchet on the Archer will be replaced with a sword.

Model ARC-6K
Mass: 70 tons
Chassis: Earthwerk Archer II Endo Steel
Power Plant: Vox 280
Cruising Speed: 44.1 kph
Maximum Speed: 65.6 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Durallex Heavy with CASE
Armament:
   2 Victory Nickel Alloy Large Lasers
   2 Victory 23R Medium Lasers
   8 Guided Technologies 2nd Gen Streak Racks
Manufacturer: Alshain Weapons/Cosby Myomer Research Firm
Primary Factories: Tok Do
Communications System: Sipher CommSys 3
Targeting and Tracking System: Matabushi Sentinel with C3 Slave

Type: ARC-6K
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 70 tons

Equipment:           Mass
Internal Structure     Endo      3.5
Engine      280         16
   Walking MP: 4
   Running MP: 6
   Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks       10 (20)      0
Gyro                  3
Cockpit               3
Armor Factor      208      13
         IS      Armor
Head         3      9
CT         22      33/10
R/L Torso      15      24/6
R/L Arm      11      22
R/L Leg      15      26

Weapons & Ammo   Location Critical   Tonnage
Hatchet         RA      5      5
ER Large Laser      CT      2      5
ER Large Laser      LA      2      5
Streak 2         RT      1      1.5
Streak 2         RT      1      1.5
Streak 2         RT      1      1.5
Streak 2         RT      1      1.5
Streak 2         LT      1      1.5
Streak 2         LT      1      1.5
Streak 2         LT      1      1.5
Streak 2         LT      1      1.5
Ammo (50)      LT      1      1
CASE         LT      1      0.5
Medium Laser      H      1      1
C3 Slave         LT       1      1
Medium Laser      RT(R)   1      1
TSM            RL/LL/LA   6      0

Takiro · « **Reply #12 on:** May 27, 2021, 06:51:10 PM »

Team work bonus!

masterarminas · « **Reply #13 on:** May 28, 2021, 01:42:45 PM »

The Archer has long been one of my favorite 'Mech designs. I particularly liked the fluff in the original TRO: 3025 that it was also the 'Mech with more variants than any other; this let me tweak the design in our home games while still staying true to canon (at least in part, anyways!).

So . . . since the Archer has so many variant models out there, I decided to launch a deluge of Archers upon you. One for each of the Great Houses and Major Periphery States (as well as the Free Rasalhague Republic) and one more for ComStar.

As with keeping with design philosophy for Inner Sphere/Star League heavy-weight 'Mechs, I kept the use of XL engines to a bare minimum. Instead relying on either Endo-Steel or Ferro-Fibrous (can't fit both on most designs due to the criticals consumed!) combined with Double Strength Heat Sinks.

But I believe that I have kept the spirit of each power alive with their designs. Hope you enjoy them.

masterarminas · « **Reply #14 on:** May 28, 2021, 02:02:20 PM »

ARC-2T Archer

The Taurian Concordat has long produced the ARC-2R Archer at its factory on New Vandenberg (Vandenberg Mechanized Industries). Beginning in 3000, the Concordat began to produce its own variant, the ARC-2T. This version of the venerable Archer downgraded the Doombud LRM-20 laucnhers to Doombud LRM-15 launchers, saving six tons, while increasing battlefield endurance despite retaining only two tons of ammunition apiece. Cooling capacity was increased to 12 standard heat sinks, allowing the ARC-2T to run and fire the missile launchers without overheating.

The left arm Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Laser was relocated to the left torso, and a fourth Medium Laser added to the right torso, along with a pair of Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Lasers (right torso and left torso), which the improved cooling capacity proved ample to handle (the ARC-2T can walk and fire all six forward firing lasers without generating excess overheat).

The two center torso mounted rear-firing Medium Lasers were retained.

To deal with hostile infantry, two Voelkers 200 Machine-guns and a half ton of ammunition were then added to the left arm, while armor protection was increased to 13.5 tons . . . almost the maximum possible for 70-ton bipedal 'Mech design.

While not able to fire as many long-range missiles down-range as the original ARC-2R, the ARC-2T was far deadlier in close combat, able to remain effective on the battlefield longer, and less likely to be forced to bypass targeting opportunities because of excess overheat buildup.

Starting in 3002, the ARC-2T became the standard Archer acquired by the Taurian Defense Force (with existing 'Mechs in service slowly being refitted to the -2T standard) and was also made available for export.

Code: [Select]

Archer ARC-2T

Mass: 70 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Succession Wars
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/X-E-D-A
Production Year: 3000
Dry Cost: 6,064,523 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,185,023 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,428

Chassis: Earthwerks Archer Standard
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Maximillian 100 Standard Armor
Armament:
    2 Doombud LRM-15s
    5 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
    2 Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Lasers
    2 Voelkers 200 Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
    Primary Factory: New Vandenberg
Communications System: Neil 9000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark XII

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     107 points                7.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                280                      16.00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             12                        2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 HD
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 216                 13.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     22           32        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  11        
                                           L/R Torso     15           22        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     11           22        
                                             L/R Leg     15           30        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1.00
2 Machine Guns                               LA        0         2         1.00
LRM-15                                       RT        5         3         7.00
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1.00
Small Laser                                  RT        1         1         0.50
LRM-15                                       LT        5         3         7.00
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1.00
Small Laser                                  LT        1         1         0.50
2 (R) Medium Lasers                          CT        6         2         2.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              LA        -         1         0.50
@LRM-15 (16)                                 RT        -         2         2.00
@LRM-15 (16)                                 LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 26

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 14
4          3       3       2       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, LRM 1/1/1, IF 1

ARC-3T Archer

As recovered Star League technology became available, the Concordat looked to upgrade and refit its existing 'Mechs to make them more effective on the modern battlefield. The ARC-3T Archer has become the definitive standard of Archers in service with the TDF and is also (slowly) becoming available for export.

VMI replaced the 12 standard heat sinks of the ARC-2T with eleven double-strength models to begin with. Also, 12.0 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armor replaced the 13.5 tons of standard armor (while this resulted in a slight drop in armor protection, the loss was minimal).

Both of the Voelkers 200 Machine-guns and their ammunition were removed; in their place was fitted a Diverse Optics Type 10P Small Pulse Laser and a Zippo Flamer. The two Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Lasers of the ARC-2T were replaced with two additional Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers as well (for a total of five forward-firing and two rear-firing medium lasers).

With the final ton available, VMI added CASE to both torsos. The Doombud LRM-15 launchers were retained along with their four tons of ammunition.

Code: [Select]

Archer ARC-3T

Mass: 70 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 6,639,123 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,759,123 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,645

Chassis: Earthwerks Archer Standard
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Maximillian 100 Special Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    2 Doombud LRM-15s
    7 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
    1 Diverse Optics Type 10P Small Pulse Laser
    1 Zippo Flamer
Manufacturer: Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
    Primary Factory: New Vandenberg
Communications System: Neil 9000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark XII

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     107 points                7.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                280                      16.00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             11(22)                    1.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 215                 12.00
    Armor Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1.00

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     22           32        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10        
                                           L/R Torso     15           22        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     11           22        
                                             L/R Leg     15           30        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1.00
Small Pulse Laser                            LA        2         1         1.00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1.00
LRM-15                                       RT        5         3         7.00
2 Medium Lasers                              RT        6         2         2.00
LRM-15                                       LT        5         3         7.00
2 Medium Lasers                              LT        6         2         2.00
2 (R) Medium Lasers                          CT        6         2         2.00
@LRM-15 (16)                                 RT        -         2         2.00
@LRM-15 (16)                                 LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 12

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 16
4          4       4       2       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, LRM 1/2/2, IF 2

OBT Forum

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Author Topic: Optimizing the Archer (Read 17406 times)

Takiro

Optimizing the Archer

lrose

Re: Optimizing the Archer

lrose

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Takiro

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Takiro

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fabulousorcboy

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Takiro

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Takiro

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lrose

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Takiro

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fabulousorcboy

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lrose

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Takiro

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masterarminas

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masterarminas

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