And another one.
Overview
Following their creation of new versions of the Blackjack, General Motors saw an opportunity for a “new†‘Mech, one that would cost almost nothing to create but would be sure to be sold without problem to the main users of this design, i.e. the AFFC and the SIMC.
Using their acquired knowledge and eager according to some to redeem themselves, they launched the BJ-2DB.
Capabilities
Willing to allow the new Blackjack to fight head on against the Clans at a reasonable price and after looking at the different weapons available, they decided to go for a straightforward approach with an ever increasing firepower as one comes into range.
For longer ranges, the choice was made of a typical Lyran weapon: a Binary Laser Cannon produced by one of the most renowned company in the Federated Commonwealth, Defiance Industries, that had put to good use what they had learned in miniaturisation for the lasers of the Zeus to make a more viable weapon.
For the closer range barrage, one Large Pulse Laser was combined to the original 4 Medium Lasers to create a firing wall that would make even heavier units think twice before getting into it even if it is a bit taxing on the 10 Double Heat Sinks but this was seen as a small price to pay for this extra firepower.
Apart from that, the only major change made to the design was to use an Endo-Steel Chassis to allow all the improved weapons to easily fit in.
Battle History
To maximise its effect, the Blackjack was given for free to pro Federated Commonwealth Stables on Solaris VII and so far the most spectacular fight happened in the Jungle where one BJ-2DB of the Overlord Stables fought against a Vindicator of the Tandrek Stables with both machines fighting at the close ranges allowed by the Capellan Stadium. The 2 walls of fire proved too much for the Tandrek Stables ‘MechWarrior and resulted in the destruction of his ‘Mech.
Deployment
Following several tests, several units specialised in urban combats in the AFFC and the SIMC have begun to take a liking to the specific mix of firepower, mobility and protection of the newest Blackjack and are bringing in their lightest units.
Notable ‘MechWarriors
In a gesture of PR, General Motors sent the first BJ-2DB to Michael Ubodo in the 8th Deneb Light Cavalry, who accepted it and renamed it Arrow.
Blackjack BJ-2DB
Mass: 45 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 3 634 425 C-Bills
Total Cost: 3 634 425 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 225
Chassis: GM BJ-I Light Endo-Steel
Power Plant: GM 180 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: Whitworth Jetlift
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: StarGuard II Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Defiance Industries/Thunderbolt A5M2 Binary Laser Cannon
1 TharHes Industries/Thunderbolt-12 Large Pulse Laser
4 TharHes Industries/Intek Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: General Motors Blackjack Refit Facility
Primary Factory: Talcott
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban AQ
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 75 points 2,50
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 2 CT, 7 LT, 4 RT
Engine: Fusion Engine 180 7,00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL 2,00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 2 RT
Gyro: Standard 2,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 136 8,50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 14 18
Center Torso (rear) 9
L/R Torso 11 15
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 7 12
L/R Leg 11 17
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Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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Medium Laser RT 3 1 1,00
Medium Laser LT 3 1 1,00
Binary Laser Cannon RA 16 4 9,00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1,00
Large Pulse Laser LA 10 2 7,00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 14
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 12
4j 3 3 0 0 2 2 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA