OBT Forum
General BattleTech => General Discussion => MechFactory => Topic started by: Takiro on August 15, 2021, 10:09:02 PM
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Challenge forty-seven is one of my favorite Assault ‘Mechs in the BattleTech universe for some reason. Maybe I like to charge at problems head first and this relatively fast moving eighty-ton BattleMech is perhaps the premier InnerSphere way to do things. Popular with the Draconis Combine and Capellan Confederation it comes in many variations spawning different models like the Hatamoto Chi and the Challenger (which I think we did in BT Shattered Dawn - see Fanbook 2 Project Phoenix). Those versions are also acceptable in this contest as well so if you want to go fast Charger, or mid ranged Hatamoto Chi or the slower Challenger – I’d love to see them here. Again, there are a lot of possibilities here folks and I really can’t wait to see what you can come up with for the BattleTech Salient Horizon setting. The Mech of the Week article from CBT and BattleTechWiki are also available to provide us with some inspiration (links below)
'Mech of the Week: CGR-XXX Charger
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/fan-articles/mech-of-the-week-cgr-xxx-charger/
Charger - BattleTechWiki
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Charger
Design Criteria
Design: Charger Assault BattleMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: InnerSphere Level 2
Mass: 80 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 August 27th 2021 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!
Oh, and let me not forget the CGR-2A5 Charger by Ice Hellion our first winner for this contest which was part of the AC/20 BattleMech Design Challenge (circa 3052). I am still refining the final product as we speak. Maybe I will post it for this contest. Great job Ice and a good example of what to do this time around.
https://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/mechfactory/ac20-battlemech-design-challenge-circa-3052/msg44176/#msg44176
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The Charger has never been a very popular mech. Introduced by the Star League, the mech was considered a failure and was withdrawn from service. It was only the onset of the Succession Wars and the need for mechs, any mechs, that kept the mech in production at the Wells Technology facility on Luthien. Even so the mech was not popular with the DCMS. It was however popular with the LCAF which, favoring heavy and assault mechs, found a role for the Charger in the recon lances of their assault companies. Unable to sell directly to the LCAF, Wells Technology supplied mechs to the Lyrans through third parties. This trade began sometime in the 2800s and lasted until the ISF discovered this operation at the end of the 3rd Succession War. The Lyran Chargers continued to soldier on, fighting in the 4th Succession War, War of 3039 and finally the Clan Invasion. Never very successful to begin with, the recovery of advanced technology from the Helm Memory Core threatened to make the Charger even less effective compared to new designs. With so many Chargers in service, the AFFC could not afford to ignore the mech. Instead they contracted with Defiance Industries to develop an upgrade of the Charger, one that would allow the mech to continue in the heavy recon role, while at the same time be more effective on the battlefield. Another requirement was that the upgraded needed to use as many components as possible from other Defiance products, in an effort to simplify logistics.
The engineers at Defiance Industries realized that any effort to improve the Charger would require a major overhaul of the mech. For this reason they dedicated an line at their Furillo plant to handle these upgrades. It was quickly realized that the only way to make the Charger more effective with out sacrificing any speed was to replace the old LTV 400 engine with a new extra light model that Defiance is building for a classified project. The new Charger allowed Defiance to test the new engine and work out any bugs or issues with the design. The huge savings in mass allowed the engineers to make significant upgrades to the Charger's systems. Starting with the weapon systems the designers replaced both of the torso mounted small lasers with the same Cyclops XII ER Large Lasers that are used by the Zeus. The left arm laser has been upgraded to a Defiance B3M Medium Laser, while the right arm laser has been upgraded and moved to the right torso. This was done to free up the arm to carry a large hatchet. To make the hatchet even more deadly, the mech carries Triple Strength Myomers. Rounding out the weapons are a Flamer in the left, for use in both the anti-infantry and incendiary role, and a head mounted small laser. While of limited value in combat, the small laser is mainly used to help manage heat levels, ensuring that the TSM operates at its maximum efficiency. Due to the added heat of all the new weapons, the mech carries 12 double strength heatsinks, enough to keep the mech from significantly over heating but not enough to prevent the TSM from activating.
In addition to the upgrades to the mech's weapons, the electronics suite got a complete overhaul. The Combine com and targeting systems were removed and replaced with those of the Zeus, to ease logistics and maintenance. Given the mech's role as a scout, a Guardian ECM module was added to hide the mech from enemy forces, while a beagle active probe enables it to locate enemy units. To protect the expensive engine and electronics, the armor has been upgraded to 14 tons of Glasgow Limited Primo Ferro-Fibrous armor that is also used on the Zeus. This provides almost 50% better protection than that of the CGR-1A1.
Model CGR-2S
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Wells 990
Power Plant: LTV 400XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Glasgow Limited Primo Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Cyclops XII ER Large Lasers
2 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers
1 Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Laser
1 Zippo Flamer
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries (Refit)
Primary Factories: Furillo
Communications System: TharHes Calliope ZE-2 with Guardian ECM Module
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHes Ares-7 with Beagle Active Probe
Type: CGR-2S
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 80 tons
Equipment: Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 400XL 26.5
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks 12(24) 2
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 247 14
IS Armor
Head 3 9
CT 25 40/10
R/L Torso 17 26/8
R/L Arm 13 26
R/L Leg 17 34
Weapons & Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
ER Large Laser RT 2 5
Medium Laser RT 1 1
ER Large Laser LT 2 5
Hatchet RA 6 6
Medium Laser LA 1 1
Flamer LA 1 1
Small Laser H 1 0.5
Guardian ECM CT 2 1.5
Beagle Active Probe LT 2 1.5
TSM (2RL, 2LL, 2RA)
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The introduction of the CGR-3K was met with great approval by the mechwarriors of the DCMS. No longer was the Charger a punishment assignment, instead it was an effective mech that could contribute on the battlefield. Even so there were some complaints about the new Charger. The biggest complaint revolved around the choice of weapons, namely the combination of the a LRM rack with medium pulse lasers. Due to minimum effective range of the LRM and the short range of the Pulse Lasers, the Charger was unable to concentrate its firepower against a single target. Taking this criticism serious, Luthien Armor Works began to look into alternate configurations for the Charger.
The design team quickly decided to remove the Shigunga Long Range Missile Rack in favor of a Lord's Light 2 Extended Range PPC. The ER PPC provided a powerful punch, while not requiring ammunition, increasing the Charger's endurance on the battlefield. The mech retains the Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Lasers, making the mech a deadly foe at close range. Due to the high heat generated by the ER PPC, the designers added 2 additional heatsinks to the mech.
Seeking to free up more mass for other improvements, the CGR-4K switches to a new endo-steel chassis which forced them to drop the New Samarkand Royal Ferro-Fibrous Armor in favor of the old Durallex Heavy Special armor. To compensate for this change, the Charger mounts 14.5 tons of armor, providing superior protection compared to the CGR-3K. The other changes to the mech included major improvements to the mech's electronics. Realizing that the mech could fulfill the role of a heavy scout/raider for the DCMS, the designers upgraded the com system with a Guardian ECM and added a Beagle Active Probe to locate hidden units. Lastly a C3 Slave Module has been added to the mech. This allows other mechs in the Charger's lance to take advantage of the fact that the Charger tends to fight enemy forces at close range.
Model CGR-4K
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Alshain Class 92ES
Power Plant: Hermes 400XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86 kph
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd Lifters
Jump Capacity:150 Meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Special
Armament:
1 Lord's Light 2 ER PPC
4 Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factories: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus with Guardian ECM and C3 Slave module
Targeting and Tracking System: Cat's Eye 5 with Beagle Active Probe
Type: CGR-4K
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 80 tons
Equipment: Mass
Internal Structure Endo 4
Engine 400XL 26.5
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Heatsinks 14(28) 4
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 232 14.5
IS Armor
Head 3 9
CT 25 34/7
R/L Torso 17 27/7
R/L Arm 13 23
R/L Leg 17 34
Weapons & Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
ER PPC RT 3 7
Medium Pulse Laser RT 1 2
Medium Pulse Laser RA 1 2
Medium Pulse Laser LT 1 2
Medium Pulse Laser LA 1 2
Guardian ECM LT 2 1.5
Beagle Active Probe RT 2 1.5
C3 Slave H 1 1
Jump Jet CT 1 1
Jump Jets LL 2 2
Jump Jets RL 2 2
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The CGR-3T came about due to the collapse of Wells Technology shortly before the 4th Succession War. With the halting on Wells Technologies illegal sales of Chargers to the Lyran Commonwealth, the company, now having been bought out by Luthien Armor Works, found few buyers for the unbeloved mech. It was a bit of luck for LAW when a a field representative in the Outworlds Alliance met representatives from the Taurian Concordat. The Taurians were helping the OWA modernize their factories and ground forces, in exchange for the aid with TDF aerospace forces. The Combine representatives were in the OWA helping improve the production capacity at United Outworlders Corporation. The Combine representatives learned the at the Taurians were looking for more assault mechs for the TDF. Realizing an opportunity, the Combine agents contacted the home office of LAW and soon an agreement was reached between the Concordat and the Combine. The Concordat, while desperate for assault mechs, refused to buy the Charger, considering it a worthless design. Instead LAW would sell chassis to the Concordat, who would the complete outfitting the chassis' to TDF specifications. Unable to trade directly, since neither Combine or Concordat merchants could cross the territory of the Federated Suns, the OWA was included as a middleman. In exchange for the OWA's aid in conducting this trade, the Concordat purchased equipment to outfit the Chargers from OWA companies, including Pitban 240 engines from Mountain Wolf Battlemechs and lasers from Lushann Industrials Limited.
The CGR-3Ts were completed at the Taurus Territorial Industries on Taurus. Powered by a Pitban 240 engine, the mech is much slower then the original CGR-1A1. The weight savings was used to improve the combat capabilities of the mech. The right arm small laser was replaced with a Donal PPC, while the torso and left arm lasers were replaced with Lushann Redbeam Large Lasers. The head mounted small laser was been upgraded to a Diverse Optics Type 2 Medium Laser. With the addition of so many high power weapons, the cooling system was improved through the addition of 18 heatsinks to the mech. Even so mechwarriors are cautioned that continuous firing will overwhelm the mech's coolant system. The other big change is the addition of 3.5 tons of armor plating, allowing the mech to better survive on the battlefield.
The new Charger has proven very popular with Taurian Mechwarriors. The mech is usually assigned to defensive units as it slow speed prevents it from operating in offensive roles or pirate hunting. The trade between the Combine and the Concordat continued until 3050, when theCombine, desperate for mechs to replace the losses suffered during the Clan Invasion halted the trade so that the chassis could be completed as CGR-3Ks for the DCMS.
Model CGR-3T
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Wells 990
Power Plant: Pitban 240
Cruising Speed: 32 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Ryerson 150
Armament:
1 Donal PPC
3 Lushann Redbeam Large Lasers
1 Diverse Optics Type 2 Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works/Taurus Territorial Industries
Primary Factories: Taurus
Communications System: Neil 8000
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P 1500 ARB
Type: CGR-3T
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 80 tons
Equipment: Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 240 11.5
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks 28 18
Gyro 3
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 216 13.5
IS Armor
Head 3 9
CT 25 35/10
R/L Torso 17 22/8
R/L Arm 13 22
R/L Leg 17 29
Weapons & Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
Large Laser RT 2 5
Large Laser LT 2 5
PPC RA 2 7
Large Laser LA 2 5
Medium Laser H 1 1
The CGR-4T is an upgrade to the CGR-3T that has been recently introduced by the Concordat. Having lost access to new Wells 990 chassis, the Concordat sought to improve the capabilities of their existing Chargers. Taking advantage of the newly introduced double heatsinks, the designers removed 9 heatsinks but still increased the heat dissipation of the Charger by approximately 33%. The weight savings allowed them to increase the firepower of the Charger. The arm mounted Donal PPC was relocated to a better protected location in the mech's right torso and second PPC was added in the mech's left torso. The two torso mounted Large Lasers have also been relocated, one to the right arm, replacing the PPC, and the other a mounting in the mech's center torso. While the heat dissipation is greatly improved over that of the CGR-3T, the addition of a second PPC means that firing all of the mech's weapon will tax the mech's cooling system.
The only other change was the addition of 2 additional tons or armor, providing additional protection to the valuable mech.
Model CGR-4T
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Wells 990
Power Plant: Pitban 240
Cruising Speed: 32 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Ryerson 150
Armament:
2 Donal PPCs
3 Lushann Redbeam Large Lasers
1 Diverse Optics Type 2 Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works/Taurus Territorial Industries
Primary Factories: Taurus
Communications System: Neil 8000
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P 1500 ARB
Type: CGR-4T
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 80 tons
Equipment: Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 240 11.5
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks 19 (38) 9
Gyro 3
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 247 15.5
IS Armor
Head 3 9
CT 25 40/10
R/L Torso 17 26/8
R/L Arm 13 26
R/L Leg 17 34
Weapons & Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
PPC RT 3 7
PPC LT 3 7
Large Laser RA 2 5
Large Laser LA 2 5
Large Laser CT 2 5
Medium Laser H 1 1
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With the success of Project Aegis, Duke Sandoval began to look for a new assault mech that could be deployed with the Draconis March Militia. Unfortunately assault mechs are highly valued and there were few available to the Duke. One of the few mechs that was available to the Duke was CGR-1A1 Charger. The Project Aegis engineers began looking at the mech and how they could improve it. Fortunately they had a supply of Pitban 320 engines available to them. These engines had been produced for the Victor, but were left over when the Quentin and Independence Weaponry fell to the Combine during the War of 3039. The design team decided to replace the large LTV 400 with the smaller Pitban 320 engine, much like the Banshee-S had made use of a smaller engine to improve the performance of the design.
The mass savings from the Pitban 320 allowed the designers to make an impressive number of changes to the mech. All of the ineffective small lasers were remove. In their place is an impressive array of weapons. Each torso mounts a ChisComp 43 Special Large Laser. These lasers, formerly used on the Enforcer, have also been mounted on the Project Aegis designed DRG-2D Dragon and JM-7D Jagermech as well as the new Watchman that is being developed by Robinson Standard Battleworks. The design also mounts a Johnson Parti-Cannon PPC in the right arm. With the introduction of the next Extended Range PPC, there is a supply of the older Parti-Kill cannon that can be acquired relatively cheaply. Rounding out the weapons are 3 ChisComp 39 Medium Lasers, used on a number of AFFC mechs, and a Sutel Precision Line Small Pulse Laser. The Small Pulse Lasers came from the same supply that is used on the Vindicator and provides the mech with a limited anti-infantry capability.
The addition of so many weapons led the designers to add 8 heatsinks. The heat dissipation capability is further improved by using double strength models. This allows the mech to maintain a high rate of fire with little concern about heat build up. The designers were also able to improve the mech's protection, replacing the old Durallex Heavy armor with 13.5 tons of StarGuard Ferro-Fibrous Armor. Other changes include the replacement of the original electronics with the Achernar Electronics HICS-11 Com System and the Federated Hunter Targeting and Tracking System. The main reason for this change was to simplify logistics, as many AFFC mechs use these systems, replacement parts are readily accessible.
Model CGR-2D
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Wells 990
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 66.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: StarGuard Ferro-Fibrous Armor
Armament:
1 Johnson Parti-Cannon PPC
2 ChisComp 43 Special Large Lasers
3 ChisComp 39 Medium Lasers
1 Sutel Precision Line Small Pulse Laser
Manufacturer: Robinson Standard Battleworks
Primary Factories: Robinson
Communications System: Archernar Electronics HICS-11
Targeting and Tracking System: Federated Hunter
Type: CGR-2D
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 80 tons
Equipment: Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 320 22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks 18(36) 8
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 241 13.5
IS Armor
Head 3 9
CT 25 34/10
R/L Torso 17 26/8
R/L Arm 13 26
R/L Leg 17 34
Weapons & Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
Large Laser RT 2 5
Large Laser LT 2 5
PPC RA 3 7
Medium Laser H 1 1
Medium Laser LA 1 1
Medium Laser CT 1 1
Small Pulse Laser RT 1 1
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A five star beginning Irose!
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I'll get mine up later, first day back to the office full-time in 518 days :o forgot my laptop at home.
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One of the "benefits" of the Kapteyn Accords was the acquisition of the CGR-1L by the CCAF. Reducing it's armor and removing the small lasers allowed the mech to carry a Large Laser and a pair of medium lasers. Lightly armored, the mech was considered a deathtrap but lacking significant mech production capabilities, the CCAF had little choice but acquire any mechs it could. With the rebuilding of the Capellan industry following the 4th Succession War, and access to the production lines of the Free Worlds League, the CGR-1L has been relegated to second line status. Despite the poor performance of the mech, the CCAF could not afford to ignore it and allow it to become even more obsolete. The upgrade program, undertaken at Earthwerks on Grand Base, sought to improve the CGR-2L as best as possible, while keeping the cost down. The old standard large laser was replaced with a Diverse Optics Sunbeam Extended Range Large Laser acquired from the Free Worlds League. To help compensate for the added heat, the single strength heatsinks have been replaced with double strength models. Lastly, while it was impossible to add more armor, the old armor plating was replaced with new Ferro-Fibrous armor, providing better, albeit still insufficient, protection for the same tonnage.
Despite the improvements, the CGR-2L is still considered a substandard mech and is usually assigned as a punishment assignment for problematic soldiers.
Model CGR-2L
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Wells 990
Power Plant: LTV 400
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous Armor
Armament:
1 Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser
2 Diverse Optics Type 20 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Earthwerks Incorporated (refit)
Primary Factories: Grand Base
Communications System: Tek BattleCom
Targeting and Tracking Dalban Hirez
Type: CGR-2L
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 80 tons
Equipment: Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 400 52.5
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks 10 (20)
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 98 5.5
IS Armor
Head 3 9
CT 25 17/4
R/L Torso 17 12/2
R/L Arm 13 8
R/L Leg 17 12
Weapons & Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
ER Large Laser RA 2 5
Medium Laser RT 1 1
Medium Laser LT 1 1
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Despite the improvements, the CGR-2L is still considered a substandard mech and is usually assigned as a punishment assignment for problematic soldiers.
Being sent to the Infantry might be a better option at least then your not targeted as easily as an 80 ton tissue paper thin assault 'Mech
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Following the signing of the Kapteyn Accords, the Capellan Confederation began purchasing CGR-1L's from Wells Technology. A poor design that sacrificed armor for more weapons, the design was only accepted by the Capellans due to a lack of anything better. In 3027, shortly before the 4th Succession War began, engineers at Earthwerks Incorporated on Grand Base proposed a new version of the Charger. The CGR-1A5 removed the larger LTV 400 engine and replaced it with the Pitban 320 that is used on the Victor produced at Tao Mechworks and HildCo Interplanetary. It was planned to convert all of the CGR-1Ls to this configuration but the 4th Succession War, and the loss of the HildCo plant on St Ives where the Pitban 320s were being manufactured, halted these plans after less then half of the CGR-1Ls had been upgraded.
While lacking the production facilities for the Pitban 320, which prevented the further conversion of any CGR-1Ls to the -1A5 configuration, the recovery of lost Star League technology allowed the CCAF to improve their existing CGR-1A5s. The biggest change was to the mech's weapon systems. The old Tomodzuru autocannon was replaced with a Dragon's Fire Gauss Rifle imported from the Free Worlds League. While dealing slightly less damage, the much longer range is considered an advantage as the Charger does not need to close to be effective. The 2 Bical SRM-6 launchers have been replaced with 4 Hovertec streak racks. While reducing the number of tubes available, they greatly improve ammo efficiency, allowing the single ton of ammo to last during extended battles. The mech also retains the head mounted Magna Mk I Light Laser but upgrades the Agra 3L Medium Laser to a Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser from the FWL.
While the Gauss Rifle generates less heat the the Tomodzuru Autocannon, the addition of the Sunbeam laser more then offsets it. To help compensate for the added heat, the mech switches to Double Strength heatsinks. Due to the added weight of the Gauss Rifle and ER Large Laser, the designers were forced to remove 3 heatsinks and 2 tons of armor. In an effort to offset the reduced weight of armor, the old Durallex Heavy plate has been replaced with the Jolasa-328 Ferro-Fibrous armor from the FWL.
The CGR-1A7 has proven very popular with mechwarriors in the Capellan Confederation. The Capellans have begun to look into acquiring additional Pitban 320 engines from the Draconis Combine. If they can acquire a supply of the engines, they will convert all of the remaining CGR-1Ls to the the CGR-1A7 variant.
Model CGR-1A7
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Wells 990
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 66.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Jolasa-328
Armament:
1 Dragon's Fire Gauss Rifle
4 Hovertec SRM 2 Streak Launchers
1 Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser
1 Magna Mk I Light Laser
Manufacturer: Earthwerks Incorporated (refit)
Primary Factories: Grand Base
Communications System: Tek BattleCom
Targeting and Tracking Dalban Hirez
Type: CGR-1A7
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 80 tons
Equipment: Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 320 22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks 10(20)
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 232 13
IS Armor
Head 3 9
CT 25 33/10
R/L Torso 17 26/8
R/L Arm 13 24
R/L Leg 17 32
Weapons & Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
Gauss Rifle RT 7 15
Ammo (16) LT 2 2
SRM 2 Streak LT 1 1.5
SRM 2 Streak LT 1 1.5
SRM 2 Streak LT 1 1.5
SRM 2 Streak LT 1 1.5
Ammo (50) LT 1 1
ER Large Laser CT 2 5
Small Laser H 1 0.5
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More good stuff Irose!
You'll get back in the grove Bradshaw, don't worry. ;)
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Lunch time field refit different then ones I have at home.
A field refit of the newly produced 3K variants coming out of Luthen Armor Works, inspired by Kuritan technicians that had assisted with the salvaging of some Clan Blackhawks after the Battle of Luthien. Stripping out of the entirety of the new weapon systems in the process. With the hardest aspect of the refit being the incorporation of more heat sinks in its massive Hermes 400 XL engine. The technicians have added the max amount of armor able to fit on its 80 ton frame. With such an expensive piece of equipment this was seen as a requirement for the 'Mech. The rest of the design is centered around the bevy of Omicron Medium Lasers. With such limited ranges the inclusion of an ECM was felt needed to either interfere with opponents targeting and communications or secure the signals being broadcast by its new C3 unit. A TAG was also added to call in friendly fire in situations where heavier armament was needed to be called in for support.
Charger CGR-3Kfr
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 21,787,440 C-bills
Battle Value: 2,003
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Standard Biped
Power Plant: Hermes 400 XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd. Lifters
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro Fibrous
Armament:
10 Omicron 4000 Medium Laser
1 TAG
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Boran Meta-Sygnus Plus
Targeting & Tracking System: Delta Track w/TAG
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 400 XL 26.5
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Double Heat Sink 16 [32] 6
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor (Ferro) 247 14
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 38
Center Torso (rear) 12
R/L Torso 17 26
R/L Torso (rear) 8
R/L Arm 13 26
R/L Leg 17 34
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
5 Medium Lasers RT 5 3 5.0
5 Medium Lasers LT 5 3 5.0
ECM Suite RT 2 - 1.5
TAG CT 1 0 1.0
C3 Computer HD 1 - 1.0
2 Jump Jets RL 2 - 2.0
2 Jump Jets LL 2 - 2.0
Jump Jet CT 1 - 1.0
Not sure which is better the above or removing two medium lasers and two heat sinks and including a MASC
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Irose: I think your armor on the 1A7 is incorrect. Did you mean for it to have 234 pips of ferro-fibrous armor, or 208 pips of standard armor?
Bradshaw: definitely MASC if the only thing your Charger has is medium lasers! Otherwise you have a slightly beefier Komodo... which is an okay 'Mech but not at over three times (!!) the C-Bill cost with your 400XL engine and electronics. My suggestion is to find a way to include EndoSteel instead of Ferro-Fibrous, in order to keep the medium lasers load at 10.
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Was trying to keep it as a refit of the 3K so costs were already done just stripping out the weaponry for the beefier Komodo. I don't have access to refit rules atm so don't know how much it is too include MASC.
Edit so I think its equivalent to Maintenance which would require access to transport bays, but not to the extreme which would need factories. As I read it MASC affects the myomers but isn't replacing one type for another. That would be TSM for standard which would require factories.
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Type: Charger CGR-SOA “Challenger”
Production: Outworlds Alliance (Ravenna Electronics, Ravenna)
Combat Value: 1720 BV (Type 1), 1833 (Type 2)
Total Cost: 6,720,120 C-Bills (Type 1), 6,902,820 C-Bills (Type 2)
Internal Struc (Std): 8t
Engine: Shinobi 240: 11.5t
Walking: 3
Running: 5
Jumping: (3 -- Type 2 only)
Heat Sinks: 20(40): 10t --> 2RA/3RT/3LT/3LA
Gyro/Cockpit (Std): 6t
Armor Factor (std): 14.5t (232 pips)
Head 3/9
Center Torso 25/30/15
R/L Torso 17/24/10
R/L Arm 13/24
R/L Leg 17/31
Quirk: Barrelfist (LA), Easy to Maintain
WEAPONS (SOA Type 1)
6x Large Lasers (12cr, 30t) RA/RT/CT/LT/RL/LL
WEAPONS (SOA Type 2)
5x Large Lasers (10cr, 25t) RA/RT/LT/RL/LL
3x Jumpjets (3cr, 3t) RT/CT/LT
1x TAG (1cr, 1t) H
1x Flamer (1cr, 1t) CT
Due to a legal snafu following the War of 3039, and the Draconis Combine’s transition to manufacturing the upgraded Hatamoto series, Ravenna Electronics of the Outworlds Alliance acquired a production license for the original Charger design. As the only assault ‘Mech manufacturer in the Outworlds, Ravenna focused on producing designs that could be sustained and supplied entirely within the Alliance itself, truly leaning into the Charger’s easy of maintenance, while also reducing the overall costs as much as possible, given the tight budgets of the Alliance Military Corps for ‘Mech assets.
The Charger 1A9, although a credible and moderately mobile support ‘Mech, was unpopular with the AMC because of its high cost, compared to its mediocre firepower (essentially that of a ‘Mech half its tonnage). Effectively, they wanted to purchase Challenger fire-support designs. Ravenna went back to the drawing board, and in partnership with a number of Alliance manufacturers, released two variants of the Challenger.
Both variants utilize the same framework and base components, with only a modest difference in armament. Using a Shinobi 240 engine, manufactured by United Outworlders Corporation on Ramora for their Sai aerospace fighter, the Challenger SOA moves at a ponderous top speed of 53kph, as befitting a dedicated fire-support assault design. It retains the Tek Battlecom comms of the original Charger, but swaps out the easily overtaxed Dalban Hirez targeting system for an O/P 911-C system sourced from Arenthir Electronics of Alpheratz, specialists in producing military-grade electronics. The ‘Mech is protected by fourteen and a half tons of StarSlab-3 standard military-grade armor – almost fifty percent greater than Succession Wars-era Chargers. Finally, the -SOA is absolutely packed to the gills with modern double-strength “freezers”, produced by Lushann Industries Ltd.
Both -SOA variants also equip nearly identical armaments – the bulky but famously high-quality Lushann Redbeam large laser, produced by Lushann Industries Ltd. Five large lasers are scattered across the body of the Challenger, with one hip-mounted on each leg, one in the right arm barrel-fist, and one each on high mounts in the right and left torsos. With twenty double heat sinks, the -SOA is capable of sustaining a ferocious barrage of large laser fire, making the -SOA a fearsome combatant at ranges up to 450 meters.
The differences between the Type 1 and Type 2 variants produced by Ravenna are modest, but do impact the role of the -SOA to a degree. The Type 1 equips a sixth Lushann Redbeam large laser in the center torso, giving the ‘Mech a degree of redundancy, and providing a devastating alpha-strike, at the cost of a significant heat spike. This variant Challenger can operate away from supply lines for lengthy periods, and in a sustained battle is capable of operating even when having sustained tremendous damage – a “zombie”.
The Type 2 is more versatile, and instead of the sixth large laser, instead retains the jumpjets fitted to the older 1A9 design, giving the Challenger a modest 90m jump distance. It also equips Target Acquisition Gear, newly produced by Arenthir Electronics under license from Tanadi Computers of Hachiman, allowing the Type 2 to designate targets for strafing by Alliance aerospace forces. Finally, a Zippo-brand ‘Mech flamer (from Lushann Industries) is fitted to the center torso of the ‘Mech, giving it some modest anti-infantry capability, as well as the ability to provide its own cover in both urban and overgrown environments.
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Charger CGR-3KT "Morpheus"
This variant of the Charger is a training 'Mech, intended to simulate a variety of designs by mounting a wide variety of weapon systems. It's an assault 'Mech, but it doesn't always look like one. It can be fitted out with extra plates to modify its appearance, and carries special electronics to falsify its signature; these special abilities let it look and scan as something other than what it is, hence the machine's name. Used as the test bed for many of the newer technologies being uncovered by the Draconis Combine the Charger with its rather lackluster track record was used for many of these rediscovered technologies. Most famous of these variants the newer Hatamoto Chi Battlemech. The 3KT is the official new testbed for Kurita Mechwarriors to be trained on for use for future Heavy or Assault deployments after training. Long known for training being a 'mech the Chameleon has trained countless warriors over the centuries but it was always geared towards light or medium chassis with pilots being then thrown into the slower and heavier designs with little exposure to the nuances between the different weight categories. With the large number Chargers available even with the other upgrades that have come about due to lostech. The 3KT has found a niche that will hopefully show dividends in the future for DCMS troops.
Outfitted with a large assortment of weaponry to give pilots exposure with nearly every type available the 3KT's hodgepodge approach makes for awful ugly duckling appearance. But with the integration of a MASC and Jump Jets the design will get any pilot ready for the future on the battlefield.
Introduction Year: 3049
Cost: 11,406,720 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,757
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Alshain Class 92
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd. Lifters
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro Fibrous w/CASE
Armament:
1 Ultra AC/5
1 ER Large Laser
2 Medium Laser
1 SRM 2
1 LRM 5
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communication System: Boran Meta-Sygnus Plus
Targeting & Tracking System: Dalban Hirez
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 320 Fusion 22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6(8)
Jumping MP: 4
Double Heat Sink 10 [20] 0
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor (Ferro) 188 10.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 28
Center Torso (rear) 9
R/L Torso 17 21
R/L Torso (rear) 6
R/L Arm 13 20
R/L Leg 17 24
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
ER Large Laser RA 2 12 5.0
Medium Laser RT 1 3 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 3 1.0
Ultra AC/5 LA 5 1 9.0
LRM 5 RT 1 2 2.0
SRM 2 LT 1 2 1.0
C3 Computer HD 1 - 1.0
MASC RT 4 - 4.0
LRM 5 Ammo (24) RT 1 - 1.0
Ultra AC/5 Ammo (20) LT 1 - 1.0
SRM 2 Ammo (50) LT 1 - 1.0
CASE RT 1 - 0.5
CASE LT 1 - 0.5
2 Jump Jet RL 2 - 2.0
2 Jump Jet LL 2 - 2.0
The 3KC is a command variant that is produced in limited numbers due to the exorbitant costs involved with its production. With its Hermes 400 XL breaking the bank the 3KC is able to maneuver the battlefield with either leading light scouting company or able to flee the battlefield quickly if supporting larger assault companies. With its twin C3 computers the design is the favorite of many new commanders, with its integrated Beagle Active Probe able to sniff out ambushers the Guardian ECM is able to maintain communication through enemy countermeasures trying to jam integral communications. With a small but efficient arsenal the design is able to defend itself in a pinch but its really just meant to keep opponents honest as the 'Mech flees for friendly lines in a pinch. With only 1 out of every 10 Chargers coming out of LAW a 3KC variant it will be quite a while till they are able to produce the numbers necessary to fulfill the demands this 'Mech has created.
Charger CGR-3KC
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 26,738,520 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,688
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Luthien Class C
Power Plant: Hermes 400 XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd. Lifters
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro Fibrous
Armament:
3 Medium Laser
1 ER Large Laser
2 C3 Computer [Master]
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communication System: Sipher CommSys 4 w/dual C3 Computer
Targeting & Tracking System: Matabushi Sentinel w/Active Probe
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure Endo Steel 4
Engine 400 XL 26.5
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Double Heat Sink 12 [24] 2
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 232 14.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 37
Center Torso (rear) 10
R/L Torso 17 26
R/L Torso (rear) 7
R/L Arm 13 25
R/L Leg 17 30
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
ER Large Laser RA 2 12 5.0
Medium Laser CT 1 3 1.0
Medium Laser RT 1 3 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 3 1.0
C3 Computer RT 5 0 5.0
C3 Computer LT 5 0 5.0
Active Probe RT 2 - 1.5
ECM Suite LT 2 - 1.5
2 Jump Jet LL 2 - 2.0
2 Jump Jet RL 2 - 2.0
Jump Jet CT 1 - 1.0
Charger CGR-2O
As the only Assault Mech being produced in the Periphery and for the fact its in the Outworlds Alliance of all the major periphery powers is quite a shocker. With minor assistance from the Draconis Combine as well as the Taurian Concordant the new 2O variant has begun to be seen in all three realms. With little in the way of lostech the 2O utilizes some of the essentials. Being bolstered with Ferro Fibrous armor courtesy of the Draconis Combine and Double Heat Sinks courtesy of the Taurians. The design is very similar to the 3K variant with the major difference being the lack of Medium Pulse Lasers and instead the inclusion of singular Large Laser supported with a battery of standard medium lasers.
Introduction Year: 3050
Cost: 8,649,120 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,773
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Wells 900
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro Fibrous w/CASE
Armament:
1 Doombud LRM 20
3 Martell Model 5 Medium Laser
1 RamTech 1200 Large Laser
Manufacturer: Ravenna Electronics
Primary Factory: Ramora
Communication System: Tek BattleCom
Targeting & Tracking System: Dalban Hirez
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 8
Engine 320 Fusion 22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4
Double Heat Sink 14 [28] 4
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor (Ferro) 232 13
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 36
Center Torso (rear) 11
R/L Torso 17 26
R/L Torso (rear) 7
R/L Arm 13 24
R/L Leg 17 31
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
LRM 20 RT 5 6 10.0
Large Laser LA 2 8 5.0
Medium Laser RT 1 3 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 3 1.0
Medium Laser RA 1 3 1.0
LRM 20 Ammo (18) RT 3 - 3.0
CASE RT 1 - 0.5
2 Double Heat Sink LT 6 - 2.0
2 Jump Jet RL 2 - 2.0
2 Jump Jet LL 2 - 2.0
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This design is not intended to be used for the contest but had to post it for nostalgia. So before we knew all the rules we used to have 'Mechs explode in the game when engines were destroyed, not knowing fusion vs fission. So we thought minor little mushroom clouds would litter a battlefield. With that said a 'Merc/Pirate unit we had used modified Chargers or Charger IIs as we called them to have prisoners or suicidal pilots charge enemy lines and then self destruct themselves. Well of course ammo only enhanced these explosions so we'd load them up with SRM2 or MG ammo for bigger bangs. We all know now this would never had worked but the fun we had with these brings back dim but fond memories.
Charger II
Introduction Year: 3050
Cost: 9,913,440 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,066
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Wells 990
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy
Armament:
2 Medium Laser
4 Machine Gun
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Tek BattleCom
Targeting & Tracking System: Dalban Hirez
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure Endo Steel 4
Engine 320 Fusion 22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6(8)
Jumping MP: 4
Heat Sink 10 0
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 247 15.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 38
Center Torso (rear) 12
R/L Torso 17 26
R/L Torso (rear) 8
R/L Arm 13 26
R/L Leg 17 34
Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
2 Machine Gun RT 2 0 1.0
2 Machine Gun LT 2 0 1.0
Medium Laser RA 1 3 1.0
Medium Laser LA 1 3 1.0
MASC RT 4 - 4.0
Machine Gun Ammo (200) HD 1 - 1.0
Machine Gun Ammo (400) CT 2 - 2.0
Machine Gun Ammo (1200) RT 6 - 6.0
Machine Gun Ammo (2000) LT 10 - 10.0
2 Jump Jet RL 2 - 2.0
2 Jump Jet LL 2 - 2.0
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Going with the "Five Rings" theme of the Hatamoto series, this uses the Taoist element of Metal ('kin') in the name. Nice 'gap' design until the development of the slightly superior (lower BV, higher speed) O-Bakemono
Type: Hatamoto-kin HTM-27K
Production: Draconis Combine (Luthien Armor Works, Luthien)
Combat Value: 1794 BV
Total Cost: 7,409,700 C-Bills (including x1.8 tonnage premium)
Internal Struc (std): 8t
Engine: Pitban 240: 11.5t
Walking: 3
Running: 5
Heat Sinks: 10(20): 0t
Gyro/Cockpit (std): 6t
Armor Factor (std): 15.5t (247-max pips)
Head 3/9
Center Torso 25/34/16
R/L Torso 17/25/9
R/L Arm 13/26
R/L Leg 17/34
Quirk: Easy to Maintain, Modular Weapons (Torso weapons)
2x Arrow IV (30cr, 30t) 10RA/5RT/5LT/10LA
6x Ammo (Arrow) 30 (6cr, 6t) RT/LT
2x CASE (2cr, 1t) RT/LT
1x Medium Laser (1cr, 1t) CT
1x Flamer (1cr, 1t) H
Inspired by the Naga artillery ‘Mech design used by Clan Wolf at the Battle of Tukayyid, the DCMS tasked Luthien Armor Works with developing a Combine equivalent that could provide close artillery support, as the Dragon was convinced that they could better integrate artillery into combat doctrine than could the zellbrigen-obsessed Clans. Turning to their versatile 80-ton Hatamoto/Charger chassis, LAW immediately began tinkering with fitting a pair of Arrow IV Artillery Systems into the assault frame, and by the end of 3053, they had managed to produce a ‘Mech that met most of the design criteria.
The first thing LAW engineers realized was that the Earthwerks VOL Endo-Steel chassis of the Hatamoto series was far too bulky to allow a pair of Arrow IV systems to be fitted to their proposed ‘Mech, and so they reverted to a few Wells 990 frames that had not yet been scrapped after upgrading their legacy Chargers. The second thing LAW engineers realized was that the heavy Pitban 320 engine of the Hatamoto precluded the addition of two heavy Arrow IV systems. Either Luthien Armor would have to produce a 320XL engine – a design not currently produced anywhere in the Combine – or they would have to import the pricey engines from the Free Worlds League. Instead, LAW switched to the use of Pitban 240 engines, produced to date in limited numbers for their Lancelot fire-support ‘Mech. This effectively turned the Hatamoto into a samurai-stylized Challenger, but as the new ‘Mech was intended to avoid direct-fire combat, that was not seen as a significant issue.
With the spare weight now available, engineers fitted a pair of Arrow IV Launchers, using SLDF-era schematics from the Helm Memory Core. Although LAW branded their launchers with the ‘Shigunga’ name, they are technically almost identical to the Luxor and Valiant systems used by the Confederation and Commonwealth. One was fitted into each side torso, effectively ‘upgrading’ the SRMs of the standard Hatamoto-Chi, but the greater bulk of the Arrow IV systems required the removal of both arms. Three tons of CASE-protected ammunition sit in each side torso, enough for one or two close-range artillery bombardment missions. A center-torso Victory 23R medium laser (also from the Lancelot lines) acts as very minimal backup weaponry, and a head-mounted Firestorm ‘Mech Flamer discourages enemy infantry from getting too close, and also can add a little smoke and devastation and built-up terrain.
DCMS senior leadership were intrigued enough by the concept that Luthien produced nearly twenty of the redesignated Hatamoto-Kin artillery-support ‘Mechs, before eventually developing and producing in 3058 a specially designed ‘Mech with almost identical capabilities: the O-Bakemono.
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Very nice fabulousorcboy and Bradshaw!!
Remember everyone that the Hatamoto _____ and the Challenger are welcomed here too in this contest.
Bradshaw, you got the Charger II wrong! It was an 80 ton LAM with no weapons and max armor. All it did was go around in LAM and charge us. Took out 5 Mechs that experimental hellspawn did. ::) :o
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Wow guess I did forgot about that iteration of it. Ahh the Evils of getting old
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Wasn't there another Mech packed with SRM-2 ammo?
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Initially tested for use in the War of 3039 the Hatamoto rebranding of the traditional Charger has garnered a lot of interest across the Draconis Combine. With slower speed and increased weapons load the variant most commonly seen reminds mechwarriors of the Star League era Thug design. With interest spiking and increasing sources of lostech technologies, LAW has put forth a few new variants for distribution to the DCMS.
The Ono variant returns to the roots of the Chargers history, that of a larger scout design that can penetrate enemy lines or provide recon for larger assault mechs in its wake. Maintaining its survivability with keeping the Pitban 320 engine the variant incorporates MASC technology for bursts of speed on the field of battle. Incorporating the increasing number of tons of Endo Steel from its orbital facility the design was able to lower its internal frameworks tonnage to incorporate additional weaponry and equipment. By also downgrading its Tiegart PPCs to Victory Nickel Alloy Large Lasers an additional four tons were able to be devoted to this. Unfortunately due to the inclusion of the MASC and an advanced electronics package upgrade including not only an ECM suite, advanced sensor package and C3 uplink small a small assortment of remote sensors are able to be deployed to monitor a large area. With this package the Bical-6 missiles systems were need to be replaced with the more advanced Guided Technologies 2nd Gen missile systems. Lastly though denigrated by the more traditional mechwarriors of the DCMS calls by commanders of the Ghost Regiments as well as the new Sohei regiment have asked for inclusion of Hatchet personal defense equipment. The inclusion of the design has driven LAW engineers to contemplate further efforts in melee attack weapon development to include more traditional mechwarriors to favor the design.
Hatamoto-Ono
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 11,633,520 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,862
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Luthien Class M
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Standard
Armament:
2 Victory Nickel Alloy ER Large Laser
2 Guided Technologies 2nd Gen Streak SRM 2
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communication System: Colmax 90 w/ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: Garret D2j w/Active Probe
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure Endo Steel 4
Engine 320 Fusion 22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6(8)
Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink 12 [24] 2
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 247 15.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 38
Center Torso (rear) 12
R/L Torso 17 26
R/L Torso (rear) 8
R/L Arm 13 26
R/L Leg 17 34
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
ER Large Laser CT 2 12 5.0
ER Large Laser LA 2 12 5.0
Hatchet RA 6 - 6.0
Streak SRM 2 RT 1 2 1.5
Streak SRM 2 LT 1 2 1.5
Active Probe LL 2 - 1.5
ECM Suite RL 2 - 1.5
C3 Computer HD 1 - 1.0
MASC LT 4 - 4.0
Remote Sensors/Dispenser RT 1 - 0.5
Streak SRM 2 Ammo (50) RT 1 - 1.0
CASE RT 1 - 0.5
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The third iteration of a design that originally was unique to Daniel Sorenson, founder of the Sorenson's Sabres and nobleman of the Draconis Combine. After initially being the testbed for the prototype development of lostech, Sorensons personal 'Mech was upgraded with the finalized products in the '40s. Now being fully produced and designated the Dan variant in honor of the man after his actions in the Battle of Luthien it plays on Sorensons name as well as the usage for martial art ranks for countless millennia. With the inclusion of Ferro Fibrous armor on this newest iteration the 'Mech is able to recoup armor lost on the personal variants all other aspects of the 27T remain the same.
Hatamoto-Dan
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 9,093,000 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,590
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Luthien Class M
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro Fibrous w/CASE
Armament:
2 Imperator Code Red LB 10-X AC
2 Thunderstroke SRM 4
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communication System: Colmax 90
Targeting & Tracking System: Garret D2j
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure Endo Steel 4
Engine 320 Fusion 22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sink 11 1
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor (Ferro) 241 13.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 36
Center Torso (rear) 12
R/L Torso 17 26
R/L Torso (rear) 8
R/L Arm 13 25
R/L Leg 17 33
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Heat Tonnage
LB 10-X AC RA 6 2 11.0
LB 10-X AC LA 6 2 11.0
2 SRM 4s CT 2 3 4.0
LB 10-X AC Ammo (20) RT 2 - 2.0
LB 10-X AC Ammo (20) LT 2 - 2.0
SRM 4 Ammo (25) RT 1 - 1.0
CASE LT 1 - 0.5
CASE RT 1 - 0.5
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Remember that fluff Brad Shaw. ;)
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So doing my research trying to do something for the Hatamoto Chi I recall the hatred of the DCMS for the Hatchet. But looking further into Japanese and War Axes they used them more often then you would believe. Even the Warhawk or the Masakiri is named after a Japanese War Axe. So why I ask does the DCMS hate the weapon?
That part is easy enough to explain: the axe is a peasant's weapon. That's why it was used by sohei and yamabushi, and almost never by samurai. The former two are warrior-priests (sohei) and low-class soldiers (yamabushi). That latter are nobility.
The Draconis Combine is all-in with **samurai** noble ideals, and the mythology of samurai awesomeness. So a peasant weapon isn't going to be popular with the samurai poseurs and wannabes and stanboys that fill most of the ranks of the DCMS.
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Also -- suggestion for the Hatamoto-Dan: drop one heat sink and use the tonnage to add a C3.
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Yeah I saw the sohei references but I saw pictures of real samauri helmets that had Ono or hand axes on them. As well as some art from the 1800s
http://gunbai-militaryhistory.blogspot.com/2017/09/masakari-samurais-war-axe.html (http://gunbai-militaryhistory.blogspot.com/2017/09/masakari-samurais-war-axe.html)
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Bradshaw -- your link agrees with me. Axe use in combat by samurai was rare (not surprising since samurai were mounted archers). Axe use after 1600 was also rare -- because samurai culture was highly romanticized during the Tokugawa era, and sword training was given prominence.
Axe use as an engineering tool -- moderately common. Axes as a cultural symbol of rugged virility or religious significance -- also possible. That helmet appears to be an example of religious significance of axes, because of their strong association with warrior priests (sohei)
I always read the Draconis Combine as embracing the romanticized myth of samurai culture that was widespread in the 1600s-1800s, and which became PARTICULARLY extreme during the period of Japanese fascism (1920s-1940s). So in that context, it makes absolute perfect sense that Combine soldiers in prestige units (who are all samurai stanboys) would not want to use axes, regardless of the historical existence of some (rare) examples of samurai axe use in Japanese history.
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Not to stay off topic but the Hatchet not being used by the DCMS was one of my inspirations for creating the Sohei and yes we still have to finish the battle of Rockland.
Anymore Chargers, Hatamoto Chis, or Challengers out there?
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Remember that fluff Brad Shaw. ;)
All set unless something strikes me for inspiration I'm done with variants for this chassis.
As for the Axe usage, I went in thinking Samurai never used them so was eye opening that even some did.
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Irose: I think your armor on the 1A7 is incorrect. Did you mean for it to have 234 pips of ferro-fibrous armor, or 208 pips of standard armor?
It's FF armor- the 232 is correct- (16 pts per ton * 13 tons) * 1.12 = 232.96 - round down to 232.
Takiro- I think I am done with the Charger- I can't think of any other variants that fit.
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Anymore Chargers, Hatamoto Chis, or Challengers out there?
All set unless something strikes me for inspiration I'm done with variants for this chassis.
Takiro- I think I am done with the Charger- I can't think of any other variants that fit.
Remember there are openings for Hatamoto Chis and Challengers as well within this Charger family contest. ;)
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My -3T started out as the Challenger design, when I realized what I did I swapped 1 large layer for a PPC. So really the -3T and -4T are challenger variants. (Even if the fluff does not acknowledge it)
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CGR-2L Challenger II
House Liao made heavy use of the CGR-SB Challenger (a 'Mech design based on the Charger) during the late years of the Succession Wars. With many Challengers and Chargers (of different models) remaining in service, the CCAF decided to upgrade those BattleMechs with newly recovered technology. Ceres Metals Industries handles these refits/rebuilds at their facilities on both Capella and Sian.
The first major change was the decision to replace the power plant (an LTV 400 in the Chargers and a Pitban 240 in the Challengers) with a Hermes 320 that provides for a walking speed of 43.2 kilometers per hour and a running speed of 64.8 kph. While slower than the older Chargers, this was a speed improvement for the Challengers and matched other heavy-weight and low-end assault-weight BattleMechs.
Next, CMI replaced the onboard heat sinks with double-strength Freezers . . . a total of 19 such units are mounted on the design. Armament is based on both the Charger (with five lasers) and the Challenger (four Large Lasers). Five lasers are mounted--three Magna Mk III Large Lasers in the center torso, right torso, and left torso, a Magna Mk II Medium Laser in the right arm, and a Ceres Arms ER Large Laser in the left arm.
While even 19 DHS do not allow this 'Mech to remain heat neutral, excess overheat production is minimal. It is tough, rugged, and capable war-machine whose only flaw is the inability to engage targets past 450 meters with any weapon other than the ER Large Laser.
The CGR-2L first entered service in 3051 and has since become a staple of House Liao's military forces. Additional Chargers and Challengers are being converted and retrofitted as quickly as Ceres Metals Industries can manage. It is certain to remain a mainstay of the CCAF for decades to come.
Charger (Challenger) CGR-2L
Mass: 80 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: 8,098,320 C-Bills
Total Cost: 8,098,320 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,677
Chassis: Alshain Class 92 Standard
Power Plant: Hermes 320 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Special Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Ceres Arms ER Large Laser
3 Magna Mk III Large Lasers
1 Magna Mk II Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Ceres Metals Industries (Refit Only)
Primary Factory: Capella, Sian
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Cat's Eyes 5
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 122 points 8.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 320 22.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 19(38) 9.00
Heat Sink Locations: 3 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 224 12.50
Armor Locations: 2 RT, 4 LA, 4 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 30
Center Torso (rear) 11
L/R Torso 17 24
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 13 25
L/R Leg 17 30
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Large Laser CT 8 2 5.00
Large Laser RT 8 2 5.00
Large Laser LT 8 2 5.00
ER Large Laser LA 12 2 5.00
Free Critical Slots: 4
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 17
4 4 4 1 0 4 0 Structure: 6
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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CGR-2K1 Great Dragon
As the only manufacturer of the Charger remaining intact, Luthien Armor Works has spent decades attempting to refit this BattleMech into an effective weapon of war. The Hatamoto-series was one such attempt that used a lighter engine (and corresponding reduction in speed) to give the 'Mech a usable amount of weaponry, heat sinks, and armor.
But the design teams at LAW remained convinced that the original high-speed (for an 80-ton BattleMech, that is!) could quite possibly have a place in the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery. If, the House of Kurita had access to advanced Star League technology.
In the wake of the Helm Memory Core leading to a resurgence of that technology, LAW unveiled three prototypes of the Charger for field-testing. While effective, these 'Mech have the dubious distinction of being among the most expensive BattleMechs ever produced for the Draconis Combine (or any Successor State!).
The first--and quite possibly the most popular--of the new designs was the CGR-2K1 Great Dragon. LAW used an LTV 400 Extra-Light Fusion engine to retain the high-speed of the original Charger: 54.0 kilometers per hour walking and 86.4 kph running. A newly developed Endo-Steel Internal Structure was used to save further weight, and twelve Double-Strength heat sinks were fitted to the chassis.
Only standard armor (Durallex Heavy Special) was used, but fifteen tons of this armor plating were installed, giving the Great Dragon excellent armor protection, with CASE installed in the right torso to protect against ammunition explosions.
This left very little tonnage remaining for the weapon systems, but enough remained to install a Lord's Light 2 ER PPC (left arm), a Shinuga LRM-10 long-range missile launcher outfitted with Artemis IV Fire Control Systems and fed by two tons of ammunition for 24 missile salvos (all in the right torso), two Victory 23R Medium Lasers (right arm and rear-mounted in the left torso), and a Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Laser (center torso).
With six tons remaining, the design team at LAW installed a Tanadi Citizen C3 Slave Module in the head and a Tanadi Coordinator C3 Master Computer in the left torso.
While only having slightly more firepower than a Dragon (a 'Mech 20 tons lighter), the Great Dragon was just as mobile, had far greater armor protection, and was able to coordinate itself and up to three other BattleMechs in a C3 Lance Network . . . and link with two other Command C3 units to bind together an entire Company of twelve 'Mechs!
One difficulty was with the cooling systems as twelve DHS cannot quite handle the full heat load. However, excess overheat production is relatively minor and easily dealt with. Some examples seen in the field, though, show the Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Laser being repositioned to fire towards the rear, while the left torso Victory 23R Medium Laser has been moved to fire forward, reducing (slightly) excess overheat concerns. However, this field modification is relatively uncommon (and frowned upon by the DCMS).
Charger (Great Dragon) CGR-2K1
Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 23,723,520 C-Bills
Total Cost: 23,843,520 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,674
Chassis: Alshain Class 92 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 400 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Special Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Lord's Light 2 ER PPC
1 Shinuga LRM-10 w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Laser
2 Victory 23R Medium Lasers
1 Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
1 Tanadi Coordinator C3 Computer (Master)
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Cat's Eyes 5
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 122 points 4.00
Internal Locations: 3 LT, 1 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 400 26.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 12(24) 2.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 240 15.00
CASE Locations: 1 RT 0.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 35
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 17 26
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 13 26
L/R Leg 17 32
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
ER PPC LA 15 3 7.00
LRM-10 RT 4 2 5.00
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
C3 Computer (Master) LT 0 5 5.00
(R) Medium Laser LT 3 1 1.00
Medium Pulse Laser CT 4 1 2.00
C3 Computer (Slave) HD 0 1 1.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) RT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 10
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 8 Points: 17
5 3 3 2 0 4 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: C3S, C3M, TAG, CASE, MHQ6, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
The second version offered by LAW was the CGR-2K2 Super Griffin. The C3 Master Computer and both Victory 23R Medium Lasers were removed to include five Jump Jets (Chilton 460 taken from the Quickdraw production line. All other armament remains the same as the CGR-2K1. Two additional DHS were installed as well, making this version heat-neutral even on a jumping Alpha Strike! While the Super Griffin might lack the command abilities of the -2K1, it makes an excellent heavy addition to a mobile force and is still equipped with a C3 Slave Module so it can slot into a C3 Network.
Charger (Super Griffin) CGR-2K2
Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 21,621,120 C-Bills
Total Cost: 21,741,120 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,769
Chassis: Alshain Class 92 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 400 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: Chilton 460
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Special Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Lord's Light 2 ER PPC
1 Shinuga LRM-10 w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Laser
1 Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Cat's Eyes 5
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 122 points 4.00
Internal Locations: 3 LT, 1 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 400 26.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT 5.00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 14(28) 4.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 240 15.00
CASE Locations: 1 RT 0.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 35
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 17 26
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 13 26
L/R Leg 17 32
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC LA 15 3 7.00
LRM-10 RT 4 2 5.00
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
Medium Pulse Laser CT 4 1 2.00
C3 Computer (Slave) HD 0 1 1.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) RT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 12
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 8 Points: 18
5j 3 3 2 0 4 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: C3S, CASE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
The final version is the so-called Super Charger, the CGR-2K3. This version uses the same engine, internal structure, and armor as the -2K1 and -2K2 and retains the head mounted C3 Slave Module. However, it adds a four-ton MASC (Myomer Acceleration Signal Circuitry) to the left torso allowing it boost its sprint speed to a massive 108 kilometers per hour!
In addition, the design team removed the CASE system and installed a New Samarkand Nimbus Guardian ECM Suite in the right torso. All fourteen DHS of the -2K2 were retained as well.
The weapons suite consists of a Lord's Light standard PPC in the left arm (LAW was justifiably concerned that the newer Lord's Light 2 production might not be sufficient should this 'Mech be authorized for full-scale production) . . . plus it aids in heat management. The remaining weapon consists of five Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Lasers (right torso, left torso, right arm, and two center torso), all firing forward.
With the fourteen DHS fitted to the chassis, the -2K3 runs just as cool as the -2K1, overheating slightly on a running Alpha Strike.
While not quite as effective at long-range as the -2K1 and -2K2, the -2K3 has the potential of being one of the fastest 'Mechs of it weight-class . . . and is exceptionally dangerous at close range with the arsenal of highly accurate Medium Pulse Lasers, while the standard PPC provides a punch at ranges of up to 510 meters.
Charger (Super Charger) CGR-2K3
Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 23,943,120 C-Bills
Total Cost: 23,943,120 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,918
Chassis: Alshain Class 92 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 400 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h (108.0 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Special Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Lord's Light PPC
5 Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Lasers
1 Tanadi Citzen C3 Computer (Slave)
1 New Samarkand Nimbus Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Cat's Eyes 5
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 122 points 4.00
Internal Locations: 3 LT, 1 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 400 26.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8 (10)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 14(28) 4.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 240 15.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 35
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 17 26
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 13 26
L/R Leg 17 32
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4 1 2.00
PPC LA 10 3 7.00
Medium Pulse Laser RT 4 1 2.00
Guardian ECM Suite RT 0 2 1.50
Medium Pulse Laser LT 4 1 2.00
MASC LT - 4 4.00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers CT 8 2 4.00
C3 Computer (Slave) HD 0 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 13
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 8 Points: 19
6 5 5 1 0 4 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: C3S, ECM, ENE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
All three designs remain in the field-testing stage and it is unknown at this time whether nor not the DCMS will authorize LAW to begin full-scale production of one (or more) of these 'Mechs.
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Nice masterarminas!!
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I'm back, bring out your Chargers, Challengers, or Hatamotos!
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Hey, I was just going to ask what is the meaning of Hatamoto-Chi but I see that has already been asked and answered.
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/general-discussion/hatamoto-chi-japanese-meaning-of-name/
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A little more than two days remaining for this contest!
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Overview
The St. Ives Compact has since its creation walked a thin line trying to remain independent from the Federated Suns/Commonwealth but at the same time needing it for access to some resources and as trade partners.
This is nowhere clearer than in the BattleMechs. In spite of having access to several factories (including those of Ceres Metal Industries), some vital modern components were missing to the Compact and this showed when focusing on their upgrade program to bring their older ‘Mechs in par with the more modern machines. The easiest solution (the one most used in the Inner Sphere) was to buy upgrade packages from the Free Worlds League, which was turning into the arsenal of the Inner Sphere but the St Ives Compact didn’t want to depend on only one supplier and thus made sure to have a diverse set of places to buy from.
This competition allowed the St. Ives Compact to buy things at reduced prices and was one of the hopes of Duchesse Candace Liao to help her build her newest combat command, the Janissaries, even if the Clan Invasion and the rebuild after it played against her plan as it became more and more difficult to buy advanced gears in high volumes, “forcing” her to go ahead with the second part of our plan: fund more production lines while still modernizing the SIMC and its ‘Mechs.
With what the St. Ives Compact could get their hands on, they created the B program to update old ‘Mechs that were still part of their forces but weren’t popular and as such didn’t receive any proper retrofits. One of the first designs selected to become a B was the Charger and among it the CGR-1A5, the successful Capellan/Kuritan rework of the Charger into an Assault ‘Mech.
Capabilities
Designed with the idea of having more but at a reasonable price, Ceres Metal Industries overlooked the idea of using a 400XL engine going instead for a Pitban 320 XL and a MASC giving the CGR-1B5 the same speed as the original Charger, even if it was only for a limited time. The choice of this peculiar engine was made because Defiance Industries was producing too many of them for the numbers of ZEU-9S2 turned out by their factories (the competition with their own 9S was playing against them) and was therefore ready to make them available at a discount rate.
The armour was upgraded to a Ferro-Fibrous one, thanks to Gienah Combat Vehicles looking for a buyer for its new StarSlab 511 Ferro-Fibrous, whose production had been initiated in the emergency of the Clan invasion, without securing a real buyer, which suited perfectly the St. Ives Compact. 13.5 tons of this advanced armour would protect the new Charger as much as normal one while saving precious weight that would be needed for the weapons.
The core of the retrofit would no longer be an AC/20 but a Ceres Industries produced Gauss Rifle that for almost the same weight made almost the same damage but at longer ranges. With this weapon and the extra mobility provided by the engine, the role of the Charger was going to change and it was foreseen that it could at last make a difference on the battlefield.
The next step taken was to further increase the closer range firepower and this was achieved with the use of a third SRM-6 coupled with the installation of two more Medium Lasers making the new project dangerous at all ranges.
The last step was to replace the Small Laser by a TAG provided by a company in the Free Worlds League and making good use of the laser circuitry already in the head of the ‘Mech. This peculiar equipment would allow for more firepower to be unleashed against the CGR-1B5 opponents.
All these improvements still left room for ample ammo stocks (even if some would say the rounds of ammunitions might be a little low) shielded in CASE to save the most precious thing for the St. Ives Compact, its soldiers and citizens.
Twelve Double Heat Sinks round up the design, allowing for Alpha Strike without any problem, an appreciated bonus for Assault ‘Mechs.
Battle History
Even if it stands ready to repel any invaders, the St. Ives Compact has enjoyed years of peace and tranquillity making the testing of new materials under life fire a rare event.
The only “active” fights are the different exercises undertaken by the different components of the St. Ives Military Command and mostly the ones against the St. Ives Academy of Martial Sciences Training Group with each student willing to outperform the standard units of the SIMC and those unwilling to let them do so.
It is during one of these exercises that a Lance of Chargers from the 1st St. Ives Chevaux-Légers, through a combination of firepower and speed managed to break the defensive lines of the SIAMC Training Group and to get within range of their HQ, wiping it of the map in a matter of seconds and ending the fight.
This revival of the blitz/headhunting tactics of old was seen with curiosity within the St. Ives Military Command and is being further analysed with the use of CGR-1B5 in mind as a way to deal decisive blows to any invader.
Variants
The only variant is the first prototypes used for testing the concept. Made without taking too much time, they juxtapose different set of weapons with for the Medium Lasers or the SRM-6, the old ones from the CGR-1A5 and the new ones used in the “production” model. Even if Targeting and Tracking Systems should be able to deal with that, a slight drop in combat efficiency could be seen in some combat environments (and with no hard evidence of reasons or specific environment). As the “production” model and its standardised weapons didn’t display such problems the chosen solution, even if it was bit more costly, was to use only the latest model as the basis for this retrofit.
Deployment
In spite of the initial idea to make this a standard ‘Mech for the yet-to-be created Janissary units, the success of the CGR-1B5, the need to still upgrade the other SIMC units, the lack of Chargers and of industrial capacity to produce new Chargers in the St. Ives Compact made each unit fight to keep its Chargers and to upgrade them to the new standards as soon as possible, overtaxing the limited space made available by Ceres Metals Industries to do the retrofit.
Notable ‘MechWarriors
Mamiàn is a Lance of Chargers named after the Horse-Face guardians of the Chinese Mythology, capturing human souls at the end of their existence and bringing them for judgement.
Within the 1st St. Ives Chevaux-Légers, they are expert in headhunting taking quickly down whatever target they received. First assigned CGR-1A5, they were top priority for receiving the new upgraded Chargers.
Charger CGR-1B5
Mass: 80 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: 3052
Dry Cost: 20 064 720 C-Bills
Total Cost: 20 178 720 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2 069
Chassis: Wells 990 Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 320 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h (86,4 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: StarSlab 511 Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Ceres Metal Industries/MilDouglas Gauss Rifle
3 HildCo Interplanetary/MilDouglas "Duke" SRM-6s
3 Ceres Metal Industries/Ceres Arms Medium Lasers
1 Garret SatComm/Garret Mole TAG
Manufacturer: Ceres Metal Industries
Primary Factory: St. Ives
Communications System: Tek BattleCom
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban Hirez
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 122 points 8,00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 320 11,50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6 (8)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 12(24) 2,00
Gyro: Standard 4,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 241 13,50
Armor Locations: 1 CT, 4 LA, 5 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1,00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 40
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 17 26
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 13 24
L/R Leg 17 33
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG HD 0 1 1,00
Medium Laser CT 3 1 1,00
Gauss Rifle RT 1 7 15,00
3 SRM-6s LT 12 6 9,00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1,00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1,00
MASC LA - 4 4,00
@Gauss Rifle (8) RT - 1 1,00
@SRM-6 (30) LT - 2 2,00
@Gauss Rifle (16) RA - 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 0
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 8 Points: 21
5 6 6 2 0 4 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: TAG, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 2/2/0
Charger CGR-1B5(Prototype)
Mass: 80 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: 3052
Dry Cost: 20 064 720 C-Bills
Total Cost: 20 178 720 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2 069
Chassis: Wells 990 Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 320 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h (86,4 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: StarSlab 511 Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Ceres Metal Industries/MilDouglas Gauss Rifle
2 Maltex Corporation/Bical-6 SRM-6s
1 HildCo Interplanetary/MilDouglas "Duke" SRM-6
1 Diplan 'Mechyards/Argra 3L Medium Laser
2 Ceres Metal Industries/Ceres Arms Medium Lasers
1 Garret SatComm/Garret Mole TAG
Manufacturer: Ceres Metal Industries
Primary Factory: St. Ives
Communications System: Tek BattleCom
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban Hirez
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 122 points 8,00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 320 11,50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6 (8)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 12(24) 2,00
Gyro: Standard 4,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 241 13,50
Armor Locations: 1 CT, 4 LA, 5 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1,00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 40
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 17 26
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 13 24
L/R Leg 17 33
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG HD 0 1 1,00
Medium Laser CT 3 1 1,00
Gauss Rifle RT 1 7 15,00
3 SRM-6s LT 12 6 9,00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1,00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1,00
MASC LA - 4 4,00
@Gauss Rifle (8) RT - 1 1,00
@SRM-6 (30) LT - 2 2,00
@Gauss Rifle (16) RA - 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 0
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 8 Points: 21
5 6 6 2 0 4 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: TAG, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 2/2/0
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The Prototype is there for fluff reasons.
And Takiro, since I will be in holidays, I will miss the next round.
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Very nice Ice!
And Takiro, since I will be in holidays, I will miss the next round.
Sorry to hear that bud. Hope you have fun!
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Final day folks!
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I got one on the way, hope I can finish in 7.5 hours. ;)
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I got one on the way, hope I can finish in 7.5 hours. ;)
(https://static.canalblog.com/storagev1/bd2didier.canalblog.com/images/T.B.7.2.jpg)
:P
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This design is a refinement of Ice Hellion’s winning original AC/20 which swaps out EndoSteel for Ferro-Fibrous. I just view this as a little more of a realistic upgrade because of that change. I certainly consider this a joint entry and all the glory should go to the Ice man.
CHR-2AD CHARGER
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Wells 990
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 44 kph
Maximum Speed: 66 kph, 86 kph w/ MASC
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
1 Mydron Obliterator Autocannon/20
1 Harpoon-6 SRM Launcher
3 Ceres Arms Medium Lasers
1 Magna Mk1 Light Laser
Manufacturer: Hellespont 'Mech Works
Primary Factory: Sian (refits only)
Communications System: Tek BattleCom
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban Hirez
Overview:
The Clan Invasion was a shock for the whole Inner Sphere, even for those not directly facing the assaults of the Juggernaut. All the Great Houses (perhaps even more in the States not directly facing the threat), hastily improvised programs began trying to close the technological gap with the invaders. The Capellan Confederation was facing a real challenge as it had to reinforce its still weak army, while upgrading its economy and trying to produce new designs to face the next logical step of the invasion. One of the ways found by the Strategios was as a first step to focus on the retrofit of some promising designs as this process was seen as less costly and quicker than the production of brand-new designs. One of the Mechs intended for this new program was the Charger CGR-2A5, an offspring of the Kapteyn Accords and one of the few Liao prime Assault Mechs.
Capabilities:
Hellespont 'Mech Works put together this upgraded CHG-1AD using many of the components from its Raven production line. Inspired by the motto of the old Earth Games Citius, Altius, Fortius (faster, higher, stronger), the engineering team on this project decided to give it more punch, increased resistance without forgetting an increased speed and all this without increasing the price too much.
This meant that an Extra-Light (XL) Engine was out of question to improve the ground speed. Instead, designers continued to use the smaller Pitban 320 Fusion Engine in conjunction with a MASC which was able to produce the same final speed at the cost of a slightly risk. Built around the Charger's original Wells 990 chassis this upgrade retained the Magna Mk1 Light Laser from the CGR-1A1 but added so much more.
The massive Mydron Obliterator Autocannon/20 made by Bithinian Ballistics was placed in the left arm providing enormous short-range firepower. In order to make room for this gigantic cannon the lower left arm actuator also had to be removed. Fed by three tons of ammunition this truly imposing weapon is able to sustain its tremendous firepower for fifteen full rounds.
Supplementing this main big gun is a Harpoon-6 SRM Launcher and three Ceres Arms Medium Lasers. Used previously on the Hellespont’s Raven these smaller weapons complement the large Autocannon well. They each have the same close range and their combined firepower can be truly devastating when successfully employed. The replacement of thirteen Single Heat Sinks by ten Double Heat Sinks allows the CGR-2A5 to move at top speed while firing all its weapons at will with very little overheating concerns.
Thirteen and a half tons of Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous provide ninety-seven percent of maximum armor protection allowing this Charger to get in close. To protect against any catastrophic ammunition explosions a CASE has been fitted in the left torso were all the BattleMech’s shells are stored. The result is a rugged design that can endure harsh treatment while wreaking destruction upon enemy forces.
Deployment:
Compared to the original CGR-1A5 this war machine costs about thirty-five percent more and as a worthy investment by the Chancellor who is pleased with its efficiency and resiliency. The Capellan Confederation Armed Forces truly appreciates this much needed Assault ‘Mech and hopes this will be the first of more advanced models they will see. The first examples of this model have gone to the Confederation Reserve Cavalry and the Capellan Defense Force. While they have yet to see action these retrofits have thus far received good reviews from their Mechwarriors who are pleased with their performance.
Variants:
Rumor has it that Hellespont is considering a more advanced model which would presumably be a new build. The CGR-3A5 would feature a new EndoSteel frame rather than Ferro-Fibrous armor which would open up more tonnage for weaponry and equipment. Dropping the three Medium Lasers a second SRM-6 would be added along with a Guardian ECM Suite while the Small Laser would be upgraded to a Small Pulse. Still on the drawing board the company would need significant investment in order to take on such a massive undertaking.
Type: Charger
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 80
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 8
Engine: 320 22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6 (8)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 10 (20) 0
Gyro: 4
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 241 13.5
Internal Structure Armor Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 40 / 10
R/L Torso 17 26 / 8
R/L Arm 13 24
R/L Leg 17 33
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
AC/20 Left Arm 10 14
Ammo (AC) 15 Left Torso 3 3
SRM-6 Left Torso 2 3
Ammo (SRM) 15 Left Torso 1 1
CASE Left Torso 1 .5
Medium Laser Right Torso 1 1
Medium Laser Center Torso 1 1
Medium Laser Right Arm 1 1
Small Laser Head 1 .5
MASC Right Torso 4 4
Cost = 10,474,771 C-bills
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Okay folks, this contest has drawn to an end. No more entries please.
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I certainly consider this a joint entry and all the glory should go to the Ice man.
A joint glory too.