OBT Forum
General BattleTech => General Discussion => MechFactory => Topic started by: Takiro on March 15, 2020, 10:32:36 PM
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Okay, next up as the optimization rolls on is number fourteen, the Cicada. Essentially a Locust on Steroids for those who want their scouts twice as large as the next guys. The biggest bug around this wasn’t my favorite but I do have a few ideas for it in the Salient Horizon setting. Lets see what you guys can do with this giant love bug in our unique post Clan invasion universe where lostech is available and price is no object!
Mech of the Week Article on CBT: CDA-** Cicada
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,21069.0.html
BattleTechwiki Page for the Cicada
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Cicada
Design Criteria
Design: Cicada Medium BattleMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: InnerSphere Level 2
Mass: 40 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
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.
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.
Many Draconis optimizations have included the C3 System which is accelerated from the canon setting which saw their deployment lag.
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 March 27th, 2020 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!
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As ComGuards is still trying to recover from the losses suffered at Tukayyid, they chose to increase funding in the 'newly' rediscovered technologies. There was a massive effort in the development of Omnitechnology. However that research was still in its infancy and would not results for at least another decade. Instead, they focused on using existing platforms from industries on Terra, as well as friendly states in the Inner Sphere. Among their great needs was a high tech scouting platform with great speed and manueverability. Another consideration was the need to be able to defend itself. They chose the new Cicada already being fielded by the FWLM. The endo-steel chassis suited their needs, but the large 320 XL took away from the Mech's offensive capabilities.
The Cicada features a Beagle Active Probe, a TAG unit and an ECM suites. Offensive capabilities come from matched pairs of standard and pulsed medium lasers. To back up the ECM suite, an Anit-Missile system has also been added. To keep pressure on the Elementals used by the Clans, a flamer is mounted in the left torso.
Cicada CDA-3CS
Mass: 40 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: 3054
Dry Cost: 8,023,633 C-Bills
Total Cost: 8,025,633 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,195
Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Medium Pulse Lasers
2 Medium Lasers
1 Flamer
1 Guardian ECM Suite
1 TAG
1 Beagle Active Probe
1 Anti-Missile System
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
Additional:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 120 7.50
CASE Locations: 1 RT 0.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 17
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 14
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 10
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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TAG HD 0 1 1.00
Anti-Missile System CT 1 1 0.50
Guardian ECM Suite RT 0 2 1.50
Beagle Active Probe LT 0 2 1.50
Flamer LT 3 1 1.00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4 1 2.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4 1 2.00
@Anti-Missile System (12) RT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 11
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 12
7j 3 3 0 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: ECM, TAG, PRB, RCN, AMS, CASE, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
There is a variant planned that features greater offensive capability. An ER large laser and a pair of small pulsers replace the medium pulse lasers, flamer and AMS. A DHS was removed to make room.
Cicada CDA-4CS
Mass: 40 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: 3054
Dry Cost: 7,959,933 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7,959,933 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,338
Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
1 ER Large Laser
2 Medium Lasers
2 Small Pulse Lasers
1 Guardian ECM Suite
1 TAG
1 Beagle Active Probe
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
Additional:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 120 7.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 17
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 14
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 10
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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TAG HD 0 1 1.00
ER Large Laser RT 12 2 5.00
Guardian ECM Suite LT 0 2 1.50
Beagle Active Probe LT 0 2 1.50
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Small Pulse Laser RA 2 1 1.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
Small Pulse Laser LA 2 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 13
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 13
7j 2 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: ECM, TAG, PRB, RCN, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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Good stuff Abele!
Bradshaw there are no torso turrets permitted as that is level 3 technological
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Where's the Blazer??
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With many claimants to the Captain General position, Gibson Federated BattleMechs is looking to cash in on the turmoil. Already producing the new 3F variant, a few other designs that were conceptualized in the decision making process the 3D & 3E designs have begun being produced off the massive assemblies lines at the Gibson megaplex.
The 3D design was designed around the idea of the Cicada operating as a scout or advanced lead for heavier missile support lances. With its advanced active probe and a NARC missile beacon the design meet the basic needs. Originally squashed because of its lack of supporting weaponry in the climate of the current Free Worlds League beggars can't be chooser and the design while not optimal does the job.
The 3E is more of an urban suppression design, while it works well at this role its extremely accurate pulse laser batteries are good for any type of modern battlefield. Usually the weaponry is seen as liability with its short ranges but the top end speed of the Cicada allows for most pilots to maneuver the battlefield and exploit opponents.
So far many buyers have stepped forth and initial battle data shows the two designs work well together backed by missile boat support.
Cicada CDA-3D
Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Kell Reinforced 240 Endo Steel
Power Plant: 320 XL
Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Jump Jets: Northrup Nova Leap 30a
Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Durallex Light Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Octagon Missile Magnet Narc
2 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Gibson Federated BattleMechs
Primary Factory: Gibson
Communication System: Datacom 50
Targeting & Tracking System: Dynatec 1122 w/ Beagle Active Probe
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 8,774,267 C-bills
Battle Value: 872
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure Endo Steel 2
Engine 320 XL 11.5
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8
Double Heat Sink 10 [20] 0
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor (Ferro) 116 6.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
R/L Torso 10 15
R/L Torso (rear) 5
R/L Arm 6 8
R/L Leg 10 15
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
2 Medium Lasers CT 2 3 2.0
Active Probe LT 2 - 1.5
Narc RT 2 0 3.0
Narc Pods (12) RT 2 - 2.0
CASE RT 1 - 0.5
2 Jump Jets LL 2 - 1.0
2 Jump Jets RT 2 - 1.0
2 Jump Jets LT 2 - 1.0
2 Jump Jets RL 2 - 1.0
Cicada CDA-3E
Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Kell Reinforced 240 Endo Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 320 XL
Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Jump Jets: Northrup Nova Leap 30a
Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Durallex Light Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Laser
1 Diverse Optics Type 30P Large Pulse Laser
Manufacturer: Gibson Federated BattleMechs
Primary Factory: Gibson
Communication System: Datacom 50
Targeting & Tracking System: Dynatec 1122
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 8,512,467 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,117
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure Endo Steel 2
Engine 320 XL 11.5
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8
Double Heat Sink 10 [20] 0
Gyro 4
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor (Ferro) 116 6.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
R/L Torso 10 15
R/L Torso (rear) 5
R/L Arm 6 8
R/L Leg 10 15
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
Large Pulse Laser CT 2 10 7.0
Medium Laser RT 1 3 1.0
Medium Laser LT 1 3 1.0
2 Jump Jets LL 2 - 1.0
2 Jump Jets RT 2 - 1.0
2 Jump Jets LT 2 - 1.0
2 Jump Jets RL 2 - 1.0
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Where's the Blazer??
Yeah Abele, you did say Blazers were you! ;)
Since no Torso Turrets allowed redone designs. Will fluff in the near future when we are in quarantine mode
Yeah I hear that. Cataclysmic out there.
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Securing such a massive loan is quite the gamble for the reformed Hartfordco Industries. Networking with other companies local to the Bryant system such as New Earth Trading and Blackwell Industries on Outreach for modest stock options. Along with the Governor and Planetary Legate backing the project it took only months for the ground facilities to be rebuilt. The longest wait was on the Endo Steel production facility to be build and shipped from the Federated Boeing yards at Galax.
Centered around the smaller Edasich Motors 280 XL engine over the traditional Pitban 320. The smaller engine allowed the design to pack a much larger punch then its forebearer. While the design lost some of its inherent speed the inclusion of MASC allowed the design to spurt to speeds much higher than previous designs. With the inclusion of other advanced technologies such as Endo Steel and Ferro Fibrous armor the design was able to increase its non essential tonnage from two and half tons to fourteen and half, an increase of 580%. With tonnage devoted towards the MASC system as well as increase in its internal heat sink capacity. Three more tons were devoted towards allowing the design to jump up to 180 meters. Initial test of leg mounted ones quickly proved disastrous, thankfully the placement in the torsos has rectified that situation.
Finally with the remaining 25% of the weight the design maintained the usage of an entirely energy based design. Centered around the Cyclops XII ER Large Laser, and a battery of OMI HighBurn medium lasers all shipped from nearby New Earth. To save costs the targeting and tracking systems were also outsourced from New Earth able to secure rights to the ComStar Rover communications system was seen as something of coup. To finish the design off a Guardian ECM has been included as the increase of Streak and other advanced targeting and tracking software has been on the rise.
Quickly securing a contract with the AFFC small numbers have begun being sold off to larger mercenary units through the companies ties to Blackwell.
Cicada CDA-3A
Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Hartford 400 Endo Steel
Power Plant: Edasich Motors 280 XL
Cruising Speed: 75.6 kph
Maximum Speed: 151.2 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: StarSlab 511 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Cyclops XII ER Large Laser
4 OMI HighBurn Medium Laser
Manufacturer: HartfordCo
Primary Factory: Bryant
Communication System: ComStar Rover
Targeting & Tracking System: TargiTrack 717
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 8,428,933 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,651
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure Endo Steel 2
Engine 280 XL 8
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11(14)
Jumping MP: 6
Double Heat Sink 11 [22] 1
Gyro 3
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor (Ferro) 134 7.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 8
Center Torso 12 19
Center Torso (rear) 5
R/L Torso 10 15
R/L Torso (rear) 5
R/L Arm 6 11
R/L Leg 10 20
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
ER Large Laser CT 2 12 5.0
2 Medium Lasers RT 2 3 2.0
2 Medium Lasers LT 2 3 2.0
MASC LL 2 - 2.0
ECM Suite RL 2 - 1.5
3 Jump Jets RT 3 - 1.5
3 Jump Jets LT 3 - 1.5
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The Camalleri, Boyle and Dahlgren (CBD) Corporation has long been known as a manufacturer of industrial mechs and other heavy equipment. Based on Negushevo it is deep within the Free Worlds League and was spared the ravages of the first two Succession Wars. At one point oneits factories was used as a repair and refit facitliy. At some point in time the company acquired the technical designs and specification for the binary laser cannon. The source of this acquisition is still a mystery, but many believe that it was a result of industrial espionage. The real truth is much more mundane as it was accidentally sent to them via courier. The powers that be at CBD kept the weapon a secret. Only seeing it used on their locally produced primitive battlemech, the Artemis. Following the discovery of the Helm Core and the Clan Invasion, the entirety of Inner Sphere needed new machines and weapons to battle the Clans. CBD jumped at the chance, but it lacked the capabilities to produce modern battlemech. After lengthy negotiations with Gibson Federated BattleMechs (FWDI) on Gibson, a dozen Cicada-3M chassis were acquired to be used as the platform to carry the Binarl Laser Cannon.
After acquiring the necessary 280XL engine from their planetary neighbor on Tematagi, they added a brace of medium lasers as backup weapons. With the addition of seven jump jets and 6.5 tons of ferro-fibrous armor, this variant of the Cicada is now a mobile hunter-killer that should strike fear into its enemies. of the twelve chassis completed, only seven have been sold, all to mercenary units serving in the Lyran half of Federated Commonwealth. At nearly 500K C-bills cheaper than the Mech it is based upon, there is a demand for this variant. However, CBD lacks the capability to go into full production. at this point they may have to negotiate production rights to a different manufacturer.
Cicada CDA-4M
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3054
Dry Cost: 7,303,333 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7,303,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,319
Chassis: Hartford 300
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-10
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Unknown Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 CBD Model 2a Binary Laser Cannon
2 Hellion B-II Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Camalleri, Boyle and Dahlgren (CBD) Corporation
Primary Factory: Negushevo
Communications System: Datacom 50
Targeting and Tracking System: Dynatech 1122
Additional:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 67 points 4.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 11(22) 1.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 116 6.50
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 18
Center Torso (rear) 5
L/R Torso 10 13
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 11
L/R Leg 10 14
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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Binary Laser Cannon LT 16 4 9.00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 18
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 13
7j 2 2 0 0 2 1 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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Those were Marik this is gonna be Davion one
I would have gone with ER larges on this one. Gets you to the heat curve you need to activate the MASC.
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You're thinking TSM masc needs no heat.
Nice to see the blazer back
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Nice Abele!!
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The Binary Laser Cicada has been slightly re-designed and now has fluff.
And another model with some Davion Dakka love (basically a re-worked 3M model)
The Cicada-4D began its life as a reverse engineering project by Johnston Industries following the Fourth Succession War. Starting in 3035 and using captured and salvaged
Cicadas from both the Capellan and Draconis front, a small R&D team headed by Dr. Alfonse Selleca worked tirelessly for five years to come up with a working design that
embodied the original design. What they came up with was a slower design, due to a lack of available powerplants, with a top that topped out at at just over 95kph. After a review,
the design committee decided to shelve this re-engineered design.
Some nine years later, as the new Caesar approached the end of its development cycle, Dr. Selleca dug out his old Cicada project and approached the committee
with a reworked design that would feature the GM 280XL being used in the Caesar and a variety of light pulse lasers. The main weapon would be a standard Class 5
autocannon, the GM Whirlwind. It would also mount four pulse laser, two each of the small and medium variety. With a top speed approaching 120kph, this design was nearly
25% faster than his original concept. The design would incorporate an Endo-Steel chassis, but would use 7.5 tons standard CASE-equipped armor.
Cicada CDA-4D
Mass: 40 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: 3054
Dry Cost: 6,802,133 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,811,133 C-Bills
Battle Value: 913
Chassis: Hartford 300ES Endo-Steel
Power Plant: GM 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Starshield A Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 GM Whirlwind Autocannon/5
2 Valiant Ruby Dart Medium Pulse Lasers
2 Kajuka Type 1P Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Johnston Idustries
Primary Factory: New Syrtis
Communications System: Johnston Wide Band
Targeting and Tracking System: Randar Pinpoint-HY
Additional:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 1 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 120 7.50
CASE Locations: 1 LT 0.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 17
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 14
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 10
L/R Leg 10 16
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Pulse Laser RT 2 1 1.00
Small Pulse Laser LT 2 1 1.00
Autocannon/5 LT 1 4 8.00
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4 1 2.00
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4 1 2.00
@AC/5 (40) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 20
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 9
7 3 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
This is the personal Mech of Major Ezekiel Kotsonikas of the Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers. While he was on New Syrtis doing a staff tour at the Capellan March military headquarters,
the young major decided to have his CDA-3C Cicada upgraded with some modern technology. Using his family's connections (His father sat on the board at Johnston
Industires and his uncle was senior VP at General Motors), he had his Mech refitted with some modern weapons and technology. Fortunately for him, GM had developed the
new 280XL engine for the Caesar and this powerplant would easily fit in his Mech. The PPC was replaced with a modern extended range model and the machine guns
were moved to the now CASE protected left torso. Additional weaponry consists of a medium laser mounted in each arm using a modifed hardpoint borrowed from the smaller
Locust. 6.5 tons of ferro-fibrous armor protects Cicada and nearly doubles the original amount of protection.
When the refit was complete, the engineer in charge pushed the specs for it to his friend in R&D with a recommendation to replace the machineguns with a medium pulse laser and designated the design as the CDA-4P
Cicada CDA-3C Ezekiel
Mass: 40 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: 3070
Dry Cost: 7,527,333 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7,527,833 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,338
Chassis: Hartford 300 Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-50
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Durallex Super Medium Ferro-Fibrous w/CASE
Armament:
1 Johston High Speed ER PPC
2 ChisComp Model 39 Medium Lasers
2 Johnston MiniGun Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Johnston Industries (Refit)
Primary Factory: New Syrtis
Communications System: Johnston Wideband
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHes Ares-8a
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 67 points 4.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 11(22) 1.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 116 6.50
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT 0.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 17
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 12
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 10
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC RT 15 3 7.00
2 Machine Guns LT 0 2 1.00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
@MG (1/2) (100) LT - 1 0.50
Free Critical Slots: 15
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 13
7j 3 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
CDA-4P
Cicada CDA-4P
Mass: 40 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: 3070
Dry Cost: 7,527,333 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7,527,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,392
Chassis: Hartford 300 Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-50
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Durallex Super Medium Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Johston High Speed ER PPC
1 Medium Pulse Laser
2 ChisComp Model 39 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Johnston Industries (Refit)
Primary Factory: New Syrtis
Communications System: Johnston Wideband
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHes Ares-8a
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 67 points 4.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 11(22) 1.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 116 6.50
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 17
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 12
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 10
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC RT 15 3 7.00
Medium Pulse Laser LT 4 1 2.00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 18
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 14
7j 3 3 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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Nice fluff Abele! I hope to see the Artemis one day!! ;)
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The Cicada, never a particularly popular design, is particularly hated in the Magistracy of Canopus. Seen as monument to the stupidity of the Star League, the design is derided for being more poorly armed then the Locust LCT-1E while costing more then twice as much. In fact many in the MAF have suggested that if the SLDF wanted to name the mech after a insect they should have called it the Dung Beetle. Unfortunately for the MAF they found themselves the owners of numerous Cicadas courtesy of the FWLM. As the only manufacturer of the Cicada, the Free Worlds League has more then other Successor States, including large numbers of the original CDA-2A with the defective Hartford Co heat sinks. Many of these units were posted to the Periphery border with the Magistracy, where during the course of the Succession Wars, some fell into the hands of the MAF. Lacking any other options the Cicadas were pressed into service.
Following the discovery of the Helm Memory Core advanced Star League technology began to repair across all of known space, even the Periphery states. One of the first technologies put into mass production by the Magistracy was the Double Heatsink. Seeing an opportunity to fix one of the Cicada's many problems it was proposed to refit the mechs with new heatsinks. The discussion soon turned into how the Cicadas could be turned into a usable mech. This lead to an extensive refit of the Cicada.
The first change was to remove the Pitban 320 engine and replace it with the LTV 160 that is used on the Locust. Readily available due a production overrun at Magesty Metals & Manufacturing, the new engine while greatly reducing the speed of the Cicada, freed up significant space for more armor and weapons. To help offset the reduced speed, the Cicada has 4 Pitban LFT-50 Jump Jets taken from the Shadow Hawk.
The armor is more then doubled with 8.5 tons of Maximillian 43 armor plating. This makes the new Cicada a very tough target to take down.
The new weapons array is based in part on that of the CDA-3C model, one of which was captured from the Capellan Confederation. The main gun is a Parti-Kill Heavy Cannon mounted in the right torso. Each arm has a pair of Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers. These weapons can be flipped to fire in the rear arc, protecting the Cicada when it is disengaging from combat. A third pair of medium lasers is mounted in the center torso in place of the old small laser. Lastly each leg carries a SperryBrowing machine guns for use against infantry.
With the addition of so many weapons, the old defective heatsinks have been removed and replaced with new Double Heatsinks. While mechwarriors still need to be careful with their heat management, the Cicada can keep up an impressive amount of fire. Lastly the old communications and targeting systems have been replaced with the O/P models from the Shadow Hawk. This simplifies logistics and helps reduce maintenance issues.
CDA-4C
Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Hartford 300
Power Plant: LTV 160
Cruising Speed 45.6kph
Maximum Speed: 66.8 kph
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-50
Jump Distance: 120 meters
Armor: Maximillian 43
Armament:
1 Parti-Kill Heavy Cannon
6 Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers
2 SperryBrowning Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Majesty Metals & Manufacturing (Dunianshire)
Communications System: O/P 300 COMSET
Targeting & Tracking System: O/P 2000A
Tonnage 40 tons
Internal Structure 4
Engine: 160 6
Walking MPs: 4
Running MPs: 6
Jumping MPs: 4
Heatsinks 10 (20)
Gyro 2
Cockpit 3
Armor 136 8.5
IS Armor
Head 3 8
CT 12 20/4
RT/LT 10 17/3
RA/LA 6 12
RL/LL 10 20
Weapons
PPC RT 3 7
2 Medium Lasers RA 2 2
2 Medium Lasers LA 2 2
2 Medium Lasers CT 2 2
MG RL 1 0.5
MG LL 1 0.5
Ammo (100) LT 1 0.5
Jump Jets RT 2 1
Jump Jets LT 2 1
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Cicada CDA-3X & CDA-3Y
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Age of War/Star League
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/E-F-E-A
Production Year: 3051
Cost: 7,749,467 C-Bills (3X) 7,833,467 C-Bills (3Y)
Battle Value: 989
Chassis: Hartford 300 Standard
Power Plant: Pitban or Hermes 320 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: StarSlab/3 Standard Armor
Armament:
2 Large Lasers
1 Imstar Oracle Beagle Active Probe
Manufacturer: Technicron Manufacturing, Irian BattleMechs Unlimited, Corean Enterprises
Primary Factory: Savannah (Technicron), Irian (IMBU), Stewart (Corean)
Communications System: Irian TelStar
Targeting and Tracking System: Alexis Photon Target System
Overview:
Eager to get their upgraded CDA-3M Cicada into production, Free Worlds Defense Industries were struggling to build enough of the expensive Pitban 320 XL engines so with the Clan Invasion boosting sales, they offered agreements to Corean Enterprises of Stewart, Technicron Manufacturing of Savannah and IMBU of Irian for any excess reactors they could provide (all three had designs in development using either a Pitban XL or the almost identical Hermes XL).
Cash poor until they could field the CDA-3M and start reaping the profits, FWDI offered the schematics for the CDA-3A, anticipating that their lead in development would ensure that their Cicada remained dominant. What they didn't realise was that all three first were significantly more experienced and more than happy to work together to get a larger slice of the lucrative medium 'Mech market.
Mysteriously, after the initially contracted 320 XL engines reached Gibson, surplus production in all three worlds was unavailable for purchase and the CDA-3X entered production.
Capabilities:
Irian had already been working to replicate the electronics of the Hermes that they'd built from the Star League. While hardly identical to that of the Cicada, they were able to install both with slight modifications to the cockpit.
Corean took responsibility for developing the armour plating for the CDA-3X, since they already manufactured the same StarSlab/3 as the original. Their contribution has provided the Cicada with roughly half again the original protection, although last minute changes to accommodate Irian's new cockpit arrangement leave coverage there slight reduced - something that could not be resolved in the limited production window.
The armament of the Cicada was the responsibility of Technicron and they elected to use the same solution they had employed to PPC shortages in previous decades: fall back on Large Lasers. Each arm of the CDA-3X mounts a single Magna Mk III on a simple ball-joint that allows the 'Mech to fire them in almost any direction - this permits the 'Mech to fire on approach and then launch 'parthian shots' as it withdraws, suiting it to hit and run operations.
Variants:
The CDA-3Y corrects the most glaring issue of the CDA-3X by installing double-strength heatsinks. This is currently sold only as a refit package - ironically, made by FWDI - but all three manufacturers of the CDA-3X have made vague promises to switch to this variant once supplies of double-heatsinks are available.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 67 points 4.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 320 11.50
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 96 6.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 8
Center Torso 12 16
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 10 10
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 6 7
L/R Leg 10 9
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beagle Active Probe CT 0 2 1.50
Large Laser RA 8 2 5.00
Large Laser LA 8 2 5.00
Free Critical Slots: 39
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 10
8 2 2 0 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: PRB, RCN, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 67 points 4.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 320 11.50
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 96 6.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 8
Center Torso 12 16
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 10 10
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 6 7
L/R Leg 10 9
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beagle Active Probe CT 0 2 1.50
Large Laser RA 8 2 5.00
Large Laser LA 8 2 5.00
Free Critical Slots: 39
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 10
8 2 2 0 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: PRB, RCN, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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Very nice Irose and drakensis!!
This contest is sure heating up. ;)
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I've got two Cicada concepts I am working on as well folks that I will post next week. ;)
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Technology applied to warfare is an area where one can easily lose its acumen when a period of development in technology is followed by a period of peace for a peculiar state. This is what happened to the Free Worlds League that due to both Anton’s Revolt, the Andurien Crisis and its geographical situation stayed out of most of the major interstellar conflicts since the 3rd Succession War.
This meant that engineers had time to use the new toys without any real tests of their ideas on the battlefield. This is probably how the CDA-3M came to live: a recon ‘Mech that lacked any punch or electronics but what was still as fast as a Locust and represented something the Free Worlds League really needed after the hard battles of the Andurien Crisis.
The real test to it came when the Clans came and Captain-General Thomas Marik agreed to supply the Draconis Combine and the Federated Commonwealth with materials and among it the CDA-3M. Against the Inner Sphere it might have done its job but against the superior technology of the Clans it was lacking in all areas (speed, firepower and protection), making it almost useless on the modern battlefield.
Looking back at the wealth of data they had accumulated and fearing that the Free Worlds League would be next on the list of the invading Clans, the engineers at Free Worlds Defense Industries like those of all the companies in the League decided to give the federal and provincial forces a boost with the first part being reviewing the existing designs to improve them.
This lead to 4 new Cicadas: the well-known CDA-3F and some years later the CDA-3G but also the CDA-3D and 3E. The main differences between the two branches of the Cicada family being the use of Jump Jets on the 3F and 3G while the 3D and 3E packed a MASC. This difference came from the foreseen role of these models.
The 3D was designed as a force multiplier meant to help other units by “tagging†Clan units with a Narc Missile Beacon, allowing the numerous missile launchers found in the Free Worlds League units to found more easily their targets. The only drawback of this piece of equipment “acquired†from Irian Technologies thanks to the help of the federal government is that it can only be used at “short†ranges, hence the use of a MASC to increase the speed when needed. To allow it to snipe at longer ranges while waiting for the opportunity to come close, an ER Large Laser and one Medium Laser were selected as the standard armament, leaving two tons of ammo for the Narc system.
The use of the MASC System on the CDA-3E was meant necessary too because of the use of a rather experimental Binary Laser Cannon (an experimental weapon that showed some promises in terms of raw firepower when compared to Clan weapons) and the need to get it (and the two Medium Lasers) at a shorter range then the ER PPC used by the CDA-3F.
The test realised by Lieutenant Senior Grade Marshall Haupt, which had been for the last thirteen years assigned as test pilot for Free Worlds Defense Industries, showed the potential of both designs with a marked preference for the 3E, which perfectly suited his aggressive style. As could be expected the office of the Chief Armorer decided to go for the CDA-3D and the CDA-3F rather than the model using the difficult to use Binary Laser Cannon. However two Lancers of the officially never produced CDA-3E were later found in the 1st Free Worlds Legionnaires, a rather light unit specialising in staying on the offensive and in need of some firepower to do so.
From a report by SAFE/Analysis Branch/Active Analysis by early 3053 on the efficiency of the measures implemented to bolster the Free Worlds League Military
Cicada CDA-3D
Mass: 40 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: 3052
Dry Cost: 8 810 667 C-Bills
Total Cost: 8 822 667 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 143
Chassis: Duralyte 240 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 320 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86,4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129,6 km/h (172,8 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Light Ferro Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Free Worlds Defense Industries/Hellion X-III ER Large Laser
1 Magna/Magna Ml II Medium Laser
1 Narc Launcher
Manufacturer: Free Worlds Defense Industries
Primary Factory: Gibson
Communications System: Datacom 50
Targeting and Tracking System: Dynatec 1122
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2,00
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 6 LT, 5 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 320 11,50
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12 (16)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 4,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 116 6,50
Armor Locations: 6 LA, 6 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 15
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 8
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASC CT - 2 2,00
Narc Launcher RT 0 2 3,00
Medium Laser LT 3 1 1,00
ER Large Laser LT 12 2 5,00
@Narc (Homing) (12) RT - 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 8
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 11
10 2 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: SNARC, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Cicada CDA-3E
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 8 726 667 C-Bills
Total Cost: 8 726 667 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 368
Chassis: Duralyte 240 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 320 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86,4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129,6 km/h (172,8 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Light Ferro Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Binary Laser Cannon
2 Magna/Magna Ml II Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Free Worlds Defense Industries
Primary Factory: Gibson
Communications System: Datacom 50
Targeting and Tracking System: Dynatec 1122
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2,00
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 4 LT, 8 RT, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 320 11,50
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12 (16)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 4,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 116 6,50
Armor Locations: 6 LA, 5 RA, 2 LL, 1 RL
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 15
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 8
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASC CT - 2 2,00
Medium Laser RT 3 1 1,00
Medium Laser LT 3 1 1,00
Binary Laser Cannon LT 16 4 9,00
Free Critical Slots: 9
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 14
10 3 3 0 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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Very nice Ice Hellion! ;)
Any other big bugs out there??
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Well, I've got one Cicada I will be entering that just needs some fluff but I am still looking for more entries for this contest. ;)
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I've got an iron or two in the fire, but I'm not sure if I will post them. Plus I've got fluff to write for my Davion variant.
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I've got an iron or two in the fire, but I'm not sure if I will post them. Plus I've got fluff to write for my Davion variant.
Good to hear Abele, remember if you want to team up with someone else on a concept you don't have time to fully explore that is perfectly acceptable. ;)
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Good to hear Abele, remember if you want to team up with someone else on a concept you don't have time to fully explore that is perfectly acceptable. ;)
I am available for fluffing designs 8)
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An Abele-Ice Hellion team effort! Can't wait to see that!!
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I am available for fluffing designs 8)
If not Abele's feel free on mine, I'm not feeling any inspiration on them. Did all the suppliers and origins but nothing else.
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What an interesting three way design alliance!
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Tomorrow is the final day for this contest folks, get those designs in before then!
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Tomorrow is the final day for this contest folks, get those designs in before then!
I will try to write something at worst in 24h.
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Fluff has been added to my Dakka variant. I'll post a revised design, as well, to fit the fluff when I get home from work.
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Great Abele, I am gonna try to finish up my Cicada tonight. Only eight hours left folks!!
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Here is my premier Regular recon machine, hope you enjoy! Little more than 4 hours left!!!
CDA-3R CICADA
Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Kell Reinforced 240 Endo Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 320 XL
Cruising Speed: 86 kph
Maximum Speed: 129 kph, 173 kph w/MASC
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Durallex Light Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
6 Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Gibson Federated Battlemechs
Primary Factory: Gibson
Communication System: Datacom 60 with Guardian ECM Suite
Targeting & Tracking System: Dynatec 1122 with Beagle Active Probe and TAG
Overview:
Efforts by the FWLM to modernize the Cicada with lostech began in 3049 when the CDA-3M was introduced. This harasser left most unsatisfied with its performance and in light of the Clan Invasion the CDA-3F introduced in 3052. While more of a mobile fighter than its predecessors many wanted to see the Cicada finally embrace its original role. Designers set out to create the InnerSphere’s premier recon BattleMech before the 3rd Marik Civil War changed everything. Regulan State Security (RSS) grabbed what it could as national unity quickly evaporated and despite the disintegration of Free Worlds Defense Industries was able to salvage enough to create the CDA-3R.
Capabilities:
The new CDA-3R Cicada design specs called for a substantial amount of advanced lostech gear. With the CDA-3F serving as a basis much of the core components including the Kell Reinforced 240 Endo Steel, Hermes 320 XL Engine, and Durallex Light Ferro-Fibrous were already accounted for thankfully. Using seven and a half tons of this cutting-edge armor plating allowed this forty-ton Mech to achieve a ninety-seven percent maximum protection rating. The six Magna Mk II Medium Lasers were not as high tech but were readily available for this BattleMech. Fire could be directed rearward with two of these venerable energy weapons mounted in each arm as neither featured lower arm and hand actuators allowing them to flip back and forth. Ten Double Heat Sinks which were also easily obtainable allowed the design to achieve heat neutrality. Gibson Federated BattleMechs was also familiar with Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC) required in this ‘Mechs manufacturing because of its presence on the WVR-7M Wolverine. Only the electronics systems seemed beyond Regulan efforts to replicate in large numbers which is where Oriente came into the picture. Agreeing to supply the Datacom 60 with Guardian ECM Suite as well as the Dynatec 1122 with Beagle Active Probe and TAG allowed them access to this new Cicada’s production share. With a price tag of over nine million C-bills the new design would be pricey but well worth the investment to create a premier recon war machine.
Deployment:
Regulan forces benefitted from this cutting edge Medium BattleMech the most during the 3rd Marik Civil War with the lion’s share going to their Hussars. Performing admirably in their service they have become a sought-after commodity for other Marik Provinces including Oriente which fields a more limited amount.
Type: CDA-3R Cicada
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 40
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: Endo Steel 2
Engine: 320XL 11.5
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12 (16)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 10 (20) 0
Gyro: 4
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 134 7.5
Internal Structure Armor Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15 / 6
R/L Torso 10 15 / 5
R/L Arm 6 12
R/L Leg 10 20
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
2 Medium Lasers Right Arm 2 2
2 Medium Lasers Left Arm 2 2
Medium Laser Right Torso 1 1
Medium Laser Left Torso 1 1
Guardian ECM Right Torso 2 1.5
Beagle Active Probe Left Torso 2 1.5
MASC Center Torso 2 2
TAG Head 1 1
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Finished my fluff and redid my Davion one, as I've done the twin large laser design a lot and felt it was too plain.
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Alrighty Bradshaw, thank you! Bout an hour and half to go folks - if you got last second entries fire away!
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I am afraid we've come to an end here folks. Please no more designs. The contest is over.
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Takiro, your Cicada is just waiting for ER mediums to be developed. When that happens it will be a beast.
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Not necessarily Abele, while the range of the weapon would increase so would its heat profile. From a perfectly balanced design it would go to something easily overheat (+12 on a running Alpha Strike). I could drop one for a C3 Slave though I suppose but when you start doing that then your losing firepower. I thought the concept was pretty good as is though.
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There were fifteen different variants (6 Abele, 3 Bradshaw, 1 Irose, 2 drakensis, 2 Ice Hellion, 1 Takiro) by six designers. Everyone of these designs were excellently done with not a single deficient model among them. Hard to say no to any of them for Salient Horizons and if you count our retro winner more than half of the designs made it. Perhaps a little much for the Big Bug but I think they all have their place. Well done folks!
RETRO WINNER
CDA-4M (Abele)
What the hell is a retro-winner? Well couple weeks ago I was looking for a Blazer armed Assassin and thanks to this 40-ton concept we have a nice model. The 280 XL Engine with jump jets (7/11/7) gives us the right movement profile while eleven Double Heat Sinks do a nice job cooling this machine. A Blazer and two Medium Lasers provide excellent firepower even if they can help overheat this forty weight Mech. Using the old standard internal structure along with six and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (116 factor) are excellent for a 40-ton Mech like the Assassin. So why not the Cicada? Well there is one other Blazer armed entry presented here that I felt is better for the Cicada leaving this one without a home. I know it isn’t Abele’s Blazer armed Assassin which was a little slower but this is what I thought was the perfect fit. Curveball strike, very nice Abele!
UNIQUE
13. CDA-3C Ezekiel (Abele)
This personalized version that begat Abele’s CDA-4P goes here for its single model nature. I liked this refit which utilized Hartford 300 internal structure as well as a 280 XL Engine and jump jets (7/11/7). This power plant from Johnston Industries locally produced Caesar is a nice fit and ably mounted all eleven Double Heat Sinks called for. Six and half tons of ferro-fibrous (116 factor) with CASE provide solid protection while an ER PPC, two Medium Lasers, and two Machine Guns (100) produce effective firepower against opponents. While it doesn’t qualify as a variant technically but a one of a kind custom BattleMech it gets placed here.
CONTENDERS
12. CDA-4D (Abele)
This reworked 3M model as a ‘Davion dakka’ version left me wondering many questions. It features many lostech innovations like EndoSteel, a 280 XL (7/11), ten Double Heat Sinks, a CASE, two Medium Pulses, and two Small Pulses but its main weapon remains the Autocannon/5 (40)? I understand the Suns favorite weapon is the AC but it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me to develop a whole new Cicada from the ground up featuring EndoSteel structure with an old weapon of limited usefulness. Seven and a half tons of armor (120 factor) do provide excellent protection which could certainly be accomplished but why? Seems like too much trouble for too limited a return for this Mech.
11. CDA-3CS (Abele)
I certainly believe that the ComGuards looking to rebuild from losses inflicted on Tukayyid would look to existing platforms in order to fill the gap. While an EndoSteel internal structure maybe in development for the Strider or for a Marik model I doubt ComStar would be able to obtain them. While downgrading the engine to a 280 XL and adding jump jets (7/11/7) does have its advantages not sure I like the idea of slowing the Cicada down. Still enough room to fit ten Double Heat Sinks in the engine though and 7.5 tons of armor (120 factor) with a CASE provides excellent protection. Two Medium Lasers, two Medium Pulses, Flamer, Anti-Missile System (12), Guardian ECM Suite, Beagle Active Probe, and TAG are ideal against InnerSphere opponents but Clan? The ComGuard would be focused on their Clan adversary and I am sorry to say I just don’t think this variant would make it.
NEAR MISSES
10. CDA-3D (Bradshaw)
This Marik vanguard featuring EndoSteel, 320 XL Engine (8/12/8), ten Double Heat Sinks, 6.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (116 factor) with CASE, two Medium Lasers, NARC Missile Beacon (12) and a Beagle Active Probe is line with many other advanced Cicadas presented herein. Not too shabby design wise and I liked the Salient Horizon inspired fluff but unfortunately for you there was one other design, carrying a NARC in particular, presented that I thought was better than this one. Sorry bud!
9. CDA-4CS (Abele)
The same reservations remain on this ComGuard Cicada which would use EndoSteel internal structure which I’d find difficult at best. I liked the ER Large, 2 Medium Lasers, and 2 Small Pulses a bit better here but it still isn’t a perfect anti-Clan arsenal. Slowing it down with 280 XL Engine and jump jets (7/11/7) makes more sense with longer range weaponry. The Guardian ECM Suite, Beagle Active Probe, and TAG are of course useful in fighting the invaders. Ten Double Heat Sinks do a nice at cooling its operations and 7.5 tons of armor (120 factor) offers good protection. Unfortunately, I just can’t get passed the high tech internal structural which could preclude production. A slightly redesigned refit featuring a standard chassis and ferro-fibrous perhaps could have made it.
8. CDA-4P (Abele)
I really liked this Cicada refit based on Abele’s CDA-3C Ezekiel which uses the old standard Hartford 300 chassis and a 280 XL (7/11/7) Engine from the Caesar. Fitting eleven Double Heat Sinks this BattleMech would use an ER PPC, Medium Pulse, and two Medium Lasers to destroy its opponents. Six and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (116 factor) armor make for solid protection from this Johnston Industries (New Syrtis) refurb. Nearly got a winner here Abele but one FedCom Cicada using a 280XL Engine narrowly beat you out.
WINNERS
7. CDA-3R (Takiro)
This cutting edge Regulan recon version developed during the 3rd Marik Civil War was long on my drawing board. While the Medium Laser boats I’ve been making of late are admittedly kind of boring this six-energy weapon Big Bug is just so perfect. With four mounted in the flippable arms it has great versatility to go with its speed (8/12) provided by the 320 XL Engine already present on the canon 3M. While some went with jump jets I preferred a MASC (16) for even greater bursts of speed. EndoSteel, 7.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (134 factor), and ten Double Heat Sinks also comes with the new canon 3F so would be readily available. The Guardian ECM Suite, Beagle Active Probe, and TAG make this design a superb scout relevant against the Clans, InnerSphere, or rival Province.
6. CDA-3E (Bradshaw)
This Marik infantry suppression variant featuring an EndoSteel structure and 320 XL with jump jets (8/12/8) is intriguing. As is the Large Pulse and two Medium Laser arsenal which when combined with the Cicada’s speed and mobility has definite advantages. Even a jumping Alpha Strike only produces a four overheat thanks to its ten Double Heat Sinks which is avoidable or manageable. Six and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (116 factor) provide solid protection plus fluff wise you hit upon the canon 3F model as well as the 3rd Marik Civil War going on. Very nice variant to the Gibson Cicadas.
5. CDA-4C (Irose)
This Magistracy of Canopus refit of the ‘Dung Beetle’ is certainly out of the box. Heavily armed (44 points of damage possible) and armored (full protection) but slow especially for a Medium (more like a mobile Heavy) it can overheat easily (+12 on a jumping Alpha Strike). I like the concept of using the standard Hartford 300 in conjunction with the 160 LTV (4/6/4) Engine from the Locust. Ten Double Heat Sinks is the only lostech innovation which enables the whole war machine which is armed exclusively with energy weapons to operate in the first place. A PPC, six Medium Lasers, and two Machine Guns (100) generate a bunch of heat so Mechwarriors have to carefully bracket fire. Like many of the other entries is arms flip which is a nice feature and along with 8.5 tons of armor (136 factor) this one is hard to kill.
4. CDA-3A (Bradshaw)
This ambitious Federated Commonwealth new build is in line with the Martial Accords which I outlined on OBT previously. Aimed at restoring the bygone industry of the old Hegemony this Cicada built where the first ones were manufactured utilizes EndoSteel, 280 XL (7/11/6) Engine and a MASC (14). Superfast and more maneuverable than its predecessor it is certainly an interesting idea for use against the Clans. Eleven Double Heat Sinks do their best to disperse the heat generated by an ER Large Laser and four Medium Lasers. This could overwhelm the system on a Jumping Alpha Strike (+8 overheat) but there are so many maneuvering options this should be avoidable/manageable. The Guardian ECM Suite is always a plus in disrupting enemy electronics and 7.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (134 factor) provides excellent protection. I could certainly see this model in the arsenal of the Federated Commonwealth, the ComStar, the Draconis Combine and mercenaries who fight the Clans. Well done!
3. CDA-3X & CDA-3Y (drakensis)
This tale of industrial espionage bought to you by drakensis is well told and I like the way he uses Free Worlds League corporations which produce the 320 XL (8/12) Engine to hone in on the Cicada. Using the old Hartford 300 chassis these new variants armed with two Large Lasers and Beagle Active Probe are superbly simple. Love the concept which features those big lasers mounted in barrel arms that flip. Ten Single Heat Sinks featured on the initial 3X were upgraded to Double Heat Sinks on the more refined 3Y. I wish the six tons of standard armor (96 factor) had been similarly upgraded to Ferro-Fibrous but still all in all good enough. Plus the three FWL manufacturers including Technicron Manufacturing (Savannah - Awesome), Irian BattleMechs Unlimited (Irian - Awesome), Corean Enterprises (Stewart - Goliath) you choose all fall into the Marik ‘sphere of influence.’ Working on multiple levels is what the good ones do after all, congratulations on the bronze!
2. CDA-3D (Ice Hellion)
One of the four highly advanced Gibson Cicadas which made it this force multiplier is intended to NARC opponents including the Clans. Using an EndoSteel frame and a 320 XL Engine (8/12) this Big Bug also uses a MASC (16) to achieve even higher bursts of speed. Ten Double Heat Sinks dissipate much of the weapon fire from the ER Large and Medium Laser. The Narc Missile Launcher (12) is well placed for the FWLM in Salient Horizons even though I might have swapped a ton of NARC ammo to another Medium Laser. Six and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (116 factor) offers excellent protection for the Cicada. Silver medal Ice!!
1. CDA-3E (Ice Hellion)
Much like his other entry the 3E this one uses EndoSteel, a 320 XL Engine (8/12), a MASC (16), ten Double Heat Sinks and 6.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (116 factor) to achieve superior all around performance. What I really liked was the big bite that this bug packed with a Blazer and two Medium Lasers which would certainly have its uses during the 3rd Marik Civil War or any other conflict. The fluff which so expertly eludes to the lack of weapon development during years of peace in the Free Worlds League was spot on and the finest offered during our little competition here. Congrats Ice on the win!!!
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My CDA-4D kept the standard AC due to the Ultra being prone to jamming if you double tap it and the future invention of specialty rounds (which should be extant as that type of tech is available in the early 21st (aka RL))
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even though I might have swapped a ton of NARC ammo to another Medium Laser.
I thought about getting this way too but then I looked at how much round a ton of ammo carried and found out only 6. Not enough for a "long" fight.
And thanks for the vote of confidence for my two designs.
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Ah, got ya Abele. I would have understood it more if it was an Ultra AC/5, LB 10-X AC, or AC/20 cause that would have been new or different for concepts. Heck even an AC/2 would have been different as a harasser.
Ice yours were the best two submissions in my opinion this time around. I do have a question for you guys though? Do you think the FWLM approach with NARC Beacons and smaller LRM launchers is worth it?