OBT Forum
General BattleTech => General Discussion => MechFactory => Topic started by: Takiro on April 11, 2021, 10:06:28 PM
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For our thirty-eighth I find myself asking why isn’t the Crusader a Clan Mech? Yeah, I know the name preceded them but it was a Star League BattleMech which in combination with the name could be a draw. Instead, it is an InnerSphere staple in the service of every Great House especially Marik and Steiner who still produce the design today. One of the reseen I do remember seeing it in the second chapter of Robotech as a transforming Tank Mech. In my home games the Crusader has long served as a popular soldier in many an adventure both for and against. Commonly seen this long- and short-range missile Mech is pretty solid and I am anxiously awaiting your ideal lostech version of it. We do have the Mech of the Week article from CBT and BattleTechWiki to provide us with some inspiration below.
Mech of the Week - CRD-XX Crusader
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/fan-articles/mech-of-the-week-crd-xx-crusader/
Crusader – BattleTechWiki
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Crusader
Design Criteria
Design: Crusader Heavy BattleMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: InnerSphere Level 2
Mass: 65 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 April 23rd 2021 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!
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The CRD-4K and -4KA Crusader are the first offerings from a joint venture formed Luthien Armor Works and Alshain Weapons. It embraces much of the new techologies that have become available with the release of the Helm Core. In order for the new Crusader to survive on the modern battlefield both speed and protection had to be improved. To accomplish this, Hermes developed a new 325 XL engine based on the Hermes 320 XL used in the Goliath to increase the speed to 85kph. Armor was changed to 11.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. Both variants also feature double heat sinks and a Tanadi C3 slave unit. The CRD-5K is a designed to fill the heavy cavalry role and is armed with a pair of Victory Nickel Alloy ER large lasers matched with a pair of Telos Four-Shot SRM4 launchers. A pair of standard medium lasers and a medium pulse laser make up the secondary laser battery. All of the lasers are produced by Victory Industries on Marduk. In order to deal with the heat from the lasers a total of fifteen double heat sinks.
Crusader CRD-4K
Mass: 65 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: 14,560,810 C-Bills
Total Cost: 14,614,810 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,569
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Hermes 325 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Protec 12 Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Victory Nickel Alloy ER Large Lasers
1 Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Laser
2 Victory 23R Medium Lasers
2 Telos Four-Shot SRM-4s
1 Tanadi Forward-1 TAG
1 Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
Manufacturer: LAW/Alshain Weapons
Primary Factory: Al Na'ir
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 325 12.00
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 15(30) 5.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 206 11.50
Armor Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 30
Center Torso (rear) 11
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 28
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Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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C3 Computer (Slave) HD 0 1 1.00
TAG CT 0 1 1.00
Medium Pulse Laser CT 4 1 2.00
ER Large Laser RA 12 2 5.00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
SRM-4 RA 3 1 2.00
ER Large Laser LA 12 2 5.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
SRM-4 LA 3 1 2.00
@SRM-4 (25) RT - 1 1.00
@SRM-4 (25) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 6
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 16
5 4 4 2 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: TAG, C3S, CASE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 1/1/0
The only variant is the CRD-4KA and it bears a very strong resemblance to the original CRD-3R complete with the twinned LRM15 launchers, medium lasers and machineguns. There are no SRM launchers on this model. Advanced fire control systems have been added to the missile launchers. and CASE protects the ammo bins. Additionally a medium pulse laser is mounted in the center torso.
Crusader CRD-4KA
Mass: 65 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: 14,494,810 C-Bills
Total Cost: 14,735,810 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,552
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Hermes 325 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Protec 12 Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Shigunga LRM-15s w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Laser
2 Victory 23R Medium Lasers
2 Bulldog Minigun Machine Guns
1 Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
Manufacturer: LAW/Alshain Weapons
Primary Factory: Al Na'ir
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 325 12.00
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 206 11.50
Armor Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 30
Center Torso (rear) 11
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 28
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Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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C3 Computer (Slave) HD 0 1 1.00
Medium Pulse Laser CT 4 1 2.00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
LRM-15 RA 5 3 7.00
Artemis IV FCS RA - 1 1.00
Machine Gun RA 0 1 0.50
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
LRM-15 LA 5 3 7.00
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1.00
Machine Gun LA 0 1 0.50
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (16) RT - 2 2.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (16) LT - 2 2.00
@MG (200) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 6
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 16
5 4 5 3 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: C3S, CASE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 2ive o
To counter the faster Crusaders the Kuritans were planning, Tao Mechworks decided to do the same thing as the Kuritans and increase the top speed to 85kph. However, they shunned missile armament and wnet with a matched pair of ER PPCs in their stead. Designed as more of hunter-killer than the trooper role that the original filled, it has minimal secondary weapons consisting an SRM-6 and matched pairs of standard and medium lasers. Sixteen double heatsink allow the main weapons to be used with impunity while moving at max speed.
Crusader CRD-4D
Mass: 65 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: 14,492,335 C-Bills
Total Cost: 14,519,335 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,728
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Magna 325 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Johnston High Speed ER PPCs
1 Sian-Ceres Cougar SRM-6
2 ChisComp 39 Medium Lasers
2 ChisComp 32 Small Lasers
1 Garret-Guardian Interface 2B Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Tao Mechworks
Primary Factory: Sarmaxa
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 325 12.00
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 16(32) 6.00
Heat Sink Locations: 3 LT
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 188 10.50
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 5 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 RT 0.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 29
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 15 20
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 18
L/R Leg 15 24
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Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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SRM-6 CT 4 2 3.00
Guardian ECM Suite RT 0 2 1.50
ER PPC RA 15 3 7.00
Small Laser RA 1 1 0.50
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
ER PPC LA 15 3 7.00
Small Laser LA 1 1 0.50
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (15) RT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 2
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 17
5 4 4 2 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
EDIT: I added this Davion Crusader here as it is in the same 5/8 movement window as the Kuritan models
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The Marik version of the Crusader (manufactured by Kallon Industries at Ascunsion and Bernardo, as well as Brigiadier Corporation at Oliver for the Federated Commonwealth), does not attempt to fully integrate Star League era material science in its construction. The FWLM insisted on retaining a less expensive, less vulnerable standard Fusion Engine as the core of the BattleMech . . . a Magna 260 in this instance. Standard internal structure was also retained (Crucis-B), instead of more advanced Endo-Steel internal composites. The armor, however, was replaced with 10.5 tons of Riesse-500 Special Ferro-Fibrous plating with integral CASE equipment in all three torsos, while the ten standard heat sinks of the CRD-3R were replaced with ten double-strength freezers.
The original LRM-15 launchers in the arms were down-graded to LRM-10's equipped with Artemis IV Fire Control Systems and supplied with two tons of ammunition each (giving the LRM's a total of 24 tandem salvos). The twin SRM-6 launchers were replaced with four Streak SRM-2 launchers (mounted two each in the right and left leg, fed by a single ton of ammunition).
Both medium lasers were retained, but the machine-guns (and their ammunition) were replaced with a pair of Small Pulse Lasers (one each in the right and left arm).
Overall, the CRD-4M Crusader is tougher, more able to weather hostile enemy fire without suffering catastrophic internal damage, and can deliver almost an identical amount of firepower to the battlefield, while being able (through improved cooling and ammunition endurance) to maintain a higher operational tempo.
Because of these advantages, the Federated Commonwealth has decided to retain production of the CRD-4M at the Oliver plant and it has proven itself time and again on the Clan front as well as in action against other Inner Sphere and Periphery powers.
Crusader CRD-4M
Mass: 65 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: 5,989,610 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,283,610 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,405
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-500 Special Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 LRM-10s w/ Artemis IV FCS
2 Medium Lasers
4 Streak SRM-2s
2 Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Brigadier Corporation, Kallon Industries
Primary Factory: Oliver (BC), Ascuncion (KI), Bernardo (KI)
Communications System: Garret T11-D
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 260 13.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 188 10.50
Armor Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA
CASE Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT 1.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 27
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 15 20
L/R Torso (rear) 7
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 25
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Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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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
LRM-10 RT 4 2 5.00
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
LRM-10 LT 4 2 5.00
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
2 Streak SRM-2s RL 4 2 3.00
2 Streak SRM-2s LL 4 2 3.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) RT - 2 2.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) LT - 2 2.00
@Streak SRM-2 (50) CT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 11
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 14
4 4 4 2 0 3 1 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1[code]
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Solid initial entries by Abele and masterarminas, thank you!
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The Clan version of the Crusader is the Crossbow Omni. It's a hyper-specialized fire-support 'Mech, which may be why it fell out of use, overshadowed by the Mad Dog (Vulture) or Hellbringer (Loki), which can do many of the same things, only optimized for Clan duels. The classic Crusader is versatile but not a heavy hitter, which is massively sub-optimal for Clan purposes prior to the Invasion and their return to the Inner Sphere.
I've got some nifty Crusader ideas to post this week, including the Mech Mortar variant I promised, and a Circinus Federation variant to boot! Ironically one of the more effective democratic states in the Inner Sphere canon. Yes, yes, piracy, but what's piracy but an aggressive foreign policy funded by a minor state? The Federation has a very 1600s privateer feel.
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I look forward to seeing what you can come up with fabulousorcboy!
Actually looking at the Crusader and coming up with its Clan equivalent I went right to the Ha Otoko. I'm actually developing a concept right now, should be fun. Just not contest legal.
Wow, Circinus Federation! That is a faction that has received no love as of yet in these contests. Look forward to seeing what the Black Warriors are up to.
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I freely admit that I'm obsessed with finding ways to kill Elemental stars as quickly as possible. I remember the early Clan Invasion, and how insanely difficult it was grinding through those Elemental stars, and how much damage they could do to 'Mechs with anti-Mech attacks. I also remember just how utterly useless Komodo and Snake designs were (although the Komodo was a credible anti-Mech design, hilariously).
So a lot of my design concepts are about finding mobile, heavily armored 'Mechs that can take out Elemental stars -- and the heavy weight class is perfect for that mix of attributes. So here's my anti-battle armor Crusader proposal, heavy on Inferno rounds:
Type: CRD-5D Crusader
Production: Federated Commonwealth (Tao ‘Mechworks, Styk)
Combat Value: 1629 BV
Total Cost: 14,166,459 C-Bills + 135k ammo (including x1.65 tonnage premium)
Tonnage: 65t
Internal Structure (Endo): 3.5t
Engine: (Vox 325 XL): 12t
Walking: 5
Running: 8
Jumping: 5 : 5t (2RT/CT/2LT)
Heat Sinks: 13(26): 3t
Gyro/Cockpit (Std): 7t
Armor (Standard): 13t
Head 3/9
Center Torso 21/30/11
R/L Torso 15/20/9
R/L Arm 10/20
R/L Leg 15/30
Quirks: Easy to Maintain, Rugged (1), Stabilized Weapons (Legs), Ubiquitous
2x Medium Lasers (2cr, 2t) RA/LA
4x SRM-4 (4cr, 8t) 2RA/2LA
3x Ammo (SRM4) 75 (3cr, 3t) RT <------- can be Inferno rounds
2x SRM-6 (4cr, 6t) RL/LL
2x Ammo (SRM6) 30 (2cr, 2t) RT <------- can be Inferno rounds
1x CASE (1cr, 0.5t) RT
First produced at the turn of the 27th century just prior to the Reunification Wars, the Crusader became one of the workhouse heavies of the SLDF throughout the life of the Star League. It was one of the first SLDF ‘Mechs to utilize Artemis IV technology, mounting it on both its LRM and SRM racks, and was intended as a close combat brawler – although during the Succession Wars it was valued primarily for its ability to act in a limited fire-support role, while remaining versatile enough to handle a variety of threats.
Produced primarily in the Free Worlds League, Lyran Commonwealth, and Capellan Confederation during the Succession Wars, with the LCAF in particular being an avid user of the design. As the Inner Sphere began producing recovered Star League technology (from the Gray Death Memory Core) in the 3040s, Tao ‘Mechworks, acquired by the Commonwealth during the Fourth Succession War, began planning new uses for their state-of-the-art orbital Endosteel manufacturing facility. The “classic SLDF” Crusader was an obvious choice, as it could readily share a logistics chain with the former LCAF, while still acting as a showcase for the company’s production capabilities – at the time, it solely produced Victor-9Ds.
The upgraded Crusader-5D was originally intended to be a speedier version of the CRD-3R, the Succession-Wars era design, utilizing a massive Vox 325 extralight engine in place of the Magna 260, and reshaped HildCo Type V Endo-Steel, originally used in their Victor lines. The lighter materials freed up sufficient mass for a full set of jumpjets, with a leap of 150m – originally the plan was to utilize the Victor’s “Lexington Ltd Lifters”, but technical issues stabilizing Lexintons fitted to the center rear of the 5D led to Tao simply recreating the GM Jetstar design of the SLDF-era Capellan Crusader CRD-3L from recovered specifications, and using those instead.
The Clan Invasion interrupted the development and testing cycle of the original 5D, with the AFFC demanding more specialized designs that might have some slight edge against their high-tech opponents. Tao engineers eventually stripped out the LRM racks and Artemis targeting systems, turning a versatile heavy cavalry design into a specialist close-range in-fighter armed almost entirely with SRM racks. The leg-mounted and stabilized Harpoon-6 SRM racks were retained, while each shoulder of the 5D was equipped with a brace of Holly SRM-4 racks in place of the Magna Longbow-15s, the Holly racks being taken from the Victor lines. In all, this meant that the 5D could unleash a massive volley of 28 SRM missiles, and carried five tons of CASE-protected ammunition in the right torso, with a full extra ton of Durallex Heavy armor over older and classic Crusader designs.
Two Intek Medium Lasers remained in the wrist-mounts of the ‘Mech, turning this Crusader into a mobile battle-armor hunter, capable of mixing Inferno and standard explosive missile and devastating both Clan ‘Mechs and their tiny Elemental escorts. It has enough speed, at 86kph, to close with faster Clan forces, and just enough double heat sinks to stave off the worst overheating effects, even with a full alpha-strike.
Tao ‘Mechworks began shipping new Crusader-5Ds to the Clan front lines in late 3051, and produced several hundred of this design before Styk (and Tao ‘Mechworks) was recovered by the Capellan Confederation in 3057 as part of the Mark-Liao Invasion of the Sarna March. Under Capellan control, Tao ‘Mechworks retained the speed and advanced materials of their 5D chassis, but added their signature Stealth armor. The extreme close-combat payload of the 5D – entirely a stopgap measure in response to the Clan Invasion – was rejected in favor of a variety of novel weapons combinations to produce the 7L (in 3067), and the brutal 8L with paired Plasma Rifles (in 3083, at their new Sarmaxa location).
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Leaning into the two major benefits of Mech Mortars over LRMs (because there aren't a lot) -- they're really cheap in terms of C-Bills and ammo, and they're really cheap in terms of BV. Otherwise, LRMs are better in almost every way, so it's a weapon that is best used by a minor power that is really, really skint.
Note that the 'mystery supplier' of high-tech double heat sinks mentioned below is, of course, the Word of Blake.
Type: CRD-5CF Crusader
Production: Circinus Federation (Black Warriors Refit, Circinus)
Combat Value: 1052 BV
Total Cost: 4,223,835 C-Bills + 60.5k ammo (including x1.65 tonnage premium)
Tonnage: 65t
Internal Structure (Std): 6.5t
Engine: Nissan/Industrial 195: 8t
Walking: 3
Running: 5
Heat Sinks: 11(22): 1t
Gyro/Cockpit (Std): 5t
Armor Factor (Std): 12t
Head 3/9
Center Torso 21/33/8
R/L Torso 15/23/7
R/L Arm 10/20
R/L Leg 15/21
Quirks: Easy to Maintain, Rugged (1), Stabilized Weapons (Legs), Ubiquitous
2x Mech Mortar 8 (10cr, 20t) RA/LA
6x Ammo (Mortar) 24 (6cr, 6t), 3RT/3LT
2x Machineguns (2cr, 1t) RA
1/2x Ammo (MG) 100 (1cr, 0.5t), RT
1x Flamer (1cr, 1t) LA
4x Medium Lasers (4cr, 4t) RL/LL
Throughout the Succession Wars, the Black Warriors – a former SLDF unit that went rogue during the Amaris Civil War – were on paper the official military force of the tiny Circinus Federation. However, they largely operated as both privateers and occasional condottiere rather than a traditional defense force, striking anonymously throughout the Free Worlds League periphery, and also hiring themselves out to the occasional Great House – as they did during the Fourth Succession War.
Part of their contract with the 42nd Avalon Hussars in 3028 included a clause wherein the Black Warriors would receive sizable quantities of surplus Lyran equipment and supplies – by the end of their contract in 3032, the Black Warriors had – through a mix of contractual payment, con-artistry, embezzlement, and outright theft, acquired sufficient military equipment to add two regiments to their number. As House Steiner was a heavy user of the Crusader, with a sizable surplus of older Crusader 3R designs, the Black Warriors ended up with a half-dozen of the versatile heavy ‘Mech, but President HR “Little Bob” McIntyre faced an immediate logistical problem – the four missile racks of the Crusader 3R chewed through expensive missiles very aggressively, limiting both the effectiveness of live-fire training, while also restricting the firepower of the Crusader on long-distance raids and mercenary contracts.
At the same time, the Crusader was an extremely valuable fire-support ‘Mech with a variety of useful close-range weapons, and no Black Warrior – least of all Colonel-President McIntyre – wanted to lose those capabilities by changing out to (for example) an all-energy weapon loadout. The solution was a typical “pirate” upgrade – using inexpensive and Retrotech equipment to sizably reduce the resupply costs, while retaining energy weapons and machine-guns, which were much more easily sourced, repaired, maintained, and resupplied. The redesignated CRD-5CF is officially a “field refit”, with a stock Crucis-B chassis and Riese 500 armor (or whatever resupplies the Federation and Black Warriors can acquire), but the sizable Magna 260 engine was replaced with a far more modest – and far less expensive – Nissan 195, a widely available industrial fusion engine that is commonly utilized in commercial and IndustrialMech applications throughout the Inner Sphere. This means that the 5CF also can use a 2-ton Gyroscope, far more readily sourced and widely available in the Periphery (for example, from a salvaged 20-ton “Bug” Mech) than its heavier 3-ton variant.
All the high-end military missile racks have been stripped from the 5CF, and a pair of massive 120mm, Mech-compatible class 8 vehicle Mortars – sourced through a variety of cut-outs from Cyclops Inc of Skye – are fitted into the shoulders and rear of the 5CF. With range and firepower comparable to an LRM-15 or 20, the so-called "Mech Mortars" also have the virtue of being far cheaper to maintain and supply with ammunition, and two generous three-ton ammunition bins can be found in both side torsos, reclaimed during the engine downgrade. The bins for the mortar shells are separated into smaller, distinct clips, allowing a creative artillerist to fire a variety of shells with a range of different uses and effects.
The 5CF retains the arm-mounted M100-Heavy machine-guns of the stock Crusader 3R, but fits both of them in the right-arm mount, one in the original position and the other in the Intek Medium Laser mount. A half-ton of ammunition in the right torso feeds both machine-guns. The left-arm weapon mounts now hold a single energy-linked Flamer for creating “instant” cover, or causing general mayhem and havoc – as the Black Warriors cheerfully refer to it, “War Crimes”. This is typically a spare Purity L-series from a Firestarter – although at least two 5CFs used by the Black Warriors used a Zippo Vehicular flamer, fed by a half-ton of ammunition fit into the empty housing for a medium laser. To round out the firepower, the 5CF mounts four medium lasers of various types, all fitted to the stabilized weapon-mounts on the hips of the Crusader.
In all, the only cutting-edge components fitted to the 5CF are its set of double heat sinks – and it is an on-going mystery to House intelligence organizations where and how the Federation acquired quite so many of these devices, which appear to have been refitted to nearly all of their ‘Mechs. For the 5CF, Black Warrior techs painstakingly fitted seven double heat-sinks into the Nissan 195 engine, and another four are externally mounted – two per side torso – on the main body of the ‘Mech. This gives the 5CF truly impressive heat-management for its extremely ‘hot’ class 8 Mortars, able to run cool even while raining mortar shells downfield in close support of its compatriots. Despite the abysmal leadership by McIntyre that resulted in a crushing defeat against the mercenary unit “Arms of Thor” in the Federation’s ill-fate invasion of the Illyrian Palatinate, the 5CF proved itself decisively, and has made frequent appearances in raids through the anti-Spinward Periphery.
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This is what comes from playing around with the Crusader Quirks, and wondering how a Periphery power might upgrade the Crusader in order to take advantage of those built-in advantages to the core design. Here, the main weapons are the leg-mounted (and stabilized) Large Lasers, a nifty quirk that makes a standard laser about as effective as a (far heavier and higher-heat) X-Pulse Laser. The Streak SRMs are just gravy, and the jumpjets give the design mobility that allow it to really use the quirks and Streak technology to their utmost. Plus a few medium lasers because it's the Inner Sphere's most efficient weapon.
Type: CRD-4MC Crusader
Production: Magistry of Canopus (Majesty Metals & Manufacturing refit, Canopus)
Combat Value: 1539 BV
Total Cost: 5,867,511 C-Bills (including x1.65 tonnage premium)
Tonnage: 65t
Internal Structure (Std): 6.5t
Engine: Magna 260: 13.t
Walking: 4
Running: 6
Jumping: 4 4t (2RT/2LT)
Heat Sinks: 10(20): 0t
Gyro/Cockpit (Std): 6t
Armor(Ferro-Fibrous): 11.5t
Head 3/9
Center Torso 21/33/9
R/L Torso 15/23/7
R/L Arm 10/20
R/L Leg 15/28
Quirks: Easy to Maintain, Rugged (1), Stabilized Weapons (Legs), Ubiquitous
2x Large Laser (4cr, 10t) RL/LL
6x Streak SRM-2 (6cr, 9t) 3RA/3LA
2x Ammo (Streak) 100 (2cr, 2t) RT
1x CASE (1cr, 0.5t) RT
2x Medium Lasers (2cr, 2t) RA/LA
During the first few years of the Andurien Crisis, the Magistracy Armed Forces drove into the Capellan Confederation alongside their Andurien allies, before being thrown back by better equipped and far heavier Capellan forces in 3032 and 3033. Although the Canopians sued for peace, they retained a sizable quantity of captured military material from their early successes, which they began repairing and putting back into service as part of Emma Centrella’s modernization campaign. Upgrading the machines, particularly taking advantage of the Helm Memory Core, all helped the Magistracy integrate lost Star League Era technology into their booming economy, and made them a major economic power by the start of the Clan Invasion.
Among the salvaged ‘Mechs recovered from CCAF were assorted parts from several dozen Crusaders, a tough and versatile unit that had been assigned to a number of militia commands, where its limited battlefield endurance would be less noticeable, but where its ease of maintenance and rugged construction would help under-trained and under-motivated Capellan Reserve units retain functional ‘Mechs under their command. As MAF engineers reconstructed a number of Crusaders from assorted salvaged components, they began using the versatile heavy ‘Mech as a testbed for a number of “recovered tech” weapons systems being newly produced in the Majesty Metals and Manufacturing facility on Canopus.
The basic Crucis-B chassis and Magna 260 engine of the classic Crusader were retained, as MMM lacked the resources and know-how to produce Endosteel or XL engines until many decades later. Instead, Majesty Metals focused on producing double heat sink technology and StarSlab/7 ferro-fibrous armor (with CASE integrated), producing early-run models of the material components in 3048, and fitting them to the newly-redesignated Crusader 4MC by 3050. At the time of the Clan Invasion, MMM retained a Star-League era license for Martell-brand lasers, and owned the specs for ER Large Lasers, but the design team decided to save on heat generation and stick with Martell Model 7 Large Lasers in the stabilized leg mounts, and Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers in the traditional wrist-mounts. Instead, the “recovered tech” weapon used on the 4MC was a hextet of Holly Streak-2 racks, with six tubes fitted to the each armored forearm.
To provide additional mobility, a set of GM Jetstar jumpjets – reconstructed from specs in the Helm Memory Core – were fitted to each of the side torsos of the 4MC, making this Crusader a nasty in-fighter that is particularly effective in heavy terrain and urban environments. With 200 Streak-capable missiles in a two-ton CASE protected bin in the right torso, and with only laser weapons otherwise, the 4MC has exceptional battlefield endurance, capable of 16 full flights of missiles, with the Holly Streak technology reducing waste and ensuring that every SRM missile fired hits its intended target.
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CRD-4S Crusader
The official Federated Commonwealth version of the Crusader is the CRD-4S produced by TharHes Industries on Tharkad. The design team was urged to retain the heavy long- and short-range firepower of the CRD-3R, but improved combat endurance, durability, and cooling ability.
The design engineers decided to retain the twin Longbow LRM-15 launchers, but added Artemis IV Fire Control Systems to ensure that a larger percentage of the missiles actually struck home. The ammunition supply was doubled, allowing for sixteen tandem salvos. Likewise, the Harpoon SRM-6 launchers were kept; these were also outfitted with Artemis IV FCS and fed by two tons of ammunition total (for 15 tandem salvos). Because of the increased buik of the Artemis IV FCS, TharHex engineers moved the Harpoon launchers from their original mounts in the hip to the right and left torsos.
CASE was installed in both the right and left torsos to protect the MechWarrior from ammunition explosions (a necessity with six tons of explosive munitions carried onboard).
The Medium Lasers were retained, but the Machine-Guns of the CRD-3R were removed along with their ammunition and replaced with a pair of Small Pulse Lasers. While this increased the heat burden of the armament package and somewhat reduced the anti-personnel capabilities, the increased accuracy and no need for ammunition resupply somewhat offset these problems.
To meet the third requirement, the design team switched out the original standard heat sinks for double-strength freezers, allowing the CRD-4S Crusader to run-and-gun with all of the short-range weaponry (SRMs, Medium Lasers, and Small Pulse Lasers) while remaining heat neutral. Since the LRMs minimum range often precludes their use at close-range, this was considered to be enough; although a full running Alpha Strike will still cause a substantial heat spike.
Unfortunately, the design was now some eight and a half tons overweight!
TharHes enginers reduced the armor to just 10.5 tons but used advanced Ferro-Fibrous plating, giving it virtually the same amount of armor protection as the CRD-3R (slightly less, but still 98% of what the Sucession Wars era Crusader carried!).
That still left seven tons, which the design team managed to recover by using a newly developed Magna 260 Extra-Light Fusion Engine. Although the cost of acquisition of the design almost doubled, the use of an XL engine was the only way that the design engineers could (in their very Lyran manner) meet all of the design requirements given to them by the AFFC. (And, in the minds of many in the Federated Suns portion of the Federated Commonwealth, was a very cynical way for TharHes to greatly enhance its own annual revenue stream without having to increase the number of 'Mechs produced each year!)
The final design was accepted for production in 3053 and proved quite capable in combat, even if it remained slower and less maneuverable than most Clan OmniMechs.
Since the acquisition of the CRD-4M factory on Oliver, the AFFC has continued production of both models. The CRD-4S is the "high-end" acquisition, with the -4M requiring less expense to acquire and maintain. Both models see extensive service in AFFC formations, but the LCAF tends to prefer the -4S and the AFFS runs more towards the -4M.
Crusader CRD-4S
Mass: 65 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: 12,226,610 C-Bills
Total Cost: 12,574,610 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,394
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-500 Special Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 LRM-15s w/ Artemis IV FCS
2 SRM-6s w/ Artemis IV FCS
2 Medium Lasers
2 Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: TharHex Industries
Primary Factory: Tharkad
Communications System: Garret T11-D
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 260 7.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 188 10.50
Armor Locations: 2 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 27
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 15 20
L/R Torso (rear) 7
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 25
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LRM-15 RA 5 3 7.00
Artemis IV FCS RA - 1 1.00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Small Pulse Laser RA 2 1 1.00
LRM-15 LA 5 3 7.00
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
Small Pulse Laser LA 2 1 1.00
SRM-6 RT 4 2 3.00
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
SRM-6 LT 4 2 3.00
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (16) RT - 2 2.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (15) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (16) LT - 2 2.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (15) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 1
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 14
4 4 5 2 0 3 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 2
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CRD-4T Crusader
The Taurian Concordat took a very similar approach to House Marik's new Crusader; the CRD-4T uses a standard Magna 260 Fusion Engine, ferro-fibrous armor (11.5 tons, almost the maximum allowed on a 65-ton bipedal frame), double strength heat sinks (ten, all banked within the engine core), CASE in both right and left torsos, and replacing the Harpoon-6 SRM-6 launchers with four Streak SRM-2 launchers (fed by a single ton of ammunition in the right torso).
However, the Taurian engineers retained the two Machine-Guns (moving both to the left arm, with a half-ton ammunition bin in the CASE protected left torso), as well as the two Medium Lasers (right arm, with the second moved to the head).
Instead of the Artemis IV FCS equipped LRM racks of the CRD-4M, the Taurians instead fitted six LRM-5 launchers (three each to the right and left torso). This gave the CRD-4T the same throw-weight of LRMs as the older CRD-3R and also allowed the design engineers to provide four tons of LRM ammunition (for a total of sixteen sextuple long-range missile salvos!).
With only the ten double-strength heat sinks banked in the engine core, it seems easy for a 'MechWarrior to overheat his Crusader. But, in actual practice in the field, the design seems quite well cooled. At long-range with only the LRMs, this new Crusader cannot overheat, even on a run. At short range, with the Medium Lasers and SRMs, the design once again appears undersinked. However, there is sufficient excess cooling ability to add two LRM racks to the short-range weapons . . . IF all four Streak packs lock on target, that is. Should fewer Streak packs lock onto the target, the MechWarrior can (albeit with increasing difficulty at closer ranges) substitute in one, two, four, or even all six LRM-5 packs and still remain heat-neutral on a run!
This versatility in the cooling system is one of the strong points of the Crusader-T.
While the Taurian Concordat cannot produce the CRD-4T Crusader, Taurus Territorial Industries on Taurus can (and does) offer factory rebuild packages for Crusader owners that wish to upgrade their Crusaders to the new Taurian standard. All Crusaders in service with the TDF have already been overhauled to the new CRD-4T model.
Crusader CRD-4T
Mass: 65 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: 5,540,810 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,715,310 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,500
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-500 Special Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Medium Lasers
6 LRM-5s
4 Streak SRM-2s
2 Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Taurus Territorial Industries (refit only)
Primary Factory: Taurus
Communications System: Garret T11-D
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 260 13.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 206 11.50
Armor Locations: 2 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 30
Center Torso (rear) 11
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 28
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
2 Machine Guns LA 0 2 1.00
3 LRM-5s RT 6 3 6.00
3 LRM-5s LT 6 3 6.00
Medium Laser HD 3 1 1.00
2 Streak SRM-2s RL 4 2 3.00
2 Streak SRM-2s LL 4 2 3.00
@Streak SRM-2 (50) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-5 (48) RT - 2 2.00
@LRM-5 (48) LT - 2 2.00
@MG (1/2) (100) LT - 1 0.50
Free Critical Slots: 11
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 15
4 4 4 2 0 3 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, LRM 1/2/2, IF 2
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Fabulousorcboy and masterarminas are crusading away here! Very nice guys
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When thinking about TharHes and Defiance Industries, for some reason I'm reminded of the soda wars of the 1980s, and how Pepsi kept trying to play David to Coca-Cola's Goliath.
Type: CRD-6S Crusader
Production: Federated Commonwealth (TharHes Industries, Tharkad)
Combat Value: 1617 BV
Total Cost: 6,156,261 C-Bills + 150k ammo (including x1.65 tonnage premium)
Internal Structure: Endo: 3.5t
Engine: (Magna 260): 13.5t
Walking: 4
Running: 6
Heat Sinks: 10(20): 0t
Gyro/Cockpit (Std): 6t
Armor (Standard): 12.5t
Head 3/9
Center Torso 21/28/9
R/L Torso 15/20/9
R/L Arm 10/20
R/L Leg 15/28
Quirks: Easy to Maintain, Rugged (1), Stabilized Weapons (Legs), Ubiquitous
2x LRM-20 (10cr, 20t) RA/LA
2x Artemis IV (2cr, 2t) RA/LA
5x Ammo (LRM) 30 (5cr, 5t) RT
1x CASE (1cr, 0.5t) RT
2x Medium Lasers (2cr, 2t) RL/LL
At one point a branch of the far more prestigious armaments producer Defiance Industries, TharHes became an independent firm under the control of the Wellby-Steiner noble family in the early 31st century, but has continue to have a bit of an inferiority complex. Although they struck gold with the Wolfhound in 3028, their first ‘Mech venture had been the Crusader, chosen specifically for its rugged durability, ease of maintenance, and versatility on the battlefield.
As with other armaments firms in the 3040s, TharHes put together a modest update of their Crusader lines utilizing recovered Star League technology, but the Crusader 5S was largely just a test of their ability to manufacture double heat sinks and CASE – extremely useful, but not significantly upgrading or modifying the Succession Wars standard Crusader 3R.
However, company officials had been keen on expanding their offerings, and finished construction of an orbital Endosteel facility in 3051, developing a unique new formulation of the Star League era material while working in partnership with General Motors of New Valencia on a new set of designs for the AFFC – the Falconer and (a few years later) the Rakshasa. However, engineers quickly incorporated the Endosteel frames into their other ‘Mech lines, creating a number of Wolfhound 1X prototypes (although the final production WLF-2 retained a standard frame), as well as a few Crusader 5X prototypes with the McLarren brand Endosteel.
Based on batttle footage and analysis from the Clan Invasion, TharHes decided to optimize their final production Crusader 6S upgrade to maximize the design’s long-range firepower, while sacrificing the shorter-ranged SRMs and machineguns that were unlikely to match up effectively against the Clans. The design incorporated the McLarren Endosteel frame of the prototypes, retained the Magna 260 engine, and deliberately avoided the use of the Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous armor that was being produced for their innovative Bushwacker design (which debuted in 3053). The 6S did retain the CASE technology first used in the company’s 5S upgrade, to protect the sizable five-ton ammunition bin in the right torso of the ‘Mech.
However, the biggest innovation was actually in the complete redesign of the arm-mounted missile racks. TharHes tried to shoehorn their brand-name TharHes Reacher 20 LRM racks – produced for Bowie Industries’ Archer lines for centuries – into the former LRM-15 shoulder mounts of the Crusader, but simply was unable to fit them in adequately, particularly when trying to find additional room for their house brand TharHes “Fire Control” Artemis IV systems. Instead, engineers decided on a complete redesign of the LRM mounts, building a massive brace of reinforced gauntlets around the lower arm structure of the Crusader, retaining the hand actuators but giving pilots a more natural “point-and-shoot” motion. The redesign proved so popular with Crusader pilots that it was stolen by Cosby Battlemech Research in their 3063 upgrade, and quickly became an ‘alternate’ Crusader configuration. Unfortunately, the emission core of the Intek medium lasers did not readily fit into the new LRM mount design, and so both lasers were moved to the stabilized leg mounts of the 6S – where they (like the SRMs they were replacing) avoided interference with the LRMs.
Released in 3053 as part of a grand trifecta of anti-Clan offerings that included the Bushwacker BSW-X1 and the FLC-8R Falconer, the Crusader 6S was marketed as direct competition for the Archer ARC-5S (produced by Defiance Industries on Hesperus II) and the Archer ARC-5W (produced by Bowie Industries on Alarion and Carlisle). Both the 5S and 5W upgrades were popular missile support ‘Mechs, but used finicky Narc technology and incorporated XL engines that doubled their production (and procurement) costs. TharHes teased the release of what was by comparison a ‘budget’ Crusader with a viral social media campaign, featuring a series of holo-skits of Melissa Steiner-Davion and Hanse Davion look-alikes in medieval garb defending the stone walls of a castle against a siege of warriors dressed in furry costumes, and a voice-over solemnly intoning, “Why settle for a few overhyped Archers when you can count on twice as many reliable Crusaders?” The sheer gall of the messaging was all the talk of Lyran high society for over a fortnight, particularly when the Tharkad court’s rumor mill suggested that both the Archon and First Prince had found the short skits to be quite amusing.
Needless to say, TharHes sold out of their initial production run of the Crusader 6S, and quickly racked up another five years worth of pre-orders. The publicity also ensured initial positive sales for their “premium cost” Bushwacker and Falconer designs – all three of which proved to live up to the hype, and become staples of the AFFC for years to come.
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Looks like an Archer in a Crusaders body
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Exactly! A *cheaper* Archer in a more rugged, easily maintained Crusader's body, at the exact point in time that the Federated Commonwealth is only producing expensive XL engine Archers that oddly have *less* long-range fire support than this 'Mech does.
Capitalism! 8)
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The ArchCrusader!
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Corporate/Mercenary Crusader
Crusader CRD-4A
Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-D
Production Year: 3054
Dry Cost: 5,907,110 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,081,110 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,439
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Magna Longbow-15 LRM-15s
2 Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
2 Hovertec Quad SRM-4s
2 Magna 200P Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Kallon Industries
Primary Factory: Asuncion, Bernardo (Kallon)
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
Overview:
The CRD-4A is a factory-level upgrade/refit of the CRD-3R Crusader. Overall
performance is nearly identical to the original. The major changes come in the
use of recovered technologies such as CASE and double heat sinks. The most
significant change is the relocation and downsizing of the SRM launchers. Twin
Hovertec Quad SRM-4 launchers are mounted in the center torso with a ton of
ammunition for each launcher. Each LRM launcher now has two tons of ammo in an
area protcted by CASE. The machine guns have been replaced by a pair of Magna
200P small pulse lasers. Ten double heat sinks replace the twelve single heat
sinks. Unfortunately all of these changes come at a cost and that's in armor
protection.This has been lowered to ten tons of Kallon FWL Special
ferro-fibrous armor, This amounts to a less than 7% loss in overall protection.
Deployment:
The CRD-4A has not yet received interest from any of the standing militaries of
the Great Houses. A small allotment has made its way to several smaller
mercenary units working out of Galatea and marketing efforts have been aimed at
Outreach with no orders coming in by the publishing of the report. Currently,
the Kallon Defense force on Bernardo fields two of the variants as a part of
its secuity forces.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 260 13.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 179 10.00
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 3 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 26
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 15 20
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 18
L/R Leg 15 21
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 SRM-4s CT 6 2 4.00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
LRM-15 RA 5 3 7.00
Small Pulse Laser RA 2 1 1.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
LRM-15 LA 5 3 7.00
Small Pulse Laser LA 2 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (16) RT - 2 2.00
@SRM-4 (25) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (16) LT - 2 2.00
@SRM-4 (25) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 13
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 14
4 4 4 2 0 3 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 1/1/0, LRM 1/2/2, IF 2
Canopian Crusader
Crusader CRD-4MC
Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-E
Production Year: 3070
Dry Cost: 5,584,535 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,758,535 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,359
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Chilton Model 465
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Riese 500 Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Holly LRM-10s
2 Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers
1 Holly Streak SRM-2
2 Magna Mk I Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Majesty Metals and Manufacturing
Primary Factory: Dunianshire
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
Overview:
Using the CRD-3L as the base point for this refit, Majesty Manufacturing and
Metals (3M) has offered this kit to all Magistracy forcesm house and mercenary.
It is a rather simple refit and can be completed within the unit. There are
only two types of recovered technology, CASE and the Streak SRM-2. Both
standard SRM-4s have been removed and replaced by a single Streak SRM-2
launcher. Additionally both MGs have been removed to make room for two
additional tons of LRM ammunition and two small lasers. Thirteen chillers are
now carried to deal with the heat. Armor protection has been reduced slightly,
as well.
Deployment:
The 3rd Canopian Fusiliers, Ramilie's Raiders and the Canopian Highlanders have
all placed orders for the refit with the Rusiliers and the Raiders having eight
and three kits respectively. The Highlanders order of seventeen kits have
delayed due to production shortfalss for the Streak launchers.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 260 13.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 4.00
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 13 3.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 184 11.50
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 29
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 15 20
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 18
L/R Leg 15 22
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Streak SRM-2 CT 2 1 1.50
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
LRM-10 RA 4 2 5.00
Small Laser RA 1 1 0.50
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
LRM-10 LA 4 2 5.00
Small Laser LA 1 1 0.50
@LRM-10 (24) RT - 2 2.00
@Streak SRM-2 (50) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-10 (24) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 24
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 14
4j 2 2 1 0 3 1 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Taurian Crusader
Crusader CRD-4T
Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-D
Production Year: 3054
Dry Cost: 5,488,010 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,604,010 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,302
Chassis: Crucis-b Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese 500 Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Shannon Six Shooter SRM-6s
2 Diverse Optics Type 27P Medium Pulse Lasers
2 Delta Dart LRM-5s
2 Hotshot Flamers
1 Deprus Swarmshot Anti-Missile System
Manufacturer: Brigadier Corporation, Vandenberg Mechanized Industries (Refit)
Primary Factory: Oliver (Brigadier), New Vandenberg (Refit)
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
Overview:
Much like the Canopians, the Taurians have managed to acquire a significant
number of Crusaders through purchase and battlefield salvage. In order to make
it efficient they moved the SRM6 launchers from the legs to the arms. This
gives the laucnhers a better field of fire and gives each launcher its own ammo
supply. The medium lasers have been replaced by medium pulse lasers and the
machineguns have been replaced by flamers. CASE now protects the ammo bins.
Four single heat sinks have been added along with half-ton of armor. In order
for all this to happen the LRM-15 have been downsized to LRM-5s.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 260 13.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 14 4.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 200 12.50
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 33
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 15 24
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 25
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anti-Missile System HD 1 1 0.50
SRM-6 RA 4 2 3.00
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4 1 2.00
Flamer RA 3 1 1.00
LRM-5 RA 2 1 2.00
SRM-6 LA 4 2 3.00
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4 1 2.00
Flamer LA 3 1 1.00
LRM-5 LA 2 1 2.00
@SRM-6 (15) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-5 (24) RT - 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (15) LT - 1 1.00
@Anti-Missile System (12) LT - 1 1.00
@LRM-5 (24) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 25
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 13
4 3 3 1 0 3 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: AMS, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 1/1/0
Soundtrack provided by Rush' R40 Live Album
-
Very nice Abele!!!
-
Crusader CRD-3BL
Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Succession Wars
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-F-E-D
Production Year: 3025
Dry Cost: 5,869,160 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,956,160 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,481
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Aldis Heavy Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Blazefire Supernova Binary Laser Cannon
1 Magna Longbow-15 LRM-15
2 Intek Medium Lasers
1 Telos Four-Shot SRM-4
Manufacturer: Brigadier Corporation
Primary Factory: Oliver
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
Overview:
Produced on Oliver, the binary laser cannon equipped CRD-3BL gives the Mech a
heavy hitting weapon that it previously did not have. To make room for the
laser cannon, The LRM launcher in the room was removed along with both
machineguns. The SRM-6s have have also been removed and replaced by a single
SRM-4. The Magna 260 fusion has reconditioned and is now equipped with double
heat sinks (a total of fourteen are carried). CASE protects the LRM and SRM
ammunition while armor protection has been increased slightly due to the
application of eleven tons of ferro-fibrous armor
Variants:
The only variant is the CRD-4BL which features the use of an extralight engine
and upsized missile launchers.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 260 13.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 14(28) 4.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 197 11.00
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 2 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 1 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 30
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 18
L/R Leg 15 25
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-4 CT 3 1 2.00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Binary Laser Cannon RA 16 4 9.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
LRM-15 LA 5 3 7.00
@SRM-4 (25) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (16) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 6
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 15
4 4 4 1 0 3 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Crusader CRD-4BL
Mass: 65 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: 11,675,510 C-Bills
Total Cost: 11,762,510 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,427
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Hermes 260 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese 500 Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Blazefire Supernova Binary Laser Cannon
1 Doombud LRM-20
1 SureShot VI SRM-6
3 Defiance P5M Medium Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Brigadier Corporation
Primary Factory: Oliver
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 260 7.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 13(26) 3.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 2 RT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 197 11.00
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 2 LT, 3 RT, 1 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT 0.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 30
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 18
L/R Leg 15 25
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-6 CT 4 2 3.00
Binary Laser Cannon RA 16 4 9.00
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4 1 2.00
LRM-20 LA 6 5 10.00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers LA 8 2 4.00
@SRM-6 (15) LT - 1 1.00
@LRM-20 (12) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 0
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 14
4 4 4 1 0 3 2 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Soundtrack provided by Rush' R40 Live Album
-
Designed as way to increase morale amongst the engineering staff at thengboir Asuncion and Bernardo facilities, Kallon Industries launched a contest that had the purpose of designing a guardian for the Crusaders, Archers and Longbows in service with the FWLM. The only limitation placed on each team was that they had to use the reliable Crucis-B chassis of the Crusader. With the CRD-4M the team on Bernardo stuck with missile-based armament by mounting a quartet of Harppon-6 SRM-6s in place of the LRM-15s in the arm mounts. For additional close quarters combat, a trio of medium pulse lasers and a brace of small lasers are also mounted. To keep it balanced, an ER large laser has been mounted in the center torso to engage enemies at long range. A total of fourteen double heatsinks attempt keep this Mech cool in combat.
Crusader CRD-4M
Mass: 65 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: 11,631,785 C-Bills
Total Cost: 11,739,785 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,329
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese 500 Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser
4 Harpoon-6 SRM-6s
3 Magna 400P Medium Pulse Lasers
2 Magna Mk I Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Kallon Industries
Primary Factory: Bernardo
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 260 7.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 14(28) 4.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 200 12.50
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 30
Center Torso (rear) 11
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 18
L/R Leg 15 27
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Pulse Laser HD 4 1 2.00
ER Large Laser CT 12 2 5.00
2 SRM-6s RA 8 4 6.00
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4 1 2.00
Small Laser RA 1 1 0.50
2 SRM-6s LA 8 4 6.00
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4 1 2.00
Small Laser LA 1 1 0.50
@SRM-6 (30) RT - 2 2.00
@SRM-6 (30) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 8
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 13
4 5 5 1 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 2/2/0
The Asuncion-based team went with an energy-based battery on the CRD-4P concept. All of the weapons have been removed and replaced with a total of six pulse lasers, two of each size. Long range support is provided by a single LRM-10 launcher. Four jump jets are mounted for tactical mobility in urban areas or areas where movement is restrcited. An Imstar Oracle active probe is carried to sniff out the enemy.Thirteen double heatsink are carried and it is protected 10.5 tons of ferro-fibrous armor.
Crusader CRD-4P
Mass: 65 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: 12,154,010 C-Bills
Total Cost: 12,184,010 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,359
Chassis: Crucis-b Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Northrup Nova Leap 30a
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Magna 600P Large Pulse Lasers
1 Magna Longbow-10 LRM-10
2 Magna 400P Medium Pulse Lasers
2 Magna 200P Small Pulse Lasers
1 Imstar Oracle Beagle Active Probe
Manufacturer: Kallon Industries
Primary Factory: Asuncion
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 260 7.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 4.00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 13(26) 3.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 188 10.50
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 5 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE Locations: 1 LT 0.50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 29
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 15 20
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 18
L/R Leg 15 24
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LRM-10 CT 4 2 5.00
Beagle Active Probe RT 0 2 1.50
Small Pulse Laser RA 2 1 1.00
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4 1 2.00
Large Pulse Laser RA 10 2 7.00
Small Pulse Laser LA 2 1 1.00
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4 1 2.00
Large Pulse Laser LA 10 2 7.00
@LRM-10 (12) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 0
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 14
4j 4 3 1 0 3 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: PRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Soundtrack provided by Rush's R40 Live Album
-
More good stuff Abele!
-
Note: I'm finished now. That's a dozen Crusader all totaled up. Time for some dinner.
Lacking a dedicated long-range missile support Mech like the Catapult, the office of the LCAF's Quartermaster Corps set TharHes with the task of designing a Mech to fill that role. TharHes already produced the Crusader, which was the same weight as the Catapult. Using Endo-Steel and extralight fusion engines. The first is the CRD-4S which had a pair of LRM-20s with a total six tons of ammunition as the main weapon andis backed up by a pair of medium pulse laser, an SRM-6 launcher and a small pulse laser. 12.5 tons of standard armor protect the Mech while a minimum of ten double heat sinks handles the heat.
Crusader CRD-4S
Mass: 65 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: 11,710,160 C-Bills
Total Cost: 11,917,160 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,428
Chassis: Crucis-B II Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 260 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese 500 Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
2 TharHes Reacher 20 LRM-20s
1 Coventry 90mm SRM-6
2 Defiance P5M Medium Pulse Lasers
1 Defiance D5S Small Pulse Laser
Manufacturer: TharHes Industries
Primary Factory: Tharkad
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 104 points 3.50
Internal Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 260 7.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 200 12.50
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 29
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 25
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Pulse Laser HD 2 1 1.00
SRM-6 CT 4 2 3.00
LRM-20 RA 6 5 10.00
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4 1 2.00
LRM-20 LA 6 5 10.00
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4 1 2.00
@LRM-20 (18) RT - 3 3.00
@SRM-6 (15) LT - 1 1.00
@LRM-20 (18) LT - 3 3.00
Free Critical Slots: 3
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 14
4 4 4 2 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, LRM 1/2/2, IF 2
The CRD-5B uses Artemis IV-equipped LRM-15 launchers as the main battery and they are backed up by a quartet of medium pulse lasers and a pair Streak SRM-2 launchers.
Crusader CRD-5B
Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-E
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 11,898,260 C-Bills
Total Cost: 12,312,260 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,445
Chassis: Crucis-B II Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese 500 Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
2 ThatHes Reacher-15 LRM-15s w/ Artemis IV FCS
4 Defiance P5M Medium Pulse Lasers
2 Defiance Sting Streak SRM-2s
Manufacturer: TharHes Industries
Primary Factory: Tharkad
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6 w/Tharkad Fire Control Artemis IV FCS
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 104 points 3.50
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 3 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 260 7.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 211 13.50
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 31
Center Torso (rear) 11
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 30
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Streak SRM-2s CT 4 2 3.00
LRM-15 RA 5 3 7.00
Artemis IV FCS RA - 1 1.00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers RA 8 2 4.00
LRM-15 LA 5 3 7.00
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1.00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers LA 8 2 4.00
@Streak SRM-2 (50) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (24) RT - 3 3.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (24) LT - 3 3.00
Free Critical Slots: 4
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 14
4 4 5 2 0 3 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 2
-
Crusading away, aren't you? :D
-
I was in a groove and couldn't stop myself. There may be some overlap with other folks.
-
Shouldn't be a problem, I like overlapping designs with small differences. Really helps sort out the best concepts.
-
A joint project between the Federated Commonwealth and the St.Ives Compact along with two different Megacorps, StarCorps and TharHes. The new Crusaders rolling off production lines on both Tharkad and St. Ives have changed the jack-of-all-trades feature of the Crusader into two separate but symbiotic designs. With the internal structure and core components all coming off the production lines of Tharkad the designs share many similarities, the differences line in the arsenal each carries. With the Clans and their advantages in long range combat, TharHes has chosen to exemplify these attributes on their variant. Shedding the traditional hip mounted short range missiles systems, an additional long range missile system has been incorporated into one of its side torsos, while also greatly increasing its onboard ammo supplies and protecting them with CASE technology. A small battery of three medium lasers supports the design from any opponents that enter the minimum range of its primary weapons.
With this the St. Ives have taken it upon themselves to take the design in its opposite direction. Removing all of the long range weapons systems, the design is now more in the slugger role outfitted with a whopping eight, 4-pack short range missile systems. Supported with a NARC missile support system the SI variant plays a devastating role to enemies that get within its range. Whether operating solo or in conjunction with its brother design. A singular medium laser is its sole means of attack if it ever expends its seemingly endless supply of ammunition.
Only time will tell if this take on a stalwart design holds the favor of Mechwarriors in both realms.
Crusader CRD-4SI
Mass: 65 tons
Chassis: Crucis-E Endo Steel
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-500 w/CASE
Armament:
8 SRM 4
1 Narc
1 Medium Laser
Manufacturer: StarCorps Industries
Primary Factory: St. Ives
Communication System: Garret T11-b
Targeting & Tracking System: Garret A6
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 6,194,210 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,332
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure Endo Steel 3.5
Engine 260 Fusion 13.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink 13 [26] 3
Gyro 3
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 192 12
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 33
Center Torso (rear) 8
R/L Torso 15 24
R/L Torso (rear) 6
R/L Arm 10 20
R/L Leg 15 21
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
3 SRM 4s RA 3 3 6.0
3 SRM 4s LA 3 3 6.0
SRM 4 RL 1 3 2.0
SRM 4 LL 1 3 2.0
Medium Laser HD 1 3 1.0
Narc CT 2 0 3.0
SRM 4 Ammo (50) RT 2 - 2.0
SRM 4 Ammo (50) LT 2 - 2.0
Narc Pods (6) RT 1 - 1.0
Narc Pods (6) LT 1 - 1.0
CASE RT 1 - 0.5
CASE LT 1 - 0.5
2 Double Heat Sinks RT 6 - 2.0
Double Heat Sink LT 3 - 1.0
Crusader CRD-4DU
Armament:
3 LRM 15
3 Medium Laser
Manufacturer: TharHes
Primary Factory: Tharkad
Communication System: Garret T11-b
Targeting & Tracking System: Garret A6
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 6,255,260 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,582
Double Heat Sink 10 [20] 0
Weapons Location Critical Heat Tonnage
LRM 15 LT 3 5 7.0
LRM 15 LA 3 5 7.0
LRM 15 RA 3 5 7.0
2 Medium Lasers CT 2 3 2.0
Medium Laser HD 1 3 1.0
LRM 15 Ammo (24) RT 3 - 3.0
LRM 15 Ammo (16) LT 2 - 2.0
CASE LT 1 - 0.5
CASE RT 1 - 0.5
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Intriguing idea Bradshaw but why not go all in? LRM-5s switch for SRM-4s is a pre-omni way of modularizing before modularizing.
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Intriguing idea Bradshaw but why not go all in? LRM-5s switch for SRM-4s is a pre-omni way of modularizing before modularizing.
Thats a Marik design idea. Wanted St. Ives to have some love.
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Very good sir!
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Inspired by this contest I just posted my refurbished IIC Clan version. It didn't quite fit here under the rules so I posted it in its own thread. Love to hear what you think!
https://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/index.php?topic=3999.0
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Inspired by this contest I just posted my refurbished IIC Clan version. It didn't quite fit here under the rules so I posted it in its own thread. Love to hear what you think!
https://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/index.php?topic=3999.0
Give me MML :P
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Agreed, MML is ideal for an LRM/SRM carrier like the Crusader, and the only MML Crusader (the 6M) is pretty substandard. A 3/5/5 speed and light PPCs instead of Medium Lasers? Ew.
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Yeah unfortunately MMLs are unavailable at this time.
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Agreed, MML is ideal for an LRM/SRM carrier like the Crusader, and the only MML Crusader (the 6M) is pretty substandard. A 3/5/5 speed and light PPCs instead of Medium Lasers? Ew.
You mean something more like this
Crusader CRD-6M2
Mass: 65 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: 3074
Dry Cost: 11,813,450 C-Bills
Total Cost: 12,041,450 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,291
Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 260 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
4 MML-7s
3 ER Medium Lasers
1 Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6.50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 260 7.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 12(24) 2.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 192 12.00
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 28
Center Torso (rear) 7
L/R Torso 15 23
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 25
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1.00
Guardian ECM Suite CT 0 2 1.50
2 MML-7s RA 8 8 9.00
ER Medium Laser RA 5 1 1.00
2 MML-7s LA 8 8 9.00
ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
@MML-7 (LRM) (34) RT - 2 2.00
@MML-7 (SRM) (28) RT - 2 2.00
@MML-7 (LRM) (34) LT - 2 2.00
@MML-7 (SRM) (28) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 6
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 13
4 4 4 2 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 3/1/0, LRM 0/1/1, IF 1
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Sweet!
I might tweak it by dropping the ECM, side-grading the 4xMML7 to 3xMML9 and then add Artemis, and finally put all the ammo in a single torso to save on one 1/2ton CASE. That would let you upgrade to Artemis with the loss of just one double heat sink, and then we can compare ideal LRM/SRM load-outs (I prefer slightly more LRM tonnage, because only insane and suicidal folks would try to get close to an SRM-boat), but 17 LRM flights in a single game is plenty -- the ratio only matters in longer campaigns.
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Unfortunately gonna have to DQ that one but I see what you guys mean. MMLs are real Omni (Modular) Missile Launchers and that is cool stuff.
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Figure that all entries have to be completed and posted on these forums by Friday April 23rd 2021 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!
Remember folks this contest ends tomorrow, only 31 hours left to go!
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Figure that all entries have to be completed and posted on these forums by Friday April 23rd 2021 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!
Remember folks this contest ends tomorrow, only 31 hours left to go!
I just finished my stuff.
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Big logo on the screen, turning around with explosions in the background and loud music before the apparition of a corporate speaker in suit and tie, the only eccentricity being his blue electrical Hoxton fin.
Welcome to our weekly show: Solaris Wrestling Entertaintment. I am Lucky Iron and I will be your guest for tonight. Let me tell you that this will be a show to remember. But first let me introduce you to my co speaker for tonight, the one and unique Michael Romney.
Enters a man in a silver and blue ‘MechWarrior suit complete without the neurohelmet and with a blazon in his back showing a silver comet trailing stars across a grey, black and white triple-S. set against a blue field.
Welcome Michael, I am glad to welcome the 3048 Solaris Games Grand Champion and instructor, for those who can’t see a thing, of the Starlight Stables. I am sure that after the series of downs of 3040s and with you training them, they will get back to where they belong: the top.
Thanks Lucky. I am doing my best to ensure that and my boys are eager to get to the 3053 Solaris Games.
I have been told that you might have a few aces in your sleeves.
The secret is work hard, fight hard and play hard. We don’t need tools to beat those in front of us. It is the man in the machine that makes the difference.
That’s quite a motto you’ve got Michael. Is that the new one for the Starlight Stables? Before you answer me, let me tell you, we will be back after a short commercial break.
Big logo on the screen, turning around with explosions in the background and loud music
If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can go to Silesia, maybe you can hire... Hollis Security
Big logo on the screen, turning around with explosions in the background and loud music
So Michael, you were about to tell me everything about Starlight Stables and its dirty secrets, weren’t you?
We don’t have any, we are proud and honourable ‘MechWarriors.
You sound like a Kuritan Stable.
I challenge you to a ‘Mech duel for this insult.
Relax, relax. I am no ‘MechWarrior, I am just your host. So let’s get back to our main topic: the next season.
I have heard that a lot is going in the local ‘Mech industry. Did you hear the same?
Yes sure. With all the advanced technology available and all these veterans flooding from destroyed units, things are getting interesting with upgrades or new designs being rushed into production.
Our local industry has been known to be quite inventive, wouldn’t you agree Michael?
Hold on we will get back after a short break.
Big logo on the screen, turning around with explosions in the background and loud music
Going through Hell and High Water? Indrahar Memorial Hospital is there for all your needs.
Big logo on the screen, turning around with explosions in the background and loud music
Welcome back to Solaris Wrestling Entertainment, our weekly show to know everything about Solaris Games.
I am your host Lucky Iron and tonight I am with Michael Romney of Starlight Stables and we are talking about the Solarian ‘Mech industry.
This makes me think Michael, did you see the latest designs by Innovative Design Concepts? One of them made its stock rise by 10% as if the stock markets had seen something in it. I am talking about their customisation of the Crusader, the CRD-4IDC.
Yes but I am not sure if the stocks rose because of how good it is or because it packs only former Lyran Commonwealth weapons and systems.
Aren’t you a bit hard on it Michael?
Do you think so? They took a Crusader, a flexible ‘Mech and turned it into a pure close combat one.
But this was it was meant to do for the Star League when it was first designed, wasn’t it?
True Lucky but this is a bit too much. They dropped all long-range weapons and the machine guns and moved the SRM-6 to the arms. To that, they added in the left torso a beast with a Defiance 'Mech Hunter AC/20, each ammo weapons being tied to 2 tons of ammo shielded in CASE. They also reworked the cooling system replacing all the freezers by Double ones. But the real jewel is something else.
Please Michael, don’t make us wait too long.
They use a TSM to increase its strength and speed when it runs hot enough.
Before you go any further, let’s have a break.
Big logo on the screen, turning around with explosions in the background and loud music
If your kitchen is a nightmare, just say Open Sesame and you will get to the Sesame Inn.
Big logo on the screen, turning around with explosions in the background and loud music
Now Michael, the question I wanted to ask you is whether or not this TSM thing is efficient. I have heard a lot of thing about it but is it really working at all or in this peculiar ‘Mech?
This is a tricky question. On a battlefield, I would say no as it doesn’t have enough ammo to keep its TSM active over long periods of time. In an arena, it is simply a matter of running and firing everything, something that can be done by almost any ‘MechWarrior. Hitting anything is something else.
I have heard that it is complicated to keep it active. How does it work here?
Simple just drop one Laser or one SRM-6. However the trick won’t work once you exhausted all your ammo for the AC/20. This is a ‘Mech suited for arena fights and nothing else.
Do you think it will work well this year?
In the hands of a capable ‘MechWarrior, it could do something but in most hands, it will be a call for disaster.
Well thanks Michael for sharing your thoughts with us and let me wish you good luck to Starlight Stables for next year.
***
Solaris Gaming Retrospective 3053, a publication of Solaris Broadcasting Corporation
Even if Kagiso Itu was of Canopian origin, she and and her Tacit Ronin were part of the Oonthrax Stables. In 3053, she was just out of the Top 20, adding to the overall ranking of her stable. She displays a brutal approach to fighting and uses all or nothing tactics trying to end her fights as quickly as possible thanks to the sheer brutality of her CRD-4IDC Crusader.
Crusader CRD-4IDC
Mass: 65 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: 7 207 310 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7 281 310 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 614
Chassis: Crucis-B Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h (54,0 km/h)
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h (86,4 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-500 Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Defiance Industries/Defiance 'Mech Hunter Autocannon/20
2 TharHes Industries/TharHes Maxi SRM-6s
2 TharHes Industries/Intek Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Innovative Design Concepts
Primary Factory: Solaris VII
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 104 points 6,50
Engine: Fusion Engine 260 13,50
Walking MP: 4 (5)
Running MP: 6 (8)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
TSM Locations: 6 RT
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 192 12,00
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1,00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 29
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 15 24
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 10 19
L/R Leg 15 24
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Autocannon/20 LT 7 10 14,00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1,00
SRM-6 RA 4 2 3,00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1,00
SRM-6 LA 4 2 3,00
@AC/20 (5) RT - 1 1,00
@SRM-6 (30) RT - 2 2,00
@AC/20 (5) LT - 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 19
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 16
4 5 5 0 0 3 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: TSM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, AC 2/2/0, SRM 2/2/0
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Overview
TharHes Industries participated in the development of the CRD-4IDC by providing some systems and putting Innovative Designs Concepts into contact with other former Steiner companies. This was obvious from the start but also when it got the rights to produce another Crusader upgrade. This is how the CRD-4X1 was born, keeping the spirit of the arena fighter but turning it into a ‘Mech useful for military operations.
Capabilities
Thanks to the capacity to build things from the beginning, it was possible to use much more advanced technologies than in previous intents.
An Extra-Light Engine and an Endo-Steel chassis provides more than enough free weight to upgrade the weapons and to put a MASC to give the new Crusader more speed, one in par with lighter designs or Clan Heavy ‘Mechs, coupled with enough Jump Jets to move it 90 meters away.
The weapons were completely changed to go along the CRD-4IDC with an AC/20 backed up by 4 LRM-5 and 2 Medium Lasers split evenly into each arm. The ammo being put in the right torso shielded in a CASE.
The foreseen tactics was to soften up the target with the missiles before quickly closing in thanks to the MASC and destroying the selected ‘Mech with a few shots of the AC/20 and the Medium Lasers.
In a typical Steiner move, the different systems are manufactured by different companies, ensuring cooperation and prosperity through trade like what happened with the Wolfhound.
Battle History
The 2nd Crucis Lancers are adept at combat drops and used their expertise on raids against the Clans rear area. One such occasion was a raid on the Steel Viper occupied word of Twycross, famous for being the first place where Clans were defeated by Inner Sphere forces.
Using the cover of the Diabolis Sandstorm, the 2nd Crucis Lancers got on planet but was dispersed due to the harsh winds and had to begin a retreat towards a evacuation zone with Steel Viper forces getting close in.
This is when Leftenant Sithembile Umcizi decided to stay behind her men to cover their withdrawal, disobeying direct orders not to do so. She stayed in a pass of the Sharktooth Mountains asking for a fair fight. She managed to hold the pass for one hour taking out two Clan ‘Mechs before running out of ammo and being forced to withdraw thanks to the extra speed provided by her ‘Mech and the protection provided by the firepower of several DropShips taking off.
Variants
The CRD-4X2 reverses the paradigm of the CRD-4X1 by replacing the Defiance ‘Mech Hunter AC/20 by a Poland Main Model A Gauss Rifle. This turns the close combat fighter with some long range capacity (the CRD-4X1) to a more flexible design with more direct firepower and able to slowly snipe its opponents from afar.
Deployment
The two CRD-4X are being requested by different units eager to replace Victors by another ‘Mech or eager to protect their support units with a ‘Mech able to work along with them while having some heavy punch at closer ranges. Because of its success, TharHes Industries has troubles fulfilling all the orders.
Notable ‘MechWarriors
Hauptmann Sithembile Umcizi is the daughter of Miko Umcizi, former captain of the Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Crucis Lancers. Like her father before , she pilots a Crusader christened Shaka and decorated in traditional Zulu style. It is the hope of her superior officers that her recent promotion to Hauptmann in the 2nd Crucis Lancers will temper her a little after her duels on Twycross.
Crusader CRD-4X1
Mass: 65 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: 12 725 900 C-Bills
Total Cost: 12 815 900 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 637
Chassis: Zettle Metal Light Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h (86,4 km/h)
Jump Jets: Odin's Own 34z
Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: Riese-500 Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Defiance Industries/Defiance 'Mech Hunter Autocannon/20
2 TharHes Industries/Intek Medium Lasers
4 Coventry Metal Works/Coventry Five-Tube LRM-5s
Manufacturer: TharHes Industries
Primary Factory: Tharkad
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 104 points 3,50
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 3 RT, 5 LA, 3 RA, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 260 7,00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6 (8)
Jumping MP: 3 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL 3,00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 192 12,00
CASE Locations: 1 RT 0,50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 33
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 15 24
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 21
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Autocannon/20 LT/LA 7 9/1 14,00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1,00
2 LRM-5s RA 4 2 4,00
MASC RA - 3 3,00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1,00
2 LRM-5s LA 4 2 4,00
@LRM-5 (48) RT - 2 2,00
@AC/20 (15) RT - 3 3,00
Free Critical Slots: 1
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 16
5/2j 4 5 2 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, AC 2/2/0, LRM 1/1/1, IF 1
Crusader CRD-4X2
Mass: 65 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: 12 743 060 C-Bills
Total Cost: 12 863 060 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2 006
Chassis: Zettle Metal Light Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h (86,4 km/h)
Jump Jets: Odin's Own 34z
Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: Riese-500 Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Defiance Industries/Poland Main Model A Gauss Rifle
2 TharHes Industries/Intek Medium Lasers
4 Coventry Metal Works/Coventry Five-Tube LRM-5s
Manufacturer: TharHes Indusries
Primary Factory: Tharkad
Communications System: Garret T11-b
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret A6
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 104 points 3,50
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 2 RT, 4 LA, 4 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 260 7,00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6 (8)
Jumping MP: 3 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL 3,00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 192 12,00
CASE Locations: 1 RT 0,50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 33
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 15 24
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 21
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASC RT - 3 3,00
Gauss Rifle LT 1 7 15,00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1,00
2 LRM-5s RA 4 2 4,00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1,00
2 LRM-5s LA 4 2 4,00
@LRM-5 (48) RT - 2 2,00
@Gauss Rifle (8) RT - 1 1,00
@Gauss Rifle (16) LT - 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 2
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 20
5/2j 3 4 3 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, LRM 1/1/1, IF 1
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Interesting stuff as always Ice!
Twenty eight hours left to go in this contest folks. ;)
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Just about twelve hours left to go!
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Three hours!
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Ok folks, that concludes another contest. No more entries please. Thanks for your participation!
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Interesting stuff as always Ice!
Twenty eight hours left to go in this contest folks. ;)
You got the ancestors of the CRD-8S.
For once that I go Steiner :P