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Author Topic: Optimizing the Dervish  (Read 18208 times)

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Takiro

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Optimizing the Dervish
« on: September 13, 2020, 09:24:30 PM »
We are going Double Nickle, at least in regards to tons, with design contest number twenty-seven. Entering into the last weight class of the Medium BattleMechs we find yet another missile boat whirling around, the Dervish. I immediately think ancient war machine when I hear this 'Mech because it’s been around for a long time and House Davion when I think about its faction. Actually, beginning as a Steiner design in 2520 it is now only produced on New Avalon which certainly means AFFC interest in perfecting this design. Mercenary units as well as reserve and militia forces are also big fans of the venerable Dervish as well. Thankfully our 'Mech of the Week Article has returned for this challenge to offer us inspiration and of course there is always sarna!

’Mech of the Week: DV-** Dervish
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,28394.0.html

Dervish - BattleTechWiki
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Dervish

Design Criteria
Design: Dervish Medium BattleMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: InnerSphere Level 2
Mass: 55 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 September 25th 2020 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!
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Bradshaw

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2020, 10:35:12 AM »
Oddly enough my favorite of the traditional 55 tonners


In a breakthrough in its structural design the 7D2 Dervish aka the Whirling Dervish is a radical departure from the traditional Dervish role. With the breakthrough the design is able to have a 300 degree range for its torso twists allowing a drastic improvement in its firing arcs. This breakthrough on the design allowed the engineers to rethink its typical role on the battlefield. Opting for a brawler instead of the usual fire-support role allows the design to take advantage of this, where typically shorter range engagements need extended firing arcs more often then long range ones would. Removing the Federated LRMS from the torsos the team has moved and expanded upon the Federated Superstreaks already used on the older 7D variants. Adding hands to the design for potential slug-fests in close combat also allowed the designers to contemplate and eventually add a hatchet to the design. The tonnage was able to added due to the switch to an extra light engine design. Though more costly, the expense was seen as acceptable factor when the final touches were added to the design. In one of the most advanced electronics packages on a Federated Commonwealth design the 'Mech is able to incorporate both the Beagle Active Probe and Guardian ECM which has been seen to have a more important role on the modern battlefield then originally anticipated but also added the Targeting Acquisition Gear that the FC RCT regiments have come to love with the need for precision artillery strikes against the technologically superior clan forces. With the shorter ranges of the new Dervish it is often paired with other 'Mechs with longer ranges as a protector or scout but in urban or other close range engagements it is able to show its true talents with precision strikes and maneuverability.


"Whirling" Dervish DV-7D2

Code: [Select]
Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 10,739,537 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,556

Mass: 55 tons
Chassis: Endo Steel Biped
Power Plant: 275 XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
     Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Standard
Armament:
     4 Medium Laser
     6 Streak SRM 2
     1 TAG
Manufacturer: Unknown
     Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        275 XL                  8
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  184                  11.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            18        27   
     Center Torso (rear)               8     
     R/L Torso               13        20   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  6     
     R/L Arm                 9         18   
     R/L Leg                 13        26   

Weapons                 Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Hatchet                     RA        4        -       4.0   
3 Streak SRM 2s             RT        3        2       4.5   
3 Streak SRM 2s             LT        3        2       4.5   
3 Medium Lasers             LA        3        3       3.0   
Medium Laser                CT        1        3       1.0   
TAG                         HD        1        0       1.0   
Active Probe                RT        2        -       1.5   
ECM Suite                   LT        2        -       1.5   
Streak SRM 2 Ammo (50)      RT        1        -       1.0   
Streak SRM 2 Ammo (50)      LT        1        -       1.0   
CASE                        RT        1        -       0.5   
CASE                        LT        1        -       0.5   
2 Jump Jets                 RL        2        -       1.0   
2 Jump Jets                 LL        2        -       1.0   
Jump Jet                    CT        1        -       0.5   
   


A deviation of the 7D design introduced in '47 the 7D1 has been altered to be a traditional long range missile support design. With the downgrading of its short range support weapons the designers have also lowered the speed of the design encouraging pilots of the traditional Dervishes to stay behind their allies. These two factors combined have allowed the design to upgrade its long range missiles systems both in size, accuracy and staying power with the increase in tonnage devoted towards ammunition and the inclusion of the Artemis Fire Control Systems. Additional tonnage has been also targeted towards its defense with two more tons devoted towards its armor. A singular flamer has been added for both anti-infantry as well as the occasional intentional fire starter for diversion or retreat purposes

Dervish DV-7D1

Code: [Select]
Introduction Year: 3051
Cost: 5,631,408 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,427

Mass: 55 tons
Chassis: Endo Steel Biped
Power Plant: 220 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
     Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Standard
Armament:
     2 Medium Laser
     2 LRM 15
     1 Flamer
Manufacturer: Unknown
     Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        220 Fusion             10
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  160                    10

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            18        25   
     Center Torso (rear)               6     
     R/L Torso               13        20   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  5     
     R/L Arm                 9         15   
     R/L Leg                 13        20   

Weapons                           Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
LRM 15                                LT        3        5       7.0   
LRM 15                                RT        3        5       7.0   
Artemis IV FCS                        LT        1        -       1.0   
Artemis IV FCS                        RT        1        -       1.0   
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo (16)      RT        2        -       2.0   
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo (16)      LT        2        -       2.0   
Medium Laser                          LA        1        3       1.0   
Medium Laser                          RA        1        3       1.0   
Flamer                                CT        1        3       1.0   
CASE                                  RT        1        -       0.5   
CASE                                  LT        1        -       0.5   
Double Heat Sink                      RT        3        -       1.0   
Double Heat Sink                      LT        3        -       1.0   
2 Jump Jets                           LL        2        -       1.0   
2 Jump Jets                           RL        2        -       1.0   
« Last Edit: September 14, 2020, 03:42:22 PM by Bradshaw »
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Abele

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2020, 12:36:21 PM »
Well, that's both of my ideas thrown right out the window.
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I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. - Confucius
May God defend me from my friends; I can defend myself from my enemies. - Voltaire
Chaos doesn't need a recipe, just a list of ingredients. - Drakensis
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Bradshaw

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2020, 01:27:55 PM »
Quote from: Abele on September 14, 2020, 12:36:21 PM
Well, that's both of my ideas thrown right out the window.

Sorry bud, I should have kept with the original design as a balanced design but ended up going with both of the end of the spectrums instead. Depending on other entries I might come back and do a third with that mindset
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Abele

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2020, 01:35:01 PM »
It's the brawler that gets me. I was thinking of that nearly exact same design (no electronics) while walking to work last night.
« Last Edit: September 14, 2020, 01:36:07 PM by Abele »
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The Honor of Men cannot be bound by the words of Fools- Marco Hietala
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. - Confucius
May God defend me from my friends; I can defend myself from my enemies. - Voltaire
Chaos doesn't need a recipe, just a list of ingredients. - Drakensis
Kachi ni Fushigi no Kachi Ari. Make ni Fushigi no Make Nashi
Wielder of the Ferro-Carbide Bat of Doom™®©

Takiro

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2020, 02:57:57 PM »
Nice double kickoff for the Dervish!

Interesting especially the high end brawler Bradshaw, didn't see that coming.
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Bradshaw

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2020, 03:43:46 PM »
Was a last minute thought when I googled up Dervish, I had thought it was just a old term for a type of soldier or a demon like a dust devil. It wasn't until I learned what it really meant and the style of dance they used for prayer that got me to think of using that for inspiration in a design.
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Takiro

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #7 on: September 14, 2020, 07:10:25 PM »
Yeah I have an idea for a design concept myself based upon the name, the availability (thanks to its age), and other factors for Salient Horizon. ;)

Gio, that is a nice design I would have to DQ cause of its tech level (too high for this challenge). I will still review if you like but just wanted to let you know up front.
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lrose

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #8 on: September 14, 2020, 07:54:52 PM »
The DV-8D was designed in response to complaints about the DV-7D.  While the -7D was an upgrade to the venerable Dervish, many felt it was a lackluster upgrade.  The design did improve the protection of the Dervish, increasing the armor protection and guarding against ammo explosions with CASE systems, but it did little to improve the firepower or endurance of the mech.  In response to these complaints, Achernar began a more extensive refit.  Unlike other designs which gave up their costly XL engines in the hope of increasing the survivability, the -8D was  designed around the Hermes 275XL engine used on the Griffin.  The XL engine freed up significant mass for other improvements.

The endurance of the mech was improved by adding an additional ton of ammo for each of the LRM launchers.  To improve the effectiveness of the LRMS, they were mated to an Artemis IV system, increasing the accuracy of the missiles.  Other improvements include the addition of 2 more heatsinks and 1.5 tons of armor.  Due to the bulky nature of the XL engine, the designers were forced to switch to standard armor. 

Model DV-8D
Mass: 55 tons
Chassis: Dorwinion Standard 55TES
Power Plant: Hermes 275XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets:  Swingline X-1000
Jump Capacity: 150
Armor: StarShield A with CASE
Armament:
   2 Federated 10 Shot LRM Missile Systems
   2 ChisComp 39 Medium Lasers
   2 Federated SuperStreak Dual SRM Launchers
Primary Factories: Achernar Battlemechs (New Avalon)
Communications System: Achernar Electronics HID-21
Targeting and Tracking System: Federated Hunter Mk II

Type: DV-8D
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage:    55 tons

Equipment:                 Mass
Internal Structure      Endo      3
Engine      275XL      8      
   Walking MP:   5
   Running MP:  8
   Jumping MP:  5
Heatsinks       12 (24)      2   
Gyro                  3
Cockpit               3
Armor Factor   152         9.5
         IS      Armor
Head         3      9   
CT         18      22/5
R/L Torso      13      21/5
R/L Arm      9      14
R/L Leg      13      18

Weapons & Ammo   Location   Critical   Tonnage
LRM 10         RT      2      5
Ammo LRM (24)   RT      2      2
Artemis IV      RT      1      1
CASE         RT      1      0.5
LRM 10          LT      2      5
Ammo LRM (24)   LT      2      2
Artemis IV      LT      1      1
CASE         LT      1      0.5
Medium Laser      RA      1      1
SRM 2 Streak      RA      1      1.5
Ammo SRM (50)   RT      1      1
Medium Laser      LA      1      1
SRM 2 Streak      LA      1      1.5
Ammo SRM (50)   LT      1      1
Jump Jet         CT      1      0.5
Jump Jets         RL      2      1
Jump Jets         LL      2      1


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Takiro

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #9 on: September 14, 2020, 09:05:39 PM »
Nice Irose, working on my own right now!
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Takiro

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #10 on: September 14, 2020, 09:49:12 PM »
All done!

DV-7M DERVISH

Mass: 55 tons
Chassis: Dorwinion Standard 55T
Power Plant: Cor Tek 275
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86 kph
Jump Jets: Swingline X-100
   Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
   4 LongFire LRM-5s
   2 ChisComp 39 Medium Lasers
   2 Federated 2-Shot SRM Missile Systems
Manufacturer: Caliphate Arms
   Primary Factory: Ayn Tarma
Communications System: Achernar Electronics HID-21
Targeting and Tracking System: Federated Hunter Mk. II

Overview:
   With a service life exceeding fifty-three decades the Dervish is one of the InnerSphere’s most venerable BattleMech designs. While this poor man’s Archer did see its share of use in the Free Worlds League it was generally seen as a foreign asset. League merchants typically sold these capable support units to mercenaries and other interested parties for a nice profit. Lured by its name and its affordable combat value the Tarmanids managed to acquire the lion share of these BattleMechs remaining in the Free Worlds by 3052. Up till then they had simply been content to add Dervishes to their planetary militias but with the Clan Invasion and other design upgrades springing up all around them a program was launched to modernize their favorite ‘Mech. Newly established Caliphate Arms of Ayn Tarma rose to the challenge coming up with its 7M refit of the Dervish.

Capabilities:
   The new 7M is a relatively simple upgrade of the old 6M Dervish which saves tonnage by switching the two Federated 10-Shot LRM Missile Systems for four LongFire LRM-5s. One ton of the SRM ammo, considered to be overkill, was also removed resulting in three tons for enhancements. Designers also consolidated the ammunition in the Right Torso enabling them to use only one CASE even though feed problems may now occur (Quirk). The remainder was put to armor plating which was replaced with advanced Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous nearly maximizing its protection. This lostech armor was manufactured at several places in the Free Worlds League and was readily available. Already widely regarded as rugged this Medium BattleMech can truly take a licking and keep on ticking. Finally, Double Heat Sinks were also incorporated into this Dervish allowing it to fire many more times than previously and move with far greater frequency. Now able to Alpha Strike and run continuously or even jump once without overheating opponents must be very careful around this ‘Mech. This upgraded Dervish is also extremely cost effective coming in at just over five million C-bills which is less than two hundred thousand more than the 6M.

Deployment:
   Dozens of Dervishes have already been refitted at Caliphate Arms for the Principality of Tarmanid which emerged just after the start of the 3rd Marik Civil War. Colonel Amir B’Shan who commands the whole of their forces pilots one of these ‘Mechs which have been paired with NARC Carriers increasing their striking power. Other Islamic allies of Ayn Tarma like the Mosiro Archipelago, the Crescent Ternion, and Astrokaszy have also begun to field the 7M in limited numbers. Most recently, Regulan forces have started to add the Dervish to their fire support lances as the number of these ‘Mechs within the League has started to rise.

Type: Dervish
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 55

Equipment                           Mass
Internal Structure:                     5.5
Engine:               275            15.5
   Walking MP:         5
   Running MP:         8
   Jumping MP:         5
Heat Sinks:            10 (20)         0
Gyro:                           3
Cockpit:                            3
Armor Factor:            179            10

         Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso      18         25 / 7
R/L Torso         13         20 / 6
R/L Arm         9         18
R/L Leg         13         25

Weapons and Ammo      Location         Critical   Tonnage
2 LRM-5s             Right Torso      2      4
Ammo (LRM) 48         Right Torso      2      2
CASE            Right Torso      1      .5
2 LRM-5s             Left Torso         2      4
Medium Laser         Right Arm         1      1
Medium Laser         Left Arm         1      1
SRM-2            Right Arm         1      1
SRM-2            Left Arm         1      1
Ammo (SRM) 50      Right Torso      1      1
Jump Jets            Right Leg         2      1
Jump Jets            Left Leg         2      1
Jump Jet            Center Torso      1      .5

Cost = 5,188,366 C-bills
« Last Edit: September 25, 2020, 02:07:07 PM by Takiro »
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GiovanniBlasini

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #11 on: September 14, 2020, 10:18:53 PM »
Quote from: Takiro on September 14, 2020, 07:10:25 PM
Yeah I have an idea for a design concept myself based upon the name, the availability (thanks to its age), and other factors for Salient Horizon. ;)

Gio, that is a nice design I would have to DQ cause of its tech level (too high for this challenge). I will still review if you like but just wanted to let you know up front.

Nope. I'm out.
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Takiro

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #12 on: September 15, 2020, 05:37:08 AM »
Sorry Gio, any more 3050 Dervish's out there?
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Abele

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #13 on: September 15, 2020, 07:28:37 AM »
Still 10 days left and I need to rethink my process. I really am not a fan of many of the Mechs so far as they are very faction specific. It makes it more difficult to be unique.
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Bradshaw

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Re: Optimizing the Dervish
« Reply #14 on: September 16, 2020, 10:33:29 AM »
For a design as old as it is and supposedly as widely produced for so long, kind of shocked at the lack of older variants for the design.
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