This contest conducted in late July 2019 saw twenty-six (26) design entries submitted by eight ( 8 ) designers (2 Bradshaw, 4 Irose, 1 David CGB, 1 drakensis, 6 Abele, 2 Ice Hellion, 5 Takiro, 5 masterarminas). In perhaps what might be a first during these challenges the CN9-D set out in TRO 3050 is actually pretty freaking good giving us some solid canon competition. I just may keep this variant in production in the Salient Horizon universe depending of course on the results of this contest. Speed was definitely a factor in my grading here as the 4/6 movement profile just felt obsolete to me especially in light of the Clans. To have a Medium BattleMech move that slowly really hampers its survivability on the battlefield and leads me to think of the slow blow-up machines shaking around in the BattleTech cartoon for the invaders target practice. Lastly, I’d like to apologize for the delay again as I lost all the data half way through this comprehensive evaluation but I’m proud to say for the second time in a row every single entry qualified for the competition making this contest extremely close and tough to grade. Thanks again for all your terrific efforts in this challenge and now let’s down to it.
PASSABLE 16. CN10-M (Abele)
This FWLM upgrade of the Centurion finished last in my review because of the Nissan 200 XL (4/6) which really drew my ire. I really don’t like this design choice for its high cost (7.5 million C-bills), slow speed, and increased vulnerability. Yeah, you get more throw weight for weaponry and armor but I at least need jump jets for enhanced mobility or long-range heavy weight weaponry. The popgun Autocannon/2 (45) is long range certainly but is more harasser than heavy weight even though it is paired with an LRM-20 (18) linked to an Artemis IV FCS. Solid secondary weaponry though with the traditional two Medium Lasers joined by a Medium Pulse. Like the Guardian ECM Suite but I find the TAG a third oddity here on this entry. I like the Corean Model KL77 EndoSteel chassis, the ten Double Heat Sinks, and ten tons of standard armor (160 factor) with CASE but the three issues I have mentioned are just too big to ignore. So, I am sorry Abele I have to place it here, better luck next time.
15. CN10-H & CN10-G (Abele)
Two variants made by Corean Enterprises of Augusta finish next to last for me as both share the GM 200 XL Engine (4/6) with the CN10-M. As before I really don't like this choice as it costs a bunch of C-bills (7.5 million) while keeping the Centurion slow and vulnerable. I like the use of the standard Corean Model K7 chassis, ten Double Heat Sinks, and advanced ferro-fibrous armor but what sets them apart from the C10-M is two key things. The 'H' is mobile with for Jump Jets that adds another level of maneuverability to the Centurion while the 'G' is armed with a Gauss Rifle. This massive main gun can threaten any Mech from range and makes the Centurion a potent sniper. As a result, I feel like they are a step up but just barely from the CN10-M and so finish here.
14. CN9-DT & CN9-DZ (Irose)
I might be being overly harsh here or this could be an indication of how good the competition was with these two slow entries finishing fourteenth. The GM 200 Fusion (4/6) is a cheap and hardy option but I wonder aloud; is it obsolete on the Centurion given the introduction of Star League and Clan technology? The DT produced at Jalestar Aerospace on Panpour is supposed to be the Davion lower tech trooper variant which addresses the shortcomings of the initial 3049 lostech upgrade while the DZ variant combines the best of both variants (DR & DT). I like the Corean Model KL77 EndoSteel chassis serving as the core for both and the ten and a half tons of standard armor (160 factor) [ERROR, should be 168?] with CASE is solid. The DT has 10 Single Heat Sinks and is armed with LB 10-X AC (20), LRM-10 (24) with Artemis IV FCS, two Medium Lasers while the DZ has 12 (24) Double Heat Sinks and is armed with an ER Large Laser, LRM-20 (12) with Artemis IV FCS, and three Medium Lasers. Unfortunately, I just didn’t feel that these slow Centurions had enough firepower and armor to justify their existence.
13. CN9-CMM (David CGB)
This Capellan March variant focused on city fighting is interesting even though it is still powered by the GM 200 Fusion Engine (4/6) which makes it pretty slow. I would liked to have seen jump jets on this urban combatant which would have provided additional mobility. An EndoSteel chassis, a dozen Double Heat Sinks, a Beagle Active Probe, and a Guardian ECM Suite make up the lostech components of this Centurion. I liked the advanced electronics package which would provide advantages and the advanced lightweight skeleton but at least one of the Double Heat Sinks could be removed. Ten and a half tons of standard armor (168 factor) with CASE is near max protection which is always good. Five SRM-6s makes for a solid short-range arsenal but with only three tons of ammo (45 shots) it only has nine rounds of fire. So, there is some good here but I’m afraid it is outweighed by the bad hence its placement here.
CONTENDERS12. CN9-B series (masterarminas)
These Federated Suns and FedCom variants which is lower tech than the CN9-D was still a bit too slow to me but I understand the trooper concept. Every model uses the Nissan 200 Fusion (4/6) which is cheap but almost too slow on the rapidly modernizing battlefields of the Salient Horizon setting. I approve of the Corean Model KL77 EndoSteel chassis and the 10.5 tons of standard armor (168 factor) with CASE which provides solid weight saving with excellent durability. The base CN9-B uses ten Single Heat Sinks to cool a low heat arsenal of an LB 10-X AC (20), LRM-10 (24) with Artemis IV FCS, and two Medium Lasers which isn't too shabby. I wasn't as fond of the CN9-BH which is similar to the ‘AH’ or Heavy variant which utilizes eleven Single Heat Sinks to cool a massive Autocannon/20 (15), an LRM-5 (24), and two Medium Lasers. This is the least practical variant to me cause unless you run into its short firepower it can either be avoided or decimated from range. The CN9-BG or Gauss variant is much more attractive because of the throw range of the Gauss Rifle which replaces the AC/20 and a Heat Sink of the BH. The two energy variants, the BL and BL2, utilize thirteen Double Heat Sinks to dissipate the massive heat blooms from their main guns. The BL which is similar to the ‘AL’ or Long variant is armed with an ER Large Laser, LRM-10 (24) with Artemis IV FCS, three Medium Lasers, Medium Pulse, and two Small Pulses while the BL2 or Blazer variant has that weapon as its main gun backed by an LRM-10 (24) with Artemis IV FCS and three Medium Lasers. All in all, not horrible but just too slow especially in comparison to the competition here.
11. CN9-M (Irose)
This Lyran refit introduced by Bowie Industries of Alarion based on the CN9-AL variant is intriguing. While I didn't love the Nissan 200 Fusion (4/6) for its low-speed approach the idea of House Steiner picking up this design perhaps in part to foster FedCom unity or at the very least operations. Using the standard Corean Model K7 chassis this retro package is protected by ten and a half tons of standard armor (168 factor). Perhaps I might have utilized ferro-fibrous to provide some weight savings but not bad though. I like the ER PPC being used as the main gun here as it provides exceptionally long-range firepower which is supplemented by an LRM-10 (24) with Artemis IV FCS. I probably would have uprated that battery to a 15 rack rather than adding a third Medium Laser and a Small Pulse. I feel that the slow speed of this design needs the most long-range firepower as possible. A dozen Double Heat Sinks do a nice job cooling the arsenal and provides a bit of lostech goodness to the base design. Nice try Irose, unfortunately not good enough.
10. CN9-LCG1 & CN9-LCG2 (Abele)
These two variants from the Lexington Combat Group form an effective combat duo with the ‘1’ being a long-range support asset and the ‘2’ being the short-ranged slugger. These refits utilize the standard Corean Model K7 chassis and the 250 XL Engine (5/8). This leads to some concerns about the 9 million C-bills and 8.5 million C-bills respective price tags which is a lot. Vulnerability also becomes as issue but at least it adds some speed to the Centurion which I think is desperately needed. Both designs are also protected by eight and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) with CASE as well as a Guardian ECM Suite which is quite solid. The variants also utilize Double Heat Sinks with the ‘2’ featuring only the base ten freezers while the ‘1’ has added one more because of its armament. An ER PPC, LRM-15 (24) with Artemis IV FCS, Medium Laser, and Medium Pulse Laser provide that higher heat long range firepower. The ‘2' on the other hand is armed with the massive AC/20 (15), SRM-4 (25), and two Medium Lasers which provides close hard-hitting firepower. On the battlefield in tandem these variants would be quite formidable and I like the Lexington Combat Group angle. That being said it is probably a bit too expensive for them to undertake and I'd rather go with a less expensive competitor who did it a little better. However, I'd like to use the Lexington development in a revised fluff piece, nice job.
NEAR MISSES 9. CN9-A2 (Ice Hellion)
This new less sophisticated AFFC Gauss variant made by Jalastar Aerospace of Panpour wasn't too shabby even when powered by the small Nissan 200 Fusion Engine (4/6). The huge Gauss Rifle really balances the lower movement factor with long-range hitting power. The standard Corean Model K7 chassis and ten Single Heat Sinks remain along with eight tons of standard armor (143 factor) with CASE. The remaining armament of two LRM-5s (24) and a Medium Laser is a little weak but I can forgive it somewhat thanks to the big Gauss. Overall, I like it Ice but that 4/6 speed for the modern Centurion was just too much for me to get past. Sorry bud.
8. CN9-D2 (Ice Hellion)
This new AFFC Gauss variant made by Coean Enterprises of New Avalon was a real contender folks. Using the advanced lightweight Corean Model KL77 EndoSteel chassis and GM 300 XL Engine (6/9) frees up a lot of weight for that massive main gun along with two tons of ammunition. Two LRM-5s (24) rather than the single LRM-10 saves another ton while one of the Medium Lasers was also reduced to a Small Laser. Ten Single Heat Sinks really don't need upgrading with this arsenal's low heat scale. Finally, eight tons of ferro-fibrous (143 factor) with CASE provide pretty good protection. I could nitpick a few minor negatives but this entry was very solid. However, other designs beat you out here Ice which is pretty tough I know. Hang in there and better luck next time.
NEEDS WORK7. CN9-MH (Abele)
This refit of existing Centurions by the Marian Hegemony, which is a very 'Nova Roma' favorite, utilizes a Blazer as its main weapon. This is certainly something I can see especially given their involvement in the 3rd Marik Civil War. I can somewhat excuse the use of the GM 200 Fusion Engine (4/6) as the Hegemony is not that technological advanced. Plus keeping the cost to only 3.5 million C-bills is a bonus while making it highly durable. Likewise, the standard Corean Model K7 chassis is also retained along with the LRM-10 (12) and two Medium Lasers. I like the eight and half tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) but not the sixteen Single Heat Sinks. I know that they make sense given the Hegemony's backward tech level but they somewhat hamper this variant's battlefield operations. Marik merchants could have provide freezers, aka Double Heat Sinks, in my opinion for a price drastically improving its effectiveness. Indeed, such an arrangement could still be in the works and may eventually happen. For these reasons I am rejecting the entry at this time but would like to refine it for near future introduction, nice job Abele.
6. CN9-DK (Bradshaw)
This cooperative effort between the Federated Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine to produce a high-tech command BattleMech is probably too much of a stretch but might happen thanks to the Clan threat. Using existing EndoSteel chassis and a 250 XL Engine (5/8) this Command Centurion frees enough tonnage for a whole bunch of special equipment. This includes a Command Console, C3 Master Computer, Beagle Active Probe, Guardian ECM Suite, and a Remote Sensors/Dispenser. I might whittle this assortment of advanced electronics down a bit as the Remote Sensors could really be left to a dedicated scout and the Command Console to a larger command asset such as one with two C3 Master Computers. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of a long-range punch as well to add to the ER PPC which is a solid main gun. LRMs would have been good but the three Medium Lasers and Anti-Missile System (12) feels more defensive too me. A dozen Double Heat Sinks do a good job of dispersing heat on the design and ten tons of standard armor plating (160 factor) provide solid protection. So, I like the concept of a Command Centurion which perhaps could include ComStar in its development to bring the fight to the Clans. Right now, I'd say this effort is ultimately experimental but I'd like to see more work on what could one day become the CN9-C Lance Commander.
GLADIATORS5. CN9-U (Bradshaw)
The Urban Peacemaker is a wild write up from the distorted mind of Bradshaw which I gotta say is fun at the very least. Using an EndoSteel chassis, which would be available, the design is powered by a 250 Fusion Engine (5/8). This is a great move especially when combined with ten Double Heat Sinks that are completely housed within this durable power plant. It also makes the design cheap too, costing just 4.75 million C-bills, which is another big plus. Nine tons of ferro-fibrous (161 factor) with CASE provides the maximum amount of protection for this BattleMech. Armed with a Large Pulse Laser, two SRM-4s (50 shots), a Flamer, and a Hatchet it has descent short range pop which is augmented by a good hack. A Beagle Active Probe rounds out this intriguing submission which really grew on me the more I reviewed it. Plus, it feels like a less advanced version of my Invictus but in line with other hatchet wielding machines. I’d like to refine it a little more for Solaris and limited deployment elsewhere in the Salient Horizon universe. However, this gladiatorial design derived from the Centurion will need a name of its own and I will work on fleshing out Slocum Joe’s for Solaris (perhaps a Corean front) as well. Good job and congrats on this special fifth place Bradshaw!
4. INV-1DS Invictus (Takiro)
This NAIS AC/20 concept design based on the Centurion will also see limited deployment in the arenas of Solaris VII and perhaps a few wealthy notable warriors beyond. I am thinking that this is leading to a Corean facility on the Game World which would be quite advanced. Considering it features an advanced Corean Model KL77 EndoSteel chassis and a GM 300 XL Engine (6/9) with Triple Strength Myomere (7/11) it is quite high tech and likely very expensive. It also has limited ammunition for its fearsome main gun, the massive AC/20 (10), which probably gives the AFFC enough cause for concern to pass on wider scale deployment at least for now. Perhaps deemed experimental some regiments like the Knights Exemplar (with a Hatchet Lance or Company) or Team Banzai (testing new designs in coordination with NAIS) will field it still. Of course, future military innovations like the Ultra AC/20 and ER Mediums could be tested on this machine first and perhaps best. The NAIS Cadet Cadre could therefore be a recipient or perhaps Albion which is competing with them. Still the Mech is likely pretty rare and if used in the arenas probably comes with the blessing of Kai Allard-Liao which would be a special event. Still there might be one. More likely a super-rich Lyran, Davion, or perhaps St. Ives Mechwarrior could afford one too but these would-be rare cases I would think. Love to hear your thoughts as I am still thinking about the original deployment rewrite that has Morgan sit down with Hanse to tell him that the Invictus just won’t work in the main body of the AFFC.
WINNERS3. CN9-B (Takiro)
Of the ‘Centurion Troopers’ entered in this challenge I thought my own refits from newly born Bander BattleMechs of Terra Firma was the best. The rugged ‘B’ series are a low-cost option built for mercenaries who want to improve this BattleMech’s performance without an Extra-Light (XL) Engine. Thanks to old Magna 250 Engines (5/8) obtained mostly from old Trebuchets which have been refitted or other sources costs have been capped for these war machines at about five million C-bills. The movement upgrade combined with the durable nature of the standard power plant make this Trooper highly attractive to me. Weight savings for these variants comes from the advanced lightweight Corean Model KL77 EndoSteel chassis imported from New Avalon. Also imported from New Avalon for these refits is the seven and a half tons of StarGuard CIV Ferro-Fibrous with CASE utilized by the ENF-5D Enforcer. This armor protection while lighter than others is, I feel, sufficient for this Centurion whose smaller power plant makes it more rugged. The main model CN9-B uses ten Double Heat Sinks and is armed with a LB 10-X AC (20), 2 LRM-5s (48), and two Medium Lasers. I will add distribution authorization for military units with First Star Heritage (like the Illician Lancers and Lexington Combat Group) which could also include FedCom commands and perhaps even ComGuards. The CN9-BL which uses two more Double Heat Sinks than the base model to cool the Blazer is rarer and I will officially redesignate it the BZ for ‘Bander Blazer’ often used by mercenaries perhaps operating the 3rd Marik Civil War. A more common refit would be the CN9-U which keeps the base ten Double Heat Sinks for its smaller Ultra AC/5 (40) and 3 LRM-5s (48). I am going to change the designation here as well to the BU for ‘Bander Ultra’. Finally, the CN9-BR has one more Double Heat Sink than the base model to help cool the ER PPC and LRM-15 (24) with Artemis IV FCS. This variant probably in use by mercenaries engaged on the Clan front will be redesignated the BL for ‘Bander Long’ in honor of the original AL variant. All in all, I really like this design and hope to incorporate other elements from your entries into it.
2. CN9-M (drakensis)
Capitalizing on the success of others is such a solid strategy for the merchants of the Free Worlds League. Inspired by the battlefield exploits of Kai’s upgraded lostech Yen Lo Wang this design also draws upon the arms deal between House Marik and the Steiner-Davion’s to help fight the Clans and the original manufacturer (Corean Enterprises or at least their satellite plant MacAdams-Suharno on Stewart) of the Centurion. All these story elements tie in a nice design which uses a Corean-II Deluxe EndoSteel chassis (which appears to be slightly different from the advanced FedCom molds) and the Magna 250 XL Engine (5/8). This power plant while expensive is readily available thanks to the lostech TBT-7M and provides the necessary speed increase for me along with the space for the massive Gauss Rifle. Supplied by a three-ton ammo bin (24 shots) this huge main gun makes the Centurion into an excellent sniper whose long-range firepower is supplemented by twin LRM-5s. These smaller missile racks replace the usually LRM-10 found on the Centurion in very Marik Salient Horizon fashion. The two Medium Lasers commonly found on the Centurion are also retained to supplement its firepower which is good since its other weapons all have minimum ranges. Since its heat profile is pretty low only ten Single Heat Sinks are retained along with nine tons of standard armor (144 factor). This is a half-ton more than the CN9-D but it lacks a CASE which does concern me especially for its two-ton LRM ammo (48 shots total). However, all the goodness outweighs that minor spec which even throws in a nice line about the Stewart Dragoons getting this Mech. Congrats drakensis on the silver medal here, nice job!!
1. CN9-DR (Irose)
My favorite entry was this Federated Commonwealth (Davion) high tech raider which optimizes the initial 3049 lostech upgrade produced at Corean Enterprises on New Avalon. It retains the CN9-D’s advanced lightweight Corean Model KL77 EndoSteel chassis along with its GM 300 XL Engine (6/9) as a very solid core especially for a medium raider which is design focus here. The DR upgrades the Heat Sinks to lostech Double strength ‘freezers’ which greatly enhances the Mech’s dissipation rates. This allows for the replacement of the LB 10-X AC with the much hotter but much lighter ER Large Laser. I know this is a departure for the Davion loving Autocannon users out there but it makes a tremendous amount of sense especially in combating the Clan invaders. The extended range laser uses no ammunition eliminating the need for resupply and even has a slightly longer reach (one hex). While the damage does fall off from 10 to 8, I really think this trade off is worth it especially when considering that the eight (
tons of savings allows you to do so much more. Like the enlargement of the LRM rack from a 10 to a 15 and the addition of a third ton of ammunition which enables a total of two dozen missile salvos. The Artemis IV FCS is also retained so this Centurion has better long-range firepower than the CN9-D. Secondary armament not only retains the two center torso mounted Medium Lasers but adds another in the left arm plus a Small Pulse in the head. These can help supplement the main weaponry if carefully regulated as they can produce a massive heat bloom (27 heat) on an Alpha Strike. More realistically they can deal with Elementals or deal with any opposition that makes it inside the LRM’s minimum range. Defensively, a ton and a half of armor (now 10 tons in total with a 160 factor) is also added along with a Guardian ECM Suite. So, this Centurion is better offensively and defensively as well as serving a necessary purpose right now (raiding the Clan Occupation Zone) for the Federated Commonwealth. As a result, it is the clear winner in this contest and will officially become the CN9-FC for the Salient Horizon setting. Congratulations Irose on the gold medal this time around!!!
