Topic: Optimizing the Hermes II (Read 10186 times)

Takiro · « **on:** April 12, 2020, 09:19:25 PM »

Number sixteen in our optimization series is another forty-ton BattleMech with a message for the InnerSphere. Another Marik favorite in this weight class the Hermes II is a larger version of a SLDF scout made by Irian BattleMechs Unlimited. Associated not just with the FWLM but specifically the Dark Shadows Battalion which figures prominently in the 3rd Marik Civil War as a proudly pro-Paul force composing his new Marik Guard along with other intelligence assets like the Eagle Corps. Iâ€™d assume this â€˜Mech would be the core of Corrineâ€™s loyalists but I suppose other factions could have a supply as well. Let's see what you guys can do with this Medium BattleMech for the BattleTech: Shattered Dawn setting. I imagine there is a few variants which might make it here.

Alas, there is no Mech of the Week Article again for us to draw inspiration from but there is always Sarna.net!

BattleTechwiki Page for the Hermes II
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Hermes_II

Design Criteria
Design: Hermes II Medium BattleMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: InnerSphere Level 2
Mass: 40 tons

Tech Base
The tech base for this enterprise will be InnerSphere Level 2, also known as Star League lostech, circa 3053. Remember some Level 1 standards which Bradshaw and myself think still have value like Large Lasers and PPCs which feature the same damage factor as their higher tech brethren with less range and perhaps most significantly less heat. Here is a list for your design reference. Let me know if there is anything I missed!

Star League LosTech
Anti-Missile System
Arrow IV Artillery Missile System
Extended Range Large Laser (ER Large Laser)
Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon (ER PPC)
Gauss Rifle
Ultra Autocannon/5
LB 10-X Autocannon
One-Shot Missile Packs
Pulse Lasers (Small, Medium, & Large)
Streak SRM-2
Swarm LRMs
Thunder LRMs
Artemis IV FCS
Beagle Active Probe
Guardian ECM Suite
Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC)
Narc Missile Beacon
TAG
Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)
Double Heat Sinks
Endo Steel Internal Structure
Ferro-Fibrous Armor
Extra Light (XL) Engine

InnerSphere Low Tech
Blazer Cannon (or Binary Laser)
Recon Camera
Remote Sensor Dispenser

New Innovations
Triple Strength Myomer
Hatchet
C3 Computer

Design Traits of this Setting
   The Free Worlds League in particular have embraced massed LRM-5s over the larger batteries to provide closer mass equivalents to Clan LRMs. Thanks to a corresponding increase in NARC units these â€˜fire teamsâ€™ have become quite effective in the Marik Civil War. Also, the Blazer has made an appearance in the shattered FWLM searching for an advantage over their former brethren.
   Both the Federated Commonwealth and ComStar seem to have gone in the other direction with LRM batteries preferring larger LRM-15s and 20s linked to Artemis IV FCS to enhance accuracy.
   Many Draconis optimizations have included the C3 System which is accelerated from the canon setting which saw their deployment lag.
   Regional factions like the Draconis March and the Periphery have seen the introduction of some â€˜simpleâ€™ 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 24th, 2020 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!

Bradshaw · « **Reply #1 on:** April 12, 2020, 11:21:23 PM »

Based upon the HER-1S variant that was utilized in the origins of the designs past while the Autocannon issue was being addressed, updated with Lostech equipment including the MASC system for increased speeds, Endo Steel and Ferro Fibrous for additional armor protection. Utilizing one Extended Range Large Laser with a traditional Large Laser allows for a continuous barrage at various ranges without the worry of heat buildup. The choice of the standard engine over the extra light variant pleased older Hermes pilots for its survivability in the field.

Hermes II HER-5M

Code: [Select]

Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 4,274,480 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,254

Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Irian Class 40 Endo Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 240
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Jump Jets: None
     Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-456
Armament:
     1 Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser
     1 Tronel III Large Laser
Manufacturer: Irian BattleMechs Unlimited
     Primary Factory: Irian
Communication System: Irian E.A.R.
Targeting & Tracking System: Wasat Agressor

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              2
Engine                        240 Fusion           11.5
	Walking MP: 6
	Running MP: 9(12)
	Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              11 [22]                 1
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          134                   7.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            12        18    
     Center Torso (rear)               5     
     R/L Torso               10        16    
     R/L Torso (rear)                  4     
     R/L Arm                 6         11    
     R/L Leg                 10        20    

Weapons              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage	
ER Large Laser           LA        2        12      5.0   
Large Laser              CT        2        8       5.0   
MASC                     LT        2        -       2.0   
Double Heat Sink         RT        3        -       1.0   
Double Heat Sink         LT        3        -       1.0

A custom order for the Eridani Light Horse that has caught on with others the 5S variant utilizes the larger 280 engine that was only seen on the old 2M variants but upgrades it with XL variety. Also swapping out the Autocannon for an energy based weapon this one though chooses the added punch afforded by the ER PPC. With additional tonnage available due to the engine swap and bevy of secondary weapons and equipment were available to be added for medium range support a pair of Medium Lasers have been added, for infantry support twin small pulses and a single flamer are included with design. Electronics package has been upgraded with both the inclusion of a Guardian ECM and a Targeting Acquistion Gear

Hermes II HER-5S

Code: [Select]

Introduction Year: 3053
Cost: 8,075,713 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,442

Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Endo Steel Biped
Power Plant: 280 XL
Cruising Speed: 75.6 kph
Maximum Speed: 151.2 kph
Jump Jets: None
     Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Standard
Armament:
     1 ER PPC
     2 Medium Laser
     2 Small Pulse Laser
     1 Flamer
     1 TAG
Manufacturer: Unknown
     Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              2
Engine                        280 XL                  8
	Walking MP: 7
	Running MP: 11(14)
	Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  120                   7.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            12        17    
     Center Torso (rear)               6     
     R/L Torso               10        14    
     R/L Torso (rear)                  5     
     R/L Arm                 6         11    
     R/L Leg                 10        14    

Weapons               Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage	
ER PPC                    RT        3        15      7.0   
2 Medium Lasers           LA        2        3       2.0   
2 Small Pulse Lasers      CT        2        2       2.0   
Flamer                    HD        1        3       1.0   
TAG                       RA        1        0     
MASC                      LL        2        -       2.0   
ECM Suite                 RL        2        -       1.5

Abele · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2020, 03:38:24 AM »

I'll have something up Tuesday of Wednesday. It's when I'll have free time.

Takiro · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2020, 05:55:09 AM »

Some nice opening designs Bradshaw but where's the fluffy goodness?

No worries Abele you got plenty of time to go.

Bradshaw · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2020, 06:50:21 AM »

Quote from: Takiro on April 13, 2020, 05:55:09 AM

Some nice opening designs Bradshaw but where's the fluffy goodness?

Can't rush greatness, that and I do the designs and the fluff comes to me.

lrose · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2020, 07:54:47 AM »

The Hermes II HER-5S has become the example of what happens when you rush upgrades without actually thinking about what is really needed by the Mechwarriors in the field. Eagerly anticipated by the troops, the HER-5S turned out to be a disappointment when it entered service. The design fixed non-existent problems, like the heat dissapation system, while ignoring one of the biggest complaints about the original Hermes II, the lack of sufficient ammo for its main gun. After complaints began to come in from the field (followed by declining orders from the FWLM), the engineers of Irian Battlemechs took a second look at the Hermes. This time, rather then just throwing new technology haphazardly at the Hermes II, they studied the actual strengths and deficiencies of the mech.

The first thing they noted was that many mechwarriors were complaining about a lack of ammunition for the Autocannon. This problem was only exacerbated by the new Ultra Autocannon that consumed ammunition at twice the rate of the older Oriente model. As the mechwarriors did like the additional hitting power of the Ultra AC-5, it was decided to keep that model but to increase the ammo bins, doubling the ammo supply. With so much ammo it was also decided to mount a CASE system to protect against an ammo explosion.

To save weight for these changes the Intek Medium Pulse Laser was replaced with the older Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Laser. While this reduced the damage curve of the Hermes II, it has a longer range which was preferred by the Mechwarriors. They felt that the Medium Pulse Lasers very short range does not complement the Ultra AC-5 which has a minimum effective range. The design team also removed a half ton of armor for the CASE system, however by switching to a Ferro-Fibrous compound they were able to provide marginally better armor protection. Even so the legs remain weak point, due to their slender size they were unable to add any additional armor there.

The final change was to replace the double heatsink with standard models. During field testing it proved impossible to overheat an undamaged Hermes II. Not only were the engineers able to save on costs (such to appreciation of the FWL treasury), they were able to save space needed for the bulky Ferro-Fibrous armor.

The new Hermes II has began deployment to the front line troops, where it has been greeted with great enthusiasm by the troops.

HER-6S
Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Irian Second Generation Class 40 Endo Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 240
Cruising Speed 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Distance: 0
Armor: Jolasa-328 With CASE Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
   1 Imperator Ultra-5 Autocannon
   1 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Laser
   1 Olympian Flamer
Manufacturer: Irian Battlemechs Unlinited (Irian, Shiro III)
Communications System: Irian E.A.R.
Targeting & Tracking System: Wasat Aggressor

Tonnage 40 tons
Internal Structure          2
Engine: 240            11.5
Walking MPs: 6
Running MPs: 9
Jumping MPs: 0
Heatsinks 10
Gyro           3
Cockpit          3
Armor 125         7
    IS Armor
Head 3 9
CT 12 18/6
RT/LT 10 15/5
RA/LA 6 12
RL/LL 10 14

Weapons
AC/5 Ultra         RT   5   9
Ammo (40)      LT   2   2
CASE         LT   1   0.5
Flamer         LA   1   1
Medium Laser      RA   1   1

Takiro · « **Reply #6 on:** April 13, 2020, 12:18:00 PM »

Come on, your in quarantine Bradshaw!

Nice Irose!

Ice Hellion · « **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2020, 04:12:12 PM »

Quote from: Takiro on April 13, 2020, 12:18:00 PM

Come on, your in quarantine Bradshaw!

Bradshaw · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2020, 04:47:22 PM »

Still "working" from home, got games to play and books to read a man only has so much time in a day.

Takiro · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2020, 10:03:03 PM »

Haha, have fun bud. I am working on two Hermes II myself though.

masterarminas · « **Reply #10 on:** April 14, 2020, 12:15:26 AM »

The Hermes II has long been a mainstay of House Marik. As technology recovered from the Helm Memory Core was being introduced, the FWLM decided to undergo a dramatic revision of this BattleMech. Originally, the goal was to match the speed of the original SLDF HER-1A Hermes while retaining the same chassis. However, the design engineers at Irian BattleMechs Unlimited raised serious concerns over using such a large engine (a 360 extra-light fusion engine would be required for such mobility . . . and that engine was not even in the planning stages yet!).

Instead, in the fall of 3050, the engineering team turned over their idea of what a Hermes III might look like. The design would still incorporate an extra-light engine, but it would be a more common (relatively speaking, that is) VOX 280XL currently being developed for Archer and Warhammer production lines within the League. This engine would boost the speed of the Hermes III to 75.6 kilometers per hour walking and 118.8 kph running . . . roughly equal to the ground speed of an Assassin or Jenner.

A new chassis would have to be developed using Endo-Steel II internal structure components, and the design called for 7.0 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor plating, giving the Hermes III slightly improved protection. The improved protection, however, was to the arms and torsos as the engineering research team determined that the internal structure of the legs was liable to be stressed if additional tonnage was added there.

CASE (Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment) would be installed in the right torso, where the design team planned to move the autocannon magazine . . . and double it in size. The AC-5 Autocannon would be replaced with a newly developed LB-10X Autocannon, however. This weapon would double the damage (from slugs) and add a flexibility in its ability to use Cluster ammunition, while still retaining the same range as the old autocannon. The original Medium Laser and Flamer were retained as were the ten standard heat sinks. Due to the fairly low heat of the weapons mix, the use of standard heat sinks was not considered a problem and indeed the prototype Hermes III proved itself to be heat-neutral even on a running Alpha Strike.

Finally, the design team installed a Beagle Active Probe in the center torso which allows the Hermes III to continue its role as a scout leader and "point-man" for its lance mates.

The FWLM procurement board was impressed . . . but also dismayed by the projected price of acquisition of these new BattleMechs. However, in 3052, the Captain General ordered Irian to begin limited production for field testing with select units of the Free Worlds League Military.

Field tests and trails began in early 3053 and early reports indicate that the Hermes III is being eagerly accepted by those MechWarriors and units lucky enough to be assigned one.

One variant has surfaced . . . the HER-3M which replaces the Flamer with a second Medium Laser. While this reduces the anti-personnel and anti-vehicular capacity of the BattleMech, it also increases effectiveness against hostile 'Mech forces. So far, fewer than two dozen HER-3Ms have been produced for field trials.

Code: [Select]

Hermes III HER-3S

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 7,337,913 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7,369,913 C-Bills
Battle Value: 997

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1  LB 10-X AC
    1  Medium Laser
    1  Flamer
    1  Beagle Active Probe
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    67 points                2.00
    Internal Locations: 5 LT, 4 LA, 3 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 7
    Running MP: 11
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 125                  7.00
    Armor Locations: 4 LT, 4 LA, 4 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 RT                                                   0.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           18        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     10           15        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            12        
                                             L/R Leg     10           14        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1.00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1.00
LB 10-X AC                                   RT        2         6        11.00
Beagle Active Probe                          CT        0         2         1.50
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10)                      RT        -         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10)                         RT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 1

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 10
7          2       2       1       0      2     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: PRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1

Takiro · « **Reply #11 on:** April 14, 2020, 06:10:51 AM »

Very nice masterarminas!

Abele · « **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2020, 10:27:21 AM »

Here's my two. Fluff will follow

Two new designs coming out of Irian Battlemechs Unlimited, one for general use by FWLM, while the latteris designated for use by the SAFE's Eagle Corps. Both models feature the new 280 XL Fusion with its eleven fixed double heat sinks. The general use HER-4M features the recently acquired Binary Laser Cannon from the CBD Corporatiion. Along with the Blazer, a pair of medium pulse lasers are mounted while the Olympian flamer was retained from the original. This gives the Hermes II the ability to headcap an enemy Mech while having the speed to quickly engage and disengage contact the enemy.

Code: [Select]

Hermes II HER-4M

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3054
Dry Cost: 6,845,113 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,845,113 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,176

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    1  Binary Laser Cannon
    2  Medium Pulse Lasers
    1  Flamer
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      67 points                4.00
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 7
    Running MP: 11
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             11(22)                    1.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 125                  7.00
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           17        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  7         
                                           L/R Torso     10           14        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            11        
                                             L/R Leg     10           16        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Binary Laser Cannon                          RT        16        4         9.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LT        4         1         2.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2.00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 21

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 12
7          3       3       0       0      2     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

This replacement for the original and obsolete 'Mercury Elite' model is loosely based on the new HER-4M with the addition of an endo-steel chassis allows the replacement of the Binary Laser with an ER Large Laser, a Guardian ECM and a sextet of jump jets. This allows the new Elite to jump and engage at longer ranges, while having added maneuverability and stealth capabilities. The two medium pulse lasers and flamer from the 4M have been retained while 8.5 tons of standard replaces the ferro-fibrous arnour of the 4M.

Code: [Select]

Hermes II HER-4ME

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3054
Dry Cost: 7,518,513 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7,518,513 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,319

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
    1  ER Large Laser
    2  Medium Pulse Lasers
    1  Flamer
    1  Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    67 points                2.00
    Internal Locations: 1 HD, 2 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 7
    Running MP: 11
    Jumping MP: 6 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT                                         3.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             11(22)                    1.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 136                  8.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           17        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     10           15        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            12        
                                             L/R Leg     10           20        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guardian ECM Suite                           CT        0         2         1.50
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        2         5.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LT        4         1         2.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2.00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 15

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 13
7/4j       3       2       1       0      2     1   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ECM, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Takiro · « **Reply #13 on:** April 18, 2020, 08:23:53 AM »

Very nice Abele!!

drakensis · « **Reply #14 on:** April 19, 2020, 02:49:43 AM »

Hermes II HER-4S

Mass: 40 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: 3052
Cost: 3,404,380 C-Bills
Battle Value: 973

Chassis: Irian Chassis Class 40 Standard
Power Plant: Hermes 240 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-456 Standard Armor
Armament:
4 Magna 400P Medium Pulse Lasers
1 Magna II Medium Laser
1 Purity L-series Flamer
Manufacturer: Coventry Metal Works
Primary Factory: Coventry
Communications System: Irian E.A.R.
Targeting and Tracking System: Wasat Aggressor

Overview:
Over the course of the Succession Wars, many Hermes II 'Mechs have fallen into the hands of the Lyran Commonwealth. With the sanction of the Captain-General and the Archon after the Outreach Conference, Coventry Metal Works reached out to Irian BattleMechs Unlimited to develop a refit process to upgrade the 'Mechs to face the Clans.

Capabilities:
As part of the refit, Hermes II who have recieved this upgrade see their armament completely replaced. Because most of them were captured and have seen hard service, the original weapons were often replaced with improvised expedients. Going forwards, they replace the arm mounted weapons with equivalents readily available from Coventry (the Magna II and the L-series flamer are used on their Firestarter light 'Mech).

Irian have agreed to ship both replacement electronics to restore the original hardware configurations after similar field expedients, and advanced pulse lasers to replace the Oriente autocannon. While the autocannon is highly reliable, the appearance of the Elemental on the modern battlefield means that 'Mechs need accurate short range firepower to deal with them. The four pulse lasers are mounted centrally and assessment is that if two of the four hit a single Elemental then there is a better than 90% chance of a kill.

Understandably, this has increased the heat profile of the Hermes II, so the refit package also includes double heatsinks that bring the heat burden under control.

Deployment:
The AFFC is deploying the Hermes II alongside Commandos as 'light trooper' lances as they feel that the two designs are no longer suited to a reconnaissence or fast strike role, with more advanced designs regularly able to outpace them. Irian is also manufacturing a similar refit package (without replacing the arm-weapons), for use by the FWLM, provincial forces and their Capellan allies.

Code: [Select]

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      67 points                4.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                240                      11.50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 120                  7.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           17        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     10           14        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            11        
                                             L/R Leg     10           14        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Medium Pulse Lasers                        RT        16        4         8.00
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1.00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 39

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 10
6          4       4       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Hermes II HER-4M

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 3,986,780 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,157

Chassis: Irian Chassis Class 40-E Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 240 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets: Rawlings 50
Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Riese-456 Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Fusion Longtooth ER PPC
1 Magna 400P Medium Pulse Laser
1 Olympian Flamer
Manufacturer: Irian BattleMechs Unlimited
Primary Factory: Irian
Communications System: Irian E.A.R.
Targeting and Tracking System: Wasat Aggressor

Overview:
Based on their joint development of the HER-4S with Coventry, Irian have unveiled their own upgrade package. Unlike the earlier variant, which is intended for refitting existing 'Mechs, HER-4M Hermes II are built from the ground up to integrate advanced technology.

Capabilities:
With a new internal structure, the HER-4M Hermes II has the free tonnage to add jump jet capacity, greatly increasing the design's mobility.

While the original flamer is maintained, the right arm laser is upgraded to a pulse model and the autocannon is replaced by an Extended Range PPC. Double heatsinks make the 'Mech easily able to over-heat, but IBMU argue that it is intended as a sniper, with the ER PPC mostly to be used from outside the range of the other weapons or as a last resort.

Deployment:
Production runs of the HER-4M are going firstly to the Free Worlds Legions for evaluation. If reports are positive then shipments will likely go to other core units of the FWLM federal forces.

Code: [Select]

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    67 points                2.00
    Internal Locations: 1 HD, 2 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 3 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine:             Fusion Engine                240                      11.50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP: 6 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT                                         3.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 120                  7.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           17        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     10           14        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            11        
                                             L/R Leg     10           14        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC                                       RT        15        3         7.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2.00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 20

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 12
6j         2       2       1       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Hermes II HER-4ME

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 7,253,913 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,149

Chassis: Irian Chassis Class 40-E Endo-Steel
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Aldis Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Imperator Ultra AC/5
3 I.W.W. Medium Lasers
1 Olympian Flamer
1 Garret-Guardian Interface 2B Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Irian BattleMechs Unlimited
Primary Factory: Shiro III
Communications System: Irian E.A.R.
Targeting and Tracking System: Wasat Aggressor

Overview:
IMBU's Shiro III facility is definitely producing HER-4M models of the Hermes II for use by FWLM regular forces, with all references to an alleged HER-4ME model with substantially superior technology the result of wild speculation based off a careless mistyping and could result in legal action under the FWL's official secrets act.

Capabilities:
The HER-4ME does not use a VOX 280XL engine to reach speeds of over 111kph. There is no truth to the rumours that advanced alloys provide it with increased protection across the arms and bodies.

If the HER-4ME were to exist, it could be easily distinguished from its original design by the additional medium lasers in each arm if they had not been cunningly built into recesses that merely appear to thicken the limbs slightly, with retractable caps covering the lenses.

The Imperator Ultra-5 autocannon would, were it hypothetically fitted to the (entirely speculative) HER-4ME provide double the long range firepower at a cost in reliability. Should such a design exist it would require expanded ammunition bins to retain the original endurance and this could be wrapped in Cellular Ammunition Storage for the safety of any mechwarrior.

Battle History:
The HER-4ME does not exist, has never seen action and the only conflicts it has been involved in is SAFE's aggressive reactions to any suggestions that it may have been employed in covert operations on either side of the FWL's borders.

Deployment:
The HER-4ME does not exist and therefore cannot be the exclusive property of SAFE's Dark Shadows at this time.

Code: [Select]

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    67 points                2.00
    Internal Locations: 1 HD, 2 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 3 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 7
    Running MP: 11
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 125                  7.00
    Armor Locations: 5 LT, 1 RT, 4 LA, 4 RA
    CASE Locations: 1 LT                                                   0.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           18        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     10           15        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            12        
                                             L/R Leg     10           14        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guardian ECM Suite                           RT        0         2         1.50
Ultra AC/5                                   RT        1         5         9.00
2 Medium Lasers                              RA        6         2         2.00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1.00
Medium Laser                                 LA        3         1         1.00
@Ultra AC/5 (40)                             LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 0

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 11
7          3       3       1       0      2     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

OBT Forum

News:

Author Topic: Optimizing the Hermes II (Read 10186 times)

Takiro

Optimizing the Hermes II

Bradshaw

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Abele

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Bradshaw

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

lrose

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Ice Hellion

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Bradshaw

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

masterarminas

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Abele

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II

drakensis

Re: Optimizing the Hermes II