Our fifth InnerSphere BattleMech to undergo optimization is the thirty-ton Javelin, a favorite of the House Davion. It reminds me a lot of our last contest, the Commando, right down to its name not evoking a connection to the ‘Mech. I probably utilized it a little more in my home gaming scenarios though but I don’t have any custom designs handy for this one. Less competition for you guys I guess but hopefully we will toon it up to the max in order to defeat the Clans. Again, I couldn’t find a ‘Mech of the Week Article on the Javelin so I will link us up with the BattleTech wiki page.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/JavelinOptimal Design Thoughts on the JavelinRole. The Javelin, like the Commando, is a small unit which relies on massed short to medium ranged firepower to destroy its opponents. Curiously though it is not referred to as a ‘striker’ but rather a recon asset which is really sneaky. An excellent ambusher the AFFS uses it to anchor scout lances or create mobile fire support lances. Also referred to as sturdy and reliable war machine that has served with distinction on the battlefield. Apparently eclipsed by the Commando and the Valkyrie as the standard Light Mechs of the Federated Commonwealth probably because of no active production.
Factories. None [2]
[DESTROYED] Caph (Stormvanger Assemblies, Light Division) Terran Hegemony
First built in 2751 as an export to member-state militaries this plant was destroyed in 2774 during the SLDF’s liberation of Caph.
[FUTURE] Panpour (Jalastar Aerospace) Federated Commonwealth/ Davion
In 3055, this company began producing Davion’s favored light BattleMech design, the JVN-10P Javelin, in accordance with AFFC High Command request.
Internal Structure. The three-ton Duralyte 246 chassis was only in production for twenty-three years but many have apparently survived the Succession Wars till this day. This means that the newest chassis around is pushing 280 years of age which speaks volumes in its own right about its rugged dependability. Presumably a fair deal of maintenance has been done just to keep these machines in the field but I suppose someone working hard on a ‘handmade’ model could have believable generated a handful more during the Succession Wars. Unfortunately, the new factory on Panpour isn’t up and running yet so EndoSteel might be out of the question to begin with but I suppose a good enough story might be able to justify it. In future canon Corean Model KL83 Endo Steel was used for a new and improved Javelin frame so it is doable a few years down the road anyway.
Engine. With the GM 180 Fusion Engine being called one of the most reliable power plants in existence it is tough to advocate any change for the Javelin. Able to cruise around at 64 kph with a maximum speed of 97 kph or 6/9 movement rate in game terms meets my minimum requirements for a Light BattleMech. However, thanks to the Hatchetman a 180 XL Engine also exists at this time which could allow more mass to go to improving armor or adding weapons and equipment. It also looks like the GM 180 XL Fusion Engine was made on Talcott eventually for an advanced Javelin variant manufactured on Panpour.
Jump Jets. The Javelin is a mobile BattleMech thanks to its six Rawlings 95 Jump Jets. I would say in most cases these are integral but a few existing canon variants which do not feature these lift aids. My preference is to probably include them but you could make a good argument for a non-jumper.
Heat Sinks. With a 180 Fusion Engine you can mount 7 Heat Sinks as an integral part of the power plant’s interior but 3 other base Heat Sinks have to be mounted within the Javelin itself. Going Double means you’ll eat up a minimum of 9 more critical spaces which might be tough fit if you use EndoSteel or Ferro-Fibrous not to mention an XL Engine. As it is with the base SRM weaponry the Javelin isn’t exactly a high heat monster but jumping can change that equation so perhaps a doubling is in order.
Cockpit & Gyro. While the cockpit of the Javelin will not be changing in any event the two-ton gyroscope might go up in mass if you try to make it any faster.
Armor. This 30-ton Mech has a 105 maximum armor factor and with 6.5 tons of standard armor a near max 104 armor factor could be generated. Not bad. InnerSphere Ferro-Fibrous (x 1.12) brings you slightly over max factor with 6 tons of that advanced armor generating a 108 factor. I don’t like wasting armor points but 5.5 tons only gets you to a 99 armor factor. In any event ferro-fibrous is only gonna save you a half a ton or a ton at most. I’d rather go with EndoSteel but Ferro-Fibrous is far more available and easier to refit existing models.
Weapons & Equipment. While the SRM batteries remind me of the Commando it is repeatedly said the Javelin is a sneaky scout so how about an Active Probe or ECM Suite? Even a TAG could be appropriate for this scout. The Fire Javelin which mounts a lot of Medium Lasers could be another way to go here as well.
Design CriteriaDesign: Javelin Light BattleMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: InnerSphere Level 2
Mass: 30 tons
Cockpit: (3 tons)
Tech BaseThe 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. I've also become a fan of massed LRM-5s over the larger batteries (Free Worlds League in particular has gone in this direction) which could provide closer equivalents to Clan LRMs. Here is a list for your design reference. Let me know if there is anything I missed!
Star League LosTechAnti-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 TechBlazer Cannon (or Binary Laser)
Recon Camera
Remote Sensor Dispenser
New InnovationsTriple Strength Myomer
Hatchet
C3 Computer
The Javelin seems to be a Davion BattleMech but serves in other Successor States as well so it is possible that other variants exist per nationality. Certainly, the Federated Commonwealth might help spread the design to the Lyran side of that great alliance. Let us also not forget that the Steiner-Davions employ a lot of mercenaries so I can easily see a few major units utilizing this premier Light Mech. I’d say both the Draconis Combine (House Kurita) and the Capellan Confederation (House Liao) could have salvaged their fair share of Javelins during the Succession Wars. Their militaries could feature a Javelin or two but the Free Worlds League might be the rarest user of the Javelin. Please do your research (think Objective Raids) for available components as this will be another factor in rapid production. I love fluff and your 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 October 4, 2019 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full seven days for this contest, good luck!!
