Light or heavy? The future of the DCMS
by Cadet Delta Jaymes Krüger from the Goshen BattleMech Academy
Intelligence analysis paper
12th of April 3053
Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. George S. Patton
The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him. Sun Tzu
After the stalemate of the Clan Invasion, both the KungsArmé and the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery (DCMS) knew they needed to rebuild.
The Free Rasalhague Republic had seen its power base almost completely destroyed and had to rely on ComStar and other foreign powers help. The DCMS traditional reliance on Light ‘Mechs had shown its limits during the conflict as the Clans brought better ‘Mechs, far more agile and powerful than the ones usually found in the Inner Sphere.
However, economics and money was still something to take into account. For example, Luthien Armor Works (LAW) had only finished in 3046 the rebuilding of their Jenner line on Luthien and in spite of only producing the controverted JR7-K, the company could not stop its production and lose profits from its sales, not when lots of research and development and other investments were needed.
Perhaps more will be known when the time is set for declassification of the documents for this period but from the few sources available, it seems that the Ökurashö or Ministry of Treasure was already speaking with Prince Haakon Magnusson’s Cabinet and with ComStar Stellar Relations.
From the final results, it seems that LAW had to modernise the JR7-D and K still used by the KungsArmé to the specifications of this latest to turn them into an efficient unit against the Clans. In turn, ComStar gave LAW access to the production of some of its idle lines on Terra, which was both a way to keep them used and in pristine conditions and to get money out of it. This deal gave Luthien Armor Works enough resources to invest in some R&D for a “new†Jenner.
This is how the 6 models of the JR8 series where created, each with different capabilities but with a common basis, the JR7-K that LAW was producing.
The JR8-R was the retrofit made for the exclusive use by the KungsArmé. As such, LAW probably tried to keep changes to a minimal to make the most profit of the deal while still increasing the efficiency of the Jenner
This shows as the JR8-R is a mix between a JR7-K and the old JR7-F. It carries 6 Argra 3L Medium Lasers (from old stockpiles) with a complete replacement of the cooling system by Double Heat Sinks and adding 25% armour to protect the Jenner.
While not a revolution per se, according to different reports, the increased endurance and firepower have been well received by ‘MechWarriors and this Jenner also made their way into some mercenary units already using the Jenner, ensuring a small but constant demand and a “widespread†use in the Inner Sphere (“widespread†for a pure Kurita design that is).
If the JR8-R was an evolution, the other JR8, the K Series was more a revolution and even if we lack details, the most probable is that all this was only possible through the loan/sales by ComStar of some Extra-Light Engines produced on Terra, allowing the new Jenner to keep the same speed but with more free weight.
The JR8-K1 is an upgraded JR8-R with a C3 Master Computer on it and one more Double Heat Sinks. This was meant as an experiment as a control unit for the other JR8-K, even if Jenners are meant to work with Panthers and a C3 Master Computer in a Panther or a heavier unit would have make more sense. However, the sheer variety of the JR8-K series is probably meant to make Kuritan light units more coherent than before.
According to the best intel estimates available, the JR8-K1 is not widely produced. One might wonder why is the Draconis Combine throwing away one of it best assets? The answer lies perhaps in the old samurai/bushi mentality with only honourable duels being seen as worth fighting. However, one should note that the lack of long range weapons on this command unit might hamper the efficiency of its unit.
The JR8-K2 is designed to strike from afar and then fade, a bit like the Hussar from the Star League Defence Forces. Except that it slightly slower but that with an ER PPC (taken from the stockpile for the Grand Dragon), 2 Medium Lasers, a C3 Slave unit, a Guardian ECM and 5.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armour, it doesn’t play in the one shoot wonder weapon category. Careful analysis of its heat signature shows that it might run a bit hot if it alpha-strikes, something that it is designed to do at all.
The JR8-K3 is a variation on the same theme but with an indirect fire capacity thanks to 2 LRM-5 (with only one ton of ammo, limiting its stay on the battlefield or its flexibility but protected by a CASE) and an ER Large Laser from Diverse Optics, that is likely intending to make a breakthrough in an another market as the Aerospace Fighters one. The C3 Slave unit allows it to call for more help from its team mate or to bring its firepower where it matters.
The JR8-K4 is an electronical warfare specialist. With 6 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armour, a Guardian ECM Suite, a Beagle Active Probe and a C3 Slave unit, it can detect and disturb any unit it faces. With its 4 Medium Lasers and 2 Small Pulse Lasers and TAG, it can defend itself against those ambushing it or fast enough to catch it.
The JR8-K5 is a coming-back to the original formula of the Jenner. With 6 Medium Lasers, a C3 Slave unit and a Narc Missile Beacon (probably imported from the Free Worlds League), it is at the same time a hunter and a team player able to link with a C3 Network or to help missile units to reach their targets.
Now that we have seen what Luthien Armor Works made of the Jenner, only two questions remain:
1. How long will ComStar provide these engines? When will it be worth for Luthien Armor Works to bring in a new production line dedicated to the specific engine needed by the JR8-K?
2. What are the KungsArmé and the DCMS plans with their new Jenner?
What ComStar might want is unclear as no one knows what they are getting from this deal. Depending on the price the Draconis Combine has to pay for each engine and on the future production of JR8-K, it might be a simple matter of time before LAW or another Kuritan company begins to produce the needed engine.
The KungsArmé is likely to focus on the retrofit of their Jenners to improve their capacity to hold against the next attack of the Clans.
Reports on the DCMS are unclear about the direction it will take. Some advocate for heavier and still mobile forces (thanks to the use of advanced technologies) while others point out at the spirit of the Bushi and variants of Captain Ravannion’s tactics. The new jR8-K would be perfectly suited to do this with their possible integration into a C3 network improving their efficiency. One example of this occurred on Kazanka in the Tabayama Prefecture were a company worth of pirates intended to steal crystals of yttrium. Thanks to their capacity to bind together a Lance of brand new JR8-K was able to destroy piece by piece the raiders while suffering only minimal loses. It seems that their efficiency earned them the right to paint their ‘Mechs in blood red.
Jenner JR8-R
Mass: 35 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
Dry Cost: 3 350 925 C-Bills
Total Cost: 3 350 925 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 130
Chassis: Alshain Class 48 Standard
Power Plant: Magna 245 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 75,6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118,8 km/h
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd. Lifters
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
6 Luthien Armor Works/Argra 3L Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Matabushi Sentinel
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 58 points 3,50
Engine: Fusion Engine 245 12,00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 89 5,00
Armor Locations: 8 LT, 6 RT
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 12
Center Torso (rear) 4
L/R Torso 8 11
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 8
L/R Leg 8 9
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser HD 3 1 1,00
Medium Laser CT 3 1 1,00
2 Medium Lasers RA 6 2 2,00
2 Medium Lasers LA 6 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 23
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 11
7/3j 3 3 0 0 1 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Jenner JR8-K1
Mass: 35 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
Dry Cost: 7 699 275 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7 699 275 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 069
Chassis: Alshain Class 48 Standard
Power Plant: Magna 245 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75,6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118,8 km/h
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd. Lifters
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
6 Luthien Armor Works/Victory 23R Medium Lasers
1 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Coordinator C3 Computer (Master)
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Matabushi Sentinel
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 58 points 3,50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 245 6,00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 11(22) 1,00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LA, 1 RA
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 89 5,00
Armor Locations: 9 LT, 4 RT, 1 LA
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 12
Center Torso (rear) 4
L/R Torso 8 11
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 8
L/R Leg 8 9
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser HD 3 1 1,00
Medium Laser CT 3 1 1,00
C3 Computer (Master) RT 0 5 5,00
2 Medium Lasers RA 6 2 2,00
2 Medium Lasers LA 6 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 9
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 11
7/3j 3 3 0 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: C3M, TAG, ENE, MHQ5, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Jenner JR8-K2
Mass: 35 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
Dry Cost: 6 476 175 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6 476 175 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 283
Chassis: Alshain Class 48 Standard
Power Plant: Magna 245 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75,6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118,8 km/h
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd. Lifters
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Alshain Weapons/Lord's Light 2 ER PPC
2 Luthien Armor Works/Victory 23R Medium Lasers
1 New Samarkand Metals/New Samarkand Nimbus Guardian ECM Suite
1 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Matabushi Sentinel
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 58 points 3,50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 245 6,00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RA
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 98 5,50
Armor Locations: 9 LT, 4 RT, 1 LA
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 14
Center Torso (rear) 5
L/R Torso 8 12
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 9
L/R Leg 8 10
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C3 Computer (Slave) CT 0 1 1,00
Guardian ECM Suite RT 0 2 1,50
ER PPC RA 15 3 7,00
2 Medium Lasers LA 6 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 15
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 13
7/3j 2 2 1 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: ECM, C3S, ENE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Jenner JR8-K3
Mass: 35 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
Dry Cost: 6 111 675 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6 141 675 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 042
Chassis: Alshain Class 48 Standard
Power Plant: Magna 245 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75,6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118,8 km/h
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd. Lifters
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Diverse Optique Incorporated/Diverse Optics Type 30X ER Large Laser
2 New Samarkand Metals/Longfire V LRM-5s
1 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Matabushi Sentinel
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 58 points 3,50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 245 6,00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 98 5,50
Armor Locations: 9 LT, 4 RT, 1 LA
CASE Locations: 1 RT 0,50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 14
Center Torso (rear) 5
L/R Torso 8 12
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 9
L/R Leg 8 10
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C3 Computer (Slave) CT 0 1 1,00
2 LRM-5s RA 4 2 4,00
ER Large Laser LA 12 2 5,00
@LRM-5 (24) RT - 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 16
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 10
7/3j 2 2 2 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: C3S, CASE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Jenner JR8-K4
Mass: 35 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
Dry Cost: 6 573 375 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6 573 375 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 084
Chassis: Alshain Class 48 Standard
Power Plant: Magna 245 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75,6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118,8 km/h
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd. Lifters
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
4 Luthien Armor Works/Victory 23R Medium Lasers
2 Diverse Optics Incorporated/Diverse Optics Type 10P Small Pulse Lasers
1 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
1 New Samarkand Metals/New Samarkand Nimbus Guardian ECM Suite
1 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Forward-1 TAG
1 Defiance Motors/Diplan Inquisitor Beagle Active Probe
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Matabushi Sentinel
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 58 points 3,50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 245 6,00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 107 6,00
Armor Locations: 6 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 2 RA
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 17
Center Torso (rear) 5
L/R Torso 8 12
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 10
L/R Leg 8 12
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG HD 0 1 1,00
C3 Computer (Slave) CT 0 1 1,00
Small Pulse Laser RT 2 1 1,00
Guardian ECM Suite RT 0 2 1,50
Small Pulse Laser LT 2 1 1,00
Beagle Active Probe LT 0 2 1,50
2 Medium Lasers RA 6 2 2,00
2 Medium Lasers LA 6 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 11
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 11
7/3j 3 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: C3S, ECM, TAG, PRB, RCN, ENE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Jenner JR8-K5
Mass: 35 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
Dry Cost: 6 165 675 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6 171 675 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 175
Chassis: Alshain Class 48 Standard
Power Plant: Magna 245 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75,6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118,8 km/h
Jump Jets: Lexington Ltd. Lifters
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
6 Luthien Armor Works/Victory 23R Medium Lasers
1 Narc Launcher
1 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Sipher Security Plus
Targeting and Tracking System: Matabushi Sentinel
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 58 points 3,50
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 245 6,00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 107 6,00
Armor Locations: 7 LT, 4 RT, 1 LA, 2 RA
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 17
Center Torso (rear) 5
L/R Torso 8 12
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 10
L/R Leg 8 12
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser HD 3 1 1,00
C3 Computer (Slave) CT 0 1 1,00
Medium Laser RT 3 1 1,00
Narc Launcher LT 0 2 3,00
2 Medium Lasers RA 6 2 2,00
2 Medium Lasers LA 6 2 2,00
@Narc (Homing) (6) RT - 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 13
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 12
7/3j 3 3 0 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: C3S, SNARC, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA