Well this one was a good one folks with sixteen entries by six designers (3 Irose, 7 Abele, 2 Takiro, 1 drakensis, 1 Ice Hellion, 2 masterarminas) and all of them solid. No disqualifications which really makes me smile until I have to choose who wins. That was really tough this time around especially for our Kurita candidates who were particularly good and numerous this go around. I thought there would actually be more Marik candidates as I identify that Mech with the Free Worlds League but all of those entries may have been even better than the Dragon's foray. Anyway lets get down to business here.
PASSABLE
16. PHX-3B (Takiro)
As I take it hardest on myself during these contests this excellent take on the Phoenix Hawk based on our Ghost Furies campaign ends up in last place. I thought it was an excellent contender for the Steiner model but another contestant beat it out pretty thoroughly. I do have to concede that Dubazana's optimal take was based on the 3M more so than the 3S even though it all began with a standard chassis from a PXH-1 which the lostech FWL upgrade did not. It did use the 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) and two ER Large Lasers but utilized eight point five tons of ferro-fibrous armor (152 factor) for near maximum protection. In order to improve the heat dissipation this variant added three Double Heat Sinks for a total of thirteen. To pay for this armor and cooling enhancement the original two Medium Lasers are retained. Finally, a Small Laser was added to provide some point blank support which replaced the original's Machine Guns. All in all a really good lostech variant but it ends up being a unique design which is already part of the Salient Horizon universe at best.
15. PXH-4D2 (Abele)
This Davion Autocannon/5 variant built to utilize developing specialized muntions was interesting. Given the Federated Suns obsession with the Autocannon I am ok with it even though the EndoSteel chassis, the 270 XL Engine (6/9/6), and ten Double Heat Sinks go in the other direction. At least outwardly they are high tech and the AC/5 is perhaps the lowest tech of the autocannons. Nine tons of standard armor (144 factor) with CASE works well to protect the design but the rest of the weaponry I didn't love either. The Medium Pulse, Medium Laser, and Small Pulse are all alright I geuss but not a fan of the single Streak SRM-2 cause of all that ammo (50) rounds. Perhaps if you went for two launchers I could gett behind it especially as a 'test bed design.' That is what it feels like to me overall at best, a limited research project but nothing more.
14. PHX-2P1 (Abele)
While this slight lostech upgrade of this 'Periphery Hawk' only uses seven tons of ferro-fibrous (125 factor) armor and an ER Large Laser its manufacturer was a bridge too far for me. I doubt the Outworlds Alliance would have the capability to produce this BattleMech on its own. You addressed the supply of the high tech items but the lack of industrial base in the Alliance is difficult to overcome in my eyes. If it had been tied into the Draconis Combine's loss of their Phoenix Hawk during the Clan Invasion and a massive investment by the Martial Alliance (ComStar, FedCom, Kurita backed anti-Clan coalition) then maybe but simply switching a Wasp line to this project would not be enough bud, sorry. While the Standard chassis could be derived from a Stinger and bulked up the 270 Fusion Engine (6/9/6) would have to be accounted for as well. The thirteen Single Heat Sinks, the Medium Laser, and two Small Lasers could be gotten yes but the lack of infrastructure for House Avellar is too much for me to get past.
CONTENDERS
13. PXH-4D (Abele)
This Davion LB-X Autocannon variant is intrguing as it goes ballistic rather than energy for its main weapon. An LB 10-X AC with two tons of ammo (20) would eliavate any overheating concerns which most Phoenix Hawks face thanks to movement from jumping and their overwhelming laser batteries. This main gun combined with ten Double Heat Sinks makes this a heat friendly design and ammuntion concerns are negated as well thanks to the eight point five tons of standard armor (136 factor) with CASE. The EndoSteel chassis and the 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) allow you the room to pull all of this off which the Federated Commonwealth could certainly do. It fits well in the universe and my only objection might come from its supporting weaponry of a Medium Pulse, a Medium Laser, and a Small Pulse. I probably would have gone with four Medium Lasers and called it an anti-Elemental Hawk or a more traditional two Medium Lasers and two Small Pulses. However, that being said the design is quite good on its own and could have been a winner but another was better.
12. PXH-4K (Abele)
Another solid entry was this Kurita design using a Standard chassis, the 270 XL Engine (6/9/6), along with a dozen Double Heat Sinks, and protected by eight and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) with CASE. Armed with an ER Large Laser, a Medium Pulse, two Medium Lasers, and an Anti-Missile System (12) this Draconis variant was well designed. A C3 Slave and a Beagle Active Probe serve to further enhance its electronic scouting capabilities which were already pretty good. Very nicely done but unfortunately I thought there were better designs for the Dragon which shows you how good the competition was here.
11. PXH-4KM (Abele)
Abele built on his very solid 4 series Kurita Phoenix Hawk with this command variant which I liked even better. Stripping out the Anti-Missile System and its ammo (-1.5 tons) also allowed for the removal of the CASE and a half ton (-1 ton) of ferro fibrous armor (8 tons equals 143 factor). Replacing the C3 Slave and the Beagle Active Probe (-2.5 tons) with a C3 Master works pretty well. The rest of the BattleMech remains unchanged from its Standard chassis to its 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) along with its dozen Double Heat Sinks and armament which included an ER Large Laser, Medium Pulse, and two Medium Lasers. Very nice, only thing is that there were other Kurita designs which were better in my opinion.
10. PXH-5K (Abele)
Your Advanced Kurita 5 series Phoenix Hawk outfitted with an EndoSteel chassis, a 270 XL Engine (6/9/6), ten Double Heat Sinks, and protected by eight tons of standard armor (144 factor) with two CASEs is even better. You keep the C3 Slave and ER Large Laser main gun supplementing it with twin SRM-4s (50) and two Medium Pulses. This results in a more 'offensive' Phoenix Hawk which is desirable in light of the Clan invasion but I am not sure that manufacturing it would be possibly especially given the Combine's loss of Alshain Weaponry. Most concerning is obtaining a place to produce the new EndoSteel structure necessary for the 5K in the first place. That and better designs proved your undoing here.
NEAR MISSES
9. PHX-2P2 (Abele)
Of the two 'Periphery Hawks' presented this is the one that came the closest to making it to the winner's circle. This design based on a Standard chassis, powered by a 270 Fusion (6/9/6), cooled by thirteen Single Heat Sinks, protected by seven tons of ferro fibrous (125 factor) armor and armed with an ER Large, Medium Laser, Small Pulse was solid.The only thing was the fluff which seemed to indicate a Magistracy of Canopus and Taurian Concordat allied project. It is a bit too early for that here but I could very easily see a Calderon effort succeeding alone. They have the industry and two of the three lostech items used on it were rediscovered by the Concordat. The Taurians having independently gotten a few items of cutting edge tech already via the Maultier is really one of the undiscussed recoveries of the 3000s. I don't begrudge them getting an ER Large to somehow finish this project even though it would be an obstacle but I don't know if the Phoenix Hawk is a Taurian design per say. So with a wee bit of a fluff error, a slight ER Large parts issue, and lacking a distinctly Taurian flavor I am going to pass on this one right now. Perhaps if you added in a mercenary unit like Little Richard's Panzer Brigade training the TDF in lostech maintenance or some such could hve gotten you over the top.
8. PXH-3MS (Ice Hellion)
Such a good story with this design that ultimately finished just outside the winner's circle. Love that FlameTech got caught doing something wrong and felt the need to put this refit package together based off the 3M. The EndoSteel, the 270 XL Engine (6/9/6), ten Double Heat Sinks, and the Durallex Light (now increased to 9.5 tons which results in a near max 152 factor) armor all come from the 3050 lostech version. The Large Laser and the Medium Lasers can come from the old PXH-1 if necessary and the Guardian ECM Suite can certainly be obtained. The Triple Strength Myomer which makes this 'Hot Hawk' really come together might be tougher to obtain at this time. Its inclusion would make a lot of sense because of how hot the Phoenix Hawk usually runs especially this one. The fluff including the deployment was so good I really considered this one for the winner's circle. However, with other better designs already ahead of this Mech this one sort of got left behind. Sorry Ice, it is a good one but just misses here.
7. PHX-4K (drakensis)
This Kurita fast sniper makes an excellent use of available parts in putting this concept together. Using the Standard Phoenix Hawk chassis and the Draconis control economy to force a corporate marriage in the wake of Clan devastation really works. Adding a 360 XL Engine (8/12/8) makes this BattleMech into a true fast scout which is paired with an ER PPC. The only weapon has great hitting power and range giving it wonderful capabilties which doesn't run dry on ammunition because its an energy based cannon. Ten Double Heat Sinks do an excellent job of cooling the design and six tons of ferro-fibrous (107 factor) armor combined with its high speed and mobility (matching a Spider!) do a good job at protecting it. Minor minuses were the lack of a C3 computer or secondary weaponry but that is no doubt a sacrifice made because of the massive engine. It was tough decision but another Kurita design narrowly, and I stress the word narrowly, beat you. Great concept though drak!
WINNERS
6. PXH-4M (Irose)
While this wasn't the best Phoenix Hawk from the Free Worlds League (House Marik) it was a winner thanks to its Narc Missile Beacon (6). Using the 3M as a basis this upgrade retains the EndoSteel chassis, 270 XL Engine (6/9/6), two Medium Pulses, and one of the ER Larges. The other is dropped for the NARC Launcher and a ton of Beacons which helps with the Phoenix Hawk's heat problems. A Flamer and a Small Laser were added for point defense with another ton and a half going to armor (9.5 tons total for a 152 near max factor). Finally one additionally Double Heat Sink, for a total of eleven, was added to deal with the heat generated by this design. While still hot this upgrade addresses that problem and also the FWLM need for NARC platforms at this time. I did like one other Marik entry better but this one met a requirement and was well done making it into the winner's circle. Congrats Irose, your 4N as I will call it in the Salient Horizon universe made it!
5. PHX-2KM (masterarminas)
The winning Kurita command variant by masterarminas shares many desirable features of the base design. Built on available/ pre-existing Standard Phoenix Hawk chassis and the 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) produced for the Wolf Trap construction of this BattleMech while confined to renovation of older Draconis models would be most possible in the present. With the fall of Alshain Weaponry's facility to the Clans during the invasion this will have to be the way of things until a more permenant solution can be implemented. Ten Double Heat Sinks and 8.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) are also nice lostech additions which further enhance the design. While its weaponry appears to be backwards thanks to older but widely available level one weaponry like the PPC, two Medium Lasers, and two Machine Guns (100) it works. This proven armament also adds to its 'design of the now' feeling which I like and above all in the case of this model it features a C3 Master Computer. This innovation allows the Phoenix Hawk to serve as a lance network command asset for the Combine which was something I was looking for plus it also has the ability to 'TAG' opponents for artillery. I really like it and as always the fluff is spot on so congrats masterarminas your 'Dragon Hawk' made it!
4. PHX-4M (Takiro)
The Marik entry I liked best was my own design wise even though I thought the fluff was rather uninspired. This 'Blazer Hawk' is largely based on the 3M (EndoSteel chassis) which replaces it's two ER Large Lasers for one Binary Laser Cannon. This had the effect of endowing it with a headcapper weapon that did less heat than both the longer ranged lostech lasers. With the 'Mechs solid speed and mobility provided by the 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) this loss of reach shouldn't really effect it poorly. Endowing it with 9.5 tons of standard armor (152 factor) gives it near max protection which this hard charging Hawk now needs. A Guardian ECM Suite also helps these defenses adding an electronic stealth to its capabilities. Supporting the Blazer at mid-range are two Medium Lasers which are further backed by twin Small Pulse Lasers which can deal with infantry. This all energy arsenal can keep the Phoenix Hawk in the field indefinitely and makes for an excellent hard hitting raider. A dozen Double Heat Sinks do a pretty good job of cooling this design although heat still remains a concern for Mechwarriors. I placed it here which I considered appropraite for this new FWLM weapon which is just outside the medal zone.
3. PXH-4D (Irose)
This new Federated Commonwealth (Davion) model made by Achernar BattleMechs on New Avalon corrects the mistakes of the 3D. Retaining the EndoSteel chassis the design elects to go back the old 270 Fusion (6/9/6) for greater reliability and toughness. This also greatly reduces the cost and allows for 8 tons of ferro fibrous (143 factor) armor as ample protection. With ten Double Heat Sinks all fitting in the 270 rated standard power plant this extra bulk from the armor plating fits within the design well. Only one ER Large is kept along with two 2 Medium Lasers for support and a Small Pulse for point defense operations. This produces only light damage but managable heat which is acceptable because of its advanced electronics package. Equipped with both a Guardian ECM Suite and a Beagle Active Probe this Phoenix Hawk becomes a truly modern medium weight scout which is quite durable as well as affordable. A solid tool in the hands of the AFFC at this time in particular which matches well with the Lyran winner as well. Nice job on the bronze medal!
2. PHX-2K (masterarminas)
This large Kurita large scout with solid fluff narrowly beat out drakensis 4K for the top Draconis spot in this contest. I emphasize the word NARROWLY cause man both of these were exceptional concepts. This one featured a Standard chassis, a 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) still in production thanks to the Wolf Trap, ten Double Heat Sinks, and is protected by 8.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor). The venerable weapons array belies a nod torwards Takashi traditionalists with an old school PPC, two Medium Lasers, and two Machine Guns (100) doing a nice job. What put the design over the top was pairing this arsenal with one of the most sophisticated electronics packages ever assembled for the new school tactics of Theodore's adherents. A Beagle Active Probe, a Guardian ECM Suite, Targeting Acquistion Gear (TAG), and a C3 Slave create a fantastic scout for the Dragon in its ultimate time of need. All the components are accounted for and even without a factory older models can be refitted into this premier recon Mech. Well done and silver medal!!
1. PXH-4S (Irose)
The Phoenix Sniper as I call it comes from the Federated Commonwealth (Steiner) by way of Coventry Metal Works of course. Working off the 3S it essentially replaces the Large Pulse with an ER PPC creating a deadly sniper. With a Standard chassis at its core extensive refits are possible although difficult even though new builds are likely more practical. Powered by a 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) and boosted with a MASC (12) this model can even match drakensis 4K sniper for short periods. This combination allows for 8.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) armor as well as two Medium Lasers and two Small Pulses which serve in support of the ER PPC. While the ten Double Heat Sinks can be overwhelmed I think the operational capabilities are worth it. Also a Guardian ECM Suite is added to aid in its electronic defenses which is a benefit to any would be sniper. I think it also makes a good partner for the 4D which Irose also proposed here. Great job Irose on the gold medal winner of this contest!!!
