OBT Forum

Claws are okay? 

Shoot, you're right.  I double-checked availability, and Tactical Operations apparently retconned the intro date for Claws at 3060 (with the Mantis).  Guess my memories of the 3030s tech from the old Solaris boxed set no longer are in-universe :p

I think I said before that I see the Ti Ts'ang as the Platonic ideal of the 60-ton melee 'Mech.  I figured the Quickdraw was the perfect chassis for that among the old 3025 line-up of 'Mechs, as the most humanoid of the 60 tonners.  TSM plus claws is a nasty one-two punch (literally!) in melee.  Oh, well -- its negative quirk (exposed actuators) would have made it a pretty fragile melee 'Mech.  Literally (again) an Achilles Heel!

The 'break' points for Claws are 40t (6 damage, 2x for TSM is a headcapper), then 60t (9 damage, swipe all the armor off the head at once), then 85t (12 damage without TSM, head-capping punches).  I mean, can you see an 85 TSM melee Claw 'Mech?  Obviously, the Stalker is the ideal chassis 

But for purposes of this contest, the Melee weapons that are canon 3053 and earlier would be Spikes and Hatchet.  I'll see what I can do with Spikes.

Guess I will break the ice with my fully fluffed Kurita Imperial!

QKD-5Ki QUICKDRAW

Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: LAW Advanced Type E EndoSteel
Power Plant: GM 300 XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86 kph
Jump Jets: Chilton 460
   Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Starshield with CASE
Armament:
1 Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 Rack with Artemis IV FCS
3 Guided Technologies 2nd Generation Streak SRM-2s
4 Omicron 400 Medium Lasers
1 Magna Mk 1 Light Laser
Manufacturer: Luthien Armor Works
Primary Factory: Luthien
Communications System: Garret T12E with Gaurdian ECM Suite
Targeting and Tracking System: Dynatec 2180 with C3 Slave

Overview:
The recent rediscovery of the highly optimized Star League variants called Royal units drove extremely patriotic Draconis scientists at the Imperial Institute of Technology (IIT) on Xinyang to start their own effort. Dubbed Imperial variants they would be the most cutting-edge units of Combine equipment available. Driven by fanatical loyalty to the Dragon and an abiding hatred of the Clan invaders these premier BattleMechs would proudly serve the DCMS as the epitome of their respective brands. While staunch traditionalists who sought more proven weapon systems did their best to throw cold water on the endeavor these sophisticated Kurita upgrades drew the attention of the assembling Sohei. Through the Order of Five Pillars (O5P) they managed to secure the first of these new designs which included the new 5Ki Quickdraw for immediate battlefield testing.

Capabilities:
   In order to maximize the effectiveness of the Quickdraw researchers at IIT had to convince Luthien Armor Works to produce an EndoSteel chassis which would reduce the Mech’s skeletal weight by half. While initial tests with the larger Hermes 360 XL Engine used on the Grand Dragon proved feasible and intriguing a quick cost benefit analysis determined that utilizing this larger power plant would be too costly and reduce the ‘Mechs armament. Instead, designers opted to go with the GM 300 XL Engine manufactured on Qandahar by Dow-Nexus Fusion Products previously used on the MAD-5D produced on Quentin. These core upgrades while costly and bulky maintained the Quickdraw’s performance while freeing up more than twelve tons for weaponry and additional armor.
First to be improved with this extra space was the Long-Range Missile rack which was removed altogether in the initial Kurita lostech upgrade. This unpopular move which deprived the Quickdraw of its reach in the face of superior Clan tech was clearly questionable. IIT designers went the other way obtaining the Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 Rack with Artemis IV FCS. These systems in development for another project on Quentin substantially improved the long-range firepower of the Quickdraw. Utilizing a C3 Slave, like the new BattleMech from Quentin would also do, drastically improved accuracy when working in coordination with other similarly equipped units. Likewise, the Short-Missile Battery was uprated with the inclusion of three Guided Technologies 2nd Generation Streak SRM-2s.
   These interlocking close-range batteries previously used on the Marauder MAD-5D were even more accurate and heat efficient. Their inclusion is not only applicable on the current battlefield but also the future allowing for the testing of larger Streak racks. All ammunition for these missile racks is stored in the CASE protected right torso which while optimal for pilot safety is causing some design feed concerns for the Streak SRMs. The original four Omicron 400 Medium Lasers were retained by the design team but moved to the Quickdraw’s incredibly flexible arms. These twin laser limbs can fire rearward, if necessary, which is especially beneficial now given the appearance of Clan Elementals. Doubling this trademark draw of the iconic Kurita BattleMech is particularly impressive. Finally, a single Magna Mark 1 Small Laser previously found on the Charger is mounted in the center torso for additional point defense.
   Perhaps more remarkable than the weapon upgrade is the armor plating of the new Imperial Quickdraw which still uses Starshield armor imported from Marduk. Improving the amount of armor from a mere eight tons to twelve and a half tons maximizes the protection for this sixty-ton BattleMech. This reinforcement has transformed it from a poorly armored mobile heavy to a first rate ultra-modern Mech. Critics charge that the Extra Light (XL) Engine makes this luxury Quickdraw vulnerable but even they have to admit the notoriously fragile ankles are now well protected. Also included for electronic defense was a Guardian ECM that can protect its new high-tech gear or jam enemy electronics if so motivated.
   Eleven Double Heat Sinks improved on the Quickdraw’s frequent overheating issues but do not eliminate them altogether. A jumping Alpha Strike will instantly cause loss of accuracy and hamper movement so Mechwarriors are warned to alternate fire and movement while constantly monitoring the heat scale. Reports from test pilots who ran running and fired with all weapons save the Small Laser found that while minimal overheating occurred no negative effects were ever registered. Critics were not as forgiving of these flaws in a wildly over expensive battlefield liability with too many questionable aspects.

Deployment:
   The first prototypes have been handed over to the Sohei for combat evaluation against the Clans. While some including Luthien Armor Works are anxious to begin production of this Imperial Quickdraw only a successful battlefield performance will allow this. High placed conservatives in the military and industry seem committed to blocking any further wasteful production of this or any other so-called ‘Imperial’ design. It is hoped that solid performances by the Sohei can persuade the Coordinator and the Kanrei to authorize mass production which would enhance the performance of the DCMS. Such hopes are blasphemous to old school Kurita advocates who are pushing for more cost-effective upgrades that can be more readily mass produced. 

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 60

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:         EndoSteel         3
Engine:            300 XL         9.5
Walking MP:         5
Running MP:         8
Jumping MP:         5            
Heat Sinks:            11 (22)            1
Gyro:                           3
Cockpit:                         3
Armor Factor:            200            12.5

Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso         20         30 / 9
R/L Torso         14         20 / 8
R/L Arm         10         20
R/L Leg         14         28

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
LRM-15         Right Torso      3      7
Artemis IV FCS      Right Torso      1      1
Ammo (LRM) 16      Right Torso      2      2
3 Streak SRM-2s      Left Torso      3      4.5
Ammo (Streak SRM) 50   Right Torso      1      1
CASE            Right Torso      1      .5
2 Medium Lasers      Right Arm      2      2
2 Medium Lasers      Left Arm      2      2
Small Laser          Center Torso      1      .5
Guardian ECM Suite      Right Torso      2      1.5
C3 Slave          Head         1      1
Jump Jet         Center Torso      1      1
2 Jump Jets         Right Leg      2      2
2 Jump Jets         Left Leg      2      2

Interesting Bradshaw, maybe someone will step up with some fluff for ya. Still working on my two from the Post Your Quickdraw post.

No fluff and having no inspiration for fluff if anyone wants to collaborate here is a design I feel would be a worthy upgrade of the 5M which imo sucks with its single-shot SRM. Tech is more available in the last 3 years so they do improved variant, more in line with what I think the original should have been with it being the supposed replacement of Rifleman it was intended for.

I might step in (if you allow me) as at first look, it could work well with my idea (I have to check more deeply if the two concepts could work together).

The QKD-5T and QKD-6T owe their origins to the poor choices made by Technicron Manufacturing.  In the race to introduce recovered Star League technologies, many companies made a number of missteps with their initial designs. One of the worst was Technicron's "upgrade" to the venerable Quickdraw.  Never a particularly popular mech, the company managed to introduce a model that was considered by most be a significant downgrade.  The replacement of the SRM 4 launcher with a single shot weapon significantly reduced the firepower of the mech, a major issue considering the mech is generally considered to be underarmed.  While the sales staff of Technicron thought they had a winner and convinced the company to ramp up production, the mech was soon rejected by mechwarriors and as a result many of the mechs sat at the factory unsold. 

A solution was found when Alphard Trading Corporation on Perdition in the Taurian Concordat began looking to purchase advanced mechs for sale to the TDF.  ATC, which is operating as a part or Pinard Protectorates Limited, has a long history of trade deals with the Free Worlds League, dating back to the Star League era.  Technicron, looking to offload the Quickdraws, offered to sell the mechs to ATC at their cost, in an effort to break even.  Realizing that this presented a good opportunity, the company purchased the mechs and brought them to their facility of Perdition. There the mechs were stripped down and rebuilt into more effective models for the TDF. 

The first model that was introduced was the QKD-5T. Designed as a heavy cavalry mech for units like the Hyades Light Infantry and Red Chausseurs, the majority of the mechs weapons were removed.  The LRM launcher has been replaced with a Donal PPC from Sterope Defense Industries.  This gives the mech a good long range punch without any ammo dependancy.  The worthless one shot SRM launcher was replaced with the experimental Pinard Reaper Stream SRM Rack.  While not yet cleared for full scale production, and featuring a few bugs, the Streak Rack is considered an upgrade as it has a full ton of ammo in the CASE protected ammo bin.  The QKD-5T removes one the rear torso mounted medium lasers and relocated the other to face forward, solving a common criticism of the Quickdraw. 

While the PPC generates significant heat, the designers did remove 2 of the -5Ms heatsinks.  Even with fewer heatsinks the mech runs reasonably cool.  By removing 2 heatsinks, the designers were able to add 2 more tons of armor, significantly improving the protection of the mech. 

The second model that was introduced is the QKD-6T.  This variant was designed as mobile fire support unit.  The LRM, SRM and both rear firing medium lasers have been removed, as have 3 heat sinks.  This allows the mech to carry a Delta Dart LRM 20 launcher.  To provide endurance on the battlefield, the mech is supplied with a generous 3 ton ammo bay for the LRM launcher.  The designers also managed to add a little additional armor, mainly to the mech's legs and torso.  During trials, this mech was commonly referred to as half-Archer, given that its weapons array is half that of the Archer.
 
Both designs have proven popular with the TDF and the ATC continues to modify more of the QKD-5Ms to these configurations. It remains to be seen what will happen when ATC runs out of mechs to modify.  There is some who have suggested that the company may try to license the design and open a production line in the Concordat.


Model QKD-5T
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technician Type E
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets:  Chilton 460
Jump Capacity: 150
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
   1 Donal PPC
   1 Pinard Reaper Streak SRM Rack
   3 Omicron 4000 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Pinard Protectorates Limited/Alphard Trading Corporation (Refit)
Primary Factories: Perdition
Communications System: Garret T12E
Targeting and Tracking System: Dynatec 2180

Type: QKD-5T Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage:  60 tons

Equipment:                 Mass
Internal Structure            6
Engine      300         19      
   Walking MP:   5
   Running MP:  8
   Jumping MP:  5
Heatsinks       11 (22)      1
Gyro                  3
Cockpit               3
Armor Factor   179         10
         IS      Armor
Head         3      9   
CT         20      30/8
R/L Torso      14      20/8
R/L Arm      10      16
R/L Leg      14      22

Weapons & Ammo   Location   Critical   Tonnage
Medium Laser      LA      1      1
PPC            LT      3      7
Ammo (50)      LT      1      1
CASE         LT      1      0.5   
Streak SRM2      CT      1      1.5
Medium Laser      RT      1      1
Medium Laser      RA      1      1
Jump Jets         RT      2      2
Jump Jets         LT      2      2
Jump Jet         CT      1      1   


Model QKD-6T
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technician Type E
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets:  Chilton 460
Jump Capacity: 150
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
   1 Delta Dart LRM 20
   2 Omicron 4000 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Pinard Protectorates Limited/Alphard Trading Corporation (Refit)
Primary Factories: Perdition
Communications System: Garret T12E
Targeting and Tracking System: Dynatec 2180

Type: QKD-6T Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage:  60 tons

Equipment:                 Mass
Internal Structure            6
Engine      300         19      
   Walking MP:   5
   Running MP:  8
   Jumping MP:  5
Heatsinks       10 (20)      
Gyro                  3
Cockpit               3
Armor Factor   152         8.5
         IS      Armor
Head         3      9   
CT         20      21/8
R/L Torso      14      18/8
R/L Arm      10      13
R/L Leg      14      18

Weapons & Ammo   Location   Critical   Tonnage
Medium Laser      LA      1      1
LRM 20         LT      5      10
Ammo (18)      LT      3      3
CASE         LT      1      0.5   
Medium Laser      RA      1      1
Jump Jets         RT      2      2
Jump Jets         LT      2      2
Jump Jet         CT      1      1   

Very good!

Some Ice Hellion-Bradshaw team work and a few good ones from Irose.

Keep those designs coming folks.