OBT Forum

The RFL-5D, although long championed by First Prince Hanse Davion, proved to be less then popular with mechwarriors.  While they appreciated the massive firepower of the mech, equal to or great than that of many assault mechs, the RFL-5D was unable to take advantage of those weapons due to its inadequate cooling system.  After the initial clan invasion, Kallon Industries, having introduced a heavy autocannon version of the Rifleman, took another look at the PPC armed Rifleman. 

Using the Kallon Type XV Endosteel chassis that was developed for the RFL-4C, the designers reverted to the original GM 240 engine used on the RFL-3N.  This was done for three reasons|: to reduce costs, improve the survivability by using a less vulnerable engine and to free up space in the chassis.  The RFL-6D retains the same cooling system as the -5D but makes a number of changes to the mech's weapon array.

The RFL-6D keeps the Johnston High Speed ER PPCs but removes both of the BlazeFire Systems Large Lasers.  In their place the mech mounts 4 additional Martell Medium Lasers, 2 in the arms where the old BlazeFires had been located and 2 in the center torso.  While the mech is still unable to fire all of its weapons in a single salvo without overheating, the idea is that the PPCs are used for long range fire, while the massed Martell lasers are used for any opponents that get too close.

The other major improvement made to the Rifleman was to increase the armor protection.  The engineers were able to add 3.5 tons of armor plating to the mech, during field trials this protection proved nearly equal to that of the Thunderbolt.  Mechwarriors, accustomed to the paper thin armor of the RFL-3N greatly appreciate this added protection.

Model RFL-6D
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Kallon Type XV
Power Plant: GM 240
Cruising Speed: 43.2kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets:  None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Kallon Royalstar
Armament:
   2 Johnston High Speed ER PPCs
   6 Martell Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Kallon Industries
Primary Factories: Talon
Communications System: Garret T-11A
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret D2j

Type: RFL-6D Rifleman
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage:  60 tons

Equipment:                 Mass
Internal Structure      Endo      3
Engine      240         11.5   
   Walking MP:   4
   Running MP:  6
   Jumping MP:  0
Heatsinks       17 (34)      7       
Gyro                  3
Cockpit               3
Armor Factor   200         12.5
         IS      Armor
Head         3      9   
CT         20      32/7
R/L Torso      14      22/6
R/L Arm      10      20
R/L Leg      14      28

Weapons & Ammo   Location   Critical   Tonnage
ER PPC         RA      3      7
Medium Laser      RA      1      1
Medium Laser      RT      1      1
Medium Laser      CT      1      1
Medium Laser      CT      1      1
Medium Laser      LT      1      1
ER PPC         LA      3      7
Medium Laser      LA      1      1

Cribbing off the Phoenix-Light concept, as well as the Agrotera, and the 3055 Techmanual Watchman.

Type: RFL-4N Rifleman-L
Production: Federated Commonwealth (Achernar Battlemechs, Achernar)
Combat Value: 1161 BV
Total Cost: 4,127,500 C-Bills (including x1.5 tonnage premium)

Tonnage: 50
Internal (Endo): 2.5t
Engine: Nissan 200: 8.5t
  Walking: 4
  Running: 6
Double Sinks: 10(20): 0t
Gyro (Standard): 2t
Cockpit (Standard): 3t
Armor (Ferro): 8.5t

Head   3/9
Center Torso 16/20/8
R/L Torso 12/16/6
R/L Arm 8/16
R/L Leg 12/20

Quirks: Arms Flip, Anti-Aircraft Targeting, Improved Comms, Searchlight

WEAPONS
2x AC/2s (2cr, 12t) RA/LA
1x Ammo (AC) 45 (1cr, 1t) RT
1x CASE (1cr, 0.5t) RT
2x Large Lasers (4cr, 10t) RA/LA
2x Medium Lasers (2cr, 2t) RT/LT

Produced by necessity, as a result of the bulk of the AFFS being moved to the Clan front, the Federated Suns struggled to supply the House regiments and militias on their borders with sufficient advanced equipment.  House Hasek invested some of their substantial financial holdings into rebuilding the “West Production Facility” of Achernar Battlemechs, which had reverted into Industrial ’Mech production after two centuries of Capellan control.  The newly upgraded facility was capable of Medium ‘Mech production, and Achernar at first sought to produce updated Enforcer-5Ds, but simply lacked sufficient material contracts to assemble the extra-light fusion engines of the lostech-upgraded design.

Achernar was planning to produce old-tech Enforcer-4Fs, but discovered that the Haseks were interested in a budget fire support ‘Mech, not a trooper or skirmisher design.  Although they had Dervish lines, the 86kph speed, jump-capable, LRM-equipped Dervish simply lacked the firepower that the Haseks wanted, or that the Capellan March units needed.  Instead, Achernar decided to leverage their existing assets – the large surplus of Nissan 200 engines, the Endosteel and Ferro-Fibrous production in place since 3047 – to supply the needed ‘Mechs.  But, with pressure to supply ‘Mechs on a very tight timeline, there was not sufficient time to develop and test a new ‘Mech design from scratch, or even to retool to produce an out-of-license Star League era design.  Instead, Achernar reached out to some of their contacts in the Federated Suns armaments industry, and was able to license the Rifleman-3N.

Achernar cobbled together a production-grade Franken’Mech design, using an Enforcer chassis, with their own production 1A Type 7 Endo-Steel serving as the core framework, powered by one of the surplus Nissan 200s that the company had in stock.  The molds for the Starguard Ferro-Fibrous armor plates were all from the Kallon Rifleman specs, making the ‘Mech clearly a Rifleman in shape and profile.  The weaponry was close to RFL-3N standard, with ChisComp-43 Special Large Lasers, also surplus from the old Enforcer line, paired with Mydron Model D Light Autocannons, supplied by Kallon Industries directly.  A pair of ChisComp-39 medium lasers, forwarded from their Dervish lines on New Avalon, finishes up the armaments. The only significant design change was the decision to shift the ton of ammunition from the center torso to the side torso of the 4N, protected by Starguard CASE, vastly increasing the survivability of the 4N as compared to the classic 3N.

In all, the 4N Rifleman “Light” recreates the 3N, with slightly reduced firepower (using AC/2s instead of AC/5s), but with superior armored protection, all in a package 10 tons lighter and 15% less expensive, using a combination of surplus components and lostech materials, all helping Achernar position itself to develop a whole new line of upgraded Enforcers (and Dervishes) in the decades to come.  The concept of budget “Light” ‘Mechs subsequently took off, with House Sandoval funding the Watchman (essentially a 40-ton Enforcer) in partnership with Achernar a few years later, through their sponsored firm Robinson Standard BattleWorks, using many of the same components as the 4N Rifleman “Light”.  During the Jihad, 4N production was halted, but the Republic of the Sphere re-opened the lines, fitting Light AC/5s in place of the AC/2s, doubling the ammunition supply, and adding a Light TAG and additional armor to produce the redesignated RFL-8R as a militia fire-support ‘Mech for the Republic Standing Guard.

Was thinking about this one more today as technically it would be ineligible for this contest but it is a great concept. Perhaps I should start a new thread for a light Rifleman called the Carabinier.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabinier#:~:text=A%20carabinier%20(also%20sometimes%20spelled%20carabineer%20or%20carbineer),beginning%20of%20the%20Napoleonic%20Wars%20in%20Europe.%20[1]

Unfortunately, it is not a sixty-ton Rifleman but a light version of that iconic BattleMech. So technically it violates the basic criteria of the challenge as outlined. Each design no matter its optimizations is supposed to have a niche which is I think is exemplified by the Rifleman. And yes the Ostroc and Ostsol were similar but I think had there own flavor.

However, this is a really good concept and one that I really like. The new name could easily be applied here by Achernar for just the reasons you layout. The Carabinier could be another arrow in the quiver of the Draconis March here which I like a lot.

And I was unaware of the Phoenix Hawk Light.

I actually have some ideas on Light versions of those designs you name. I'll start a new thread when I get home this afternoon.

Just like our initial drakensis entry. I do like the concept. Very nice!

Ice Hellion's entries (3) -

From: Canopus Industries Alpha
To: Magestrix Emma Centrella

Topic: Retrofit proposal

Your Highness,

Even if your intent to propose a defence pact among the Periphery States didn’t meet the success it deserved, we still think there is a way to pool resources together for a future conflict with the invaders known as the Clans.

We began working on ideas for different retrofits of existing designs that we could sell to Errant ‘MechWarriors, small mercenary units or other Periphery States. Each design would come in two versions: one less advanced for outside, with the goal of bringing cash to fund the second more advanced retrofit for the Magistracy Armed Forces or selected allies. Obviously, the MAF can still get the less advanced units if needed and with a reasonable reduction in price.

Our strategy is to start slow by offering services on a much (now) maligned design that we don’t produce but that is quite popular: the Rifleman.
The Rifleman RFL-3CI would be inspired by our Pike and focus on the long-range firepower with the replacement of the AC/5 and the Large Lasers by 4 AC/2 locally produced (with 2 tons of ammo), giving it an edge in range against most Aerospace Fighters and allowing is use “en masse” would allow to take them down before they could do any damage.
The Rifleman RFL-4CI would replace the AC/5 by another pair of Large Lasers obtained from the retrofits of the older Rifleman into RFL-3CI.

In both cases, the armour would be upgraded with our Ferro-Fibrous one, keeping the usual tonnage for the RFL-3CI but upgrading its protecting by 12% (and to improve its safety, adding CASE) and adding one ton for the RFL-4CI, improving its protection by nearly 30%.

Both upgrades could only be done in our facilities, while we plan to replace for both of them the Communication Systems by the Magestrix Alpha to decrease the reliance on the vulnerable antenna and the RFL-4CI would see a complete upgrade of its cooling system with 16 Double Heat Sinks allowing it to fire its 4 Large Lasers without any big problems.

Should you approve this strategy, we could quickly let the MAF and some selected and authorised potential customers know and begin the operations.

I have the honour to remain, Madam, Your Magestrix's most humble and obedient subject.

Amy McMillan
CEO

Rifleman RFL-3CI

Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 4 892 800 C-Bills
Total Cost: 4 894 800 C-Bills
Battle Value: 963

Chassis: Kallon Type IV Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 240 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: StarSlab/1 Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    2 Magna Metals Inc/Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
    4 Canopus Industries Alpha/ZeusBolt Autocannon/2s
Manufacturer: Canopus Industries Alpha
    Primary Factory: Canopus
Communications System: Magestrix Alpha
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret D2j

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      99 points                6,00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                240                      11,50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LL
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 134                  7,50
    Armor Locations: 7 LT, 7 RT
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1,00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     20           22       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  7         
                                           L/R Torso     14           16       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     10           14       
                                             L/R Leg     14           13       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1,00
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1,00
2 Autocannon/2s                              RA        2         2        12,00
2 Autocannon/2s                              LA        2         2        12,00
@AC/2 (45)                                   RT        -         1         1,00
@AC/2 (45)                                   LT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 26

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 10
4          2       2       1       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Rifleman RFL-4CI

Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 5 078 400 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5 078 400 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 391

Chassis: Kallon Type IV Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 240 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: StarSlab/1 Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    4 Magna Metals Inc/ Magna Mk III Large Lasers
    2 Magna Metals Inc/Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Canopus Industries Alpha
    Primary Factory: Canopus
Communications System: Magestrix Alpha
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret D2j

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      99 points                6,00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                240                      11,50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             16(32)                    6,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 3 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 152                  8,50
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 2 CT, 2 LT, 5 RT, 2 LL, 2 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     20           22       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  7         
                                           L/R Torso     14           19       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  6         
                                             L/R Arm     10           16       
                                             L/R Leg     14           16       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1,00
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1,00
2 Large Lasers                               RA        16        4        10,00
2 Large Lasers                               LA        16        4        10,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 6

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 14
4          4       4       0       0      3     1   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


From: Magistracy Support Corps
To: Canopus Industries Alpha

Topic: Retrofit proposal

Dear Ms McMillan,

Thank you for your proposal. The Magestrix was deeply pleased with your proposal.

After looking at it, we can only give you our full approval. However, we would like to request another more advanced design, lets call it the RFL-5CI.
We do believe that the modern battlefield is in need of more flexible and adaptable designs and this is what this ‘Mech should be.
The armour should be in par with the RFL-4CI and the protection provided for the ammo in par with the RFL-3CI.

The firepower is to be more flexible with 2 ER Large Lasers, 2 SRM-6 and 4 Medium Lasers. All the extra equipment is available from Majesty Metals and Manufacturing and we have secured for you a specific access to refit all the Rifleman you will be able to find.
We first thought that more advanced missiles launchers would be a good idea but the limited access to supplies made us discard them.
To round up this ‘Mech, 3 Jump Jets and 12 Double Heat Sinks should be provided.

If you agree with this request, we will send you for assessment 3 Rifleman for retrofit into each of the 3 models. When it is ready, the RFL-5CI should be sent to the 1st Canopian Cuirassiers, the RFL-4CI to the 2nd Canopian Fusiliers and the RFL-3CI to the 1st Canopian Light Horses.

Yours sincerely,

Colonel Ethan Cooper


From: 1st Canopian Cuirrasiers
To: Magistracy Support Corps

Topic: Assessment of the RFL-5CI

Sir,

As requested, we conducted a full assessment of the retrofitted Rifleman made by Canopus Industries Alpha.

First, its mobility is in par with most Heavy ‘Mechs but the addition of Jump Jets allows it to be used according to our preferred tactics.
Second, the choice of weapons might surprise at first those expecting to fight against or to pilot a classical Rifleman but once this is settled, it comes handy with a two row firepower meaning that opponents won’t know where to keep themselves when facing them.

According to our mechanicals, the maintenance is quite easy thanks to the use of a standard Fusion Engine and normal Internal Structure.
The only potential drawback is the amour. We didn’t fight or simulate any long-running battle but it is likely that we will need to build a supply of Ferro-Fibrous before doing so.

I don’t know how the other retrofits are performing but I would recommend transforming all of our Rifleman in the RFL-5CI version. Even if it means rearranging fire support lances with other designs of with vehicles.

Yours,

Major Margaret Zachara


From Minor upgrades with maximal effects in Military and ‘Mechs Vol.2/3052, Tharkan Media Associate
In spite of its economical boom, the Magistracy of Canopus is still lacking in production capacities to reinforce its military.
An example of this is its incapacity to produce enough of their new Rifleman, having to rely on retrofit from their own older Rifleman or to buy them from smaller mercenary units. This is a shame since apart from the less successful but still useful in some roles RFL-3CI, these advanced units would be a boon for the MAF.

Rifleman RFL-5CI

Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 5 756 800 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5 810 800 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 465

Chassis: Kallon Type IV Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 240 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-10
    Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: StarSlab/1 Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    2 Majesty Metals and Manufacturing/Martelle ER Large Lasers
    2 Majesty Metals and Manufacturing/Marklin 6 Pack SRM-6s
    2 Majesty Metals and Manufacturing/Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers
    2 Magna Metals Inc/Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Canopus Industries Alpha
    Primary Factory: Canopus
Communications System: Magestrix Alpha
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret D2j

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      99 points                6,00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                240                      11,50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 3 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL                                   3,00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             12(24)                    2,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 1 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 152                  8,50
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 1 LT, 4 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 1 LL
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1,00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     20           22       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  7         
                                           L/R Torso     14           19       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  6         
                                             L/R Arm     10           16       
                                             L/R Leg     14           16       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-6                                        RT        4         2         3,00
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1,00
SRM-6                                        LT        4         2         3,00
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1,00
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        2         5,00
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1,00
ER Large Laser                               LA        12        2         5,00
Medium Laser                                 LA        3         1         1,00
@SRM-6 (15)                                  RT        -         1         1,00
@SRM-6 (15)                                  LT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 9

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 15
4/2j       3       3       1       0      3     3   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

He's good, no doubt. I miss his posts here on OBT. Hopefully we will get this problem solved soon.