OBT Forum

Initial designs, fluff to follow. 2 Taurian and one FWL design



A variant intended for sale outside of the FWL the 6SE is upgrade of the 5SE that was a refit originally intended solely for the mercenary regiment Eridani Light Horse. Shipping to the Federated Commonwealth had gone smoothly before the recent turmoils rocking the FWL. Shipping lanes have started becoming more difficult due to local governments commandeering military grade shipments in the scope of National Defense. Earthwerks has begun having to bolster their internal defense forces with numerous smaller mercenaries to help guard their shipments.

The 6SE removes the LRM-10 for the more dependable LBX autocannon. With its ability to consistently deal damage with its standard shells, it adds the extra flexibility of using its Flak ammunition. Upgrading the standard Large Laser with an extended range version allows the T-Bolt to still strike opponents at long ranges. Adding an additional medium laser to its short range arsenal for an added punch. While not as heat friendly as it could be with its stock heat sinks upgraded to the double versions allows the 'Mech to remain cool in most battlefield situations. The added Beagle Active Probe system was seen as more valuable upgrade to its standard sensor package.


Thunderbolt TDR-6SE

Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 6,864,110 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,676

Mass: 65 tons
Chassis: Earthwerks TDR
Power Plant: Magna 260
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: Standard
     Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Ryerson 150
Armament:
     1 LB 10-X AC
     1 ER Large Laser
     4 Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Earthwerks Incorporated
     Primary Factory: Keystone
Communication System: Neil 8000
Targeting & Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel            3.5
Engine                        260 Fusion           13.5
   Walking MP: 4
   Running MP: 6
   Jumping MP: 4
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  208                    13

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            21        35   
     Center Torso (rear)               6     
     R/L Torso               15        25   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  5     
     R/L Arm                 10        20   
     R/L Leg                 15        29   

Weapons               Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
ER Large Laser            RA        2        12      5.0   
LB 10-X AC                LT        6        2       11.0 
LB 10-X AC Ammo (30)      RT        3        -       3.0   
CASE                      RT        1        -       0.5   
2 Medium Laser            CT        2        3       2.0   
2 Medium Laser            LA        2        3       2.0   
Active Probe              RT        2        -       1.5   
2 Jump Jet                RT        2        -       2.0   
2 Jump Jet                LT        2        -       2.0   
   


With trouble brewing in the FWL the two Taurian producers of the Thunderbolt looked to get out of the costly licensing fees associated with producing the 5S variant of the Thunderbolt. Each of the companies have taken the design in different directions.

Taurus Territorial Industries kept the majority of the systems of the 5S with the philosophy if its not broke don't fix it. With just minor enhancements the changes to existing chassis was just a short time in the 'Mech garage. With the most timely changes being the upgrading to Double Heat Sinks and the installation of CASE storage systems. Removing secondary ammo weapons systems the design still has more than adequate anti-infantry systems and is less prone to ammo explosions. The only other significant change is the inclusion of the Artemis fire control system for its long range missile system.

Vandenberg Mechanized Industries has taken the opposite approach, while mirroring the TTI approach to chassis and armor, they have diverted heavily from the standard weaponry system of the old 5S variant. Armed with the a new Extended Range PPC in place of the traditional large laser gives the design a greater range and damage potential. Keeping long range combatants on their toes with its ER PPC the heart of the design is centered around being a slugger. With its replacement of the long range missile system with a twin battery of short range missiles in its place. Dropping of one its traditional threesome of medium lasers the design doubles its machine gun armament keeping enemy infantry well away from it. While not yet popular the design has been rather successful in its limited engagements with pirates.


Thunderbolt TDR-5TT

Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 5,757,373 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,460

Mass: 65 tons
Chassis: Earthwerks TDR
Power Plant: Magna 260
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
     Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Ryerson 150
Armament:
     1 LRM 15
     1 Large Laser
     3 Medium Laser
     2 Flamer
     1 Small Laser
Manufacturer: Taurus Territorial Industries
     Primary Factory: Taurus
Communication System: Neil 8000
Targeting & Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  6.5
Engine                        260 Fusion           13.5
   Walking MP: 4
   Running MP: 6
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              15 [30]                 5
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  208                    13

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            21        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               11   
     R/L Torso               15        24   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  6     
     R/L Arm                 10        20   
     R/L Leg                 15        29   

Weapons              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
Large Laser              RA        2        8       5.0   
LRM 15                   RT        3        5       7.0   
LRM 15 Ammo (16)         RT        2        -       2.0   
Artemis IV FCS           RT        1        -       1.0   
CASE                     RT        1        -       0.5   
3 Medium Laser           LT        3        3       3.0   
2 Flamer                 LA        2        3       2.0   
Small Laser              LA        1        1       0.5   
Double Heat Sink         RT        3        -       1.0   
2 Double Heat Sink       LT        6        -       2.0   
2 Double Heat Sink       RA        6        -       2.0   
   
Thunderbolt TDR-5V

Introduction Year: 3052
Cost: 5,856,785 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,461

Mass: 65 tons
Chassis: Earthwerks TDR
Power Plant: Magna 260
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
     Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Ryerson 150
Armament:
     1 ER PPC
     2 SRM 6
     2 Medium Laser
     4 Machine Gun
Manufacturer: Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
     Primary Factory: Pinard
Communication System: Neil 8000
Targeting & Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  6.5
Engine                        260 Fusion           13.5
   Walking MP: 4
   Running MP: 6
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              15 [30]                 5
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  208                    13

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            21        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               11   
     R/L Torso               15        24   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  6     
     R/L Arm                 10        20   
     R/L Leg                 15        29   

Weapons                      Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
ER PPC                           RA        3        15      7.0   
2 SRM 6                          LT        4        4       6.0   
Medium Laser                     RT        1        3       1.0   
Medium Laser                     LT        1        3       1.0   
2 Machine Gun                    RT        2        0       1.0   
2 Machine Gun                    LT        2        0       1.0   
SRM 6 Ammo (45)                  LT        3        -       3.0   
Half Machine Gun Ammo (100)      LT        1        -       0.5   
CASE                             LT        1        -       0.5   
3 Double Heat Sink               RT        9        -       3.0   
Double Heat Sink                 LA        3        -       1.0   
Double Heat Sink                 RA        3        -       1.0   

Here's my first. Fluff to come in a couple or three days


Thunderbolt TDR-5MC

Mass: 65 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: 3054
Dry Cost: 6,157,085 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,244,085 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,624

Chassis: Earthwerks TDR Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Ryerson 150 Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1  ER Large Laser
    1  LRM-15
    3 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
    1 Bical Short Range Missile Twin-Rack SRM-2
    2  Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Earthwerks Incorporated
    Primary Factory: Keystone
Communications System: Neil 8000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     104 points                6.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                260                      13.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 4 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT                                   4.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             13(26)                    3.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 206                 11.50
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 2 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 RT                                                   0.50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     21           31       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10       
                                           L/R Torso     15           22       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     10           20       
                                             L/R Leg     15           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-2                                        RT        2         1         1.00
3 Medium Lasers                              LT        9         3         3.00
LRM-15                                       LT        5         3         7.00
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        2         5.00
2 Small Lasers                               LA        2         2         1.00
@SRM-2 (50)                                  RT        -         1         1.00
@LRM-15 (16)                                 RT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 5

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 16
4j         4       3       2       0      3     1   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1




Thunderbolt TDR-5T

Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-E
Production Year: 3054
Dry Cost: 6,093,560 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,178,560 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,563

Chassis: Earthwerks TDR Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Ryerson 150 Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1  PPC
    1  LRM-10
    3 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
    1  Streak SRM-2
    2  Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Earthwerks Incorporated
    Primary Factory: Keystone
Communications System: Neil 8000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     104 points                6.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                260                      13.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 4 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT                                   4.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             12(24)                    2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT, 1 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 206                 11.50
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 3 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1.00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     21           31       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10       
                                           L/R Torso     15           22       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     10           20       
                                             L/R Leg     15           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Streak SRM-2                                 RT        2         1         1.50
3 Medium Lasers                              LT        9         3         3.00
LRM-10                                       LT        4         2         5.00
PPC                                          RA        10        3         7.00
2 Machine Guns                               LA        0         2         1.00
@LRM-10 (12)                                 RT        -         1         1.00
@Streak SRM-2 (50)                           RT        -         1         1.00
@MG (200)                                    LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 7

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 16
4j         4       4       2       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1





Type: TDR-7T Thunderbolt
Production: Taurian Concordat (Vandenberg Mechanized Industries, Pinard)
Combat Value: 1477 BV
Total Cost: 6,101,811 C-Bills (including x1.65 tonnage premium)

Internal (standard): 6.5t
Engine: (Magna 260): 13.5t
  Walking: 4            
  Running: 6
Heat Sinks: 10(20): 0t
Gyro/Cockpit (std): 6t
Armor Factor (Ferro): 11.5t (207 pts)

Head 3/9
Center Torso 21/32/10
R/L Torso 15/21/9
R/L Arm 10/20
R/L Leg 15/28

Quirks: Multitrac, Rugged (2), Ubiquitous

1x Binary Laser (4cr, 9t) RA
1x LB 10-X (6cr, 11t) LT
1x Medium Laser (1cr, 1t) LT
2x Ammo (LBX) 20 (2cr, 2t) RT
1x Ammo (SRM) 15 (1cr, 1t) RT
1x CASE (1cr, 0.5t) RT
1x SRM-6 (2cr, 3t) RT

Produced on Pinard by one of the Concordat’s oldest armaments firms, Vandenberg Mechanized Industries, the Thunderbolt has long been a popular mainstay of the Taurian Defense Force.  As the technologies unlocked by the Grey Death Memory Core filtered out to the Periphery, VMI decided to begin updates of their classic ‘Mech designs that could take advantage of the new materials and weapons now widely available.

Although engineers at VMI were particularly excited by the possibilities opened up by the use of extra-light fusion engines and Endo-steel frames, neither of these technologies was truly feasible in the 3040s (VMI would not be able to produce either of these in sizable quantities until the 3070s), but VMI was able to obtain a license for Earthwerk’s Thunderbolt 7M.  The weight savings on the 7M were primarily gained from using double heat sinks, integrated into the standard fusion engines of ‘Mechs, with some additional modest weight savings from switching to the use of Earthwerk’s new Ryerson 250 X-Blend Ferro Fibrous armor, with CASE protection.

The 7T variant is essentially a repurposed 7M, with a different weapons array, all sourced from Concordat manufacturers.  As the expectation is that the 7T will be serving alongside the 7M, it focuses less on fire support, and more on tactical versatility.  It fits a Martell RT Binary Laser (produced by Sterope Defense Industries under license from Corean-GM of Futuna) to the right arm mount, and an Armstrong Class-B Clustergun LB 10-X (also produced by SDI) in the left torso mount, in place of the classic T-bolt’s LRM.  Although it carries just one Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Laser (also from SDI) in place of the classic trio, it upgrades the SRM to a Shannon Six-Shooter SRM-6 – shipped in from VMI’s Illiushin plant.  The design concept is that the Binary Laser can open up the armored exterior of ‘Mechs and conventional units, while the LB 10-X and SRM-6 can scour the more delicate inner bits.

Finally a chance to showcase the Long Tom Artillery Cannon -- functionally a less accurate but more versatile Heavy Gauss Rifle.  Big boom!  Plus, this is the obvious low-tech specialist upgrade for a group like the New Belt Pirates.

Type: TDR-6SE Thunderbolt
Production: New Belt Pirates (Star’s End refit)
Combat Value: 1555 BV
Total Cost: 6,194,211 C-Bills (including x1.65 tonnage premium)

Internal (standard): 6.5t
Engine: (Magna 260): 13.5t
  Walking: 4            
  Running: 6
Heat Sinks: 11(22): 1t
Gyro/Cockpit (Std): 6t
Armor Factor (Ferro): 11.5t (207pts)

Head 3/9
Center Torso 21/32/10
R/L Torso 15/21/9
R/L Arm 10/20
R/L Leg 15/28

Quirks: Multitrac, Rugged (2), Ubiquitous

1x Long Tom Art Cannon (20cr, 20t) RA/RT
3x Ammo (LTAC) 15 (3cr, 3t) LT
1x CASE (1cr, 0.5t) LT
3x Medium Lasers (3cr, 3t) LT

Although the durable Thunderbolt TDR-5S was a reliable and versatile machine, Susie Morgraine-Ryan of the former Greater Valkyrate discovered that it was simply too slow to be a credible mid-range threat against Clan units, and lacked sufficient long-ranged firepower to be a credible fire-support unit against the same.  Meanwhile, the decimated pirate forces of the Valkyrate, forced to flee to Star’s End, had a desperate need for an escort unit capable of scouring the battlefield clean of Elemental forces so favored by the Clans.

Enter the Thunderbolt 6SE variant, a cheap and effective upgrade that solves both weaknesses of the 5S simultaneously.  On the one hand, it has a long-ranged weapon, effective out to 600 meters, and with its massive area-of-effect burst, does just as well against high-speed Clan lights as it does against conventional or heavy forces.  On the other hand, the Long Tom Artillery Cannon – which replaces its Sunglow Type 2 (Large Laser) and Delta Dart (LRM-15), as well as its laughably underpowered Bical SRM-2 – has the hitting power of a large-bore AC-20 autocannon, which coupled with the massive burst of the HE artillery shell it fires, can drop an entire star of Elementals in a single shot.

Due to the difficulty with which the short-barreled LTAC acquires close-ranged targets within 120 meters or less, the 6SE retains the trio of left-torso mounted Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers of the classic TDR-5S.  Layered in over eleven tons of ferro-fibrous armor – technically repurposed Clan armor, but only about as effective as Inner Sphere grade ferro fibrous due to their patchwork application – and fitted with protective CASE for the left torso ammunition bin, the 6SE is both durable and designed to be readily recovered and salvaged if temporarily put out of action.  Morgraine-Ryan reportedly has as many as half a dozen modified 6SE variants, and has already dealt severe damage to a number of Periphery holdings in the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone.

I’ve been real busy maybe later tonight or tomorrow

My first two. I have stats for more and ideas for my fluff. I only have to find time to write everything down.


Overview
While mourning the Star League and what Kerensky’s children had become, the Eridani Light Horse tried “just in case” to either acquire advanced ‘Mechs or to upgrade their existing designs to modern standards.
Being closely linked to the NAIS, they were approached by the College of Engineering asking them to participate in a practical exercise for a full class, into retrofitting an existing design to modern technologies.
After some thoughts, General Ariana Winston and her staff agreed on the condition that the retrofit would not be too costly (to suit mercenary units and one that had just rebuild a regiment) and looking for volunteers assigned the commander of the 41st Support Company of the 82nd Heavy Cavalry Battalion to this mission. No one is sure if this was made because of his aggressive nature, that fit the tactics used by the Clans or as a kind of joke for the Clanners as the nickname of the 82nd was Kerensky’s Favorite or because his preferred ‘Mech was a variant common only among the Eridani Light Horse  however, the final result was that the Thunderbolt, in its TDR-5SE/9SE variants, was selected as the project of 3052.


Capabilities
Focusing on the raider and reconnaissance role and after long interviews with “Dashing John” mostly on the battles of Benet and Fellanin II or his own vision of the role such a ‘Mech could play, it was decided to keep the mobility provided by the Jump Jets but to increase the ground speed. Since an extra-light engine was not an option, a MASC was added to boot the Thunderbolt ground speed.
To fulfil its role, the students acknowledged that a complete rework of the electronic warfare systems was needed and the traditional LRM system was dropped to make some room for it. A Narc Missile Beacon with 2 tons of ammo and a TAG provide new interesting tactical possibilities for a combined-arms unit like the Eridani Light Horse. It is to be noted that the TAG is coupled with a Small Laser allowing it like the one linked to the Beagle Active Probe in the Black Knight to travel through any interfering objects. It remains to be seen if this system will work like it was intended to. If it works, the NAIS plans to deploy this system on more ‘Mechs.

For the offensive weapons, an ER PPC from Defiance Industries was used to provide the main punch instead of the Large Laser and the 3 Medium Lasers were kept as secondary firepower should anyone get close to the ‘Mech. Against potential infantry be it normal or armoured one, a Small Pulse Laser replaced the Machine Guns making the Thunderbolt less ammo dependent and less vulnerable to ammo explosions.
The defensive functions were not forgotten with 11.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armour providing almost as much protection as the traditional 13 tons of classical Armour and a Guardian ECM to disturb the electronic warfare systems of its opponents.


Variants
The TDR-6SE1 drops the Narc Missile Beacon and the TAG for 2 LRM-5 and another Small Pulse Laser, reversing its role to a more offensive one, more in par with the traditional TDR-5SE.


Battle History
So far, the new Thunderbolt has only seen combat against the NAIS Cadet Cadre units and performed as expected be it alone or as part of a combined-arms team. Its mobility and firepower brought a bonus to the Eridani Light Horse units both when they are on the offensive or on the defensive.


Deployment
The TDR-5SE of the Eridani Light Horse are being replaced on an one for one basis with the upgraded TDR-6SE, increasing the tactical panel at the disposal of the mercenaries to fight against the Clans should they decide to go against them.


Notable ‘MechWarriors
Captain “Dashing John” MacAllister is no longer in his younger years but he still leads his unit from the forefront in his “Toujours L’Audace III” with the same flair and tactics he always displayed.

Thunderbolt TDR-6SE

Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 7 869 373 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7 881 373 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 764

Chassis: Earthwerk TDR Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h (86,4 km/h)
Jump Jets: Hildco Model 12
    Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: StarGuard CIV Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Defiance Industries/Defiance 1001 ER PPC
    3 Trellshire Heavy Industries/Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
    1 Apple Computers Interstellar/Octagon Missile Magnet Narc Launcher
    1 Defiance Industries/Defiance D5S Small Pulse Laser
    1 Achernar BattleMechs/ChisComp 32 Small Laser
    1 Winston-CherrySeed Consolidated/CherrySeed Bullseye TAG
    1 Mendham Electronics/Garret-Guardian Interface 2B Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: NAIS - College of Engineering
    Primary Factory: New Avalon
Communications System: Neil 8000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     104 points                6,50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                260                      13,50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6 (8)
    Jumping MP: 4 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL                                         4,00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             11(22)                    1,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 206                 11,50
    Armor Locations: 4 LT, 6 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA
    CASE Locations: 1 LT                                                   0,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     21           32       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  9         
                                           L/R Torso     15           24       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  6         
                                             L/R Arm     10           20       
                                             L/R Leg     15           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG                                          HD        0         1         1,00
Guardian ECM Suite                           CT        0         2         1,50
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3,00
Narc Launcher                                LT        0         2         3,00
3 Medium Lasers                              LT        9         3         3,00
ER PPC                                       RA        15        3         7,00
Small Laser                                  LA        1         1         0,50
Small Pulse Laser                            LA        2         1         1,00
@Narc (Homing) (12)                          LT        -         2         2,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 7

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 18
5/4j       3       3       1       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: SNARC, TAG, ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


Thunderbolt TDR-6SE1

Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 7 747 273 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7 777 273 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 808

Chassis: Earthwerk TDR Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h (86,4 km/h)
Jump Jets: Hildco Model 12
    Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: StarGuard CIV Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Defiance Industries/Defiance 1001 ER PPC
    3 Trellshire Heavy Industries/Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
    2 Achernar BattleMechs/Federated 5-Shot LRM-5s
    2 Defiance Industries/Defiance D5S Small Pulse Lasers
    1 Achernar BattleMechs/ChisComp 32 Small Laser
    1 Mendham Electronics/Garret-Guardian Interface 2B Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: NAIS - College of Engineering
    Primary Factory: New Avalon
Communications System: Neil 8000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     104 points                6,50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                260                      13,50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6 (8)
    Jumping MP: 4 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL                                         4,00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             11(22)                    1,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 206                 11,50
    Armor Locations: 5 LT, 6 RT, 2 LA, 1 RA
    CASE Locations: 1 LT                                                   0,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     21           32       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  9         
                                           L/R Torso     15           24       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  6         
                                             L/R Arm     10           20       
                                             L/R Leg     15           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Laser                                  HD        1         1         0,50
Guardian ECM Suite                           CT        0         2         1,50
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3,00
3 Medium Lasers                              LT        9         3         3,00
2 LRM-5s                                     LT        4         2         4,00
ER PPC                                       RA        15        3         7,00
2 Small Pulse Lasers                         LA        4         2         2,00
@LRM-5 (24)                                  LT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 8

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 18
5/4j       3       3       2       0      3     1   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


TDR-5T Thunderbolt

The Taurian Concordat has been producing its own custom variant of the venerable Thunderbolt for almost 50 years.  First appearing in 3001, the TDR-5T is produced on Taurus (Taurus Territorial Industries) and Pinard (Vandenberg Mechanized Industries).  There are only slight changes from the standard TDR-5S model.

First, the Taurians removed one heat sink (leaving 14) and replaced the Bical SRM-2 launcher and ammunition with a four-tube Bical-Four SRM launcher.  Second, the machine-gun ammunition was cut in half (to a half-ton, for a total of 100 bursts of fire) and a third Voelkers 200 Machine-Gun added to the left arm.  The LRM ammunition was moved from the center torso to the right torso, allowing the Bical-Four to be mounted in the center torso (with one ton of ammunition in the left torso).

While some lament the loss of the fifteenth heat sink, the Taurians insist it makes no practical difference.  When using the long range battery (Large Laser and LRM-15), the TDR-5T can walk and fire without generating any excess overheat.  At short range, it is able to do the same with the three Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers and the Bical-Four SRM launcher.

Only when running or using additional weaponry does the TDR-5T generate excess overheat.  And the design engineers (and TDF ranking officers) note that even the TDR-5S overheated when using all four lasers in concert (either after ammunition stocks were depleted or when presented with difficult targeting situations); the TDR-5T only generates marginally more heat when using only the laser battery.

But in exchange, the TDR-5T has greater short- and point blank-range firepower . . . and is a truly fearsome opponent to hostile infantry forces (able to bring three machine-guns to bear on hostile infantry platoons and squads in the field).

Since 3001, the TDR-5T has replaced the TDR-5S in production at both Taurus and Pinard for both domestic use and export.

Thunderbolt TDR-5T

Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Succession Wars
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/X-E-D-A
Production Year: 3025
Dry Cost: 5,356,010 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,443,510 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,353

Chassis: Earthwerks TDR Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Ryerson 150 Standard Armor
Armament:
    1 Delta Dart Long Range Missile 15 Rack LRM-15
    1 Sunglow Type 2 Large Laser
    3 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
    1 Bical-Four SRM-4
    3 Voelkers 200 Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Taurus Territorial Industries, Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
    Primary Factory: Taurus (TTI), Pinard (VMI)
Communications System: Neil 8000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     104 points                6.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                260                      13.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             14                        4.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 208                 13.00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     21           30       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  11       
                                           L/R Torso     15           24       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  6         
                                             L/R Arm     10           20       
                                             L/R Leg     15           29       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Laser                                  RA        8         2         5.00
3 Machine Guns                               LA        0         3         1.50
LRM-15                                       RT        5         3         7.00
3 Medium Lasers                              LT        9         3         3.00
SRM-4                                        CT        3         1         2.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              LA        -         1         0.50
@LRM-15 (16)                                 RT        -         2         2.00
@SRM-4 (25)                                  LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 27

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 14
4          3       3       1       0      3     1   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
TDR-6T Thunderbolt

Beginning in 3052, the TDR-6T has begun replacing the TDR-5T in production at both Taurus and Pinard.  This upgraded version utilizes some recovered technology to enhance and improve the basic TDR-5T Thunderbolt.

Twelve tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armor replace the thirteen tons of standard armor previously carried. While there are some who believe that the Taurians could have saved a half-ton by mounting just 11.5 tons (as most of the last half-ton is deemed a "waste"), the TDF insisted on improving the armor protection to the maximum possible for a 65-ton bipedal chassis.

Next, the design team removed the fourteen standard heat sinks and replaced them with twelve Double-Strength Freezers, greatly improving heat dissipation capabilities.

All three Voelkers 200 Machine-Guns and their ammunition was removed and replaced with a pair of  Diverse Optics Type 10P Small Pulse Lasers; a Zippo Flamer was also added to the left arm to retain the fearsome anti-personnel capabilities of the TDR-5T.

Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE) was then added to both the right and left torsos to mitigate against the effects of a detonation of onboard ammunition stores.

Finally, the Bical-Four SRM-4 launcher and ammunition were removed and replaced with a pair of Pinard Reaper Streak SRM-2 launchers, fed by a ton of ammunition.

The Sunglow Type 2 Large Laser, Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers, and Delta Dart LRM-15 launcher were retained.

At long and medium range, the TDR-6T runs very cool with only the LRM-15 launcher and Large Laser cooled by twelve DHS.  At shorter ranges where the Medium Lasers and Streak SRM-2s come to bear, the TDR-6T is able to able to run and fire the Large Laser, all three Medium Lasers, and both Streak launchers (provided that they lock on target) without generating any excess overheat.

Finally, at point-blank range, where the twin Small Pulse Lasers and Flamer can be brought to bear, can overheat if all six lasers and the flamer are used and both Streak SRM-2 launchers lock onto target.  If the Streak packs do not lock, however, only movement heat is generated as excess when using the lasers and flamer.

The TDR-6T has become the standard of Taurian production at both Taurus and Pinard, although two variants have been produced in limited quantities.

Thunderbolt TDR-6T

Mass: 65 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: 3053
Dry Cost: 5,799,035 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,913,035 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,517

Chassis: Earthwerks TDR Standard
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Ryerson 150 Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Delta Dart Long Range Missile 15 Rack LRM-15
    1 Sunglow Type 2 Large Laser
    3 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
    2 Pinard Reaper Streak SRM-2s
    2 Diverse Optics Type 10P Small Pulse Lasers
    1 Zippo Flamer
Manufacturer: Taurus Territorial Industries, Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
    Primary Factory: Taurus (TTI), Pinard (VMI)
Communications System: Neil 8000
Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark X

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Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     104 points                6.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                260                      13.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             12(24)                    2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 211                 12.00
    Armor Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1.00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     21           30       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  12       
                                           L/R Torso     15           24       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  6         
                                             L/R Arm     10           20       
                                             L/R Leg     15           30       

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Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Laser                                  RA        8         2         5.00
2 Small Pulse Lasers                         LA        4         2         2.00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1.00
LRM-15                                       RT        5         3         7.00
3 Medium Lasers                              LT        9         3         3.00
2 Streak SRM-2s                              CT        4         2         3.00
@LRM-15 (16)                                 RT        -         2         2.00
@Streak SRM-2 (50)                           LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 9

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 15
4          4       4       1       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1