OBT Forum

Definitely surprised me on this one next. But hope we go back and finish 30 tonners.


Never really looked at this design in probably nearly 15 years. So first off a very simple fix and one I'm not even going to change the variant number on. Why no DHS? That alone if you just say 10 double you improve and have 2 more tons for armor.

Venom SDR-9K
35 tons 
BV: 982
Cost: 6,501,510 C-bills

Movement: 8/12/8
Engine: 280 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 58
Armor: 98/119 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               11       15
Center Torso (rear)                  4
Right Torso                 8       10
Right Torso (rear)                   3
Left Torso                  8       10
Left Torso (rear)                    3
Right Arm                   6        9
Left Arm                    6        9
Right Leg                   8       13
Left Leg                    8       13

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Medium Pulse Laser              LT     4
Medium Pulse Laser              LT     4
Medium Pulse Laser              RT     4
Medium Pulse Laser              RT     4


Will do fluff later for these


Venom SDR-8K

35 tons 
BV: 1,136
Cost: 6,563,610 C-bills

Movement: 8/12/8
Engine: 280 XL
Heat Sinks: 11 [22]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 58
Armor: 98/119 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               11       15
Center Torso (rear)                  4
Right Torso                 8       10
Right Torso (rear)                   3
Left Torso                  8       10
Left Torso (rear)                    3
Right Arm                   6        9
Left Arm                    6        9
Right Leg                   8       13
Left Leg                    8       13

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Medium Laser                    RT     3
Medium Laser                    LT     3
ER Large Laser                  CT    12


Venom SDR-7K

35 tons 
BV: 973
Cost: 7,110,023 C-bills

Movement: 8/12/8
Engine: 280 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 58
Armor: 98/119 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               11       15
Center Torso (rear)                  4
Right Torso                 8       10
Right Torso (rear)                   3
Left Torso                  8       10
Left Torso (rear)                    3
Right Arm                   6        9
Left Arm                    6        9
Right Leg                   8       13
Left Leg                    8       13

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Medium Laser                    RA     3
Medium Laser                    LT     3
Medium Laser                    RT     3
Flamer                          RA     3
Small Laser                     LA     1

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
Standard                       None
C3 Slave                        HD
Remote Sensor Dispenser         LL
Remote Sensor Dispenser         RL
Guardian ECM Suite              CT


Venom SDR-6K

35 tons 
BV: 1,126
Cost: 7,434,698 C-bills

Movement: 8/12(16)/8
Engine: 280 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 58
Armor: 98/119 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               11       15
Center Torso (rear)                  4
Right Torso                 8       10
Right Torso (rear)                   3
Left Torso                  8       10
Left Torso (rear)                    3
Right Arm                   6        9
Left Arm                    6        9
Right Leg                   8       13
Left Leg                    8       13

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Medium Laser                    LT     3
Medium Laser                    RT     3
Medium Laser                    LT     3
Medium Laser                    RT     3
Small Laser                     HD     1

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            CT
Beagle Active Probe             RT
Venom SDR-5K
35 tons 
BV: 1,134
Cost: 6,536,610 C-bills

Movement: 8/12/8
Engine: 280 XL
Heat Sinks: 11 [22]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 58
Armor: 80/119 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               11       12
Center Torso (rear)                  3
Right Torso                 8        9
Right Torso (rear)                   2
Left Torso                  8        9
Left Torso (rear)                    2
Right Arm                   6        8
Left Arm                    6        8
Right Leg                   8       10
Left Leg                    8        8

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Medium Laser                    LT     3
Medium Laser                    RT     3
Medium Laser                    LT     3
Medium Laser                    RT     3
Medium Pulse Laser              CT     4
Medium Pulse Laser              CT     4

Doing these as a series of experiments in design theories up until you got to what ultimately was the canon variety with my twist.

Venom SDR-4K

Cost: 6,485,985 C-bills
Battle Value: 805

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  3.5
Engine                        280 XL                  8
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          89                      5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            11        12   
     Center Torso (rear)               4     
     R/L Torso               8         11   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  2     
     R/L Arm                 6         8     
     R/L Leg                 8         11   

Weapons                  Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Medium Laser                 HD        1        3       1.0   
SRM 4                        RT        1        3       2.0   
SRM 4                        LT        1        3       2.0   
Flamer                       RT        1        3       1.0   
Flamer                       LT        1        3       1.0   
SRM 4 Inferno Ammo (25)      RT        1        -       1.0   
CASE                         RT        1        -       0.5   
4 Jump Jets                  RT        4        -       2.0   
4 Jump Jets                  LT        4        -       2.0   

Venom SDR-3K

Cost: 6,670,260 C-bills
Battle Value: 984

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  3.5
Engine                        280 XL                  8
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          71                      4

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            11        9     
     Center Torso (rear)               3     
     R/L Torso               8         8     
     R/L Torso (rear)                  2     
     R/L Arm                 6         6     
     R/L Leg                 8         9     

Weapons              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Hatchet                  RA        3        -       3.0   
Medium Pulse Laser       CT        1        4       2.0   
Medium Laser             CT        1        3       1.0   
Medium Laser             RT        1        3       1.0   
Medium Laser             LT        1        3       1.0   
ECM Suite                RT        2        -       1.5   
4 Jump Jets              RT        4        -       2.0   
4 Jump Jets              LT        4        -       2.0   

Venom SDR-2K

Cost: 3,518,010 C-bills
Battle Value: 705

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  3.5
Engine                        280 Fusion             16
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8
Heat Sink                     10                      0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          71                    3.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            11        9     
     Center Torso (rear)               3     
     R/L Torso               8         8     
     R/L Torso (rear)                  2     
     R/L Arm                 6         6     
     R/L Leg                 8         9     

Weapons              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
2 Medium Lasers          CT        2        3       2.0   
4 Jump Jets              RT        4        -       2.0   
4 Jump Jets              LT        4        -       2.0   

Venom SDR-1K

Cost: 8,101,710 C-bills
Battle Value: 463

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  3.5
Engine                        350 XL                 15
Walking MP: 10
Running MP: 15
Jumping MP: 10
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  4
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          71                    3.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            11        9     
     Center Torso (rear)               3     
     R/L Torso               8         8     
     R/L Torso (rear)                  2     
     R/L Arm                 6         6     
     R/L Leg                 8         9     

Weapons              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
5 Jump Jets              RT        5        -       2.5   
5 Jump Jets              LT        5        -       2.5   
C3 Computer              HD        1        -       1.0

Venom SDR-9L

Mass: 35 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3050
Cost: 6,960,510 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,125


Chassis: Crucis-II, Newhart Refit Standard Standard
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: Rawlings 75
    Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    4 Ceres Arms Medium Lasers
    1 Hellespont Interrogator Beagle Active Probe
    1 Apple Churchill Golden Shield Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products
    Primary Factory: Tematagi
Communications System: Omicron 4002 Networking Channel
Targeting and Tracking System:  TRSS Eagle Eye


Overview:
Tematagi's new Venom chassis was in immediate demand all across the Inner Sphere, with the DCMS receiving the first shipments. As a result of the agreements reached on Outreach, while the DCMS would continue to receive much of the output, variants were made available to the Federated Commonwealth and Free Rasalhague Republic.

The sudden death of Romano Liao and engagement of the Isis Marik to Sun-Tzu Liao was marked by the delivery of several chassis to Capella as gifts were exchanged between the two houses. 'Shipping delays' of the Kungsarme's expected Venoms made it clear which realm had been shorted to provide for this gift and demonstrated that Thomas Marik is not yet ready to break relations with the Federated Commonwealth, whatever his future son-in-law might want.


Capabilities:
The CCAF equips their Venoms to supplement the Raven in their light lances, using advanced electronics coming from the same factories. To make space for this, they replaced the Tronel XII pulses lasers with standard Ceres Arms medium lasers.

While the Combine's double-heatsinks are in short supply, the Capellans lavished them on their new light 'Mechs and their variant is far more forgiving in its heat management and sports almost double the armour protection of the original.


Variants:
House Marik has retained only a few Venoms for their own use, with most in the hands of the Eagles for use in special operations. Reports indicate that the variant used by the Eagles uses double heatsinks, improving the armour compared to earlier variants, but doesn't have the advanced electronics of the Liao variants.

Venoms shipped to the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth were found to be missing their armament, with investigations underway to identify why. LCAF sources blame the Captain-General for reneging on his deal while SAFE claims that Lyran industrial interests made off with the Tronel XII lasers to reverse engineer them. In the meanwhile, Archon Melissa Steiner-Davion has had them re-equipped for deployment. Cyclops Eye lasers, which were almost unique in not
needing long heavy barrels, have been fitted, along with double heatsinks to manage the heat load.

As compensation for the previous delays, House Marik paid for the Free Rasalhague Republic to have a number of Venoms re-equipped to their own needs. The Kungsarme appear to see the Venom as an Elemental hunter. Expecting to need to replace armour often they chose a heavy layer of cheap ArcShield Maxi II plating and scaled the lasers down to smaller and more available Magna units.

A handful of Venoms in Federated Commonwealth hands were refitted and provided to the Draconis March in order to satisfy James Sandoval's complaints that his domain was not only stripped of units to face the Clans but also receiving less than its fair share of advanced technology. This Davion model mounts a pair of Martell medium lasers on one side of the chest and a small ChisComp 32 paired with an advanced BlazeFire Sweetshot on the other side. Despite the advanced heatsinks, the -9D runs warm and pilots have complained that the asymmetric weapons fit leaves the design unbalanced. Like most variants, the armour protection has been improved upon, replacing much of the internal structure with endosteel to free up weight for extra armour.

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      58 points                3.50
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 8
    Running MP: 12
    Jumping MP: 8 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT                                         4.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 116                  6.50
    Armor Locations: 2 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            8         
                                        Center Torso     11           16       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  4         
                                           L/R Torso     8            13       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  3         
                                             L/R Arm     6            12       
                                             L/R Leg     8            16       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Medium Lasers                              RT        6         2         2.00
2 Medium Lasers                              LT        6         2         2.00
Beagle Active Probe                          RL        0         2         1.50
Guardian ECM Suite                           LL        0         2         1.50
                                            Free Critical Slots: 11

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 11
8j         2       2       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: PRB, RCN, ECM, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Venom SDR-9M

Mass: 35 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3050
Cost: 6,501,510 C-Bills
Battle Value: 982

Chassis: Crucis-II, Newhart Refit Standard Standard
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: Rawlings 75
    Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    4  Medium Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products
    Primary Factory: Tematagi
Communications System: Omicron 4002 Networking Channel
Targeting and Tracking System:  TRSS Eagle Eye
================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      58 points                3.50
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 8
    Running MP: 12
    Jumping MP: 8 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT                                         4.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV -  98                  5.50
    Armor Locations: 2 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            8         
                                        Center Torso     11           14       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  4         
                                           L/R Torso     8            13       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  3         
                                             L/R Arm     6            10       
                                             L/R Leg     8            10       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Medium Pulse Lasers                        RT        8         2         4.00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers                        LT        8         2         4.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 15

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 10
8j         3       3       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Venom SDR-9S

Mass: 35 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3050
Cost: 6,393,510 C-Bills
Battle Value: 988

Chassis: Crucis-II, Newhart Refit Standard Standard
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: Rawlings 75
    Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    2 Cyclops Eye Large Lasers
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products
    Primary Factory: Tematagi
Communications System: Omicron 4002 Networking Channel
Targeting and Tracking System:  TRSS Eagle Eye
================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      58 points                3.50
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 8
    Running MP: 12
    Jumping MP: 8 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT                                         4.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV -  62                  3.50
    Armor Locations: 2 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            7         
                                        Center Torso     11           7         
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  4         
                                           L/R Torso     8            7         
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  3         
                                             L/R Arm     6            6         
                                             L/R Leg     8            6         

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Laser                                  RT        8         2         5.00
Large Laser                                  LT        8         2         5.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 15

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 10
8j         2       2       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Venom SDR-9F

Mass: 35 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3050
Cost: 6,141,060 C-Bills
Battle Value: 704

Chassis: Crucis-II, Newhart Refit Standard Standard
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: Rawlings 75
    Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous Standard Armor
Armament:
    4 Magna 200P Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products
    Primary Factory: Tematagi
Communications System: Omicron 4002 Networking Channel
Targeting and Tracking System:  TRSS Eagle Eye
================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      58 points                3.50
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 8
    Running MP: 12
    Jumping MP: 8 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT                                         4.00
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             12                        2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 HD
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 119                  7.50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     11           18       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  4         
                                           L/R Torso     8            12       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  4         
                                             L/R Arm     6            12       
                                             L/R Leg     8            16       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Small Pulse Lasers                         RT        4         2         2.00
2 Small Pulse Lasers                         LT        4         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 28

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 7
8j         2       0       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Venom SDR-9D

Mass: 35 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3050
Cost: 6,662,498 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,221

Chassis: Crucis-II, Newhart Refit Standard Endo-Steel
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: Rawlings 75
    Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    1 BlazFire Sweetshot ER Large Laser
    2 Martell Medium Lasers
    1  Small Laser
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products
    Primary Factory: Tematagi
Communications System: Omicron 4002 Networking Channel
Targeting and Tracking System:  TRSS Eagle Eye

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    58 points                2.00
    Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 LT, 6 LA, 6 RA
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 8
    Running MP: 12
    Jumping MP: 8 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT                                         4.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             11(22)                    1.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 116                  6.50
    Armor Locations: 2 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            8         
                                        Center Torso     11           18       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  4         
                                           L/R Torso     8            12       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  4         
                                             L/R Arm     6            12       
                                             L/R Leg     8            15       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        2         5.00
Small Laser                                  RT        1         1         0.50
2 Medium Lasers                              LT        6         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 0

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 12
8j         3       2       1       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

As the Venom’s first production models rolled off the assembly line in 3050. They were deployed along the Periphery border to defend against pirate attacks, but soon the 'Mech spread throughout the DCMS until examples could be found in nearly every line regiment. As the ‘Mechs popularity grew various regiment engineering teams began playing with the design as parts became available or were not.

The first change was quickly accepted by Nimakachi, the removal two Heat Sinks and the upgrade of the integrated systems to utilize double heat sinks, which gave a 60% increase in heat distribution. This allowed for two tons of armor to be added to the ‘Mech drastically improving its survivability.

From there over the past two years, various regiments have asked for special orders customized variants to be produced to fit their unit needs. From the 1st Genyosha came the 8K variant. Removing all of the Medium Pulse Lasers, the 8K instead centers around a ER Large Laser giving the design a decent punch from long ranges in their battles vs the Clans this was seen as a necessary change as the Medium Pulse Lasers just had to short of a range in their estimation. Twin Medium Lasers back the ER Large giving the design a boost in damage output at shorter ranges.

The Ryuken-yon gave birth to the 7K variant. To mesh with the units tactics, their version of the Venom required a method to utilize their TAG assisted artillery and missiles. Incorporating the new C3 system this design boosted as well with Remote Sensors to feed into the system is expected to prove a surprise in future engagements. Incorporating a Guardian ECM to protect its connection to its lance mates. The design utilizes older reliable technologies with its weaponry including three medium lasers, a small laser and flamer for infantry and setting fires behind enemy lines.

Another design from a Ryuken regiment this time from Ryuken-roku. the 6K is a design they felt would be excellent at exploiting the holes that the regiment is famed for. Nearly matching the speed of the Clans Dashers units this design with its ability to also jump in excess of 240 meters is excellent at gaining advantageous positions upon its opponents and opening up with its quad battery of medium lasers upon opposing 'Mech rears. If used as a scout the design is able to spot hidden foes with its Beagle Active Probe.

The 1st Proserpina Hussars utilize the 5k variant. The design is perfect for their hit and run tactics. This design keep two of the four Medium Pulse Lasers on the original design but instead drop the other two for four standard Medium Lasers. Feeling this meets the best of both worlds, keeping the two for increased accuracy during some of its more exotic maneuvers for a better shot to hit its target yet still having the standard lasers for increased range and damage output on its foes.

The 4K ironically enough comes from the 4th Arkab Legion. The 4th which utilizes its light 'Mechs predominately as harassers or to lure their enemies into traps asked for radical departure from the energy layout of its other designs. Seeing that the Clan forces that they were engaging in had a higher than normal chance of overheating their designs when they were angered in combat have outfitted their designs with weaponry to exploit this issue causing opposing forces  to shut down earlier in combat and allowing their lance mates to finish the opponent off. Twin SRM 4s bolstered by twin Flamers ensure they are able to douse their opponents in heat.

The 3K - 1K variants were experimental designs that Nimakachi have played with the 1K in particular was just the test bed for the design and only 2 variants are known to exist at their facilities on Lapida II. The 2K was an experiment on survivability issues of the design with XL or Standard engines and as well only has a handful of variants still in operation. The only known 3K variants have been shipped to Solaris to be used by Kurita backed stables.

VNM-2K VENOM

Mass: 35 tons
Chassis: Crucis-II Delux Newhart Refit Endo Steel
Power Plant: VOX 280 XL
Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Jump Jets: Rawlings 75
Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 4 Tronel XII Medium Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products Limited
   Primary Factory: Lapida II
Communications System: Omicron 4002 Networking Channel
Targeting and Tracking System: TRSS Eagle Eye with C3 Slave

OVERVIEW
   The rush to field the original Venom created some issues with the BattleMech that designers sought to overcome following the Truce of Tukayyid. While well regarded for its maneuverability and deadly short-range firepower this light design proved fragile. The bulky extralight engine combined with the measly three and half tons of armor provided a relatively low degree of protection. Also, the dozen Single Heat Sinks proved unable to handle the heat generated by weapons fire and maneuvering especially jumping. Mechwarriors had to carefully plot their movement and attacks or else deal with decreased performance. These factors increased the likelihood of the war machine’s incapacity or destruction especially against the Clans. Even though the warriors of the Dragon embraced this death or glory BattleMech the High Command lead by the Gunji no Kanrei realized that better survivability would lead to greater battlefield success. With these sensible goals in mind the Coordinator approved the overhaul and generous resources it would need to succeed. The result was a redesignated VNM-2K Venom which was a ‘Mech that could now stand on its own.

CAPABILITIES
   The Super Spider, as it is sometimes humorously referred, already featured bulky high-tech equipment like the VOX 280 XL Engine and Ferro-Fibrous armor which made engineers hesitant to add even more. With the directive and funding to improve the Venom from Lord Kurita himself it left them little choice but to try. With price as no object engineers set out to add Double Heat Sinks immediately which the large 280 XL power plant could incorporate. Stripping out the twelve Single Heat Sinks for ten Doubles proved remarkably successful dramatically improving the cooling factor of the ‘Mech and freeing two tons of mass without any true design impact other than cost. Next up was a planned swap of enormously bulky Ferro-Fibrous armor with an EndoSteel skeleton. Design simulations showed however that it may indeed be possible to have both lostech options even though internal space would be reduced to almost nothing. Intent on producing the best possible machine for the Dragon engineers embarked on that goal and were ultimately successful. Most of the weight savings produced by these modifications was devoted to armor which was increased to six tons. This provided a thirty eight percent improvement in armor protection for the Venom which was allocated mainly to the torso of the BattleMech. Lastly a C3 Slave was added to the TRSS Eagle Eye Targeting and Tracking System which allowed it to function as part of a networked lance or company. This further improved the ‘Spider on Steroids’ role as a close in fighter which could now draw accurate support from other lance mates to rapidly destroy enemies. Perhaps the only drawback now is for technicians who have to work on the cramped interior of the Venom which is so chocked full of stuff that they find it difficult to reach components.

DEPLOYMENT
   Thus far most of these newly optimized BattleMechs have gone to replace losses incurred while raiding the Clan Occupation Zone. Ryuken in particular has made use of the Venom in attacks staged from Wolcott against Smoke Jaguar targets of opportunity. This war machine proved its worth particularly in these lightning strikes against both OmniMechs and Clan Elementals. Often paired with the Spider this hard charging ‘Mech has also been able to utilize its C3 Computer to maximum effect. Thankfully Lord Kurita’s generosity helped restore Nimakachi’s Lapida II production facility before the Marik Civil War significantly impacted production.

Type: VNM-2K Venom
Technology Base: InnerSphere Level 2
Tonnage: 35 tons

Equipment                              Mass
Internal Structure:          EndoSteel            2
Engine:               280 XL            8
   Walking MP:         8
   Running MP:         12
   Jumping MP:         8
Heat Sinks:            10 (20)            0
Gyro:                              3
Cockpit:                              3
Armor Factor:            108               6

            Internal Structure      Armor Value
   Head            3            9
   Center Torso        11            15 / 4
   R/L Torso         8            12 / 4
   R/L Arm         6            10
   R/L Leg         8            14

Weapons and Ammo:      Location      Criticals   Mass
2 Medium Pulse Lasers   Right Torso    2      4
2 Medium Pulse Lasers   Left Torso       2      4
C3 Slave             Head         1      1
4 Jump Jets         Right Torso   4      2
4 Jump Jets         Left Torso      4      2

I am still thinking about it.

Hopefully you won't think about it too long as tonight is the deadline for this special Spider add on. Working on my Marik version as we speak.

Eight hours to go!

Two and a half hours left to go!!