The third InnerSphere BattleMech to be optimized for peak performance just after the Clan Invasion is a lot like the second. This early 3050s refit project will mirror the Clan Quicksilver Trials which will hopefully give everyone the best possible Tech to do Battle with. Before discussing my design thoughts with you on the Wasp here is the Mech of the Week Article from the CBT Forum to spur you along.
’Mech of the Week: WSP-* / Super Wasp https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,26253.0.htmlOptimal Design Thoughts on the WaspRole. The Wasp is probably deployed more widely than the Locust or the Stinger and is perhaps the most manufactured BattleMech in the entire Human Sphere. The sheer number of these 20-ton jumpers could dictate its own role which I dare say is cannon fodder. Unlike the Stinger which itself is a knockoff of the Wasp it has many different variants which indicate varying roles. From scout to backstabber to light support asset the Wasp does it all making it the lightest workhorse ‘Mech around.
Factories. [9 or 10 different complexes in 6 or nations] WSP-1 – Alpheratz (Outworlds Alliance), Perdition and Taurus (Taurian Concordat), Sian (Capellan Confederation), Canopus IV (Magistracy of Canopus); WSP-1S – Furillo (Federated Commonwealth); WSP-3M – Kalidasa and Shiro III (Free Worlds League); WSP-3W – New Avalon (Federated Commonwealth); unclear about the original General Mechanics factory on Mars which could plausibly be cranking out new machines for the ComGuards?
Internal Structure. The very generically designated 1A Type 3 two-ton standard chassis that proliferates the entire Human Sphere is incredibly common. Certainly not an obstacle to upgrading the BattleMech as the new 3W built on New Avalon shows. The new 3M designed in the Free Worlds League does utilize EndoSteel in its Irian Chassis Second Generation Class 20 chassis. If you have an EndoSteel foundry started up already this could be a good way to get an extra ton for 14 criticals.
Engine. The InnerSphere Extra-Light (XL) Fusion Plants are very bulky and have issues with increased fragility thanks to their bulkiness but this upgrade would be the best way to get extra mass for upgrades. Firepower over survivability here could be the way to go for this ubiquitous 20-ton Light Mech. Developing such an XL Engine could be something of a process as none is currently in production. Fourteen manufacturers currently produce the standard120 Fusion Engine making it one of the more common power plants made. This makes it a very inexpensive component especially when compared to designing a whole new XL which would be a costly endeavor.
Jump Jets. While I am tempted to say that mobility is integral for this Light 'Mech there are already existing variants that lack these lift devices. Strange I know as the Wasp was the first war machine that used them ever but hey I cannot argue with the facts in evidence folks.
Heat Sinks. With such a small Fusion reactor (120) the Wasp like the Stinger has problems mounting all of its free coolers. Only 4 Heat Sinks can be included in this compact power plant meaning 6 must be placed. This could be a problem if we need Double Heat Sinks which thanks to the high heat jump jets may be required for increased weapon fire. That would mean 18 criticals occupied in that event which could preclude the use of EndoSteel or Ferro-Fibrous especially if a XL Engine is included.
Cockpit & Gyro. Not much can be done here to improve the performance of the machine given the available level of technology. However, both components are plentiful and have proven to be reliable over time.
Armor. While Light Mechs have plenty of internal space available we may be running out of room for Ferro-Fibrous. In my view these advanced composites are the least advantageous given a choice between the alternatives (Endo Steel, XL Engine, and Double Heat Sinks). However, they are available and at least in regards to refits easier to accomplish. Durallex Light Standard Armor Plating might be the way to go here even if a slight increase in weight is needed to achieve max protection. Again, like the Stinger an argument can also be made that any more mass dedicated here is a waste better used for offensive capabilities.
Weapons & Equipment. There are a lot of possibilities here gang and the Wasp is wide open for a bunch of variants. For me I think missiles when I think of the primary differences from the Stinger but as Bradshaw and I spoke about before there are just so many options. Existing variants really demonstrate the Wasp’s general utility quite effectively.
Design CriteriaDesign: Wasp Light BattleMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: InnerSphere Level 2
Mass: 20 tons
Cockpit: (3 tons)
Tech BaseThe tech base for this enterprise will be InnerSphere Level 2, also known as Star League lostech, circa 3053. Remember some Level 1 standards which Bradshaw and myself think still have value like Large Lasers and PPCs which feature the same damage factor as their higher tech brethren with less range and perhaps most significantly less heat. I've also become a fan of massed LRM-5s over the larger batteries (Free Worlds League in particular has gone in this direction) which could provide closer equivalents to Clan LRMs. Here is a list for your design reference. Let me know if there is anything I missed!
Star League LosTechAnti-Missile System
Arrow IV Artillery Missile System
Extended Range Large Laser (ER Large Laser)
Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon (ER PPC)
Gauss Rifle
Ultra Autocannon/5
LB 10-X Autocannon
One-Shot Missile Packs
Pulse Lasers (Small, Medium, & Large)
Streak SRM-2
Swarm LRMs
Thunder LRMs
Artemis IV FCS
Beagle Active Probe
Guardian ECM Suite
Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC)
Narc Missile Beacon
TAG
Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)
Double Heat Sinks
Endo Steel Internal Structure
Ferro-Fibrous Armor
Extra Light (XL) Engine
InnerSphere Low TechBlazer Cannon (or Binary Laser)
Recon Camera
Remote Sensor Dispenser
New InnovationsTriple Strength Myomer
Hatchet
C3 Computer
Do your research (think Objective Raids) for available components as this will be another factor in rapid production. I love fluff and your designs will be featured in my BattleTech Salient Horizon alternate setting. While we will be focusing on the InnerSphere and their efforts to defeat the Clans by matching as best we can their equipment performance don't forget the Periphery. High tech efforts by a rebuilding ComGuard following Tukayyid or their erstwhile brethren the Word of Blake could be your angle. Then you have different Great Houses and their significant Regions or Worlds concentrating on fortifying their militaries ranging from line troops to militia. There are also Corporate concerns which could come into play or let’s not forget our favorite mercenaries.
I'd like to go beyond the refits bought to you by Technical Readout 3050 and delve into extensive redesigns of your BattleTech favorites. Sharpen up your favorite war machines perhaps drawing on past or current variants while remembering the spirit or role of these Mechs. Don't forget to justify the expense of your project and multiple winners are possible.
Figure that all entries have to be completed and posted on these forums by Friday August 23, 2019 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full seven days for this contest, good luck!!