Topic: Optimizing the Zeus (Read 24818 times)

Takiro · « **on:** September 26, 2021, 06:23:58 PM »

Contest number fifty features a Lyran staple named after the Greek God of Lightning, the Zeus. Originally in TRO3025 this eighty-ton assault ‘Mech lacks a PPC oddly enough but this appears to have been corrected in subsequent versions both pre and post Third Succession War. The original history from 3025 has also been retconned from one of the earliest times (2411) to the First Succession War era. This makes sense to me as it appears to be flagship effort of House Steiner gearing up for that great conflict. I often think of this design as the Lyran Scout because it has the speed of a Heavy with the firepower of an Assault with ok armor - sort of a battlecruiser approach. Not one of my favorites because it has a little of everything and I am an all or nothing kind of guy. I honestly can’t remember it getting much use in our home campaigns but I’d love to see what you guys can do with it for Salient Horizon. Luckily we have the Mech of the Week Article from the CBT main boards as well as the BattleTechWiki page to help inspire us.

’Mech of the Week: ZEU-** Zeus
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/fan-articles/mech-of-the-week-zeu-**-zeus/

Zeus - BattleTechWiki
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Zeus

Design Criteria
Design: Zeus Assault BattleMechEra: 3052, just following the Truce of TukayyidTech: InnerSphere Level 2Mass: 80 tonsTech 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. Here is a list for your design reference. Let me know if there is anything I missed!Star League LosTechAnti-Missile SystemArrow IV Artillery Missile SystemExtended Range Large Laser (ER Large Laser)Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon (ER PPC)Gauss RifleUltra Autocannon/5LB 10-X AutocannonOne-Shot Missile PacksPulse Lasers (Small, Medium, & Large)Streak SRM-2Swarm LRMsThunder LRMsArtemis IV FCSBeagle Active ProbeGuardian ECM SuiteMyomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC)Narc Missile BeaconTAGCellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)Double Heat SinksEndo Steel Internal StructureFerro-Fibrous ArmorExtra Light (XL) EngineInnerSphere Low TechBlazer Cannon (or Binary Laser)Recon CameraRemote Sensor DispenserNew InnovationsTriple Strength MyomerHatchetC3 ComputerDesign Traits of this SettingBoth the Federated Commonwealth and ComStar seem to have gone in the other direction with LRM batteries preferring larger LRM-15s and 20s linked to Artemis IV FCS to enhance accuracy. Facing the technologically superior Clan invaders have caused them to spend vast sums of resources on the finest technology available usually translating into high priced BattleMechs that few other factions can afford.This is somewhat true for the Draconis Combine which has lost a significant portion of their industrial capacity to the Clans. This has been forced Kurita designers to innovate in new and different ways regardless of traditional warrior ethos which pervades the realm. Many Draconis optimizations have included the C3 System which is accelerated from the canon setting which saw their deployment lag.The Free Worlds League in particular have embraced massed LRM-5s over the larger batteries to provide closer mass equivalents to Clan LRMs. Thanks to a corresponding increase in NARC units these ‘fire teams’ have become quite effective in the Marik Civil War. Also, the Blazer has made an appearance in the shattered FWLM searching for an advantage over their former brethren.The Capellan Confederation typically fields cost effective designs at this time thanks to their resource strapped situation. While justifications for high end increases can be made like the Outreach Conference, Wrath of Blake technical aid, spoils of war from Isis forces, and good old Capellan espionage these should be minimized. My advice would be Periphery plus for these designs as the Confederation is under strain supporting Isis right now as it is. Growing stealth tech reflected in the Raven would be appropriate in many cases as sophisticated electronic lostech devices like the Guardian ECM Suite would be a priority for their recon designs. There is also a fire support role which is a hallmark of Liao tactical doctrine. The discovery of Thunder LRMs to deploy minefields and use of Arrow IV Artillery on the Catapult are themes which could be amplified here.Regional factions like the Draconis March and the Periphery have seen the introduction of some ‘simple’ lostech items like Double Heat Sinks, Ferro-Fibrous, Streak SRM-2s, and Pulse Lasers. Extra-Light (XL) Engines remain too expensive and have drawbacks which make their deployment unlikely here. Advanced orbital facilities needed for EndoSteel manufacturing also remain out of reach at this point. They are not beyond using PPCs and Large Lasers either which they view as more efficient than their ER successors.Please do your research (think Objective Raids) for available components as this will be another factor in rapid production. I love fluff and your winning designs will be featured in my BattleTech Salient Horizon alternate setting. 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 October September 8th 2021 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!

lrose · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2021, 06:57:20 PM »

The ZEU-10S was the result of a study conducted by Dr. Edward Lester of the New Avalon Institute of Science. With the recovery of lost Star League technology, the AFFC began ordering upgraded mechs into production. As many of these new technologies were large and bulky, the designers could not take advantage of all of them, particularly on larger mechs. [Editor's Note: The question keeps coming up of why don't designer's just increase the physical size of mechs to incorporate Endo Steel, Ferro-Fibrous armor and XL engines, as well as more weapons. The reason goes back to the early days of Mechs and the Terran Hegemony. After introducing the Battlemech, the THAF needed a way to transport them. This led to the development of the mech cubicle, and later the mech coccoon for orbital drops. At the time these were scaled for the Mackie, which at the time was largest mech in existence. The design of the dropship mech bays than became standardized around this size, and with the formation of the Star League, this standard design spread across the Inner Sphere. Now if anyone were to increase the physical dimensions of a battlemech beyond that of the original Mackie, it would no longer fit in the standard mech cubicle, requiring the design and development of a new dropship cubicle.] Due to the fact that Ferro-Fibrous armor is easier to manufacturer then Endo-Steel, which requires an orbital foundry, many of the initial mech upgrades used Ferro-Fibrous Armor.

Dr. Lester, a Professor of Materials Engineering at NAIS, argued that if a mech is only able to mount only one of the two materials, that Endo-Steel was the clear winner. Using a grant from the AFFC, he commissioned a custom Endo-Steel chassis for the Zeus battlemech. Professor Lester chose the Zeus ZEU-9S for the very simple reason that the mech already mounted Ferro-Fibrous armor. He could replace the Ferro-Fibrous armor with standard armor, using the mass saved to add additional armor plating. He could then easily compare the two mechs and which preformed bettered. The experimental ZEU-9X-ES used the mass savings from the Endo-Steel Chassis to carry a total of 15 tons of Durallex Heavy armor. During live fire drills, it was found that the ZEU-9X-ES could absorb approximately 25% more damage then the standard ZEU-9S. After extensive testing, the AFFC directed Defiance Industries to halt production of the ZEU-9S in favor of the -9X-ES, which was now standardized as the ZEU-10S.

Other the use of an Endo-Steel Chassis and standard armor, the ZEU-10S is nearly identical to its predecessor. The only other change that was made was to remove the Defiance P5M Medium Pulse Lasers in favor of the older Defiance B3M Medium Lasers. While the pulse lasers are more accurate, their shorter range was felt to be a significant disadvantage. The mass freed up from this change was used to make 2 improvements to the mech's LRM launcher. The lack of a sufficient number of reloads has always been one of the biggest complaints about the Star Fire LRM. The designers were able to add an additional ton of ammunition to the mech's CASE bay. They also mounted an Artemis IV targeting system, which increased the accuracy of the LRMs.

While the introduction of the ZEU-10S was delayed until the Defiance Orbital Foundry was completed and able to supply Endo-Steel, the new mech has begun coming off the production line in large quantities. The mech have been raced to the Clan Front, where they are quickly forming the backbone of AFFC Assault forces.

Model ZEU-10S
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Chariot Type IIES
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Durallex Heavy with CASE
Armament:
   1 Defiance 1001 Particle Projection Cannon
   1 Cyclops XII Extended Range Large Laser
   1 Coventry Star Fire LRM Missile System
   2 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries
Primary Factories: Hesperus II
Communications System: TharHes Calliope ZE-2
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHes Ares-7 with Artemis IV

Type: ZEU-10S
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 80 tons

Equipment:        Mass
Internal Structure Endo   4
Engine 320         22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks 17(34)      7
Gyro            4
Cockpit         3
Armor Factor 240     15
          IS Armor
Head          3 9
CT        25 37/10
R/L Torso    17 28/6
R/L Arm    13 26
R/L Leg    17 32

Weapons & Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
ER PPC         LA      3      7
ER Large Laser      LT      2      5
LRM 15         RA      3      7
Artemis IV         RA      1      1
Ammo (16)      RT      2      2
CASE         RT      1      0.5
Medium Laser      CT      1      1
Medium Laser       LT(R)   1      1

lrose · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2021, 07:12:43 PM »

While the main Defiance Industries team on Hesperus II was putting the ZEU-10S into production, the small design team at Defiance's often forgotten Furillo plant began looking at alternative models of the Zeus. While there was some consideration of simply producing the ZEU-10S, the managers of the plant hoped that by developing a new Zeus, they would get more recognition [Editor's Notes: And promotions and bonuses] from the main office on Hesperus II. When looking at the original ZEU-6S. One of the biggest complaints about the mech was it's popgun autocannon. Unfortunately technology limits of the time prevented the company from replacing it with a larger autocannon. Instead, Defiance eventually replaced the autocannon with a more effective PPC, although that came at the cost of a higher heat profile.

The availability of advanced technologies allowed the design team to look at mounting a larger autocannon on the Zeus. They quickly settled on the Defiance Distintegrator LB-10X. The shotgun effect of the autocannon would be useful in variety of roles: destroying vital components on badly damaged mechs, countering the Clan Elementals, immobilizing armor and shooting down aerospace fighters. To free up additional mass for the autocannon and it's ammo, the designers used the same Endo-Steel Chassis as the ZEU-10S. They also removed 6 heatsinks. Lacking the high heat Defiance 1001 ER PPC reduced the mech's heat profile, making the heatsinks superfluous. To protect against an ammo explosion, the design team added a CASE to the left torso for the autocannon rounds. The majority of the other changes are similar to those of the ZEU-10s. The old Defiance B3M Medium lasers replace the pulse models, while the Star Fire LRM coupled to an Artemis IV system and supplied with an additional ton of ammo. Rounding out the weapons, a Defiance B3S Small Laser is added to the rear right torso, providing additional protection against any enemies that get behind the mech.

In a somewhat surprising move, the ZEU-11S retains the Glasgow Limited Primo Ferro-Fibrous Armor. With the removal of so many bulky heatsinks, the designers saved enough space for the bulky armor. This allowed them to reduce the armor compared to the ZEU-10S. However despite mounting only 14 tons of armor, the ZEU-11S has slightly superior armor protection compared to its sibling.

While some have questioned the value of having 2 different models of the Zeus in the AFFC, the High Command feels the designs fill different roles. While the ZEU-10S can serve as cavalry assault mech, the ZEU-11S is more a support unit, capable of dealing with a variety of threats on the battlefield.

Model ZEU-11S
Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Chariot Type IIES
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0
Armor: Glasgow Limited Primo Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
   1 Defiance Disintegrator LB-10X
   1 Cyclops XII Extended Range Large Laser
   1 Coventry Star Fire LRM Missile System
   2 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers
   1 Defiance B3S Small Laser
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries
Primary Factories: Hesperus II
Communications System: TharHes Calliope ZE-2
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHes Ares-7 with Artemis IV

Type: ZEU-11S
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 80 tons

Equipment:        Mass
Internal Structure Endo   4
Engine 320         22.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heatsinks 11(22)      1
Gyro            4
Cockpit         3
Armor Factor 247     14
          IS Armor
Head          3 9
CT        25 40/10
R/L Torso    17 28/6
R/L Arm    13 26
R/L Leg    17 34

Weapons & Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
LB-10X         LA      6      11
Ammo (20)      LT      2      2
CASE         LT      1      0.5
ER Large Laser      LT      2      5
LRM 15         RA      3      7
Artemis IV         RA      1      1
Ammo (16)      RT      2      2
CASE         RT      1      0.5
Small Laser      RT(R)   1      0.5
Medium Laser      CT      1      1
Medium Laser       LT(R)   1      1

Takiro · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2021, 07:24:28 PM »

Very nice Irose!! Had to post this a little early today. Good luck everyone.

fabulousorcboy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 27, 2021, 05:11:57 AM »

Obviously I have some FedCom variants in the pipe, but this low-cost variant seemed perfect for what was left of Rasalhague. As an added bonus, the head-mounted TAG could be swapped out for a C3 slave very easily, if the neighboring Combine was so inclined.

Type: Zeus ZEU-9R
Production: Free Rasalhague Republic (Odin Manufacturing refit, Orestes) – refit of the 6S
Combat Value: 1983 BV
Total Cost: 7,549,920 C-Bills (including x1.8 tonnage premium)

Internal Struc (std): 8t
Engine: GoreTex 240: 11.5t
Walking: 3
Running: 5
Heat Sinks: 11(22): 1t
Gyro/Cockpit (std): 6t
Armor Factor (std): 15.5t (247 pips-max)

Head 3/9
Center Torso 25/34/16
R/L Torso 17/24/10
R/L Arm 13/26
R/L Leg 17/34

Quirk: Barrel Fist (RA), Easy to Maintain

1x LRM 15 +Artemis (4cr, 8t) RA
2x Ammo (LRM) 16 (2cr, 2t) RT
2x CASE (2cr, 1t) RT/LT
1x TAG (1cr, 1t) H
2x Medium Lasers (2cr, 2t) CT
1x ER PPC (3cr, 7t) LT
2x Ammo (Gauss) 16 (2cr, 2t) LT
1x Gauss Rifle (7cr, 15t) LA

Reduced to barely more than a rump state, and reliant on the might of the Com Guard to preserve what is left of its sovereignty, the Free Rasalhague Republic’s Kungsarme has decided that if they are to go down facing the might of the invading Clans, they will at least go down fighting. To that end, the Kungsarme has plowed the majority of their tight budget into cheap but effective refits of older war machines, hoping to transform what is left of their military into a ferocious defending force.

The Kungsarme inherited and acquired a number of Zeus-class Assault ‘Mechs over the years, and a surprising number of the robust and easily maintained designs survived the Clan invasion. The Republic contracted with Odin Manufacturing on Orestes, one of the few ‘Mech manufacturers remaining under their control, to produce a low-cost field refit kit that would turn their ZEU-6S machines into a credible threat to Clan forces. Given the limited budget yet ambitious request, designers at Odin Manufacturing decided that more powerful long-range weapons were called for, transforming the Kungsarme Zeus into a pure fire-support unit.

To that end, Odin added an Artemis targeting system to the right-arm Coventry StarFire LRM-15 launcher, adding a second ton of ammunition to the right torso ammunition bin (and addressing one of the major complaints pilots had about the ZEU-6S). The left-arm autocannon was upgraded to a powerful M-7 Gauss Rifle, imported from Terra’s Skobel MechWorks through Comstar channels, and also fed by a two-ton ammunition bin. Both torsos were protected by integrated CASE technology. The left-torso laser was upgraded to a more powerful Blankenburg ER PPC system, also imported from Terra’s Skobel MechWorks. A pair of Krieger Medium Lasers (produced locally by Odin), both mounted forward-firing and centerline in the torso, round out the offensive armament. To supplement the weapons, a TAG system has been added behind the cockpit of the Zeus and wired into its targeting and comms systems, giving the new Zeus the ability to direct even greater firepower onto target from nearby support units.

These weapons systems mass many more tons than the ones they replace, however, and so Odin recovered that tonnage by “upgrading” the Zeus’ seventeen heat sinks to a mere eleven double heat sinks, all but two of which are integrated into the fusion engine block. And, to further save weight, the massive Pitban 320 engine of the 6S was replaced with a GoreTex 240, identical to the kind manufactured in large number throughout the Third Succession War by Aldis Industries for their Demolisher Mk III (and likely also sourced from Terra). This reduces the redesignated ZEU-9R’s top speed by 11kph, but Odin argued (and the Kungsarme agreed) that keeping the Zeus at its former top speed of 64kph did almost nothing to prevent the relatively plodding machine from being outflanked by far faster Clan ‘Mechs. The 9S might be slow, but would rely on its firepower and heavy armored protection in order to carry the day.

The armor was the final, and most important, upgrade. Although the 6S had a relatively paltry eleven and a half tons of standard armor protection – less than 75% the optimal load for an 80-ton ‘Mech -- the 9R carries fifteen and a half tons of AmberStar Weave Standard Armor, for the maximum effective protection for its weight and size. This Zeus is expected to take a beating yet keep on ticking, and the new armored load reflects that philosophy in its design. Best of all, the refit is mightily cost-effective, with a fully refurbished Zeus 9R coming it at less than the price of a new Zeus 6S (under 7.6 million C-bills), and considerably less than the Commonwealth’s standard Zeus 9S. Given the strict constraints on the Republic’s military budget, this cost-conscious upgrade is highly welcome in the ranks of the Kungsarme.

Takiro · « **Reply #5 on:** September 27, 2021, 11:40:30 AM »

Great minds think a like on this one fabulousorcboy, I did something very similar called the Odin.

Bradshaw · « **Reply #6 on:** September 27, 2021, 05:47:03 PM »

A combination of weaponry makes the Zeus a 'Mech that is deadly at any range, one of the more true variants of this statement was the -6A. A variant that was only seen starting in the later 30th century. Dropping its Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 for three TharHes Maxi-6s as well additional heat dispensing abilities. Produced for nearly 60 years before the spliting of the TharHes branch at the turn of the century. With the rediscovery and implementation of Lostech Defiance Industries concentrated on the upgrading of its primary variant of the -6T variants its more popular variant with Zeus pilots. Now with time resources have been able to be devoted to returning the -6A to the production line with its upgraded -7A designation.

Finalizing production of an Endo Steel production facility in late 3051, the Zeus was designated as the trial piece for its usage. With this the choice was to stick with traditional armor unlike the 9S. Maintaining its durability on the battlefield the 320 Pitban engine was kept instead of moving to its newer XL version. The saved tonnage with the new internals was devoted totally giving the 80 ton design the most armor protection it was able to carry on its frame. With the same Defiance 1001 ER PPC & Cyclops XII ER Large Laser as the -9S the design returned to the Defiance B3M Medium Lasers of its predecessor to allow for an impressive firepower for targets that enter the range of them and its three TharHes Maxi missile launchers. Not able to completely dispense all of it heat, it is able to alpha strike its opponent without serious worries of ammo explosions but pilots are told to keep an eye on their heat gauges while piloting the design.

Zeus ZEU-7A

Introduction Year: 3051
Cost: 8,738,400 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,769

Code: [Select]


Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: Chariot Type IV Endo Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 320
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph

Armor: Glasgow Limited with CASE
Armament:
     1 Defiance 1001 ER PPC
     1  Cyclops XII ER Large Laser
     3 TharHes Maxi-6
     2 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers.
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries
     Primary Factory: Hesperus II
Communication System: TharHes Hm 10
Targeting & Tracking System: TharHes Ares-7

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              4
Engine                        320 Fusion           22.5
	Walking MP: 4
	Running MP: 6
	Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              16 [32]                 6
Gyro                                                  4
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  240                    15

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            25        37    
     Center Torso (rear)               12    
     R/L Torso               17        25    
     R/L Torso (rear)                  8     
     R/L Arm                 13        25    
     R/L Leg                 17        33    

Weapons              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage	
ER PPC                   LA        3        15      7.0   
ER Large Laser           LT        2        12      5.0   
3 SRM 6                  RA        6        4       9.0   
Medium Laser             CT        1        3       1.0   
Medium Laser           CT(R)       1        3       1.0   
SRM 6 Ammo (30)          RT        2        -       2.0   
CASE                     RT        1        -       0.5   
Double Heat Sink         RT        3        -       1.0   
Double Heat Sink         LA        3        -       1.0   
2 Double Heat Sink       LT        6        -       2.0

Bradshaw · « **Reply #7 on:** September 27, 2021, 05:52:12 PM »

Irose is your 11S Jump capable as well. I tried to see how you did all that with almost the same weaponry as me and I see in description Jump Jets distance is 0 but the Walk Run Jump you have it go 4/6/4

masterarminas · « **Reply #8 on:** September 27, 2021, 05:54:34 PM »

I've only got three . . . and they are very close in concept to those of Irose. So, without further ado . . .

ZEU-7S, ZEU-7SS, & ZEU-7T Zeus

As recovered technology became available for new production runs, the Lyran Commonwealth looked to overhauling and upgrading its fleet of ZEU-6S Zeus. This 80-ton Assault-weight BattleMech was one of the most common in the LCAF, produced only in the foundries and manufacturing complexes of Defiance Industries on Hesperus II.

The design team that began working on overhauling the design were split between three proposed designs. Two (the ZEU-7S and ZEU-7SS) were based on the ZEU-6S and featured lasers, missiles, and autocannon. The third design (the ZEU-7T) was based on the ZEU-6T and would replace the autocannon with a PPC, increasing the heat load, but also eliminating half of the ammunition dependency.

All three designs would utilize a new chassis crafted from Endo-Steel II produced at an orbital foundry newly restored to service over Hesperus II. Each would feature double-strength heatsinks and both the ZEU-7S and ZEU-7SS would utilize Ferro-Fibrous armor plating (13.5 tons for near maximum protective coverage). All three designs would incorporate CASE in either both torsos (ZEU-7S and -7SS) or the right torso only (ZEU-7T).

While cost of acquisition was not a major factor in the initial design phase, survivability was, so Defiance engineers decided to retain the standard Pitban 320 fusion engine.

The ZEU-7S removed the old AC-5 autocannon and reduced the heat sinks to just 11 (all eleven being DHS, however). In place of the AC-5, the design instead mounts a Defiance Disintegrator LB-10X autocannon fed by two tons of ammunition. The Thunderbolt A5M Large Laser was replaced with a Defiance Model 6 ER Large Laser and Artemis IV fire-control systems added to the Coverntry Star Fire LRM-15 launcher. Missile ammunition was increased to three full tons as well. The two Defiance B3M Medium Lasers (center torso and left torso rear) were retained.

These changes made the Zeus far more effective on the battlefield, being better able to manage heat (indeed, the design is heat-neutral on a running Alpha Strike), increasing damage output, proving more rugged and resilient on the field of battle, and having deep ammunition magazines allowing it to remain in combat for longer periods of time before needing resupply.

It has quickly become a favorite of MechWarriors within the LCAF.

Code: [Select]

Zeus ZEU-7S

Mass: 80 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: 3070
Dry Cost: 9,136,200 C-Bills
Total Cost: 9,348,200 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,788

Chassis: Chariot Type IIII Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 320 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 w/ Artemis IV FCS
    1 Defiance Model 6 ER Large Laser
    1 Defiance Disintegrator LB 10-X AC
    2 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries
    Primary Factory: Hesperus II
Communications System: TharHex Calliope ZE-2
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHex Ares 7

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                   122 points                4.00
    Internal Locations: 1 CT, 5 LT, 5 RT, 1 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             Fusion Engine                320                      22.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             11(22)                    1.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               4.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 241                 13.50
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 5 LT, 4 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1.00

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     25           35        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  13        
                                           L/R Torso     17           26        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     13           26        
                                             L/R Leg     17           32        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC                                   RA        2         6        11.00
LRM-15                                       LA        5         3         7.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           LA        -         1         1.00
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        2         5.00
(R) Medium Laser                             LT        3         1         1.00
Medium Laser                                 CT        3         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10)                      RA        -         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10)                         RA        -         1         1.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (24)                       LA        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 0

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 18
4          3       4       3       0      4     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1, FLK 1/1/1

The ZEU-7SS is almost identical to the ZEU-7S, the sole difference being the removal of the Defiance Disintegrator LB-10X autocannon and ammunition and having a KWI Ultra Ultra AC-5 autocannon (with two tons of ammunition) fitted instead. The remaining tonnage was used to install a Defiance P5M Medium Pulse Laser in the left arm.

The ZEU-7SS runs hotter than the ZEU-7S, but can reach targets at greater ranges and is capable of inflicting more damage. While not as preferred as the -7S, the -7SS is still being produced in large numbers to complement (not replace) the -7S.

Code: [Select]

Zeus ZEU-7SS

Mass: 80 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: 3070
Dry Cost: 8,884,200 C-Bills
Total Cost: 9,082,200 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,778

Chassis: Chariot Type IIII Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 320 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 w/ Artemis IV FCS
    1 Defiance Model 6 ER Large Laser
    1 KWI Ultra Ultra AC/5
    1  Medium Pulse Laser
    2 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries
    Primary Factory: Hesperus II
Communications System: TharHex Calliope ZE-2
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHex Ares 7

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                   122 points                4.00
    Internal Locations: 1 CT, 5 LT, 5 RT, 1 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             Fusion Engine                320                      22.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             11(22)                    1.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               4.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 241                 13.50
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 5 LT, 4 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1.00

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     25           35        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  13        
                                           L/R Torso     17           26        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     13           26        
                                             L/R Leg     17           32        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultra AC/5                                   RA        1         5         9.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2.00
LRM-15                                       LA        5         3         7.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           LA        -         1         1.00
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        2         5.00
(R) Medium Laser                             LT        3         1         1.00
Medium Laser                                 CT        3         1         1.00
@Ultra AC/5 (40)                             RA        -         2         2.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (24)                       LA        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 0

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 18
4          3       4       3       0      4     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1

The final version is the ZEU-7T. This model removes the Defiance Disintegrator LB-10X autocannon and ammunition to fit a Parti-Kill PPC instead. To deal with the increased heat load, five additional DHS (for a total of 16) have been installed. This required the replacement of the ferro-fibrous armor plating for standard armor plating (15.0 tons). The right torso CASE has also been removed as the ZEU-7T no longer has any explosive components on that side of the BattleMech.

The main attraction of the ZEU-7T is its reduced dependency on munitions, allowing it to remain combat effective long past the point where other Zeus/i]s must retire to be rearmed. It is quite a capable combat unit, however.

Code: [Select]

Zeus ZEU-7T

Mass: 80 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: 3070
Dry Cost: 8,524,200 C-Bills
Total Cost: 8,704,200 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,774

Chassis: Chariot Type IIII Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 320 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Parti-Kill PPC
    1 Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 w/ Artemis IV FCS
    1 Defiance Model 6 ER Large Laser
    2 Defiance B3M Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries
    Primary Factory: Hesperus II
Communications System: TharHex Calliope ZE-2
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHex Ares 7

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                   122 points                4.00
    Internal Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine:             Fusion Engine                320                      22.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             16(32)                    6.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               4.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 240                 15.00
    CASE Locations: 1 LT                                                   0.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     25           35        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  12        
                                           L/R Torso     17           26        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     13           26        
                                             L/R Leg     17           32        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPC                                          RA        10        3         7.00
LRM-15                                       LA        5         3         7.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           LA        -         1         1.00
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        2         5.00
(R) Medium Laser                             LT        3         1         1.00
Medium Laser                                 CT        3         1         1.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (24)                       LA        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 8

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 18
4          3       4       3       0      4     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1

Takiro · « **Reply #9 on:** September 27, 2021, 06:34:57 PM »

Very good Bradshaw, now you just need some fluff!

Nice masterarminas!

masterarminas · « **Reply #10 on:** September 27, 2021, 06:42:11 PM »

One more, then I am done.

ZEU-7SG Zeus

While the LCAF was impressed with the ZEU-7S, -7SS, and -7T versions, they were somewhat disappointed that Defiance Industries had failed to offer them a model mounting a Gauss Rifle as the primary ballistic weapon. In respone, the engineering teams at Defiance offered the ZEU-7SG variant in early 3053.

Onboard DHS has been reduced to a mere ten, but even so, the 'Mech only seldom overheats and is heat-neutral on a standing Alpha Strike. The main gun is a Poland Main Model A mounted in the right arm, fed by three tons of ammunition. To accommodate the heavy weapon, the design team was forced to remove the rear-firing left-torso B3M Medium Laser and replace the Coventry Star Fire LRM-15 launcher (and ammunition) with a Delta Dart LRM-10 launcher (also fitted with Artemis IV FCS and fed by two tons of ammunition, giving the LRMs and Gauss Rifle the same number of shots and salvos).

The armor, chassis, and electronics remain the same as the ZEU-7S and ZEU-7SS.

The LCAF was suitably impressed and ordered immediate production to complement the existing ZEU-7S, -7SS, and -7T in service.

Code: [Select]

Zeus ZEU-7SG

Mass: 80 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: 3070
Dry Cost: 8,738,400 C-Bills
Total Cost: 8,918,400 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,953

Chassis: Chariot Type IIII Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 320 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Poland Main Model A Gauss Rifle
    1 Defiance Model 6 ER Large Laser
    1 Delta Dart LRM-10 w/ Artemis IV FCS
    1 Defiance B3M Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries
    Primary Factory: Hesperus II
Communications System: TharHex Calliope ZE-2
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHex Ares 7

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                   122 points                4.00
    Internal Locations: 1 CT, 5 LT, 4 RT, 2 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             Fusion Engine                320                      22.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               4.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 241                 13.50
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 5 LT, 4 RT, 2 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1.00

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     25           35        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  13        
                                           L/R Torso     17           26        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     13           26        
                                             L/R Leg     17           32        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle                                  RA        1         7        15.00
LRM-10                                       LA        4         2         5.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           LA        -         1         1.00
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        2         5.00
Medium Laser                                 CT        3         1         1.00
@Gauss Rifle (16)                            RA        -         2         2.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24)                       LA        -         2         2.00
@Gauss Rifle (8)                             RT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 1

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 20
4          3       4       4       0      4     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1

lrose · « **Reply #11 on:** September 27, 2021, 07:52:35 PM »

Quote from: Bradshaw on September 27, 2021, 05:52:12 PM

Irose is your 11S Jump capable as well. I tried to see how you did all that with almost the same weaponry as me and I see in description Jump Jets distance is 0 but the Walk Run Jump you have it go 4/6/4

It’s not jump capable. Just an error in the entry

Takiro · « **Reply #12 on:** September 27, 2021, 09:00:06 PM »

Another good one masterarminas.

Very good Irose.

Takiro · « **Reply #13 on:** September 28, 2021, 04:44:11 PM »

Any more Zeus' on the way?

Bradshaw · « **Reply #14 on:** September 28, 2021, 07:32:31 PM »

I just need to fluff I'm out of ideas for unique 80 tonners at this point

OBT Forum

News:

Author Topic: Optimizing the Zeus (Read 24818 times)

Takiro

Optimizing the Zeus

lrose

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

lrose

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

fabulousorcboy

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

Bradshaw

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

Bradshaw

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

masterarminas

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

masterarminas

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

lrose

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

Takiro

Re: Optimizing the Zeus

Bradshaw

Re: Optimizing the Zeus