OBT Forum

Well Gio's post your Panthers thread got me on a design kick with regards to that Mech which I have not quite finished yet but looking at the main boards today I notice a Mech of the Week thread on the Devastator. It inspired me to create a model for my current alternate BT universe set in the early 3050s. I hope you enjoy it and will post your own versions of the aptly named Devastator!

DVS-2FC DEVASTATOR

Mass: 100 tons
Chassis: Star League XT
Power Plant: Vlar 300 XL
Cruising Speed: 32 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Durallex Heavy
Armament:
2 Poland Main Model A Gauss Rifles
2 Defiance 1001 Extended Range Particle Projection Cannons
3 Jackson Model 12 Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Norse-Storm BattleMechs, Inc.
Primary Factory: Loxley
Communications System: Johnston Wide Band
Targeting and Tracking System: Randar Pinpoint-HY

Overview:
Crown Industries quickly identified the formidable Devastator Assault BattleMech as a priority for optimization in their continuing effort to enhance the performance of the AFFC in the wake of the Clan Invasion. Analyzing the existing variants and applying the latest in recovered Star League technologies it is their intent to level the playing field as much as possible. No doubt some hope that using a design laid out by Aleksandr Kerensky himself will convince his descendants who would now conquer the InnerSphere to abandon their Crusade.

Capabilities:
   Upgrading the Donal Particle Projection Cannons with higher tech Extended Range models probably occurred to Star League designers but there were likely a couple of mitigating factors. The steep heat curve for these advanced weapons made their inclusion prohibitive and there was also the matter of availability. The Amaris Coup made it difficult for General Kerensky to obtain such cutting-edge hardware for new prototypes. Extravagances for research and development projects were easily outweighed by the desperate need to replace battle damaged equipment.
   The circumstances were different for the Federated Commonwealth especially when faced with the very daunting prospect of dealing with superior Clan armaments. With lostech like the ER PPC becoming more common place as manufacturing of such Star League era gear ramped ever upwards an effort to include them as part of renewed Devastator production made sense. While their increased range would help counter the threat posed by the Clans increased heat was a problem that had to be dealt with.
   In addition to swapping the standard PPCs for two Defiance 1001 Extended Range Particle Projection Cannons the four Intek Medium Lasers were removed. Replacing them with three Jackson Model 12 Small Lasers enabled designers to include two additional Double Heat Sinks. While this helped alleviate rapid heat buildup caused by the Devastator’s four main weapons it reduced the effectiveness of its secondary armament. Designers intent on matching Clan long range firepower were satisfied however with this trade off.
    In order to make room for these modifications some internal reorganization became necessary. Gauss ammunition had to be repositioned from the torsos to the arms in order to find the extra space for the new Double Heat Sinks. With available slots for equipment becoming harder and harder to find the Small Lasers had to be mounted in the center torso and head leaving only the Assault ‘Mechs legs open for future additions. Finally, a half a ton of armor was added to improve the Devastator’s already impressive protection to near maximum levels. The side torsos and legs of this massive war machine were the locations that received the new armor enhancement.

Deployment:
Thus far only a few prototypes have been produced by researchers who continue to work towards full scale production. Currently the DVS-2 or Star League model is still being manufactured as the main line Devastator being manufactured by Norse-Storm’s primary factory on Loxley. Thankfully the 1st Royal Guard, the Davion Assault Guards, and the 1st Steiner Huscarls have all requested the newly optimized FedCom model for their table of organizations and equipment. No doubt it will soon see action against Clan opponents either in assaults or defensives along the border. The AFFC has also prioritized the refitting of all existing lowtech DVS-1D to one of the newer models and has intensified the new FedCom variant for further battlefield testing. Some Steiner-Davion commanders have already voiced plans to team this Assault ‘Mech with the new Tsunami and Thunder Hawks in Fire Support Lances that even the Clans should be wary of fighting.

Type: Devastator
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 100 tons

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:                     10
Engine:            300 XL         9.5
Walking MP:         3
Running MP:         5
Jumping MP:         0            0
Heat Sinks:            16 (32)            6
Gyro:                           3
Cockpit:                         3
Armor Factor:            304            19            

Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso         31         47 / 12
R/L Torso         21         32 / 10
R/L Arm         17         34
R/L Leg         21         42

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
Gauss Rifle          Right Arm      7      15
Ammo (Gauss) 16      Right Arm      2      2
Gauss Rifle          Left Arm      7      15
Ammo (Gauss) 16      Left Arm      2      2
ER PPC         Right Torso      3      7
ER PPC         Left Torso      3      7
Small Laser         Center Torso      1      .5
Small Laser         Center Torso      1      .5
Small Laser         Head         1      .5