OBT Forum

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  

News:

AU Developers - Please PM Knightmare or MechRat if you need board or permission changes

Pages: 1 2 [3]   Go Down

Author Topic: Optimizing the Battlemaster  (Read 33306 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Takiro

  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 10,181
  • For the Last Cameron!
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #30 on: October 16, 2021, 12:32:31 PM »

Nice fabulousorcboy! My FedCom model isn't quite like that but it is a refit of Hollis. As for C3 BattleMasters I'm not sure if I'd slow them down.
Logged

fabulousorcboy

  • Fanjunkare
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 226
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #31 on: October 16, 2021, 12:42:57 PM »

Quote
As for C3 BattleMasters I'm not sure if I'd slow them down.

Why?  C3 Masters can hang back at the end of the map, and the Combine's C3M Master nodes (including their canon Battlemaster) tend to be 3/5 movers that provide fire support.  Even the wobblies appear to do the same with their Archangels and Seraphs.

From my experience, the major difference between 3/5 and 4/6 is the ability to turn once and not lose defensive TMM.  With torso twisting, this is not a major issue for long-range support 'Mechs.  For assaults, it's almost never beneficial to "waste" the tonnage on 4/6 speed if you can pile on more firepower at 3/5 speed while still maximizing armor and limiting engine criticals (so: no XLs, only standards or lights or Clan engines).  Even in-universe, that wasted tonnage for pointless additional speed is the major criticism of the Cyclops, the Banshee, and also the Clan Executioner (Gladiator).

Spoiler: I'll only be proposing 3/5 speed Cyclops and Banshee variants :)
« Last Edit: October 16, 2021, 12:48:34 PM by fabulousorcboy »
Logged

fabulousorcboy

  • Fanjunkare
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 226
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #32 on: October 16, 2021, 12:47:33 PM »

I think putting inner sphere XL engines on an assault 'Mech is utter foolishness -- but decided to try side-grading the Red Devil Battlemaster, and find a way to keep it semi-viable while retaining its core stats and just doing a weapons and heat sink refit.  Came up with two alternatives which both sort-of work, although both still suboptimal for the insane 20M C-Bills price.

Type: BLR-3S2/3S3 Battlemaster
Production: Federated Commonwealth (Red Devil Industries, Pandora)
Combat Value: 1842 (3S2), 1764 BV (3S3)
Total Cost: 19,375,544 C-Bills (3S2), 19,442,144 C-Bills (3S3)

Internal Struc (std): 8.5t
Engine: Edasich 340 XL: 13.5t
  Walking: 4
  Running: 6
Gyro/Cockpit (std): 7t
Armor Factor (std): 16t (256 pips)

Head 3/9
Center Torso 27/42/11
R/L Torso 18/28/8   
R/L Arm 14/28      
R/L Leg 18/33      

Quirks: Command Mech, Jettison-Capable Weapon (RA – 3S2 only), Rumble Seat, Weak Head Armor

WEAPONS INVENTORY (BLR-3S2)
2x LRM-20 (10cr, 20t) RT/LT
6x Ammo (LRM) 36 (6cr, 6t) RT/LT
2x Large Lasers (4cr, 10t) RA/CT
14x Double Heat Sinks (3cr, 4t) RA

WEAPONS INVENTORY (BLR-3S3)
6x Large Lasers (12cr, 30t) RA/2RT/CT/LT/LA
20x Double Heat Sinks (21cr, 10t) 2RA/RT/2LT/2LA

Although Red Devil Industries was the first Commonwealth firm to upgrade their Battlemaster lines, their 3050 upgrade (the 3S) was extraordinarily lackluster, proving to be undersinked and massively out-ranged by the Clan invaders that quickly turned into their primary front-line opponent.  Equipped with a massive Edasich 340XL engine, this Battlemaster also proved to be expensive and relatively fragile for an assault ‘Mech, particularly one that was designed primarily as a close-range brawler, even with its combination of PPC and LRM-20.

Facing pressure to upgrade their lines to better respond to the Clan threat, Red Devil scrambled to comply.  Given how long it would take to dramatically redevelop their Battlemaster, they instead concentrated on fitting it a new set of weapons, intended to better respond to the Clan threat.  In all cases, Red Devil focused on using their existing stock piles and production lines, to more quickly restructure their offerings, and to limit any potential supply issues (given their proximity to the front lines).

The first of the redesigns basically turns the Battlemaster into a heavier, better-armored Archer (although at a significantly higher price point).  The primary weapons system is the Far Fire LRM-20, the sole weapon on their 3S design that was positively received by both commanders and pilots, especially when facing the Clans.  Six tons of ammunition, distributed across both torsos, provide reasonable endurance on the field, and a pair of Magna Mk III Large Lasers add some credible mid-ranged firepower.  One weapon is jettison-capable in the right hand of the 3S2, while the other is mounted center-line in the center torso.  Although perfectly capable on the battlefield (it is, after all, a command-equipped Archer), the 3S2 is heavily dependent on supply lines for its missiles.

As a result, Red Devil also designed the 3S3, intended to be a mid-ranged striker capable of lengthy deploments and operating far from its supply lines (or even separated from those lines) – in other words, the sort of ‘Mech that could pose a serious problem for Clan opponents over a period of many weeks or even months.  This variant design equips no less than six Magna Mk III Large Lasers, spread out across its arms and torsos.  This variant Battlemaster also has a total of twenty double heat sinks, and can vent the waste heat of the majority of its weapons consistently, allowing it maintain a sustained laser barrage almost indefinitely.  To Red Devil’s surprise, this design – although rated as somewhat less efficient than their 3S2 long-range missile variant – has seen interest both from the AFFC, as well as from a variety of mercenary commands, and by the end of 3053 has become their primary Battlemaster offering.
Logged

Takiro

  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 10,181
  • For the Last Cameron!
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #33 on: October 16, 2021, 08:19:55 PM »

Quote
As for C3 BattleMasters I'm not sure if I'd slow them down.

Why?  C3 Masters can hang back at the end of the map, and the Combine's C3M Master nodes (including their canon Battlemaster) tend to be 3/5 movers that provide fire support.  Even the wobblies appear to do the same with their Archangels and Seraphs.

From my experience, the major difference between 3/5 and 4/6 is the ability to turn once and not lose defensive TMM.  With torso twisting, this is not a major issue for long-range support 'Mechs.  For assaults, it's almost never beneficial to "waste" the tonnage on 4/6 speed if you can pile on more firepower at 3/5 speed while still maximizing armor and limiting engine criticals (so: no XLs, only standards or lights or Clan engines).  Even in-universe, that wasted tonnage for pointless additional speed is the major criticism of the Cyclops, the Banshee, and also the Clan Executioner (Gladiator).

Spoiler: I'll only be proposing 3/5 speed Cyclops and Banshee variants :)

I hear ya bud, great design thoughts on InnerSphere 85 to plus 'Mechs. They really can't compete with the Clans in terms of speed so generally they are slow hulks featuring long distance firepower and plenty of armor. The BattleMaster is out of character there at 4/6 which could be handy for a command asset. Does that translate into anything game wise, maybe not. But I stuck to it the character for my proposals, I'm not in love with all of mine so the 3/5 entries could certainly prevail.
Logged

Takiro

  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 10,181
  • For the Last Cameron!
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #34 on: October 16, 2021, 08:25:44 PM »

BLR-3L BATTLEMASTER

Mass: 85 tons
Chassis: Hollis Mark X
Power Plant: VOX 340 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 65 kph
Jump Jets: Hellespont Leaper
   Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
   1 Magna 900p Large Pulse Laser
   1 Holly Short Range Missile Pack-6
5 Martell Medium Lasers
2 Firmir LaserLite Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Hellespont ‘Mech Works
   Primary Factory: Sian (refits only)
Communications System: HartfordCo COM 4000 with Guardian ECM SuiteTargeting and Tracking System: HartfordCo XKZ 1

Overview:
   Once House Liao commanded the largest BattleMaster fleet of any of the Successor States but that changed over time. The collapse of the Star League left the Capellan Confederation in possession of the original Hollis Industries line on Corey which gave them the lead production. This factory manufacturing such a versatile and powerful BattleMech became the site of many early Succession War battles between House Marik and Liao. This combat would eventually destroy the site during the Second Succession War but still the Confederation’s BattleMaster fleet endured. New production sites in Lyran Commonwealth and Free Worlds League space along with mounting casualties cost the Capellan state its top spot but the worse was yet to come. The calamity that was the Fourth Succession War nearly obliterated what was left of the Confederation’s BattleMasters. Those not captured by the Federated Suns or lost to the breakaway St. Ives Compact now composed the smallest BattleMaster fleet in the InnerSphere. While many expected the new Chancellor to simply authorize an upgrade to the BLR-3M model for his remaining forces they failed to reckon with his ambition. Commissioning his own unique refit that would take advantage of the eighty-five-ton Mech’s fast movement to create a mobile city commander that could brawl if necessary. Assisted by members of the Isis Liberation Force (ILF) and Canopian allies the aptly nicknamed ‘UrbanMaster’ retrofit quickly came together at the end of 3053.

Capabilities:
   Sun Tzu directed Hellespont ‘Mech Works of Sian to undertake the modernization efforts for the Capellan BattleMaster shortly after the Battle of Tukayyid. Engineers decided to retain as much of the original 1G as possible mixing in some unique lostech advances where possible. The rugged Hollis Mark X chassis along with its venerable VOX 340 Fusion as well as the original Hartford electronic systems remained at the core of the design. One Holly Short Range Missile Pack-6 and five Martell Medium Lasers were also kept at the end of the creative process even though one ton of missile reloads were removed. Two Firmir LaserLite Small Lasers were exchanged for the rear firing Medium Lasers while one of those Martell Mediums replaced the Machine Guns in the left arm. Firmir Weaponry on Betelgeuse also provided the Magna 900p Large Pulse Laser which superseded the old Donal Particle Projection Cannon in the right arm. This weaponry while decidedly short-ranged proved to be superbly accurate and powerful. Fifteen Double Heat Sinks enabled this arsenal to continuously without much concern to overheating. The addition of four Hellespont Leaper Jump Jets could change that equation somewhat but enable the BattleMaster to lift one-hundred and twenty meters in a single bound. While their use must be monitored in conjunction with weapons’ fire the jets add another layer of physicality it’s attack range with Death from Above maneuvers now possible. Defensively fourteen and a half tons of Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous replaced the old Star Guard IV plating producing near maximum armor protection for the Liao BattleMasters. Finally, a Guardian ECM Suite was mounted in the center torso to disrupt enemy communications or augment friendly security operations. 

Deployment:
   Overhaul of the remaining Capellan BattleMaster fleet began early in 3054 on Sian with the Red Lancers, Warrior House Imarra, and the 4th Tau Ceti Rangers all receiving upgrade orders. A single model in the Sian Home Guard is also slated for retrofitting with other nearby CCAF units scheduled soon after. McCarron’s Armored Cavalry may follow if the situation along the Andurien front in the 3rd Marik Civil War permits a break in the fighting. Forces of the Magistracy of Canopus are last on the refurbishment priority list but could start the process by the start of 3055.

Type: BattleMaster
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 85
 
Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:                     8.5
Engine:            340            27
Walking MP:         4
Running MP:         6   
Jumping MP:         4
Heat Sinks:            15 (30)            5
Gyro:                           4
Cockpit:                        3
Armor Factor:            260            14.5

Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso         27         41 / 12
R/L Torso         18         28 / 8
R/L Arm         14         28
R/L Leg         18         35

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
Large Pulse Laser      Right Arm       2      7
2 Medium Lasers      Right Torso      2      2
Small Laser          Right Torso (Rear)   1      .5
2 Medium Lasers      Left Torso      2      2
Small Laser          Left Torso (Rear)   1      .5
SRM-6            Left Torso      2      3
Ammo (SRM) 15       Left Torso      1      1
CASE             Left Torso      1      .5
Medium Laser         Left Arm       1      1
Guardian ECM Suite      Center Torso      2      1.5
2 Jump Jets         Right Leg      2      2
2 Jump Jets         Left Leg      2      2
Logged

Ice Hellion

  • Protector of the Taurian Concordat
  • KU Player
  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4,483
  • Beware of the all-seeing eye: Ice Hellion
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #35 on: October 17, 2021, 02:56:02 AM »

I get the appeal of throwing both your C3M systems into a single heavily armored ‘Mech, but it also makes your C3 network extremely vulnerable to a head-hunting attack.  So instead, I prefer more distributed systems, where you spread the C3M masters around, by combining some of them with a C3 slave, as with this variant Battlemaster.

It depends if you want to play on the Company coordination side or not.
I do agree about the "all the eggs in the same basket" but so are the rules.
Logged


"In turn they tested each Clan namesake
in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle.
Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down.
All failed to match the predator's speed and grace.
Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5

Takiro

  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 10,181
  • For the Last Cameron!
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #36 on: October 20, 2021, 09:46:22 PM »

Not sure I will have time for my C3-Master but I will try. Hopefully will have another one up tomorrow. ;)
Logged

Takiro

  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 10,181
  • For the Last Cameron!
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #37 on: October 21, 2021, 04:31:24 PM »

BLR-2M BATTLEMASTER
Mass: 85 tons
Chassis: Hollis Mark X
Power Plant: 340 VOX
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 65 kph
Jump Jets: None
       Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Durallex Special Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
       1 CBD/IWW Model 2e Binary Laser Cannon
       2 HoverTech Streak SRM-2s
       4 Martell Medium Lasers
       2 Maxell Medium Pulse Lasers
       2 Maxell Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Renegade MechWorks
       Primary Factory: Solaris VII (refits only)
Communications System: HartfordCo COM 4000
Targeting and Tracking System: HartfordCo XKZ 1

Overview:
   As the 3rd Marik Civil War continued the conflict gradually expanded to several nearby systems like Solaris VII. Loyalists and rebels alike spilled into Montenegro advocating for their factions in different ways. Isis forces rule near the Solaris River closest to Cathay as Jeffrey’s forces are out near the Periphery and the Silesia border. Despite local authorities struggling to hold the situation together a clear Provincial ‘split’ can now be seen there. Despite this low-level violence one venture formed as a result was Renegade MechWorks which was established to enhance 'Free Marik' war machines struggling against 'Atrean authoritarianism'. Their most well-known product is the BLR-2M BattleMaster which they advertise takes one step back in order to take two steps forward.
 
Capabilities:
This retrofit performed on existing machines at Renegade MechWorks features increasingly available Star League lostech and a new weapon innovation in an attempt to match better supplied 'True Marik' forces. To begin with the old Donal Particle Projection Cannon is replaced with the powerful new CBD/IWW Model 2e Blazer proliferating throughout the Free Worlds League. While more of a mid-range energy cannon than its forebearer because of its four hundred and fifty meter effective range it has no minimum range difficulties and hits harder. While its firepower is only about seventeen percent greater than the PPC it can behead opposing BattleMechs in a single blow. The drawback is increased waste heat, nearly forty percent, which exceeds even new ER PPCs. Swapping the standard Holly SRM-6 for twin HoverTech Streak SRM-2s fed by a single ton of ammuntion helped deal with the elevated heat from the Blazer and displace its heavier mass. The two rearward Medium Lasers were switched out by two Maxell Medium Pulses greatly increasing the BattleMaster's back defenses. Also both Sperry Browning Machine Guns mounted in the left arm were upgraded to two Maxell Small Pulse Lasers. These Pulses imported from Chukchi III are far more accurate than their predecessors even though they generate more heat. All four forward firing Martell Medium Lasers were retained granting this war machine impressive battlefield endurance. However, heat concerns remain as this variant runs hot especially if the Pulses (+10) are utilized on an Alpha Strike run. Optimal firing and movement conditions produce slight overheating (+4) which can be mitigated through careful weapons management. Fifteen Double Heat Sinks do a better job than the original eighteen standard models which would not be able to keep up with the new loadout. Finally, fourteen and a half tons of Star Guard IV armor was exchanged for Durallex Special Heavy Ferro-Fibrous. This advanced lightweight lostech armor plating improves overall protection by eleven percent to near maximum levels for this eighty-fve ton behemoth. When combined with the new Pulse Laser defenses it makes this BattleMaster very tough to bring down. Not to mention the design retaining the venerable 340 VOX Fusion Engine and durable Hollis Mark X chassis which make for a very robust core. All in all it is a cost effective and much improved weapon now in the hands of Free Marik Mechwarriors.

Deployment:
   The first BattleMaster to be refitted on Solaris in late 3052 was the Honored Legacy piloted by Bart Mitchell. Formerly a member of the 1st Fusiliers of Oriente who left the FWLM for Solaris VII just prior to the assassination of Captain-General Thomas Marik. A vocal proponent of the ‘Free Marik’ cause he has already taken down two ‘True Marik’ gladiators in the arenas of the Game World. In his most recent match in the Factory he defeated a BLR-3M BattleMaster sent against his BLR-2M earning even more recognition for this design. Orders have streamed in from various rebel Provinces ever since even though the Atrean government and its friends have labeled this variant a ‘Foreign Mech unfit for Marik Patriots.’

Type: BattleMaster
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 85
 
Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:                     8.5
Engine:            340            27
Walking MP:         4
Running MP:         6   
Jumping MP:         0
Heat Sinks:            15 (30)            5
Gyro:                           4
Cockpit:                        3
Armor Factor:            260            14.5

Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso         27         41 / 12
R/L Torso         18         28 / 8
R/L Arm         14         28
R/L Leg         18         35

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
Blazer             Right Arm       4      9
2 Medium Lasers      Right Torso      2      2
Medium Pulse Laser      Right Torso (Rear)   1      2
2 Small Pulse Lasers       Left Arm       2      2
2 Streak SRM-2s      Left Torso      2      3
Ammo (Streak SRM) 50    Left Torso      1      1
2 Medium Lasers      Left Torso      2      2
Medium Pulse Laser      Left Torso (Rear)   1      2
Logged

Ice Hellion

  • Protector of the Taurian Concordat
  • KU Player
  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4,483
  • Beware of the all-seeing eye: Ice Hellion
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #38 on: October 22, 2021, 12:43:46 AM »

The double barrel gun just screamed Blazer or double weapons...
Logged


"In turn they tested each Clan namesake
in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle.
Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down.
All failed to match the predator's speed and grace.
Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5

Ice Hellion

  • Protector of the Taurian Concordat
  • KU Player
  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4,483
  • Beware of the all-seeing eye: Ice Hellion
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #39 on: October 22, 2021, 12:44:49 AM »

Overview
Being the smallest  and youngest of the Successor States, the Capellan Confederation only managed to survive through the dedication of its Armed Forces and through its schemes.
For those who can read the signs, the BLR-2L is another proof of the later as it shows how much the Capellan Confederation is involved in the internal affairs of the Free Worlds League.
Menke Armor and Armaments wanted to retrofit the BattleMaster into something more suited to the modern battlefield while keeping the same spirit and efficiency as the original ‘Mech.


Capabilities
The first idea was to use the weapon that had so dramatically backfired during the 4th Succession War, the TSM. This allowed the BattleMaster to be as manoeuvrable as the Charger or other lighter designs without having to use a bigger and more fragile engine. The downside was that to make the TSM work, a delicate heat balance had to be kept.

At the core of this equilibrium, 15 Double Heat Sinks are to be found in order to cool down the Binary Laser Cannon produced by Magna Metals Inc based on Marik blueprints, 4 Medium Lasers, 2 SRM-4 imported from Kali Yama Weapons and 3 Small Pulse Lasers.
The activation sequence is quite easy and can be replicated in several ways but it is expected that during battles, younger ‘MechWarriors might lose sight of it.

Defensive capacities were not forgotten with 13 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armour, a CASE to shield the ammo for the SRM and a duo of Guardian ECM Suite and Beagle Active Probe to both disturb the opponent electronics and detect hidden units.


Battle History
Since the BLR-2L is kept in reserve, no fight involving one has been witnessed. However, their intimating presence has already been observed on some battlefields making potential opponents stop right on their tracks.


Variants
Some retrofits kits are being sent to units with a BattleMaster but without the TSM, which is too complex to be integrated on the field.


Deployment
So far, most of the new BLR-2L have been assigned to the different units of the Big Mac, either to further test it or waiting for a new daring raid by this famous unit in the service of House Liao.


Notable ‘MechWarriors
‘MechWarriors are still adjusting to the new BLR-2L and the tactical use of the TSM. So far, none has displayed any peculiar skill, which might explain the rather closed and confidential deployment of the Liao BattleMaster.

Code: [Select]
BattleMaster BLR-2L

Mass: 85 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 11 779 443 C-Bills
Total Cost: 11 806 443 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2 024

Chassis: Hollis Mark X Standard
Power Plant: VOX 340 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h (54,0 km/h)
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h (86,4 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Magna Metals Inc/Magna Mk VI Binary Laser Cannon
    4 Fusigon Heavy Weaponry/Martell Medium Lasers
    2 Kali Yama Weapons Industries Incorporated/Irian Weapons Works Class 4 SRM-4s
    3 Firmir Weaponry/Magna 200P Small Pulse Lasers
    1 Ceres Metal Industries/Apple Churchill Golden Shield Guardian ECM Suite
    1 Hellespont 'Mech Works/Hellespont Interrogator Beagle Active Probe
Manufacturer: Menke Armor and Armaments
    Primary Factory: Menke
Communications System: HartfordCo COM 4000
Targeting and Tracking System: HarfordCo XKZ 1

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     130 points                8,50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                340                      27,00
    Walking MP: 4 (5)
    Running MP: 6 (8)
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             15(30)                    5,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               4,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
    TSM Locations: 1 HD, 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 RA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 232                 13,00
    Armor Locations: 5 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 2 LL, 2 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 RT                                                   0,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     27           40       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  11       
                                           L/R Torso     18           28       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     14           24       
                                             L/R Leg     18           26       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guardian ECM Suite                           CT        0         2         1,50
2 Medium Lasers                              RT        6         2         2,00
2 SRM-4s                                     RT        6         2         4,00
Beagle Active Probe                          RT        0         2         1,50
2 Medium Lasers                              LT        6         2         2,00
Binary Laser Cannon                          RA        16        4         9,00
3 Small Pulse Lasers                         LA        6         3         3,00
@SRM-4 (25)                                  RT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 2

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 20
4          5       4       0       0      4     0   Structure:  7
Special Abilities: TSM, ECM, PRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 1/1/0
Logged


"In turn they tested each Clan namesake
in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle.
Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down.
All failed to match the predator's speed and grace.
Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5

Ice Hellion

  • Protector of the Taurian Concordat
  • KU Player
  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4,483
  • Beware of the all-seeing eye: Ice Hellion
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #40 on: October 22, 2021, 12:46:29 AM »

Faced with an enemy combining slightly superior technology and slightly better skills (this point is still open to debate), the Inner Sphere had to react.

In military strategy, there are two great schools of thoughts: the manoeuver one (with the decisive battle at the end of it) and the attrition one. Even if not consciously, the Inner Sphere relied on the later to deal with the Clans as two of the three main invaded realms had the luxury to be big enough to wear them off before being able to overwhelm them (see the analysis in the chapters on Grant’s campaigns  in the SLDF strategy textbook published in 2750 ).

However to do so requires numbers (which were on the Inner Sphere side) and enough “cheap”, reliable and efficient weapons that could be produced “en-masse”. This is why a lot of money was invested in new production lines and new models or kits to retrofit the existing ‘Mechs and vehicles literally flooded the Inner Sphere militaries.

In spite of still being anchored in its traditional approach to warfare and its belief in the supremacy of its samurai ethos, the Draconis Combine, thanks to Theodore Kurita’s reforms and the first months of the Clan invasion, was ready to go into this direction. Among the projects proposed to the DCMS, Independence Weaponry decided to focus on the capacity of applying focused firepower on selected targets thanks to the use of C3 computers networks. This is how the BLR-2K family came to live.

The idea was to produce on Soul, a “cheap” (we are talking about an Assault ‘Mech) family of commanding ‘Mechs, able to give the DCMS the tactical edge it needed while sharing as many common components as possible.

The first one was the BLR-2KM, that packed two C3 Master Computers, allowing it to coordinate the fire of a full Company.
With 4 Medium Lasers, 2 Small Pulsers and 1 ER PPC and shielded by 13.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armour and cooled by 16 Double Heat Sinks, it can stay on the field almost forever.
For only a small drop in firepower, the BLR-2KM (for Master) is a powerful tool and the fact that it uses only Kuritan systems and most of them already produced on Soul or by Independence Weaponry is another positive point.

The second member of the family is the BLR-2KS (for Samurai) is the Lance commander that can tie into a bigger network thanks to its C3 Master and Slave Computers.
The 4 Medium Lasers (a characteristic of the whole family) are backed up by 2 Small Pulse Lasers (as a protection against infantry) and 2 PPC (left-overs from the Panther). On the defensive side, apart from the Ferro-Fibrous Armour, one Anti-Missile System and a Guardian ECM Suite shield this commanding ‘Mech.
Its 10 Double Heat Sinks are a bit on the low side for cooling it but this problem  is easily neutralised through the use of the best weapons selection at each range.

The last member of the BLR-2K family is the BLR-2KK (for Katana), the close combat fighter. With 1 Binary Laser and its 4 Medium Lasers, it can deal with most threats while the Narc Missile Beacon, the C3 Slave and the Guardian ECM Suite are there to help its teammates. A little more complex to use as one has to remember that he/she is only a part of the team, a mind set that can be found in the younger generations of the DCMS.

Will the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery make something out of the potential for innovation of the Kuritan industry and will it adopt in a conscious way, the tactics and strategy most likely to be successful? This remains to be seen.

Internal memo – Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, Spring 3053

Code: [Select]
BattleMaster BLR-2KM

Mass: 85 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 14 258 443 C-Bills
Total Cost: 14 258 443 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 593

Chassis: Hollis Mark X Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 340 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Super Medium Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    1 Independence Weaponry/Lord's Light 2 ER PPC
    4 Independence Weaponry/Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
    2 Norse BattleMech Works/Victory Throb Small Pulse Lasers
    2 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Coordinator C3 Computer (Master)s
Manufacturer: Independence Weaponry
    Primary Factory: Soul
Communications System: HartfordCo COM 4000
Targeting and Tracking System: HarfordCo XKZ 1

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     130 points                8,50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                340                      27,00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             16(32)                    6,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               4,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 241                 13,50
    Armor Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 4 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     27           41       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  11       
                                           L/R Torso     18           28       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     14           26       
                                             L/R Leg     18           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C3 Computer (Master)                         RT        0         5         5,00
2 Medium Lasers                              RT        6         2         2,00
C3 Computer (Master)                         LT        0         5         5,00
2 Medium Lasers                              LT        6         2         2,00
ER PPC                                       RA        15        3         7,00
2 Small Pulse Lasers                         LA        4         2         2,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 5

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 16
4          4       3       1       0      4     0   Structure:  7
Special Abilities: C3M, TAG, ENE, MHQ10, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Code: [Select]
BattleMaster BLR-2KS

Mass: 85 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 12 619 343 C-Bills
Total Cost: 12 621 343 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 772

Chassis: Holis Mar X Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 340 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Super Medium Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    2 Luthien Armor Works/Lord's Light PPCs
    4 Independence Weaponry/Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
    2 Norse BattleMech Works/Victory Throb Small Pulse Lasers
    1 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Coordinator C3 Computer (Master)
    1 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
    1 Yori 'Mech Works/Yori Flyswatter Anti-Missile System
    1 Hellespont 'Mech Works/Hellespont Interrogator Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Independence Weaponry
    Primary Factory: Soul
Communications System: HartfordCo COM 4000
Targeting and Tracking System: HarfordCo XKZ 1

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     130 points                8,50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                340                      27,00
    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+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 241                 13,50
    Armor Locations: 5 LT, 7 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     27           41       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  11       
                                           L/R Torso     18           28       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     14           26       
                                             L/R Leg     18           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C3 Computer (Slave)                          HD        0         1         1,00
Guardian ECM Suite                           CT        0         2         1,50
2 Medium Lasers                              RT        6         2         2,00
Anti-Missile System                          RT        1         1         0,50
2 Medium Lasers                              LT        6         2         2,00
C3 Computer (Master)                         LT        0         5         5,00
2 PPCs                                       RA        20        6        14,00
2 Small Pulse Lasers                         LA        4         2         2,00
@Anti-Missile System (12)                    RT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 11

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 18
4          3       3       2       0      4     1   Structure:  7
Special Abilities: C3M, TAG, C3S, AMS, ECM, ENE, MHQ6, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Code: [Select]
BattleMaster BLR-2KK

Mass: 85 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 9 622 343 C-Bills
Total Cost: 9 640 343 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 692

Chassis: Hollis Mark X Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 340 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Super Medium Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 o Independence Weaponry/Magna Mk VI Binary Laser Cannon
    4 Independence Weaponry/Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
    1 IMB Systems/Octagon Missile Magnet Narc Launcher
    2 Norse BattleMech Works/Victory Throb Small Pulse Lasers
    1 Tanadi Computers/Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
    1 New Samarkand Metals/New Samarkand Nimbus Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Independence Weaponry
    Primary Factory: Soul
Communications System: HartfordCo COM 4000
Targeting and Tracking System: HarfordCo XKZ 1

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     130 points                8,50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                340                      27,00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             15(30)                    5,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT
Gyro:               Standard                                               4,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 241                 13,50
    Armor Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA
    CASE Locations: 1 RT                                                   0,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     27           41       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  11       
                                           L/R Torso     18           28       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     14           26       
                                             L/R Leg     18           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C3 Computer (Slave)                          HD        0         1         1,00
Guardian ECM Suite                           CT        0         2         1,50
Narc Launcher                                RT        0         2         3,00
2 Medium Lasers                              RT        6         2         2,00
2 Medium Lasers                              LT        6         2         2,00
Binary Laser Cannon                          RA        16        4         9,00
2 Small Pulse Lasers                         LA        4         2         2,00
@Narc (Homing) (18)                          RT        -         3         3,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 8

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 17
4          4       4       0       0      4     0   Structure:  7
Special Abilities: SNARC, C3S, ECM, CASE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Logged


"In turn they tested each Clan namesake
in trial against the Ice Hellion's mettle.
Each chased the Ice Hellion, hunting it down.
All failed to match the predator's speed and grace.
Khan Cage smiled and said, "And that is how we shall be."

The Remembrance (Clan Ice Hellion) Passage 5, Verse 3, Lines 1 - 5

Takiro

  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 10,181
  • For the Last Cameron!
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #41 on: October 22, 2021, 05:36:24 AM »

Very nice Ice!

Today is our final day for the BattleMaster. So get your entries in folks!
Logged

Takiro

  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 10,181
  • For the Last Cameron!
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #42 on: October 22, 2021, 04:03:25 PM »

With just about eight hours remaining I am anxiously awaiting further entries.

I will not complete my Kurita C3 and this FedCom entry below.

BLR-3FC BATTLEMASTER

Mass: 85 tons
Chassis: Hollis Mark X (retained)
Power Plant: 340 VOX (retained)
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 65 kph
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: StarGuard Ferro-Fibrous (from New Avalon)
Armament:
   1 BlazeFire Sweetshot Extended Range Large Laser (from New Syrtis)
   1 Exostar Long-Range Missiles 15-Pack with Artemis IV FCS (from Gallery)
   2 Federated Super Streak SRM-2s (from New Avalon)
2 Martell Medium Lasers (retained)
2 Defiance P5M Medium Pulse Lasers (used on the 3S)
Manufacturer: Hollis Incorporated
   Primary Factory: Corey (refits only)
Communications System: O/P 3000 COMSET (retained from the 3S)
Targeting and Tracking System: HartfordCo XKZ 1 (retained)

Overview:
BattleMaster FC (Steiner-Davion) The massive dual alliance possessed two factories and significant Liao salvage following the 4th Succession War. The Clan invasion cut into this fleet and the sovereigns are looking to hit back with a new refit. Pandora in poor shape. Refit by another company.
Steps to help restore Hollis Incorporated on Corey
Rejuvenate the badly damaged remnants in the Sarna March
Huron Warrior in development   

Capabilities:
A compromise design
Uses a bit of the Steiner approach (remove the PPC and SRM-6 for an LRM-15, an LRM-5 and two SRM-2s) and a bit of the Davion (the SRM-6 and 2 rear firing medium lasers are removed for six more heat sinks). Succession War Davion 1Gd removed the Machine Guns and 2 Heat Sinks for 4 forward firing Medium Pulses.
ER Large Laser in place of the PPC at the insistence of Davion
LRM-15 with Artemis IV FCS with 2 tons of ammo
Two Streak SRM-2s
Ferro-Fibrous armor, no CASE
13 Double Heat Sinks
Two forward firing Medium Lasers also retained
Forward firing Medium Pulse
Rear firing Medium Pulse replaces two rear firing Medium Lasers

Deployment:



Type: BattleMaster
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 85
 
Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:                     8.5
Engine:            340            27
Walking MP:         4
Running MP:         6   
Jumping MP:         0
Heat Sinks:            13 (26)            3
Gyro:                           4
Cockpit:                        3
Armor Factor:            260            14.5

Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso         27         41 / 12
R/L Torso         18         28 / 8
R/L Arm         14         28
R/L Leg         18         35

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
ER Large Laser      Right Arm       2      5
LRM-15          Left Torso      3      7
Artemis IV FCS      Left Torso      1      1
Ammo (LRM) 16       Left Torso      2      2
2 Streak SRM-2s      Right Torso      2      3
Ammo (Streak SRM) 50    Right Torso      1      1
Medium Laser         Right Torso      1      1
Medium Laser         Left Torso      1      1
Medium Pulse Laser      Left Arm      1      2
Medium Pulse Laser      Center Torso (Rear)   1      2


Just didn't think this one in particular had enough going for it. Was also knocking around the idea of weapon swaps for the PPC which included 2 Ultra AC/5s and another one with an LB 10-X AC but never really formalized those concepts.
Logged

Takiro

  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 10,181
  • For the Last Cameron!
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #43 on: October 22, 2021, 09:18:23 PM »

A little more than two and a half hours to go!
Logged

Takiro

  • General
  • *
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 10,181
  • For the Last Cameron!
Re: Optimizing the Battlemaster
« Reply #44 on: October 23, 2021, 04:08:04 AM »

Okay folks, this contest has ended, no more entries please!
Logged
Pages: 1 2 [3]   Go Up