OBT Forum

A relative new comer to the defense market, only a few years in the market RDI has hit the ground running with their vehicles and personal assault weaponry. Expanding now into the next stage of supporting the operations of the combat troops. Enter the Rampart to the stage, a 60 ton Quad Battlemech that is centered around the centerpiece of all militaries big or small, the grunt/infantryman. With the dime a dozen APC's circulating the known worlds, many that are unable to with stand a single hit from opposing forces, Premier Arnold Collins with his history in the SLDF knew that there must be a new method that would be able to reliably deliver infantry on the modern battlefield. Building off the chassis of the Scorpion Battlemech and increasing its support structure RDI has been able to put together a solid design for today's battlefield. With speeds of up to 86 kph and the ability to jump up 150 meters the Rampart is able to maneuver within any terrain. Building off an entire energy supply of weaponry for both convenience and the the lack of ammo explosion possibilities to protect its cargo. With the addition of dual Anti-Missile systems the 'Mech is able to secure itself from enemy missiles while also protecting nearby infantry once deployed. With integrated ECM and Active Probes the 'Mech is able to assist supporting forces ID enemy troops while shrouding itself from enemies. Already orders are coming in from other Provinces for the design even though only just recently being showcased to the Ministry of Defense.

Rampart RPT-2R

Introduction Year: 2788
Cost: 12,192,800 C-bills
Battle Value: 1,291


Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Alston AL-1
Power Plant: GM 300 XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: Harrier P1127
     Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Chobham XM1
Armament:
     1 Large Pulse Laser
     4 Small Pulse Laser
     2 Anti-Missile System
Manufacturer: Rhodesian Defense Industries
     Primary Factory: New Rhodes
Communication System: Norcon Communications TTU1DX w/ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: Spytec GL300 w/ Active Probe

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    6
Engine                        300 XL                9.5
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5
Double Heat Sink              10 [20]                 0
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  192                    12

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        27   
     Center Torso (rear)               8   
     R/L Torso               14        20   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  5     
     FR/L Leg                14        24   
     RR/L Leg                14        24   

Weapons                        Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Large Pulse Laser                  RT        2        10      7.0   
2 Small Pulse Laser                RT        2        2       2.0   
2 Small Pulse Laser                LT        2        2       2.0   
Anti-Missile System                RT        1        1       0.5   
Anti-Missile System                LT        1        1       0.5   
4 Cargo (1 ton)                    LT        4       -       4.0   
Active Probe                      RLL        2        -       1.5   
ECM Suite                         RRL        2        -       1.5   
Searchlight                        CT        1        -       0.5   
2 Jump Jet                         RT        2        -       2.0   
2 Jump Jet                         LT        2        -       2.0   
Jump Jet                           CT        1        -       1.0   
Anti-Missile System Ammo (24)      RT        2        -       2.0
image from https://www.deviantart.com/meganerid/art/Quad-Mech-Squad-840366612

The increasing lethality of the modern battlefield has led the High Command of the Terran Regency to call for a new infantry transport.  Seeking to take advantage of the superior mobility and survivability of mechs, compared to standard APCs, a Request For Proposal(RFP) has been issued for a mech based infantry transport.  While the requirements were only sketched out in the most basic terms, one of the few requirements was that the mech should be a quad design, the large torsos, located closer to the ground were felt to be more advantageous when deploying infantry.

Brigadier Corporation, the premier [Editor's Note: Only] manufacturer of Quasd mechs quickly sent a proposal to the Terran Regency Design Subcommand.  Based on their Scorpion battlemech, the design team made major modifications to turn the mech into an effective infantry transport. Realizing that the mech would need to free up mass for the infantry bays, the engineers replaced the old Vox engine with a new extra light model.  This kept the mech's superior speed, while freeing up vitally needed mass.  However due to the larger size of the engine, the Brigadier had to redesign the chassis, increasing the size.  The new chassis is significantly boxier then the original Scorpion.  This allowed the addition to 2 jump infantry bays on each side of the torso.  Each bay is capable of carrying an entire platoon of Jump Infantry.  These bays are specially designed to allow the jump troopers to deploy while the mech is still moving. Using their jump packs, they are able to leave the mech and descend to the ground without needing any ropes or rappelling gear.

The weapon array has been modified to better suit the mech's new role.  Intended to provide close support for it's embarked infantry the PPC has been replaced with a Newhart Extended  Large Laser, providing nearly the same range as the old Rand PPC, while not suffering from the PPCs minimum firing range.  Supporting the Laser are 5 Marklin Mini Missile Packs.  These are typically supplied with Inferno rounds for use against opposing infantry and armor.  To compensate for the added heat of these weapons, the cooling system uses double strength heatsinks.

Lastly the armor has been increased by almost 75%.  This provides better protection to the troopers being carried into combat.  The only complaint about the Scorpion is that the infantry bays are a bit cramped and combined with the poor ride qualities of the Scorpion can make travel uncomfortable  for long periods of time.


SCP-2I Scorpion
Mass: 55 tons
Chassis: Brigadier 800f
Power Plant: Vox 330XL
Cruising Speed  64 kph
Maximum Speed: 97 kph
Jump Jets:  none
 Jump Distance: 0
Armor:  StarSlab/4
Armament:
   1 Newhart Extended Range Large Laser
   5 Marklin Mini Missile Packs
Manufacturer:  Brigadier Corporation
   Primary Factory: Oliver, Procyon
Communications System: Garret 500A
Targeting & Tracking System: Garret GRNDTRK 9

Type: SCP-2I Scorpion
Tonnage 55 tons
Internal Structure          5.5
Engine: 330 XL                       12.5
   Walking MPs: 6
   Running MPs: 9
   Jumping MPs:
Heatsinks       10  (20)      
Gyro                              3
Cockpit                         3
Armor       192                 12
            IS      Armor
Head         3      8
CT         18        26/6
RT/LT      13     20/6
FRL/FLL     13    25
RRL/RLL      13     25

Weapons
ER Large Laser      RT   2   5
SRM 2         H   1   1
SRM 2         LT   1   1
SRM 2         RT   1   1
SRM 2         CT   1   1
SRM 2         CT   1   1
Ammo (50)      LT   1   1
Jump Infantry Bay   LT   4   4
Jump Infantry Bay   RT   4   4

Following the introduction of the Greyhound, the Regency Special Operations Command approached Brigadier about building a new version of the Greyhound.  Codenamed the Boarhound, the new mech featured a Vox 320XL engine, increasing the Greyhounds already impressive speed.  With 8 Rawlings 55 jump jets, the mech is capable of keeping up with the Spider, which forms the back bone of many special operations units. 

The Boarhound only carries as single platoon of jump infantry, using the space savings to replace the standard chassis of the Greyhound with an endo-steel versions.  This allows the mech to carry 2 medium lasers and flamer. 

While there is little video footage available of the Boarhound, one of the few videos that has leaked out shows a Boarhound in mid jump disgorging jump infantry. 



BRH-1D Boarhound
Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Brigadier 400f-ES
Power Plant: Vox 320XL
Cruising Speed  87.3 kph
Maximum Speed: 127.2 kph
Jump Jets:  Rawlings 55
 Jump Distance: 240 M
Armor:  StarSlab/4
Armament:
   2 Martell Medium Lasers
   1 Hotshot Flamer
Manufacturer:  Brigadier Corporation
   Primary Factory: Oliver, Procyon
Communications System: Garret 500A
Targeting & Tracking System: Garret GRNDTRK 9



Type BRH-1D Boarhound
Tonnage 40 tons
Internal Structure    Endo      2
Engine: 320 XL                       11.5
   Walking MPs: 8
   Running MPs: 12
   Jumping MPs: 8
Heatsinks       10        
Gyro                              3
Cockpit                         3
Armor        152                  9.5
            IS      Armor
Head         3      8
CT         12        20/4
RT/LT      10      16/4
FRL/FLL      10     20
RRL/RLL      10     20

Weapons
Flamer         H   1   1
Medium Laser      CT   1   1
Medium Laser      CT   1   1
Jump Infantry Bay   RT   4   4
Jump Jets         FRL   2   1
Jump Jets         FLL   2   1
Jump Jets         RRL   2   1
Jump Jets         RLL   2   1

Great progression of design concept Irose. Really like how you started with an existing design then went to some new designs afterwards. That makes a lot of sense. Not sure how many Mechwarriors would love this BattleMech Infantry delivery system given the significant loss of weaponry.

The reason I thought this would be such a great Terran design is their preponderance of 'Mechs. It was always a Mech nation sort of the same way the US is a car nation. Thus a role for vehicles is given to a Mech in my vision.

As a major aside to this discussion what do you guys see as improvements which can be done for infantry Mech carriers? I would think cargo bays would be tough or more likely impossible to get out of and operate from.

Great ideas so far guys please keep them coming.

And Bradshaw while you may have been strictly out of order involving LAMs here I did like the concept.

Go big or go home when the call from Ministry of Defense for a new method for infantry to be safely deployed to the battlefield. Speed is an option but that already exists with a plethora of hover and VTOL deployment vehicles. Tracked too limited in its deployment areas, wheeled usually too vulnerable and unable to get their troops safely to the front line. Why not use the biggest baddest 'Mech to safely deploy them to the Battlefield. Taking the experiences with the Scorpion and the Goliath, Brigadier has now gone bigger with the Onslaught the most heavily armored Battlemech to enter the field of battle. With access in all four legs for infantry to take a ride to the front lines. Able to transport up to to two platoons of Jump Infantry the Onslaught will be the first of its kind. With an impressive array of assault systems from its Large Pulse Laser for accurate and pinpoint accuracy to its Gauss Rifle able to take up to ton of armor off opponents in a single shot. It still has in addition an ER PPC for long range engagements and a single small pulse laser for infantry support purposes. With an active probe to locate hidden units and enemy infantry the 'Mech is a solid unit to any combined arms actions.

Onslaught OLT-1B

Introduction Year: 2788
Cost: 10,088,000 C-bills
Battle Value: 2,181



Mass: 100 tons
Chassis: Standard Quad
Power Plant: 300 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 32.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Jump Jets: None
     Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Standard
Armament:
     1 Gauss Rifle
     1 Large Pulse Laser
     1 ER PPC
     1 Small Pulse Laser
Manufacturer: Unknown
     Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                   10
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              13 [26]                 3
Gyro                                                  3
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  323                  20.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            31        47   
     Center Torso (rear)               15   
     R/L Torso               21        32   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  10   
     FR/L Leg                21        42   
     RR/L Leg                21        42   

Weapons                Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage
Large Pulse Laser          CT        2        10      7.0   
Gauss Rifle                RT        7        1       15.0 
ER PPC                     LT        3        15      7.0   
Small Pulse Laser          HD        1        2       1.0   
Gauss Rifle Ammo (16)      RT        2        -       2.0   
2 Cargo (1 ton)           FRL        4        -       2.0   
2 Cargo (1 ton)           RLL        4        -       2.0   
2 Cargo (1 ton)           FLL        4        -       2.0   
2 Cargo (1 ton)           RRL        4        -       2.0   
Active Probe               LT        2        -       1.5   
Double Heat Sink           LT        3        -       1.0   

Infantry compartments are not bays per se, but cargo space for person-
nel, with maybe a fl at shelf for a community seat and hooks in the wall for
gear. Used mainly by vehicular units rather than in spacecraft, compart-
ments can transport infantry and their equipment over short distances
but lack any amenities beyond the space needed to breathe.

Infantry bays, on the other hand, include basic life support (air fi lters
and conditioning that draw from the vehicle’s external environment or an
internal ship-wide life support apparatus), basic sleeping arrangements
(such as bunks, cots or simple pads), a communal waste facility, and even
food and equipment stowage compartments that allow for a bit more
comfort and longer hauls. Infantry bays can even provide proper anchor-
age for the infantry unit’s gear, based on its type

Infantry, Foot (Bay / Compartment) 5 tons / 3 tons 1 per ton (‘Mech)* / 1 (Vehicle)** 28 troopers (Foot Infantry)
Infantry, Jump (Bay / Compartment) 6 tons / 4 tons 1 per ton (‘Mech)* / 1 (Vehicle)** 28 troopers (Jump Infantry)
Infantry, Motorized (Bay / Compartment) 7 tons / 6 tons 1 per ton (‘Mech)* / 1 (Vehicle)** 28 troopers (Motorized Infantry)
Infantry, Mechanized (Bay / Compartment) 8 tons / 5 tons 1 per ton (‘Mech)* / 1 (Vehicle)** 5 troopers (Mechanized Infantry)
Battle Armor (Bay / Compartment) 2 tons / 1 tons 1 per ton (‘Mech)* / 1 (Vehicle)** 1 Battle Armor trooper

Crazily enough can put any in a mech

The info Bradshaw posted comes from the Tech Manual.

How I would interpret it is like this:

A Bay is like the facilities on a landing ship- the troops are expected to live their for extended durations
A compartment is like Bradley IFV, a LVTP or UH-60 Black Hawk.  It has some seats, storage racks for their weapons and maybe a connection to a the NBC system.  I would also say it includes some sort of large door suited for rapid deployment.

I would say that for what we are looking at a compartment is more then sufficient.