OBT Forum

Oooh! Well i'll throw my hat into the ring with this one, just not tonight, i've already had a few ideas though   And having run a few test designs, this things quite challenging. The 'small' engine means a lot of the heatsinks are outside of it, unless i'm doing something wrong on MegaMek..wait, I should be able to mount some in the eng..I'm a Llama! 

*goes off to re-work some prototypes*

Sable Raptor


Background


The design for the Sable Raptor started out of a need to replace the aging Nova in the Hellion Tourman.  To put it bluntly, the Nova had long since ceased to shine and was showing its age.  Designed as an infantry support Mech, yet the standard configuration had no anti-infantry weapons, the Hellions disliked the Mech for its slow speed, its limited payload and the fact that it lacked a hip joint.  Because of this it had to slow to turn and this limited its mobility even more.  Although formidable at close range, and a lethal, if hot running Battle armour hunter, the Nova’s drawbacks were simply too many to save it in the eyes of Clan Ice Hellions Khans, Warriors or Scientists.  Indeed, the only Hellions who liked it were the Technicians who found its chassis a joy to work on.

Largely relegated to act as a fire support platform or Battle Armour taxi the Nova’s replacement started taking shape alongside a parallel development in the field of Battle Armour.  Whilst the standard Elemental was a potent combatant and highly flexible, the it didn’t quite sit well with the Hellions because of its lack of speed.  Unlike most other Clans, the Hellions didn’t breed their Elementals to be massive hulks of muscle, but rather they built them for speed and agility, and it was felt that a suit was needed to match this, and this would lead to the introduction of the Afreet several years later, along with other developments by other Clans as Battle Armour types diversified and grew, culminating with the introduction of the Elemental II by Clan Wolf as an answer to the fast Afreet just months before Operation REVIVAL launched.

The Mech that would replace the Nova and also become one of the most common main line combatants in the Hellion Tourman would be a project that was overseen by the Clans Chief Scientist who made regular reports to the Khans.  And for once, the Hellions did not rush, but extensively prototyped the Mech in computer simulations as well as conferring with Warriors from Alpha Galaxy who were seconded to the design process after the success of the Boreal Wildcat design program.

Design

At 50 tons the Sable Raptor is as heavy as a Nova but there all similarities end.  Unlike the rather basic Nova, the Raptor features as much weight saving materials as possible with the use of an Endo-steel skeleton and 8.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armour.  Its beating heart is 300 rated XL engine with reinforced and enhanced musculature in its legs and reinforced actuators tied into a MASC system.  When active the Sable Raptor could hit over 120 kph and with it turned off was as fast as the fearsome Stormcrow.
Carrying nearly its full complement of armour the Sable Raptor is a tough Mech and at full speed exceptionally difficult to hit.  It features 21.5 tons of pod space, considerably more than the Nova, nearly as much as the larger and usually slower Stormcrow.  The Sable Raptor’s speed also allowed it to supplement and displace the Wolf Hunter in Hellion Service, although slower, it could reach the same speed with its MASC system and was better protected and could carry far more weapons.  The Sable Raptor and its smaller running mate the Thunder Hound would eventually completely replace the Viper, Nova and Wolf Hunter in the Hellions Tourman as the older, less potent Mechs were rotated to second line units, or traded away.

Humanoid in form the Sable Raptor’s design showed a lot of the care put into the design.  Unlike the bulky, boxy Wolf Hunter the Sable Raptor was far sleeker with carefully curved armour, although its double joined legs gave it a somewhat inhuman and alien menace to its look that worked well with the shape of the hull and armour.

Variants

Prime – Built as a love song to the Hellions concept of the First Strike and built to dart in and out of range with its superior speed against larger opponents the Sable Raptor Prime was built to hit hard at range and to do so accurately.  Like its Wolf Hunter predecessor, the Prime features an ER PPC, but this is now tied into a targeting computer, as are the pair of ER Medium lasers and an ER small laser.  Additional long-range firepower comes from a LRM-20 that has been augmented with Artemis IV fire controls and can draw on a two-ton ammo bin for adequate battlefield endurance.  This gives the Prime firepower equal to roughly half that of the fearsome Timber Wolf, but on a far faster, lighter and cheaper to produce chassis.

Sable Raptor Prime
Clan TW
50 tons 
BV: 2,952
Cost: 13,657,969 C-bills

Movement: 6/9(12)
Engine: 300 XL
Heat Sinks: 13 [26]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 83 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 163/169 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               16       24
Center Torso (rear)                  6
Right Torso                12       18
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 12       18
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   8       15
Left Arm                    8       15
Right Leg                  12       24
Left Leg                   12       24

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
ER PPC                          LA    15
LRM 20                          RA     6
ER Medium Laser                 LA     5
ER Medium Laser                 LA     5
ER Small Laser                  HD     2

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA     6
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA     6

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
Targeting Computer              RT
Artemis IV FCS                  RA

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


A - Although somewhat jokingly called the Mini-Summoner or the 'Me too!' all be it derisively the Sable Raptor Alfa is a hard hitting Mech that takes full advantage of the tonnage available to mount a heavy punch.  Whilst the Summoner is a popular Mech amongst the Crusader faction of the Clans, it was not too common amongst the Hellions, but its firepower was respected and most certainly inspired the Alfa's weapon choice.  An ER PPC and LB-10 pattern autocannon provide the Mech's main punch, allowing it to engage at long and medium range.  Thanks to a 2-ton ammo bin the autocannon can fire cluster and solid rounds, making it a threat against Mech's and vehicles alike.  Finally, a SRM-6 is installed for additional close-range firepower.  The Alfa can also disrupt hostile electronics thanks to its ECM suite which only adds to its versatility. The combination of ER PPC and heavy autocannon on a very mobile chassis like the Sable Raptor Alfa makes it a very popular config and a feared one for MechWarrior’s and vehicle crews alike.

Sable Raptor A
Clan TW
50 tons 
BV: 2,171
Cost: 13,770,000 C-bills

Movement: 6/9(12)
Engine: 300 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 83 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 163/169 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               16       24
Center Torso (rear)                  6
Right Torso                12       18
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 12       18
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   8       15
Left Arm                    8       15
Right Leg                  12       24
Left Leg                   12       24

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
ER PPC                          LA    15
LB 10-X AC                      RA     2
SRM 6                           RT     4

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC Ammo                 RA    10
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo            RA    10
SRM 6 Ammo                      RT    15

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
ECM Suite                       HD

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad



B - Another design built to engage at long range, the Bravo configuration is armed with a pair of ER large lasers, some of the longest range weapons in the Clan's inventory.  For short to mid-range engagements a pair of Streak SRM-6 launchers, each with their own ton of ammunition can shower an already damaged foe with missiles.  In tests on simulators and on prototypes, the Bravo can use its speed to control the engagement, staying at long range before finally closing in to finish off Mechs already crippled by repeated laser strikes with a flurry of missiles.  And thanks to its extensive cooling system the Bravo runs exceptionally cool, giving the Warrior at its helm less to worry about, allowing him or her to focus on their opponent and the ebb and flow of the battle

Sable Raptor B
Clan TW
50 tons 
BV: 2,271
Cost: 13,280,625 C-bills

Movement: 6/9(12)
Engine: 300 XL
Heat Sinks: 15 [30]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 83 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 163/169 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               16       24
Center Torso (rear)                  6
Right Torso                12       18
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 12       18
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   8       15
Left Arm                    8       15
Right Leg                  12       24
Left Leg                   12       24

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                  LA    12
ER Large Laser                  RA    12
Streak SRM 6                    LA     4
Streak SRM 6                    RA     4

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
Streak SRM 6 Ammo               LA    15
Streak SRM 6 Ammo               RA    15

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad



C - Whereas the Wolf Hunter Charlie was a failure as missile support platform the Sable Raptor is a far more suitable platform for this role thanks to its greatly expanded pod space.  A pair of Artemis enhanced LRM-15's comprise the Sable Raptor Charlie's main armament, with each of the launchers drawing from their own 2-ton ammo bin, and a third ammo bin is shared between the two launchers allowing it to answer fire missions longer than most Clan Mechs.  The Mech's short range firepower is somewhat limited, with a trio of Medium pulse lasers providing a heavy volume of fire against fast moving targets.  Finally, an Anti-missile system is fitted to help protect it against counter battery fire.  Instead of having boxy missile launchers on the arms or shoulders, the LRM's are mounted in sleek angled mountings on the upper shoulders.  These reduce profile and help cut down on exhaust plumes impairing a Warriors visuals.  Unfortunately, these shoulder mounts are quite complex and due to the missile feeds, the arms must lock into position during a reloading cycle.

Sable Raptor C
Clan TW
50 tons 
BV: 2,416
Cost: 13,944,375 C-bills

Movement: 6/9(12)
Engine: 300 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 83 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 163/169 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               16       24
Center Torso (rear)                  6
Right Torso                12       18
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 12       18
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   8       15
Left Arm                    8       15
Right Leg                  12       24
Left Leg                   12       24

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
LRM 15                          LA     5
LRM 15                          RA     5
Medium Pulse Laser              HD     4
Medium Pulse Laser              LT     4
Medium Pulse Laser              RT     4
AMS                             RT     1

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  LA     8
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  LA     8
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA     8
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  RA     8
AMS Ammo                        RT    24
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo  LT     8

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
Artemis IV FCS                  LA
Artemis IV FCS                  RA

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


D - Developed by Clan Hells Horses who offered to assist the Hellions with their new Elemental program in return for design rights for the Sable Raptor and the new Battlesuit the Delta is an exceptionally rare configuration outside of Horse service and it is not used by the Hellions.  This did change somewhat during Operation REVIVAL though as the Clans adapted to tactics and 'tricks' employed against them by the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere.
The cause of this rarity is the Delta's primary armament, an Arrow IV Tactical missile system.  The prospect of a fast moving artillery unit to support their Combined Arms Nova's was simply too good to pass up for the Horses who valued the Mech's speed and pod space and would allow them to replace the ageing Bowman with a smaller, cheaper unit and indeed, most of the Arrow launchers for the Horses Sable Raptor Delta configs came from Bowman as they were decommissioned. 
The Arrow IV was fed by a 4-ton ammo bin allowing a Warrior to take full use of the wide range of warheads and missiles available for the flexible weapon system.  Close in defence was managed by a trio of ER Medium lasers and a single ER small laser.  The Delta also featured a TAG to allow it to illuminate targets itself as well as an ECM to jam hostile C3 systems.
Rarely seen in Clan space the D config became more common during REVIVAL, seen by most Clans as a necessary evil to counter Spheroid artillery.


Sable Raptor D
Clan advanced
50 tons 
BV: 2,238
Cost: 13,680,469 C-bills

Movement: 6/9(12)
Engine: 300 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 83 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 163/169 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               16       24
Center Torso (rear)                  6
Right Torso                12       18
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 12       18
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   8       15
Left Arm                    8       15
Right Leg                  12       24
Left Leg                   12       24

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Arrow IV                       RA/RT    10
ER Medium Laser                 LA     5
ER Medium Laser                 LA     5
ER Medium Laser                 LA     5
Clan TAG                        HD     0
ER Small Laser                  LT     2

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
Arrow IV Ammo                   RT     5
Arrow IV Ammo                   RT     5
Arrow IV Ammo                   RT     5
Arrow IV Ammo                   RT     5

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
ECM Suite                       LT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad



E - Initially designed to hunt and eliminate hostile Battle armour or support its own the Echo evolved into a fearsome close quarters hunter-killer and could cut through swaths of infantry in moments whilst also having enough firepower to threaten hostile Mech's or tanks that it might come across.  The Echo's primary armament is a LB-10 pattern autocannon and this is fed by 2-tons of ammunition.  Two ER medium lasers provide additional firepower before entering knife fighting range where the Echo's firepower increases massively.  A pair of flamers, and a quartet of Machine guns as well as a quartet of ER small lasers provide blistering firepower at close range and can reduce any infantry force to ruin in a heartbeat.  The ER small lasers are perfectly capable of cutting through Battle armour as well as providing additional firepower at close range.  An active probe allows the Echo to hunt for targets and most surprisingly, the Hellions took advice from history.  A remote sensor dispenser, mounted just above the Mech's hip can allow it to lay a 'trip-wire' of sensors that could alert the Warrior or friendly forces of any escaping targets, or new threats over a considerable area.  Uncommon due to there not being the need for such a Mech in Clan space save when hunting Dark Caste, the Echo became far more common during REVIVAL, but the main limiting factor was the number of RSD's that could be built.  The Jaguars and other Clans simply replaced the sensor dispenser with another ER small laser.


Sable Raptor E
Clan advanced
50 tons 
BV: 1,904
Cost: 13,550,625 C-bills

Movement: 6/9(12)
Engine: 300 XL
Heat Sinks: 11 [22]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 83 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 163/169 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               16       24
Center Torso (rear)                  6
Right Torso                12       18
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 12       18
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   8       15
Left Arm                    8       15
Right Leg                  12       24
Left Leg                   12       24

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC                      LA     2
ER Small Laser                  LT     2
ER Small Laser                  LT     2
ER Small Laser                  RT     2
ER Small Laser                  RT     2
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5
ER Medium Laser                 RA     5
Flamer                          LT     3
Flamer                          RT     3
Machine Gun                     LT     0
Machine Gun                     LT     0
Machine Gun                     RT     0
Machine Gun                     RT     0

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC Ammo                 LA    10
LB 10-X AC Ammo                 LA    10
Machine Gun Ammo                RT   200

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT
Active Probe                    HD
Remote Sensor Dispenser         RT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


F - Designed to be a head hunter and probably the most common variant within Clan Smoke Jaguar service, the F is built to eviscerate a target at close quarters.  Whilst an ER large laser allows the Mech to joust with a target as it closes, an Ultra-20 pattern autocannon is by far the Mech's primary armament.  This huge cannon dwarfs the remaining armament which are an ER small laser and medium pulse laser which can provide some extra firepower at short range and supplement the heavy hits from the cannon.  In Jade Falcon service the autocannon is often replaced by a Gauss rifle and it is this version of the Foxtrot that the Hellions use, preferring its long-range firepower to the close quarters brutality of the Jaguar version.  Still there were Hellion Warriors who took a shine to the brutal firepower of the F and for Commanders unwary of just how fast the Sable Raptor could be, the view through rear facing cameras as a Sable Raptor Foxtrot brought its cannon to bear on their Mech's back was often the last thing they would see.

Sable Raptor F
Clan advanced
50 tons 
BV: 2,305
Cost: 13,342,969 C-bills

Movement: 6/9(12)
Engine: 300 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro

Internal: 83 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 163/169 (Ferro-Fibrous)
                     Internal    Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso               16       24
Center Torso (rear)                  6
Right Torso                12       18
Right Torso (rear)                   5
Left Torso                 12       18
Left Torso (rear)                    5
Right Arm                   8       15
Left Arm                    8       15
Right Leg                  12       24
Left Leg                   12       24

Weapon                         Loc  Heat
----------------------------------------
Ultra AC/20                    LA/LT     7
ER Large Laser                  RA    12
Medium Pulse Laser              RA     4
ER Small Laser                  RA     2

Ammo                           Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
Ultra AC/20 Ammo                LT     5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo                LT     5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo                LT     5

Equipment                      Loc
----------------------------------
MASC                            LT

!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad


Here's my take on the Sable Raptor, I tried to keep it kind of 'inspired by' the Wolf Hunter/Fenris/Ice Ferret in some regards to its weapon configs, and went a bit nuts with others   This thing was fun to work on

Sable Raptor

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped Omnimech
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 11 821 875 C-Bills
Battle Value: 831

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 300 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 64,8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97,2 km/h (129,6 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    21.5 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    83 points                2,50
    Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             300                       9,50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9 (12)
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0,00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 163                  8,50
    Armor Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     16           24       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     12           18       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     8            15       
                                             L/R Leg     12           24       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 31

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 8
8          0       0       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 13 417 969
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 598

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             15(30)                    5,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 3 RT
    CASE Locations: RT                                                     0,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Small Laser                               CT        2         1         0,50
SRM-6                                        RT        4         1         1,50
SRM-6                                        LT        4         1         1,50
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
ER PPC                                       RA        15        2         6,00
ER PPC                                       LA        15        2         6,00
@SRM-6 (15)                                  RT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 13

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 26
8          4       4       3       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 1/1/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 13 862 344
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 425

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             12(24)                    2,00
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 0,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Small Laser                               CT        2         1         0,50
LRM-10                                       RT        4         1         2,50
    Artemis IV FCS                           RT        -         1         1,00
LRM-10                                       LT        4         1         2,50
    Artemis IV FCS                           LT        -         1         1,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        1         4,00
ER Medium Laser                              RA        5         1         1,00
ER Large Laser                               LA        12        1         4,00
ER Medium Laser                              LA        5         1         1,00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (12)                       RT        -         1         1,00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (12)                       LT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 14

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 24
8          4       4       3       0      2     2   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 13 090 313
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 589

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: LA                                                     0,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA+LA+H

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Light Active Probe                           CT        0         1         0,50
ER Medium Laser                              RT        5         1         1,00
Targeting Computer                           RT        -         3         3,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           RA        10        2         2,00
Gauss Rifle                                  LA        1         6        12,00
@Gauss Rifle (24)                            LT        -         3         3,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 13

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 26
8          4       4       2       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, LPRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 13 465 313
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 107

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 0,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA+LA+H

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Light Active Probe                           CT        0         1         0,50
2 Streak SRM-6s                              RT        8         4         6,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
Ultra AC/20                                  LA        7         8        12,00
@Streak SRM-6 (15)                           RT        -         1         1,00
@Ultra AC/20 (10)                            LT        -         2         2,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 13

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 21
8          5       5       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, LPRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 13 125 000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 059

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 0,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LRM-10                                       LT        4         1         2,50
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
Ultra AC/10                                  RA        3         4        10,00
Large Pulse Laser                            LA        10        2         6,00
@Ultra AC/10 (20)                            RT        -         2         2,00
@LRM-10 (12)                                 LT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 21

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 21
8          4       4       4       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E                                              Cost: 13 592 344
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 534

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 0,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Small Laser                               CT        2         1         0,50
2 LRM-15s                                    RT        10        4         7,00
2 LRM-15s                                    LT        10        4         7,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2,00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LA        4         1         2,00
@LRM-15 (16)                                 RT        -         2         2,00
@LRM-15 (8)                                  LT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 13

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 25
8          4       4       2       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, LRM 2/2/2, IF 2


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E Second                                       Cost: 13 217 344
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 221

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RT, LA                                                 0,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Small Laser                               CT        2         1         0,50
2 ATM-6s                                     RT        8         6         7,00
2 ATM-6s                                     LT        8         6         7,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2,00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LA        4         1         2,00
@ATM-6 (20)                                  RT        -         2         2,00
@ATM-6 (10)                                  LA        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 9

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 22
8          6       5       2       0      2     1   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: F                                              Cost: 13 077 656
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 023
Rules Level: Experimental Tech

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RA                                                     0,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Small Laser                               CT        2         1         0,50
Arrow IV Missile                             RT/RA     10        8/4      12,00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LT        4         1         2,00
Small Pulse Laser                            LT        2         1         1,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LA        4         1         2,00
Small Pulse Laser                            LA        2         1         1,00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (15)                      RA        -         3         3,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 9

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 20
8          5       3       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: G                                              Cost: 14 236 875
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 454

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 4  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT                                         2,00
    CASE Locations: RT, LA                                                 0,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECM Suite                                    CT        0         1         1,00
Anti-Missile System                          RT        1         1         0,50
Active Probe                                 RT        0         1         1,00
ATM-9                                        LT        6         4         5,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers                        RA        8         2         4,00
TAG                                          RA        0         1         1,00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers                        LA        8         2         4,00
@Anti-Missile System (24)                    RT        -         1         1,00
@ATM-9 (14)                                  LA        -         2         2,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 8

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 25
8/3j       5       5       1       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, ECM, TAG, PRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: H                                              Cost: 13 332 188
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2 261

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             18(36)                    8,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Micro Pulse Laser                            CT        1         1         0,50
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        1         4,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
Heavy Large Laser                            RA        18        3         4,00
Heavy Small Laser                            RA        3         1         0,50
Heavy Large Laser                            LA        18        3         4,00
Heavy Small Laser                            LA        3         1         0,50
                                            Free Critical Slots: 3

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 23
8          4       3       1       0      2     2   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Overview
The Sable Raptor is the brainchild of an operation engineered by Clan Wolf and what would become its Watch. Releasing false information on the Linebacker, a new Heavy OmniMech with what seemed a good mix of speed and weapons, Clan Wolf wanted to force Clan Ice Hellion to focus on what was really an empty shell, losing focus and much energy.

However, thanks to the new optimistic spirit of the Clan Ice Hellion, the trap didn’t close itself and the final result was a ‘Mech lighter than the Linebacker and as efficient or perhaps even better thanks to it being less expensive.

Appendix
Among the fauna of the Pentagon Worlds, some species were variation of species known to the followers of the Great Father or introduced by them but some were completely alien to them, which didn’t always mean unknown to them as the laws of evolution gave some common points of comparison.
Among these species were the Sable Raptors, a variation of the Raptor dinosaur family but one that adapted to a desert and warm environment by becoming a nocturnal predator and by minimising its waste of energy by hitting from hidden places and ambushing its preys.
In spite of these less than honourable “tactics”, the Sable Raptor is also a fierce fighter when its family is threatened. This can be explained as the Sable Raptor has only a few children (the maximal seen so far being 3 per couple) that they need to protect them from other predators to ensure the survival of the species.

Capacities
Since Clan Ice Hellion was trying to emulate a bogeyman OmniMech, the Linebacker, they spared no expense to give it more speed, nearly as much protection and the extra pod space. To do this, they went for a ‘Mech lighter with a weight of 50 tons instead of the foreseen 65 tons of the Clan Wolf ‘Mech.
Its top speed (thanks to a MASC system) of 130 kph, the same one as the Locust (and a third more than the Linebacker), a ‘Mech much lighter allows it to outperform almost any Heavy and Assault ‘Mechs. Thanks to the usual liberal use of advanced materials, this is achieved while still allowing a nearly full protection and a full 43% (21.5 tons) available for pod space, giving it the flexibility expected from such a design.

Configuration Prime is trying to emulate Configuration Prime of the Linebacker project, which it does thanks to its twin arm-mounted ER PPC and its 15 Double Heat Sinks. However where this design will add a LRM and a Streak system, the Scientist Caste design team decided to focus its secondary firepower on the short range with two SRM-6 and one ER Small Laser, making it a bit less flexible but much more focused and efficient at all ranges.

Configuration A is both an impressive feat and a total failure, illustrating the delicate balance needed to fight the way of Clan Ice Hellion. It is nearly the copycat of another classical Clan Wolf design, the Timber Wolf. With twin ER Large Lasers in the Arms backed up by twin ER Medium Lasers and two torso-mounted LRM-10 with Artemis IV, it packs an impressive punch that is below the one of a ‘Mech 25 tons heavier but not by much. In spite of having 12 Double Heat Sinks, Heat Management can be a problem and require a cautious combat approach, making it much less efficient than its model. This can be even more seen at closer ranges where its only weapons are two ER Medium Lasers and one ER Small one compared to the 2 ER Medium Lasers, the Medium Pulse Laser and the twin Machine Guns of the original.

Configuration B was added by Clan Goliath Scorpion but was quickly adopted by all other users of the Sable Raptor, even if it really suits the unique combat philosophy of this peculiar Clan. With only ballistic weapons linked to a Targeting Computer, this direct fire platform is perfectly suited for the precise approach displayed by most Warriors of this Clan. Even if the Gauss Rifle, an ammo-based weapon, is not the most liked weapons by Goliath Scorpions, its range, raw damage capacity and the 3 tons of ammo stored in this OmniMech makes it a good choice, especially when coupled to 3 ER Medium Lasers and a Light Active Probe to detect hidden units that could have gone unnoticed. During Operation Revival, this Configuration although efficient enough against honourable enemies would be reserved for specific Trials and operations as it lacked the flexibility against different targets needed to fight in the Inner Sphere.

Configuration C is another duelling beast that would make the days of any ‘MechWarrior on Solaris. With an UAC/20 and 2 Streak SRM-6, its raw firepower is impressive and it is able to disable any opponent with a few well placed shots. The combination of raw firepower and ground speed can be surprising even for experimented ‘MechWarriors and during Operation Revival, a few overconfident units were decimated when they thought they had the time to escape from this hunter.

Configuration D is a Jade Falcon attempt to replicate the Prime Configuration of the Summoner. With an UAC/10 in one Arm, a Large Pulse Laser in the other and a LRM-10 in the Torso, it is comparable to its model while costing less and being much more mobile. It is unknown if the traditionalist Jade Falcon Clan will make the next move and replace all or most of its Summoners with the Sable Raptors but unless they manage to acquire production rights for the new Ice Hellion OmniMech, this is unlikely.

Configuration E is like the Archer or the Bombardier. With 4 LRM-15 and 3 tons of ammo, it can pour a rain of missiles on any opponent, crippling it little by little. Should anyone try to get closer to it, it would still have to face the wrath of the missile launchers combined with two Medium Pulse Lasers and one ER Small one.
Configuration E Second is the logical upgrade of this missile boat with 4 ATM-6 replacing the 4 LRM-15. With three tons of ammo, it can either specialise in long range or short range fire support or avoid any specialisation and be tailored to meet the fighting style of the Warrior in it.

Configuration F is a strange idea for the Clans: an artillery ‘Mech. No one is sure who first designed it but its roots can probably be traced to the Thunder Hound. With 3 tons of ammo for its Arrow IV Missile, it can either move from position to position before firing or unleash the “Wrath of God” before getting back to the rear area to resupply. Opponents eager to come close to it and take advantage of the notorious lack of secondary weapons of artillery ‘Mech should be cautious as with a combination of 2 Medium Pulse Lasers, 2 Small Pulse ones and an ER Small Laser, this Configuration is able to hold the ground before turning away thanks to its speed.

Configuration G is a tribute to Anderey Kerensky, brother of the Clan Founder. This upgrade of the Exterminator is far superior to the original one with 4 Medium Pulse Lasers and an ATM-9 with two tons of ammo, allowing it to be custom tailored for any mission. To protect it from any harm, it combines the protection of an Anti-Missile System, of an ECM Suite and of an Active Probe, such a combination is quite unusual for Clan standards. What is even more unusual is the addition of a TAG, a system that is barely used by the Clans that don’t favour artillery and the extra mobility provided by 4 Jump Jets, leading to a lot of questions by members of the Warrior Caste among all Clans.

Configuration H is another heavy hitter that looks a little like a Marauder but can fight forever thanks to its all energy weapons (an idea that shows that the Clans did learn something from Operation Revival). The main firepower is provided by  a Heavy Large Laser and a Heavy Medium one in each Arm while an ER Large Laser is there for dealing damages at longer ranges and a Micro Pulse Laser to take care of infantry and other smaller threats. 18 Double Heat Sinks allows this Configuration to fire its twin Heavy Large Lasers without problem but not to alpha strike, meaning that most Warriors will have to carefully select their weapons in order to maximise their damage depending on the range of their opponent.


Battle History
Sable Raptors were first used in combat against the 12th Bear Chevaliers, an unit for waiting for its opponent to act and then reacting.
The 90th Striker Irregulars had just been assigned Sable Raptors in an effort to modernize as quickly as possible the Touman (with new OmniMechs being assigned to Alpha and Beta Galaxies and their older equipment to the other ones) when the 12th Bear Chevaliers hit Foster in order to launch a Trial of Possession on Foster Mechworks Facility Beta mostly to disturb Clan Ice Hellion building.
Unable to decide what to do with their new ‘Mechs, the Warriors of Clan Ice Hellion waited while the Clan Ghost Bear did the same.
In the end, the Bear lost patience and tried to get at close range, something that thanks to their superior mobility was avoided by the 90th Striker Irregulars, which reacted by staying at long range and firing at will. The different Configurations of the Sable Raptor played along until the commanding unit of the 12th Bear Chevaliers decided to issue a challenge, which was taken by a Sable Raptor C that wasted no time and in a typical Ice Hellion fashion reached forward firing with the fury of a Ghost Bear its weapons at close range and quickly destroying the surprised Ghost Bear ‘Mech, ending the fight.

Deployment
As with the Thunder Hound, the Sable Raptors are eagerly sought after by all Clans. So far only Clan Diamond Shark and Clan Ghost Bear have managed to acquire some production rights (the Diamond Sharks through negotiations and the Ghost Bears through a Trial of Possession) and only the former is selling it to other Clans.
Due to this rareness and the will of most Clans to have some, the Sable Raptors have become targets for Trial of Possession.

Notable ‘MechWarriors
Warrior Kilian Sender is a Ristar in Clan Wolf using the speed and firepower of his Sable Raptor to either deliver Elementals on the battlefield and support them or to flank his enemies. Currently assigned to the Fourth Trinary of the 4th Striker Cluster, most are promising him a quick rise along the ranks of Clan Wolf.

Really nice designs and background Ice Hellion

Thanks. I tried to keep a link between MasterArmina's universe and the classical one (hence the Linebacker).