OBT Forum
General BattleTech => General Discussion => Vehicle Factory => Topic started by: Takiro on March 13, 2016, 02:34:09 PM
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The success of the upgraded Huitzilopochtli Assault Tank and Zorya Light Tank got me thinking of an earlier thread to the Quicksilver Program. During the initial Vehicle Debate I had postulated that Steel Viper and Ghost Bear might forward a compromise proposal. While these Clans disagreed with calls to create new OmniVehicles they did concede that there garrison forces would benefit from the introduction of new designs. Inspired in part by their experiences with the InnerSphere they proposed upgrading existing designs (either Star League or InnerSphere) with to Clan specifications. Cheaper, cost effective, and showcasing their cooperation with the InnerSphere (key for both the Vipers and the Bears) these vehicles would supplement existing Clan Vehicles. While Cloud Cobra, Goliath Scorpion, Nova Cat, Snow Raven, and Wolf voice tacit support for the measure it is swept away in the furor of the moment. Largely ignored the Vipers and the Bears continue to explore their options during the Quicksilver Trails.
And that is where you come in folks. What I am looking for is a few good designs that will join the rest of the bunch in TRO3054: Quicksilver Trails. I have not decided if I am going to embrace the Clan Vehicle Naming Convention here but if you find an InnerSphere vehicle that already does than awesome. Something the Vipers and Bears just captured would be also be radical but it need not be the case. Instead you could find components produced in their new territory or the homeworlds that aid their efforts building a design from different sources. Complementing existing Clan Vehicles is also key, if something already occupies a weight class and role then your design might not make the grade.
Just conventional vehicles please (NO Omnis) and Fusion Engines are a must!
There can be multiple winners but more than three I would find highly unlikely. I'd like to wrap the contest up by Friday March 18th at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. Good luck, I look forward to seeing some very interesting entries.
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Patton IIC "Minerva"
(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sarna.net%2Fwiki%2Fimages%2Ff%2Ff7%2FRommel.jpg&hash=dc0abaaa87a66b9d8068f9060ebad9b1c753d0d5)
Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-C-A
Production Year: 3053
Cost: 3,469,813 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,404
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: Compound E91 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Ultra AC/10
1 Type X "Shortbow" LRM-10 w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 Series 2d ER Medium Laser
1 Series 1 ER Small Laser
1 "Hellfire" Series II Flamer
Manufacturer: Trellshire Heavy Industries
Primary Factory: Twycross
Communications System: Build 1685/3
Targeting and Tracking System: Build 2 JRD TTS with Artemis IV FCS
Overview:
The Lyran Commonwealth's Rommel and Patton tanks were an unpleasent surprise
for the Clans, who found the lowslung tanks substantially harder to defeat
than they expected based on their closest equivalents - the Oro Heavy Tank and
Ishtar Heavy Fire Support Tank, both of which support heavier firepower but
lack the durability of the Inner Sphere designs.
Seeing potential in the chassis, Clan Steel Viper began reconditioning captured
units using their new facilities on Twycross and have been aggressively
trialling for salvaged units in Jade Falcon possession. Clan Ghost Bear
arranged a deal with them to provide the Vipers with former Kungsarme Rommels
and Pattons in exchange for a share of the reconditioned units.
Capabilities:
Based around the Patton weapon payload, the Minerva's armour has been replaced
with Compound E91 as used on the Ishtar. The electronics are similarly replaced
by Clan standard hardware, for compatibility reasons. Upgrading the Build 2 JRD
TTS to mesh with the artemis upgrade to the LRM system was simple as this is
already common practise when fitting the unit to a Hachiman fire support tank.
The weapon payload has been completely replaced, whcih saves considerable
weight and allowed the use of high-rate of fire Bow-series missile launcher.
In addition, technicans managed to fit in a third ton of ammunition, necessary
as the autocannon also fires much faster than the original weapon, and a
coaxial laser in the turret.
Deployment:
The Minerva is in predominantly in deployment within the Steel Viper touman but
the Ghost Bears also have their share, although they refer to them as Patton
IIC tanks.
Variants:
The Ghost Bears have altered some of their tanks to the 'Rommel IIC' pattern,
replacing the autocannon and turret laser with a Type J LB-20X autocannon from
the Oro heavy tank. Brutal at close quarters, the Rommel struggles with limited
ammunition capacity.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 35 points 6.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 260 20.50
Cruise MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 3.50
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 1.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 240 12.50
Armor
Factor
Front 52
Left/Right 48/48
Turret 52
Rear 40
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flamer FR 3 1 0.50
ER Small Laser FR 2 1 0.50
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
LRM-10 T 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 1.00
Ultra AC/10 T 3 1 10.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) BD - 0 2.00
@Ultra AC/10 (30) BD - 0 3.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 8 Points: 14
4t 4 4 3 0 3 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: CASE, TUR(3/3/3), IF 1
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An excellent start to the contest. Very nice drak! Reminds me a lot of masterarminas Shiva (http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/vehicle-factory/quicksilver-program-35-clan-main-battle-tank-(tracked)/msg38671/#msg38671) from Quicksilver 35, I believe.
I would like to comment further but will hold my fire until we are all done on Friday. Looking forward to many more proposals!
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Zephyr IIC
(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sarna.net%2Fwiki%2Fimages%2F2%2F2b%2FZephyr.gif&hash=7da422999b14e1baf6a37cec68c821c3931bb127)
Overview
The Zephyr is quite possibly the combat vehicle with the most successful service history in the entire Inner Sphere, built by Grumman now to effectively the same specs it possessed when it first came off the assembly line centuries ago. Its performance and reliability made it the vehicle of choice when Clan Hells Horses moved to upgrade SLDF Cached vehicles to clan standards in preparation for a Renewed invasion.
Capabilities
The Zephyr was easily modified. The vehicle’s original raison d’être, its ECM suite and TAG, was retained, and an Active probe installed to maximize the Electronic Warfare support. Clan Spec Ferro Fibrous armor allowed for an overall increase in protection. an unusual quirk in the tanks layout prevented the six and a half tons from being used to it's full effect without extensively redesigning the exterior layout of the tank.
the armament was easily upgraded as well, with the trio of medium lasers being converted to medium pulse lasers. the NARC Beacon that was originally mounted on the ROyal Variations was removed and the in favor of the regular armies SRM 6 pack, now enhanced with Artemis FCS. Finally to give the tank a little more evasive capability the engine was boosted to a 225 XL Engine, the only component not off the shelf. despite this expense, the Zepher can match the land speed of a Fire Moth
Deployment
Clan Hells horses has been activating mothballed chassis as fast as they can procure them, even going so far as to issue Trials of Possession for tanks tucked away in Brian Caches. Clan Ice Hellion has been making overtures for the design specs of the Zephyr IIC, an oddity considering their recent "Tantrum" Campaign.
Zephyr IIC
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-D-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 6,514,200 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,386
Power Plant: 225 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 108.0 km/h
Flanking Speed: 162.0 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
3 Medium Pulse Lasers
1 SRM-6 w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 TAG
1 ECM Suite
1 Active Probe
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 20 points 4.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 225 7.50
Cruise MP: 10
Flank MP: 15
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 12 2.00
Control Equipment: 2.00
Lift Equipment: 4.00
Turret: 1.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 120 6.50
Armor
Factor
Front 30
Left/Right 20/20
Turret 30
Rear 20
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-6 FR 4 1 1.50
Artemis IV FCS FR - 0 1.00
3 Medium Pulse Lasers T 12 3 6.00
TAG T 0 1 1.00
ECM Suite BD 0 1 1.00
Active Probe BD 0 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (15) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 14
10h 4 4 0 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: TAG, ECM, PRB, RCN, CASE, TUR(3/3/0)
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A very impressive design JP just two things though. I was looking for Fusion Engines only not XL, should have made that clear - sorry about that. And while I would see the Hell's Horses being very interested in obtaining and refitting these designs they should come from either the Steel Vipers or Ghost Bear.
Hope you keep those designs coming folks. ;)
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Patton IIC "Minerva"
And for those low on budget, the Axe IIC (but a real IIC) is a must.
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A very impressive design JP just two things though. I was looking for Fusion Engines only not XL, should have made that clear - sorry about that. And while I would see the Hell's Horses being very interested in obtaining and refitting these designs they should come from either the Steel Vipers or Ghost Bear.
Hope you keep those designs coming folks. ;)
and I disregarded those requirments, as they were boring, and a clear example of invader clan Elitisim.
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Very good sir. I'm looking forward to more entries.
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Tosses hat into the ring
The Kartikeya is based upon captured Bulldog tanks, most of which were left abandoned by fleeing Rasalhagian soldiers or as unwanted isorla by Clan Jade Falcon. The Ghost Bears and Steel Vipers decided to combine efforts given the large numbers of vehicles they had acquired. The scientific teams decided to maximize on firepower and protection both. To necessitate this, they had to replace the standard diesel engines with fusion powerplants. This required significant re-engineering of the engine bay to allow for the mass of the heatsinks and the future enlargement of the ammo bays. Armor protection was increased by more than 50% to a full ten tons of standard armor.
All three variants of the Bulldog have benefitted from upgrades to Clan tech weaponry. The standard variant's large laser is now a large pulse laser, while the twin SRM-4s have been replaced by a foursome of Artemis IV-equipped SRM-6 launchers. The machinegun has been swapped out for an ER small laser. The ammunition is CASE protected.
The LRM variant has replaced the LRM-20 with two Clantech versions of the same throw weight and a total of four tons of ammunition. The SRM-4s are replaced by a single Clantech model. All of the missile launchers are equipped with the Artemis IV fire control system. An ER small laser is mounted in the bow of the tank in place of the machinegun.
The autocannon variant sees the standard twin AC/2s replaced with Clantech LB-X models. There are two tons of ammunition to feed the autocannons. The SRM-4 launchers are replaced by a pair of Streak SRM-6s. The bow-mounted machineguns are replaced with Clantech versions. This variant is used primarily by the Ghost Bears to counter the aerospace forces of the Draconis Combine who have become quite proficient at close air support since the beginning of the invasion.
Standard Variant
Bulldog IIc [Kartikeya]
Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 3,392,400 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,186
Power Plant: Bulldog 240 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: Bulldog Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Large Pulse Laser
4 SRM-6s w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 ER Small Laser
1 Unknown CASE
Manufacturer: Bulldog Enterprises, Quikscell Company
Primary Factory: Proserpina (Bulldog), Ares (Quikscell)
Communications System: Xilex-2000
Targeting and Tracking System: Xilex-2000
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 30 points 6.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 240 17.50
Cruise MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 12 2.00
Control Equipment: 3.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 2.00
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 160 10.00
Armor
Factor
Front 36
Left/Right 30/30
Turret 34
Rear 30
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Small Laser FR 2 1 0.50
Large Pulse Laser T 10 1 6.00
4 SRM-6s T 16 4 6.00
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 4.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (45) BD - 0 3.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 12
4t 6 6 2 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: CASE, TUR(6/6/2)
LRM Variant
Bulldog IIc [Kartikeya] (LRM)
Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-C-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 3,506,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,372
Power Plant: Bulldog 240 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: Bulldog Standard Armor
Armament:
2 LRM-20s w/ Artemis IV FCS
2 SRM-4s w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 ER Small Laser
Manufacturer: Bulldog Enterprises, Quikscell Company
Primary Factory: Proserpina (Bulldog), Ares (Quikscell)
Communications System: Xilex-2000
Targeting and Tracking System: Xilex-2000
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 30 points 6.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 240 17.50
Cruise MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 3.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 2.00
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 160 10.00
Armor
Factor
Front 36
Left/Right 30/30
Turret 34
Rear 30
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Small Laser FR 2 1 0.50
2 LRM-20s T 12 2 10.00
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 2.00
2 SRM-4s T 6 2 2.00
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 2.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (24) BD - 0 4.00
@SRM-4 (Artemis) (25) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 14
4t 5 5 4 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: TUR(5/5/4, IF 3/3/3), IF 3
LB-X Variant
Bulldog IIc [Kartikeya] (LB-X)
Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-C-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 2,736,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 943
Power Plant: Bulldog 240 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: Bulldog Standard Armor
Armament:
2 Streak SRM-6s
2 LB 2-X ACs
2 Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Bulldog Enterprises, Quikscell Company
Primary Factory: Proserpina (Bulldog), Ares (Quikscell)
Communications System: Xilex-2000
Targeting and Tracking System: Xilex-2000
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 30 points 6.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 240 17.50
Cruise MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 3.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 2.00
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 160 10.00
Armor
Factor
Front 36
Left/Right 30/30
Turret 34
Rear 30
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Machine Guns FR 0 2 0.50
2 LB 2-X ACs T 2 2 10.00
2 Streak SRM-6s T 8 2 6.00
@LB 2-X (Cluster) (45) BD - 0 1.00
@LB 2-X (Slug) (45) BD - 0 1.00
@Streak SRM-6 (30) BD - 0 2.00
@MG (200) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 9
4t 3 3 1 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: TUR(3/3/1)
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Very nice Abele. The Bulldog does make sense.
Still hoping that masterarminas will throw his hat in the ring.
After that I hope folks will consider throwing multiple designs in.
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Quick question gang, is there already a Demolisher IIC designed somewhere? I keep seeing stats like this;
2 LB-20X ACs, with 40 rounds of ammuntion
2 Medium Pulse Lasers placed in the turret
6 Machine Guns (2 in Front and 2 each Side)
Found these on the BattleTech forums. When was it created if so and is there any fluff??
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Quick question gang, is there already a Demolisher IIC designed somewhere? I keep seeing stats like this;
2 LB-20X ACs, with 40 rounds of ammuntion
2 Medium Pulse Lasers placed in the turret
6 Machine Guns (2 in Front and 2 each Side)
Found these on the BattleTech forums. When was it created if so and is there any fluff??
I think it is official. According to Sarna, you should check Records Sheets: Upgrades and Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged.
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Thanks Ice, anyone else looking to dive in? I've got a few designs of my own I'd like to throw in.
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Clan Ghost Bear always favored Elementals,but in needing to secure thier gains in the Free Rasaulhauge Republic, they found that their traditional Omnimechs for carrying Elementals, the Fire Moth and Viper, were unusually vulnerable in urban areas to well equipped Partisans. to bopth free up Battlemechs for front line Duty and allow Elementals from Zeta Galaxy to be given proper transport, twin IFV's were developed out of SLDF Chassis.
(https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mul-images/Vehicles/Demon%20Tank.jpg)
the Demon IIC IFV is almost completly unchanged from the Star Leauge Predicessor, utilizing the same frame, suspension and electronics, the requisite clan weapons upgrade allowed the Demon IIC To mount an Active Probe to assist in locating Partisans. Ferro Fibrous armor further permitted the cabin to be expanded to accomodate either a full point of Elementals or Two points of Paramilitary Police. as a final expenditure of space, the rear hatch is lined with an Anti Personell Pod to deter any rioters from trying to claim the vehicle... to messy results.
Demon IIC
Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Wheeled
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-C-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 2,455,700 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,245
Power Plant: 220 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Gauss Rifle
2 ER Medium Lasers
1 SRM-6
1 A-Pod
1 Active Probe
1 Infantry Compartment (5.0 tons)
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 30 points 6.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 220 15.00
Cruise MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 3.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 1.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 160 8.50
Armor
Factor
Front 50
Left/Right 30/30
Turret 30
Rear 20
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-6 FR 4 1 1.50
ER Medium Laser LS 5 1 1.00
(R) A-Pod RR 0 1 0.50
ER Medium Laser RS 5 1 1.00
Gauss Rifle T 1 1 12.00
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
Infantry Compartment (5.0 tons) BD 0 1 5.00
@Gauss Rifle (16) BD - 0 2.00
@SRM-6 (15) BD - 0 1.00
@SRM-6 (Inferno) (15) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 12
4w 4 4 2 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: PRB, RCN, CASE, TUR(2/2/2)
(https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mul-images/Vehicles/Magi%20Infantry%20Support%20Vehicle.jpg)
the Magi IIC is built for the immediate aftermath of Battle in urban or rough areas. Though the engine speed was reduced, the ability to haul two points of elementals (or a Khan and his Retinue/Bodyguard)
was deemed invaluable for recently conquered but unpacified sectors. The Vehicle has also been uparmored overall, and once again an active probe is used to enhance detection capabilites.
Magi IIC
Mass: 70 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-C-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 3,691,833 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,242
Power Plant: 280 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
3 ER Medium Lasers
2 Machine Guns
1 Active Probe
1 Infantry Compartment (10.0 tons)
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 28 points 7.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 280 24.00
Cruise MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 15 5.00
Control Equipment: 3.50
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 285 15.00
Armor
Factor
Front 80
Left/Right 70/70
Rear 65
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser FR 5 1 1.00
Active Probe FR 0 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser LS 5 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser RS 5 1 1.00
2 Machine Guns RS 0 2 0.50
Infantry Compartment (10.0 tons) BD 0 1 10.00
@MG (200) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 10 Points: 12
4t 3 3 0 0 3 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: PRB, RCN, CASE
Variants
Technicians are looking at reducing the Magi's overall armor coverage and changing the elemental bay to a single point in order to provided specialized armor to the tracks and Transmission of the vehicle, claiming it will do more for survivability then armor plate. so far Khan Kabrinski is unimpressed with the idea.
as far as the Demon IIC, the BEars are looking at removing the elemental compartment in order to squeeze a targeting computer, returning the demon to it's defensive fire support role. an even more radical variant looks to use a significantly larger engine at the cost of the Gauss Rifle, though this may require using an XL Engine to get the needed speed.
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Oh very good JP!
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Alright folks, JPArbiter has inspired me. Drawing upon his Leviathan submission I've been tinkering with something I think fits hear. Love to hear what you think and please keep those designs coming!
OTSO ASSAULT TANK
Mass: 95 tons
Motive Type: Tracked
Power Plant: Fusion 285
Cruising Speed: 32 kph
Flank Speed: 54 kph
Armor: Compound Zeta Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 3 GRG Gauss Rifles
Manufacturer: Ghost Bear/Steel Viper
Primary Factory: ?
Communications System: Q2 Block 9
Targeting and Tracking System: Series XXXII Multitrack IWS
OVERVIEW
Drawing upon their Quicksilver experience, specifically with the Leviathan Tank proposal, the Ghost Bears set out to complete a new assault vehicle for use in the Inner Sphere. Working with their Steel Viper allies as part of their IIC Vehicle Project they discovered several cached Alacorns which had accompanied General Kerensky on the Exodus. While these Star League Era Heavy Tanks used an Extra Light Engine that was out of the question for the Clans. Technicians realized that weight savings from other equipment could enable the use of a standard fusion power to power this Conventional Armor design. This ‘modernization’ plan would essentially return to the roots of the first models produced by the Terran Hegemony almost five hundred years’ prior which attempted to use prototype Ferro-Fibrous armor. All of these alterations were made possible by cached Puma Assault Tanks and Mars Assault Vehicles already in production. Combining parts from all three designs created what designers termed the ‘Alacorn IIC’ which was immediately readied for combat trials. Both Clans were pleased with new Assault Tank which Loremaster Tseng enthusiastically named the Otso. Naming this formidable vehicle for the spirit of the Bear in Finnish myths is undoubtedly an attempt include the Rasalhague populace in the workings of their Clan. While the Vipers recognize their right to label the new design they prefer the more generic IIC designation.
CAPABILITIES
Downgrading the Alacorn Mark VI’s Extra Light Engine to a standard 285 Fusion Power Plant was at the very heart of the Otso design. Initially Clan engineers used the Pitban 285 from cached Puma Assault Tanks to provide the required power core. While much heavier than the high tech Star League model it fit within established Clan norms for conventional vehicles and most importantly saved on costs. Thankfully the 285 Fusion Engine was already returning to production on the Clan Homeworlds as part of the Kinslayer OmniMech.
To make way for this modification newly installed Clan-tech Gauss Rifles from the Mars Assault Vehicle were installed providing nine tons of weight savings. This in turn reduced the size of the vehicle’s turret by a half ton which closely resembled the Alacorn Mark I. The remaining two and a half tons came from upgraded Clan Ferro-Fibrous armor also drawn from the Mars. Ten and a half tons of this advanced plating provided ninety-seven percent effective protection when compared to the Mark VI’s thirteen tons of standard armor.
Finally, the electronics were upgraded using the communications, targeting and tracking systems from the Mars. The net result is a much more cost effective design which retains nearly all of its predecessor’s impressive capabilities. Merchants calculate that the Otso costs only thirty-eight percent of the Alacorn Mark VI overall resource commitment. While some critics point out the lack of secondary weaponry to deter infantry most are satisfied with the Assault Tank’s tremendous long ranged firepower which can devastate ‘Mechs and Vehicles.
DEPLOYMENT
Both the Ghost Bears and Steel Vipers have deployed the Otso directly into their second line armor units called Phalanxes. These Garrison Clusters first created after Operation Klondike have long formed the defenses of many Clans. These forces have often been overlooked by most until Operation Revival which saw the seizure of over two hundred inhabited worlds. The need to enhance their effectiveness following raids, rebellions, and other dezgra activity is now apparent. The Otso has ably filled that role for the Bears and the Vipers quickly interesting other Clans in the design. To date only Blood Spirit thanks to their involvement with the Kinslayer and Goliath Scorpion with their large Brian Caches have refitted a number of these mothballed vehicles. Many theorize the Bears may soon deploy the Otso in third line armor contingents where native Rasalhague warriors serve as militias.
VARIANTS
With the main guns of the Otso being similar in size and weight to the largest possible autocannons many have postulated their use instead of Gauss Rifles. Indeed, tests have shown these rail guns can be swapped in an almost semi-modular fashion for either LB-20Xs or Ultra/AC 20s. Ammunition concerns have tempered the enthusiasm of these Autocannon proponents especially given the Ultra models propensity to go through rounds quickly. As such most changes have occurred with a single Gauss exchanged for an Autocannon.
Type: Otso Assault Tank
Technology Base: Clan Vehicle
Movement Type: Tracked
Tonnage: 95 tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 9.5
Engine: 285 16.5
Type: Fusion 8.5
Cruising MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 10 0
Control Equipment: 5
Lift Equipment: 0
Turret: 4
Armor Factor: 202 10.5
Armor Value
Front 61
Right/Left Side 40/40
Rear 27
Turret 34
Weapons and Ammo: Location Tonnage
3 Gauss Rifles Turret 36
Ammo (Gauss) 40 Body 5
Alacorn Mk VI = 16,609,125 while the Otso cost = 6,298,500
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Due to time and the paper & pen method I've had to adopt its taking time to enter the contest, especially since I started today! I have only the bare bones, but didn't want to miss out, so this is what I have right now. (I should be able to make it "contest ready", i.e. neat and pretty in standard form tomorrow night, but I've learned not to bet on computer time.
Origin
The Ebon Keshik, despite the respect of the Clans, found the prospect of controlling a restive population without adequate support daunting to a degree interpreted as fear by brash Warriors. After individual Warriors assigned to the Keshik were rebuffed when approaching their Khans on the subject, the Warriors turned to the personnel assigned to the Clan Watch for support.
Aware that a hostile occupation of hundreds of worlds would require massive commitments of equipment and personnel, the two groups presented the IlKhan with the design specifications for the (*Name*), a Fusion-powered vehicle designed to deploy self-supporting, modular trailers of either security or intelligence (or both) personnel to problems areas without the need for expensive support vehicles.
The bare bones are;
1. Clan/wheeled/50 tons/space 15/IS-5T
2. 50x6=300ER-20 SF=280ER +shielding 8T<-24 T <- 29 T
Control-5%=2.5 T <-31.5 T
3. HS -None
4. Armor 6 T x 16 AP=96 AP <-6 T <- 37.5 T
5. Turret
Plasma Cannon - 6 T +1 T (Turret) = 9 T <- 46.5 T
LRM-5 - 1.0 T
AMS - 0.5 T
Searchlight -0.5 T
Light Active Probe - 0.5 T <- 47 T
Ammo (PC) - 1.0 T <- 48 T
Ammo (LRM) - 1.0 T <- 49 T
Ammo (AMS) - 1.0 T <- 50 T
Trailer Hitch - 0.0 T <- 50 T
Crew of 4
Types of Trailers Available (All Trailers are 50 Tons, with 10 ER fusion engine, 5 T of IS, 2.5 T of Control Systems, 4 T of armor and crew of 4.)
Missile Support - 8 LRM-15 W/TAG in a Turret, 5 Ammo, 1 x A-pod
Direct-fire Support - 3 LB10-X in a turret, 4 Ammo, 1x A-Pod
Artillery Support - 2 x Arrow IV, 2 LRM-10 in a turret, 5/2 Ammo (Arrow IV/LRM), 1 A-Pod
Barracks - Both BA and standard Infantry, temporary lower Caste quarters
Intelligence - Comm equipment, Infantry Bay
Hospital - Surgical Bays, infantry bays, Cargo, Sponson-mounted MGs
Prison - Interrogation cells, Infantry Bays, Turret-mounted MG Arrays,
+a couple more later (maybe)
Note - the tow vehicle and trailers can also use the VDC (vehicular Drop Chute) system for insertion into remote areas by DropShip.
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Uller
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked
Rules Level: Advanced Rules
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-C-A
Production Year: 3053
Cost: 1,606,875 C-Bills
Battle Value: 658
Power Plant: Clan 150 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor: Compound Alpha Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Hegemony Arms DAT/91 Sniper
5 Series 1 ER Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Benson and Bjorn
Primary Factory: Spittal
Communications System: Consolidated BMR 6c
Targeting and Tracking System: TRTTS Mark II CWS
Overview:
The Clan Invasion reintroduced the Clans to the unwelcome experience of being
shelled by artillery, leading to some demand for artillery of their own.
When reminded that artillery was a dishonourable practise, junior officers
pointed out that firstly it was extremely demoralising to be shot at without
being able to return fire, secondly, that a solahma warrior commanding
technicians could readily man such a vehicle and thirdly that artillery would
also be useful creating breaches in Inner Sphere fortifications.
While most Clans suggested the juniors should offer surkai, Clan Ghost Bear had
a recently acquired vehicle factory that wasn't building anything useful and
agreed to at least consider limited production, basing their design on the
SLDF's Ballista, naming it for the Norse God of archery. The fact this is also
the Inner Sphere designation for the Kit Fox is, in their view, not their
problem.
Capabilities:
The Spittal factory already built the Vedette tank, which was the same size as
the Ballista. To accomodate easier transportation the chassis was scaled down
slightly - initially this allowed the use of reactors taken from salvaged
Valkyrie and Commandos for prototypes. Longer term production will use the same
reactor as the Mithras light tank.
The Uller is built around the Hegemony Arms DAT/91 sniper artillery piece,
thousands of which have been lying unused in Brian Caches for centuries.
Secondary armament was upgraded from machineguns to small lasers: the Ghost
Bears are less concerned about unarmoured infantry and prefered weapons which
may deter close assault by Elementals or Inner Sphere battle armor.
Armour protection is slightly improved over the Ballista, reflecting greater
concern over outflanking by fast moving forces.
Deployment:
Thus far exclusively employed by the Ghost Bears, the handful of available
Ullers have been assigned to mixed vehicle binaries in garrison units. Clan
Wolf has expressed mild interest in acquiring some after an incident where an
AFFC Fortress dropship landed near a Clan supply base, shelled it until the
defenders entered their own weapon range and then simply took off and made a
clean escape.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 25 points 5.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 150 8.50
Cruise MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 2.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 124 6.50
Armor
Factor
Front 25
Left/Right 25/25
Turret 30
Rear 19
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Small Lasers FR 4 2 1.00
ER Small Laser LS 2 1 0.50
(R) ER Small Laser RR 2 1 0.50
ER Small Laser RS 2 1 0.50
Sniper T 10 1 20.00
@Sniper (30) BD - 0 3.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 7
3t 4 2 0 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: ARTS, CASE, TUR(2/0/0)
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Okay Red Pins you got a nice start but you'll have to make some adjustments. For starters the Plasma Cannon and Light Active Probe are a no go for this time period. They have not been introduced in the early 3050s. As a suggestion I am looking for existing designs which the Clans are basing their new designs off of. You might want to at least mention the Long Tom Mobile Artillery as its forbearer.
Nice job drak! I've got one more unconventional Clan design for this conventional contest plus some older ones from previous design contests (Quicksilver) that I am working on. This all wraps up at midnight folks. Get your completed entries in by then. T minus fifteen hours.
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Okay and now for something a little different. Try this on for size.
BASILISK HEAVY STRIKE FIGHTER
Mass: 45 tons
Chassis: JA-MTR-Airframe
Power Plant: Fusion 225
Armor: StarGuard II
Armament: 1 GRG Gauss Rifle
2 Pattern JX Streak-4 SRM Launchers
Manufacturer: Steel Viper/ Ghost Bear
Primary Factory: ?
Communications System: O/PR Janxiir
Targeting and Tracking System: TargiTrak 700
OVERVIEW
Conventional Vehicles have their place within the Clans but Conventional Fighters do not. Maligned for their lack of sophistication and inherent vulnerability no Clan would even consider deploying them prior to the invasion. While the thought of wasting valuable resources on these primitive craft is repugnant to many a few brave visionaries dared to propose one.
Star Commander Saul Cochraine of Clan Steel Viper was a ristar and vocal proponent of Sanra Mercer’s True Vision. He suggested that captured InnerSphere pilots be allowed to serve the Clan in these aircraft. While controversial the proposal made a certain amount of sense within the Clan Council.
The Wardens who remained true to Mercer’s vision recognized the value of allowing bondsman to use refitted fighters to encourage cooperation with their InnerSphere brethren. Even the most hardline Crusaders who began to voice doubts in the “true vision†realized the minimal investment would pose no significant threat to the Clan.
CAPABILITIES
The Basilisk is a simple conversion from the standard Heavy Strike Fighter seen throughout the InnerSphere. The Mydron Model II Autocannon/10 was replaced by a GRG Gauss Rifle obtained from other Clan vehicles providing a boost in firepower and reach. The Holly SRM-4 Launchers were similarly swapped out in favor of Pattern JX Streak-4 SRM Launchers. Like the Gauss Rifle these missiles systems found on Clan vehicles gave the craft greater offensive punch at range. Aside from the weaponry nothing else changed from the ‘Meteor’ which debuted nearly four centuries ago. The limitations of conventional fighters combined with the understandable reluctance of the Clans to devote many resources made any other considerations pointless.
DEPLOYMENT
New so-called Copperhead Stars featuring ten of these aircraft are being deployed across the Viper Occupation Zone in support of third line units. Khan Zalman who regards the Basilisk as more of a Conventional Vehicle then true Aerospace Fighter has so far justified this unorthodox “double strength star†to his Clan.
Type: Heavy Strike Fighter (‘Basilisk’ Variant)
Technology Base: Clan Conventional Fighter
Tonnage: 45 tons
Equipment Mass
Engine: 225 15
Type: Fusion
Safe Thrust: 5
Max Thrust: 8
Structural Integrity: 5
VSTOL Equipment: 0
Heat Sinks: 10 0
Fuel: 480 3
Cockpit: 4.5
Armor Factor: 40 2.5
Armor Value
Nose 12
Right/Left Side 10/10
Rear 8
Weapons and Ammo: Location Mass
Gauss Rifle Nose 12
Ammo (Gauss) 16 Body 2
Streak SRM-4 Right Wing 2
Streak SRM-4 Right Wing 2
Ammo (Streak SRM) 50 Body 2
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Yeah, figured that out at work. The rest has to wait, I have freeloaders, I mean in-laws, and some neighbors over.
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Sorry to hear that Red Pins. I will likely give you an incomplete as the deadline for the contest is in less than two hours. I would like to see the completed product.
Here is my last proposal which was originally submitted by Abele. Hope you enjoy it!
BALDUR INFANTRY SUPPORT VEHICLE
Mass: 45 tons
Motive Type: Tracked
Power Plant: 225 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 54.3 kph
Flank Speed: 86.6 kph
Armor: Compound G5 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 1 Series 7JA Extended Range Large Laser
1 SEP Class SRM-4 Launcher
4 Series IX Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Diamond Shark
Primary Factory: (?)
Communications System: JNE Integrated
Targeting and Tracking System: Build 4 JVJ TTS
OVERVIEW
Upon learning of the Steel Viper-Ghost Bear effort to create suitable Clan Vehicles from existing InnerSphere equipment the merchants of Clan Diamond Shark saw a chance to recoup some of their Quicksilver investments. During the Thirty Third and Thirty Fourth Trails the Sharks had forwarded vehicle designs based on the Goblin Medium Tank. Realizing these proposed OmniTanks contained all the information necessary for creating a ‘Goblin IIC’ the Clan set out to complete such an endeavor. Rather than a Weapons Carrier or Medium Tank the engineering group decided to embrace the original Goblin’s role as an Infantry Support Vehicle. A Fusion Engine, high tech weaponry and advanced armor all allowed designers to enlarge the Infantry Bay for Clan operations. The Sharks also retained the Baldur name, the Norse god of light and purity, to appeal directly to the Ghost Bear market.
CAPABILITIES
The 225 Fusion Engine was chosen because it provided the best possible speed along with the fact it was widely available to the Clans. Found on the Great Wyrm BattleMech, the Chaeronea Aerospace Figher, and the Athena Combat Vehicle it exceeded the Goblin’s movement rate while being able to keep pace with most Clan forces. Eight tons of Compound G5 Ferro-Fibrous which could be found on the Ares and the Hachiman gave this Infantry Support Vehicle solid protection. The turret mounted Series 7JA Extended Range Large Laser provides the long range punch while the SEP Class SRM-4 Launcher deals with any short range threat. Four Series IX Machine Guns arrayed around the Vehicle’s armored hull are meant for any opposing infantry which gets too close. The five-ton Infantry Compartment can transport an entire Point of Elementals or Star of Conventional Infantry depending upon their equipment. Designers have also proposed that the three-man crew of this combat vehicle could be arranged with a single warrior serving as the gunner/commander and two lower caste assistants helping to operate it.
DEPLOYMENT
While Diamond Shark introduced the Baldur and accompanying refit kits for upgrades of existing Goblins in Clan possession it does not deploy the largest number. Not surprisingly the ‘merchant’ Clan sold most of its available models to other Invading Clans so they could to bolster their Occupation Zone. In spite of their recent rivalry over Nyserta the Ghost Bears have purchased as many of the Infantry Support Vehicles as they could. Like the Odin, the Tyr, and the Otso they seemed aimed at capturing the hearts and minds of Rasalhague citizens of the Bear’s new dominion. Steel Viper was also highly interested in the ‘Goblin IIC’ as Shark merchants expected.
Type: Baldur Medium Tank
Technology Base: Clan Vehicle
Movement Type: Tracked
Tonnage: 45 tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 4.5
Engine: 225 15
Type: Fusion
Cruising MP: 5
Flank MP: 8
Heat Sinks: 12 2
Control Equipment: 2.5
Lift Equipment: 0
Turret: .5
Armor Factor: 154 8
Armor Value
Front 46
Right/Left Side 31/31
Rear 20
Turret 26
Weapons and Ammo: Location Tonnage
ER Large Laser Turret 4
SRM-4 Turret 1
Ammo (SRM) 25 Body 1
Machine Gun Front .25
Machine Gun Right .25
Machine Gun Left .25
Machine Gun Rear .25
Ammo (Machine Gun) 100 Body .5
Infantry Compartment Body 5
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Darn! But that's the way it goes. Story of my life... :(
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I know, don't let the in laws get you down. ;)
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Okay and now for something a little different. Try this on for size.
BASILISK HEAVY STRIKE FIGHTER
Nice but too bad you don't make anything of the Heat Sinks and Fusion Engine.
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Thank you Ice, originally I was thinking 2 ER Mediums but what am I going to do with all that extra four tons? I suppose I could have done an ER Large with two more heat sinks or a Large Pulse but it would get away from the spirit of the design. It is pretty much a straight Clan Field Refit which replaces low tech weaponry with high tech on a one for one basis. Quick and easy. No fuss. No deep thinking required and lets face it such introspection could bring opposition which could kill the whole project.
Well I am well into the review folks which I hope to have up tonight or tomorrow morning.
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Quicksilver IIC Vehicle Review
Well I gotta say how impressed I was at the ten designs presented in this contest. While three of the designs were posted by me only one (the Basilisk) was really my idea. The other two were inspired by designs previously entered (the Leviathan and the Nygotha) for past Quicksilver contest. The seven entries that were put forth this week by four designers were not entirely what I was expecting. That is a wonderful thing because your designs opened my eyes to ideas not at within my field of vision.
Originally I was looking at existing Occupation Zone Industry in Objectives Raids to see what the Clans might utilize. Ghost Bear was the obvious choice as it had Joint Equipment Systems on Alshain (Skulker Scout Tank, Scorpion Tank, Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun, LRM Carrier, SRM Carrier, Wheeled APC, Tracked APC) and Benson and Bjorn on Spittal (Tracked APC, Scorpion Tank, Vedette Tank) to work with. The only other major vehicle production facility was Trellshire Heavy Industries (SturmFeur Tank, Demolisher Tank) on Sudeten occupied by Jade Falcon at this time which left Steel Viper out.
Next was all the unfilled tonnage slots that Clan Conventional Vehicles left. Half a dozen mass ratings (45, 55, 70, 80, 90, & 95 tons) were not occupied by designs. Admittedly this leaves out the Thor and Rudra which were newly designed OmniVehicles not Conventional Vehicles. Combining this factor with all the available Star League and InnerSphere designs created a larger sandbox in which the Clans could now play in. I have to admit that your designs went beyond that to create some dynamic new Conventional Combat Vehicles.
By the way for all those interested the in story reaction to all these new Vehicle developments is gonna go something like this… Crusaders attempt to censure such activity by hypocritically using the Quicksilver Program to quash these new designs. Led by Burrock whose Forsaken Vehicle Philosophy has spread to other Clans like Smoke Jaguar these antagonists attempt to use the Grand Council to force Ghost Bear and Steel Viper to abandon such wasteful production. Diamond Shark citing its development of the Ammon Aerospace Fighter which it did not seek permission to do calls out Burrock for its attempt to stifle innovation among the Clans. In the end the matter is voted down by a large margin and no Trial of Refusal is called for.
Back to the contest, I am going to go in reverse order this time around and tell you who finished first to last. I have to say that all the entries were very good and if yours did not make the grade this time around it has a lot to with limited industrial space rather than overall quality. Also you’ll notice some changes I’d like to make with regards to winners.
1 – Patton IIC ‘Minerva’ (drakensis)
Well leading off with what I now consider the cornerstone design in this Steel Viper-Ghost Bear contest is this winning entry. Neither the Patton or the Rommel was at the top of my list for this challenge going in as their tonnage was filled and they are not all that fast. However, the more I think about it the more perfect this proposal is for this entire endeavor. The Vipers would frequently see these tanks along the FedCom border and I remembered that the Free Rasalhague Republic built a primitive version called the Axel on Spittal which Ice Hellion also pointed out. The Kungsarme also used Rommel and Pattons for their Tank Regiment. So you have both Clans which begin the IIC effort take a design and bang, nice story. Love how the Patton IIC by the Vipers go for the Ultra AC/10 as the future InnerSphere version does and the Rommel IIC by the Bears goes LB-20X. Yeah they are slower than standard Clan Heavy speed (5/8 IMO) but they are really made to threaten dishonorable InnerSphere surats who dare raid the Occupation Zone. Also like how you cited where the components came from in your design. Great job!
One thing I would like to change is the name however. I’d like to keep “Minerva†for a Omni version of the Athena one day so in honor of masterarminas who put forward the Omni version of the Patton/Rommel Tank in Quicksilver Challenge 35 I’d like to call the Viper’s Patton IIC the Shiva. It fits with the snake theme a bit and just think it sounds right. The Bear’s Rommel IIC I want to call the Tyr if I may for obvious reasons.
2 – Demon IIC (JPArbiter)
Now this Star League design I was thinking about as we got started despite its 60-ton spot being filled by the Oro Heavy Tank (which may find itself being phased out by the first place finisher). Like what you did taking most of the old which was already pretty good, updated the weapons and armor with Clan tech, and used the weight savings to create a five-ton infantry compartment. This creates a very nice wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle which is perfect for Clan use at this time in the Occupation Zone. To be honest I’d rather go from the Steel Viper perspective then Ghost Bear as I see them using such an urban combat asset in their Occupation Zone pacification sweeps. I’d also like to add a name to this IIC which is inspired by a drakensis entry from Quicksilver 32. He proposed a Demon OmniVehicle via way of the Hell’s Horses for the Urban Assault Vehicle named the Durga. I like it, how about you?
3 – Alacorn IIC ‘Otso’ (Takiro/JPArbiter)
As I said this design is directly inspired by JPArbiter’s Leviathan entry for Quicksilver 36. I know his Tracked Assault Tank was based on the Behemoth but the Ghost Bears building a large conventional vehicle to defend their new holdings and appeal to Rasalhague denizens remains at the core of this design. From their I just took the 95-ton weight class which was unoccupied and the Alacorn which the Clans could very well have. To be honest when I began I forgot about its XL Engine and was thinking how could I add more weaponry! Then I said damn but with the weight reduction of the Gauss Rifles I thought about replacing the XL Engine with a standard Fusion. With the armor weight reduction thanks to Ferro-Fibrous it all began to work. Finding the 285 Fusion Engine for the modification was not an easy task however as they were not easy to come by. I hope you all thought it was plausible and the Otso name really seemed to work for me. Love to hear what you think but I think this one is ready to go.
4 – Goblin IIC ‘Baldur’ (Takiro/Abele)
Another design inspired by Abele’s Nyogtha entry for Quicksilver 33 which I tried to put together again for Quicksilver 34. Both were Diamond Shark efforts based on the Goblin and the 45-ton weight class was uncovered. Even though the aim of the contest was to create a Ghost Bear or Steel Viper design JPArbiter got me thinking that not every design had to be from them. The Baldur by the Sharks would fit perfectly and seems a lot like the Demon IIC entry. Where that wheeled design could deliver infantry ideally in an urban environment and the Svantovit can deliver them at high speed via its hovercraft capabilities, the Baldur can deliver them in difficult terrain that the other two cannot. All three ground vehicles have that 5-ton infantry compartment which gives them the ability to transport a full point of battlearmor or more conventional infantry. That fit along with the Baldur name which appeals to the Ghost Bears is good enough for me on this Goblin IIC. Still like to hear any thoughts you have on it!
5 – Magi IIC (JPArbiter)
I’d like to make some changes to this entry which has a lot of promise. Now I wanted a 70-ton Clan design and you got a big bad ass transport here which finally makes some sense out of the Magi. To get there you drop the original 350 Fusion (5/8) for a smaller 280 Fusion which makes for a slower vehicle (4/6) but gives you 20.5 tons to play with. I get the big cargo bay mainly for infantry but did you ever think about turning this into a Mobile HQ? That would certainly be a unique niche for this vehicle to occupy among the Clans. Yeah I know they are warriors and do not typically use such facilities but times are a changing and so is the situation. What would be wrong with a group of advisers from the growing Clan Watch feeding intel to senior officers from a highly secured armored vehicle? Also was thinking about the third front facing ER Medium Laser as well as it requires five additional Heat Sinks. What would you think about using an LB-5X AC in its place? You would need another two tons for this swap which could be accomplished by stripping away two tons of armor or slightly reducing the size of the cargo bay. Also we could use a War God name for this design. What do you think??
6 – Meteor IIC [Basilisk] – 45 tons “Takiroâ€
This my own curveball which I am still on the fence about. Would the Clans devote any resources towards the creation of their own Conventional Fighter? I have my doubts which is why the upgrade is so minimal in its nature. Even if I choose to keep this design for TRO3054 it would be unique as a Clan Field Refit – meaning it would not be produced by any Clan rather any Basilisk would be a captured or salvaged Meteor which would no doubt exist in large numbers in the Occupation Zone. Would any have be cached in the Homeworlds or obtained in the Periphery? I guess it is possible. I don’t see them dedicating any manufacturing lines at least in the Homeworlds to this effort. Love to hear your thoughts gang.
7 – Ballista IIC [Uller] – 50 tons “drakensisâ€
Unfortunately, I am going to have to pass on this design at this time. The Ballista IIC does have potential in the future certainly but I think I would have preferred the direct 55-ton upgrade rather than the slimmer version you presented. I understand what you were attempting to accomplish lessening the overall mass to accommodate other designs and existing facilities. There are undoubtedly some cached Ballista perhaps a few hundred carefully stored away on the Clan Homeworlds that could be reconditioned and upgraded for Clan service. Also outside Arrow IV Artillery I am not sure if the Clans would even consider using tube artillery at this time. Granted this could and probably will change in my setting but at the moment with limited production space I am going to wait for a later date. In the future a 55-ton version of this IIC will no doubt appear.
8 – Bulldog IIC [Kartikeya] – 60 tons “Abeleâ€
Not a bad design I just think the Patton IIC took your role. I was expecting someone to try a Manticore IIC type design so the Bulldog IIC was an unexpected surprise. What you did design wise was pretty good upgrading the Engine from ICE to Fusion status. The Fusion 240 is a more popular model thanks to its use in multiple weight classes such as 80 ton models which could have been linked to add an interesting twist. Unlike other designs you retained standard armor just adding more of it which certainly has its advantages. The weaponry arrayed in three different variants is simple and quite effective just as the overall product is cheap and cost effective. Good job Abele, I just feel that drak did better with the Patton IIC which feels like a better fit. Sorry bud.
9 – Zephyr IIC – 40 tons “JPArbiterâ€
Too high tech! Don’t get me wrong everything you use on the design is around at this time but the 225XL Engine is too much. Standard Clan practice especially in my setting abhors the use of expensive Extra Light engines on Vehicles. Now Hell’s Horses you could say might consider such an action but even in canon they did not mount an XL on the Mars till 3060+. Then there is the availability of the 225XL Engine which is not currently in production in Clan space. This is another major consideration given the Clan desire to use materials at hand. The capabilities are certainly impressive especially the speed projected which boosts the Star League Zephyr to Dasher like movement. On top of that I love the complete electronics package which includes a TAG, ECM, and Active Probe. Its armament of three turret mounted Medium Pulse Lasers and a front mounted SRM-6 with Artemis is pretty darn good especially against would be infantry. Unfortunately, the Horses are also already maxed in regards to production. Could the design appear one day as an OmniVehicle? A possibility given the use of an XL on the Yen Lo Wang but I’d like to pitch this angle at you JP. Could ComStar do this using InnerSphere tech at this time looking to equal or surpass the Dasher????
10 – (Unknown tractor trailer) – 50 tons “Red Pinsâ€
This entry is incomplete which hopefully will be finished and corrected. These tractor – trailer designs are intriguing but to be fair with a base goal of updating existing equipment for Clan use such a submission faces an uphill struggle. Also some adjustments have to be made in order to simply qualify for this challenge as certain weapons and equipment are clear unavailable in the early 3050s. That means you Plasma Cannon and you Light Active Probe got to go. Don’t forget to include some fluff as well cause that is a must for my contests. Good luck, I would really like to see the end product.
Congrats to drakensis and JPArbiter as you are the winners of this contest! Unlike other contests this one really isn’t over as I’d still like to see what Red Pins can come up with and I am still thinking about trying to design an 80-ton Jade Falcon design (Demolisher IIC maybe?) as well as getting more feedback on this review. So please keep the ideas coming folks. Thanks again everybody!
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Hmm - I might finish mine, but the prospective role would limit more to police/counter-insurgency. It might have a place within the Clans of your AU, but I doubt it would be really popular. The growing importance of the Watch in the canon universe might see them getting the political clout to persuade a Khan (or IlKhan, if one was farsighted enough) to agree to produce it, but it seems to offend Clan sensibilities as it is.
I'll see what I can do tonight - might have something then - and I'll put it in a new topic.
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Partisan IIC "Horus"
Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-C-A
Production Year: 0
Cost: 5,067,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,048
Power Plant: Consolidated 240 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor: Compound JX2 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 ER Medium Lasers
4 LB 5-X ACs
8 Machine Guns
1 Infantry Compartment (5.0 tons)
Manufacturer: Complex 8
Primary Factory: Ironhold
Communications System: TJ6 "Bell" Integrated
Targeting and Tracking System: Series VI TTS
Overview:
When Khan Chistu issued a requirement to the Jade Falcons' scientist caste for a dedicated anti-aircraft vehicle to bolster garrisons in the Inner Sphere, the scientists found themselves too short of personnel (given the other Quicksilver projects) to build up a full team.
Instead they coordinated with Warriors still in the Homeworlds and in a lightning trial they secured the design data of the Ice Hellion's new Rudra omnivehicle. Stripped of the Omnitechnology and equipped in the same lines as the Partisan heavy tanks that the Jade Falcons had encountered in the hands of the AFFC, the Horus was presented to the Khans in record time.
Capabilities:
The Horus is built around the four turret-mounted autocannon, long range and with cluster capability that can cause deadly damage to aircraft or light vehicles. Supplementing this, the designers managed to fit two lasers into the turret as additional close range firepower.
While the drive train is no more powerful than the original, judicious scaling back of the armour tonnage and turret size enabled the installation of eight machineguns to make any attack by unarmoured infantry (typical of insurgent groups) utter suicide.
In addition, the forward section of the tank now contains an infantry bay suitable for a point of Elementals (to secure the environs of the Horus) or to provide non-combatant support staff somewhere to hide when the Horus' comes under attack.
There's been limited interest in using the Horus for urban crowd control, although it lacks the armour for sustained urban combat.
Battle History:
The Ice Hellions attempted to reclaim their lost honour by attacking a point of two Horus' under testing with a point of their own Rudras in a heavy gunnery configuration. Much to the Hellion's dismay, sustained cluster fire from the Horus' disabled the tracks and the turrets of the Rudras before the Jade Falcon tanks were destroyed. Since both Rudras were then captured by the Horus' elemental points, the Jade Falcons claimed victory quite publically.
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 40 points 8.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 240 17.50
Cruise MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 4.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 3.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 96 5.00
Armor
Factor
Front 22
Left/Right 18/18
Turret 22
Rear 16
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Machine Guns FR 0 2 0.50
2 Machine Guns LS 0 2 0.50
2 (R) Machine Guns RR 0 2 0.50
2 Machine Guns RS 0 2 0.50
4 LB 5-X ACs T 4 4 28.00
2 ER Medium Lasers T 10 2 2.00
Infantry Compartment (5.0 tons) BD 0 1 5.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20) BD - 0 1.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (80) BD - 0 4.00
@MG (1/2) (100) BD - 0 0.50
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 10
3t 4 3 2 0 4 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: CASE, TUR(3/3/2, FLK 1/1/1), FLK 1/1/1
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You can put the design here if you want Red Pins.
Drak, that is a great name for a Clan Jade Falcon Conventional Vehicle. I was thinking of something more like this however with 3 LB-10Xs and a Large Pulse.
Partisan IIC
Mass: 80 tons
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 40 pts Standard 0 8.00
Engine: 240 Fusion 0 11.50
Shielding & Transmission Equipment: 0 6.00
Cruise MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: 10 Single 0 .00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 4.00
Crew: 6 Members 0 .00
Turret Equipment: 0 4.00
Armor Factor: 115 pts Ferro-Fibrous 1 6.00
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 8 34
Left / Right Sides: 8 23/23
Rear: 8 15
Turret: 8 20
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
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3 LB 10-X ACs Turret 0 30 4 33.00
1 Large Pulse Laser Turret 10 1 6.00
1 Machine Gun Front 0 100 2 .75
1 Machine Gun Left 0 1 .25
1 Machine Gun Right 0 1 .25
1 Machine Gun Rear 0 1 .25
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body 0 .00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 10 11 80.00
Items & Tons Left: 10 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 5,438,700 C-Bills
Battle Value: 916
Cost per BV: 5,937.45
Weapon Value: 962 / 962 (Ratio = 1.05 / 1.05)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 39; MRDmg = 28; LRDmg = 13
BattleForce2: MP: 3T, Armor/Structure: 0 / 5
Damage PB/M/L: 5/4/4, Overheat: 0
Class: GA; Point Value: 9
Any ideas for a Demolisher, SturmFeur, or Schrek that could be alternatives to these Partisans??
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Ok - my delayed entry into the Quicksilver Vehicle program is a variant of the Ku. Its late, and I have to go to work in the morning, so the trailers will be added tomorrow. Lucky for me, they're pretty easy - it should take longer to type them than design and calculate them.
The trailers for my entry are produced by various Clans for trial purposes, although the Diamond Sharks have made a limited number of Erliks available for testing purposes under contract, for now. Also I'm looking into the vehicular drop-chutes of TO, but I can't make sense of the rules right now.
And the name is cool - fits in with the Mongol naming theme. I like it.
ERLIK SUPPORT TRACTOR
Mass: 50 Tons
Motive Type: Wheeled
Power Plant: 280 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 64.7 kph
Flank Speed: 97.4 kph
Armor: Compound JX4
Armament:
2 ER-ML
2 LRM-5
MechMortar/8
Active Probe
4 A-Pods
Searchlight
Manufacturer: Diamond Sharks
Primary Factory: Various
Communications System: Build 1685 Tacticom
Targeting and Tracking System: Series VI Integrated TTS
OVERVIEW
As the Clans enthusiastically embraced the Quicksilver Program and the return to the Inner Sphere, only the most pessimistic (or progressive) chose to upgrade the vehicle designs that filled the Clan’s garrison units. In a rare show of Clan unity, Watch officers from across the Clans quietly conferred on the qualities needed in a new garrison vehicle designed from the ground up to assist the Watch in Intelligence gathering and counter-insurgency across the Occupation Zones. Ably assisted by senior Goliath Scorpion researchers, Scientists and Technicians quickly identified the Clan Ku (originally developed from the SLDF Turhan) as being able to provide the basis of a new design.
Aware that the outnumbered garrisons and Watch detachments could never afford to spread their forces or Intelligence assets thin enough to adequately cover their areas of operation, engineers arranged to incorporate trailers into the manufacturing process to create multiple variants with a minimum of expensive components.
CAPABILITIES
Serving as an independent vehicle, a 280-rated engine drives the 50-ton Erlik at speeds up to 97 kph. Armed with paired turret-mounted ER-MLs and LRM-5s, the Erlik is generally considered unsuitable for frontline service. However, the Mech Mortar/8, one of the oldest indirect support weapons still available to the Clans (and thus one widely available at Brian Caches across the Clan homeworlds) allows the Erlik to utilize the multiple ammunition types available to tailor its capabilities to the situation. Provided an expensive Active Probe to locate and avoid attempts to ambush it, the four-man crew of the Erlik is protected by only six tons of armor but uses an AMS system and A-Pods to reduce damage.
The multiple trailers under consideration utilize a common base (with a 10-ER Fusion engine from the failed Harpy ProtoMech and four tons of standard armor) to allow the Erlik to further adapt to its surroundings; from providing missile, direct-fire, or Artillery support (the Erlik/A, /B, or /C Configurations) during the battle to providing barracks and hospital facilities (the /D and /E Configurations) for front-line or garrison Clusters in the field after the battle, the Erlik is able to convey and detach trailers to operate independently and reduce the amount of resources required to provide secure facilities in remote areas.
Expected to make major contributions to the Clans, the Watch-oriented trailers available are designed to provide Intelligence gathering and Interrogation facilities (the Erlik/F and /G Configurations), and more are under development to fulfill niche requirements on smaller trailers using the Erlik to deploy them in the field.
DEPLOYMENT
While still under development, the Erlik promises to spread to both Homeworld and Invading Clans, its combination of low production costs and the versatility of its trailers make it an intriguing addition to the Clans’ garrison forces.
Type: Erlik Support Tractor
Technology Base: Clan Vehicle
Movement Type: Wheeled
Tonnage: 50 Tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 5.0
Engine: 280 16
Type: Fusion
Cruising MP: 6
Flank MP: 9
Heat Sinks: 10 0
Control Equipment: 2.5
Lift Equipment: 0
Turret: .5
Armor Factor: 96 AP 6
Armor Value
Front 21
Right/Left Side 21/21
Rear 12
Turret 21
Weapons and Ammo: Location Tonnage
2 ER-Medium Lasers Turret 2
2 LRM-5 Turret 2
AMS Turret .5
Searchlight Turret .5
MechMortar/8 Front 5
A-pod Front .5
A-pod Left .5
A-pod Right .5
A-pod Rear .5
Active probe Body 1
Ammo (LRM) 48 Body 2
Ammo (MM) 32 Body 4
Ammo (AMS) 24 Body 1
Trailer Hitch Rear 0
Types of Trailers Available (All Trailers are 50 Tons, with 10 ER fusion engine, 5 T of IS, 2.5 T of Control Systems, 4 T of armor and crew of 4.)
Missile Support - 8 LRM-15 W/TAG in a Turret, 5 Ammo, 1 x A-pod
Direct-fire Support - 3 LB10-X in a turret, 4 Ammo, 1x A-Pod
Artillery Support - 2 x Arrow IV, 2 LRM-10 in a turret, 5/2 Ammo (Arrow IV/LRM), 1 A-Pod
Barracks - Both BA and standard Infantry, temporary lower Caste quarters
Intelligence - Comm equipment, Infantry Bay
Hospital - Surgical Bays, infantry bays, Cargo, Sponson-mounted MGs
Prison - Interrogation cells, Infantry Bays, Turret-mounted MG Arrays,
+a couple more later (maybe)
Note - the tow vehicle and trailers can also use the VDC (vehicular Drop Chute) system for insertion into remote areas by DropShip.
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Interesting Red Pins, I have to say your fluff is very solid and to the point. Never heard of Erlik before but the name fits the Clans very well. The Ku (original by way of the Turhan) just from its art is a solid pick as a basis for a tractor trailer design. The 280 Fusion Engine is an excellent choice which could be from a number of old 70 ton Mechs (Archer Guillotine, and Warhammer come to mind immediately). Did you forget the Shielding required for Vehicles however, I only see the 16 tons for the Engine??
As for the rest it looks very intriguing. I'd love to use it in the future if possible but sadly not for TRO3054 as you missed the deadline. Sorry.
Nice job!
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*
****! Yup. Jees, you know you're old when! I have got to get HMP on the new box before I embaress myself.
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I need that myself. I got an idea but need to flesh it out. It looks like the govt might reactivate The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco to deal with low level threats that are currently being take care of by A-10 Warthogs . The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is an American turboprop light attack and observation aircraft.It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency (COIN) combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control (FAC) aircraft. It can carry up to three tons of external munitions, internal loads such as paratroops or stretchers, and can loiter for three or more hours. This plane would weigh in between a Boomerang Spotter Plane and the Angel Recon/Fast Strike Plane. This plane could be used by the Watch and The Ebon Keshik to deal with rebels and lightly armed insurgency troops.
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Stuff happens Red Pins. It is a fine overall concept. I also appreciate the fact your trying the best you can bud.
Sounds like an idea Gabe. I'd like to see it.
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Yeah I am getting my hands on a laptop and HMPro then I am up and running
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Here is my take on JPArbiter's Magi IIC submission. Love to hear what everyone thinks!
QUETZALCOATL COMMAND TANK
Mass: 70 tons
Motive Type: Tracked
Power Plant: Fusion 280
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Flank Speed: 64.8 kph
Armor: Compound E91 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 3 Series 2d Extended Range Medium Lasers
2 Series IX Machine Guns
Manufacturer: LM VA 11-43
Primary Factory: Sheridan
Communications System: ASE Vigilant Mark 1 with ECM Suite
Targeting and Tracking System: Lynx RM with Active Probe
OVERVIEW
Despite several attempts to utilize the Star League Magi Tank during the Quicksilver Trails finding a place for this old design among the Clans proved exceptionally difficult. The Heavy Infantry Support Tank was hardly an asset to most Clans who viewed it as a historic footnote worthy of museum space. Even some proponents of modernization viewed it as under-armed and no longer fast enough for the modern battlefield joking that the Magi’s tough outer shell was excellent for target practice during new weapons tests. The Star Adder evaluators felt that they could create a unique combat vehicle that would be valuable to future operations.
Their unorthodox proposal was to create a well armored mobile headquarters that would enhance a commander’s strategic assessment. As Clan warriors always led from the front in one fashion or another the suggestion was nearly dismissed out of hand. Clarifying that this Command Tank would serve as a clearinghouse for information and not the actual place from which an officer commands engineers secured permission for prototype testing. By downsizing the engine designers were able to install several new features as well as upgrading the weaponry and armor that won grudging approval from Khan N’Buta who dubbed it the Quetzalcoatl.
CAPABILITIES
In order to make room for improvements Adder scientists decided to reduce the Magi’s 350 Fusion Engine to a Fusion 280. This smaller power plant was garnered from many different designs like ancient Archers and Warhammers as well as the newer Grasshopper IIC, Grizzly, and Guillotine IIC. While this decision dropped the top speed of the Tank by more than twenty kph it opened up twenty and a half tons for additional equipment. The ‘popgun’ armament was marginally improved with three Series 2d Extended Range Medium Lasers replacing the original standard models. Two Series IX Machine Guns rounded out this non-combatant’s arsenal which is really only meant to engage infantry and perhaps light vehicles.
Twelve and half tons of Compound E91 Ferro-Fibrous from the Ishtar replace an earlier Star League version of that advanced armor. This high tech plating along with three additional armored tons offered close to a thirty percent improvement in protection. While the Lynx RM Targeting and Tracking System was held over from the Magi this new incarnation adds an Active Probe and an ECM Suite. These supplemental electronic systems allowed the Command Tank to operate effectively in the most hostile battlefield environments. A five-ton Infantry Compartment allows for a variety of armed troopers or VIPs to be securely transported through recently conquered or unpacified areas.
The keystone of the Quetzalcoatl is the newly designed Clan communication system, the ASE Vigilant Mark 1. This cutting edge gear which weighs seven-tons creates a mobile headquarters which is nearly identical to its Star League forerunner. This facility is complete with a holographic control center which continuously displays terrain, troop movements, and weather conditions as well as a sophisticated battle computer that makes projections and even suggestions based on available data. This equipment enables the Command Tank to monitor remote sensors or link with satellites, orbiting spacecraft, and even HPGs to effectively coordinate activities.
DEPLOYMENT
Serving as a heavily armored information hub the Quetzalcoatl is staffed by strategic analysts from the Watch. These operatives continually process real time intelligence and update field commanders regularly. None of these vehicles has yet to appear in battle so the effective of its deployment cannot be gauged. Only Wolf and Diamond Shark have expressed any interest in the Command Tank acquiring several refit kits for their Toumans. While the Wolves will likely follow the Adder’s plans to utilize these machines the Sharks have indicated merchants might be allowed to help staff their Quetzalcoatls. These hardened communication hubs could help establish ChatterWeb affiliates quickly on conquered worlds.
Type: Quetzalcoatl Command Tank
Technology Base: Clan Vehicle
Movement Type: Tracked
Tonnage: 70 tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 7
Engine: 280 24
Type: Fusion
Cruising MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: 15 5
Control Equipment: 3.5
Lift Equipment: 0
Turret: 0
Armor Factor: 240 12.5
Armor Value
Front 80
Right/Left Side 60/60
Rear 40
Weapons and Ammo: Location Tonnage
ER Medium Laser Front 1
ER Medium Laser Right 1
ER Medium Laser Left 1
2 Machine Guns Front .5
Ammo (Machine Gun) 100 Body .5
Active Probe Body 1
ECM Suite Body 1
Communications Equipment Body 7
Infantry Compartment Body 5
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I'd agree that the Wolves would be interested in such a mobile command centre, IIRC the 2nd Jade Falcon novel did have a Wolf Star Colonel commanding from a field HQ not from his 'Mech, so clearly it's something they don't object to too much.
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I'd agree that the Wolves would be interested in such a mobile command centre, IIRC the 2nd Jade Falcon novel did have a Wolf Star Colonel commanding from a field HQ not from his 'Mech, so clearly it's something they don't object to too much.
Not very Clanlike (at least in the early parts of Operation Revival) but an interesting idea.
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I suppose if a Commander was bid out of an assault such placement could be plausible. Thanks for the input guys!
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I suppose if a Commander was bid out of an assault such placement could be plausible. Thanks for the input guys!
Bidding out your Commander? That would mean that he can't lead even from a HQ.
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Okay folks sorry this took so long but this should finish the designs for conventional vehicles for TRO 3054. I'm gonna work on the section overview and using existing art we should be able to wrap this first area of the fanbook up so we can move on to the next. Enjoy the Shiva and Tyr!
SHIVA HEAVY TANK
Mass: 65 tons
Motive Type: Tracked
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Flank Speed: 64.8 kph
Armor: Compound E91 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 1 Type 9 Ultra Autocannon/10
1 Type X “Shortbow†LRM-10 Launcher with Artemis IV FCS
1 Series 2d Extended Range Medium Laser
1 Series 1 Extended Range Small Laser
1 “Hellfire†Series II Flamer
Manufacturer: New Kent Armor Works
Primary Factory: New Kent
Communications System: Build 1685/3 Tacticom
Targeting and Tracking System: Build 2 JRD TTS with Artemis IV FCS
OVERVIEW
The Federated Commonwealth's Rommel and Patton Tanks were an unpleasant surprise for the Clans. These lowslung tanks were substantially harder to defeat than they expected based on their Homeworld equivalents. Both the Oro Heavy Tank and Ishtar Heavy Fire Support Tank featured heavier firepower but lack the durability of the Inner Sphere designs. It was Diamond Shark that first saw potential in the design, presenting a high tech modularized version for the Thirty Fifth Quicksilver Trial. While the Shiva, designated for the Hindu God known as the Destroyer, finished third overall it produced strong reactions among the Clans. Jade Falcon was so disgusted by the mere thought that captured Rommel and Patton Tanks would be utilized in combat again that they destroyed every example in their possession.
This wasteful display by their long time enemy caused Steel Viper to seriously consider their compromise project. Together with Ghost Bear they advocated for the upgrade of existing conventional vehicles rather than the costly development of OmniVehicles. Despite its merits this IIC Vehicle Proposal was largely ignored by an extremely polarized Grand Council. Viper research on the Rommel and Patton quickly showed real potential that was passed along to the Bears. They agreed jointly to pursue a development program which began with the acquisition of the Shiva from Diamond Shark. Eager to turn a profit the Sharks readily negotiated a deal that would turn the entire concept into a reality. The Bears ultimately claimed rights to the Rommel IIC which became the Tyr while the Vipers would build the Patton IIC or Shiva.
CAPABILITIES
The final Steel Viper product is closer to the Patton rather than the more advanced OmniVehicle originally proposed by Diamond Shark. It retains the proven Magna 260 Fusion Engine and other basic motive systems from its InnerSphere precursor. While slower than standard Clan heavy units this second line tank is not made to operate with them. Instead they are intended to destroy InnerSphere surats who continue to raid the Occupation Zone. With speed on par with these dishonorable opponents the Shiva should immediately bolster Clan defenses against such threats.
For its other equipment the Shiva draws heavily from existing Clan designs like the Ishtar which supplies its primary weapon payload. The Type 9 Ultra Autocannon/10 armed with three tons of ammunition provides the main punch of this Heavy Tank which can quickly put down sustained fire threatening any target. In addition, twelve and a half tons of Compound E91 Ferro-Fibrous from the Ishtar replaced fourteen and a half tons of standard armor found on the Patton improving the design’s protection. The Build 1685/3 Tacticom communications systems also from the Ishtar replaced its InnerSphere counterpart for compatibility reasons.
The Hachiman Fire Support Tank supplies the other half of the Shiva’s electronics package. The Build 2 JRD TTS with Artemis IV FCS effectively ties in the Type X “Shortbow†LRM-10 Launcher and other secondary weaponry like the Series 2d Extended Range Medium Laser, the Series 1 Extended Range Small Laser, and the “Hellfire†Series II Flamer. These weapons which were gleaned from other Clan conventional vehicles save considerable weight and allow for larger ammunition stores. This allows for the Shiva to remain effective in the field longer than its Commonwealth built forerunner.
DEPLOYMENT
The Shiva is predominantly deployed within the Steel Viper touman as part of their conventional Phalanx Clusters. While these units are more infantry reliant than their Ghost Bear counterparts, vehicles have begun to play a larger role. As a partner in the design the Bears also have their share but currently prefer the Tyr or Rommel IIC. If they successfully upgrade the primitive Axel factory on Spittal with fusion engines, and perhaps one-day Clan weaponry, then this situation could change rapidly. The Diamond Sharks acquired a large stockpile of captured Patton Tanks and are reconditioning them as fast as possible. Most of their refits have been sent to their new Leiomano Clusters who first proved their worth at the Battle of Nyserta despite their conventional nature. The rest have been shipped to Wolf and Hell’s Horses thanks to their assistance with the original Shiva OmniVehicle. The Horses have yet to deploy any in the Homeworlds however preferring to study the design for future research. The appearance of these Heavy Tanks in the Occupation Zone has caused a certain amount of confusion among Spheroid insurgents. Nearly identical to their forerunner several raiders have been caught flat footed by the Patton IIC on the battlefield. The improved capabilities of the design have bought down several opponents before they realized it was indeed a Clan Tank.
Type: Shiva Heavy Tank
Technology Base: Clan Vehicle
Movement Type: Tracked
Tonnage: 65 tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 6.5
Engine: 260 20.5
Type: Fusion
Cruising MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: 10 0
Control Equipment: 3.5
Lift Equipment: 0
Turret: 1.5
Armor Factor: 240 12.5
Armor Value
Front 52
Right/Left Side 48/48
Rear 40
Turret 52
Weapons and Ammo: Location Tonnage
Ultra AC/10 Turret 10
Ammo (Ultra AC) 30 Body 3
LRM-10 Turret 2.5
Artemis IV FCS Turret 1
Ammo (LRM) 24 Body 2
ER Medium Laser Turret 1
ER Small Laser Front .5
Flamer Front .5
TYR HEAVY TANK
Mass: 65 tons
Motive Type: Tracked
Power Plant: Magna 260 Fusion Engine
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Flank Speed: 64.8 kph
Armor: Compound E91 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 1 Type J LB-20X Autocannon
3 Type V “Longbow†LRM-5 Launchers
4 Series 1 Extended Range Small Laser
1 “Hellfire†Series II Flamer
Manufacturer: Paxon ArmorWorx
Primary Factory: Paxon
Communications System: Build 1685/3 Tacticom
Targeting and Tracking System: Build 2 JRD TTS with Artemis IV FCS
OVERVIEW
When Khan Bjorn Jorgensson first proposed the IIC Vehicle Compromise during the OmniVehicle debate in the Grand Council it received little attention. Despite the available vehicular salvage from the invasion and the verbal support of saKhan Christopher Ahmed it was largely ignored. Perhaps it was the endorsement from the ever wavering Steel Vipers which persuaded others to forget the initial suggestion. Wary of the Clan’s sudden shifts in behavior few put any faith in their commitments. Nonetheless Ahmed and his supporters continued to research the idea when the Jade Falcons enacted their infamous ‘Tank Annihilation’. Destroying Rommel and Patton Tanks taken from the Federated Commonwealth demonstrated not only an unClanlike attitude toward valuable military hardware but spurred the Vipers to reexamine the usefulness of these designs.
Discovering that these two Heavy Tanks could be the cornerstone for an actual building program led the Vipers to approach the Bears with a plan. Beginning with the Rommel and Patton Tanks the two Clans would partner together to upgrade existing conventional vehicles thus enhancing their garrison forces. While reluctant Khan Perigard Zalman realized that the scheme would require only a minimal investment and could result in a substantial strengthening of the Viper’s position. Intrigued by the proposition Khan Jorgensson agreed on the condition they alone would develop the Rommel IIC. Recognizing that their support was necessary to avoid any potential censure the Vipers agreed. Altering the base Clan model to include the largest possible autocannon the Bears quickly created their so-called Tyr Heavy Tank which is no doubt aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the Rasalhague people.
CAPABILITIES
As the Tyr is a so-called variant of the Shiva it shares many similarities just like the Rommel and Patton. It would be accurate to say that the Tyr and Shiva are closer relatives then their precursors as even the turret remains wholly unchanged. In fact, the only difference between the designs is the subtraction of two tons of Ferro Fibrous which makes way for additional weapon space. Despite this loss of armor, the Tyr is still better off than the Rommel in terms of overall protection thanks to advanced Clan technology. Bear scientists chose the massive Type J LB-20X Autocannon from the Oro Heavy Tank to serve as the Heavy Tank’s main gun. Formidable against a variety of conventional opponents and fighters with its cluster ammunition the LB-20X can also fire large slugs which can threaten even Assault ‘Mechs. While this big gun has more of a punch at closer range it weighs considerably more. To compensate for the reduction of long range firepower three Type V “Longbow†LRM-5 Launchers replaced the LRM-10 and the ER Medium from the Shiva. This missile system arrangement is very similar to the newly upgraded Zorya and helps to maximize overall effectiveness in spite of a smaller scatter shot nature. To protect the entire perimeter against infantry three additional Series 1 Extended Range Small Lasers were added on the sides and rear. Together with the ER Small and Flamer retained from the Shiva this Heavy Tank is a brutal close quarter opponent.
DEPLOYMENT
The Bears jealously guard the Tyr design which has rapidly been disturbed into their Phalanx Clusters. The Clan has begun incorporating native Rasalhague warriors into its touman by way of this Scandinavian themed design and others like the Odin, the Baldur, and the Otso. While production has begun on Paxon the largest supply of Tyr and possibly Shiva could one day come from Spittal. The crude Benson and Bjorn facility produced the primitive Axel which was an ICE powered version of the Patton and Rommel Tank. Originally the Clan had no plans to upgrade the site but after the success of the Shiva and Tyr it has prioritized such an undertaking. The first objective is to complete the construction of a Fusion Engine component line while Clan weaponry will be shipped in. By the end of the Truce of Tukayyid the Spittal factory should be fully uprated to Clan specifications.
While reluctant to turn over the specifications the Bears ultimately did so for their new Steel Viper ‘allies’ who immediately began reconditioning captured units. Diamond Shark also received refit keys as part of their agreement for the Shiva but were sternly warned that the Bears owned all rights to the Tyr. Grateful for access to the design neither Clan has pushed the issue with the Ghost Bears. It is rumored that their long time Snow Raven associates may be involved in selling the Heavy Tank to interested parties in the Kerensky Cluster like the Blood Spirits. While the Hell’s Horses have been locked out of the Tyr sales so far they have not voiced any desire to obtain the Heavy Tank confusing many observers on the Clan Homeworlds.
VARIANTS
The arrangement of weaponry on the Tyr allows for a wide variety of alternate loadouts with a minimum effort. The LB-20 X Autocannon can be swapped for either a Gauss Rifle or Ultra Autocannon/20 depending on several different factors. The Gauss provides better range with a better ammunition supply while the Ultra Autocannon doubles the firepower at the cost of a limited number of rounds. Additionally, the LRMs can be replaced by a Streak SRM 6 or dual SRM 6s which only enhances the Rommel IIC’s already daunting close range destructive capability. While not quite modular these modifications can be accomplished quickly and at cheaper cost then an OmniVehicle.
Type: Tyr Heavy Tank
Technology Base: Clan Vehicle
Movement Type: Tracked
Tonnage: 65 tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 6.5
Engine: 260 20.5
Type: Fusion
Cruising MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: 10 0
Control Equipment: 3.5
Lift Equipment: 0
Turret: 1.5
Armor Factor: 202 10.5
Armor Value
Front 43
Right/Left Side 43 / 43
Rear 30
Turret 43
Weapons and Ammo: Location Tonnage
LB-20 X AC Turret 12
Ammo (LB-X) 15 Body 3
3 LRM-5s Turret 3
Ammo (LRM) 48 Body 2
ER Small Laser Front .5
Flamer Front .5
ER Small Laser Right .5
ER Small Laser Left .5
ER Small Laser Rear .5