OBT Forum
General BattleTech => General Discussion => Vehicle Factory => Topic started by: Takiro on February 08, 2015, 12:17:53 AM
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What is that old saying that no plan survives contact with the enemy? Or everybody has got a plan until they get hit. Well four contests later my original vision for this Tank is different. I had always envisioned Blood Spirit designing this cheaper and far less controversial medium to heavy size tank. Ideally balanced between speed, firepower, and armor it should be able to keep pace with most Clan forces. The backbone of the new Clan Armored Corps this Tracked OmniTank would be powered by a Fusion Engine rather than an Extra Light reserved for the Main Battle Tank.
Blood Spirit along with their Fire Mandrill allies would place a higher value on this lower tech work horse rather than the heavy extravagance of the MBT. The Spirits have long since dedicated their sole primary vehicle production facility to the Tanit Hover Tank. Only three potential manufacturers remain. Perhaps Diamond Shark lured by the potential market for such a common design will work with them. Ice Hellion could always try to put some speed on this Medium Tank adding it to its new Flurry units. Hell’s Horses could also be drawn in although it is more likely they will mastermind the MBT when it comes out.
Do not forget that Wolf, Star Adder, and even Coyote scientist are waiting to assist in the development of any new OmniVehicle. While most Clans remain apathetic toward the whole concept Burrock, Jade Falcon, and Smoke Jaguar all detest this scheme. Their hatred for this whole concept could manifest itself during the design process. These three Clans will go out of their way to wreck this phase if at all possible. All entries must also follow established Naming Conventions for Clan Vehicles meaning Gods of War should be your guide. Once again the finalized Primary Industrial Commitments for the Clans are listed below.
Primary Industrial Commitments
Blood Spirit [3 OmniMechs & 1 OmniVehicle]
Burrock [3 OmniMechs & 1 OmniFighter]
Cloud Cobra [1 OmniMech, 2 OmniFighters, & 1 Aerospace Fighter]
Coyote [2 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 3 BattleMechs]
Diamond Shark [3 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, 1 OmniVehicle, & 1 Aerospace Fighter]
Fire Mandrill [2 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 1 BattleMech]
Ghost Bear [5 OmniMechs, 2 OmniFighters, & 1 BattleMech]
Goliath Scorpion [1 OmniMech, 1 OmniFighter, & 2 BattleMechs]
Hell's Horses [1 OmniMech, 1 OmniFighter, 3 OmniVehicles, & 1 BattleMech]
Ice Hellion [2 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 1 OmniVehicle]
Jade Falcon [6 OmniMechs & 2 OmniFighters]
Nova Cat [3 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 2 BattleMechs]
Smoke Jaguar [5 OmniMechs & 1 OmniFighter]
Snow Raven [1 OmniMech & 3 OmniFighters]
Star Adder [3 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, 1 OmniVehicle, & 1 BattleMech]
Steel Viper [4 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 1 BattleMech]
Wolf [6 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 1 OmniVehicle]
The non binding suggestions to help any potential designers who are interested remain in effect. This maybe the last contest where an Ultralight could be feasible and I would like to see a Tracked version if at all possible.It is also important to fill the missing gaps in the existing Clan Vehicle Force which can be seen in Technical Readout 3060. This has been a consistent theme of the Quicksilver Program I would like to see it continue here. Only five unaccounted mass categories remain (45 tons, 70 tons, 80 tons, 90 tons, 95 tons). Filling gaps serves to augment existing Clan designs even though they are not modular in nature.
Criteria
Vehicle Type: Tracked
Power Plant: Fusion Engine
Name: Clan Vehicle Naming Conventions (Gods of War)
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: Clan Level 2
Manufacturer: Hell’s Horses (1), Ice Hellion (1), and Diamond Shark (1)
Fluff
An absolute must and since I love fluff it is a requirement. Bonus points to those who integrate existing Quicksilver and Clarion Call plot points.
Art
This would be nice if you could but is not at all required to enter this contest.
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Durga
(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sarna.net%2Fwiki%2Fimages%2F4%2F43%2FTiger_t12.jpg&hash=a73e5e6897ee906038bf602d2cc07f76073754f9)
Mass: 54 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 2,241,663 C-Bills
Battle Value: 370
Power Plant: GM 270 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 54.0 km/h
Flanking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Armor: Magnum Composite Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
17.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Hector MechWorks Facility Beta
Primary Factory: Hector
Communications System: Build 1685 Tacticom
Targeting and Tracking System: Version Gamma-V
Overview:
With the engine problems sinking the Durga heavy weapon carrier project, the
parallel medium omnitank project launched a Trial of Possession for the name as
well as much of the electronics and armour set up.
The name was preferred over their original choice of Gilgamesh because the Ice
Hellions were basing the new omnitank on the Age of War T-12 Tiger. This medium
tank had had a long and honourable career with the AFFS and SLDF (not to
mention the copies abounding in other House militaries during the Age of War)
and even survived the bloodshed of the Amaris Coup and Pentagon Civil War.
Capabilities:
The Ice Hellions replaced the original engine with a more powerful GM 270. This
engine was immediately available from those used in the Shadow Hawk IIC and
Clan Ghost Bear actually had a modest number from DCMS salvage, the engines
having been fitted to degraded Hussar and Hermes light 'Mechs by the DCMS and
stripped out of isorla by appalled Clan technicans.
The Tiger's protection was redeemed but replacement with Clan ferro-fibrous
saved a ton which neatly finessed the overall size of the Durga to the new
engine.
The Durga Prime is a fairly conventional tank with a turret-mounted Gauss Rifle
which fits neatly into a turret once intended for a heavy autocannon. Once it
closes in, the Streak Missile launcher replaces the cruder original launcher and
can cripple equipment exposed by the 'hole-punching' rifle.
For extended hit and run operations, the Ice Hellions use configuration A which
uses a heavy dual purpose autocannon with three tons of ammunition and supports
this with a pair of pulse lasers.
Looking for a more focused long-range configuration, Ice Hellion test pilots
requested the Durga B with a large pulse laser and twin LRM launchers. This
makes it perfectly feasible to strike at a target from 600 metres - well before
enemies with only close or medium range weapons can strike back.
In a more specialised role, the Durga C is built around anti-air defense with
three light autocannon in the turret. The lack of firepower makes the
configuration little use in any other role.
Battle History:
The Ice Hellions raided Ironhold in revenge for Jade Falcon waste of sample
heavy weapon carriers sold for them. While the bulk of the force moved out to
strike at the defenders, the commander posted a Durga point to guard their
dropships. The Jade Falcons sent a point of Donar attack helicopters to disable
the dropships, limiting the Hellion's ability to leave with isorla. One of the
Durga was configured for anti-air and in a long-range engagement swatted both
Donar before serious damage could be inflicted on the transports.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 30 points 5.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 270 22.00
Cruise MP: 5
Flank MP: 8
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 3.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 1.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 96 5.00
Armor
Factor
Front 20
Left/Right 20/20
Turret 20
Rear 16
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 2,992,413
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 1,040
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
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Gauss Rifle T 1 1 12.00
Streak SRM-4 T 3 1 2.00
@Gauss Rifle (16) BD - 0 2.00
@Streak SRM-4 (25) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 10
5t 3 3 2 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(3/3/2)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: A Cost: 3,242,663
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 955
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
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LB 10-X AC T 2 1 10.00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers T 8 2 4.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (20) BD - 0 2.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 10
5t 3 3 1 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(3/3/1), FLK 1/1/1
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B Cost: 3,637,288
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 1,330
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
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Large Pulse Laser T 10 1 6.00
2 LRM-15s T 10 2 7.00
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 2.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (16) BD - 0 2.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 13
5t 3 3 3 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(3/3/3, IF 2/2/2), IF 2
================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 3,107,913
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 580
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
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3 LB 2-X ACs T 3 3 15.00
@LB 2-X (Cluster) (90) BD - 0 2.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 6
5t 1 1 1 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(1/1/1)
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Nike
(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F0%2F0b%2FCzo%25C5%2582g_lekki_PL-01_%252802%2529.jpg&hash=32d7a77d0406c785144e936ff34aeebe9917f901)
(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.kinja-img.com%2Fgawker-media%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Fs--NrbDpNd1--%2Fc_fit%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_80%2Cw_636%2Flmako2wqjd366qldm2eg.jpg&hash=8c3fad61eb0897e8ba21d64b9155c5fab034566a)
(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shephardmedia.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Farticle%2F20130903_MSPO_2624cropped.jpg&hash=e1f0d03cce0b060b6902f63306757f0625ca4096)
NOTE: The images above are not from BattleTech. They are photographs of the real-life Polish PL-01 Light Tank scheduled to enter service next year. It masses 30-35 metric tons (depending on armor configuration), so it is just about the perfect size. The turret is unmanned and remote operated by the vehicle commander and/or gunner who is positioned within the hull behind the driver (hatch visible just beneath the main gun slightly left of the center line of the vehicle). Oddly enough, the actual vehicle also includes a small bay in the rear that can accommodate up to four soldiers (very cramped, but it can be done). The main gun is either a 105mm rifled gun or a 120mm smoothbore with a co-axial MG mount and an independently traversable remote operated MG on the upper turret. Just found these pics the other day and thought that they would be perfect for Clan Hell's Horses new OmniTank . . . the Nike.
EDIT: Fluff posted two posts below. I'm leaving the pictures as is. Enjoy!
MA
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Can't wait!
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Nike
Overview:
Although thoroughly annoyed when Khan Natasha Kerensky of Clan Wolf attempted to steal the name of their newest OmniVehicle design (Nike) in the previous Hovertank competition, the leaders of Clan Hell's Horses decided against launching a punitive campaign . . . especially in light of the defeat of the Wolf's faux-Nike. Instead, this Clan devoted an immense amount of resources to completing the development and production of 'their' Nike light strike tank.
Capabilities:
Part of a project some twenty years in development, the Horse Nike concept was based on the need for a fast-moving, dependable, rugged tracked vehicle that would complement the front-line OmniMechs of the Herd. Using the basic chassis of the 30-ton Badger C as a starting point, the Clan resculpted the exterior, sloping the front armor and removing some of the 'blocky' feel. In place of the cargo compartment at the rear of the earlier design, Horse Scientists instead fitted a one-ton remotely operated unmanned turret.
Borrowing the Fusion 180 powerplant from existing production lines for the Ku Wheeled Assault Tank, the new Nike promised to deliver an exceptional turn of speed for a tracked vehicle: a cruise speed of 64.8 kilometers per hour and a flank speed of 97.2 kph. The engine was fitted to the forward right quarter of the tank . . . with the two-man crew (consisting of a vehicle commander/gunner and a driver) seated to the left.
This extremely small crew (for a Clan combat vehicle) allowed Clan Hell's Horses to experiment with assigning only one Warrior to the Nike. Serving as vehicle commander and gunner, the Warrior leaves the details of driving the vehicle to the civilian caste (typically a Technician) driver as he concentrates his attention on the sensors and operating the weapon systems.
Determined to aid the sole Warrior as best they could, the Horses installed a Pathfinder-series Active Probe within the turret as part of the vehicle's fixed equipment. Combined with the Series XL FWS targeting & tracking array and Build 1700/5 Tacticom communications system (both already in use on the Epona Pursuit Tank), the addition of the Pathfinder provides the Warrior with a crystal-clear image of the battlefield.
Five tons of VM20 Compound Ferro-Fibrous armor plating (also coming from the Epona manufacturing lines) provide solid, if not exceptional, protection to the Nike. The front, turret, and both flanks are armored well enough to stop the penetration of a single Class 20 autocannon strike; the rear is the weakest point and even there the Nike can absorb two Inner Sphere Large Laser hits without suffering internal penetration.
Of course, this combination of speed and armor (as well as the fixed Active Probe and one-ton of mass devoted to the turret) did not leave much room for weapons and equipment. A meager 8.0 tons remained for pod-space.
The Horses, however, deemed that as adequate and have worked hard to produce a number of configurations that use every single gram to the best effect.
Configurations
The Nike Prime is armed with a hard-hitting and extremely accurate Clan Large Pulse Laser as the primary weapon system. A single five-tube LRM launcher (with 24 missile salvoes) is the sole secondary weapon.
Configuration A instead mounts an ER Large Laser as the main gun, tied into a one-ton Targeting Computer. An ECM Suite provides the Nike A and the other vehicles of the assigned point and star with electronic warfare coverage.
Configuration B features two ER Medium Lasers and a TAG target-designation system for directing on-call artillery fire. In addition, two four-tube Streak SRM launchers have been added to increase short-range firepower; 25 missile salvoes are stored within the remote turret. For Trials when artillery has not been bid, there is a separate sub-configuration (B-2) that replaces the TAG with two Machine-Guns and a half-ton of ammunition (100 bursts).
Configuration C is reminiscent of the Epona Prime. Three Medium Pulse Lasers are the only weapons carried.
There are two versions of Configuration D: the D-1 and D-2. Both carry an ER Medium Laser and two Machine-Guns (with a half-ton of ammo for 100 bursts). The D-1 also carries an LB-2X autocannon with 45 bursts of fire, while the D-2 instead mounts an Ultra AC-2 autocannon with 45 bursts of fire. The D-1 sees use primarily as an Air Defense vehicle, while the D-2 was intended to serve as a long-range Tank Destroyer . . . however, in practice, both D Configurations are viewed very skeptically by even the most zealous of Horse Warriors.
Configuration E features an ER Medium Laser, an Anti-Missile System (with 24 bursts of flechettes) for added defenses, and a ten-tube LRM launcher with Artemis IV Fire-Control Systems (with 24 salvoes of missiles). Much like the D Configuration, the Nike E is not much favored by Warriors of the Herd because of the (relatively) low damage profile of the weapon systems.
Nike
Mass: 30 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 1,153,750 C-Bills
Battle Value: 344
Power Plant: Fusion 180 180 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 64.8 km/h
Flanking Speed: 97.2 km/h
Armor: Compound VM20 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
8.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Niles Industriplex Alpha
Primary Factory: Niles
Communications System: Build 1700/5 Tacticom
Targeting and Tracking System: Series XL FWS
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 15 points 3.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 180 10.50
Cruise MP: 6
Flank MP: 9
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 1.50
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 1.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 96 5.00
Armor
Factor
Front 20
Left/Right 20/20
Turret 20
Rear 16
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 3
6 0 0 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, ENE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 1,516,875
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 834
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
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Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
Large Pulse Laser T 10 1 6.00
LRM-5 T 2 1 1.00
@LRM-5 (24) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 8
6 2 2 2 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, CASE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: A Cost: 1,826,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 880
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 12 2.00
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
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Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
ER Large Laser T 12 1 4.00
ECM Suite T 0 1 1.00
Targeting Computer BD - 1 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
6 2 2 2 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, ECM, ENE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B-1 Cost: 1,841,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 920
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers T 10 2 2.00
TAG T 0 1 1.00
2 Streak SRM-4s T 6 2 4.00
@Streak SRM-4 (25) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
6 3 3 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, TAG, CASE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B-2 Cost: 1,777,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 935
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers T 10 2 2.00
2 Streak SRM-4s T 6 2 4.00
2 Machine Guns T 0 2 0.50
@Streak SRM-4 (25) BD - 0 1.00
@MG (1/2) (100) BD - 0 0.50
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
6 3 3 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, CASE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 1,452,750
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 843
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 12 2.00
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
3 Medium Pulse Lasers T 12 3 6.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 8
6 3 3 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, ENE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: D-1 Cost: 1,547,550
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 601
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
LB 2-X AC T 1 1 5.00
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
2 Machine Guns T 0 2 0.50
@LB 2-X (Cluster) (45) BD - 0 1.00
@MG (1/2) (100) BD - 0 0.50
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 6
6 2 1 1 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, CASE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: D-2 Cost: 1,496,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 626
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
Ultra AC/2 T 1 1 5.00
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
2 Machine Guns T 0 2 0.50
@Ultra AC/2 (45) BD - 0 1.00
@MG (1/2) (100) BD - 0 0.50
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 6
6 2 1 1 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, CASE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: E Cost: 1,893,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 807
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
Anti-Missile System T 1 1 0.50
LRM-10 T 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 1.00
@Anti-Missile System (24) BD - 0 1.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) BD - 0 2.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 8
6 2 2 1 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, AMS, CASE, IF 1
Deployment:
Khan Fletcher instructed Clan Scientists, Technicians, Merchants, and Laborers to build five full Trinary of Nikes in anticipation of the Quicksilver Trials. Although many within the Clan believed that such a goal would be impossible to be achieved, the one hundred and fiftieth Nike was delivered the day before the scheduled start of the Trials.
One full Trinary was handed over the Ebon Keshik for testing, while examples of the design were delivered to Clans Blood Spirit, Burrock, Diamond Shark, Ice Hellion, Star Adder, and Wolf for their own Warriors to evaluate.
The remaining three Trinary were all assigned to the two Horse Command Keshiks as well as the Clusters of the Horse Alpha Galaxy. In an exception to normal Horse deployment doctrine, Khan Fletcher ordered these three Trinary to be paired with an equal number of Elemental Stars, forming permanent Nova groups of ten Nikes and fifty Elementals. This change in formation removed the Conventional Infantry normally assigned to combat vehicles of the Herd and was based on the ability of the Elemental Infantry to deploy from the exterior of the Nike as mechanized battle-armor riders.
Fast-moving, and capable of delivering a punch all out of proportion to their light-weight nature, these Nike/Elemental Novas have been eagerly incorporated into the Horse Touman.
As a side note, the decades of testing and simulations of the design have resulted in a final vehicle product that has remarkably few unforeseen 'gremlins' and 'glitches' in the operating systems. Early reports from the Ebon Keshik indicate that the vehicles assigned to them for testing have maintained an almost unprecedented 97.7% operational readiness rate.
Clan Reaction
Many of the Khans were at first taken aback by the Horse submission; after all, they asked, had not the ilKhan requested a design for a medium- or heavy-weight Combat OmniVehicle? But the Nike, able to match speed with the famed Stormcrow so many Clans use as their medium-weight backbone, and possessing both decent firepower and good armor protection rapidly won over many of the detractors. The speed caused some within the leadership of Clan Goliath Scorpion to remark that the new design was the modern equivalent of the saber-wielding Hussars of old . . . and their legendary elan. And for the Horses themselves, Khan Fletcher asked simply this: what was a Strike Tank? A massive slow-moving pillbox stuffed with weapons, or something which could be used rapidly on an ever-shifting battlefield? Certainly, the term itself seemed to almost demand a faster-paced vehicle able to meet or exceed the most common heavy- and medium-weight 'Mech speeds.
And the low cost in resources (even the most expensive Nike configuration costs less than one-seventh the acquisition value of a Stormcrow Prime!!) ensured that every Clan could afford to purchase or build entire Stars and Trinary formations of the new Light Strike Tank for the same cost as a handful of high-end medium-weight OmniMechs!
Furthermore, the decision by Clan Hell's Horses to return to a simple and more elegant chassis design (based in large part on the armored fighting vehicles of the early 21st Century) has created pangs of envy within many other Clans. The sleek, smoothly sloped exterior (lacking many of the extraneous features commonly seen on modern combat vehicles) gives the Nike a deadly appearance that even the most ardent anti-vehicle Clan cannot help but admire.
With the noted exception of Clans Smoke Jaguar and Jade Falcon, all of the Khans have requested a point of 'demonstration models' from the Horses so that their Clans might undertake their own evaluation. It is unknown at this time whether or not Khan Fletcher will agree to such requests.
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Very nice! Would love to get some more competition going here and hopefully somebody will take a shot at an Ultralight Tank. ;)
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Tracked ultras are not blessed with the awesome speed that the other motive types are but I wanted to see how effective they can be. Love to hit the 6 ton range for Large Pulse and ER Large configs.
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Not a six ton payload, but here's an ultra-light.
(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sarna.net%2Fwiki%2Fimages%2Fc%2Fc1%2FGalleon.jpg&hash=5662c68707973d209b98ce6ae8237440510d5262)
Valkyrie
Mass: 15 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 251,562 C-Bills
Battle Value: 192
Power Plant: 90 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 64.8 km/h
Flanking Speed: 97.2 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
5.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
Overview:
Diamond Shark merchants represented the Valkyrie to the Clan Council as a
chance to cash in on the interest in ultra-light one warrior vehicles. Their
extensive network of trading contact let them work out a deal with Clan Coyote
to purchase the same reactors used in the UrbanMech IIC.
The basic chassis was a problem at first, the only tracked frames found in the
right tonnage were APCs which had their main space available to the rear
whereas the weapon mounts would need to be at the front for a successful tank
(turrets had quickly been discarded by the desginers).
The final decision was made to strip down a Galleon light tank, units that had
served the SLDF well through the Amaris Civil War. Low slung and with forward
firing weapons the much smaller engine enabled designers to halve the weight of
the tank.
Khan Hawker had reservations regarding the Valkyrie but ceded the point when
saKhan Sennet asked him if - were he to be deemed Solahma - he'd ne of more use
issued a rifle or a Valkyrie.
Capabilities:
The Valkyrie has a respectable turn of speed - enough to match a Kit Fox on
most terrain and out-run it on a road. Removal of the Galleon's turret and the
use of more advanced materials gives it thicker protection in all aspects.
Seated between the weapon-pods, the warrior can bring fully a third of the
Valkyrie's tonnage to bear as an offensive frontal arc.
In primary configuration this comes to a pair of medium lasers and a missile
launcher but the most popular version replaces this with three pulse lasers,
two anti-armour models and one intended for anti-infantry work.
The Valkyrie B is a fire support platform with three missile launchers and in C
configuration the tank loses 40% of its armament for advanced electronics
suitable for urban engagements that may take place in the Inner Sphere.
Battle History:
Only utilised in testing, the Valkyrie has seen live weapon contact as Stars of
solahma warriors volunteered to carry out a full test with one side provided by
Clan Coyote and the other by Clan Diamond Shark. Seven of the Valkyries were
destroyed beyond salvaging before the Diamond Shark scientists considered
they'd gathered enough data and requested hegira, ceding a shipment of harjel
which had been offered as isorla to the winner.
Deployment:
Clan Coyote purchased several Valkyries and although most of these have been
destroyed in testing engagements. Overall they've indicated they'll look at
purchasing enough for a full Cluster if the Valkyrie is fully adopted.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 8 points 1.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 90 4.50
Cruise MP: 6
Flank MP: 9
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 1.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 57 3.00
Armor
Factor
Front 18
Left/Right 15/15
Rear 9
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 610,938
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 650
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers FR 10 2 2.00
Streak SRM-4 FR 3 1 2.00
@Streak SRM-4 (25) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 7
6t 3 3 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: A Cost: 447,062
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 561
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Medium Pulse Lasers FR 8 2 4.00
Small Pulse Laser FR 2 1 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 6
6t 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B Cost: 380,937
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 461
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 LRM-5s FR 6 3 3.00
@LRM-5 (48) BD - 0 2.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 5
6t 1 1 1 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, IF 1
================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 1,027,812
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 505
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Probe FR 0 1 1.00
ECM Suite FR 0 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser FR 5 1 1.00
SRM-4 FR 3 1 1.00
@SRM-4 (25) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 5
6t 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, ECM, CASE
-
Nice drak. 6 tons might not be possible.
-
I'll not being doing any more vehicles as my creative juices have dried up. Besides, there are only two or three more left and the other three main writers will ultimately do a better job than me (as has been proven as of late). This should leave the contest in good hands.
-
Well i am sorry to hear that Abele. Hope you will finish up the Baldur. We will be delving into warships pretty soon although it will not be part of Quicksilver.
-
Baldur has been deleted already as I have no thoughts on what to do with it.
-
Well that stinks. I was hoping to see it completed. Still two more days if you have a change of heart and of course everyone is welcome to try their hand at other Strike Tank entries. ;)
-
Overview: Despite internal excitement of Project ENYO among Hells Horses Tankers and engineers, the death knell for wide acceptance of the vehicle (currently in small scale testing) beyond the Hells Horses Touman was it's XL Engine, and the IlKhans tendency to stick to his outlined paradigms despite superior platforms being presented to him, even by his own clan. Keeping that in mind, a Heavier Main Battle Tank model was selected, based on the popular Star League era Marksman Chassis and engine (a dirt common 260) in keeping with the War God insparation, the new tank was named Abraxas, after the lead Horse of Helios' Chariot.
Capabilites
the Base Marksman chassis was bulked up first and foremost in order to accomodate a larger turret and payload and smooth out the former Artillery Mounting to allow full turret traversal. 9 and a half tons of Ferro Fibrous armor taken from the Epona line covers the tank, permitting the Abraxas to repel heavy assaults from any side. Clan manufacturing techniques already incorporate CASE into the armor, the affording crews additional protection.
the First configuration is built for close support of infantry and Battle armor. the same 210mm Dual Purpose AUtocannon from the Thunder Stallion dominates the turret with three tons of ammunition supplying. a Co-Axial Medium pulse laser provides supression of hard targets such as other armor and mechs in between reloads. twin Vehicular Grenade Launchers, a simple but rare system can provide either incindeary or smoke defense to the vehicle and an Anti Missile system protects the tank in a 360 degree arc from ranged assaults. finally the rear of the tank has an A Pod bolted on in case any infantry or partisans wish to get adventerous.
Alternate Configuration A is designed for Anti Aircraft Defense and Open Field fire support. four 20mm Flak Cannons in a full traversal turret provide the bulke of ranged firepower and three tons of ammunitiopn keep the cannons fed for extended periods. for point defense a single ER Medium Laser is mounted in the forward Hull *Star Adder Note: Our Heavy Laser Project looks to be bearing fruit, perhaps we should reccomend a strait replacement of the laser*
Alt B is a heavy elemental transport for either Urban Envirionments or for battlefields where OmniMech Transport may prove too hazardous to the Elemental Point. A Targeting Assisted ERPPC provides extended firesupport the the point in all range and two anti missile systems shield from LRM bombardment. an ECM Protects the two vehicles in a point from electronic warfare. finally machine guns cover every arc, protecting the vehicle from close infantry assault.
Alt C is a more open field Main Battle Tank Compared to the Primary. a Targeting assisted Gauss Rifle with enough ammunition for four minutes of sustained fire makes the bulk of the C's firepower. a coaxial medium laser provides solid backup firepower, while the rest of the Cs Equipment is either Defensive in nature or geared towards point and cluster support
ALt D is a nod to the original Marksman, flooding the turret with an improved Sniper Artillery weapon. the turret mounting prevented the traditional large laser mounting but also allowed the vehicle to be able to keep its weapon on target while being mobile.
Deployment
Pending approval by the IlKhan the Abaraxas will be made avalaible for manufacture to the Horses and it's immediate allies, while other clans may Trial or Trade for it at will.
Variants
for internal development, the Abraxas II is being developed in computer model to support the 260 XL Engine used by the Hellbringer Omnimech. Configurations are still being developed.
Abraxas
Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Succession Wars
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-E-E-A
Production Year: 3025
Cost: 2,942,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 585
Power Plant: 260 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
23.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
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: 2.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 182 9.50
Armor
Factor
Front 40
Left/Right 36/36
Turret 40
Rear 30
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 4,616,219
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A BV2: 1,266
Rules Level: Advanced Rules
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(R) A-Pod RR 0 1 0.50
LB 20-X AC T 6 1 12.00
Medium Pulse Laser T 4 1 2.00
2 (F) Vehicular Grenade Launchers T - 2 1.00
Anti-Missile System T 1 1 0.50
Targeting Computer BD - 1 3.00
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (5) BD - 0 1.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (10) BD - 0 2.00
@Anti-Missile System (24) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 13
4t 3 3 0 0 3 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, CASE, TUR(3/3/0, FLK 1/1/0), FLK 1/1/0
================================================================================
Loadout Name: A Cost: 4,345,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A BV2: 929
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser FR 5 1 1.00
4 LB 2-X ACs T 4 4 20.00
@LB 2-X (Cluster) (90) BD - 0 2.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 9
4t 1 2 1 0 3 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(1/1/1)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B Cost: 4,489,375
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A BV2: 1,341
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 15 5.00
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun FR 0 1 0.25
Machine Gun LS 0 1 0.25
(R) Machine Gun RR 0 1 0.25
Machine Gun RS 0 1 0.25
ER PPC T 15 1 6.00
2 Anti-Missile Systems T 2 2 1.00
Infantry Compartment (5.0 tons) BD 0 1 5.00
ECM Suite BD 0 1 1.00
Targeting Computer BD - 1 2.00
@Anti-Missile System (24) BD - 0 1.00
@MG (200) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 13
4t 3 2 2 0 3 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, ECM, CASE, TUR(2/2/2)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 4,327,469
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A BV2: 1,344
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Machine Guns FR 0 2 0.50
(R) A-Pod RR 0 1 0.50
Gauss Rifle T 1 1 12.00
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
TAG T 0 1 1.00
Active Probe BD 0 1 1.00
Targeting Computer BD - 1 3.00
@Gauss Rifle (24) BD - 0 3.00
@MG (200) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 13
4t 3 3 2 0 3 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: OMNI, TAG, PRB, RCN, CASE, TUR(3/3/2)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: D Cost: 3,561,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-E-E-A BV2: 717
Rules Level: Advanced Rules
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: 6 Points: 7
4t 2 0 0 0 3 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTS, CASE, TUR(2/0/0)
-
Nice JP!
We are wrapping up the contest tonight at midnight Eastern Time so there is about 17 hours left.
I am thinking of entering something on Abele's behalf. ;)
See if I have the time.
-
Well I was pressed for time but I threw something together based on Abele's designs and a weight class I wanted to explore here. Hope you guys enjoy it.
Baldur Medium Tank
Mass: 45 tons
Movement Type: Tracked
Power Plant: 225 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 54.3 kph
Flank Speed: 86.6 kph
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 14 tons of pod space
Manufacturer: Clan Diamond Shark
Communication System: Standard
Targeting & Tracking System: Standard
OVERVIEW:
This Diamond Shark design was developed with significant input from Coyote scientists interested in further modular possibilities. Using their Nyogtha Weapon Carrier entry (which was based on the Goblin Medium Tank) as a starting point the engineering group quickly moved on to possible power plants. Many wanted to use the 270 Fusion Engine found on the Highlander IIC and the Sand Devil to provide the best possible speed. However this larger engine limited pod space so it was ultimately decided to equip the design with the 225 Fusion Engine found on the Great Wyrm BattleMech, the Chaeronea Aerospace Figher, and the Athena Combat Vehicle. This pleased the Coyote scientists who were working on a new Heavy BattleMech named the Hyena. Eight tons of ferro fibrous armor gave this medium tank solid protection. Scientists 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. The Baldur was named for the Norse god of light and purity.
Technology Base: - Clan Tracked OmniVehicle - Level 2 - 45 tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 4.5
Engine: 225
Cruising MP: 5
Flank MP: 8
Heat Sinks: 10 – Single 0
Control Equipment: 2.5
Crew: 3 Members 0
Turret: 1
Armor Factor: 154 - Ferro-Fibrous 8
Internal Structure Armor Value
Front 5 46
Left / Right 5 / 5 31 / 31
Rear 5 20
Turret 5 26
Weapons and Equipment Location Space Tonnage
Primary Configuration
Ultra AC/10 Turret 1 10
Ammo (Ultra AC) 20 Body 1 2
ER Small Laser Front 1 .5
ER Small Laser Left 1 .5
ER Small Laser Right 1 .5
ER Small Laser Rear 1 .5
Alternate Configuration A
Large Pulse Laser Turret 1 6
Streak SRM 4 Turret 1 2
Streak SRM 4 Turret 1 2
Ammo (Streak SRM) Body 1 2
Machine Gun Left 1 .25
Machine Gun Right 1 .25
Ammo (Machine Gun) 100 Body 1 .5
ECM Suite Body 1 1
Alternate Configuration B
ER Large Laser Turret 1 4
LRM 10 Turret 1 2.5
LRM 10 Turret 1 2.5
Ammo (LRM) 36 Body 1 3
Alternate Configuration C
LB-10X AC Turret 1 10
Ammo (LB-X) 20 Body 1 2
ER Medium Laser Front 1 1
ER Medium Laser Front 1 1
Alternate Configuration D
ER PPC Turret 1 6
Targeting Computer Body 1 2
TAG Turret 1 1
5 Double Heat Sinks Body 5 5
Only 20 minutes left to jump in then the contest is closed. ;)
-
Another OmniVehicle contest has come to an end and as usual it is about to snow. I know its winter time, stop complaining. At least I am not in Boston. Any who there were five design entries this time from four designers who once again performed superbly. In this challenge I started to see a lot of recycled ideas and that is a good thing. While good names are hard to come bye what I am talking about is designs themselves. Quicksilver 33 (Universal Weapons Carrier) gave us a lot opportunity to explore tracked chassis that could well be used again when it came to Clan Tanks. Inspiration was also drawn from other Quicksilver competitions (#31 and even #32 just a little). Alright, on to the review,
N/A. Baldur (Abele/ Takiro)
I said in this late entry’s fluff I wanted to see what a 45 ton (unfilled mass category) could do with a Fusion Engine. Combining Abele’s withdrawn name (which I like a lot) with his last entry the Nygotha from Quicksilver 33 allowed me to accomplish this quite nicely. This 45 ton Tracked OmniVehicle was a Diamond Shark entry (as the Nygotha) which was originally based on the Goblin Medium Tank. Aided by Coyote Scientists (perhaps Society types although not written as expertly as JP has done in the past) I tried two Fusion Engines as mentioned in the fluff. The 270 Fusion (6/9) while readily available occupied just too much mass leaving only 7 tons for pod space. The 225 Fusion (5/8) which is also being used on Coyote’s Hyena (did not have a lot of time to properly allude to such an event) can be found on the Athena Combat Vehicle, the Chaeronea Aerospace Fighter, and the Great Wyrm BattleMech. This smaller power plant allowed for 14 tons of pod space and with a 1 ton turret (10 capacity) is capable of deploying what I call second level Clan tank weaponry (Ultra AC/10, LB-10X, ER PPC). That being said I really like Configuration A (Large Pulse and 2 Streak SRM 4s) which reminds me of the Morrigu but really focused short range nastiness and Configuration B (ER Large and 2 LRM 10s) for reach. With 8 tons of ferro fibrous (154 factor) which was plus one from the Nygotha it was near the max for a 45 ton Mech and the second most in this challenge. I also was trying to expand on the crew revolution occurring during this contest inserting thoughts of a single warrior commander assisted by two lower casteman. Perhaps a Laborer could be included here for such menial tasks as loading ordinance and assisting the tech with maintenance. Love to hear what you guys think on that subject.
4. Valkyrie (drakensis)
Perhaps the most original concept in this contest was this 15 ton Tracked entry by the Diamond Shark and this one has me thinking Clan version of Quicksell. A stripped down Galleon Light Tank served as the basis for this Tracked Ultralight which is probably the most difficult motive system to build at this tiny level. The 90 Fusion Engine (6/9) from the UrbanMech IIC provides descent speed but I wonder if it is enough for such vehicles to survive on the battlefield. Perhaps an Extra Light Engine is the only way to get 10 or better speed (for the maximum to hit modifier) and have enough space remaining for weapons and equipment. I certainly agree with no turret on Ultralight as it maximizes armor and conserves valuable mass. Three tons of ferro fibrous (57 factor) do a pretty good job of protecting the tiny tank and 5 tons of pod space for weapons is not bad. I would love to have 6 tons though for the ER Large and Large Pulse possibilities. Like I said maybe in the next contest we could explore a Clan Tracked Ultralight that uses an XL Engine for better speed and a touch more firepower. A special thanks to drakensis for devoting time and energy to this venture which was interesting.
3. Abraxas (JPArbiter)
This 65 ton Tracked Omni-Tank by the Hell’s Horses was based on the Marksman and sure pushed the upper limits of Strike terminology. Actually the Merrill Strike Tank (60 tons) designed for the Terran Republic via design challenge much like this is proof positive that larger designs could certainly fill the role. I would have liked to have seen how Abele’s original 70 ton entry named the Baldur matched up as well. This design reminded me a lot of the Crom (by masterarminas Quicksilver 33) and sure was capable. It had the highest armor protection with 9.5 tons of ferro fibrous (182 factor) of any Tank in this contest. Also the 2 ton turret (20 ton capacity) fits well with 23 tons of pod space for weapons. Call me crazy but Alternate Configuration D with its Sniper Artillery Cannon could be the future of Tanks in this BattleTech alternate. I like the possibilities of out distancing ‘Mech opponents with long range artillery firepower. I also liked the foreshadowing of the Star Adders planning to insert Heavy Lasers in Alternate A when ready which could be very soon. Two things I found premature were Vehicular Grenade Launchers which are Level 3 I believe and the 260XL Engine planned for the Hellbringer II. Although in the Main Battle Tank competition to come this could be a very solid idea. You are already well positioned if you so choose that course with a great name that is if Hell’s Horses does not win this contest. The reason I have you placed third is the 260 Fusion (4/6) which is very available from the Fire Scorpion which is still in production. Ultimately I feel that 4/6 was a little too slow for the Clan Strike Tank. Nice try!
2. Durga (drakensis)
Ice Hellion based this 54 ton Tracked machine on the ancient T-12 Tiger which had a storied service record with both the AFFS and the SLDF. I certainly think you could find a few examples in a Brain Cache somewhere and I like the Tiger. If at first the Durga name does not succeed try, try again. No worries cause I do like the name even though the Gilgamesh would have also been good. Using the 270 Fusion Engine (5/8) from the Shadow Hawk IIC and several other Clan designs currently in production is a good choice. This is about the speed I wanted to hit for this vehicle given the Clan standard which it at least must keep pace with. While 5 tons of ferro fibrous (96 factor) is low in my opinion Clan vehicles often trade protection for firepower so it fit. The 1.5 ton turret (15 ton capacity) and 17 tons of pod space for weaponry is also a good fit. The configurations are very nice as well and really demonstrate this Tanks ability to field third level weaponry with a Gauss Rifle being featured prominently in Primary. I would have liked to have seen an Ultra AC/20 and LB 20-X AC configuration to go along with that. However the others are pretty good with a Large Pulse and dual LRM 15s (B) being another favorite of mine along with the LB-10X and some Medium Pulses (A). Nice job bud but I liked one design better.
1. Nike (masterarminas)
Kicking off with art, or more accurately pictures, of a real life Polish Tank which looks cool was both tantalizing and very interesting. The 30 ton Tracked design by Hell’s Horses which would follow that imagery was every bit as good. Basing this design on the Clan Badger which predated the Uniform Designation Protocols was a great choice. This early OmniVehicle would expedite design time and with some tank slimming could fit your submitted pictures. The 180 Fusion Engine (6/9) from the Ku Wheeled Assault Tank can also be taken from the Wyvern IIC and is readily available. This power plant provides good maneuverability at good weight ratio for this light tank. Five tons of ferro fibrous (96 factor) provide good protection for the 2 man crew, a concept which you have been pushing and could fit here. With a 1 ton turret (10 ton capacity) and 8 tons of pod space available first level Clan Tank weaponry (ER Large and Large Pulse Lasers) can and do fit quite well. Also an integral Active Probe is a nice touch. The fluff is outstanding as always and I could easily see a Star of Elementals deploying with a Star of Nikes creating deadly Hell’s Horse Novas on the battlefield. Plus how can you go wrong with the Greek Goddess of Victory? Congrats masterarminas on the win!
And with that win the Hell’s Horses are out of the manufacturing end of the Quicksilver Trails. I think things worked out for this resource challenged Clan who I was seriously debated placing in the Minor Industrial Capacity during these contests. Focusing on lighter OmniVehicles realistically optimized their manufacturing output. Following the reorganization that is the Quicksilver Program the Horses will make the Nike Strike Tank (30 ton Tracked OmniVehicle), the Bucephalus Weapon Carrier (50 ton Hover OmniVehicle), the Epona Pursuit Tank (50 ton Hover OmniVehicle), the Raging Bull (60 ton Quad BattleMech), the Crazy Horse (70 ton Zombie OmniMech), and the Hyperborean (95 ton OmniFighter) at their Primary Factories.
Secondary Facilities will remain that make a handful of major products like the Thunder Stallion (85 ton Quad Mech), the Athena Combat Vehicle (75 ton Tracked), and numerous other Combat Vehicles. Despite the discontinued status among the Clans I suspect that the Hellbringer (Loki) and Nova (Black Hawk) will also be produced here if only to maintain the Horses front line Mech force which was not terribly advanced. I think I will remove the Bowman (70 ton Artillery Mech) completely from production given other assets now cover its limited usefulness. However their Aerospace (which also includes the 65 ton Qashqai OmniFighter) and Vehicle Forces were significantly upgraded.
Great job gang! Thanks again for an awesome contest.
-
Nike is victorious!
...
Okay, I'm ashamed of that one.
Well done, MA!
-
Here's a 15-ton vehicle that could have gone into comp, but I felt it would never have had a chance to win. It's a variation of a hover I may have submitted earlier
15 Test
Mass: 15 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 283,906 C-Bills
Battle Value: 184
Power Plant: 120 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 86.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 129.6 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
3.5 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 10 points 1.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 120 6.00
Cruise MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 1.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 0.50
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 48 2.50
Armor
Factor
Front 12
Left/Right 9/9
Turret 10
Rear 8
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 600,156
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 703
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers T 10 2 2.00
Light Active Probe T 0 1 0.50
Targeting Computer BD - 1 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 7
8t 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, LPRB, RCN, ENE, TUR(2/2/0)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: A Cost: 353,984
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 445
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Streak SRM-2 T 2 1 1.00
3 ER Small Lasers T 6 3 1.50
@Streak SRM-2 (50) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 4
8t 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, TUR(2/2/0)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B Cost: 409,328
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 498
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Pulse Laser T 4 1 2.00
Small Pulse Laser T 2 1 1.00
ER Small Laser T 2 1 0.50
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 5
8t 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, TUR(2/2/0)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 528,281
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 613
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers T 10 2 2.00
2 Machine Guns T 0 2 0.50
@MG (200) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 6
8t 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, TUR(2/2/0)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: D Cost: 427,656
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 417
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LRM-10 T 4 1 2.50
@LRM-10 (12) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 4
8t 1 1 1 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, TUR(1/1/1), IF 1
================================================================================
Loadout Name: E Cost: 990,078
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 539
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Probe T 0 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
ER Small Laser T 2 1 0.50
ECM Suite BD 0 1 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 5
8t 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, ECM, ENE, TUR(2/2/0)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: F Cost: 513,906
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 513
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-6 T 4 1 1.50
ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (15) BD - 0 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 5
8t 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, TUR(2/2/0)
================================================================================
Loadout Name: G Cost: 379,141
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 550
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 ER Small Lasers T 10 5 2.50
Targeting Computer BD - 1 1.00
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 6
8t 3 3 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, TUR(3/3/0)
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That is a pretty good one but we will see what XL Engines can accomplish next time around. ;)
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I think I flat misunderstoond what you were going for, and I still ended in the top 3.... WOW
that said Vehiclular Grenade Launchers are "Advanced" equipmentment, meaning the ability to manufacture is readily available but the equipment is not in mass production. this can be seen in VGLs being installed on pre Star Leauge Era Vehicles such as the Estavaz MBT. such distinctions are why CGL did away with level 1, 2, and 3 and instead used Intro, Tournament, Advanced, and Experimental you could also argue Primitive is in there as a fifth tech base (though technichally tournament legal)
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I think I flat misunderstoond what you were going for, and I still ended in the top 3.... WOW
that said Vehiclular Grenade Launchers are "Advanced" equipmentment, meaning the ability to manufacture is readily available but the equipment is not in mass production. this can be seen in VGLs being installed on pre Star Leauge Era Vehicles such as the Estavaz MBT. such distinctions are why CGL did away with level 1, 2, and 3 and instead used Intro, Tournament, Advanced, and Experimental you could also argue Primitive is in there as a fifth tech base (though technichally tournament legal)
I did want to say two things concerning your original response here JP.
One, it depends upon the size of the Tank force you are trying to create. Strictly speaking your 65 ton Abraxas is not that far off from the Terran Merrill Strike Tank (60 tons) that was created for BTSD. However their vehicles were a lot heavier than the Clans - the Republic had 5 Tank designs ranging from 60 to 100 tons. We are really only building 3 Omni Tanks for the Clans whose Vehicle force does tend to be lighter.
Very interesting on the Grenade Launchers - never heard that before.