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CO_17thRecon
Kell Hounds
Major
Joined: 10-Sep-2002 00:00
Posts: 1297
Location: United States
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 Posted: 26-Dec-2006 10:31 Post subject: Level 2: Predator Tank (Omni/Salvage) |
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I got the idea for this while playing Commander and Conquer Generals. I rather like the GLA. I despise their terrorist tactics, but their equipment is really tough to beat. With that in mind, I present the Battletech version of the GLA Marauder Tank: The LDT Predator Tank. (I may post other inspired vehicles if there is interest.)
"Armor bolted down, treads tightened, everything works!"
BattleTech Vehicle Technical Readout
VALIDATED
Type/Model: Predator Tank
Tech: Inner Sphere / 3060
Config: Tracked Omni Vehicle
Rules: Level 2, Standard design
Mass: 70 tons
Power Plant: 280 Stolen Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor Type: Heaven 10 Cent Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Armstrong J11 Autocannon/5
Manufacturer: Vengeance Incorporated
Location: Haven Star Cluster
Communications System: Contraband
Targeting & Tracking System: Contraband
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Overview:==
A strange new design popping up in pirate bands across the whole of known
space, the Predator is an "advanced" and interestingly effective design from
Vengeance Incorporated, adding an armor division line to their current
offering of the Brigand battlemech. The Predator is a barely armed heavy tank
with a variety of mount points, and plenty of space and power to mount nearly
any weapon. Standard operating procedure for the Predator so far as has been
to either defeat an enemy or steal material from a supply cache to make itself
stronger and more deadly for the next battle.
==Capabilities:==
In all ways except for its omni technology link ups, and ability to mount
nearly anything anywhere, the Predator is not even an average machine...it is
horribly weak, rather slow, and expensive for what it does manage to do in its
factory preset configuration. Care should be used however, since unless you
are outside the factory doors, it is unlikely that you are encountering a
"standard" Predator.
The Predator is of somewhat slow average speed, and generally mounts a stolen
280 rated fusion engine, but even a few Predators still powered with IC
engines is not unheard of. The armor is usually low grade ferro-fibrous the
pirates have managed to hash out themselves, but as before, standard armor is
not unusual. The main defining characteristic of the machine is that all
Predators produced by Vengeance Inc. mount an Armstrong J11 autocannon as the
primary weapon (until the crew upgrades).
This cannon is the advanced model mounted previously on Star League Shadow
Hawks, and it is assumed that either the pirates have made a deal with the
Word of Blake, or found themselves a suitable storage cache full of the weapon
that they are using to arm the hundreds of tanks pouring out of the factory
gates.
The biggest mystery is that of the computer systems and mount points. It is
unknown exactly how the pirates were able to replicate omnivehicle technology
so well. Although less advanced that omnimech technology, omnivehicle
technology was still assumed to be far out of reach of the pirates.
==Variants:==
You name it, it has been done with the chassis. Even the engine was designed
to be removed in a simple, if lengthy procedure. It is known that the turret
is only capable of holding about fifteen tons of equipment, due to chassis
stress. Other than that, the tank is equipped with either the factory cannon
and engine, or whatever the crew may have found. Even simply creating cargo
space is not unheard of.
==Deployment==
Predators are seen amongst most of the pirate forces operating in the Inner
Sphere as of this moment. The New Belt Pirates still lack the vehicle due to
their distance, but have expressed heavy interest, especially since the tank
would be capable of mounting captured clan weaponry.
Causing the most stir, a large number of Predators has been seen in the
mercenary unit of the Steel Wolves. This is unusual due to the unit's high
moral standards. Many whisper that it is proof of Duke Blackwell's slipping
mental state since the peaceful acquisition of power in the Federated
Commonwealth by Archon Princess Karina Steiner-Davion.
Many mercenaries who know the Duke, as well as some members of the AFFC, mention
that the tanks were likely captured and put into use due to the unit wide
preference for simpler, easy to use technology. Time will tell whether
the Duke has made a deal with the pirates or not, but for now, the AFFC is
keeping a closer eye on him due to the Archon Princess's request.
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Predator Tank
Mass: 70 tons
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 35 pts Standard 0 7.00
Engine: 280 Fusion 0 16.00
Shielding & Transmission Equipment: 0 8.00
Cruise MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: 10 Single 0 .00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 3.50
Crew: 5 Members 0 .00
Turret Equipment (Locked): 0 1.50
Armor Factor: 304 pts Ferro-Fibrous 2 17.00
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 7 64
Left / Right Sides: 7 60/60
Rear: 7 60
Turret: 7 60
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Autocannon/5 Turret 0 20 2 9.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 0 4 62.00
Items & Tons Left: 15 8.00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 4,013,417 C-Bills
Battle Value: 397
Cost per BV: 10,109.36
Weapon Value: 269 / 269 (Ratio = .68 / .68)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 4; MRDmg = 3; LRDmg = 1
BattleForce2: MP: 4T, Armor/Structure: 0 / 11
Damage PB/M/L: -/1/1, Overheat: 0
Class: GH; Point Value: 4
Specials: omni
[ This Message was edited by: CO_17thRecon on 2006-12-26 10:39 ]
_________________
Jarylan Blackwell
"What the...?! Where did you get THAT?!"
"Creative aquisition."
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mud
Draconis Combine
Tai-sho
Joined: 23-Jul-2002 00:00
Posts: 1618
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| Posted: 26-Dec-2006 12:14 Post subject: RE: Level 2: Predator Tank (Omni/Salvage) |
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I rather doubt pirates are going to have access to fusion technology...you say the AC/5 is advanced, but really its the fusion engine which raises my eyebrows.
Also, why even bother with the AC/5 on an omnitank...takes up a lot of pod space.
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CO_17thRecon
Kell Hounds
Major
Joined: 10-Sep-2002 00:00
Posts: 1297
Location: United States
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| Posted: 26-Dec-2006 12:34 Post subject: RE: Level 2: Predator Tank (Omni/Salvage) |
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Engine is stolen. Also, I am just running with the idea already in the game. If LDT can get her men to actually build a 'Mech with endo-steel, double heatsinks, and ER and pulse lasers, then this thing has no trouble.
As for the weapon, it's an omnitank and really doesn't matter. I just wanted to hammer home the idea that the tank starts out weak, and you need to outfit it yourself.
Edit: The 'Mech in question is the LDT-1 Brigand by the way. It's in the TRO here under year 3067. 25 tons. Not a bad machine.
Edit 2: Also, just as a note to prevent misunderstanding...the AC/5 is NOT fixed equipment. It is just all that comes with the shell when you buy it or when one is built.
[ This Message was edited by: CO_17thRecon on 2006-12-26 12:43 ]
_________________
Jarylan Blackwell
"What the...?! Where did you get THAT?!"
"Creative aquisition."
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Karagin
Imperial Karagin Army
Imperial General
Joined: 04-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 4120
Location: United States
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| Posted: 26-Dec-2006 13:11 Post subject: RE: Level 2: Predator Tank (Omni/Salvage) |
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LDT and company had WoB help with their new mech...
I can go with the pirates stealing stuff and making something, but a factory is pushing it...then again a small planet should have the basics and somethings would be easy to get via a round about way here or there. Black Market is a wonderful thing.
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Karagin
Only the dead have seen the end of war. - Plato
"Wasted trip Man. Nobody said nuthin' about lockin' horns with no tigers." Oddball
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CO_17thRecon
Kell Hounds
Major
Joined: 10-Sep-2002 00:00
Posts: 1297
Location: United States
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| Posted: 26-Dec-2006 14:30 Post subject: RE: Level 2: Predator Tank (Omni/Salvage) |
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Not surprised WoB was involved. Should be interesting how I can spin that with my group...
In any case, I think a tank would be much more realistic than a 'Mech to be produced by pirates. The Brigand I consider an oddity, this thing I consider possible.
_________________
Jarylan Blackwell
"What the...?! Where did you get THAT?!"
"Creative aquisition."
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Karagin
Imperial Karagin Army
Imperial General
Joined: 04-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 4120
Location: United States
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| Posted: 26-Dec-2006 14:58 Post subject: RE: Level 2: Predator Tank (Omni/Salvage) |
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To me a mech is pushing it, building one that is. Putting one back together and keeping one up and running not so hard.
Tanks and other vehicles sure they could do that if they hold a planet with an industrial base.
Same for fighters. Dropships would be tougher but repairing and such is possible.
Warships...repairs sure, to a point, but building one nope.
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Karagin
Only the dead have seen the end of war. - Plato
"Wasted trip Man. Nobody said nuthin' about lockin' horns with no tigers." Oddball
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CO_17thRecon
Kell Hounds
Major
Joined: 10-Sep-2002 00:00
Posts: 1297
Location: United States
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| Posted: 26-Dec-2006 15:21 Post subject: RE: Level 2: Predator Tank (Omni/Salvage) |
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Response to Karagin:
I am intrigued by your opinions, sir, and wish to subscribe to your news letter.
Actually, that pretty well fits what I like to do. Pirates can use and repair nearly anything your give them or that they capture. Building things is tricker, and they are better off trying to build something simple with an eye for the future. That said, I still like the design of the Brigand, even if the 'Mech itself is basically an endangered species after the Wobblies pull out.
General Statement:
So really, that (scavenging) is what the Predator is all about. Cobbled together from a light industrial base and some stolen parts, the tank is simple enough by itself, but can become nearly anything depending on what the pirates get their hands on.
If you want to ignore the fluff and just look at the Chassis, then if nothing else, it's an inexpensive multi-role omnivehicle. It mounts only a standard engine and semi-advanced armor. Plenty of pod space, but be sure and pack some lasers to make the most of that fusion engine.
_________________
Jarylan Blackwell
"What the...?! Where did you get THAT?!"
"Creative aquisition."
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