Karagin
07/03/02 06:34 PM
63.173.170.139
|
Contract #908-56 Vehicle Infantry Fighting
To all compaines and private groups:
The SLDF is looking for an Infantry Fighting Vehicle that can keep up with other armored units and mechs, can carry both unarmored and armored infantry in the platoon size element.
The vehicle must have one missiles system on it and should have enough armor to with stand at least two Gauss hits per side if not more.
Price must be kept at 4 million C-bills.
Any other questions please PM me and I will answer them.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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NathanKell
07/04/02 11:13 PM
24.44.238.62
|
Please expect shortly an information package on the GF-10A Gopher Infantry Fighting Vehicle, an export version of the Stellar Union's GF-10 blower.
Henry Wade, Assistant Counsellor for Export
New Hope, New Hope
Stellar Union
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson |
MacLeod
07/05/02 01:50 AM
65.95.252.83
|
Does it have to carry Battlearmor and unarmored infantry at the same time, or independantly?
And what kind of unarmored infantry? Jump, foot, or motorized?
Drugs don't kill people, pancreatic cancer kills people.
... and whoever heard of a drug that causes pancreatic cancer?
|
Karagin
07/05/02 09:53 PM
65.129.164.130
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In regards to your company's inquiries:
1: Independantly would be nice, but currently the request has been for vehicle to bring in more at once to allow for a quicker battle.
2: Jump Infantry have their own mode of transport, so this would foot infantry.
SLDF Quatermaster
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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NathanKell
07/06/02 07:54 PM
24.44.238.62
|
Please accept our apogolies; the only vehicles the Stellar Union exports which meet your carriage requirements are dropships; the aforementioned GF-10A Gopher (export) is a 50-ton blower with an 8-ton capacity for troops, which meets our needs for a squad transport perfectly, and can transport two unarmored infantry platoons.
Henry Wade, Assistant Counsellor for Export
New Hope, New Hope
Stellar Union
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson |
Karagin
07/06/02 07:58 PM
65.129.164.145
|
Assistant Counsellor Wade,
It would please us greatly if you would reconsider your offer and summit your company's vehicle. Currently the testing of an infantry fighting vehicle is to help improve and smooth out our infantry combat doctrine and operations.
Thank you,
SLDF Quatermaster
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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Karagin
07/08/02 04:22 PM
63.173.170.27
|
After reviewing current doctrine and ideas the head of testing for Contract #908-56 has issued a change:
The size of the infantry element to be carried by the vehicle is to be squad size w/support weapons.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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Nightward
07/11/02 10:29 PM
202.138.17.115
|
Type: Black Wind
Technology Base: Inner Sphere, Draconis Combine 3067
Mass: 50 Tons
Chassis: BW Hardened
Power Plant: BW Fusion 265 XL
Cruising Speed: 108 kph
Maximum Speed: 162 kph
Armour: Luthien Special Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Shigunga SRM-2s
2 Victory XLR ER Medium Lasers
2 SperryBrowning Machine Guns
Communications System: Matabushi Sentinel with Guardian ECM Suite and Integrated C3 Slave
Targeting and Tracking System: Cat’s Eyes 6 with Beagle Active probe and Integrated C3 Slave
Primary Manufacturer: Dante Enterprises
Primary Factory: Loysville
OVERVIEW
Finding current APCs inadequate, the DCMS High Command contacted Dante Enterprises in late 3065 to construct a brand-new infantry transport, specifically designed to rapidly relocate DEST command units in the heat of battle, and to covertly insert such units. As usual, Dante Enterprises went beyond the design brief, and returned to the DCMS High Command with plans for the Black Wind, a 50-ton Hovercraft equipped with the latest in Electronic Warfare equipment, heavy armour, and blinding speed.
CAPABILITIES
Capable of moving at speeds in excess of 160 kph, the Black Wind is one of the swiftest machines on today’s battlefield. And although the vehicle is equipped with a full eleven tons of Ferro-Fibrous plating, providing it with an incredible amount of protection, this exceptional speed is expected to be the Black Wind’s main protection in battle. Added to this is the jamming capabilities of the Guardian ECM Suite, which prevents enemy units from detecting the Black Wind and renders most advanced targeting devices useless.
The Black Wind was expected to operate at night, in cities, and in a variety of limited-visibility environments where ambush was a distinct possibility. Therefore, DE equipped the Black Wind with an advanced sensor suite, incorporating a Beagle Active Probe, which allows the sensor operator to detect almost any hidden enemy units- except special Stealth armour suits, such as the Infiltrator and Achileus suits. However, the Combine does not expect to engage the Federated Commonwealth or Free Worlds League at any near point in time, so this did not concern the DCMS High Command.
As the Black Wind moves at such high speeds, the vehicle’s occupants frequently experience G-Forces usually reserved for AeroSpace Fighter Pilots. To combat the stresses caused by these forces, the Black Wind has specially designed seating and interior spaces. All seats are heavily padded, and have multiple safety belt systems. The crew sometimes wear G-Suits, similar to those employed by AeroSpace Fighter pilots. For the infantry assigned to the Black Wind, their cabin is also home to heavily padded seats with safety belts. If the Black Wind is operating with Battle Armour support, the Black Wind has a stripped-down cabin with magnetic clamps that anchor the DEST troopers to the floor, even at the sharpest of turns. Hand locks along the vehicle’s walls stop troopers form falling.
Since the DEST only ever operate on foot, equipped with Jump Packs, or in Battle Armour, DE only allocated four tons to transporting infantry. This allows for a full Platoon of infantry or Battle Armour Squad to be transported within the vehicle. Additionally, the DCMS operates almost no mechanized infantry units, so accommodating such squads was not deemed a priority.
There are three large hatches mounted on the Black Wind, one to the rear of the tank and one on either side. This allows the vehicle to deploy a full foot platoon in little over six seconds- an important feature if the vehicle is operating under fire.
The Black Wind is minimally armed, with a pair of ER Medium Lasers and SRM-2s in the turret as the vehicle’s primary armament. The Medium Lasers allow for strikes at almost 400 metres, and the SRMs are typically loaded with Inferno ammunition. The SRMs are used only in emergencies, if the Black Wind’s stealth has been compromised. The Infernos destroy enemy vehicles with ease, and can be used to make enemy 'Mech’s back off. They can also be used to create an opening for troop deployment. Two Machine Guns mounted on the front of the vehicle allow for anti-infantry support.
With all these features, the Black Wind is a truly distinguished infantry support vehicle, but there was one final design feature that cemented the contract with the DCMS: Dante Enterprises included a C3 Slave on the vehicle. Lances of Black Winds operate with three standard tanks, plus one command tank that lacks infantry but carries a C3 Master Computer. When the DEST’s incredible skill on the battlefield is matched with the stealth features and command and coordination facilities granted by the 3 system, the lethality of such units is unmatched. Test scenarios pitting a few Lances of Black Winds against the elite Second sword of Light on Luthien have demonstrated this- the DEST were able to sneak into the Second Sword of Light’s command centres and plant dummy charges, and in field excersises, Black Winds outmaneuvered the Sword and managed to destroy a full Company before being caught and destroyed.
DEPLOYMENT
All Black Winds thus far produced have been assigned directly to the DEST. Twenty tanks have so far been built- five Command Tanks and fifteen standard models.
COST ANALYSIS
In the DCMS, where price is immaterial compared to performance and the Black Wind is deployed only amongst the DEST, cost was not an issue. However, the Black Wind’s price tag of almost eight million C-Bills is almost double the budget that the SLDF’s “Contract #908-56 Vehicle, Infantry Fighting” calls for. If cost is truly an issue, perhaps an export version with an ICE could be built, although this would dramatically hinder the Black Wind in the field.
MY BLURB
Mwahaha. Incredible speed, armour, and EW equipment. The price is an issue, but when you consider that the old Star League bought the Cameron- which was an utter clunker- I don’t think that the SLDF will object to paying for quality- especially quality like this.
I usually don’t play with Vehicles, so aside from the Apache, this is the first Vehicle I’ve designed. There’s an awful lot of restrictions on them. The one I particularly disliked was the minimum Engine tonnage for a Hovercraft. I had to take this up from a 25-tonner to a 50 tonner to satisfy that demand.
Bah.
MASS BREAKDOWNS
Engine: 10.5
Lift Fans: 5
Internal Structure: 5
Control: 2.5
Armour: 11
Infantry: 4
2 ER Medium Lasers: 2
2 SRM-2s with 2 tons of Ammunition: 4
2 Machine Guns with 0.5 tons of Ammunition: 1.5
Turret: 0.5
ECM Suite: 1.5
Active Probe: 1.5
C3 Slave: 1
The Command variant removes the Infantry capacity and replaces the C3 Slave with a Command Computer.
GAME STATISTICS
Cruising MP: 10
Flanking MP: 15
Notes: Armour is Ferro-Fibrous. Equipped with ECM Suite, Active Probe, and C3.
ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION
Front: 50
Turret: 40
Sides: 37
Rear: 33
BVs
634 (+62 for C3)
LOCATIONS
2 ER Medium Lasers: Turret
2 SRM-2s: Turret
2 Machine Guns: Front
Infantry: Body
ECM: Body
Active Probe: Body
C3: Body
0.5 ton Machine Gun Ammunition: Body
2 tons SRM Ammunition: Body
Yea, verily. Let it be known far and wide that Nightward loathes MW: DA. Indeed, it is with the BURNING ANIMUS OF A THOUSAND SUNS that he doth rage against it with.
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Karagin
07/12/02 12:45 AM
63.173.170.111
|
To: Dante Enterprises
From SLDF Quatermaster R&D Section Contract Control Group
Your entry of the Blackwind IFV(H) has been noted and will soon be entering testing.
SLDF QM.
My Blurb:
Very nice...no matter the out come of the testing this one is very well done.
I agree with you on the limits on the vehicles too many...
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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NathanKell
07/13/02 04:51 PM
24.44.238.62
|
{OOC--sorry, totally forgot about this!  }
SLDF Quartermaster,
I apologize profusely for the delay in sending the Gopher specifications; Counselors {OOC: I've been consistently misspelling it, I find...  } Wade and Davis were on the ill-fated Star of the West, a coaster that ran afoul of some bandits. All on board were recovered safely, of course, but in the shuffling Counselor Wade and aide Archivist Carl Root clearly forgot to forward you the information. Though Archivist Root's draft of the overview, history, and assorted textual information on the GF-10 Gopher was lost, he assures me that he will have it completed shortly. Attached please find a bare overview of the Gopher's salient features.
Counselor Eric Chase,
Counselor for Trade
New Hope, New Hope
Stellar Union
Attachment: GF-10X-A Gopher, Export version A
{OOC: Hope you don't mind my stealing your formatting, Nightward.  }
Type: GF-10X-AL Gopher
Technology Base: Inner Sphere 3025 (Stellar Union A-class Export)
Mass: 50 Tons
Chassis: G-10 Ground Effect Chassis
Power Plant: 165-rated Fusion Plant
Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Armor: A-class SWT standard forging
Armament:
AT:
2 LRM 5-racks with 12 reloads each
3 Medium Lasers (Tribarrel)
2 Machine Guns with 50 reloads each
AL:
1 LRM 5-rack with 24 reloads
1 Large Laser
2 Machine Guns with 50 shots each
AP: (***Fractional Accounting***)
1 PPC
1 SRM-2 with 25 reloads***
1 Machine Gun with 100 reloads
Communications System: V-SR-12XA
Targeting and Tracking System: V-SR-12XA
Manufacturer: Stellar Union
NOTES
The GF-10XA Gopher has a modular turret. A minigun is fixed-mounted to the bow for the driver, as is 500kg of ammunition for it. The turret has either a tribarrel laser and LRM rack, a single large laser and smaller LRM rack, or a PPC and a SRM rack (T, L, and P, respectively). The hull includes room for a Stellar Union squad of power armored infantry (8 suits); a platoon of Spheroid unarmored infantry will also fit, but not terribly comfortably.
MASS BREAKDOWNS
Engine: 9t
Cruising MP: 8
Flanking MP: 12
Lift Fans: 5t
Internal Structure: 5t
Control: 2.5t
Armor: 10t
Front: 40
Turret: 30
Sides: 30
Rear: 30
Infantry: 8t
Armament: 1t fixed; 8.5t modular
Machine Gun: Front
0.5t MG Ammo: Body
Up to 8.5t equipment: Turret
Turret: 1t
BV: Dunno (Done in Vehicle Facotry). Someone, please?
Cost:
AT: ©2,095,000
AL: ©1,995,000
AP: ©2,125,500
{OOC Notes: Based in large part on the blowers used by Hammer's Slammers (assorted stories, books, volumes, etc. by David Drake). I don't particularly like the idea of uncovered IFVs, though, especially in universes with good air power (which I *do* like). Thus it's covered, and halfway between a combat car and panzer.}
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson |
Nightward
07/14/02 06:45 PM
210.50.56.109
|
Cost is no issue? Excellent...
I'm working on a vehicle to deploy the DCMS' Kanazuchis now. It will be be a lot cheaper than the Black Wind.
Yea, verily. Let it be known far and wide that Nightward loathes MW: DA. Indeed, it is with the BURNING ANIMUS OF A THOUSAND SUNS that he doth rage against it with.
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Nightward
07/15/02 12:05 AM
211.26.1.240
|
Type: Predator
Technology Base: Inner Sphere, Draconis Combine 3067
Mass: 60 Tons
Chassis: DE Type 2
Power Plant: VLAR 300XL
Cruising Speed: 54.0 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Armour: Luthien Special Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
1 Shigunga MRM-40
2 Victory XLR ER Medium Lasers
2 SperryBrowning Machine Guns
Communications System: Matabushi Sentinel
Targeting and Tracking System: Cat’s Eyes 6
Primary Manufacturer: Dante Enterprises
Primary Factory: Losville
OVERVIEW
In the late 3050s, the Draconis Combine introduced the massive Kanazuchi, the most heavily armed and armoured Battle Suit produced by the Clans or the Inner Sphere. Despite the obvious potential of the Kanazchi, the suit was unpopular amongst DCMS units because of its low speed. As a result, less than one hundred such suits were deployed throughout the DCMS and the project was shelved to concentrate on the Raiden suits. However, the Coordinator viewed the Kanazuchi with favour, and looked to the day that the suit would be able to be deployed to its true devastating effect. To this end, he ordered the testing of APC-equipped Kanazuchi squads. Unfortunately, the same features of the design that made the Kanazuchi so deadly limited its ability to integrate with APC squadrons. The suit’s massive size and weight made steering hover APCs at full speed almost impossible, and the Kanazuchi was simply too large to fit into conventional wheeled and tracked APCs. Unwilling to simply let the project fail, the Coordinator personally contacted Dante Enterprises (flush with funds and success from the production of the Black Wind) to produce a new APC designed specifically to deploy the Kanazuchi in battle.
The main failing in the Kanazuchi was its lack of speed. As such, a swift APC had to be constructed in order to rapidly shift the Kanazuchis in battle, and at first the design team simply attempted to modify the Black Wind for the task by removing its electronic suites and adding larger engines and heavier armour. Unfortunately, DE engineers found that the inertia generated by the huge Kanazuchi suits made steering the hovercraft far too difficult. A wheeled version of the Black Wind was looked into, but engineers felt that the mass of the Kanazuchi would too heavily stress the suspension of such a vehicle. Finally, the team turned to a tracked chassis- since a tracked vehicle cannot move as swiftly as a hovercraft, the Kanazuchi’s inertia would have minimal effect, and without any suspension systems to speak of, the tank would be easy to maintain and be exceptionally reliable in the field.
CAPABILITIES
DE engineers then came up with the 60-ton Predator. With a massive VLAR 300XL Fusion Power Plant, the Predator is capable of exceeding 80 kph over flat ground, and its hardy treads allow the vehicle to negotiate rough terrain with ease. A full twelve tons of heavy Ferro-Fibrous armour-a level of protection comparable with 'Mechs of the same size- provides the Predator the ability to engage enemy forces in total safety.
However, the feature that attracted the Coordinator’s eye above the other features of the tank was its heavy firepower. A turret-mounted MRM-40 allows the Predator to demolish light and even medium 'Mechs with a single salvo, and the massive rack is provided with enough ammunition for eighteen salvoes- more than enough to supply the vehicle through even the heaviest of action. If the MRM runs out of ammunition, or the enemy closes in, the Predator can also engage with its pair of turret-mounted ER Medium Lasers. Finally, a pair of sponson-mounted Machine Guns allows the Predator to engage in anti-infantry operations.
With its high speed and heavy firepower, a unit of Predators can smash a hole in the enemy line, then spill out their cargo of Kanazuchi suits to finish the job or keep the enemy occupied until 'Mech forces can arrive. The sight of Predators on their flank in recent excersises with the Nova Cat’s Delta Galaxy was enough to draw an entire Trinary specialising in anti-Battle Armour tactics off the line, and contributed heavily to the Legion of Vega’s eventual victory in the engagement.
DEPLOYMENT
All units currently deploying Kanazuchi suits are in line for the Predator. The Sword of Light regiments are fully equipped with combined Predator/Kanazuchi squadrons, and priority has next gone to the Legion of Vega, Lord Kurita’s old personal command. The Genoshya regiments are expected to be fitted out next.
COST ANALYSIS
At 9.2 million C-Bills per tank, the Predator somewhat exceeds your budgetary limitations. However, we are prepared to offer an Export model of the Predator (see Variants, below) retailing for 2.7 million C-Bills as well as the standard version.
VARIANTS
The Export Model offered by DE is identical to the standard model, save for two changes; the turret has been redesigned to mount a trio of MRM-10s in place of the MRM-40, and a smaller 240 Standard Fusion engine replaces the expensive 300XL model found on the standard version. The slight weight savings represented by these changes also allowed for slightly heavier armour. Although this variant is somewhat slower and under-gunned when compared to the standard model, it is considerably cheaper and could be upgraded to the standard variant later if funds permit.
MY BLURB
Damn, but XL engines are expensive.
After I built the Black Wind for commando ops, I decided to have a look at making something to support Kanazuchi operations. It’s not exceptionally fast, but it is tough and has an ungodly amount of firepower for its size, thanks to the MRM-40.
I reckon it should work.
MASS BREAKDOWNS
STANDARD
Engine: 14.5
Internal Structure: 6
Control: 3
Armour: 12
MRM-40 with 3 tons of ammunition: 15
2 ER Medium Lasers: 2
2 Machine Guns with .5 Tons of Ammuniton: 1.5
Turret: 1.5
CASE: 0.5
Infantry: 4
EXPORT
Engine: 17
Internal Structure: 6
Control: 3
Armour: 12.5
3 MRM-10s with 3 tons of ammunition: 12
2 ER Medium Lasers: 2
2 Machine Guns with .5 Tons of Ammuniton: 1.5
Turret: 1.5
CASE: 0.5
Infantry: 4
GAME STATISTICS
STANDARD
Cruising MP: 5
Flanking MP: 8
EXPORT
Cruising MP: 4
Flanking MP: 6
Notes: Equipped with CASE. Armour is Ferro-Fibrous.
ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION
Front: 50
Sides: 45
Turret: 40
Rear: 34 (44 on the Export Variant)
BVs
Standard: 895
Export: 591
LOCATIONS
MRMs, ER Medium Lasers- Turret
Machine Guns- Front
Ammunition, Infantry- Body
Yea, verily. Let it be known far and wide that Nightward loathes MW: DA. Indeed, it is with the BURNING ANIMUS OF A THOUSAND SUNS that he doth rage against it with.
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Karagin
07/15/02 08:56 PM
63.173.170.151
|
Cheap is good, free is better! 
Overall cost to keep current and allow for flexibilty is the main goal.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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Karagin
07/15/02 08:59 PM
63.173.170.151
|
To: Counselor Eric Chase
From: SLDF Quatermaster
Subject: Thank you for the techinical stats and information on the GF-10X-A Gopher.
Gen. Thomas Richardson
SLDF
(OOC: Nice, very close to my own take on the Hammer Combat cars...)
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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NathanKell
07/16/02 03:26 PM
24.44.238.62
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To: SLDF Quartermaster
From: Icarus Industries, Terra
Subject: Combat Car
Attachment follows.
Type: Icarus Industries Combat Car
Technology Base: Inner Sphere 3050 Level 3
Mass: 30 Tons
Chassis: Medium Ground Effect
Power Plant: 80-rated Fusion Bottle powering 12 fans
Cruising Speed: 75.6 kph
Maximum Speed: 118.8 kph
Armor: Ceramic, Iridium Composite. Over head protection by a Splinter shield made from beryllium mesh. Reactive mines (both reactive armor and 2x AMS*) for buzzbomb defense.
Armament:
2cm Tri-barrel Medium Pulse Lasers in three positions
2 Anti-missile systems*
Manufacturer: Icarus Industries
Factory Location: Terra
NOTES
Guess. 
I'm afraid it doesn't come under your 30pts-per-location armor rules, but I had to go for reactive armor instead of heavy FF, and add the two turrets. Ah well.
MASS BREAKDOWNS
Engine: 3.75t
Cruising MP: 7
Flanking MP: 11
Lift Fans: 3t
Internal Structure: 3t
Control: 1.5t
Armor: 6t reactive
Front: 21
Turrets (left and right sponson): 10
Sides: 20
Rear: 15
Crew: 4 (1t)
Armament: 9t
MPL: Front
Each turret: MPL and AMS
2t AMS Ammo: Body
Turrets: .5t
BV: Dunno (Done in Vehicle Facotry). Someone, please?
Cost: ©1,706,000 (mucho thalers).
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson |
Karagin
07/16/02 03:56 PM
63.173.170.43
|
To: Icarus Industries
From: SLDF QMC
Subject:
Combat Cars.
Thank you for the submission but your Hamburg office on Terra has already submitted one version of the Combat Car to us for testing.
We can forward you the file if you so request.
SLDF QMC.
My note:
I am using a version of the Combat Car in the testing as my entry... But I do like this one.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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NathanKell
07/16/02 11:50 PM
24.44.238.62
|
Ah.
Just for fun anyway; and it's an *amazing* coincidence that I just now I finished re-reading my HS collection...
And I would indeed like to see the file. 
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson |
Karagin
07/16/02 11:57 PM
63.173.170.78
|
Okay will post it ASAP.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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Nightward
07/22/02 05:36 PM
132.234.251.211
|
No worries. For is it not written "Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery"?
Yea, verily. Let it be known far and wide that Nightward loathes MW: DA. Indeed, it is with the BURNING ANIMUS OF A THOUSAND SUNS that he doth rage against it with.
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Nightward
07/22/02 05:49 PM
132.234.251.211
|
So these "Hammer's Slammers" things are good, eh? Who's the author? I've read out three public libraries so far, so I need something to read.
Yea, verily. Let it be known far and wide that Nightward loathes MW: DA. Indeed, it is with the BURNING ANIMUS OF A THOUSAND SUNS that he doth rage against it with.
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NathanKell
07/23/02 12:35 PM
24.44.238.62
|
David Drake. They've been reissued via Baen Books. The anthologies are now: The Tank Lords, Caught in the Crossfire, and The Butcher's Bill. Standalone novels are The Sharp End, the forthcoming Paying the Piper,and the in-universe but not Slammers per se Cross the Stars and The Voyage.
A word of warning, however: these stories are not for the faint of heart or stomach. For a much, err, calmer introduction to Drake I'd suggest With the Lightings and its sequel Lt. Leary Commanding, light(er) space opera that still includes Drake's trademark touch.
Many of the above can be bought as e-books from Baen; Cross the Stars is available for free as an e-book at Baen's Free Library.
For an overview of Hammer's Slammers, visit Rolling Hot with Hammer's Slammers, a page describing a wargame translation of the Slammers (with lots of good info, and minis pictures).
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson |
Karagin
07/23/02 01:04 PM
63.173.170.81
|
Another good set of books to get into of Drakes is his work with S.M. Stirling and their General Series...5 books plus two follow up novles.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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NathanKell
07/23/02 01:35 PM
24.44.238.62
|
Yeah, though now I prefer the Belisarius vers...err, other series.
I never laughed so hard in my life, as when I first read Eric Flint...breaks me up every time, durn-near every page. Plus, he has politics that don't make me puke (especially in Mother of Demons, and also 1632)...
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson |
Karagin
07/23/02 01:42 PM
63.173.170.81
|
The works of Flint and Drake are not to my liking...I could not get into the novels.
Raj Whitehall series seemed to fit better and have more tell it as it is kind of thing Stirling and Drake are good at.
Eric Flint's stuff was too dry for me.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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NathanKell
07/23/02 04:38 PM
24.44.238.62
|
You're right...dry wit, in fact.
Though the title of Arch-Sysup is not one I'll forget...
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson |
Karagin
01/02/05 10:15 PM
65.129.164.84
|
Contract is still open.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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Karagin
12/25/06 01:57 AM
70.123.166.36
|
Due to a current rise in loses of IFVs and APCs in recent fighting on Selcuamia, the SLDF as issued a second call for an IFV with the same requirements as stated above, but with one change.
An Improved C3 unit has to be apart of it.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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strife
01/05/07 07:47 PM
216.40.86.86
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Hammer's slammers? I don't like his stuff cause his tank is exactly like an abrams, and his combat car is exactly like a M113, from back in the Nam'. The sameness bothers me alot. Join the army and see for yourself, i did.
anyways, all these designs cost too much, wouldn't anybody using foot-infantry be pretty budget-aware anyways? 4 million can buy you a platoon of nice 60 ton tanks.
"caliber fifty JUSTICE!"
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Karagin
01/05/07 08:27 PM
70.123.166.36
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Uhmmm...no the tanks and combat cars are based of M48 Pattons and the M113 ACAV version. That's about it, though there is nothing same about the tank to the Abrams.
And the Army has the Bradley which is no where near the combat cars Drake writes about.
And no they don't cost too much, how about you post design and show us how it should be...but wait you need to follow the guidelines as given by the contract.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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strife
01/05/07 09:03 PM
216.40.86.86
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Yes, but the army does use M113s, my 1sg rides around in one, and drakes tank is still alot like an abrams, what with the ejected "plasma matrix disks" littering a turret floor and whatnot.
I'll get back on drawing up an APC, though.
"caliber fifty JUSTICE!"
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Karagin
01/05/07 09:09 PM
70.123.166.36
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How can his tank be like an Abrams when he based it off the M48 Patton that the 11th ARC had in Vietnam?
The Army also uses M1117 Armored Cars and M1114 Uparmored HMMVVs as well M1151s all which could considered based on the M20 Scout of WW2 but that doesn't mean they are the same thing.
Looking forward to seeing you APC for the contest.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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strife
01/06/07 10:55 AM
216.40.89.180
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Type: WDM-1 Woodsman IFV
Technology Base: Inner Sphere 3025-ish
Mass: 45 tons
Chassis: Mk II AAG-V
Power Plant: 225 rated standard fusion
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4
Armor: Ferro-plate type-I
Armament:
Two (2) Extended range medium lasers
One (1) SRM/6
Communications System: VOXgate 100 series
Targeting and Tracking System: Arcreticle Type II
Manufacturer: Pucara Heavy Industries
NOTES
All weapons are mounted in a small turret near the front of the van-body. Cargo area can be configured to mount 56 individuals or a platoon of motorized infantry. Supplimentary command and control and enhanced targeting equipment is adapted per mission requirements or local configuration of the cargo area. A command variant is available for factory orders.
MASS BREAKDOWNS
Engine: 15t
Cruising MP: 5
Flanking MP: 8
Internal Structure: 4.5t
Control: 2.5t
Armor: 10t
Front: 50
Turret: 30
Sides: 35
Rear: 35
Infantry: 6t
Armament:
2 ERMLs -turret
1 SRM/6 -turret
1t SRM/6 ammo-15 w/ CASE -body
Turret: 0.5tons
BV: 410
Cost: 1,740,000 (rounded up)
You weren't kidding, that contract is pretty tough. This is the best I could do with a track vehicle for under 2 million. Not too happy about weapons. Should have a PPC or something. Anyways, its less then half of the contract's price bill. So its two for one! Cost effectiveness, citizens! Its got a CASE, 6 tons of cargo, decent cross-country speed, and it can cross bad terrian. Its got enough guns to mess up one of those machinegun-bristling light mechs everybody likes so much. Practical, simple, effective, cheap.
All the vehicle you need to ferry around your useless crunchies!
"caliber fifty JUSTICE!"
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Karagin
01/06/07 03:57 PM
70.123.166.36
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Nicely done.
IF the SLDF doesn't go for it, I do know several groups who would jump on this one.
Nice job.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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strife
01/08/07 06:13 PM
216.40.89.182
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I noticed the contract required a ic3 unit, so I thought I'd give the contract another go, this time with something a little more err, quality, or bigger at least. Here's a giant bastard of an APC, that fulfills all contract requirements.
Type: RDK- Roadking Strategic Armored Personell Carrier
Technology Base: Inner Sphere, 3067
Mass: 75 tons
Chassis: Longboy-2
Power Plant: 280 standard Fusion
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Armour: Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
1 LRM/15 with Artimus FCS
2 ER medium lasers
Communications System: Improved C3
Targeting and Tracking System: Artimus FCS and coordinated C3
Primary Manufacturer: Bersa Heavy Industries
Primary Factory: Pucara
note: all weapons mounted in turret.
OVERVIEW
Designed in 3050 as a large-capicity transport with internal fire-support, for use in strategic movement,
the Roadking was commsioned to quickly transport a full company of infantry along established hiways. A large, long, low-slung vehicle, with a forward crew compartment, where the turret is mounted, and a large cargo bay seperated from the rest of the vehicle. A 6x6 wheeled design. (think a SCUD launcher truck with a van body and a turret). Provides an extremely smooth ride cross-country, with no engine or track vibrations, crunchies can easily fall asleep inroute to their combat zones. However, its large size, heavy armor, and soft suspension can get it bogged down in swampy terrian, where belly wheels can distribute its high ground pressure.
CAPABILITIES
The Roadking was designed for survivialbilty. With enough Armor plating to withstand even multiple strikes from large-bore autocannons, the Roadking has armor comparable to that a MBT. The cargo bay can be configured to transport either 4 full platoons of foot infantry or 2 full squads of battlearmor with room to spare. With 3 large drop-doors and several smaller hatches, a fully loaded Roadking with 114 men can be dismounted within 10 seconds under combat situations. The outside of the vehicle has a long running board and infantry rails above the wheel wells, as well as infantry rails on the top of the vehicle, where infantry can hang onto the outside of the massive vehicle for short-haul or emergency transport. The cargo bay is seperated from the engine and ammo, however, in the event of an explosion, the result is sometimes spectatularly rips the long vehicle in two peices, still, with the cargo bay and its passengers intact. A LRM/15 equipped with sophisicated fire control and 3 tons of ammo, can provide extremely accurate fire, both directly and indirectly in support of engaged infantry, Coordinated, fire from multiple Road-kings, can cripple or destroy most light mechs typically used in combating dismounted infantry. Two ER MLs provide limited direct fire. Lots of ammo for prolonged combat.
,DEPLOYMENT
12 units in mobile reserve of local militia for test trials.
VARIANTS
The high head-clearance in the cargo area makes this vehicle ideal for command and control, or electronic warfare or survelliance varients, usually of strategic value, at corps or higher levels.
The simple lay-out of the vehicle allows for varied (factory) configurations. Will build to order.
MASS BREAKDOWNS
Engine: 24.0
Internal Structure: 7.5
Control: 3.75
Armour: 11.75
LRM/15: 7.0 T
FCS 1.0 T
LRM/15 ammo (30) 4.0 B
2 ERMLs 2.0 T
Improved C3: 2.0
Turret: 1.0
CASE: 1.0
Infantry: 12.0
GAME STATISTICS
Cruising MP: 4
Flanking MP: 6
Notes: Equipped with CASE. Armour is Ferro-Fibrous.
ARMOR
Front: 50
Sides: 40
Turret: 40
Rear: 40
Cost: 3,220,000 C-bills
Defense BV: 149
Offensive BV 460
BV: 609 (730 w/ Ic3 network?)
Its something like the ultimate APC, if its not a little slow, but it makes up for it by carrying 12 tons and its firepower and armor. That contract has a lot of tonnage associated with it. I had to make it 75 tons just to justify a Ic3 system, which makes no sense to me unless it had a large, long-range weapon. Then it occured to me. Wheeled, not too fast, but on a road (according to max-tech rules I think) it goes faster and would keep-up with most any combat formation.
I'd write more fluff but I ran outta time.
"caliber fifty JUSTICE!"
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Drasnighta
01/21/07 08:08 AM
202.126.108.239
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--MESSAGE STARTS--
From: CEO Heretic BattleMechs
To: Purchasing/Testing Officer, Quartermaster Corps, SLDF
Re: Contract #908-56 Vehicle Infantry Fighting
To Whom it May Concern,
Pursuant to Control #908-56, we at Heretic BattleMechs have devised an operational Personnel Carrier / Infantry Fighting Vehicle which will hopefully accomodate your means.
I believe the Ghoul may be a little different than your previous submissions, but I am confident you will be pleasantly surprised at what we have devised.
I will attach technical specifics, and if you so desire, a Test Model can be ready for delivery within a Month, ready for the fitting of the C3i system On Location.
Thankyou for your time, and your consideration.
Kyle Lyson
CEO Heretic BattleMechs
--MESSAGE ENDS -- ATTACHMENT FOLLOWS--
BattleTech Vehicle Technical Readout
VALIDATED
Type/Model: Ghoul Hover APC GHL-HA1
Tech: Inner Sphere / 3067
Config: Hovercraft
Rules: Level 2, Custom design
Mass: 45 tons
Power Plant: 125 GM I.C.E.
Cruise Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Armor Type: Longanecker PlastiSteel Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Blue Shot Weapons (Under Liscence) MRM 10
1 SLDF Manafacture (Under Liscence) Improved C3 CPU
1 Nashan Diversified 'Magician' Guardian ECM
1 MainFire Point Defense Anti-Missile System
1 MainFire Minigun Machine Gun
Manufacturer: Heretic BattleMechs (Vehicle Division)
Location: Gallery
Communications System: Nashan Diversified ACX with Guardian ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: Nashan Diana Mk 1 Targeting System
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Overview:==
Known for creating BattleMechs with original ideas, but backing them up with
proven equipment, Heretic BattleMechs have made their first foray in the
Vehicle Market.
Originally devised to fulfill Star League Contract #908-56 Vehicle Infantry
Fighting - The Ghoul APC is a sleek craft, designed to deliver a squad of
Battle Armoured, or Foot infantry and their Associated support weapons, not
only Quickly - But Quietly.
==Capabilities:==
Like most Hover Vehicles, the Ghoul has a high top ground speed - this however
is not the Ghouls only trick...
Built with a low, sleek Profile, the Ghoul boasts significant armour for a
vehicle of its size - More than 150% of the Average for a 45 Ton Hovercraft.
But the Ghoul's true saving grace is the complex electronics suite at its
heart. Although the Improved C3 system specifics provided by the SLDF were
the only requirement for the chassis, designers decided to add a Nashan
Diversified Guardian-Class 'Magician' ECM system, to both protect the Ghoul on
its approach, and to extend its combat effectiveness once its payload has been
delivered.
Giving additional Protection is the MainFire Point Defence Anti-Missile
System, Extending the Ghouls ability to get to the Combat Zone relatively
unscathed, and protecting it as it unloads its Cargo.
Although Fast and Well Armoured, the Ghoul is Under-Gunned, and carries only
5.5 Tons of Infantry or Equivelant Cargo. Its Main Armament is a
Turret-Mounted MRM 10 System, produced under License from Shigunga by Blue
Shot weapons on Gallery. The Dummy Rockets are provided more as a secondary
deterrant than a legitimate fighting weapon - and it is rumoured that a second
submission may be made with an LRM or SRM system in its place. Its sole
backup weapon is a MainFire Minigun mounted on the Front for Quick Strafing
Runs and Supressing Fire as the Infantry Disembark.
The Ghoul itself, although expensive as an initial outlay (almost 3 million
C-Bills each) has proven not only Reliable in the field, but easy to control.
The 3 Crewman are easily delineated in their Jobs, with little Crossover. The
Driver controls the Machine Gun, while the Missile Launcher and Point Defence
AMS is the confines of the Vehicles single Gunner and AutoLoad System. The
Third Crewman serves as a Backup Loader, and as a Loadmaster for the given
Cargo or Infantry on Board.
In the Ghoul's favour is the fact that its Engine and Structure is much easier to
repair and maintain than other Hovercraft designs - Lacking not just an XL Engine,
but a Fusion Engine all together, the Internal Combustion engine of the Ghoul
is a simple GM 125 - but care has been taken to keep the Ghoul's internal space
free of Engine Emissions and Fumes, much to the comfort of the Crew, and
passengers.
--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Ghoul Hover APC GHL-HA1
Mass: 45 tons
Equipment: Items Mass
Int. Struct.: 25 pts Standard 0 4.50
Engine: 125 I.C.E. 0 9.00
Cruise MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks: 0 Single 0 .00
Cockpit & Controls: 0 2.50
Crew: 3 Members 0 .00
Lift Equipment: 0 4.50
Turret Equipment: 0 .50
Armor Factor: 143 pts Ferro-Fibrous 2 8.00
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front: 5 32
Left / Right Sides: 5 32/32
Rear: 5 32
Turret: 5 15
Weapons and Equipment Loc Heat Ammo Items Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 MRM 10 Turret 0 24 2 4.00
1 Improved C³ CPU Body 0 1 2.50
1 Guardian ECM Body 0 1 1.50
1 Anti-Missile System Turret 0 12 2 1.50
1 Machine Gun Front 0 100 2 1.00
Infantry Bay Body 1 5.50
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 0 11 45.00
Items & Tons Left: 3 .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 2,904,625 C-Bills
Battle Value: 347 (+21 for C3i)
Cost per BV: 8,370.68
Weapon Value: 159 / 159 (Ratio = .46 / .46)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 5; MRDmg = 2; LRDmg = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 8H, Armor/Structure: 0 / 6
Damage PB/M/L: 1/-/-, Overheat: 0
Class: GM; Point Value: 3
Specials: tran5, ecm, c3i
-- ATTACHMENT ENDS --
CEO Heretic BattleMechs.
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Karagin
01/21/07 11:41 AM
70.123.166.36
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Attention Heretic BattleMechs
From SLDF Quatermaster
Recived your entry into the testing of a new IFV/APC for use by the SLDF.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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