OmniMech

First developed by the Clans, an OmniMech is a specialized BattleMech that exchanges a fixed weapon configuration for the ability to replace and change its loadout with modular weapon and equipment pods.

History

OmniMech technology was developed by Clan Coyote with the assistance of Clan Diamond Shark in 2854 and has its roots in the modular repair system of the Mercury BattleMech, with the Coyotl the first true OmniMech. Where the Mercurys repair system allowed easy replacement of damaged equipment, this was refined by the Clans and eventually evolved to the point of allowing a 'Mech to be completely reconfigured within hours, giving BattleMechs a greater deal of tactical and strategic flexibility than had ever been enjoyed before. In addition to the configurable loadouts, OmniMechs are also capable of transporting battle armor. The ability of a front-line unit to quickly service, re-arm, or even modify the weapons loadout puts pilots back on the battlefield and kept the Clans moving at their amazing pace during their Invasion.

While not able to replicate the advanced construction materials of the invaders, the Inner Sphere was capable of reverse engineering the OmniMech technology, and by 3058 the Draconis Combine had eight OmniMechs in production with licensed versions being built in the Lyran Alliance and Free Worlds League. By 3067 every Successor State had their own OmniMechs in production.

Advantages

The modular construction allows MechWarriors to customize their machine's weapon loadout to suit their own skills and preference, and suit specific tactical or environmental needs as required. Where a BattleMech of comparable weight is designed and built for a specific role, a OmniMech can serve as a direct-fire combatant one day, and a missile boat the next.

Though not solely created for modular weapon loadouts, the OmniMech design greatly aids repair and construction as well. If a weapon pod is damaged, it can be quickly detached and replaced with another while the original is undergoing repair. If certain weapons or ammunition are unavailable, alternates can be easily substituted. Once their modular weaponry and equipment is removed, the empty bays generally provide larger spaces to access and repair the base chassis. Damaged components such as arms and legs can be easily replaced in half the time it takes for common BattleMechs, and often with less experienced technicians able perform such tasks.

Disadvantages

Despite their flexibility and maintenance benefits, OmniMechs have distinct limitations in regard to cost and logistics.

OmniMechs are not fully modular. The engine, internal structure, armor and any equipment installed on the base chassis of OmniMech are "hard wired", and while the OmniMech technology aids in accessing these components, modification and customization of these still suffers from the same extensive and prohibitive costs in time and materials as their more mundane BattleMech brethren.

With further regards to costs, even OmniMechs constructed from standard materials are more expensive than comparable BattleMechs of similar weight to both construct and field. While the initial invasion gave the impression that Clan toumans consisted solely of OmniMechs, even they can only afford to outfit their front-line units with them, with their so-called second-line forces generally fielding more cost effective standard BattleMechs, albeit utilizing superior Clan technology.

The modifications required to add modular attachment points so weaponry and equipment can be used by OmniMechs render such equipment incompatible with standard BattleMechs, even for identical classes and "brands" of equipment the only thing that can be used interchangeably is ammunition. For mixed units of BattleMechs and OmniMechs this adds an artificial separation and duplication in supply chains and logistics for spare parts. While the Clans have mostly overcome these issues, the relatively young OmniMech programs in the Inner Sphere still cause headaches for quartermasters which prevent many Successor State units from fully utilizing the flexibilities of the designs.

See Also

Category:OmniMechs

Bibliography

• Era Digest: Golden Century