Cray
11/30/01 09:11 AM
204.245.128.108
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The Argus, named for the 100 eyed god of (probably) Greek mythology, is a scout mech of the highest caliber and price tag. It is a tour de force of Davion military technology, but proven technologies. After a stunning, flawless performance in testing and field trials, the Argus was passed over in favor of an even faster (and cheaper) VTOL.
The Argus is currently being built at the rate of 12 mechs per year for sales to a number of interested merc units, including one that makes a living raiding worlds of the Clan invasion corridor. Customer feedback has indicated an interest in a more heavily armed model that sheds some or all of the Argus's electronic systems for more weaponry. The two resulting models (Argus-B and Argus-C) are either used as scout hunters and raiders (particularly the -B, which retains some electronics and can thus operate independently) or as escorts to the basic Argus (aka Argus-A). There has been one inquiry regarding a MASC conversion, but the MASC unit would not readily fit into the current electronic bays. The alternate models are included in the 12-per-year construction rate.
The high tech features of the Argus are not particularly a problem for field technicians to maintain. The RCA Wodin sensor suite (a Beagle-class active probe) and Apple Buran ECM suite (Guardian-class) are proven, reliable units with common parts. The lean limbs and torso of the Argus put all critical systems within easy reach of maintenance hatches; in fact, the designers followed a "one deep" design philosophy to avoid burying equipment under other systems where possible. The Starshield armor is also relatively common and arranged in simple, angular shapes on the Argus's hull. Replacement panels are easily cut from generic stock. The only component that is troublesome (for its rarity, not reliability) is the groundbreaking XL Gyroscope.
The lean-limbed Argus is remniscent of the Spider and Hachetman. All models have fully functional, very nimble hand actuators suitable for combat engineering and black ops. The stupendous jump capacity of the Argus uses brute force thrust vectoring for in-flight stability rather than aerodynamic panels like the Spider and Venom. This was partly done to emphasize the Argus' value in thin atmospheres and vacuums. Its Olympian Lifters have thrust to spare and provide very smooth, stable flights, easy in-jump maneuvering, and gentle landings. The actuators of the mech have excellent coordination with the jump jets and sensors, allowing it to crouch for an even more gentle landing. Armor protection was arranged in a "get the mech home" configuration, meaning leg and torso protection was emphasized.
The Argus-A is not a combat mech and should avoid trouble where possible. The Argus-B and -C are better armed, but are likewise not brawlers. They have (duh) the armor of light mechs and are saddled with an XL engine to achieve their incredible performance.
ARGUS-A
30 tons
1.5 tons endosteel internal structure
9.5 tons 300XL
Walking: 10
Running: 15
Jumping: 10
0 tons 10 DHS
1.5 tons XL gyroscope
3 tons cockpit
5.5 tons armor
Head: 3 9
CT: 10 14/5
LT/RT: 7 10/4
LA/RA: 5 6
LT/RT: 7 10
1.5 tons ECM (RT)
1.5 tons Beagle (LT)
1 ton ER Medium Laser (RA)
5 tons Jump Jets (5 RT/LT)
Gyro crits: 2 CT
Endosteel crits: 2 RL/LL, 2 RT/LT, 3 RA/LA
VARIANTS
The Argus-B trades one of the electronic suites for an ER Medium laser on the LA and beefed up armor (0.5 tons: +1pt/arm, +3pts/leg).
The Argus-C trades both of the electronic suites for 2 ER Medium lasers (H, LA) and beefed up armor (1 ton: +4pts/arm, +4pts/leg).
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Disclaimer: Anything stated in this post is unofficial and non-canon unless directly quoted from a published book. Random internet musings of a BattleTech writer are not canon.
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Korbel
11/30/01 09:27 AM
24.178.190.27
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I like it... got a concept sketch you can upload??
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Cray
11/30/01 02:29 PM
12.78.180.55
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No, I'm not artist. I always liked the Hachetman's torso and arms - very humanoid, reasonable for a mech. Just do some mental Frankensteining with the Spider and Hachetman.
Mike Miller, MatE
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Disclaimer: Anything stated in this post is unofficial and non-canon unless directly quoted from a published book. Random internet musings of a BattleTech writer are not canon.
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Nightward
11/30/01 05:10 PM
203.134.12.8
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There is already an Argus. It is from MW4: Vengeance and can already be found in RS: Upgrades. The idea is good, but you may need to change the name to avoid having Micro$oft coming after you with a copyright suit ;)
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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Bob_Richter
11/30/01 05:22 PM
134.121.16.134
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I like this one better.
MW4 is a crock, anyway.
-Bob (The Magnificent) Richter
Assertions made in this post are the humble opinion of Bob.
They are not necessarily statements of fact or decrees from God Himself, unless explicitly and seriously stated to be so.
:)
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Cray
11/30/01 09:36 PM
12.78.130.20
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Microsoft can kiss my big, fat, hairy [shame][edited for viewer content][censored].
I like my design better. It looks cooler. :)
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Disclaimer: Anything stated in this post is unofficial and non-canon unless directly quoted from a published book. Random internet musings of a BattleTech writer are not canon.
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Nightward
12/01/01 09:38 PM
203.134.12.8
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What about calling it 'Cernnunous' (I think that's how you spell it, but you might like to check). He was the leader of the Wild Hunt from Celtic mythology.
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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Cray
12/02/01 12:55 AM
12.78.180.113
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I like Argus. Argus is mine. Microsoft clearly stole it from my junior high school mech designs that recycled 'Argus' over and over for any scout mech I designed. :)
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Disclaimer: Anything stated in this post is unofficial and non-canon unless directly quoted from a published book. Random internet musings of a BattleTech writer are not canon.
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Bob_Richter
12/02/01 01:48 AM
134.121.144.40
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J. Michael Stracinsky stole hyperspace jump gates from me when I was four.
:)
Really not fair, how these big guys just pluck ideas out of newbile young minds.
:)
-Bob (The Magnificent) Richter
Assertions made in this post are the humble opinion of Bob.
They are not necessarily statements of fact or decrees from God Himself, unless explicitly and seriously stated to be so.
:)
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TRYCORP
12/02/01 12:30 PM
64.12.106.37
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grrrr... i like MW4..
"Machine Guns! Thats a Summoner out there! Do you plan to punch little holes in it, and have it fall down from too much ventilation!?!"
TRYCORP
Clan Nova Cat
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Nightward
12/02/01 07:52 PM
203.134.12.8
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The game itself was Ok, but its linkage to actual BattleTech was tenuous at best. I believ that that is what they were talking about.
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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Bob_Richter
12/02/01 08:49 PM
134.121.144.40
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With all due respect, sir: bite me.
:)
-Bob (The Magnificent) Richter
Assertions made in this post are the humble opinion of Bob.
They are not necessarily statements of fact or decrees from God Himself, unless explicitly and seriously stated to be so.
:)
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realworldviews
12/02/01 10:42 PM
24.98.66.27
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I would have to agree, MW4 was a nice game...
But, in Battletech terms it was just a bit off.
MW2 and even MW3 did a much better job of taking the table top game and converting it to a computer game.
Colonel Brian Davis
Gamers United
"Dreams become reality, for all who start off with a dream"
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Cray
12/03/01 07:26 AM
204.245.128.108
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I dunno. I don't have a working mech designer that would let me find out quickly. Feel free to plug it into a designer and post the results.
Something like 6-10 million C-bills, based on the tonnage and 300XL. The XL gyro might push it over 10 million.
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Disclaimer: Anything stated in this post is unofficial and non-canon unless directly quoted from a published book. Random internet musings of a BattleTech writer are not canon.
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