Difference between revisions of "OmniMech"
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Despite their flexibility and maintenance benefits, OmniMechs have distinct limitations in regard to cost and logistics. | 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. | + | 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. They also may not have lower arm or hand actuators if they mount Autocannons, Gauss Rifles, or PPC's in their arms. |
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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 [[touman]]s 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.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 92</ref> | 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 [[touman]]s 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.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 92</ref> | ||
Revision as of 02:04, 2 April 2012
An OmniMech is a (sub-)type of BattleMech that does not feature a fixed weapon configuration, but instead has the ability to replace or change its loadout with modular OmniMech-compatible Omni-pods. Omni-pods can be a wide range of weapon systems and even a limited selection of structural components. Therefore, the capabilities of an OmniMech are only limited by the amount of pod space it possesses (both in mass and bulk), and reconfiguration time.
History
Based on the modular replacement system of the Mercury BattleMech, OmniMech technology was developed by a team of Clan Coyote scientists led by Scientist Richard (Remer) with the assistance of Clan Sea Fox. The result of their collaboration was Clan Coyote's Coyotl, the first true OmniMech, introduced in 2854. The Coyotl's OmniMech technology provided far more flexibility than the Mercury's ease of replacement and repair; the Coyotes and Foxes had evolved the technology to the point of complete reconfiguration of the weapon systems and certain structural components, and these modifications could be performed within hours. The Coyote's and Sea Foxes' evolutionary changes to BattleMech design resulted revolutionary changes on the battlefield. The OmniMech was more tactically strategically flexible than any BattleMech before, allowing the Coyotes (and to a lesser extent, the demurring Sea Foxes) to choose the capabilities of their machines depending upon the requirements of the mission. The major limitations to this flexibility were due to the mass of the chassis, constraining the speed, armor and pod space of the Coyotl. These limitations were addressed within a couple years with the introduction of at least three more classes of first generation OmniMechs, spanning a range of masses.[1][2][3]
The first generation OmniMechs were largely overlooked until 2859, when Clan Coyote equipped nearly all of its Alpha Galaxy with OmniMechs and expanded rapidly within the Kerensky Cluster. By the time Clan Jade Falcon won the prized technology in 2863, OmniMechs had been nearly unstoppable on the battlefields of the Clan Homeworlds for almost a decade.[2][3] By the end of the next calender year, six more Clans possessed the technology.[2] The final Clan to adopt OmniMech technology was Clan Ghost Bear, who took the technology from their Clan Hell's Horses rivals in 2873.[4]
In 2868, Clan Wolf began fitting their OmniMechs with hardpoints, allowing the transport of new Elemental battle armor infantry and further increasing their battlefield utility. First demonstrated on the field against Clan Nova Cat, this innovation revitalized infantry in the 29th century warfare, and accelerated the propagation of the Elemental warrior phenotype developed by Clan Hell's Horses.[5]
The ability to quickly service, re-arm, or even modify the weapons loadout of a front-line unit allowed pilots back on the battlefield and kept the Clans moving at their amazing pace during their Invasion.[6] While not able to replicate the advanced construction materials of the invaders, the Inner Sphere was eventually 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.[7]
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.[6]
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.[6]
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. They also may not have lower arm or hand actuators if they mount Autocannons, Gauss Rifles, or PPC's in their arms.[citation needed] 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.[8]
The modifications required to add modular attachment points so that 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.[citation needed]
See Also
References
- ↑ Era Digest: Golden Century, p. 22
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Field Manual: Warden Clans, p. 41
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Field Manual: Warden Clans, p. 59
- ↑ Field Manual: Warden Clans, pg. 79
- ↑ Field Manual: Crusader Clans, p. 54
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Technical Readout: 3050, p.7
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3058, pp. 78-95
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3055, p. 92