Difference between revisions of "Ostscout"

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{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
|image=3025-Ostscout-Classics.png
 
|image=3025-Ostscout-Classics.png
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|name=Ostscout
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|name=''Ostscout''
 
|manufacturer=
 
|manufacturer=
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[[Ostmann Industries]]
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[[Kong Interstellar Corporation]] (7J; destroyed 2802)<ref name=TRSWp40f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 40–41: "OTT-7J Ostscout"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
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----
 
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[[Kong Interstellar Corporation]]
 
 
----
 
----
 
[[Krupp Armament Works]]
 
[[Krupp Armament Works]]
 
----
 
----
 
[[Odin Manufacturing]]
 
[[Odin Manufacturing]]
 +
----
 +
[[Ostmann Industries]] (7J)<ref name=TRSWp40f />
 
----
 
----
 
[[Robinson Standard BattleWorks]]
 
[[Robinson Standard BattleWorks]]
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|model=OTT-7J
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|model=OTT-7J<ref name=TRSWp40f />
 
|production year=2600
 
|production year=2600
 
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 285</ref>
 
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 285</ref>
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|cost= 3,416,760 C-bills
+
|cost= 3,416,760 [[C-bill]]s
 
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
 
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
 
|mech type =BattleMech
 
|mech type =BattleMech
 
|feet=biped
 
|feet=biped
 
|mass=35
 
|mass=35
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|chassis=Kell/S
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|chassis=[[Kell/S]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp40f /> -->
−
|armor=Durallex Light
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|armor=[[Durallex Light]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp40f /> -->
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|engine=[[VOX 280]]
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|engine=[[VOX 280]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp40f /> -->
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|comsys=[[Barret 4000]]
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|comsys=[[Barret 4000]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp40f /> -->
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|speed=129.6
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|T&T=[[TRSS.2L3]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp40f /> -->
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|jumpjets=Ostmann Sct-A
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|heat sinks=10 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp40f /> -->
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|armament =  
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|speed=129 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp40f /> -->
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*1x [[Medium Laser]]
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|jumpjets=[[Ostmann Sct-A]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp40f /> -->
 +
|armament = 1x [[medium laser]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp40f /> -->
 
|BV (1.0)= 497<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref>
 
|BV (1.0)= 497<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref>
−
|BV (2.0)= 596<ref name=TRO3039/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 451</ref>
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|BV (2.0)= 596<ref name=TRSWp40f /><ref name=TRO3039/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 451</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
The '''''Ostscout''''' was designed as a pure recon [[BattleMech]] by [[Ostmann Industries]]. To that end, it was built entirely around gathering data and getting out of trouble, tasks for which it is exceptional.  The ''Ostscout'' is quick enough to escape most traps, and very few other designs can match it in terms of speed and maneuverability. However its ability to run and leap out of danger came at the expense of offensive capability.  In fact were it not for aggressive lobbying on the part of its test pilots the final production model would have been completely weaponless. As it is, the ''Ostscout'' would be hard-pressed to win a fight against all but the lightest 'Mechs.  A poor combatant, the 'Mech excels at operating deep behind enemy lines, gathering as much information as possible about the terrain and the disposition of enemy forces.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 28</ref>
+
The '''''Ostscout''''' was designed as a pure recon [[BattleMech]] by [[Ostmann Industries]]. To that end, it was built entirely around gathering data and getting out of trouble, tasks for which it is exceptional; the ''Ostscout'' is quick enough to escape most traps, and very few other designs can match it in terms of speed and maneuverability. However, its ability to run and leap out of danger came at the expense of offensive capability, and in fact, were it not for aggressive lobbying on the part of its test pilots the final production model would have been completely weaponless. As it is, the ''Ostscout'' would be hard pressed to win a fight against all but the lightest 'Mechs, but the 'Mech excels at operating deep behind enemy lines, gathering as much information as possible about the terrain and the disposition of enemy forces.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 28</ref>
  
−
Starting in [[Introduction Year::2600]] Ostmann built and sold the ''Ostscout'' to fulfill many armies' need for a swift reconnaissance 'Mech, but eventually found that demand was outstripping their production ability. Rather than sacrifice their popular ''[[Ostroc]]'' line of urban-combat 'Mechs, the company licensed Kong Interstellar to start building the 'Mech in [[2700]], an arrangement similar to that struck regarding the ''[[Ostsol]]''.  Kong would continue to build ''Ostscouts'' for the next hundred years until the destruction of their factory on [[Connaught]] at the outset of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]]. Deprive of the possibility of replacement, many commanders began to hoard their ''Ostscouts'' like valuable treasure, parceling them out only for special missions.  Most ''Ostscout'' pilots would not even attempt to engage enemy 'Mechs, as the advanced sensor system became extremely rare and nearly impossible to replace. This unwillingness to put the 'Mech in danger meant many survived the Succession Wars in practically mint condition, although many which suffered damage to their advanced sensors were forced to replace them with inferior, albeit more robust, systems.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3050>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 82</ref>
+
Starting in [[Introduction Year::2600]], Ostmann built and sold the ''Ostscout'' to fulfill many armies' need for a swift reconnaissance 'Mech, but eventually found that demand was outstripping their production ability. Rather than sacrifice their popular ''[[Ostroc]]'' line of urban-combat 'Mechs, the company licensed [[Kong Interstellar]] to start building the 'Mech in [[2700]], an arrangement similar to that struck regarding the ''[[Ostsol]]''.  Kong would continue to build ''Ostscouts'' for the next hundred years until the destruction of their factory on [[Connaught]] at the outset of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]]. Deprived of the possibility of replacement, many commanders began to hoard their ''Ostscouts'' like valuable treasure, parceling them out only for special missions, and most ''Ostscout'' pilots would not even attempt to engage enemy 'Mechs, as the advanced sensor system became extremely rare and nearly impossible to replace. This unwillingness to put the 'Mech in danger meant many survived the Succession Wars in practically mint condition, although many which suffered damage to their advanced sensors were forced to replace them with inferior, albeit more robust, systems.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3050>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 82</ref>
  
−
Besides the [[Great Houses]], [[ComStar]] also utilized the ''Ostscout'', and in the aftermath of the [[Clan Invasion]] and [[ComStar Schism]] began developing a new ''Ostscout'' variant for their [[Com Guards]]. This new model would maintain the same maneuverability and intelligence-gathering capabilities of the original while improving its offensive and defensive capabilities. Debuting with success in [[3064]], within the next three years nearly half of all Com Guard ''Ostscouts'' had been upgraded to the new variant; however it was soon discovered that both the [[Lyran Alliance]] and [[Word of Blake]] were fielding their own updated ''Ostscouts'' identical to ComStar's. The intelligence leak would be confirmed and traced back to [[Dag Kesselring]], former [[Precentor]] of the [[66th Division (ComStar)|66th Division]], who passed on information about the program to both the Lyrans and Blakists.<ref name=TROPP>''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix'', p. 22</ref>
+
Besides the [[Great Houses]], [[ComStar]] also utilized the ''Ostscout'', and in the aftermath of the [[Clan Invasion]] and [[ComStar Schism]] began developing a new ''Ostscout'' variant for their [[Com Guards]]. This new model would maintain the same maneuverability and intelligence-gathering capabilities of the original while improving its offensive and defensive capabilities. Debuting with success in [[3064]], within the next three years nearly half of all Com Guard ''Ostscouts'' had been upgraded to the new variant; however it was soon discovered that both the [[Lyran Alliance]] and [[Word of Blake]] were fielding their own updated ''Ostscouts'' identical to ComStar's. The intelligence leak would be confirmed and traced back to [[Dag Kesselring]], former [[Precentor]] of the [[66th Division (ComStar)|66th Division]], who passed on information about the program to both the Lyrans and Blakists.<ref name=TROPP>''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix'', p. 22</ref>
  
−
Used by both sides in the Blakist [[Jihad]], the newborn [[Republic of the Sphere]] would maintain production of the 11J model ''Ostscout'' after the fall of [[Terra]] both for its own relatively limited needs as well as export sales to the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Commonwealth]].<ref name=TR3085p235/> Still produced during the [[Dark Age era]], aside from the Krupp plant's combat focused Phoenix models both Kong Interstellar and Robinson Standard BattleWorks reintroduced variants that lean more heavily towards the original look and recon aspects of the venerable 7J model.<ref name=RGIV2p4>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2'', pp4-5 "Ostscout"</ref>
+
Used by both sides in the Blakist [[Jihad]], the newborn [[Republic of the Sphere]] would maintain production of the 11J model ''Ostscout'' after the fall of [[Terra]] both for its own relatively limited needs as well as export sales to the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Commonwealth]].<ref name=TR3085p235/> Still produced during the [[Dark Age era]], aside from the Krupp plant's combat focused Phoenix models both Kong Interstellar and [[Robinson Standard BattleWorks]] reintroduced variants that lean more heavily towards the original look and recon aspects of the venerable 7J model.<ref name=RGIV2p4>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2'', pp4-5 "Ostscout"</ref>
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
−
The ''Ostscout'' carries a single [[Tronel II]] [[Medium Laser]] mounted in its center torso. This weapon, while not extremely powerful, is enough to dissuade most light scout assets from attempting to pursue. The ten [[heat sink]]s the 'Mech carries is more than enough to handle the heat output of this single laser - indeed the ''Ostscout'' can jump 210 meters and fire laser at the same time without overheating at all. While it is protected by four and a half tons of armor, the real protection for the 'Mech is its speed and maneuverability. A massive sixteen-ton [[fusion engine]] more commonly seen in 'Mechs twice its size propels the ''Ostscout'' to a cruising speed of 86.4 km/h. Eight [[jump jets]] built into the left and right legs give it a maximum jumping distance of 240 meters, rivaling that of the ''[[Spider]]''.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/>
+
The ''Ostscout'' carries a single [[Tronel II]] [[medium laser]] mounted in its center torso. This weapon, while not extremely powerful, is enough to dissuade most light scout assets from attempting to pursue. The 10 [[heat sink]]s the 'Mech carries is more than enough to handle the heat output of this single laser - indeed the ''Ostscout'' can jump 210 meters and fire laser at the same time without overheating at all. While it is protected by four and a half tons of armor, the real protection for the 'Mech is its speed and maneuverability, with a massive 16 ton [[fusion engine]] more commonly seen in 'Mechs twice its size propels the ''Ostscout'' to a cruising speed of 86.4 km/h. Eight [[jump jets]] built into the left and right torso give it a maximum jumping distance of 240 meters, rivaling that of the ''[[Spider]]''.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/>
  
−
The true centerpiece of the design is its advanced sensor systems, including the [[TRSS.2L3]] target-tracking system and powerful narrowband [[Barret 4000]] comm system. The sensor arrays themselves are mounted outside the main chassis due to their delicate nature, with the ''Ostscout'' using its arms to aim them.  Everything from hydrological to geological data is recorded, so much data in fact that the 'Mech's computer cannot process it fast enough.  This forces the ''Ostscout'' to move slowly when traveling through an area of interest, waving its arms seemingly at random, which makes it one of the few times the 'Mech is vulnerable to the enemy. However so long as the enemy's first salvo doesn't cripple it, the ''Ostscout'' will likely escape from an ambush.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/>
+
The true centerpiece of the design is its advanced sensor systems, including the [[TRSS.2L3]] target-tracking system and powerful narrowband [[Barret 4000]] comms system. The sensor arrays themselves are mounted outside the main chassis due to their delicate nature, with the ''Ostscout'' using its arms to aim them.  Everything from hydrological to geological data is recorded, so much data in fact that the 'Mech's computer cannot process it fast enough.  This forces the ''Ostscout'' to move slowly when traveling through an area of interest, waving its arms seemingly at random, which makes it one of the few times the 'Mech is vulnerable to the enemy. However so long as the enemy's first salvo doesn't cripple it, the ''Ostscout'' will likely escape from an ambush.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
−
*;OTT-7Jb : Introduced at the same time as the original model and used by the [[SLDF Royal units]], the 7Jb is the only variant of the ''Ostscout'' built prior to the Clan Invasion. This variant uses [[Endo Steel]] to free up enough mass to add a [[Beagle Active Probe]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 169</ref> BV (2.0) = 610<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 157</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 17</ref>
+
*; OTT-7Jb : Introduced at the same time as the original model and used by the [[SLDF Royal units]], the 7Jb is the only variant of the ''Ostscout'' built prior to the [[Clan Invasion]]. This variant uses [[endo steel]] to free up enough mass to add a [[Beagle active probe]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 169</ref> BV (2.0) = 610<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 157</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 17</ref>
  
−
*;OTT-7K : The 7K ''Ostscout'' was introduced in [[3050]] and replaces the medium laser with a [[Garret Mole]] [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] laser designator, sacrificing its limited offensive capability to allow it to designate targets for [[Arrow IV]] artillery missiles. Otherwise, the 7K ''Ostscout'' is identical to the 7J model, and while utterly defenseless is still swift enough to escape from most danger.<ref name=TRO3050/> BV (1.0) = 372, BV (2.0) = 484<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 53</ref>
+
*; OTT-7K : The 7K ''Ostscout'' was introduced in [[3050]] and replaces the medium laser with a [[Garret Mole]] [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] laser designator, sacrificing its limited offensive capability to allow it to designate targets for [[Arrow IV]] artillery missiles. Otherwise, the 7K ''Ostscout'' is identical to the 7J model, and while utterly defenseless, is still swift enough to escape from most danger.<ref name=TRO3050/> BV (1.0) = 372, BV (2.0) = 484<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 53</ref>
  
−
*;OTT-8J : The ''Ostscout'' highly prized by the [[Draconis Combine]], the 8J model is manufactured by the captured Robinson plant, sharing many parts with RSBW's ''Ostsol'' line. Using the classic 7J model as a base, the 8J uses a [[GM 280]]-rated XL Engine to free up weight to upgrade its electronics suite to modern standards, being fitted with an [[Angel ECM Suite]] and [[Bloodhound Active Probe]]. Offensively the [[Tronel II]] is swapped for a [[Martell-X]] [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]] supported by [[Double Heat Sink]]s and six tons of [[StarGuard]] [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor. BV (2.0) = 894<ref name=RGIV2p4/>
+
*; OTT-8J : The ''Ostscout'' highly prized by the [[Draconis Combine]], the 8J model is manufactured by the captured Robinson plant, sharing many parts with RSBW's ''[[Ostsol]]'' line. Using the classic 7J model as a base, the 8J uses a GM 280-rated [[XL engine]] to free up weight to upgrade its electronics suite to modern standards, being fitted with an [[Angel ECM suite]] and [[Bloodhound active probe]]. Offensively the [[Tronel II]] is swapped for a [[Medium_X-Pulse_Laser#Martell-X|Martell-X]] [[medium X-Pulse laser]] supported by [[double heat sink]]s and six tons of StarGuard [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. BV (2.0) = 894<ref name=RGIV2p4/>
  
−
*;OTT-9CS : The 9CS model is a complete upgrade of the venerable ''Ostscout'', developed by ComStar and introduced in 3064. The 'Mech has been rebuilt from the ground up with a Krupp 255 [[Endo Steel]] internal structure.  While still maintaining the same number of jump jets the design uses a 280 VOX [[extralight engine]] to free up weight for advanced electronics and weaponry. The arm-mounted sensor arrays were shifted to fixed points around the torso and included new side-scanning, Doppler and triangulation sensors to maintain the same data-gathering capability. Additionally a new high-speed computer, capable of handling terabytes of data in seconds, meant the ''Ostscout'' no longer had to slow down when using its sensors. The targeting-tracking system was also replaced with a [[TRSS Eagle Eye]] system mated to a [[Beagle Active Probe]], [[Guardian ECM]], and head-mounted TAG, while the comm system was upgraded to the [[Exeter Longscan 300 w/C3i Computer]] for better fire mission coordination. For self-defense, the 9CS model carries two [[Diverse Optics]] [[ER Medium Laser]]s in either arm and an Diverse Optics [[ER Small Laser]] in its center torso.  Finally six tons of [[Krupp 155]] [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor provides superior protection from weapons fire. BV (1.0) = 734, BV (2.0) = 940<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 54</ref>
+
*; OTT-9CS : The 9CS model is a complete upgrade of the venerable ''Ostscout'', developed by [[ComStar]] and introduced in 3064. The 'Mech retains the [[jump jet]]s but has otherwise been rebuilt from the ground up with a Krupp 255 [[endo steel]] internal structure, and a [[280 VOX]] [[XL engine]] to free up weight for advanced electronics and weaponry. The arm-mounted sensor arrays were shifted to fixed points around the torso and included new side-scanning, Doppler, and triangulation sensors to maintain the same data-gathering capability. Additionally a new high-speed computer, capable of handling terabytes of data in seconds, meant the ''Ostscout'' no longer had to slow down when using its sensors. The targeting-tracking system was also replaced with a [[TRSS Eagle Eye]] system mated to a [[Beagle active probe]], [[Guardian ECM suite]], and head-mounted [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]], while the comms system was upgraded to the Exeter Longscan 300 with [[C3i computer]] for better fire mission coordination. For self-defense, the 9CS model carries two [[Diverse Optics (ERML)|Diverse Optics]] [[ER medium laser]]s in either arm and a Diverse Optics [[ER small laser]] in its center torso.  Finally six tons of Krupp 155 [[ferro-fibrous]] armor provides superior protection from weapons fire. BV (1.0) = 734, BV (2.0) = 940<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 54</ref>
  
−
*;OTT-9S : The -9S model is also a rebuild of the Ostscout. This model also uses an Endo Steel chassis, as well as Ferro-Fibrous armor. For protection, the 'Mech carries two ER Medium Lasers and two [[Anti-Personnel Pods]] to discourage infantry attacks. The electronics carried by this 'Mech include a Beagle Active Probe, Guardian ECM suite, and a TAG laser designator.  BV (1.0) = 631, BV (2.0) = 868<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 55</ref>
+
*; OTT-9S : The -9S model is also a rebuild of the ''Ostscout''. This model also uses an [[endo steel]] chassis, as well as [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. For protection, the 'Mech carries two [[ER medium laser]]s and two [[A-Pod]]s to discourage infantry attacks. The electronics carried by this 'Mech include a [[Beagle active probe]], [[Guardian ECM suite]], and a [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] laser designator.  BV (1.0) = 631, BV (2.0) = 868<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 55</ref>
  
−
*;OTT-10CS : Produced by [[Krupp Armament Works]], the 10CS ''Ostscout'' saves weight through the use of an [[XL Engine]] and an [[XL Gyro]], which gives up durability for more combat payload weight, allowing the 'Mech to jump up to 300 meters through the use of ten [[Rawlings 45i]] [[Improved Jump Jets]]. The 10CS carries an [[improved C3 computer]] to communicate with similarly equipped units and carries two Diverse Optics [[ER Medium Laser]]s for defensive combat capabilities.<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 56</ref><ref>[http://battlecorps.com/BC2/news.html?article=428 "Boring Recon? No More!"] (dead link)</ref>
+
*; OTT-10CS : Produced by [[Krupp Armament Works]] and [[Odin Manufacturing]], the 10CS ''Ostscout'' saves weight through the use of an [[XL engine]] and an [[XL gyro]], which gives up durability for more combat payload weight, allowing the 'Mech to jump up to 300 meters through the use of ten Rawlings 45i [[Improved Jump Jet]]s. The 10CS also carries an [[improved C3 computer]] to communicate with similarly equipped units and carries two [[Diverse Optics (ERML)|Diverse Optics]] [[ER medium laser]]s for defensive combat capabilities.<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 56</ref><ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20101212132232/http://battlecorps.com/BC2/news.html?article=428 "Boring Recon? No More!"]</ref>
  
−
*;OTT-11J : This variant is also produced by Krupp Armament Works. The top speed of the 'Mech is close to 150 km/h thanks to a [[GM 315 XL]] Engine. It uses eight standard jump jets and Ferro-Fibrous Armor, but removes all the advanced electronic equipment except for a TAG. The weapons and electronics are replaced by a pair of [[Moscovia]] [[Light PPC]]s. BV (2.0) = 908<ref name=TR3085p235>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 235</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 44</ref>
+
*; OTT-11J : This variant is also produced by [[Krupp Armament Works]]. The top speed of the 'Mech is close to 150 km/h, thanks to a [[GM 315]] [[XL engine]], and it uses eight standard [[jump jet]]s for enhanced mobility. [[Ferro-fibrous]] armor is utilized to offer enhanced protection, but all the advanced electronic equipment was removed, except for the [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]]. The weapons and electronics are replaced by a pair of [[Light_Particle_Projector_Cannon#Moscovia|Moscovia]] [[light PPC]]s. BV (2.0) = 908<ref name=TR3085p235>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 235</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 44</ref>
  
−
*;OTT-12R : Spawned of an alliance between Kong and [[Clan Sea Fox]], the 12R variant is outfitted with [[Stealth Armor]] technology and [[Clan]] weaponry. Clad in four and half tons of [[Starshield Ultra-Tech Stealth]] plating linked to a Guardian ECM Suite, the 12R is built around a [[VOX 280]] [[Light Fusion Engine]] and a fragile [[Endo-Composite]] frame allowing it to carry a single Clan grade [[Series 7K]] [[Extended-Range Large Laser]] to strike its foes at range. BV (2.0) = 1,209<ref name=RGIV2p4/>
+
*; OTT-12R : Spawned from an alliance between Kong and [[Clan Sea Fox]], the 12R variant is outfitted with [[stealth armor]] technology and [[Clan]] weaponry. Clad in four and half tons of Starshield Ultra-Tech plating linked to a [[Guardian ECM suite]], the 12R is built around a [[VOX 280]] [[light fusion engine]] and a fragile [[endo-composite]] frame, allowing it to carry a single Clan grade Series 7K [[ER large laser]] to strike its foes at range. BV (2.0) = 1,209<ref name=RGIV2p4/>
−
 
 
−
==Related BattleMechs==
 
−
* '''''[[Ostscout IIC]]''''' - [[Clan Jade Falcon]] began a [[IIC]]-style redesign of the Ostscout in [[3063]]. The design proved unsatisfactory, however, and was not put into full production.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p.3</ref>
 
  
 
== Design Quirks ==
 
== Design Quirks ==
−
The ''Ostscout'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 93 Design Quirk Table - Ostscout Entry.</ref>
+
The ''Ostscout'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]s:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 93 Design Quirk Table - Ostscout Entry.</ref>
 
* [[Improved Communications]]
 
* [[Improved Communications]]
 
* [[Improved Sensors (Design Quirk)|Improved Sensors]]
 
* [[Improved Sensors (Design Quirk)|Improved Sensors]]
Line 73: Line 71:
 
* [[Rugged|Rugged (1)]]
 
* [[Rugged|Rugged (1)]]
  
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==Note==
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==Related BattleMechs==
−
*The original image of the ''Ostscout'' was placed on the list of [[Unseen]] images in 1996. In 2011<ref>[https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=12015.msg326119#msg326119 Re: The Unseen - a Reseen IIC Explanation, and a List (Updated, December 2011)]</ref> it was removed from the list and became once again legal to use. When the decision was made to [[Unseen#Retcon|retcon]] the Unseen images, it was also decided to refresh the art for other early era 'Mechs, including the ''Ostscout''.
+
* '''''[[Ostscout IIC]]''''' - [[Clan Jade Falcon]] began a [[IIC]]-style redesign of the Ostscout in [[3063]]. The design proved unsatisfactory, however, and was not put into full production.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles'', p.3</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Notable Pilots==
 +
:''See [[:Category:Notable Ostscout Pilots]]''
 +
 
 +
==Notes==
 +
* The original image of the ''Ostscout'' was placed on the list of [[Unseen]] images in 1996. In 2011<ref>[https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=12015.msg326119#msg326119 Re: The Unseen - a Reseen IIC Explanation, and a List (Updated, December 2011)]</ref> it was removed from the list and became once again legal to use. When the decision was made to [[Unseen#Retcon|retcon]] the Unseen images, it was also decided to refresh the art for other early era 'Mechs, including the ''Ostscout''.
 +
 
 +
* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20221102192457/https://blainepardoe.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/out-of-the-archives-the-battlemechs-i-wrote-about-or-designed/ blog entry] that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the ''Ostscout'' was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its name, image, and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
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PP Ostscout.jpg|OTT-9S ''Ostscout'' from ''TRO:Phoenix''
 
PP Ostscout.jpg|OTT-9S ''Ostscout'' from ''TRO:Phoenix''
 
Ostscout_OTT-11J.jpg|OTT-11J ''Ostscout'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3085|TRO:3085]]''
 
Ostscout_OTT-11J.jpg|OTT-11J ''Ostscout'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3085|TRO:3085]]''
 +
Ostscout HDTFS.jpg|''Ostscout'' from ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)|House Davion]]''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 90: Line 97:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
* [http://battlecorps.com/BC2/news.html?article=428 ''Boring Recon? No More!''] (dead link)
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<div class="desktop-3-col">
 
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
 
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101206085518/http://battlecorps.com/BC2/news.html?article=428 ''Boring Recon? No More!'']
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
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* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles]]''
 
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2]]''
 
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026]]''
 
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* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: Succession Wars]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: Succession Wars]]''
 
* ''[[Total Warfare Style Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades]]''
 
* ''[[Total Warfare Style Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades]]''
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Latest revision as of 12:49, 11 February 2024

Ostscout
Ostscout
Production information
Manufacturer Kong Interstellar Corporation (7J; destroyed 2802)[1]

Krupp Armament Works

Odin Manufacturing

Ostmann Industries (7J)[1]

Robinson Standard BattleWorks

Production Year 2600[2]
Model OTT-7J[1]
Class Light
Cost 3,416,760 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 35 tons
Chassis Kell/S
Armor Durallex Light
Engine VOX 280
Communications System Barret 4000
Targeting Tracking System TRSS.2L3
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 129 km/h
Jump Jets Ostmann Sct-A
Armament

1x medium laser

BV (1.0) 497[3]
BV (2.0) 596[1][2][4]


Description[edit]

The Ostscout was designed as a pure recon BattleMech by Ostmann Industries. To that end, it was built entirely around gathering data and getting out of trouble, tasks for which it is exceptional; the Ostscout is quick enough to escape most traps, and very few other designs can match it in terms of speed and maneuverability. However, its ability to run and leap out of danger came at the expense of offensive capability, and in fact, were it not for aggressive lobbying on the part of its test pilots the final production model would have been completely weaponless. As it is, the Ostscout would be hard pressed to win a fight against all but the lightest 'Mechs, but the 'Mech excels at operating deep behind enemy lines, gathering as much information as possible about the terrain and the disposition of enemy forces.[2][5]

Starting in 2600, Ostmann built and sold the Ostscout to fulfill many armies' need for a swift reconnaissance 'Mech, but eventually found that demand was outstripping their production ability. Rather than sacrifice their popular Ostroc line of urban-combat 'Mechs, the company licensed Kong Interstellar to start building the 'Mech in 2700, an arrangement similar to that struck regarding the Ostsol. Kong would continue to build Ostscouts for the next hundred years until the destruction of their factory on Connaught at the outset of the Succession Wars. Deprived of the possibility of replacement, many commanders began to hoard their Ostscouts like valuable treasure, parceling them out only for special missions, and most Ostscout pilots would not even attempt to engage enemy 'Mechs, as the advanced sensor system became extremely rare and nearly impossible to replace. This unwillingness to put the 'Mech in danger meant many survived the Succession Wars in practically mint condition, although many which suffered damage to their advanced sensors were forced to replace them with inferior, albeit more robust, systems.[2][5][6]

Besides the Great Houses, ComStar also utilized the Ostscout, and in the aftermath of the Clan Invasion and ComStar Schism began developing a new Ostscout variant for their Com Guards. This new model would maintain the same maneuverability and intelligence-gathering capabilities of the original while improving its offensive and defensive capabilities. Debuting with success in 3064, within the next three years nearly half of all Com Guard Ostscouts had been upgraded to the new variant; however it was soon discovered that both the Lyran Alliance and Word of Blake were fielding their own updated Ostscouts identical to ComStar's. The intelligence leak would be confirmed and traced back to Dag Kesselring, former Precentor of the 66th Division, who passed on information about the program to both the Lyrans and Blakists.[7]

Used by both sides in the Blakist Jihad, the newborn Republic of the Sphere would maintain production of the 11J model Ostscout after the fall of Terra both for its own relatively limited needs as well as export sales to the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth.[8] Still produced during the Dark Age era, aside from the Krupp plant's combat focused Phoenix models both Kong Interstellar and Robinson Standard BattleWorks reintroduced variants that lean more heavily towards the original look and recon aspects of the venerable 7J model.[9]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Ostscout carries a single Tronel II medium laser mounted in its center torso. This weapon, while not extremely powerful, is enough to dissuade most light scout assets from attempting to pursue. The 10 heat sinks the 'Mech carries is more than enough to handle the heat output of this single laser - indeed the Ostscout can jump 210 meters and fire laser at the same time without overheating at all. While it is protected by four and a half tons of armor, the real protection for the 'Mech is its speed and maneuverability, with a massive 16 ton fusion engine more commonly seen in 'Mechs twice its size propels the Ostscout to a cruising speed of 86.4 km/h. Eight jump jets built into the left and right torso give it a maximum jumping distance of 240 meters, rivaling that of the Spider.[2][5]

The true centerpiece of the design is its advanced sensor systems, including the TRSS.2L3 target-tracking system and powerful narrowband Barret 4000 comms system. The sensor arrays themselves are mounted outside the main chassis due to their delicate nature, with the Ostscout using its arms to aim them. Everything from hydrological to geological data is recorded, so much data in fact that the 'Mech's computer cannot process it fast enough. This forces the Ostscout to move slowly when traveling through an area of interest, waving its arms seemingly at random, which makes it one of the few times the 'Mech is vulnerable to the enemy. However so long as the enemy's first salvo doesn't cripple it, the Ostscout will likely escape from an ambush.[2][5]

Variants[edit]

  • OTT-7K 
    The 7K Ostscout was introduced in 3050 and replaces the medium laser with a Garret Mole TAG laser designator, sacrificing its limited offensive capability to allow it to designate targets for Arrow IV artillery missiles. Otherwise, the 7K Ostscout is identical to the 7J model, and while utterly defenseless, is still swift enough to escape from most danger.[6] BV (1.0) = 372, BV (2.0) = 484[13]
  • OTT-9CS 
    The 9CS model is a complete upgrade of the venerable Ostscout, developed by ComStar and introduced in 3064. The 'Mech retains the jump jets but has otherwise been rebuilt from the ground up with a Krupp 255 endo steel internal structure, and a 280 VOX XL engine to free up weight for advanced electronics and weaponry. The arm-mounted sensor arrays were shifted to fixed points around the torso and included new side-scanning, Doppler, and triangulation sensors to maintain the same data-gathering capability. Additionally a new high-speed computer, capable of handling terabytes of data in seconds, meant the Ostscout no longer had to slow down when using its sensors. The targeting-tracking system was also replaced with a TRSS Eagle Eye system mated to a Beagle active probe, Guardian ECM suite, and head-mounted TAG, while the comms system was upgraded to the Exeter Longscan 300 with C3i computer for better fire mission coordination. For self-defense, the 9CS model carries two Diverse Optics ER medium lasers in either arm and a Diverse Optics ER small laser in its center torso. Finally six tons of Krupp 155 ferro-fibrous armor provides superior protection from weapons fire. BV (1.0) = 734, BV (2.0) = 940[14]
  • OTT-11J 
    This variant is also produced by Krupp Armament Works. The top speed of the 'Mech is close to 150 km/h, thanks to a GM 315 XL engine, and it uses eight standard jump jets for enhanced mobility. Ferro-fibrous armor is utilized to offer enhanced protection, but all the advanced electronic equipment was removed, except for the TAG. The weapons and electronics are replaced by a pair of Moscovia light PPCs. BV (2.0) = 908[8][18]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Ostscout has the following Design Quirks:[19]

Related BattleMechs[edit]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Ostscout Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • The original image of the Ostscout was placed on the list of Unseen images in 1996. In 2011[21] it was removed from the list and became once again legal to use. When the decision was made to retcon the Unseen images, it was also decided to refresh the art for other early era 'Mechs, including the Ostscout.
  • Author Blaine Lee Pardoe stated in a blog entry that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the Ostscout was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its name, image, and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 40–41: "OTT-7J Ostscout"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 285
  3. ↑ Combat Operations, p. 107
  4. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 451
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: 3025, p. 28
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Technical Readout: 3050, p. 82
  7. ↑ Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, p. 22
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Technical Readout: 3085, p. 235
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2, pp4-5 "Ostscout"
  10. ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 169
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 157
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 17
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 53
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 54
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 55
  16. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 56
  17. ↑ "Boring Recon? No More!"
  18. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 44
  19. ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 93 Design Quirk Table - Ostscout Entry.
  20. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles, p.3
  21. ↑ Re: The Unseen - a Reseen IIC Explanation, and a List (Updated, December 2011)

Bibliography[edit]

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