Quickdraw QKD-9T

[simpleguy]

A new variant for a new nation.

As hostilities died down on Tikonov, the local Earthwerks plant found itself to be one of the major suppliers of mechs for the fledgling state - Confederated Systems of Tikonov. While it wanted new mechs for the newly-formed Republican Guards, the already produced Quickdraw-8P and 8X were deemed too complicated due to their heavy use of handheld mech-scale weapons, and the offer from the FWL of licensing the QKD-9M variant (intended as a power play) also failed, as CSoT declared that machine as "too expensive". Renamed to Earthwerks-CSoT to separate itself from both Earthwerks-FWL and the Capellan Earthwerks Limited, the newly-created branch tried to produce something more desirable to their hosts.

First, a great source of contempt - a torso-mounted cockpit - was moved to the head, simplifying the mech greatly. Second, while handheld weapons - an attempt to ape the capabilities of an OmniMech - were discarded, the idea itself was not. The left torso was dedicated to a modular turret assembly, with its crown jewel - a Heavy PPC - mounted on it in the standard variant, with an ability to be replaced by a larger weapon assembly of up to 10 tons of weight, with considerations for a possible installation of a LB-5X or RAC/2 with two tons of ammo to be installed - useful for Tikonov's unstable supply situation in case if HPPCs become unavailable for whatever reason. Third, the rest of the weaponry was moved - the Streak SRM4 of the older Quickdraw variants gained two more tubes and moved to the right torso, with the ammo now protected by CASE and the two medium lasers were given positions in the arms, allowing them to use the Quickdraw's hyper-extending actuators, with arm energy and cooling feeds built with the ability to field extended-range medium lasers in case if the main weapon was replaced by something cooler. To get weight for all those changes, the Compact Gyro of the original variants (necessary for a torso-mounted cockpit) was replaced by an XL gyro, and more was gained by switching to ferro-fibrous armor (sourced from Kallon Industries' plant at Nanking). To manage the heat from the weaponry, 12 single heat sinks of the original -8P were replaced with doubles, and with these changes, TSM was completely removed in favor of standard myomers.

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Quickdraw QKD-9TP
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     2 Medium Laser
     1 Heavy PPC
     1 Streak SRM 6
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-F-E
Cost: 6,442,560 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 1,731 (BV2)

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              12 [24]                 2
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          197                    11

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               10   
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  7     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        27     


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo                 Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
Streak SRM 6 Ammo (15)      RT        1        -       1.0   
CASE                        RT        1        -       0.5   
Streak SRM 6                RT        2        4       4.5   
ECM Suite                   RT        2        -       1.5   
Medium Laser                LA        1        3       1.0   
Heavy PPC                   LT        4        15      10.0 
BattleMech Turret           LT        1        -       1.0   
Medium Laser                RA        1        3       1.0   

Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

This prototype was received quite well by Tikonov High Command. However, it requested some additional modifications - most notably, replacing the Streaks with an MML and two tons of ammo, with the weight savings going to replace CASE with the CASE II version - resulting in minimal change in balance, as all changes were contained in a single torso. However, out of their own volition, Earthwerks engineers also decided to flip the torsos on the mech, as they considered having potential for easier refits of 9M Quickdraws to be worth the time spent. Alternative turret variants were also provided now - while CSoT demanded that no ballistic weaponry should be turreted, as they were simply too heavy or weak to get in that turret, which also would desperately need CASE for ammo, there was interest in replacing the HPPC with different weapons in case of a shortage. And so multiple variants were provided for review.

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Quickdraw QKD-9T1
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     1 MML 5
     2 Medium Laser
     1 Heavy PPC
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-F-E
Cost: 6,575,360 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 1,672

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              12 [24]                 2
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          197                    11

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               10   
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  7     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        27   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
Heavy PPC                RT        4        15      10.0 
BattleMech Turret        RT        1        -       1.0   
Medium Laser             LA        1        3       1.0   
MML 5 SRM Ammo (20)      LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5                    LT        3        3       3.0   
CASE II                  LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5 LRM Ammo (24)      LT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                LT        2        -       1.5   
Medium Laser             RA        1        3       1.0   
   
Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

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Quickdraw QKD-9T2
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     1 MML 5
     2 Medium Laser
     1 Large VSP Laser
     1 Small X-Pulse Laser
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-F-E
Cost: 6,968,960 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 1,435

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              12 [24]                 2
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          197                    11

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               10   
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  7     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        27   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
BattleMech Turret        RT        1        -       1.0   
Small X-Pulse Laser      RT        1        3       1.0   
Large VSP Laser          RT        4        10      9.0   
Medium Laser             LA        1        3       1.0   
MML 5 SRM Ammo (20)      LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5                    LT        3        3       3.0   
CASE II                  LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5 LRM Ammo (24)      LT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                LT        2        -       1.5   
Medium Laser             RA        1        3       1.0   
   
Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

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Quickdraw QKD-9T3
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     1 MML 5
     2 ER Medium Laser
     1 Large VSP Laser
     1 TAG
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-F-E
Cost: 7,127,360 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 1,450

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              12 [24]                 2
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          197                    11

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               10   
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  7     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        27   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
BattleMech Turret        RT        1        -       1.0   
TAG                      RT        1        0       1.0   
Large VSP Laser          RT        4        10      9.0   
ER Medium Laser          LA        1        5       1.0   
MML 5 SRM Ammo (20)      LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5                    LT        3        3       3.0   
CASE II                  LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5 LRM Ammo (24)      LT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                LT        2        -       1.5   
ER Medium Laser          RA        1        5       1.0   
   
Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

The first set of three variants was focused on a heavier "main" weapon in the turret assembly - while the first was more or less just a reworked prototype, the second and the third had a different idea - housing a Blakist Large VSPL in the turret, each of them was more of a brawler. The one with the internal designation -9T2 used a Small X-Pulse Laser to provide itself an anti-infantry option which wasn't loading Inferno SRMs, and -9T3 instead installed a TAG to mark targets for fire support and swapped the arm medium lasers for an ER variant to increase its medium-range firepower.

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Quickdraw QKD-9T4

Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     1 MML 5
     1 Light PPC
     2 ER Medium Laser
     1 Snub-Nose PPC
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-F-X
Cost: 7,263,360 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 1,713

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              12 [24]                 2
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          197                    11

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               10   
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  7     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        27   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
BattleMech Turret        RT        1        -       1.0   
Snub-Nose PPC            RT        2        10      6.0   
PPC Capacitor            RT        1        -       1.0   
Light PPC                RT        2        5       3.0   
ER Medium Laser          LA        1        5       1.0   
MML 5 SRM Ammo (20)      LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5                    LT        3        3       3.0   
CASE II                  LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5 LRM Ammo (24)      LT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                LT        2        -       1.5   
ER Medium Laser          RA        1        5       1.0   
   
Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

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Quickdraw QKD-9T5
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     1 MML 5
     2 Medium Laser
     2 Large Laser
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-F-E
Cost: 6,495,360 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 1,575

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              12 [24]                 2
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          197                    11

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               10   
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  7     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        27   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
BattleMech Turret        RT        1        -       1.0   
2 Large Laser            RT        4        8       10.0 
Medium Laser             LA        1        3       1.0   
MML 5 SRM Ammo (20)      LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5                    LT        3        3       3.0   
CASE II                  LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5 LRM Ammo (24)      LT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                LT        2        -       1.5   
Medium Laser             RA        1        3       1.0   
   
Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

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Quickdraw QKD-9T6
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     1 MML 5
     1 Large X-Pulse Laser
     2 Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian ECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-F-E
Cost: 6,663,360 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 1,574

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              12 [24]                 2
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          197                    11

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               10   
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  7     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        27   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
BattleMech Turret        RT        1        -       1.0   
Large X-Pulse Laser      RT        2        14      7.0   
Targeting Computer       RT        3        -       3.0   
Medium Laser             LA        1        3       1.0   
MML 5 SRM Ammo (20)      LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5                    LT        3        3       3.0   
CASE II                  LT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5 LRM Ammo (24)      LT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                LT        2        -       1.5   
Medium Laser             RA        1        3       1.0   
   
Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

The second set of three used twin-barrel turrets... at least, outwardly. The -9T4 used two PPCs - a snub-nosed one with a capacitor, capable of matching a Heavy in close range, and a light one for use at range. It also uses ER lasers, as they allow maintaining heat-neutral strikes. -9T5 is a fallback model - or, perhaps, well suited for Periphery, where weapons more advanced than humble Large Lasers are few and far between. -9T6 outwardly resembles it, but only one of its laser barrels is working - the other is a fake, attempting to fool MechWarriors and target recognition software, helped by ECM haze. However, a Large X-Pulse Laser is nothing to sneeze at, and tonnage and space left is housing a Targeting Computer, improving its capabilities even further.

Code: Select all

Quickdraw QKD-9T7

Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Totally Not Clan Diamond Shark Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     1 Heavy Large Laser
     1 ER PPC
     2 ER Medium Laser
     1 ATM 6
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian cECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-F-E
Cost: 7,389,760 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 2,207

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              13 [26]                 3
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          192                    10

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               9     
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  6     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        26   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo                         Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
Heavy Large Laser                   RT        3        18      4.0   
BattleMech Turret                   RT        1        -       1.0   
ER PPC                              RT        2        15      6.0   
ER Medium Laser                     LA        1        5       1.0   
CASE II                             LT        1        -       1.0   
Extended-Range ATM/6 Ammo (10)      LT        1        -       1.0   
High-Explosive ATM/6 Ammo (10)      LT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                           LT        1        -       1.0   
ATM 6                               LT        3        4       3.5   
Double Heat Sink                    RL        2        -       1.0   
ER Medium Laser                     RA        1        5       1.0   
   
Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

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Quickdraw QKD-9T8
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Totally Not Clan Diamond Shark Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     2 ER Medium Laser
     1 Large Pulse Laser
     1 ATM 6
     1 ER Large Laser
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian cECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-F-E
Cost: 7,109,760 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 2,159

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              13 [26]                 3
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          192                    10

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               9     
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  6     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        26   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo                         Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
Large Pulse Laser                   RT        2        10      6.0   
BattleMech Turret                   RT        1        -       1.0   
ER Large Laser                      RT        1        12      4.0   
ER Medium Laser                     LA        1        5       1.0   
CASE II                             LT        1        -       1.0   
Extended-Range ATM/6 Ammo (10)      LT        1        -       1.0   
High-Explosive ATM/6 Ammo (10)      LT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                           LT        1        -       1.0   
ATM 6                               LT        3        4       3.5   
Double Heat Sink                    RL        2        -       1.0   
ER Medium Laser                     RA        1        5       1.0   
   
Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

Code: Select all

Quickdraw QKD-9T9
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type-E Endo
Power Plant: Magna 300
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Jump Jets: None
Armor: Totally Not Clan Diamond Shark Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
     2 ER Medium Laser
     1 ER Large Pulse Laser
     1 TAG (Clan)
     1 ATM 6
Manufacturer: Earthwerks-CSoT
     Primary Factory: Tikonov
Communication System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10 w/Guardian cECM
Targeting & Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock w/Clan Active Probe
Introduction Year: 3100
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-F-E
Cost: 7,581,760 C-bills

Type: Quickdraw
Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 2,084

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure            Endo Steel              3
Engine                        300 Fusion             19
   Walking MP: 5
   Running MP: 8
   Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink              13 [26]                 3
XL Gyro                                             1.5
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Ferro)          192                    10

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            20        30   
     Center Torso (rear)               9     
     R/L Torso               14        21   
     R/L Torso (rear)                  6     
     R/L Arm                 10        19   
     R/L Leg                 14        26   


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo                         Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
Active Probe                        RT        1        -       1.0   
Targeting Computer                  RT        2        -       2.0   
BattleMech Turret                   RT        1        -       1.0   
TAG                                 RT        1        0       1.0   
ER Large Pulse Laser                RT        3        13      6.0   
ER Medium Laser                     LA        1        5       1.0   
CASE II                             LT        1        -       1.0   
Extended-Range ATM/6 Ammo (10)      LT        1        -       1.0   
High-Explosive ATM/6 Ammo (10)      LT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                           LT        1        -       1.0   
ATM 6                               LT        3        4       3.5   
Double Heat Sink                    RL        2        -       1.0   
ER Medium Laser                     RA        1        5       1.0   
   
Features the following design quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators, Exposed Actuators, Modular Weapons

The final set of three are mockups - they aren't actually even armed, but they are still a different beast. They are supposed to represent the potential of these machines - equipped with the best stuff. Equipped with Clantech.
None of them need a rebuild - the engine, the endo-steel skeleton, the CASE II-protected two-ton ammunition bay are left as they are. However, there are still changes. On every variant the MML 5 is replaced by an ATM 6 launcher, the lasers are switched to an ER Clan version, armor is replaced by Clan Ferro, and a 13th heat sink is added in the right leg. The turret weapon loadout, however, is horrifying from a glance. The -9T7 is the most outrageous example - a clantech ER PPC and a Heavy Large Laser are brutally effective, true, but preliminary analysis says it's still going to suffer from heat spikes even after firing just one weapon, let alone both of those. The -9T8 is a bit more sensible in that regard - a Large Pulse and an ER Large Laser are more tolerable in terms of heat management, and easier to find, too. The -9T9, however, is just the -9T6's weird cousin. A turret-mounted ER LPL is augmented by a TAG, a Targeting Computer and an Active Probe - all, again, Clanspec, resulting in what's more or less a heavy scout. They do have potential, true - potential to bankrupt a state. Tikonov military observers are not amused, however, potential sales to mercenaries are already discussed, and that may be more successful than trying to convince the Federal Council.
-----------------------------------------
All done, and I really should have stopped at 6. Please, just say which variants do you approve, the poll is unnecessary now. I will be perfectly content if you throw the mixed tech abominations out of the window.

[Vampire]

Not a fan of the Quickdraw and its canon variants, but I see this as a possibility for CSoT. There was actually a contest for CSoT machines and this could be one of them (with some tweaks if need be)?

However, as your fluff mentioned, I imagine they'd go for lower tech but effective equipment. Maybe a normal SRM-6 or a pair of SRM 4 with a least 2 tons of ammo for special types? Also, in order to make sure that the HPPC can be replaced with another weapon of equal weight plus ammo, I think you'd have to pre-install CASE in the Left Torso.

My 2 cents.

PS. I'm withholding my vote until others give it suggestions as well, and also to see if adjustments are viable, possible or even agreeable.

[Mcraven]

Being a mercenary, I would be happier with a faster 60 ton design, maintaining an energy profile, and I must say I like Vampire's suggestion of 2 SRM-4s.
Jump jets would also be a serious plus. Just mentioning my considerations. What I would really like to see would be something like a jump jet equipped Lightray, with an energy load out and SRMs. Just because you asked.

[simpleguy]

Not a fan of the Quickdraw and its canon variants, but I see this as a possibility for CSoT. There was actually a contest for CSoT machines and this could be one of them (with some tweaks if need be)?

However, as your fluff mentioned, I imagine they'd go for lower tech but effective equipment. Maybe a normal SRM-6 or a pair of SRM 4 with a least 2 tons of ammo for special types? Also, in order to make sure that the HPPC can be replaced with another weapon of equal weight plus ammo, I think you'd have to pre-install CASE in the Left Torso.

Streak SRMs were used because they were in the "basic" (8P) design (yes, 8P and 8X are horrible, I am aware). They're also intended as backup weapons, considering that its main weapon would be, in any offered configuration, a long-range one, so it's not *that* bad of an idea. SRM6 replacement with 2 tons is a +3 heat on a running alpha instead of +1, but that's not much - just removing an ML from shooting makes it heat neutral, and shutting the SRM down makes it lose heat even when running. Twin SRM4, however, make it half-ton overweight, so I'm not quite sure if it's a good idea. Unless you have thoughts on how to gain more free weight. Probably will have to drop the ECM.

CASE... I do want CASE on a gun assembly, yeah. Only, again, space is becoming limited and on a standard variant CASE in that torso would be dead weight unless we move the SRM ammo there too (also I think the idea was that the designers didn't really plan on HPPC becoming unavailable and the idea basically was "let's have enough space to stick in anything within 10 tons if we'll be really desperate". Guns are also pretty big and that limits available space (again). I'm genuinely considering merging the lasers into one MXPL and sticking that in the head because it frees up a slot.

Being a mercenary, I would be happier with a faster 60 ton design, maintaining an energy profile, and I must say I like Vampire's suggestion of 2 SRM-4s.
Jump jets would also be a serious plus. Just mentioning my considerations. What I would really like to see would be something like a jump jet equipped Lightray, with an energy load out and SRMs. Just because you asked.

The Lightray is a decent mech. It also demands an XL engine and not having one is this design's point. I might design something similar to that later, though.

[Vampire]

For some reason I didn't catch that you had a Shoulder Turret for that HPPC (probably due to me reading green text in the dark). If the rules have no issues that a modular weapons location doesn't need CASE, it's all good.

As for the Streak launcher, my suggestion was more based on the fluff of the design more than anything else. I also have a fetish for specialty ammunition, be it for autocannons or missile launchers. Maybe.... MML-5? I believe an MML-5 with 2 tons of ammo would take up the same space and save you half a ton. It would also give the machine a higher level of flexibility, though you'd have 1 less missile per salvo if you're using SRM.

Space is always a problem when you use both Endo Steel & FF armour.

I'm liking this design more and more - if only is wasn't based on the Quickdraw!

[simpleguy]

For some reason I didn't catch that you had a Shoulder Turret for that HPPC (probably due to me reading green text in the dark). If the rules have no issues that a modular weapons location doesn't need CASE, it's all good.

Modular Weapons quirk cuts time for replacing or customizing weapons in half. That's it. Getting CASE in is still an E-level (factory) refit, so it's probably too hard... unless we double the installation time to decrease the TN by -1 and say we're fine with mounting a turret assembly of 8 ton of gun, 1 ton of ammo and a CASE II in a dropship.
I have literally came up with this idea 15 minutes ago, while not having enough sleep - but hey, it sounds cool, so it should work. If not, then it's back to "made of explodium".
Also, technically, you only need the gun itself to be smaller than 10 tons to be able to fit that turret, but ammo needs to go somewhere, so I'm fluffing it as self-contained. Shoulder turret is pretty much a meme and if Tikonov Whatever Name We Are Using For Armed Forces Now (that is, other members) want it gone, I'm not going to cry any tears about it, that's a ton and a slot (well, four, because yes, I'm keeping space for LB-5X w/2 tons of ammo, which is seven to HPPC'S four).

As for the Streak launcher, my suggestion was more based on the fluff of the design more than anything else. I also have a fetish for specialty ammunition, be it for autocannons or missile launchers. Maybe.... MML-5? I believe an MML-5 with 2 tons of ammo would take up the same space and save you half a ton. It would also give the machine a higher level of flexibility, though you'd have 1 less missile per salvo if you're using SRM.

Space is always a problem when you use both Endo Steel & FF armour.

I'm liking this design more and more - if only is wasn't based on the Quickdraw!

MML-5 is a good choice. I'm not sure if I can get it in without switching to Light Ferro or acknowledging that LB-5X won't fit, but it's a good idea. Remind me to check later when I'm not half asleep and willing. Preferably on Discord, because I'm active there not just when I notice an email notification and it'll be faster to discuss possible design alterations there.

Yeah, and I'm not helping myself there. All actuators XL Gyro, that "possible ballistics in the turret" thing...

Look, it's on the very, very small list of designs that I can clearly tell that they are produced within CSoT borders canonically. I'm just trying to make it actually resemblr a decent mech. It's hard when you also try to preserve elements of previous designs in it (like trying to be a discount Omni), because they are... QKD-8P, but I'm trying my best. It's just I genuinely need help.

[ltrico90278]

my .02 c bills:

It has potential so I will say its good. But I was never a fan of battlemech turrets myself, felt they too up too much tonnage. But what if you made HPPC + capacitor and the Streak 6 launcher could be devastating for a fast heavy mech.

[simpleguy]

my .02 c bills:

It has potential so I will say its good. But I was never a fan of battlemech turrets myself, felt they too up too much tonnage. But what if you made HPPC + capacitor and the Streak 6 launcher could be devastating for a fast heavy mech.

Turrets are pretty mediocre and I agree on that, but I forced myself to make it vaguely resemble QKD-8P (which is a dumpster fire by the way), so it should have a turret that is also used as a modular weapon mount to be kind of a discount omnimech (because Earthwerks never learned).
Also Vampire reminded me that getting ballistic weapons there is dumb because ammo (and it becomes way oversinked) and I remembered that energy weapons are a thing too. So, for our next design variants, SSRM6 is replaced by MML5 with two bins (because streaks are good, but flexibility that is obtained from a massive array of LRM and SRM special munitions is better), CASE for said bins is upgraded to CASE II, and there are more alternative weapons for that turret because 10 tons and 6 crits for energy stuff is a lot.

Variant 1: bog standard. Just what's mentioned here.

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Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
MML 5 SRM Ammo (20)      RT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5                    RT        3        3       3.0   
CASE II                  RT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5 LRM Ammo (24)      RT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                RT        2        -       1.5   
Medium Laser             LA        1        3       1.0   
Heavy PPC                LT        4        15      10.0 
BattleMech Turret        LT        1        -       1.0   
Medium Laser             RA        1        3       1.0   

Variant 2. VSPL and ERML replacing that HPPC.

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Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
MML 5 SRM Ammo (20)      RT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5                    RT        3        3       3.0   
CASE II                  RT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5 LRM Ammo (24)      RT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                RT        2        -       1.5   
Medium Laser             LA        1        3       1.0   
BattleMech Turret        LT        1        -       1.0   
ER Medium Laser          LT        1        5       1.0   
Large VSP Laser          LT        4        10      9.0   
Medium Laser             RA        1        3       1.0 

Advantages: Increased hitting chances. Does (barely) more damage when close. Comes with a Covenant of Blake's Seal of Approval.
Disadvatanges: Not that great at range. Also, that range is smaller. Is really expensive. Can't headcap.

Variant 3. SNPPC+Capacitor and a Light PPC.

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Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage   
MML 5 SRM Ammo (20)      RT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5                    RT        3        3       3.0   
CASE II                  RT        1        -       1.0   
MML 5 LRM Ammo (24)      RT        1        -       1.0   
ECM Suite                RT        2        -       1.5   
Medium Laser             LA        1        3       1.0   
BattleMech Turret        LT        1        -       1.0   
Snub-Nose PPC            LT        2        10      6.0   
PPC Capacitor            LT        1        5       1.0   
Light PPC                LT        2        5       3.0   
Medium Laser             RA        1        3       1.0 

Advantages: Brutal at close range. Still can headcap (at 13 hexes, when charged). Doesn't suffer as much at range as the previous one.
Disadvantages: Costs even more. Runs either too hot (with a capacitor charged) or too cold (when charging that capacitor). Can either fire or charge the Snubbie, which makes the damage less consistent too (maybe upgrade hand MLs to ERML to cycle better?)

I also don't really know what should I do with this whole "design" thing. Pick the most liked one, get it into the first post and re-fluff the first version as a rejected prototype?

[Vampire]

Off the top of my head, 2 suggestions.
1) As you said, go back and refluff the thing and we'll have people either liking the entire package of variants thus voting favourably, or they don't and you get bad votes.

2) Split into 2 or 3 possible votes for the 3 variants. IF, and its a VERY big if, the staff decides to canonise it, only those with more than 50% positive votes gets approved.

[simpleguy]

Off the top of my head, 2 suggestions.
1) As you said, go back and refluff the thing and we'll have people either liking the entire package of variants thus voting favourably, or they don't and you get bad votes.

2) Split into 2 or 3 possible votes for the 3 variants. IF, and its a VERY big if, the staff decides to canonise it, only those with more than 50% positive votes gets approved.

Eh, I'll probably try to get some more discussion before I'll try that... But thanks, I like the second idea.