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Nightward
Clan Wolf
Point Commander
Joined: 19-Sep-2003 00:00
Posts: 39
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 Posted: 23-Sep-2003 19:10 Post subject: CTF-4D Cataphract |
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Type: CTF-4D Cataphract
Technology Base: Inner Sphere, House Davion, 3063
Mass: 70 Tons
Chassis: Crucis II Endo Steel
Power Plant: Dorwinion 280
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: HildCo Model 12s
Jump Capacity: 120 Metres
Armour: Valiant Chainmail with CASE
Armament:
1 50-Milimetre Vulcan Gattling Cannon (Rotary Auto Cannon-5)
1 Magna HellStar ER PPC
4 Diverse Optics Type 428 ER Medium Lasers
Communications System: CommTech Multi Channel 10
Targeting and Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock
Primary Manufacturer: Earthwerks Incorporated
Primary Factory: Tikonov
OVERVIEW
Ever since House Davion captured the Earthwerks Plant on Tikonov, they have been producing Cataphracts for the use of the AFFC. The versatile, and powerful, heavy 'Mech favoured by the Capellan Confederation was well-received by AFFS warriors, and during the 3050s, the design was upgraded to carry all-new weaponry such as LB and Ultra Cannons. It has been noted, however, that though this increased the firepower of the design, it has greatly hampered its operational effectiveness. Without its Particle Cannon, the Cataphract had to rely upon its secondary armament of a pair of forwards-facing Medium Lasers when the Auto Cannon ammo bins ran dry. It was also noted that the Extra-Light Engine of the CTF-3D made the 'Mech much more vulnerable to torso armour and subsequent engine damage. Eleven tons of armour was considered to be an incredible level of protection during the 3020s when the Cataphract 1X made its debut, but on the modern battlefield, this armour is generally considered appropriate only for 'Mechs massing 20 tons less than the Cataphract. With the advent of even more advanced equipment, the once cutting-edge Cataphract had fallen far behind the times. House Davion engineers soon proposed an upgrade package, incorporating the new Vulcan 50 Millimetre Gattling Cannon.
CAPABILITIES
Equipped now with a powerful Magna HellStar-class ER PPC, the Cataphract 4D can engage targets at ranges in excess of 600 metres, causing significant damage with high accuracy even at that great distance. Its ‘secondary’ armament is no less powerful; the Vulcan cannon, capable of firing at 120 rounds per second, provides the 'Mech with the ability to inflict serious damage at ranges of less than 450 metres. Capable of firing at distances only slightly less than the Vulcan Cannon, the pair of ER Medium Lasers mounted forwards allow for a tertiary group of back-up energy weapons, should the Vulcan Cannon jam, exhaust its ammunition or the PPC become damaged.
The CTF-4D also retains Jump Jets, allowing the BattleMech to traverse terrain that would normally be impassable to a 'Mech of its size.
Three Double Heat Sinks added to the chassis allow the 'Mech to dissipate all of the tremendous heat produced by the Vulcan Cannon and PPC, and when combined with the ER Medium Lasers and heat generated by Jumping, the Cataphract generates precisely enough thermal energy to activate its Triple Strength Myomers, allowing for temporary bursts of extra speed and the ability to make punishing physical attacks.
Finally, thirteen tons of Valiant Chainmail armour added to the 'Mech provide it with only slightly less than full armour for its size. When this is combined with the CASE bins for the Vulcan Cannon reloads and the standard engine model employed by the Cataphract 4D, this serves to make the 'Mech amongst the toughest of all designs.
DEPLOYMENT
Because of the major modification required to change a CTF-3D Cataphract to match these specifications, this model of the Cataphract will remain a rare design, assigned only to high-level commanders or the elite pilots of the AFFS.
COST ANALYSIS
The CTF-4D Cataphract costs 13,905,943 C-Bills to manufacture. It is worth 2,055 BV.
MY BLURB
The Cataphract has been touted as the replacement for the Marauder. Not *&^%ing likely. That being what it is, the CTF-4D Cataphract blends elements of the original design and the CTF-3D model, but emerges as a more powerful in-fighter. I would suggest using it in limited-visibility environments, such as heavily forested areas or cities, where it can use its Jump Jets and Rotary Cannon to best effect.
I moved the ER Mediums to the 'Mech’s chest to allow it to better survive against ‘CT 2’ Hits, and stuck the R-A/C Ammo in the Left Torso so that if you loose it, only the ER Medium Laser in the adjacent Arm will go.
TSM was added because there were 6 slots left over when I finished item allocation, but I also realised (snigger, snigger) that when you use the lot (R-A/C on full burst) and Jump, you get exactly 9 Heat. This can be maintained by using the PPC, 1 ER Medium Laser, going X4 with the RAC and running. If you jump, only double-rate the R-A/C. Hehehehehehe…it’s nice when TSM works out, isn’t it?
As an aside, it has been suggested that I make this a Caeser upgrade rather than a Cataphract. However, there is already an upgraded Caeser in RS: Upgrades. The Caeser is more of a Steiner 'Mech than the Cataphract, so I kept it a Cataphract.
Have fun with it.
MASS BREAKDOWNS
Engine: 16
Gyro: 3
Cockpit: 3
Endo Steel: 3.5
Armour: 13
CASE: .5
3 Double Heat Sinks: 3
4 Jump Jets: 4
ER PPC: 7
Rotary Auto Cannon-5 with 3 Tons Ammo: 13
4 ER Medium Lasers: 4
ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION
Head: 9
Centre Torso: 30/9
Side Torsos: 20/9
Arms: 22
Legs: 29
LOCATIONS
ER PPC, ER Medium Laser (No Lower Arm/Hand Actuators)- Right Arm
ER Medium Laser- Left Arm
Double Heat Sink, 2 Jump Jets, Rotary Auto Cannon-5- Right Torso
Double Heat Sink, 2 Jump Jets, 3 tons Rotary Auto Cannon-5 Ammo, CASE- Left Torso
2 ER Medium Lasers (Mounted Rear)- Centre Torso
GAME STATISTICS
Walking MP: 4 (5)
Running MP: 6 (8)
Jumping MP: 4
Equipped with a total of 13 (26) Double Heat Sinks.
Equipped with Triple Strength Myomers.
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Nightmare
Lyran Alliance
Kommandant-General
Joined: 03-May-2002 00:00
Posts: 2214
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| Posted: 24-Sep-2003 01:03 Post subject: RE: CTF-4D Cataphract |
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I'll have fun with it if I ever get to use a Cataphract. This is certainly a good upgrade, and as such there's no real reason to continue producing the old model, is there? Cheaper to build, tougher, and (IMO) better weapons load-out. Good work.
_________________
A tree fall in the forest, and no one is around, and it hits a mime. Does anyone care?
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