Catapult CPLT-C1 "Battlerider"
Tonnage: 65
Engine: XL
Rating: 315
Max Engine Rating: 315
Armor: 400
Type: Standard
Head: 18
Left Arm: 40
Left Torso: 40/20
Center Torso: 60/22
Right Torso: 40/20
Right Arm: 40
Left Leg: 50
Right Leg: 50
Weapons & Equipment:
Head: (Structure)
Left Arm: LRM5, 2 x DHS, (3xStructure)
Left Torso: Large Laser, 2 x Jump Jets, 1 x DHS, (2xStructure), (3xEngine)
Center Torso: 2 x Medium Laser, 2 x DHS (Engine)
Right Torso: Large Laser, AMS, 2 x Jump Jets, 1 x DHS, (Structure), (3xEngine)
Right Arm: LRM5, 1 x DHS, (6xStructure)
Left Leg: LRM Ammo x 1, (Structure)
Right Leg: LRM Ammo x 1, AMS Ammo x 1
Hardpoints:
Left Arm: 1 Missile
Left Torso: 1 Energy
Center Torso: 2 Energy
Right Torso: 1 Energy, 1 AMS
Right Arm: 1 Missile
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel
Heat Sinks: 17 Double
ECM Capable?: No
Max Jump Jets: 4
This configuration is designed for maximum tactical and strategic flexibility. Maximum speed, combined with full Jump capability, an Anti-Missile system, and nearly maximum armor allow this mech to adapt to whatever situation it finds itself in, as well as allowing the 'mech to keep pace with strike units.
The main weapons are a pair of Large Lasers and a pair of Medium Lasers, providing good pinpoint direct fire combat ability. The secondary weapons are a pair of LRM 5 launchers that retain the ability of the 'mech to support with indirect fire as opportunity permits. While the LRMs do limited damage, they are ammunition-efficient and do not force the Catapult to significantly sacrifice capability in direct-fire combat to mount. With 17 Double Heatsinks, the mech can sustain firing its laser array for several salvoes before needing to cool.
Utilizing the full capabilties of this battlemech, this configuration offers the widest range of possible mission profiles and combat options.
An alternate version that is closer to the original MDG-1A Rakshasa sacrifices the Jump Jets and Anti-Missile System to upgrade the LRM launchers to LRM 10s, but this version tends to be less able to adapt to some conditions, and I find it does not significantly increase overall performance.
Edited by Jakob Knight, 13 March 2013 - 02:33 PM.