Roma Curia, on 04 May 2013 - 07:44 AM, said:
The BJ-1X from RS3039U also exists in the timeline. It's stock engine of 225 vs 180 for the rest with 4 flamers and 4ML without jump jets. Would be about half way between the CDA-2A and the HBK-4P in terms of speed/armor/firepower could be an interesting mech if they include it. Though it would probably have the same hardpoint layout as the BJ-3 but without the jump jets and with a larger engine. Not sure if that would be enough differentiation. I hope it is because I love the CDA-2A and would probably enjoy something slightly slower with more firepower.
Though, the BJ-1X was an early prototype version that apparently never reached the production stage.
"Early
Blackjack prototypes differed from the production model significantly. Originally armed with twin GM Flashpoint flamers and additional heat sinks in place of each autocannon, it lacked jump jets but was powered by a VOX 225 power plant."
(TRO 3039, pg. 128)
It doesn't make too much sense, IMO, to pass-up one of the four production models for a not-in-production prototype.
Then again, the loadout of "Arrow", the personal
Blackjack of ("currently", as of TRO 3050U) Leftenant-Colonel Michael Ubodo (famous for defeating a DCMS attack against the FedSuns world of Xhosa VII) is never detailed, so PGI could use their creative license to incorporate both LosTech and elements of the BJ-1X's characteristics (such as the higher-rating engine) into a Hero
Blackjack...?