20 replies to this topic

[Dex Spero]

I have 0.3% lore knowledge. Could somebody with true lore knowledge help my scratch my curiosity itch? I'm curious as to the naming conventions for IS mechs.

For example, what does the "D" stand for in JM6-DD?

I originally thought S = Steiner, D = Davion, M = Marik, F = FRR, but then who are P, V, Z, N,etc., and where is L for Liao (or C for Capellan)?

Thanks in advance!

[Appogee]

Dakka-Dakka!

[Karl Streiger]

Dex Spero, on 09 January 2017 - 07:00 AM, said:

I have 0.3% lore knowledge. Could somebody with true lore knowledge help my scratch my curiosity itch? I'm curious as to the naming conventions for IS mechs.

For example, what does the "D" stand for in JM6-DD?

I originally thought S = Steiner, D = Davion, M = Marik, F = FRR, but then who are P, V, Z, N,etc., and where is L for Liao (or C for Capellan)?

Thanks in advance!

For variants of the Standard Mech this is true.

For example the Catapult K2 or the Shadow Hawk K, or the AS7-K are Kurita Versions of those BattleMechs.
However the JR7-D or AS7-D are the "Original" so the D does not mean Davion.

Other Mechs like the TDR-5S is the Standard - the Steiner Version adds another S. Merc is SE and Marik is M (ok we don't have the 7M)


C is ComStar
W is either Wolf Dragoons
WB ist Word of Blake
L - Liao (afaik no Liao Version with L ingame - although we have a bunch of ConCap exclusive machines (Raven, Vindicator, Catapract)
K - Kurita as said
M - Marik (WVR-6M (not in game )
D - Davion (SHD-2D2; SHD-2D; RFL-5D)
S - Steiner (AS7-S; TDR-5SS)

Edited by Karl Streiger, 09 January 2017 - 07:15 AM.

[Dex Spero]

Karl Streiger, on 09 January 2017 - 07:11 AM, said:

For variants of the Standard Mech this is true.

For example the Catapult K2 or the Shadow Hawk K, or the AS7-K are Kurita Versions of those BattleMechs.
However the JR7-D or AS7-D are the "Original" so the D does not mean Davion.

Other Mechs like the TDR-5S is the Standard - the Steiner Version adds another S. Merc is SE and Marik is M (ok we don't have the 7M)


C is ComStar
W is either Wolf Dragoons
WB ist Word of Blake
L - Liao (afaik no Liao Version with L ingame - although we have a bunch of ConCap exclusive machines (Raven, Vindicator, Catapract)
K - Kurita as said
M - Marik (WVR-6M (not in game )
D - Davion (SHD-2D2; SHD-2D; RFL-5D)
S - Steiner (AS7-S; TDR-5SS)

Awesome! Thanks!

What about P, V, Z?

[Karl Streiger]

Not all letters have meaning.

Good example is the Awesome - with exception of the modernized 9M (by marik - suprise suprise because it's a Mech produced in the FWL - but all those variants of the Awesome exists because FWL is known to have a extrem shortage of PPCs.


Some like the AA for the Vindicator means "Avenging Angel" the fast version of the Vindicator.

Also some versions like the Catapult C3, C4, HGN-733 (AC20) are Liao Machines.
The CN9-AH is pure Davion.

And of course the letter is not needed on exclusives machines - but as usualy you have exceptions again.

The Catapract 3D and 3L - while the Catapract was Liao exclusive they lost a manufacturer during the 4th Succession Wars so Davion was able to produce the 3D. The the modernized version of Liao is the 3L.

Same for the AS7, RS and DC were FedCom, but during the war of 39 a manucfacturer was captured by Kurita- so the AS7-K and the AS7-S (K2, K3, S2; S3) were produced.

so far what i can remember.

Edited by Karl Streiger, 09 January 2017 - 07:45 AM.

[Levi Porphyrogenitus]

I imagine that some designations are because of the iterative design process, as in, AS7 comes from the AS1-6 prototypes, and once they settled on the AS7 platform they tried A-C before settling on their D loadout.

[Lovas]

I have questions like yours all the time. I go to sarna.net for the answers.
Here is the Jagger specifically (the DD was developed after the helm memory core wa found): http://www.sarna.net/wiki/JagerMech

Edited by Lovas, 09 January 2017 - 09:15 AM.

[TELEFORCE]

There was an interesting discussion about this on the BattleTech forums not long ago, with some responses from some of the writers:

http://bg.battletech...c=55056.0;nowap

[Bishop Steiner]

There is no one overriding meaning to them.

Specific House or Unit Variants will often use their first Initial, yes. We see that with for instance, the Archer. You have the ARC-2K (Kurita), ARC-2S (Steiner) and ARC-2W (Wolf's Dragoons).

But then you have the base model.... ARC-2R. The R doesn't stand for any specific faction. In fact, in this case it just kind of finishes spelling "archer".

Or you have the AWS-8Q, 8R, 8T and 8V Awesomes.... none of which have any specific meaning to the final initials, other than to differentiate them from each other.

Then you have a few (can't dredge one up in my memory atm) where the initials have essentially nothing to do with Name or Faction.

So basically, it's very inconsistent. If it were real world, it might have more consistent meaning (but even then, each country is different, now), with for instance the base initials being an acronym for the Chassis purpose ...and then the post digits referring to which model, make, or even wing of the factory something is built.

In most cases, it-s simply because it sounds cool... cuz...well.. Game Designers.

[AppleseeN]

Karl Streiger, on 09 January 2017 - 07:11 AM, said:

For variants of the Standard Mech this is true.

For example the Catapult K2 or the Shadow Hawk K, or the AS7-K are Kurita Versions of those BattleMechs.
However the JR7-D or AS7-D are the "Original" so the D does not mean Davion.

Other Mechs like the TDR-5S is the Standard - the Steiner Version adds another S. Merc is SE and Marik is M (ok we don't have the 7M)


C is ComStar
W is either Wolf Dragoons
WB ist Word of Blake
L - Liao (afaik no Liao Version with L ingame - although we have a bunch of ConCap exclusive machines (Raven, Vindicator, Catapract)
K - Kurita as said
M - Marik (WVR-6M (not in game )
D - Davion (SHD-2D2; SHD-2D; RFL-5D)
S - Steiner (AS7-S; TDR-5SS)

Plus to that...

A - prototype
X - custom/limited
E - pure energy version
G - energy/artillery version (some mechs)
H - brawlers
P - energy/missile version
R - Free Worlds League or Rassalhague
Y - uncommon limited version
Z - also can be Kurita or Marik non regular
Q or V - by the Lore must be symmetric hardpoints builds

Edited by AppleseeN, 09 January 2017 - 10:54 AM.

[Lostdragon]

The P variants are sometimes ones PGI made up to have enough variants for the rule of 3 when there aren't enough canon variants using existing tech.

Edited by Lostdragon, 09 January 2017 - 12:26 PM.

[AppleseeN]

Lostdragon, on 09 January 2017 - 12:24 PM, said:

The P variants are sometimes ones PGI made up to have enough variants for the rule of 3 when there aren't enough canon variants using existing tech.

You mean HGN-733P? ...or... Like Highlander-696P? (Not an HGN-694 or 671CC)

[Jungle Rhino]

I actually like it a lot - in the real world you get all sorts of weird variants and the terminology can get a little haphazard. A great example is Soviet tank production during WW2 - there were many variants of tanks being produced at different factories that had different tools and equipment.

e,g, the T-34 UZTM produced at the Uralmesh factory had a cast turret while at Tankograd in Chelyabinsk the T-34 ChKZ was produced using the factories unique 5,000T forge press which literally stamped the turrets out from a heated sheet of steel. Other T-34 factories welded their turrets.

Similar story with the KV which had various peices assembled in various factories assembled in various ways which led to all types of designations such as the KV-1e which had applique armour bolted on giving it a very distinctive appearance.

People still argue today what the defining feature of a T-34/76 obr 1942 actually is

[Lostdragon]

AppleseeN, on 09 January 2017 - 12:47 PM, said:

You mean HGN-733P? ...or... Like Highlander-696P? (Not an HGN-694 or 671CC)

The HGN-733P is canon, not sure about the others. The Panther 10P and Shadow Cat P are both versions made up for MWO, there are others I am sure but those two come to mind right away.

[Metus regem]

AppleseeN, on 09 January 2017 - 12:47 PM, said:

You mean HGN-733P? ...or... Like Highlander-696P? (Not an HGN-694 or 671CC)

Offical Highlander vairants:

• HGN-694 Introduced during the FedCom Civil War, this Highlander variant replaces the missiles, medium lasers, and jump jets with two Large Lasers and a Heavy Gauss Rifle. The M-7 Gauss Rifle remains in place. BV (2.0) = 2,358^[9]

• HGN-732b The 732b model is a upgrade of the classic 732 built exclusively for SLDF Royal units. This variant drops two heat sinks and a ton of SRM ammo. Artemis IV FCS is added to the LRM and SRM launcher, while the heat sinks are upgraded to doubles. Additional short-range firepower comes in the form of a medium laser added to the right torso. BV (2.0) = 2,335^[10][11]

• HGN-733 The 733 model is a downgrade of the Highlander, although it weathered the use of more primitive technology better than other SLDF designs. In place of the Gauss Rifle the 'Mech now carries an Mydron Class B Autocannon/10 while the rest of the Highlander's weapons have remained the same. The armor has also been upgraded by two tons, providing even more protection than the original 732 model. The speed profile of the Highlander maintains the original model's maximum speed of 54.0 km/h. The communications system is a Hartford Com/A-7^[1] BV (1.0) = 1,424, BV (2.0) = 1,801^[7][12][13]

• HGN-733C This model drops a ton each of SRM and LRM ammo. The Autocannon/10 is upgraded to a Autocannon/20. BV (2.0) = 1867^[14]

• HGN-733P This model swaps the Autocannon/10 for a PPC and seven additional Heat Sinks BV (2.0) = 1865 ^[15]

• HGN-734 The 734 Highlander emphasizes its role as an urban combat 'Mech, produced by the Lyran Alliance in the wake of the civil war. The Gauss Rifle has been replaced with a massive LB-X Autocannon/20, the medium lasers have been upgraded to ER Medium Lasers, the SRM-6 was upgraded to a streak version with another Streak SRM-6 launcher added, as well as an ER Large Laser. Upgrading the standard fusion engine to a new Light Engine and removing the LRM-20 launcher allowed these changes. BV (1.0) = 1,889^[3] (1,793)^[16], BV (2.0) = 2,214^[17]

• HGN-736 This ComStar version of the Highlander introduced in the late 3050s has been upgraded to carry the improved C3 computer, as well as upgrading the LRM-20 with an Artemis IV fire control system and replacing the SRM-6 to a Streak SRM-4. This was accomplished by replacing the twelve single heat sinks of the 732 model with ten double heat sinks and by only using one ton of ammunition for the upgraded SRM launcher. BV (1.0) = 2,118^[3][18], BV (2.0) = 2,255^[19]

• HGN-738 Another upgrade by the Lyran Alliance following the civil war, the 738's largest weapon is its Heavy Gauss Rifle. The long-range missile launcher is replaced with an LRM-15, though it is guided by an Artemis IV FCS, with an ER Large Laser providing additional long range firepower. Should an enemy unit close, the 738 can bring a pair of ER Medium Lasers and a Streak SRM-4 to bear. Though the 'Mech utilizes a standard fusion engine, the concentration of ammunition in one torso and the Gauss in the other make it extremely vulnerable to critical damage, even with the inclusion of CASE for the ammunition bins. BV (2.0) = 2,413^[20]

• HGN-641-X-2 This ComStar developed variant is equipped with a pair of Artemis IV-equipped MML-7 launchers with four tons of ammo. It keeps the Gauss Rifle of the standard Highlander and mounts a pair of ER Medium Lasers. CASE II systems protect the Gauss Rifle and missile ammunition from explosions. A C3 Slave unit allows the Highlander to share targeting data. Light Ferro-Fibrous armor and a Reinforced Structure provide protection from weapons fire. To make room for all the equipment, this Highlander uses an XL Engine and XL Gyro.^[21]

Custom Variants

• HGN-732 Colleen This version replaced the standard weaponry with an ER PPC, a prototype Streak SRM-6, twin Medium Pulse Lasers, and a pair of LRM-15 missile launchers. Fourteen double heat sinks keep everything cool. BV (2.0) = 2,127^[22]

• HGN-732 Jorgensson Used by Clan Widowmaker Khan Cal Jorgensson, this Highlander uses two Clan spec ER Large Lasers and a Clan spec Gauss Rifle for its armament. It also has an Artemis IV enhanced LRM-20 and thirteen double heat sinks. The SRM is removed. Its protection is identical to the standard HGN-732 Highlander.

[Wildstreak]

Dex Spero, on 09 January 2017 - 07:00 AM, said:

I have 0.3% lore knowledge. Could somebody with true lore knowledge help my scratch my curiosity itch? I'm curious as to the naming conventions for IS mechs.

For example, what does the "D" stand for in JM6-DD?

I originally thought S = Steiner, D = Davion, M = Marik, F = FRR, but then who are P, V, Z, N,etc., and where is L for Liao (or C for Capellan)?

Thanks in advance!

Not always.
Sometimes nothing at all.
It is a lot like naming in real militaries.
In Army Signal we had signal boxes named SEN V1 and V2. The V really had no meaning other than to tell 2 types apart.

[Lykaon]

R variants generally are older designs that were manufactured for the Star League ROYAL regiments.

Marauder 3R
Warhammer 6R
Archer 2R

S Variants are generally a variant on a base chassis manufactured by the Lyran Commonwealth

Banshee -3S
Thunderbolt 9S
Zeus (most variants are S designated due to being a Lyran manufactured mech)

The naming convention goes on like this K = Kurita L= Liao etc

But there are some wierd non conformist out there.

Thunderbolt -9SE is a variant used by the Eridani Light Horse. it was based upon a Thunderbolt 9S so the new Variant is the Thunderbolt 9 S -Eridani variant hence the 9SE designation.

The Vindicator 1R was never used by the Star League yet has the R (Royal) designation.This was done to ligitamize the Regalness of the Capellian military by introducing R designated mechs. This was done as a political statement rather than sticking to an "official" naming convention.

The Jenner 7D is not a Davion mech but a Kurita manufactured mech. It predates the Letter designation naming conventions that evolved from the succession wars. It's probably just the seventh chassis redesign with the fourth weapon configuration on it. If it had ever been taken up and used by the Star League Royal Regiments it would have been redesigned again with enhanced tech and probably designated the Jenner 8R.

A few other letters are common

P can mean prototype
X experimental
the letter C following the normal designation is Command Variant (AS7-DDC) ussually but not always

Essentially there are as many different designation tradisions as there are manufacturers plus factions using the mechs and then sprinkle in mercs that customize their mechs like the W variants from Wolf's Dragoons.

[Dale Grible]

Hey guys, great stuff. Love the lore....bet they could make a better battletech movie than disney makin star wars.

[Lyoto Machida]

Wildstreak, on 09 January 2017 - 01:07 PM, said:

Not always.
Sometimes nothing at all.
It is a lot like naming in real militaries.
In Army Signal we had signal boxes named SEN V1 and V2. The V really had no meaning other than to tell 2 types apart.

As a logical man, I'd have to assume the "V" meant version. Could be wrong though...

[Kael Posavatz]

Dale Grible, on 09 January 2017 - 05:10 PM, said:

Hey guys, great stuff. Love the lore....bet they could make a better battletech movie than disney makin star wars.

Someone tried to make a BattleTech movie once, only they didn't actually call it BattleTech because they didn't want to bring shame to the IP.

It was, being extremely charitable, very bad. As in, worse-than-the-prequels-bad. Needless to say, if you think it set a bar for Disney, that bar was very, very low.

There was also a cartoon series produced in the 90s that is regarded as a piece of IS-produced propaganda. Like most purely-propaganda films it was...not much better than the aforementioned movie.

Edited by Kael Posavatz, 09 January 2017 - 06:03 PM.