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[VvFreezervV]

Caught this off Slashdot today.

US Naval Institute, "Payloads over Platforms: Charting a New Course" (7/12)
By Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, U.S. Navy
http://www.usni.org/...ting-new-course

It's an excellently structured argument for the use of modular weapons system, primarily based on the fact that platforms take (and should continue to!) decades from design to deployment. This is contrast to the consumer technology refresh cycle, where he notes that generations typically only last 1-2 years.

Related question for those living Battletech encyclopedia types out there: did FASA ever put down organized arguments for Clan modular systems (and/or the tactics that go along with them)? If so, where might I find these? (Disclaimer: I'm finishing up the Mechwarrior books atm, where those things are briefly but never completely explained)

Edited by VvFreezervV, 01 August 2012 - 05:56 AM.

[Zwag78]

http://www.sarna.net/wiki/OmniMech

The technology was around back in 2750, so it would be old Star League technology. Kerensky took 80% of the Star League with him during the Exodus. It stands to reason that the technology may have been improved upon by the Clans, while becoming part of LosTech in the Inner Sphere.

"The Mercury was displayed for the first time in 2742. The 'Mech debuted as a replacement for the aging Wasps and Stingers in use by the SLDF. The Mercury is built around its LTV 160 fusion engine and the MASC system, that acts on the 'Mech like a supercharger and allows it to reach speeds of 172 kph for short bursts. The Mercury also features an advancement in weapons installation, using a modular replacement system to allow easier repairs to the 'Mech. Unfortunately, the Mercury all but disappeared from the Inner Sphere after Operation Exodus, and the unique modular repair system fell into disuse and stagnated. The full potential of modular weapons would not be realized until the appearance of the Clans and their OmniMechs."

As for the Clan implementation :

"The modular construction allows MechWarriors to customize their machine's weapon loadout to suit their own skills and preference, and suit specific tactical or environmental needs as required."

"Though not solely created for modular weapon loadouts, the OmniMech design greatly aids repair and construction as well."

"The technology also greatly aids salvage, even if an enemy OmniMech is virtually destroyed, an intact OmniPod can be detached and reattached to a functional Omni just as quickly and easily as it was factory fresh, maximizing the Clan's overriding drive to avoid waste."

Basically, Omni technology helped the Clans become more effective in not only battles, but a full campaign as well.