6 replies to this topic

[RAM]

Background
The Centurion was designed and built by Corean Enterprises as an operating partner for the successful Trebuchet. To allow the Centurion to perform this duty, it was equipped with a heavy and varied arsenal that allows it to strike at enemy units at a variety of ranges. While this is slower than the Trebuchet that it guards by 22 km/h, it is capable of keeping up with most fire support 'Mechs and the Centurion has made a reputation for itself as a front line combat 'Mech.

The Centurion is considered the unofficial ’Mech of House Davion’s BattleMech forces by most of Davion’s enemies. The formidable appearance of the Centurion’s autocannon tends to elevate the pilot’s confidence and give him the feeling he can blast his way through anything. This fighting spirit can often be a valuable psychological advantage to a lance or company facing stiff opposition.

Common:
50 tons
200 rated Engine producing top speed of 64.8kph (400 rated max)
338 MAX Armour


Centurion CN9-A: 3,697,080 CB / 1,480 MC
Tonnage: 50
Top Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: 272 points
Weapons: 1 LRM 10, 2 Medium Lasers, 1 Autocannon/10
Hardpoints: 2 Energy, 1 Ballistic, 3 Missile
RA – Ballistic?
LT – Missile?
CT – Energy?

*****
Centurion CN9-AH: RIP
Tonnage: 50
Top Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: 272 points
Weapons: 1 LRM 10, 1 Autocannon/20
Hardpoints: 3 Ballistic, 2 Missile
RA – 3xBallistic
LT – 2xMissile
*****

Centurion CN9-AL: 3,552,238 CB / 1,425 MC
Tonnage: 50
Top Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: 338 points
Weapons: 1 LRM 10, 1 Large Laser, 2 Medium Lasers, 1 Small Laser
Hardpoints: 4 Energy, 2 Missile
RA – 2xEnergy
LT – 2xMissile
CT – 2xEnergy

Centurion CN9-YLW (aka Yen-Lo-Wang): 3,750 MC
Tonnage: 50
Top Speed: 69.7 km/h
Armor: 336 points
Weapons: AC20, 2 Medium Lasers
Hardpoints: 2 Energy, 2 Ballistic
RA – 2xBallistic
CT – 2xEnergy

*****
Centurion CN9-D: ? CB / ? MC
Tonnage: 50
Top Speed: 97.2 km/h (XL)
Armor: 338 points
Weapons: 1 LRM 10 w/ Artemis, 1 LBX10, 2 Medium Lasers
Hardpoints: 2 Energy, 2 Missile, 2 Ballistic
RA – 2xBallistic
LT – 2xMissile
CT – 2xEnergy
*****

Quick analysis indicates that Centurion has a similar mix of Hardpoints & Specs as the Hunchback, with the difference being their location. This could leave both competing against each other if similar and potentially fulfilling very different roles if they are not. One thing to note however is that the CN9-AH does arm mount the AC/20 – permitting a wide arc of fire with this feared weapon and answering the prayers of Dragon pilots everywhere; unfortunately the pairing with missile hardpoints is sub-optimal. That said, the Centurion’s profile may well be a defining advantage: unlike the HBK, the lack of a ‘hunch’ prevents easy targeting of the CN9’s weapons.

The legendary Yen-Lo-Wang makes an appearance as the first Hero mech. Similar to the AH, YLW packs a 20 class autocannon, but retains the A’s medium lasers instead of the LRM. 2 Ballistic arm slots combined with 2 Energy is a powerful combination.

Initially many popular HBK configs will be able to be ported right over with little loss of effectiveness; however, configs specifically designed for the CN9 will probably end up providing better performance overall by taking advantage of the unique hardpoints.

(min) Mech Lab
Easy swap is upgrading the AC10 (or AC20) to a Gauss
Adding additional LRM launchers would convert the CN9-A from bodyguard/brawler to support

The 4 energy & 2 missile of the CN9-AL closely mirrors the HBK-4SP. The reduction in hardpoints may be compensated for by better placements and mech profile.

RAM
ELH

[Tenzan]

Without the CN9-AH does this mean the only way to reach the Centurion Elite skills is to buy a Yen-Lo-Wang? You need all the basic skills in three variants, or have I misunderstood that?

[Adridos]

Tenzan, on 30 October 2012 - 04:03 AM, said:

Without the CN9-AH does this mean the only way to reach the Centurion Elite skills is to buy a Yen-Lo-Wang? You need all the basic skills in three variants, or have I misunderstood that?

CN9-D will be implemented to the game and with it, you can elite the Centurion.

[Orion Leftwind]

Adridos, on 30 October 2012 - 04:11 AM, said:

CN9-D will be implemented to the game and with it, you can elite the Centurion.

While true, do we have any sort of time frame for the introduction of the CN9-D?Until then us CN9 pilots have no way to progress beyond basic skills without putting down real cash.

[RAM]

Nov 6th iirc - but cannot find the quote atm...


RAM
ELH

[Osa Eris Xero]

RAM, on 30 October 2012 - 02:50 AM, said:

Centurion CN9-A: 3,697,080 CB / 1,480 MC
Tonnage: 50
Top Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: 272 points
Weapons: 1 LRM 10, 2 Medium Lasers, 1 Autocannon/10
Hardpoints: 2 Energy, 1 Ballistic, 3 Missile
RA – Ballistic 1
LT – Missile 3
CT – Energy 2

Fixed that for you

RAM, on 30 October 2012 - 10:15 AM, said:

Nov 6th iirc - but cannot find the quote atm...


RAM
ELH

Nov 6 a.k.a. when the Artemis beacons are released, so YMMV

Also if you can you should shoe horn in some mention of the Cent's Shield Arm, since it's a very important function of how the mech is used when used right.

Edited by Osa Eris Xero, 30 October 2012 - 01:18 PM.

[Clideb50]

Another good Centurion build is to take the CN9-A and take the huge auto cannon out and put in an ac/2. Then replace the LRM with 3 SSRM2's. As for ammo I put it all in the right torso (2 tons of SRM ammo and a ton of ac/2 ammo protected by a case.) Added some armor to the more vulnerable spots, and added some heat sinks (15 total). This I found makes the centurion a good anti scout mech design thanks to the Streak SRMs, but allows it to pack a punch for when your teams needs help against the heavies.