MechDB Misadventures, Part 17: Black Knight as Penetrator

MechDB Misadventures, Part 17: Black Knight as Penetrator

In BattleTech, the Penetrator is one of the most durable post-Clan Invasion era Inner Sphere BattleMechs due to having a standard engine and an all-energy loadout comprised of two ER Large Lasers and six Medium Pulse Lasers, plus an Anti-Missile System for countering incoming missile salvos and four Jump Jets to provide improved mobility. However, since MechWarrior Online has yet to introduce the Penetrator to its ever-growing list of 'Mech chassis, I decided to replicate the standard PTR-4D's loadout in MechDB using the closest chassis to that variant: the Black Knight BL-6B-KNT, which has nine energy hardpoints and an AMS hardpoint, thus making it almost a perfect match for the PTR-4D. The result was as follows:

Above: This is the closest you can get to replicating the Penetrator PTR-4D in MechWarrior Online - a Black Knight BL-6B-KNT carrying a pair of ER Large Lasers, three pairs of Medium Pulse Lasers, an Anti-Missile System with a ton of ammo, and four additional tons of AMS ammo to simulate each jump jet, all concealed within 13 tons of standard armor (out of a maximum possible amount of 14.5 tons). However, the Black Knight has a hand actuator on both of its arms, whereas the Penetrator lacks such items in each of its arms, so the PTR-4D's stock loadout actually uses only 45 of a possible 78 critical slots, two fewer than the similar loadout on the BL-6B-KNT shown here.

Obviously, this loadout isn't very heavily optimized due to its lack of heat sinks (only 12 double-strength items, but it can be improved further. One suggestion is as follows:

Above: This idea for a more optimized loadout for the Penetrator PNT-4D (not valid on the Black Knight BL-6B-KNT shown here due to occupying one more critical slot than the maximum limit of 78) downgrades the Medium Pulse Lasers to regular Medium Lasers, saving six tons, and swaps the ER Large Lasers for ER PPCs, while adding an Endo-Steel structure to allow fitment of six additional Double Heat Sinks. The quartet of AMS ammo bins (which simulate jump jets) remain in place, though.

Although this custom configuration for the Penetrator PNT-4D sacrifices some raw firepower (50 in the new configuration, whereas the original could deliver 54 damage per alpha strike), its heat sinking capacity has increased by 50%, and this allows for much more staying power in a tabletop battle, especially since it carries an additional 0.5 tons of armor. The lack of AMS makes it more vulnerable to missile barrages, but on the other hand, it removes whatever little probability of an ammunition explosion that can occur. Crucially, with both of its arms having upper and lower arm actuators but no hand actuators, the resulting Penetrator setup still has one critical slot in total left over, and would thus be valid for tabletop use.

In short, this modified Penetrator is a much better tool than the original for, erm, penetrating a defensive line without risking catastrophic ammo depletion or detonation.

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 238: An Early Christmas Gift We're Thankful For

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 238: An Early Christmas Gift We're Thankful For

Having just returned from a Thanksgiving vacation in Europe covering three different cities (Zurich, Prague, and Amsterdam, in that order), I'd like to show you another challenge entry, which you can find here:

Above, from top: The 1982 KMA KX2 may be small and light (on power), but it was designed to leverage it in the best possible way in all situations.

The car in question is the 1982 KMA KX2 1.6 - a small, light, analog machine of the kind I rarely saw in Europe (mainly due to my visit taking place during late fall/early winter - I even saw snow on some days), and in an increasingly complicated, tech-heavy motoring world, a highly refreshing tonic had it existed in real life. And just like my previous challenge build, this one comes with Beam export cameras at the hood and driver's side eye level.

Why, then, do I consider this build an effective antidote to the bloat that has plagued the car industry for a decade? For one, at less than four meters long and with a width of under 1.8 meters, it doesn't take up too much space on the road - perfect for the narrow, confined spaces commonly found in many European city centers and mountain passes. Also, with just 120 horsepower (from a 1.6-liter straight-four mounted transversely in the middle, revving to 7500 rpm, and driving the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox and helical limited-slip differential) pushing along 950 kilograms, it's surprisingly quick (0-60 mph in under 7.5 seconds), without being overpowering. Finally, with relatively narrow tires (165/70R14 front and 185/60R14 rear), it doesn't have too much grip for its drivetrain - the lack of power steering (also made possible by the low weight and those narrow tires) also helps.

Its softly-sprung all-strut suspension (chosen due to cost and space constraints) also works in its favor. While it retains a sporty driving experience, it still retains enough compliance to serve as a daily driver. Speaking of which, air conditioning and a tape deck come as standard, so you won't be sacrificing too many creature comforts, either. And with 4-wheel vented disc brakes, you'll have enough stopping power (and zero risk of fade) if you have to save yourself - and the car - from a sticky situation.

All in all, this would be a great way to venture into the world of mid-engined cars without throwing yourself into the deep end with an actual supercar or hypercar, and risking your license (and someone's life, especially your own) in the process. Happy (belated) Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas everyone!