Heavy Support Catapult

So, I've had a bit of a time with MechWarrior, and, aside from my computer randomly locking up and generally being unable to run the game, it's a lot of fun!

Importing one of my designs from an older game, I've got this lovely Catapult that can dish out massive damage from range, and surprise anyone that decides to come in close too.

I used the Founders Catapult, but the basic CPLT-C1 should work- not sure on the A1 or C4 models.

Starting with the basic chassis, your first move is to remove the two medium lasers in the left and right torso. Your choice, but I've been running with no Jump Jets in exchange for heat sinks. You can mix and match with that of course. After removing the medium lasers and jump jets, slap four more tons of ammunition in this thing. I stuck mine in the L/R torso, but the arms would work just fine too, aside from giving your mass of ammunition a different target.

Then, downgrade the engine. I'm using a standard 170 and clocking a decent 42 km/h. I can upgrade it to an XL200 engine if I drop .5 tons, raising the speed to 49.84, so your choice with that one. With the excess tonnage you can do what this beast is meant for; stick a pair of PPCs on the L/R torso. I'm using the standard range PPC, since ER on a missile boat seems excessive, not to mention draining on the power. I've actually since found out that standard PPCs have a minimum range of 90m, and a max range of just over 500. The min range is pretty crippling, so you might switch for the ER PPCs, trading the higher heat for better range both minimally and maximum. I fiddled with my armor values a bit, but you definitely want some heat sinks. I've got 12 on mine, and have to be careful with my heat levels in temperate zones.

And there you have the Catapult E1, or Einhander as I like to call it. It's best used raining hell from afar with its extensive ammunition, and then moving in to assist once all that is expended- provided you even get to use all of it. All the same, being able to knock an Atlas around when he's expecting an easy kill is more than worth the exchange, and you get to keep a pair of meds if you want them for light point defense.

So what do you guys think? It's been working wonders for me so far, when my computer works with me anyways.

Edit; This can be run with no modifications besides ripping out the JJs and medium lasers. Armor can stay the same, or you can fiddle with it and still fit the PPCs and XL200.

Beast, that thing would devastate any slow movers while completely ignoring you as a catapult I know i would of made the mistake of thinking someone else was throwing PPC's and LRM's at me

Sounds pretty beastly. You might try swapping the standard engine for an XL for even more ammo/armor tonnage to use. Catapults tend to get their CT blasted more than anything anyway, so the added vulnerability of an XL doesn't hurt as much.

I was going to, but the XL for the Catapult takes twice as many slots, which I unfortunately can't fit, on the Founders version anyways. I'll have to take a look at some of the other models to see if the CT slots are better.

What do you mean??? XL fits in all mechs no problem, the extra slots are spread into left and right torso so no matter what CT always has 2 criticals after engine and gyro etc...

Oh, really now? That explains a lot! I'll have to upgrade the engine then. =D I'll update the OP too.

Edit; Upgraded it with the best one I can fit with the current armor, the XL200. At .5 tons heavier and a good couple million more expensive, I'm getting about 49 km/h as opposed to 42. Might downgrade to a XL195 and stick another 1.5 points of armor on there when I have the money.

Hehehehe

Hehe i a made Catapult using "Einhander" as a base changed a couple things is all. So mine has 2xLRM 10s 5 tons ammo 2xMPulse 1xERPPC 1xAMS 1 ton ammo, runs with a 200XL engine and 18 heatsinks with 400/422 armour points mainly stripping a bit here and there off legs and head. Heat wise its pretty good, i stagger fire the LRM's to cause maximum rock and use the PPC to snipe off components. The pulse lasers are good at warding off the pesky lights that like to come around. The ammo lasts the entire match (900 missles, 45 shots per launcher). Not the best at getting kills however it strips components nicely and is great for support, more often then not i'm left alone in matches so far Thanks Aderas for the inspiration hehehe

Certainly! I'll call that the Einhander CPLT-E2 variant!