Author's notes: Posting is a pain in the @$$. Sometimes, I had no issues; other times, not so much. Tried attaching the SSW file, but it did not work (apparently, it is not allowed).
Anyways, back to the topic; what if the Linebacker was remade as a medium 'mech? Let me know what you think.
Linebacker III
Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped Omnimech
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Production Year: 3062
Cost: 10,719,375 C-Bills
Battle Value: 759
Chassis: Type W4M Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Starfire 300 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Royal-7a Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
21.5 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: WC Site 1
Primary Factory: Arc-Royal
Communications System: HWLR Designation ComSys
Targeting and Tracking System: Hunter (7) Dedicated TTS
Overview:
When it was first created in 3052, the Linebacker was intended to eventually replace the Timber Wolf in the touman of Clan Wolf when it was found that the
venerable design could not keep pace with its Starmates in running battles. However, the Refusal War ended such plans, even though the primary production
facility of the 65-ton 'mech was unaffected; the Crusader Wolves only kept the design in production due to their need of equipment, with Khan Vladimir Ward
already looking at alternatives, and eventually phasing it out.
On the other hand, the Linebacker did find a home within Clan Wolf-in-Exile,but not as a 65-ton heavy; instead, it was remade as a 50-ton medium Omnimech
known as the Linebacker III, with the first of these Omnimechs making their debut in late 3062, as part of Clan Wolf-in-Exile's "Project Chihuahua"
rebuilding project.
Visually, The Linebacker III almost looks like a mini-version of it 65-ton predecessor; however, Clan Wolf-in-Exile scientists utilized molds from the
Nova and Stormcrow as well, slightly altering the arms and legs of the Omnimech. But for the most part, the Linebacker III's configurations are
heavily influenced by its 65-ton progenitor.
Capabilities:
Making use of every weight-saving technologies available, the Linebacker III was built with an Endo-Steel internal structure and protected by 8.5 tons of
Ferro-Fibrous Armor, while a Starfire 300XL fusion engine allows the 'mech to reach speeds up to 97 km/hr, while accomodating up to 12 double heat sinks.
Overall, this left the Linebacker III with respectable 21.5 tons of pod space to work with.
In its Prime configuration, the Linebacker III features an ER PPC on each arm for long-range, direct-fire combat; backing up these weapons are a trio of ER
Medium Lasers and an SRM-6 launcher. A total of 16 double heat sinks help keep waste heat under control.
Configuration A of the Linebacker III features a pair of ER Large Lasers and an LRM-15 for long-range combat. For close-range combat, this configuration
features a pair of ER Medium Lasers, a Medium Pulse Laser, and an SRM-4 launcher. Two more double heat sinks help mitigate heat issues.
Configuration B was meant for sniping, with a powerful Gauss Rifle as its primary weapon, backed up by three ER Medium Lasers. An ECM Suite protects
against enemy electronics, while five Jump Jets would allow the 'mech to reach ideal sniping spots.
Configuration C of the Linebacker III features a mix of ballistic and laser weapons, albeit meant for close-quarters combat; a mammoth Ultra AC/20 on the
right shoulder is its main gun, supported by five ER Medium Lasers, and a Micro Pulse Laser. An additional double heat sink helps handle the waste heat
produced by this configuration.
An alternate close-range combat variant, Configuration D features four accurate Streak-SRM6 launchers providing an overwhelming close range missile barrage,
backed up by a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers and an ER Small Laser, making this configuration a ferocious short-range brawler, albeit limited by its four tons
of Streak Ammo. Additionally, the 'mech carries an Active Probe to allow it to detect hidden enemy units.
Configuration E of the Linebacker III has four SRM-6 launchers for close-range combat, while an ER PPC on the center torso provides long range firepower, as
well as a powerful backup once the SRM ammo is used up. An Active Probe allows the 'mech to detect hidden enemies, while an Anti-Missile System helps protect
against indirect fire.
Configuration F features a trio of ATM-3 launchers, which are capable of firing ammunition for long, medium, and short ranges. These are backed up by a pair
of ER Large Lasers for long-range combat and a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers for close-range combat. Two more double heat sinks help keep waste heat under
control.
A testbed configuration for both Heavy Laser technology and other experimental technologies, Configuration H features a Heavy Large Laser on each arm and a
Heavy Medium Laser on each side torso, all tied to a targeting computer. Eighteen double heat sinks are barely able keep the high heat load in check.
This configuration also has a Watchdog CEWS and a Laser Anti-Missile System for added protection, while a Supercharger allows for an increase of speed up to
130 km/h in short bursts.
Fitted with nine Improved Jump Jets, Configuration I could vault up to 210 meters in one jump. In terms of weaponry, an ER PPC on th right arm is its
main long-range weapon, supported by four ER Medium Lasers on the right arm for close-range combat, and a head-mounted flamer for soft targets. A targeting
computer makes each shot more accurate, except for the flamer. However, no additional heat sinks are mounted, and the 'Mech may overheat if too many
weapons are fired at once.
Battle History:
During the Jade Falcon Incursion in the FedCom Civil War, the 1st Wolf Legion and the Clan Wolf-in-Exile's Golden Keshik deployed several Linebacker III
Omnimechs for the first time against the 7th Talon on Blue Hole; the 7th Talon were overwhelmed by the Exiled Wolves, and were forced off-world.
In 3066, during the pan-Lyran invasion of Tharkad led by Peter Steiner-Davion, the Golden Keshik faced of against the Loyalist 2nd Royal Guards. After luring
the 2nd Royal Guards into Stahlwurzel Forest, Khan Phelan Kell and his forces spent a week brutally mauling the Loyalists. During that time, several
Linebacker III Omnimechs were deployed effectively against the 2nd Royal Guards.
Deployment:
The Linebacker III is primarily fielded by Clan Wolf-in-Exile, either to complement or replace any of its 65-ton Linebackers that was lost in battle. Within the Clan
Wolf-in-Exile touman, the 1st Wolf Legion has the highest number of Linebacker III Omnimechs in their ranks, with their cluster having developed a fondness for them.
Variants:
Linebacker II - weighing at 60-tons, this version of the Linebacker was the initially planned successor of its 65-ton bretheren, as the 5-ton drop in
weight meant that changes would be minimal. Unfortunately, a host of unforeseen problems plagued the prototypes, such as stress issues, balancing
problems, actuator failures, and myomers breaking down in unexpected places. After six agonizing months, Clan Wolf-in-Exile's Linebacker II project was
scrapped, in favor of recreating the Linebacker as a 50-ton 'mech.
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 83 points 2.50
Internal Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 300 9.50
Walking MP: 6
Running MP: 9
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 12(24) 2.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 163 8.50
Armor Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 2 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 20
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 12 15
L/R Torso (rear) 9
L/R Arm 8 16
L/R Leg 12 21
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 12,583,125
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,454
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 16(32) 4.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT
CASE Locations: RT 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC RA 15 2 6.00
ER PPC LA 15 2 6.00
SRM-6 RT 4 1 1.50
2 ER Medium Lasers LT 10 2 2.00
ER Medium Laser CT 5 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (15) RT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 16
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 25
6 5 5 3 0 2 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: A Cost: 12,541,875
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,177
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 14(28) 2.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT
CASE Locations: LT, RT 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser RA 12 1 4.00
ER Large Laser LA 12 1 4.00
SRM-4 RT 3 1 1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers RT 10 2 2.00
LRM-15 LT 5 2 3.50
Medium Pulse Laser CT 4 1 2.00
@SRM-4 (25) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-15 (16) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 16
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 22
6 4 4 2 0 2 2 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B Cost: 12,693,750
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,301
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 5 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT 2.50
CASE Locations: RT 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser RA 5 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
Gauss Rifle RT 1 6 12.00
ECM Suite LT 0 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser CT 5 1 1.00
@Gauss Rifle (16) LT - 2 2.00
@Gauss Rifle (8) HD - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 11
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 23
6/3j 4 4 2 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 12,615,938
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,188
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 13(26) 1.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
CASE Locations: LT, RT 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers RA 10 2 2.00
2 ER Medium Lasers LA 10 2 2.00
ER Medium Laser LT 5 1 1.00
Ultra AC/20 CT/RT 7 2/6 12.00
Micro Pulse Laser HD 1 1 0.50
@Ultra AC/20 (10) RT - 2 2.00
@Ultra AC/20 (5) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 10
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 22
6 5 5 0 0 2 2 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: D Cost: 12,437,344
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 1,952
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASE Locations: LA, RA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Streak SRM-6s RA 8 4 6.00
2 Streak SRM-6s LA 8 4 6.00
Medium Pulse Laser RT 4 1 2.00
Medium Pulse Laser LT 4 1 2.00
Active Probe CT 0 1 1.00
ER Small Laser HD 2 1 0.50
@Streak SRM-6 (30) RA - 2 2.00
@Streak SRM-6 (30) LA - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 15
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 20
6 7 7 0 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: E Cost: 13,410,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,086
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 6 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT 3.00
CASE Locations: RT, LA, RA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 SRM-6s RA 8 2 3.00
2 SRM-6s LA 8 2 3.00
Active Probe LT 0 1 1.00
ER PPC CT 15 2 6.00
Anti-Missile System HD 1 1 0.50
@SRM-6 (30) RA - 2 2.00
@SRM-6 (30) LA - 2 2.00
@Anti-Missile System (24) RT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 12
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 21
6j 4 4 2 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, AMS, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 2/2/0
================================================================================
Loadout Name: F Cost: 12,190,313
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,018
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 14(28) 2.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT
CASE Locations: LT, RT 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser RA 12 1 4.00
ER Large Laser LA 12 1 4.00
ATM-3 RT 2 2 1.50
Medium Pulse Laser RT 4 1 2.00
ATM-3 LT 2 2 1.50
Medium Pulse Laser LT 4 1 2.00
ATM-3 CT 2 2 1.50
@ATM-3 (HE) (20) RT - 1 1.00
@ATM-3 (20) LT - 1 1.00
@ATM-3 (ER) (20) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 15
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 20
6 5 4 3 0 2 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: H Cost: 19,318,125
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-F-A BV2: 2,411
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 18(36) 6.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heavy Large Laser RA 18 3 4.00
Heavy Large Laser LA 18 3 4.00
Heavy Medium Laser RT 7 2 1.00
Watchdog CEWS RT 0 2 1.50
Heavy Medium Laser LT 7 2 1.00
Laser Anti-Missile System LT 5 1 1.00
Supercharger LT - 1 1.00
Targeting Computer CT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 3
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 24
8 5 5 0 0 2 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, WAT, AMS, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: I Cost: 15,742,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,838
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 9 (Improved)
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 4 LT, 4 RT 9.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC RA 15 2 6.00
Targeting Computer RA - 2 2.00
4 ER Medium Lasers LA 20 4 4.00
Flamer HD 3 1 0.50
Free Critical Slots: 4
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 28
6/9j 4 3 2 0 2 2 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Project Chihuahua? 
I think it is very well thought out. Early on in the Clan fictions, the point was made that the Clans strongly believed in not wasting resources. That combined with the intense competition between the Clans, it makes perfect sense that no clan can afford to stand still when it comes to the omnimechs that bullwark their front line forces.
