The Maxim Hover APC

[DFDelta]

Been some weeks since I last submitted a suggestion, so I thought it might be a good time 

I think that the Maxim Hover APC would be a valuable addition to MWLLs vehicles.
Some argue what the Maxim exactly is, some call it a APC able to defend itself and his precious cargo, some call it a medium MBT able to carry its own infantry support, and exactly this is why I'd like to see it in MWLL.

It is a 129km/h fast 50 ton hovercraft armed with a mix of SRMs, LRMs and MGs in most variants, while still being able to carry a significant amount of infantrymen. (or a smaller amount of BA in a refit-variant)
The Maxim is an old SLDF unit, and both factions produce and use it, the IS in a upgraded year 3058 version (includes TAG and FF-armor) and the clans in their own clantech version (includes GECM and Fusion engine).

I suggest mixing the traits of both, thus giving it FF armor and a Fusion Engine.
It could have 2 variants that are used by both factions, and 2 variants used only by one.
It should be able to go around 100km/h, and have about 1/3 more armor then a Heph, 4 BA can be carried, but no spawning or reloading options. Possible loadout should be a little over a Hollanders weight, and the price should be around 70k on our current ranking system.
I'd imagine a rather flat turret design, without much upward angle. Heavy omnislot on the top, 2 medium missile hardpoints angular at the sides, 4 small omnislots in the turrets front.

Variants:
Prime:
1x LRM 15
2x DSRM 4
2x MG
1x TAG
GECM, BAP

A:
1x NARC
2x SSRM6
4x MG
GECM, BAP

IS B:
1x RAC5
2x XMPL
1 ton ammo
AECM, BAP

IS C:
2x MRM10
4x MBL
BAP, C3, GECM

Clan B:
CERPPC
4x MG
BAP, C3, GECM

Clan C:
2x ATM3
4x SHL
AECM, BAP


This would be a fast support unit, able to help bringing BAs around on the rather large maps that are available (or will be comming) in TC.
It will be able to support its cargo once the BA are dropped, it is fast and armored enough to make it worthwile, but it is not to much of a threat to end up being op.

[Taemien]

Carry but not spawning. Thats the idea I like most about what you suggested and wouldn't mind seeing that in some other vehicles or in the future.

I like your suggestion for the IS-C variant too.

[AlfalphaCat]

Only if the Flanker variant is included!  Seriously I have been dying for a fast infantry transport.  Make top speed 110k and it would be great fun.  I love the idea of not being able to spawn or buy ammo at it, cause it would be a nightmare if ppl spammed these thing to populated the map with BA spawn points.

+2, because this is the way to post an idea, plus it makes sense and would be fun, and it is based on Battletech!

[Sir Tahn Maihem]

I like it! It has enough armor, speed, and firepower to be great for hit and run tactics and sneaky BA deployment. Personally I would take the IS C variant and run right through the center of a TC base, have my passengers hop out with micro heavy lasers, and then proceed to slice the defenders to tiny flaming bits while they are still shooting at me.
Since there is no spawning and thus no spawn cash bonus, how about a cash reward for distance carried when the BA departs?

[AlfalphaCat]

^I don't think it would need any help make c-bills with the weaponry it carries. 

[(TLL)Siilk]

 I don't know about well-armed APC with no spawnpoint, but a faster but less armoured transport/spawnpoint for BA could be nice to have for large TC maps.

[Moe479]

its not designed to carry ba squads, just conventional infantery ... u know the real tough guys that have to do teamwork ...

[AlfalphaCat]

I don't know about well-armed APC with no spawnpoint, but a faster but less armoured transport/spawnpoint for BA could be nice to have for large TC maps.

Why not, it has poor armor for a 50 ton asset.  It would be slower than a Harasser, but still quick enough to avoid enemy fire. 

BTW, there is no conventional infantry in MWLL.  Maybe let it only carry a pilot BA, and 2 passengers.  BA weapons should still be able to be bought near it, just in case you forget to get them b4 you depart.  I would loose some of its weapons, maybe just the LRMs? Actually Delta's Prime example w/o the TAG seems resonable. 

[(TLL)Siilk]

BTW, there is no conventional infantry in MWLL.  Maybe let it only carry a pilot BA, and 2 passengers.  BA weapons should still be able to be bought near it, just in case you forget to get them b4 you depart.  I would loose some of its weapons, maybe just the LRMs? Actually Delta's Prime example w/o the TAG seems resonable.

 Actually, I'm beginning to like the idea of no-spawn BA transport more and more. It could be something like an idiotmibile(sorry, couldn't help myself) a dedicated-BA-mobile: ride with your BA buddy, both pilot and passenger retaining full BA loadout. The ride itself would have less weaponry than a Harasser/Hephaestus and armoured about as much, probably with anti-BA weapons mostly, like 2xMG and 1xERMBL.

[Moe479]

I was wrong there r 3 variants capable of carrying ba's, maybe there could be like 4 variants picked and one is an APC in MWLL terms.

Armament

The Maxim provides a heavy amount of firepower for an APC, designed to provide covering fire for deploying infantry and to support them in the field. Twin forward facing and a rear facing LRM-5s provide long range fire, while side mounted SRM-2s and a turret mounted SRM-6 provide close range support. A set of three machine guns in the turret deal with any unarmored infantry it may encounter.

Variants

    * SRM Variant - A common modification, this variant of the Maxim replaces the LRM-5s with SRM-4s.

    * SRM-2 - Another common modification, this moves the side mounted SRM-2s into the turret for a wider range of fire.

    * SRM-4 - Virtually similar to the SRM variant, this Maxim sacrifices one of the SRM-4's to carry additional ammo.

    * 3058 Upgrade - A significant upgrade to the original, this updated version of the Maxim drops the rear facing LRM-5 and a machine gun, in order to replace the Sureshot II SRM-2's with a pair of Guided Technologies Streak SRM-2s and add a TAG unit. Additionally, the armor is replaced with ProTech 6 Ferro-Fibrous for increased protection. BV (2.0) = 796

    * 3058 Anti-Personnel - Designed to deal with heavy concentrations of infantry, this Maxim variant replaces the Streak SRM-2s for additional machine guns. BV (2.0) = 715[1]

    * 3058 Fire Support - Designed for LRM support, this updated version replaces the SRM-2s and TAG for a turret mounted FarFire LRM-15. BV (2.0) = 869[2]

    * Infantry Variant - Sacrificing firepower for carrying capacity, this Maxim can transport up to 12 tons of infantry. In exchange, its weapons are limited to a Streak SRM-6, 2 ER Medium Lasers, and a TAG, all mounted in its turret. BV (2.0) = 770[3]

    * Infantry Command Variant - Based on the Infantry Variant this Maxim variant has twin C3 Master Computers and a Guardian ECM Suite. The armor and weaponry remain identical to the Infantry variant. BV (2.0) = 851[4]

    * Battle Armor Transport (Factory) - Designed by engineers at the manufacturing plants, this Maxim variant can carry a squad of Battle Armor-equipped infantry into combat. To compensate for the larger infantry bay the designers had to remove the TAG system. BV (2.0) = 794[5]

    * Battle Armor Transport (Field Refit) - Designed by troops in the field this Maxim variant also transports a squad of battle armored infantry. Unlike the factory version, this version removes the machine guns and ammunition to make room for the infantry bay. It also carries more armor. BV (2.0) = 817[6]

    * Maxim C3 Master - This version trades the ability to carry infantry for a C3 Master Computer. As the C3 Master can function as a TAG system, the turret mounted TAG is also removed. To provide additional protection, the machine guns and ammunition of the standard Maxim are replaced by armor. BV (2.0) = 817[7]

    * Maxim C3 Slave - This version is used in conjunction with the Maxim C3 Master. Removing the machine guns and ammunition, it expands the infantry bay to four tons, allowing it to carry a squad of battle armor. It also carries a C3 Slave and keeps the TAG system. BV (2.0) = 773[8]

    * Clan - Retrofitted with Clan technology, the Maxim-C utilities a fusion engine and lighter missile systems to free up weight for a larger array of weapons and a 6 ton infantry bay. A front mounted LRM-15 provides adequate long range firepower, while side mounted SRM-2s, and a turret mounted Streak SRM-6 partnered with twin machine guns provides close range support. While it does not utilize the Ferro-fibrous Armor seen in updated IS versions of the Maxim, its seven tons of standard armor provides similar levels of protection, augmented by the use of an ECM Suite and CASE. BV (2.0) = 1,147[9]

[AlfalphaCat]

70K is a little low in price, IMHO, maybe 90-100K would be better?  That way the BA squad would need to pool a little cash together in order to equip themselves properly and buy their sweet ride.  This might keep it from being used too early in a match, but would allow BA's to work in squads much better than if they simply spawn at the same APC. Most folks don't wait for additional BA support to spawn at an APC.  An LRM15. 2 Srm4, and two MGs is really not a devastating combo.  I just like the idea of a tougher hover, with slightly better weapons, carrying 2-3 additional BA would just be the cherry on top. 

Imagine taking over lightly defended bases at Death Valley using this!!  It would be a riot Even if a claw is implemented, I don't see riding Mechs, or APC as being a worthwhile endeavor in most situations.  APC are so lightly armored that it poses a huge risk to the pilots rank and score, not to mention a waste of money, to shuttle ppl to a battle.  They are slow and hardly anybody uses it in this fashion, mostly by accident early in a match.  An alternative for a more suitable APC late in a game is almost needed for BA to be a dynamic that matters.   

[Nitro_R]

Man, this is a super idea!
It would be so fun!

We're already trying to carry BAs into battle with our mechs.  Why not do it with an asset that can actually protect them!
Super.

[IG142]

I like it. Looks more at home in mech/vehicle centric scales, while the current APC seems better suited for infantry operations.

However, do keep in mind possible overlap with the Karnov and Anhur transport VTOLs in development. Not heavily armed, but certainly fast I would think.

[Mellowdrone]

One of the variations allows it to carry BA actually. Augemented, I think it was?

Anyway, it would be still pretty pointless compared to the other APC.

Honestly speaking, I just want APC to work as spawnpoint. I want fast APC with less armor/armaments and a slower one with more.

[AlfalphaCat]

It would be crazy if someone used this in conjunction with an parked APC.  OP maybe?  Would totally nullify the 'flaw' of not being able to spawn at a Maxim.