AC2 vs RAC2 vs UAC2...?

[Virt]

Can anyone tell me what the key differences between AC2 vs RAC2 vs UAC2 are...?

I know that the acronyms stand for.   But what are the effective ranges, and which delivers the highest damage per second?

Many thanks for clarifying this for me.

[ELH_Vivicector]

(U)AC2 has about 1500 km of range (1200 - effective), while RAC2 has about 800-900, but it's effective range is much closer due to high spread. Damage: RAC2/UAC2/AC2 - from the highest. UAC deals much more damage, then AC and generally is better, but is prone to overheating.

[ELH_Goat]

http://wiki.mechlivinglegends.net/index.php?title=AC2
http://wiki.mechlivinglegends.net/index.php?title=RAC2
http://wiki.mechlivinglegends.net/index.php?title=CUAC2

Don't be such a lazy son of a gun 

[~SJ~ Atlessa]

(U)AC2 has about 1500 km of range [...]

I believe that should either be 1500 m  or 1.5 km   

[benben10]

the wiki is not that well maintained, the numbers on the rac2 are wrong.

http://forum.mechlivinglegends.net/index.php/topic,14189.0.html

click on the link for 0.5.1 weapons and you can see info. you may want to download it so you can expand the columns so its easier to read the names.

[ELH_Vivicector]

I believe that should either be 1500 m  or 1.5 km   

Oh, I have just mentioned their maximum effective range in space 

[thEClaw]

I believe that should either be 1500 m  or 1.5 km   

Oh, I have just mentioned their maximum effective range in space 

Of course. But don't forget about the 30 minutes travel time!

[Arghy]

I have no idea what the actual differences are but in combat i can tell you the AC2 is hands down the best. I used it on the 2x ERPPC warhammer variant and holy crap, it doesnt overheat constantly like the UAC2/RAC2 and because of its steady RoF and ammo consumption you'll be able to track and keep a target under for longer periods of time. It worked very well with that variant as i was able to use the AC2's to pick of BAs and harass armor/aeros while still being able to use my lt gauss/ERPPC's to damage anything larger at 900m.

[Come and See]

AC-2 = 600 clip size, 7.45 damage per shot, 480 shots per minute, and 1200 range.
UAC-2 = 800 clip size, 7.76 damage per shot, 960 shots per minute, and 1200 range.
RAC-2 = 600 clip size, 9.66 damage per shot, 1920 shots per minute, and 800 range.

[7.[WD]Ragor]

The -for me at least- most important difference is that a RAC2 spreads like hell where an AC is pinpoint accurate.

-> RAC2 are great to hunt down BAs on long range.

[VictorMorson]

The -for me at least- most important difference is that a RAC2 spreads like hell where an AC is pinpoint accurate.

-> RAC2 are great to hunt down BAs on long range.

RAC2s fire fast enough that they are effective against 'mechs; not great, mind you, but vastly more effective than traditional ACs, while still filling a basic anti-air role.

In short, AC2s and UAC2s are both very lightly effective against 'mechs and heavy armor - they can be used to pressure someone that's max range is under yours from brazenly standing on a hill (This has come into play in quite a few organized games, to chip ER PPC heavy mechs from a few hundred meters out of their max range) but that's about it.  In a regular stand-up fight, they're very poor weapons outside of their dedicated purpose.  This is of course excluding the Siege Engine, which quite effectively boats these weapons.  They're also far, far superior to their board game counterparts - AC2s are utterly worthless in CBT.

RAC/2s are a little worse at killing aircraft (accuracy, range) but by comparison are vastly superior if you end up in a close range brawl with a Battlemech or heavy tank; they're really a decent all around light weapon.  I think if we had a 'mech boating these, it'd be pretty solid as an all-around aircraft/armor/medium 'mech killer.  In your lighter categories, I'd much rather have a RAC/2 than a UAC/2 to get into a fight with a 'mech.

[Bill]

Excellent post.

[Stahlseele]

AC2's are good against light mechs in CBT, especially with Precision Ammo.
And good for crit seeking, if you have more than one of them.
That is really their MAIN Advantage, as with all normal AC's . . SPECIAL AMMO!

[SquareSphere }12thVR{]

I just remember the Parti with 4 RAC2's back in 010-02x LOL that tank was destroying EVERYTHING.

Still take it out for nostalgia sake, great AA if aeros fly close enough and can still chew up lights if they're not using their speed.  Most meds will take it out but get moderate damage in exchange.

[Come and See]

RAC-2's can be devastating at close-medium range against Aerospace.