Difference between revisions of "Rifleman"

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{{Mech|
 
{{Mech|
−
| Image = File:Rifleman.jpg
+
| Image = File:Rifleman.png
 +
| ImageGif = File:Rifleman_spin.gif
 
| Class = Heavy
 
| Class = Heavy
 
| Faction = Inner Sphere
 
| Faction = Inner Sphere
 
| Tickets = 7
 
| Tickets = 7
−
| Tier = 4
+
| Tier = 8
 +
| Tonnage = 60
 
| Speed = 64
 
| Speed = 64
−
| SpeedWithMasc =
+
| SpeedWithMasc = 91
 
| Rotation = 360
 
| Rotation = 360
−
| PitchStand = -35° to +90°
+
| PitchStand = -33° to +96°
−
| PitchCrouch = -35° to +90°
+
| PitchCrouch = -33° to +96°
  
−
| Price Prime = 71 600
+
| Price Prime = 72 100
−
| ArmorT Prime = 51 922
+
| ArmorT Prime = 56 623
 +
| Engine Prime = Pitban 240 XL
 
| Weapons Prime = <ul>
 
| Weapons Prime = <ul>
−
<li>2x [[ERLBL]]
+
<li>2x [[ERLL]]
−
<li>2x [[ERMBL]]
+
<li>2x [[ERML]]
 
<li>2x [[UAC5]]
 
<li>2x [[UAC5]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip Prime = <ul>
 
| Equip Prime = <ul>
 +
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>2 [[LAMS]]
 
<li>2 [[LAMS]]
−
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
 
<li>2 [[DHS]]
 
<li>2 [[DHS]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
−
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
+
<li>11.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price A = 62 00
+
| Price A = 68 300
−
| ArmorT A = 48 750
+
| ArmorT A = 45 532
 +
| Engine A = Pitban 240 XL
 
| Weapons A = <ul>
 
| Weapons A = <ul>
−
<li>1x [[ELRM20]]
+
<li>4x [[AC5]]
−
<li>3x [[HVAC2]]
+
<li>2x [[SSRM4]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip A = <ul>
 
| Equip A = <ul>
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 +
<li>[[GECM]]
 
<li>0 [[HS]]
 
<li>0 [[HS]]
−
<li>4 [[free tons]]
+
<li>2 [[free tons]]
 
<li>9.5t [[Armor]]
 
<li>9.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
 
| Price B = 67 700
 
| Price B = 67 700
−
| ArmorT B = 45 578
+
| ArmorT B = 50 282
 +
| Engine B = Pitban 240 XL
 
| Weapons B = <ul>
 
| Weapons B = <ul>
 +
<li>4x [[ERML]]
 
<li>2x [[LBX10]]
 
<li>2x [[LBX10]]
−
<li>4x [[ERMBL]]
+
</ul>
 
| Equip B = <ul>
 
| Equip B = <ul>
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
Line 49: Line 56:
 
<li>2 [[DHS]]
 
<li>2 [[DHS]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
−
<li>9.5t [[Armor]]
+
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price C = 65 750
+
| Price C = 67 500
−
| ArmorT C = 45 578
+
| ArmorT C = 42 363
 +
| Engine C = Pitban 240 XL
 
| Weapons C = <ul>
 
| Weapons C = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[LtGauss]]
 
<li>2x [[LtGauss]]
−
<li>2x [[UAC2]]
+
<li>2x [[HVAC2]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip C = <ul>
 
| Equip C = <ul>
−
<li>[[BAP]]
 
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>0 [[HS]]
 
<li>0 [[HS]]
 
<li>2 [[free tons]]
 
<li>2 [[free tons]]
−
<li>9.5t [[Armor]]
+
<li>8.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price D = 80 500
+
| Price D = 76 500
−
| ArmorT D = 48 750
+
| ArmorT D = 50 282
 +
| Engine D = Pitban 240 XL
 
| Weapons D = <ul>
 
| Weapons D = <ul>
 
<li>4x [[RAC2]]
 
<li>4x [[RAC2]]
 +
<li>1x [[B-Pod]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip D = <ul>
 
| Equip D = <ul>
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 +
<li>[[AECM]]
 
<li>2 [[LAMS]]
 
<li>2 [[LAMS]]
−
<li>1 [[AECM]]
 
 
<li>2 [[DHS]]
 
<li>2 [[DHS]]
 
<li>4 [[free tons]]
 
<li>4 [[free tons]]
−
<li>9.5t [[Armor]]
+
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
 
| Price E = 76 500
 
| Price E = 76 500
−
| ArmorT E = 48 750
+
| ArmorT E = 53 453
 +
| Engine E = Pitban 240 XL
 
| Weapons E = <ul>
 
| Weapons E = <ul>
−
<li>4x [[ERLBL]]
+
<li>4x [[ERLL]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip E = <ul>
 
| Equip E = <ul>
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 +
<li>[[BHP]]
 
<li>2 [[LAMS]]
 
<li>2 [[LAMS]]
−
<li>1 [[BHP]]
 
 
<li>9 [[DHS]]
 
<li>9 [[DHS]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
−
<li>10t [[Armor]]
+
<li>11t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
 
| Price F = 64 500
 
| Price F = 64 500
−
| ArmorT F = 45 578
+
| ArmorT F = 45 532
 +
| Engine F = Pitban 240 XL
 
| Weapons F = <ul>
 
| Weapons F = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[AC10]]
 
<li>2x [[AC10]]
 
<li>2x [[PPC]]
 
<li>2x [[PPC]]
 +
<li>1x [[B-Pod]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip F = <ul>
 
| Equip F = <ul>
Line 107: Line 119:
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price G = 81 100
+
| Price G = 78 500
−
| ArmorT G = 45 578
+
| ArmorT G = 51 870
 +
| Engine G = Pitban 240 XL
 
| Weapons G = <ul>
 
| Weapons G = <ul>
−
<li>2x [[SRM2]]
+
<li>6x [[MXPL]]
−
<li>2x [[LPL]]
 
−
<li>2x [[MPL]]
 
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip G = <ul>
 
| Equip G = <ul>
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
−
<li> [[MASC]]
+
<li>[[MASC]]
 +
<li>[[GECM]]
 
<li>10 [[DHS]]
 
<li>10 [[DHS]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
−
<li>10t [[Armor]]
+
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
<!--Commenting out due to armour display being unavailable currently
 
 
| Armor H = 2760
 
| Armor H = 2760
−
| Armor CT = 8334
+
| Armor CT = 8034
−
| Armor LRT = 5357
+
| Armor LRT = 5624
−
| Armor B = 3968
+
| Armor B = 4821
−
| Armor LRA = 4564
+
| Armor LRA = 5624
−
| Armor LRL = 3191 Internal +<br>5318 External
+
| Armor LRL = 5785
−
-->
+
| Armor INT = 3471
 +
 
 +
| Version153 = 0.16.1
 
}}
 
}}
−
<!-- Current for 0.8.6 -->
+
 
  
 
The Rifleman is an [[Inner Sphere]] [[Heavy Mech]] and was added with the 0.6.0 update as a surprise.<br>
 
The Rifleman is an [[Inner Sphere]] [[Heavy Mech]] and was added with the 0.6.0 update as a surprise.<br>
−
As it is intended primarily as an anti-air mech it sports only moderate speed and armor, but it has the best torso pitch and rotation of any mech.<br>
+
As it is intended primarily as an anti-air mech it sports only moderate speed and armor, but it has the best torso [[pitch]] and [[yaw|rotation]] of any mech, as it can look almost straight up while rotating 360 degrees.
  
−
All variants are equipped for anti-aircraft duty and are therefore very efficient against [[BA]], [[ASF]] and [[VTOL]]. However, their performance against mechs or tanks of similar weight is poor, and Rifleman pilots might find themselves getting easily overwhelmed by medium or even light assets.
+
All variants are equipped for anti-aircraft duty and are therefore somewhat efficient against [[BA]], [[VTOL]] and light, medium and some heavy [[ASF]]. However, their performance against mechs or tanks of similar weight is poor, and Rifleman pilots might find themselves getting easily overwhelmed by medium or even few light assets due to its poor armor.
  
−
The center torso of the Rifleman is very large and is usually the first and only part of the mech to be destroyed. Mechwarriors are advised to hide their center torso whenever possible such as while waiting for weapons to reload or cool down.
+
Thats why Riflemans mostly serve as direct fire support, since they sacrificed speed and armor in favor of weapons.
  
  
 
==Roles and Gameplay Hints==
 
==Roles and Gameplay Hints==
 
===Prime===
 
===Prime===
−
The Rifleman Prime is a well-balanced [[AA]] mech. Despite its 2 [[DHS]] the Prime runs very hot, as it boasts 2 [[ERLBL]]s and 2 [[ERMBL]]s. These energy weapons are complemented by 2 [[UAC5]]s, making the Prime an excellent anti-[[BA]] mech. Two free tons for ammo, coupled with the fact that the Prime is mostly an energy-based mech, give it tremendous staying power for as long as its armor holds. The Prime has a [[BAP]], which, along with the [[EOptics]] that all Rifleman variants carry, allow it to spot and effectively engage threats at range, aerospace or otherwise.
+
The Rifleman Prime is a well-balanced [[AA]] mech. Despite its 2 [[DHS]] the Prime runs very hot, as it boasts 2 [[ERLL]]s and 2 [[ERML]]s. These energy weapons are complemented by 2 [[UAC5]]s, making the Prime an good all-round mech. The fact that the Prime is the most armored rifleman with its 11.5t of armor and is mostly an energy-based mech, give it decent staying power. The Prime has [[EOptics]] that all Rifleman variants carry, allow it to spot and effectively engage threats at range, aerospace or otherwise. 2 [[LAMS]] are attached to fend off missile attacks.
  
 
===Variant A===
 
===Variant A===
−
The Rifleman A is a long-range specialist. The A doesn't have the pinpoint damage output of the Prime, but it more than makes up for that with precise damage from 3x [[HVAC2]]s reaching 1500m outside most other direct-fire weapons' ranges while it fires at aircraft and targets of opportunity. Equipped with 1 [[ELRM20]], allows the Rifleman A to lock and fire its missiles out to a maximum range of 1500m with 6 shots per ton. The Rifleman A carries 4 free tons of ammo, 1 extra ton or each weapon. Equipped with [[EOptics]] which are useful for precision and long-distance aiming, as well as picking out targets from their surroundings that were otherwise undetectable by radar. Rifleman A designed to snipe your prey from an unexpected distance.
+
The Rifleman A is a mid-range firesupport meant to be in second line. 4 [[AC5]] autocannon's can deal a good amount of damage up to 800m, and them being [[Damage Types| Light Kinetic]] weapon means extra damage against tanks and ASF. Despite 2 [[SSRM4]] launchers, A is not meant for front lines and [[SSRM]] are there for an extra punch and screenshake should opponent gets too close, as 9.5 t of [[armor]] are not enough to go face to face with brawlers. One method would be using its 360° torso [[twist]] and running away at full speed, while softening target that is in pursuit of Rifleman A, and if he gets too close for [[SSRM]] to be locked on, you better hope it has been softened enough. [[GECM]] will be a huge help staying undetected, while [[AC5]] can still reach its target. Despite no extra [[heat sink|heatsinks]], "A" will not overheat under normal circumstances.
  
 
===Variant B===
 
===Variant B===
−
A variant designed for mid range engagements, a relative rarity amongst Riflemen, the Rifleman B packs the meanest alpha of the bunch. Two [[LBX10]] can engage targets from 700m, but the spread of the pellets means the closer the target the more drastic the results, while a battery of 4 [[ERMBL]] deal a pinpoint blow to the weakened components. Make no mistake though, despite its relatively short reach, the hitscan nature of its lasers and the spread of its autocannons allow it to punish aircraft that enter its range. A [[BAP]] allows the Rifleman B to acquire radar contacts at long range, staying aware of ground and air movements.
+
A variant designed for mid range engagements, a relative rarity among Riflemen, the Rifleman B packs the meanest alpha of the bunch. Two [[LBX10]] can engage targets from 700m, but the spread of the pellets means the closer the target the more drastic the results, while a battery of four [[ERML]]s deals a pinpoint blow to the weakened components. Make no mistake though, despite its relatively short reach, the hitscan nature of its lasers and the spread of its Autocannons allow it to punish aircraft that enter its range. Like the Prime this unit also carries 2 LAMS to fend off missile attacks and 2 [[DHS]] which are more than enough for the Laser Battery.
  
 
===Variant C===
 
===Variant C===
−
While other Rifleman variants rely on putting up a wall of projectiles or a laser show to deter enemy aerospace, the Rifleman C trusts in the cool killing power of the gauss rifle. 2 [[UAC2]]s provide close in anti-[[BA]] protection, but their main purpose is to help calculate the lead the 2 [[LtGauss]] rifles will need in order to send enemy aerospace hurtling to earth. As the two weapons have nearly the same projectile speed, pulling enough lead to start landing hits with the UAC2s ensures that any following light gauss shots will land right on target. The Rifleman C carries the standard [[BAP]] and [[EOptics]] as well, though like all Rifleman variants it should be wary of close combat with other ground assets.
+
While other Rifleman variants rely on putting up a wall of projectiles or a laser show to deter enemy aerospace, the Rifleman C trusts in the cool killing power of the [[Gauss Rifle| Light Gauss Rifle]]. Two [[HVAC2]]s provide some additional damage and 1500m of range, but their main purpose is to help calculate the lead of the two [[LtGauss]] rifles, as the two weapons have nearly the same projectile speed. The Rifleman C carries no other equipment, only [[EOptics]] and a mere 8.5t of [[armor]], it should be even more wary of close combat with other ground assets than other Rifleman variants. 2 [[Free tons | Free tons]] will keep the gauss fed for a while, but ocasional ressuply will be necessary.
  
−
===Variant D===
+
===Variant D - ''"Patriot"''===
−
Though the Rifleman D has the same 4 [[RAC2]] armament as the much cheaper Partisan B, it still has its own niche. The D variant is meant as a group support mech, intended to shield its lance-mates from both radar and aerospace alike while keeping up with them over rough or uneven terrain. An [[AECM]] unit gives nearby friendlies radar cover, while a [[BAP]] helps the Rifleman D sniff out any incoming air or ground assets. Enemy aerospace will have to deal with the hailstorm of RAC2 rounds sent their way, and enemy mech assets will stumble into your lance, expecting only a single heavy mech to deal with.  
+
Though the Rifleman D has the same four [[RAC2]] armament as the much cheaper Partisan B, it still has its own niche. The D variant is meant as a group support mech, intended to shield its lance-mates from both radar and aerospace alike while keeping up with them over rough or uneven terrain. An [[AECM]] unit gives nearby friendlies radar cover, the 2 [[LAMS]] protect from missiles, while [[BAP|BAP Active Radar Probe]] helps the Rifleman D sniff out incoming air or ground assets. Enemy aerospace will have to deal with the hailstorm of RAC2 rounds sent their way, and enemy mech assets will stumble into your lance, expecting only a single heavy mech to deal with. Four [[Free tons | Extra Tons]] of ammo and 2 [[DHS]] round out this package.
  
 
===Variant E===
 
===Variant E===
−
The Rifleman E brings a frightening 4 [[ERLBL]]s to the fight. Though the resulting heat spike from firing all 4 lasers at once can be worrying, the immense amount of heat dissipation provided by the 11 [[DHS]] it carries means that it's impossible to overheat on anywhere but the hottest terrain. With a steady enough hand, the Rifleman E can quickly deal death to any enemy aerospace that is unwise enough to linger inside its 800m range, and can strip enemy mechs of weapons or armor from the relative safety of the second line. 2 [[Mgun]]s provide adequate anti-[[BA]] protection, or allow the E variant to chip at aerospace flying outside the range of its lasers. A [[BHP]] gives even further radar range than most Rifleman variants, preventing most enemies from coming up on it unawares.  
+
The Rifleman E brings a frightening light show of four [[ERLL]]s to the fight. Though the resulting heat spike from firing all four lasers at once can be worrying, the immense amount of heat dissipation provided by the 9 [[DHS]] it carries means that it's possible to start to overheat after intense fighting. With a steady enough hand, the Rifleman E can quickly deal death to any enemy aerospace that is unwise enough to linger inside its 800m range, and can strip enemy mechs of weapons or armor from the relative safety of the second line. A [[BHP]] gives even further radar range than most Rifleman variants, preventing most enemies from coming up on it unawares. Double [[LAMS]] for protection against missiles, all rounded up by 11t of armor gives E decent battlefield presence.
  
−
===Variant F===
+
===Variant F - ''"Aftershock"''===
−
The F variant is somewhat of an oddball. Theoretically, its armament of 2 [[AC10]]s and 2 [[PPC]]s can deal a great amount of damage to any aerospace it manages to hit. However, the fairly slow projectile speed of each, coupled with their restrictive (for anti-aero work) ranges of 550m and 700m, respectively, means that the Rifleman F will have a hard time landing hits on aerospace with either weapon. Rather, the Rifleman F is meant as a direct fire-support mech, intended to sit behind the front lines and pound away at otherwise distracted targets. Unlike other Rifleman variants, the F carries no active probes, and must thus be careful it isn't caught alone. Though its armaments can cause a significant amount of damage, its slow speed and light armor mean that any assets in its own weight class will easily overpower it.  
+
The F variant is somewhat of an oddball. Theoretically, its armament of two [[AC10]]s and two [[PPC]]s can deal a great amount of damage to anything it manages to hit. However, the fairly slow projectile speed of each, coupled with their restrictive (for anti-aero work) ranges of 650m and 700m, respectively, means that the Rifleman F will have a hard time landing hits on aerospace with either weapon. Rather, the Rifleman F is meant as a direct fire-support mech, intended to sit behind the front lines and pound away at otherwise distracted targets. Unlike other Rifleman variants, the F carries no active probes, and must thus be careful it isn't caught alone. Though its armaments can cause a significant amount of damage, its slow speed and light armor of only 9.5t mean that any assets in its own weight class will easily overpower it. Having only 1 [[DHS]] pilots must keep an eye on their temps. [[B-Pod]] provides some help with [[Battle Armor]] ambushes.
 +
 
 +
===Variant G - ''"Boogie"''===
 +
With its blistering array of 6 [[MXPL]]s, the Rifleman G is an effective midrange pinpoint [[DPS]] machine capable of removing arms and melting [[armor]] quickly if opponents don't focus on it. Fairly light armor means the pilot often needs good awareness of the combat situation to be able to effectively utilize its high DPS potential without getting focused. One way to avoid the enemy focus fire is tagging along a tanky ally that's capable of drawing fire away.
 +
 
 +
By utilizing [[MASC]] one can more easily control when and where to engage, and [[GECM]] keeps the radar presence lower, potentially avoiding at least some unwanted enemy attention. 10 [[DHS]] is enough to handle the heat under normal circumstances.
  
−
===Variant G===
 
−
The Rifleman G is a hybrid, taking the anti-air power of the E variant and blending it with the fire-support role of the Rifleman F. 2 [[LXPL]]s can reliably strip armor off of any aerospace that get too close, and when partnered with its 2 [[AC5]]s the Rifleman G can bring the hurt to anyone in range. 9 [[DHS]] provide good heat dissipation, allowing the G variant to maintain its fusilade of laser fire for a significant amount of time. As with all Rifleman variants, however, armor and speed are both in short supply. Any return fire should be retreated from quickly, or you'll soon find yourself back in the mechbay.
 
  
 
==Canon==
 
==Canon==
−
The definitive anti-aircraft 'Mech, the Rifleman was first fielded in 2505, making it amont the first 'Mechs ever built. Its combination of long-ranged weaponry, including rapid-fire autocannons and it's excellent targeting and tracking system ensured it would remain a viable battlefield unit through half a millennium of combat. The Rifleman's focus on anti-aircraft work dictated a heavy load of long-range weapons to the exclusion of everything else. The 'Mech's heat sinks are grossly inadequate for constant fire, but in an anti-aircraft role, the Rifleman is expected to have time to dissipate heat while the target aircraft turns for its next pass.  
+
The definitive anti-aircraft 'Mech, the Rifleman was first fielded in 2505, making it among the first 'Mechs ever built. Its combination of long-ranged weaponry, including rapid-fire autocannons and it's excellent targeting and tracking system ensured it would remain a viable battlefield unit through half a millennium of combat. The Rifleman's focus on anti-aircraft work dictated a heavy load of long-range weapons to the exclusion of everything else. The 'Mech's heat sinks are grossly inadequate for constant fire, but in an anti-aircraft role, the Rifleman is expected to have time to dissipate heat while the target aircraft turns for its next pass.  
 +
 
 +
Notable pilots include: Gray Noton  "Legend-Killer", Conner Rhys-Monroe "Former Knight of the Sphere", John "Gentleman Johnny" Clavell, Davis McCall of the Gray Death Legion and ouch "OEM" - Mercenary, Bear "OEM" - IS, Plotting-Raccoon -IS
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Date Introduced 2770 during the Era known as "Star League" (2571 - 2780) - Unit Role: Sniper
  
−
Notable pilots include: Gray Noton, Conner Rhys-Monroe, John "Gentleman Johnny" Clavell, and Davis McCall.
+
[http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Rifleman BattleTech Reference]
−
<br>[http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Rifleman BattleTech Reference]
 
  
 
{{Template:Navbox_Assets_IS}}
 
{{Template:Navbox_Assets_IS}}

Latest revision as of 05:04, 27 July 2023

Rifleman
Rifleman spin.gif
360.png
Rifleman.png
360.png
Class: Heavy Mech
Faction: Inner Sphere
Ticket cost: 7 upon destruction
Tier: 8
Tonnage: 60 tons
Speed: 64 km/h (91 km/h with MASC)
Torso yaw: 360°
Torso pitch: -33° to +96° while standing
-33° to +96° while crouching
Variant Armament
Variant Weapons Equipment
Prime:
Price: 72 100 CBills
Total armor: 56 623
Engine Size: Pitban 240 XL
A:
Price: 68 300 CBills
Total armor: 45 532
Engine Size: Pitban 240 XL
B:
Price: 67 700 CBills
Total armor: 50 282
Engine Size: Pitban 240 XL
C:
Price: 67 500 CBills
Total armor: 42 363
Engine Size: Pitban 240 XL
D:
Price: 76 500 CBills
Total armor: 50 282
Engine Size: Pitban 240 XL
E:
Price: 76 500 CBills
Total armor: 53 453
Engine Size: Pitban 240 XL
F:
Price: 64 500 CBills
Total armor: 45 532
Engine Size: Pitban 240 XL
G:
Price: 78 500 CBills
Total armor: 51 870
Engine Size: Pitban 240 XL
Armor Points Distribution
BT
HD
LA
LL
LT
CT
RT
RA
RL
INT
4821
2760
5624
5624
5785
5624
8034
5624
5624
5785
3471

All stats current as of release 0.16.1


The Rifleman is an Inner Sphere Heavy Mech and was added with the 0.6.0 update as a surprise.
As it is intended primarily as an anti-air mech it sports only moderate speed and armor, but it has the best torso pitch and rotation of any mech, as it can look almost straight up while rotating 360 degrees.

All variants are equipped for anti-aircraft duty and are therefore somewhat efficient against BA, VTOL and light, medium and some heavy ASF. However, their performance against mechs or tanks of similar weight is poor, and Rifleman pilots might find themselves getting easily overwhelmed by medium or even few light assets due to its poor armor.

Thats why Riflemans mostly serve as direct fire support, since they sacrificed speed and armor in favor of weapons.


Roles and Gameplay Hints

Prime

The Rifleman Prime is a well-balanced AA mech. Despite its 2 DHS the Prime runs very hot, as it boasts 2 ERLLs and 2 ERMLs. These energy weapons are complemented by 2 UAC5s, making the Prime an good all-round mech. The fact that the Prime is the most armored rifleman with its 11.5t of armor and is mostly an energy-based mech, give it decent staying power. The Prime has EOptics that all Rifleman variants carry, allow it to spot and effectively engage threats at range, aerospace or otherwise. 2 LAMS are attached to fend off missile attacks.

Variant A

The Rifleman A is a mid-range firesupport meant to be in second line. 4 AC5 autocannon's can deal a good amount of damage up to 800m, and them being Light Kinetic weapon means extra damage against tanks and ASF. Despite 2 SSRM4 launchers, A is not meant for front lines and SSRM are there for an extra punch and screenshake should opponent gets too close, as 9.5 t of armor are not enough to go face to face with brawlers. One method would be using its 360° torso twist and running away at full speed, while softening target that is in pursuit of Rifleman A, and if he gets too close for SSRM to be locked on, you better hope it has been softened enough. GECM will be a huge help staying undetected, while AC5 can still reach its target. Despite no extra heatsinks, "A" will not overheat under normal circumstances.

Variant B

A variant designed for mid range engagements, a relative rarity among Riflemen, the Rifleman B packs the meanest alpha of the bunch. Two LBX10 can engage targets from 700m, but the spread of the pellets means the closer the target the more drastic the results, while a battery of four ERMLs deals a pinpoint blow to the weakened components. Make no mistake though, despite its relatively short reach, the hitscan nature of its lasers and the spread of its Autocannons allow it to punish aircraft that enter its range. Like the Prime this unit also carries 2 LAMS to fend off missile attacks and 2 DHS which are more than enough for the Laser Battery.

Variant C

While other Rifleman variants rely on putting up a wall of projectiles or a laser show to deter enemy aerospace, the Rifleman C trusts in the cool killing power of the Light Gauss Rifle. Two HVAC2s provide some additional damage and 1500m of range, but their main purpose is to help calculate the lead of the two LtGauss rifles, as the two weapons have nearly the same projectile speed. The Rifleman C carries no other equipment, only EOptics and a mere 8.5t of armor, it should be even more wary of close combat with other ground assets than other Rifleman variants. 2 Free tons will keep the gauss fed for a while, but ocasional ressuply will be necessary.

Variant D - "Patriot"

Though the Rifleman D has the same four RAC2 armament as the much cheaper Partisan B, it still has its own niche. The D variant is meant as a group support mech, intended to shield its lance-mates from both radar and aerospace alike while keeping up with them over rough or uneven terrain. An AECM unit gives nearby friendlies radar cover, the 2 LAMS protect from missiles, while BAP Active Radar Probe helps the Rifleman D sniff out incoming air or ground assets. Enemy aerospace will have to deal with the hailstorm of RAC2 rounds sent their way, and enemy mech assets will stumble into your lance, expecting only a single heavy mech to deal with. Four Extra Tons of ammo and 2 DHS round out this package.

Variant E

The Rifleman E brings a frightening light show of four ERLLs to the fight. Though the resulting heat spike from firing all four lasers at once can be worrying, the immense amount of heat dissipation provided by the 9 DHS it carries means that it's possible to start to overheat after intense fighting. With a steady enough hand, the Rifleman E can quickly deal death to any enemy aerospace that is unwise enough to linger inside its 800m range, and can strip enemy mechs of weapons or armor from the relative safety of the second line. A BHP gives even further radar range than most Rifleman variants, preventing most enemies from coming up on it unawares. Double LAMS for protection against missiles, all rounded up by 11t of armor gives E decent battlefield presence.

Variant F - "Aftershock"

The F variant is somewhat of an oddball. Theoretically, its armament of two AC10s and two PPCs can deal a great amount of damage to anything it manages to hit. However, the fairly slow projectile speed of each, coupled with their restrictive (for anti-aero work) ranges of 650m and 700m, respectively, means that the Rifleman F will have a hard time landing hits on aerospace with either weapon. Rather, the Rifleman F is meant as a direct fire-support mech, intended to sit behind the front lines and pound away at otherwise distracted targets. Unlike other Rifleman variants, the F carries no active probes, and must thus be careful it isn't caught alone. Though its armaments can cause a significant amount of damage, its slow speed and light armor of only 9.5t mean that any assets in its own weight class will easily overpower it. Having only 1 DHS pilots must keep an eye on their temps. B-Pod provides some help with Battle Armor ambushes.

Variant G - "Boogie"

With its blistering array of 6 MXPLs, the Rifleman G is an effective midrange pinpoint DPS machine capable of removing arms and melting armor quickly if opponents don't focus on it. Fairly light armor means the pilot often needs good awareness of the combat situation to be able to effectively utilize its high DPS potential without getting focused. One way to avoid the enemy focus fire is tagging along a tanky ally that's capable of drawing fire away.

By utilizing MASC one can more easily control when and where to engage, and GECM keeps the radar presence lower, potentially avoiding at least some unwanted enemy attention. 10 DHS is enough to handle the heat under normal circumstances.


Canon

The definitive anti-aircraft 'Mech, the Rifleman was first fielded in 2505, making it among the first 'Mechs ever built. Its combination of long-ranged weaponry, including rapid-fire autocannons and it's excellent targeting and tracking system ensured it would remain a viable battlefield unit through half a millennium of combat. The Rifleman's focus on anti-aircraft work dictated a heavy load of long-range weapons to the exclusion of everything else. The 'Mech's heat sinks are grossly inadequate for constant fire, but in an anti-aircraft role, the Rifleman is expected to have time to dissipate heat while the target aircraft turns for its next pass.

Notable pilots include: Gray Noton "Legend-Killer", Conner Rhys-Monroe "Former Knight of the Sphere", John "Gentleman Johnny" Clavell, Davis McCall of the Gray Death Legion and ouch "OEM" - Mercenary, Bear "OEM" - IS, Plotting-Raccoon -IS


Date Introduced 2770 during the Era known as "Star League" (2571 - 2780) - Unit Role: Sniper

BattleTech Reference


Battle Armor
Vehicles
Aerospace
VTOLs
Mechs
Light
Commando • Anubis • Osiris • Owens • Raven
Medium
Heavy
Assault

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