Difference between revisions of "Catapult"

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{{Mech|
 
{{Mech|
−
| Image = File:Catapult.jpg
+
| Image = File:Catapult.png
 +
| ImageGif = File:Catapult_spin.gif
 
| Class = Heavy
 
| Class = Heavy
 
| Faction = Inner Sphere
 
| Faction = Inner Sphere
Line 7: Line 8:
 
| Tonnage = 65
 
| Tonnage = 65
 
| Speed = 64
 
| Speed = 64
−
| SpeedWithMasc = 91
+
<!--| SpeedWithMasc = 91-->
 
| Rotation = 200
 
| Rotation = 200
 
| PitchStand = -35° to +40°
 
| PitchStand = -35° to +40°
 
| PitchCrouch = -35° to +50°
 
| PitchCrouch = -35° to +50°
  
−
| Price Prime = 66 100
+
| Price Prime = 71 600
−
| ArmorT Prime = 51 921
+
| ArmorT Prime = 58 010
−
| Engine Prime = Magna 260 STD
+
| Engine Prime = Magna 260 XL
 
| Weapons Prime = <ul>
 
| Weapons Prime = <ul>
−
<li>4x [[ERSBL]]
+
<li>4x [[LRM10]]
−
<li>2x [[LRM20]]
+
<li>2x [[ML]]
 +
<li>2x [[ERSL]]
 
<li>1x [[B-Pod]]
 
<li>1x [[B-Pod]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip Prime = <ul>
 
| Equip Prime = <ul>
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 +
<li>[[iJJ]]
 
<li>[[GECM]]
 
<li>[[GECM]]
−
<li>[[iJJ]]
+
<li>6 [[DHS]]
−
<li>3 [[DHS]]
+
<li>0 [[free tons]]
−
<li>2 [[free tons]]
+
<li>12t [[Armor]]
−
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price A = 83 350
+
| Price A = 80 050
−
| ArmorT A = 56 676
+
| ArmorT A = 56 430
 
| Engine A = Magna 260 XL
 
| Engine A = Magna 260 XL
 
| Weapons A = <ul>
 
| Weapons A = <ul>
Line 38: Line 40:
 
| Equip A = <ul>
 
| Equip A = <ul>
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 +
<li>[[iJJ]]
 
<li>[[BAP]]
 
<li>[[BAP]]
−
<li>[[iJJ]]
 
 
<li>1 [[LAMS]]
 
<li>1 [[LAMS]]
 
<li>6 [[DHS]]
 
<li>6 [[DHS]]
Line 46: Line 48:
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price B = 64 200
+
| Price B = 60 900
−
| ArmorT B = 51 921
+
| ArmorT B = 51 694
 
| Engine B = Magna 260 XL
 
| Engine B = Magna 260 XL
 
| Weapons B = <ul>
 
| Weapons B = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[MRM30]]
 
<li>2x [[MRM30]]
−
<li>4x [[ERSBL]]
+
<li>4x [[ERSL]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip B = <ul>
 
| Equip B = <ul>
Line 60: Line 62:
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price C = 74 000
+
| Price C = 70 700
−
| ArmorT C = 48 748
+
| ArmorT C = 48 538
 
| Engine C = Magna 260 XL
 
| Engine C = Magna 260 XL
 
| Weapons C = <ul>
 
| Weapons C = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[ArrowIV]]
 
<li>2x [[ArrowIV]]
−
<li>2x [[MGun]]
+
<li>2x [[MG]]
−
<li>2x [[SBL]]
+
<li>2x [[SL]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip C = <ul>
 
| Equip C = <ul>
Line 76: Line 78:
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price D = 79 600
+
| Price D = 78 900
−
| ArmorT D = 53 506
+
| ArmorT D = 54 853
 
| Engine D = Magna 260 XL
 
| Engine D = Magna 260 XL
 
| Weapons D = <ul>
 
| Weapons D = <ul>
−
<li>4x [[MBL]]
+
<li>2x [[MPL]]
 +
<li>2x [[SRM2]]
 
<li>4x [[SRM6]]
 
<li>4x [[SRM6]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
Line 88: Line 91:
 
<li>4 [[DHS]]
 
<li>4 [[DHS]]
 
<li>4 [[free tons]]
 
<li>4 [[free tons]]
−
<li>11t [[Armor]]
+
<li>11.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
|Price E = 70 700
+
|Price E = 66 400
−
|ArmorT E = 51 921
+
|ArmorT E = 51 694
 
| Engine E = Magna 260 XL
 
| Engine E = Magna 260 XL
 
| Weapons E = <ul>
 
| Weapons E = <ul>
Line 100: Line 103:
 
| Equip E = <ul>
 
| Equip E = <ul>
 
<li> [[EOptics]]
 
<li> [[EOptics]]
 +
<li> [[JJ]]
 
<li> [[BHP]]
 
<li> [[BHP]]
−
<li> [[JJ]]
 
 
<li>2 [[HS]]
 
<li>2 [[HS]]
 
<li>4 [[free tons]]
 
<li>4 [[free tons]]
Line 107: Line 110:
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
|Price F = 71 200
+
|Price F = 72 400
−
|ArmorT F = 51 921
+
|ArmorT F = 51 694
 
| Engine F = Magna 260 XL
 
| Engine F = Magna 260 XL
 
| Weapons F = <ul>
 
| Weapons F = <ul>
−
<li>2x [[SSRM6]]
+
<li>2x [[Tbolt15]]
−
<li>4x [[AC5]]
+
<li>4x [[ERML]]
 
<li>1x [[B-Pod]]
 
<li>1x [[B-Pod]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip F = <ul>
 
| Equip F = <ul>
 +
<li> [[EOptics]]
 
<li> [[JJ]]
 
<li> [[JJ]]
−
<li>0 [[HS]]
+
<li>6 [[DHS]]
−
<li>2 [[free tons]]
+
<li>4 [[free tons]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
|Price G = 84 400
+
|Price G = 84 700
−
|ArmorT G = 54 921
+
|ArmorT G = 57 853
 
| Engine G = Magna 260 XL
 
| Engine G = Magna 260 XL
 
| Weapons G = <ul>
 
| Weapons G = <ul>
−
<li>2x [[RAC5]]
+
<li>2x [[Binary Laser Cannon]]
−
<li>2x [[MPL]]
+
<li>2x [[AC5|Light AC5]]
−
<li>2x [[SPL]]
+
<li>2x [[SXPL]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip G = <ul>
 
| Equip G = <ul>
 
<li> [[iJJ]]
 
<li> [[iJJ]]
−
<li> [[MASC]]
+
<li>8 [[DHS]]
−
<li>6 [[DHS]]
+
<li>0 [[free tons]]
−
<li>2 [[free tons]]
+
<li>12t [[Armor]]
−
<li>11.5t [[Armor]]
 
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
 
| Armor H = 2760
 
| Armor H = 2760
−
| Armor CT = 8243
+
| Armor CT = 9427
−
| Armor LRT = 5358
+
| Armor LRT = 6464
−
| Armor B = 4946
+
| Armor B = 5387
−
| Armor LRA = 4121
+
| Armor LRA = 4489
−
| Armor LRL = 5317
+
| Armor LRL = 5791
−
| Armor INT = 3190
+
| Armor INT = 3474
  
−
<!-- Current for 0.10.3 -->
+
| Version153 = 0.16.1
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
The '''Catapult''' is an iconic [[Inner Sphere]] [[Heavy Mech]] that focuses almost entirely on sustained long-range fire. It is easily identified by the large egg-shaped torso. Normally armed with large [[Missile|Missile]] racks and smaller weapons for self defense, the Catapult is a premier [[MWLL Asset Bible#LRM Boats|Missile Boater]]. With most variants equipped with [[Jump Jets]], [[Active Radar Probes]], and [[LAMS]], the Catapult can [[Gameplay Tactics#Poptarting|poptart]] effectively as well, and enjoys limited protection against enemy counter-battery fire.  Sacrificing speed for armor and extra room for ammo, the Catapult can stay on station for a long time, providing long-range support to its teammates while being tough enough to survive against moderate threats.
+
The '''Catapult''' is an iconic [[Inner Sphere]] [[Heavy Mech]] that focuses almost entirely on sustained long-range fire. It is easily identified by the large egg-shaped torso. Normally armed with large [[Missile|Missile]] racks and smaller weapons for self defense, the Catapult is a premier [[Asset_Roles#Missile_Boat|Missile Boater]]. With most variants equipped with [[Jump Jets]], [[Active Radar Probes]], and [[LAMS]], the Catapult can [[Gameplay Tactics#Poptarting|poptart]] effectively as well, and enjoys limited protection against enemy counter-battery fire.  Sacrificing speed for armor and extra room for ammo, the Catapult can stay on station for a long time, providing long-range support to its teammates while being tough enough to survive against moderate threats.
  
 
==Roles and Gameplay Hints==
 
==Roles and Gameplay Hints==
 
===Prime===
 
===Prime===
−
The Catapult Prime is a classic Missile Boat.  Carrying 2 [[LRM20]]s with 2 [[free tons]] for extra ammo, and equipped with [[GECM]], [[EOptics]] and [[JJ|Improved Jumpjets]], the Prime variant can bombard enemy units non-stop, 100meters out to over an kilometer, forcing them to take cover or risk suffering debilitating damage.  An additional armament of 4 [[ERSBL]]s allows the Catapult Prime to defend against [[Light Mechs]] or [[Vehicles]] that sneak up on it, as well as giving it anti [[Battle Armor]] capabilities thanks to its [[B-Pod]]. 3 [[DHS]] means pilots will have to keep an eye on their heat levels. The only variant with [[engines|STD engine]] help Prime survive some nasty encounters, as well as keep the price down.<br>
+
The Catapult Prime is a classic Missile Boat.  Carrying 4 [[LRM10]]s with 12 tons [[armor]], and equipped with [[GECM]], [[EOptics]] and [[JJ|Improved Jumpjets]], the Prime variant can bombard enemy units non-stop, 100 meters out to over an kilometer, forcing them to take cover or risk suffering debilitating damage.  An additional armament of 2 [[ERSL]]s & 2 [[ML]]s allows the Catapult Prime to defend against [[Light Mechs]] or [[Vehicles]] that sneak up on it, as well as giving it anti [[Battle Armor]] capabilities thanks to its [[B-Pod]]. 6 [[DHS]] means pilots will be able to keep up their bombardment for some time with less concern on heat. One who is after an missile boat shouldn't skip past this one.
−
One who is after an missile boat shouldn't skip past this one.
 
  
 
===Variant A===
 
===Variant A===
Line 160: Line 162:
  
 
===Variant B===
 
===Variant B===
−
The Catapult B mounts 2 [[MRM30]]s as its primary arsenal, giving it impressive close- to mid-range firepower that can shred through nearly any target in just a few salvos.  While the MRM30s can hit up to 650m away, their effectiveness tends to drop off dramatically as range increases. 4 [[ERSBL]]s make effective weapons for dealing with lighter enemy assets, and when coupled with the MRMs make the Catapult B very effective against enemy [[Battle Armor]]. 6 [[SHS|Single Heat Sinks]] can somewhat manage the heat generated by the MRM30s, and while the B variant has 2 [[free tons]], ammo can still become a serious concern.  This variant does not mount LAMS or an Active Radar Probe, but keeps the [[JJ|Improved Jumpjets]], making it somewhat less adaptable than the other Catapult variants.
+
The Catapult B mounts 2 [[MRM30]]s as its primary arsenal, giving it impressive close- to mid-range firepower that can shred through nearly any target in just a few salvos.  While the MRM30s can hit up to 650m away, their effectiveness tends to drop off dramatically as range increases. 4 [[ERSL]]s make effective weapons for dealing with lighter enemy assets, and when coupled with the MRMs make the Catapult B very effective against enemy [[Battle Armor]]. 6 [[SHS|Single Heat Sinks]] can somewhat manage the heat generated by the MRM30s, and while the B variant has 2 [[free tons]], ammo can still become a serious concern.  This variant does not mount LAMS or an Active Radar Probe, but keeps the [[JJ|Improved Jumpjets]], making it somewhat less adaptable than the other Catapult variants.
  
−
===Variant C===
+
===Variant C - ''"Cringe"''===
−
The C variant mounts 2 massive [[ArrowIV]] launchers with 2 free tons for ammo. This limited loadout allows the Catapult C to deal immense long-range damage assisted by its [[EOptics]] equipment. When coupled with a friendly [[NARC]] or [[TAG]] equipped unit, the C variant can decimate targets up to 3km (3000m) away. Sporting only 2 [[SBL]]s and 2 [[MGun]]s, the tradeoff for this incredibly long-ranged, devastating loadout is a lack of any appreciable close to mid-range self-defense abilities. The Catapult C also suffers  [[Heat#Heat Management|heat management]] problems, as the ArrowIV launchers and [[JJ]]s can generate quite a lot of excess heat that its 3 [[DHS]] have a tough time keeping up with. Mechwarriors should consider chain-firing the Arrow launchers to better manage their massive heat spikes.
+
Often referred to as the ''"Arrowpult"'' by many pilots, ''Cringe'' mounts 2 massive [[ArrowIV]] launchers with 2 free tons for ammo. This limited loadout allows the Catapult C to deal immense long-range damage. When coupled with a friendly [[NARC]] or [[TAG]] equipped unit, the Cringe can decimate targets up to 4km (4300m) away. Sporting only 2 [[SL]]s and 2 [[MGun]]s as backup weapons, the tradeoff for this incredibly long-ranged, devastating loadout is a lack of any appreciable close to mid-range self-defense. This makes the Cringe a poor choice in many [[Terrain Control]] matches where capturing [[posts]] and staying close to allies is important. The Cringe also suffers  [[Heat#Heat Management|heat management]] problems, as the ArrowIV launchers and [[JJ]]s can generate quite a lot of excess heat that its 3 [[DHS]] have a tough time keeping up with. Mechwarriors should consider [[chain fire|chain-firing]] the Arrow launchers to better manage their massive heat spikes. Other mechs are capable of [[jump sniping]], the Cringe definitely isn't, due to the heat and the ArrowIV's long [[lock on]] time. The C's jump jets are mostly just for maneuvering and acquiring better vantage points to rain down ArrowIVs on one's enemies.
  
 
===Variant D===
 
===Variant D===
−
The Catapult D, much like its brother the Catapult B, trades long-range standoff firepower for short range brawling muscle. The D variant mounts 4 [[SRM6]] launchers, which deal high damage while simultaneously inflicting severe cockpit shake. Paired with its complement of 4 [[MBL]]s, the Catapult D can brawl with the best of them, forcibly throwing off enemy aim and shredding armor while keeping up a withering amount of laser fire. [[JJ|Improved Jumpjets]] gives it some much needed mobility. 4 [[DHS]] let the D variant maintain this barrage for a decent amount of time before overheating, while 4 [[free tons]] also allow it to carry extra reloads for each launcher. Finally, a single [[LAMS]] helps the Catapult D mitigate some missile damage, as its somewhat slow top speed and limited amount of armor won't let it stand up to long range enemy fire for very long.
+
The Catapult D, much like its brother the Catapult B, trades long-range standoff firepower for short range brawling muscle. This muscle is in the form of 4 [[SRM6]] and 2 [[SRM2]] launchers, which deal very high damage while simultaneously inflicting severe cockpit shake. Paired with 2 [[MPL]]s, the Catapult D can brawl with the best of them, forcibly throwing off enemy aim and shredding armor while keeping up stable laser fire. [[JJ|Improved Jumpjets]] gives it some much needed mobility. 4 [[DHS]] let the D variant maintain this barrage for a decent amount of time before overheating, while 4 [[free tons]] also allow it to carry extra reloads for each [[SRM6]] launcher. Finally, a single [[LAMS]] helps the Catapult D mitigate some missile damage, as its somewhat slow top speed and limited amount of armor won't let it stand up to long range enemy fire for very long.
  
 
===Variant E===
 
===Variant E===
Line 172: Line 174:
  
 
===Variant F===
 
===Variant F===
−
The Catapult F is a mid to close range asset with sneaky firepower. With the Catapult being a missile focused mech, players are bound to look at its pair of streak launchers as its main weapon, but its array of 4 [[AC5]] is just as important, as their combined damage profile is slightly better than a gauss rifle despite sacrificing 100m of max range. Pilots will find themselves mostly skirmishing at mid range, slowly inching closer as they look for the right time to deploy the 2 [[SSRM6]]s, their operating time extended by two tons of reloads total. Pilots are encouraged to take advantage of the Catapult F's versatility helped by its [[JJ]]s rather than rushing straight into close combat, since specialist brawlers might overwhelm them. A downside of the Catapult F is that it's the only variant that carries absolutely no extra equipment, potentially leaving pilots without good map awareness flat footed. Despite having ''no extra'' [[SHS|heat sinks]] outside those hardmounted in its reactor, its autocannons cause negligible heat while its missiles were meant for decisive killing blows rather than prolonged brawls. The variant isn't ammo hungry by any means, but with a weapons load consisted solely of ammo dependent weapons, pilots should routinely check for shortages.
+
The Catapult F packs a mean punch. Duo of [[Tbolt15]] can ruin ones day, but [[free ton|4 extra tons]] of missiles will keep F in the field only for a while, as there are only 7 [[Tbolt15]]'s per ton of ammo. Despite impressive amount of 4 [[ERML|Extended Range Medium Lasers]], this Catapult is mostly an artilery unit that can defend itself, should it come to knife fighting. Lack of [[TAG]] means either standing 750m and closer for warheads to acquire lock on, or dumbfiring those angry mumblebees at greater distances if getting closer is not recommended for long and healthy life. Helping hand from skilled Tagger is allso viable option. 4 [[DHS|double heat sinks]] are enough to not overheat in most situations, as [[JJ| Standart Jump Jets]] are not as taxing either.
  
 
===Variant G===
 
===Variant G===
−
The G variant does with chain guns what the D variant does with missiles. 2 [[RAC5]]s let the Catapult G scour the armor off its enemies, while 2 [[MPL]]s and 2 [[SPL]]s give it modest staying power as its RACs cool off or unjam. The G variant also includes both [[iJJ]]s and [[MASC]], giving it mobility that the Catapult D lacks. This can let the G variant survive or escape situations that might otherwise destroy it, increasing its longevity. However, only 2 free tons of ammo means that pilots will often be returning to the mech bay to rearm, as the RAC5 chews through its ammo supply very quickly. 6 [[DHS]] ensure negligible heat issues, if the pilot wont [[JJ|jump]] or use [[MASC]] in the middle of fight.
+
{{Fluff|0.16.1}}
 +
The G variant does with chain guns what the D variant does with missiles. 2 [[RAC5]]s let the Catapult G rapidly shred the armor off its enemies, while 2 [[MPL]]s and 2 [[ERSL]]s give it modest staying power as its RACs cool off or unjam. Because of this rather blistering and ballistics-oriented loadout, this variant has unofficially earned the nicknamed of ''"Dakkapult"''. Unlike the D variant, it also makes use of both [[iJJ]]s and [[MASC]], and is thus significantly more mobile. This also means the G has the capability to survive or escape situations that might otherwise completely destroy it, thereby potentially increasing its longevity. However, having only 2 free tons of ammo means that pilots will often be returning to the mech bay to rearm, as the RAC5s chew through their ammo supply very quickly. 6 [[DHS]] mostly manage the loadouts heat well, but it will become an issue if you're trying to utilize your extra mobility in tandem with your full firepower.
 +
 
  
 
==Canon==
 
==Canon==
 
The Catapult is an offense oriented, second-line fire-support BattleMech initially produced on a limited contract for the Terran Hegemony. Representing Hollis Incorporated's first foray into the 'Mech market, the Catapult was produced in record numbers over its initial three-year period from the company's brand-new, state-of-the-art factory. Designed as a fire support Mech by the Star League, the Catapult is not as fast as other Heavy Mechs, but does feature decent Jump Jet capabilities. This allows it to gain the high ground, unleashing it's long-range missiles on hapless foes below.
 
The Catapult is an offense oriented, second-line fire-support BattleMech initially produced on a limited contract for the Terran Hegemony. Representing Hollis Incorporated's first foray into the 'Mech market, the Catapult was produced in record numbers over its initial three-year period from the company's brand-new, state-of-the-art factory. Designed as a fire support Mech by the Star League, the Catapult is not as fast as other Heavy Mechs, but does feature decent Jump Jet capabilities. This allows it to gain the high ground, unleashing it's long-range missiles on hapless foes below.
 
   
 
   
−
Date Introduced 2561 during the Era known as "Age of War" (2005 - 2570) - Unit Role: Missile Boat
+
Date Introduced 2561 during the Era known as "Age of War" (2398 - 2570) - Unit Role: Missile Boat
  
 
[http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Catapult BattleTech Reference]
 
[http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Catapult BattleTech Reference]
 +
 +
==Gallery==
 +
<gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-align:left">
 +
File:Catapult_Concept.jpg|Pre-alpha high-poly concept model
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
{{Template:Navbox_Assets_IS}}
 
{{Template:Navbox_Assets_IS}}

Latest revision as of 23:27, 13 September 2023

Catapult
Catapult spin.gif
360.png
Catapult.png
360.png
Class: Heavy Mech
Faction: Inner Sphere
Ticket cost: 7 upon destruction
Tier: 9
Tonnage: 65 tons
Speed: 64 km/h
Torso yaw: 200°
Torso pitch: -35° to +40° while standing
-35° to +50° while crouching
Variant Armament
Variant Weapons Equipment
Prime:
Price: 71 600 CBills
Total armor: 58 010
Engine Size: Magna 260 XL
A:
Price: 80 050 CBills
Total armor: 56 430
Engine Size: Magna 260 XL
B:
Price: 60 900 CBills
Total armor: 51 694
Engine Size: Magna 260 XL
C:
Price: 70 700 CBills
Total armor: 48 538
Engine Size: Magna 260 XL
D:
Price: 78 900 CBills
Total armor: 54 853
Engine Size: Magna 260 XL
E:
Price: 66 400 CBills
Total armor: 51 694
Engine Size: Magna 260 XL
F:
Price: 72 400 CBills
Total armor: 51 694
Engine Size: Magna 260 XL
G:
Price: 84 700 CBills
Total armor: 57 853
Engine Size: Magna 260 XL
Armor Points Distribution
BT
HD
LA
LL
LT
CT
RT
RA
RL
INT
5387
2760
4489
4489
5791
6464
9427
6464
4489
5791
3474

All stats current as of release 0.16.1

The Catapult is an iconic Inner Sphere Heavy Mech that focuses almost entirely on sustained long-range fire. It is easily identified by the large egg-shaped torso. Normally armed with large Missile racks and smaller weapons for self defense, the Catapult is a premier Missile Boater. With most variants equipped with Jump Jets, Active Radar Probes, and LAMS, the Catapult can poptart effectively as well, and enjoys limited protection against enemy counter-battery fire. Sacrificing speed for armor and extra room for ammo, the Catapult can stay on station for a long time, providing long-range support to its teammates while being tough enough to survive against moderate threats.

Roles and Gameplay Hints

Prime

The Catapult Prime is a classic Missile Boat. Carrying 4 LRM10s with 12 tons armor, and equipped with GECM, EOptics and Improved Jumpjets, the Prime variant can bombard enemy units non-stop, 100 meters out to over an kilometer, forcing them to take cover or risk suffering debilitating damage. An additional armament of 2 ERSLs & 2 MLs allows the Catapult Prime to defend against Light Mechs or Vehicles that sneak up on it, as well as giving it anti Battle Armor capabilities thanks to its B-Pod. 6 DHS means pilots will be able to keep up their bombardment for some time with less concern on heat. One who is after an missile boat shouldn't skip past this one.

Variant A

The A variant departs from the standard long-range, missile-heavy configuration that the other variants employ, and instead mounts an array of 2 ERPPCs and quad LBX2s, giving it impressive capabilities as a extreme- to long-range direct fire-support Mech. The extra tons of space normally used as ammo for Missile racks are replaced by 6 Double Heat Sinks, giving the Catapult A greatly increased heat management capability, Beagle Active Probe for improved sensor range and extra ton of armor. 2 ERPPCs provide the primary punch, hitting hard and disorienting enemy pilots, while 4 LBX2s allow the A variant to continue pouring fire into targets while waiting for the PPCs to recharge. A single LAMS helps the Catapult A mitigate some missile damage. Because the Catapult A has no large, obvious missile racks, it has a much smaller profile, as its weapons are all clustered around the Center Torso. The net result closely mimics an overgrown Raven C with Improved Jump Jets.

Variant B

The Catapult B mounts 2 MRM30s as its primary arsenal, giving it impressive close- to mid-range firepower that can shred through nearly any target in just a few salvos. While the MRM30s can hit up to 650m away, their effectiveness tends to drop off dramatically as range increases. 4 ERSLs make effective weapons for dealing with lighter enemy assets, and when coupled with the MRMs make the Catapult B very effective against enemy Battle Armor. 6 Single Heat Sinks can somewhat manage the heat generated by the MRM30s, and while the B variant has 2 free tons, ammo can still become a serious concern. This variant does not mount LAMS or an Active Radar Probe, but keeps the Improved Jumpjets, making it somewhat less adaptable than the other Catapult variants.

Variant C - "Cringe"

Often referred to as the "Arrowpult" by many pilots, Cringe mounts 2 massive ArrowIV launchers with 2 free tons for ammo. This limited loadout allows the Catapult C to deal immense long-range damage. When coupled with a friendly NARC or TAG equipped unit, the Cringe can decimate targets up to 4km (4300m) away. Sporting only 2 SLs and 2 MGuns as backup weapons, the tradeoff for this incredibly long-ranged, devastating loadout is a lack of any appreciable close to mid-range self-defense. This makes the Cringe a poor choice in many Terrain Control matches where capturing posts and staying close to allies is important. The Cringe also suffers heat management problems, as the ArrowIV launchers and JJs can generate quite a lot of excess heat that its 3 DHS have a tough time keeping up with. Mechwarriors should consider chain-firing the Arrow launchers to better manage their massive heat spikes. Other mechs are capable of jump sniping, the Cringe definitely isn't, due to the heat and the ArrowIV's long lock on time. The C's jump jets are mostly just for maneuvering and acquiring better vantage points to rain down ArrowIVs on one's enemies.

Variant D

The Catapult D, much like its brother the Catapult B, trades long-range standoff firepower for short range brawling muscle. This muscle is in the form of 4 SRM6 and 2 SRM2 launchers, which deal very high damage while simultaneously inflicting severe cockpit shake. Paired with 2 MPLs, the Catapult D can brawl with the best of them, forcibly throwing off enemy aim and shredding armor while keeping up stable laser fire. Improved Jumpjets gives it some much needed mobility. 4 DHS let the D variant maintain this barrage for a decent amount of time before overheating, while 4 free tons also allow it to carry extra reloads for each SRM6 launcher. Finally, a single LAMS helps the Catapult D mitigate some missile damage, as its somewhat slow top speed and limited amount of armor won't let it stand up to long range enemy fire for very long.

Variant E

The E variant is a slightly more long-range focused version of the Catapult Prime. Its missile systems have been upgraded to 2 ELRM15s, allowing the Catapult E to lock and fire its missiles out to a maximum range of 1500m, 500m more than standard LRMs. The E variant swaps its standard medium lasers for 4 AC2s, which, while slightly lowering its close range firepower, still allow it to defend against light assets and Battle Armor without further burdening its two Single Heat Sinks. It also has 4 free tons, which it can use to carry 2 reloads for each launcher. Finally, along with the standard Prime equipment loadout of EOptics and JJs, the Catapult E also carries a BHP, which pushes its active radar range out to 1400m.

Variant F

The Catapult F packs a mean punch. Duo of Tbolt15 can ruin ones day, but 4 extra tons of missiles will keep F in the field only for a while, as there are only 7 Tbolt15's per ton of ammo. Despite impressive amount of 4 Extended Range Medium Lasers, this Catapult is mostly an artilery unit that can defend itself, should it come to knife fighting. Lack of TAG means either standing 750m and closer for warheads to acquire lock on, or dumbfiring those angry mumblebees at greater distances if getting closer is not recommended for long and healthy life. Helping hand from skilled Tagger is allso viable option. 4 double heat sinks are enough to not overheat in most situations, as Standart Jump Jets are not as taxing either.

Variant G

The G variant does with chain guns what the D variant does with missiles. 2 RAC5s let the Catapult G rapidly shred the armor off its enemies, while 2 MPLs and 2 ERSLs give it modest staying power as its RACs cool off or unjam. Because of this rather blistering and ballistics-oriented loadout, this variant has unofficially earned the nicknamed of "Dakkapult". Unlike the D variant, it also makes use of both iJJs and MASC, and is thus significantly more mobile. This also means the G has the capability to survive or escape situations that might otherwise completely destroy it, thereby potentially increasing its longevity. However, having only 2 free tons of ammo means that pilots will often be returning to the mech bay to rearm, as the RAC5s chew through their ammo supply very quickly. 6 DHS mostly manage the loadouts heat well, but it will become an issue if you're trying to utilize your extra mobility in tandem with your full firepower.


Canon

The Catapult is an offense oriented, second-line fire-support BattleMech initially produced on a limited contract for the Terran Hegemony. Representing Hollis Incorporated's first foray into the 'Mech market, the Catapult was produced in record numbers over its initial three-year period from the company's brand-new, state-of-the-art factory. Designed as a fire support Mech by the Star League, the Catapult is not as fast as other Heavy Mechs, but does feature decent Jump Jet capabilities. This allows it to gain the high ground, unleashing it's long-range missiles on hapless foes below.

Date Introduced 2561 during the Era known as "Age of War" (2398 - 2570) - Unit Role: Missile Boat

BattleTech Reference

Gallery

  • Pre-alpha high-poly concept model


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