Difference between revisions of "Xerxes"

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m (→‎History: now Trivia)
 
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{{ASF|
 
{{ASF|
−
| Image = File:Xerxes.jpg|
+
| Image = File:Xerxes.png
 +
| ImageGif = File:Xerxes_spin.gif
 
| Faction = Clan
 
| Faction = Clan
 
| Tickets = 13
 
| Tickets = 13
Line 7: Line 8:
 
| Class = Heavy
 
| Class = Heavy
  
−
| Price Prime = 139 000
+
| Price Prime = 131 000
 
| ArmorT Prime = 26 837
 
| ArmorT Prime = 26 837
 
| Class Prime = Attacker
 
| Class Prime = Attacker
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| Maneuver Prime = 3
 
| Maneuver Prime = 3
 
| MaxSpeed Prime = 481
 
| MaxSpeed Prime = 481
 +
| TurnSpeed Prime = 315
 
| Weapons Prime = <ul>
 
| Weapons Prime = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[UAC20|Air UAC20]]
 
<li>2x [[UAC20|Air UAC20]]
−
<li>2x [[CERLL]]
+
<li>2x [[CERLL|Air CERLL]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#High Explosive|Bomb (HE)]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#High Explosive|Bomb (HE)]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
Line 31: Line 33:
 
| Maneuver A = 2.4
 
| Maneuver A = 2.4
 
| MaxSpeed A = 448
 
| MaxSpeed A = 448
 +
| TurnSpeed A = 310
 
| Weapons A = <ul>
 
| Weapons A = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[LRM15|Air LRM15]]
 
<li>2x [[LRM15|Air LRM15]]
 
<li>2x [[LRM10|Air LRM10]]
 
<li>2x [[LRM10|Air LRM10]]
−
<li>2x [[CERLL]]
+
<li>2x [[CERLL|Air CERLL]]
 
<li>2x [[CERML|Air CERML]]
 
<li>2x [[CERML|Air CERML]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#Laser-Guided|Bomb (LG)]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#Laser-Guided|Bomb (LG)]]
Line 44: Line 47:
 
<li>9 [[DHS]]
 
<li>9 [[DHS]]
 
<li>6 [[free tons]]
 
<li>6 [[free tons]]
−
<li>12.5t Armor
+
<li>12.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
Line 53: Line 56:
 
| Maneuver B = 3
 
| Maneuver B = 3
 
| MaxSpeed B = 481
 
| MaxSpeed B = 481
 +
| TurnSpeed B = 315
 
| Weapons B = <ul>
 
| Weapons B = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[HML|Air HML]]
 
<li>2x [[HML|Air HML]]
Line 67: Line 71:
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price C = 124 500
+
| Price C = 132 500
 
| ArmorT C = 29 687
 
| ArmorT C = 29 687
 
| Class C = Bomber
 
| Class C = Bomber
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| Maneuver C = 2.4
 
| Maneuver C = 2.4
 
| MaxSpeed C = 448
 
| MaxSpeed C = 448
 +
| TurnSpeed C = 310
 
| Weapons C = <ul>
 
| Weapons C = <ul>
−
<li>2x [[CERPPC|Air CERPPC]]
+
<li>2x [[CERPPC]]
−
<li>2x [[CLBX10|Air CLBX10]]
+
<li>2x [[CLBX10|Air LBX10]]
 
<li>2x [[CMPL|Air CMPL]]
 
<li>2x [[CMPL|Air CMPL]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#High Explosive|Bomb (HE)]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#High Explosive|Bomb (HE)]]
Line 84: Line 89:
 
<li>5 [[DHS]]
 
<li>5 [[DHS]]
 
<li>6 [[free tons]]
 
<li>6 [[free tons]]
−
<li>12.5t Armor
+
<li>12.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
−
| Price D = 128 500
+
| Price D = 126 500
 
| ArmorT D = 26 837
 
| ArmorT D = 26 837
 
| Class D = Attacker
 
| Class D = Attacker
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| Maneuver D = 3
 
| Maneuver D = 3
 
| MaxSpeed D = 481
 
| MaxSpeed D = 481
 +
| TurnSpeed D = 315
 
| Weapons D = <ul>
 
| Weapons D = <ul>
−
<li>2x [[Gauss|Air Gauss]]
+
<li>1x [[Gauss|Air Gauss]]
−
<li>2x [[CLPL|Air CLPL]]
+
<li>3x [[CLPL|Air CLPL]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#Laser-Guided|Bomb (LG)]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#Laser-Guided|Bomb (LG)]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
Line 101: Line 107:
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[RFL]]
 
<li>[[RFL]]
−
<li>2 [[DHS]]
+
<li>8 [[DHS]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
 
<li>0 [[free tons]]
 
<li>11.5t [[Armor]]
 
<li>11.5t [[Armor]]
Line 112: Line 118:
 
| Maneuver E = 2.4
 
| Maneuver E = 2.4
 
| MaxSpeed E = 448
 
| MaxSpeed E = 448
 +
| TurnSpeed E = 310
 
| Weapons E = <ul>
 
| Weapons E = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[UAC10|Air UAC10]]
 
<li>2x [[UAC10|Air UAC10]]
Line 124: Line 131:
 
<li>3 [[DHS]]
 
<li>3 [[DHS]]
 
<li>6 [[free tons]]
 
<li>6 [[free tons]]
−
<li>12.5t Armor
+
<li>12.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
Line 133: Line 140:
 
| Maneuver F = 3
 
| Maneuver F = 3
 
| MaxSpeed F = 481
 
| MaxSpeed F = 481
 +
| TurnSpeed F = 315
 
| Weapons F = <ul>
 
| Weapons F = <ul>
 
<li>4x [[UAC5|Air UAC5]]
 
<li>4x [[UAC5|Air UAC5]]
Line 152: Line 160:
 
| Maneuver G = 2.4
 
| Maneuver G = 2.4
 
| MaxSpeed G = 448
 
| MaxSpeed G = 448
 +
| TurnSpeed G = 310
 
| Weapons G = <ul>
 
| Weapons G = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[HAG20]]
 
<li>2x [[HAG20]]
 
<li>2x [[CERLL|Air CERLL]]
 
<li>2x [[CERLL|Air CERLL]]
−
<li>2x [[CERML|Air ERML]]
+
<li>2x [[CERML|Air CERML]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#Cluster|Bomb (CL)]]
 
<li>3x [[Bomb#Cluster|Bomb (CL)]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
Line 165: Line 174:
 
<li>7 [[DHS]]
 
<li>7 [[DHS]]
 
<li>3 [[free tons]]
 
<li>3 [[free tons]]
−
<li>12.5t Armor
+
<li>12.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
Line 173: Line 182:
 
| Armor T = 3685
 
| Armor T = 3685
  
 +
| Version153 = 0.16.3
 
}}
 
}}
−
<!--Stats current for 0.10.3-->
+
The '''Xerxes''' supersedes the [[Visigoth]] as the heaviest [[Clan]] aerospace fighter by a large margin. Many variants of the Xerxes carry immense anti-ground firepower in the form of direct-fire weapons such as the Air [[UAC20]] and a significant payload of bombs for finishing off damaged targets. In this regard, it is very similar to the [[Shiva]] - lethal to unwary ground units, yet virtually helpless against enemy aerospace assets. Every variant is equipped with a [[RFL|Rear-Firing Laser]] to provide some level of defense against tailgating enemy aircraft. Do to it's immense size and weight controlling flight can be a challenge.
  
−
The '''Xerxes''' was a '''canceled''' [[Clan]] [[Aerospace]] fighter that could not be finished before the 0.7.0 final beta release.
+
Note in Stats the; Maneuverability / Max Speed / Optimal Turning Speed, between the 3 different classes. The Xerxes is the least maneuverable Aerospace unit.
−
 
 
−
However, since development restarted, the Xerxes was released in the 0.8.3 patch in 2017. It supercedes the [[Visigoth]] as the heaviest [[Clan]] aerospace fighter by a large margin, as many variants of the Xerxes carry immense anti-ground firepower in the form of direct-fire weapons such as the air [[UAC20]] and a significant payload of bombs for finishing off damaged targets. In this regard, it is very similar to the [[Shiva]] - lethal to unwary ground units, yet helpless against enemy aerospace assets. Every variant boast [[RFL|Rear Firing Laser]].
 
  
  
 
==Roles and Gameplay Hints==
 
==Roles and Gameplay Hints==
−
<!--fluff current for 0.10.3-->
 
  
 
===Prime===
 
===Prime===
−
One of the deadliest aerospace fighters in [[MWLL]], the Prime variant makes use of two air [[UAC20]]s to deliver crushing firepower against any ground assets caught in its strafing run. The two [[CERLL|Air CERLL]]s provide some additional damage when lining up a pass, while the [[Bomb#High_Explosive|High-Explosive Bomb]]s are excellent for delivering the killing blow or for busting targets trying to hide from the rain of shells. With such incredible firepower, this Xerxes tends to be a player favorite. Of course, not every aircraft can be without flaws: The lack of spare tonnage does mean that it will make resupply trips often, and the anti-ground focus of its armament means enemy aerospace fighters can pose a significant threat to it.
+
One of the deadliest aerospace fighters in [[MWLL]], the Prime variant makes use of two air [[UAC20]]s to deliver crushing firepower against any ground assets caught in its strafing run. Two ER Large Lasers provide some additional damage when lining up a pass, while three [[Bomb#High_Explosive|High-Explosive Bomb]]s are excellent for delivering the killing blow or for busting targets trying to hide from the rain of shells. With such incredible firepower, this Xerxes tends to be a player favorite. Of course, not every aircraft can be without flaws: The lack of any spare tonnage does mean that the Xerxes Prime is forced to make resupply trips quite often, and the exclusively anti-ground focus of its armament means enemy aerospace fighters can pose a significant threat to it.
  
 
===Variant A===
 
===Variant A===
−
If you feel like your allies are not pressured enough by your absence on the battlefield, why not pressure them further to TAG or Narc for you? If they comply, you no longer have to pretend like you are trying or caring and let your fifty [[LRM|Air LRMs]] and three [[Bomb#Laser-Guided|Laser-Guided Bombs]] (a maximum of nine can be had if you use all free tons for additional bombs) do the aiming – unless the enemy team is smart enough to bring [[AECM]] to counter your team's Narcs. Six free tons give the A variant plenty of space for additional bombs.
+
With its two [[LRM10|Air LRM10]]s, two [[LRM15|Air LRM15]]s, and two ER Large Lasers, the Xerxes A can deliver a punishing blow from afar and with impunity. When working together with a spotter using [[TAG]] or [[NARC]], its bomb payload of three [[Bomb#Laser-Guided|Laser-Guided Bomb]]s can together deal devastating damage to distracted or unwary ground targets. A pair of [[CERML|Clantech Air ER Medium Laser]]s are the only backup weapons, offering light close- to medium-range firepower in the event anything survives the bomber's initial bombardment or another aircraft attempts to intercept it. Nine Double Heat Sinks can just barely keep heat in check, while six free tons for ammo can give the Xerxes A up to two extra bombing runs if its pilot chooses to use all three bombs at once each run. An extra ton of armor helps maintain this bomber's presence in the skies, and a [[Beagle Active Probe]] allows it to detect enemies from 1200 meters away and lock its LRMs slightly faster.
  
 
===Variant B - ''"Apep"''===
 
===Variant B - ''"Apep"''===
−
Much like the A variant, when you don't feel like trying too hard, the ''Apep'' has you covered. Simply lock your thirty [[ATM6#Standard|Standard Air ATMs]] and let loose – they will deal tons of damage on their own, provided the enemy hasn't reached cover. Three [[Bomb#Cluster|Cluster Bombs]] round out the ''Apep'''s air-to-ground attack capabilities, while a pair of [[HML|Heavy Medium]] and [[Heavy Small Laser]]s provide some form of anti-air deterrence. The lack of spare tonnage does force this variant to make rearm trips often.
+
Simply lock your thirty [[ATM6#Standard|Standard Air ATMs]] and let loose – they will deal tons of damage, provided the enemy hasn't reached cover. Three [[Bomb#Cluster|Cluster Bombs]] round out the ''Apep'''s air-to-ground attack capabilities, while a pair of [[HML|Heavy Medium]] and [[Heavy Small Laser]]s provide some form of anti-air deterrence. The lack of spare tonnage does force this variant to make rearm trips often.
  
 
===Variant C - ''"Storm"''===
 
===Variant C - ''"Storm"''===
−
Two [[LBX10|Air LBX10s]] with two [[CERPPC|Air CERPPCs]], wrapped in the fiery explosions of up to nine High Explosive Bombs. The bow tie of this package is a pair of [[CMPL|Air CMPL]]s, providing additional anti-ground and minor anti-air damage. This variant is quite an interesting – if niche - pick on cold maps and, thanks to its good bomb payload, can deal massive damage in one run before having to rearm.
+
Two [[LBX10|Air LBX10s]] with two [[CERPPC]]s, wrapped in the fiery explosions of up to nine High Explosive Bombs. The bow tie of this package is a pair of [[CMPL|Air CMPL]]s, providing additional anti-ground and minor anti-air damage. This variant is quite an interesting – if niche - pick on cold maps and, thanks to its good bomb payload, can deal massive damage in one run before having to rearm.
  
 
===Variant D===
 
===Variant D===
−
A loadout consisting of two [[Gauss Rifle|Air Gauss Rifles]] paired with two [[CLPL|Air CLPLs]] and three Laser-Guided Bombs makes for an effective variant when the enemy team decides to stand still. With its attacker profile, this variant's loadout is also suitable for fighting off other aircraft.
+
A loadout consisting of an [[Gauss Rifle|Air Gauss Rifle]] with three [[CLPL|Air CLPLs]] and three Laser-Guided Bombs. Very high damage [[alpha strike]] at long range. When [[boosting]] for extended periods of time, the D is effectively the fastest aerospace in MWLL. Have a second [[weapon group]] for the CLPLs and set that group to [[chain fire]], that way the pilot can easily switch between [[group fire]] and chain fire depending on [[heat]].
  
 
===Variant E===
 
===Variant E===
−
A budget Xerxes Prime: Two [[UAC10|Air UAC10s]], four [[CERML|Air CERML]] and twelve [[SSRM|Air SSRMs]], and the capability to carry up to nine High Explosive Bombs. Additionally, it also mounts [[GECM]], making it easier to approach enemy ground units virtually undetected from up to 500m away, and is thereby able to clear AA and other ground targets with relative ease.
+
One may write this off as just a 'budget Xerxes Prime' with its two [[UAC10|Air UAC10s]] - yet the accompanying four [[CERML|Air CERML]] and twelve [[SSRM|Air SSRMs]] give it nearly as much terrifying damage from a much safer distance. That extra survivability from that range advantage will allow you to use each of your generous 6 free tons of nine High Explosive Bombs. Additionally, it also mounts [[GECM|Air GECM]], offering some added defense against enemy missile locks.
  
 
===Variant F===
 
===Variant F===
−
Because diving, to rain down twenty [[CSRM]]s, is perfectly safe. Before you get in range to use those, don't forget to spray your target with your four [[UAC5|Air UAC5]]s and then drop three Cluster Bombs on your way out. That's all there is to it, because the only other thing you can do is get uppercut or shoulder-checked by a mech or shot down by anything else.
+
A classic example of an attacker aircraft, the Xerxes F wields - as its only long-range weapons - four Air [[UAC5|Ultra AC5]]s, which can provide ample firepower from range as it lines up a strafing run and closes in on its target. Once it's dropped altitude to just above the target, this attacker can unleash a devastating volley of twenty individual [[SRM]]s from its two Air SRM4s and two Air SRM6s. As the Xerxes F nears the end of its run, it can call upon three [[Bomb|Cluster Bombs]] to ensure anything left in its wake is thoroughly obliterated. Of course, all this raw damage output potential is balanced by an absence of any electronic warfare equipment or spare tonnage for ammunition, making this variant vulnerable to easy radar detection and forcing it to make frequent resupply trips. Two Double Heat Sinks keep heat under control.
  
 
===Variant G - ''"Suplex"''===
 
===Variant G - ''"Suplex"''===
−
Two [[HAG20]]s, two Air CERLLs, GECM, and [[BHP]] not only make this variant the most expensive of the ASF but also turn it into the ultimate troll variant for when you've pissed off the enemy team with ASFs hard enough for them to put out a few huits and partisans on the field. Hit them with the HAG20s from 1250-900m under the cover of GECM, and BHP to spot them better yourself. Opening up that dual HAG20 on unsuspecting enemy fighters is also effective. Additionally, the Suplex can carry a total of six Cluster Bombs for finishing off crippled assets, and has two Air CERMLs for some extra all-purpose punch. Only makes you wonder why it’s named Suplex and not RKO.
+
Two [[HAG20]]s, two [[CERLL|Air CERLLs]], two [[ERML|Air ERMLs]], [[RFL|Rear Firing Laser]], [[EOptics]], [[GECM]], [[BHP]], 7 [[DHS]] and 3 [[Free ton]] make this variant the most expensive of the ASF for when you've pissed off the enemy team with ASFs hard enough for them to put out a few huits and partisans on the field. Hit them with the HAG20s from 1250-900m under the cover of GECM, and BHP to spot them better yourself. Opening up that dual HAG20 on unsuspecting enemy fighters is also effective. Additionally, the Suplex can carry a total of six [[Bomb|Cluster Bombs]] for finishing off crippled assets.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Trivia==
 +
* The Xerxes was a canceled [[Clan]] [[Aerospace]] fighter that could not be finished before the 0.7.0 final beta release, being only 70% complete at the time. However, since development restarted under the MWLL community's efforts, the Xerxes was finally finished and released in the [[Mechwarrior: Living Legends/Versions#0.8.3|0.8.3 patch]] in 2017.
 +
* Wandering Samurai Studio had planned for the Xerxes to be released with a future 0.8 or 0.9 update.
  
 
==Canon==
 
==Canon==
 
The Xerxes is an 85 ton second-line air supremacy Aerospace Fighter, nicknamed the ''Hunchback IIC of the skies''. Its main role was to bring down enemy aerospace quickly, its heavy armor allowing it to survive prolonged engagements against more agile assets, though it was also a deadly ground attack fighter capable of crippling Mechs. Designed by Clan Smoke Jaguar, the Xerxes mounts two [[UAC20]] on its wings and 2 [[ERLL]], making it able to strip off enormous amounts of armor in a single pass. A squadron of Xerxes can easily bring destruction to any unit that managed to withstand its first strike. It also saw use in space battles, where its immense array of weapons could tear away the main armor of DropShips with other fighters finishing what was left. After the annihilation of Clan Smoke Jaguar, Clan Hell's Horses captured the factory where the Xerxes was being built, leading to a variant mounting two ERLL and two [[Gauss]] Rifles.
 
The Xerxes is an 85 ton second-line air supremacy Aerospace Fighter, nicknamed the ''Hunchback IIC of the skies''. Its main role was to bring down enemy aerospace quickly, its heavy armor allowing it to survive prolonged engagements against more agile assets, though it was also a deadly ground attack fighter capable of crippling Mechs. Designed by Clan Smoke Jaguar, the Xerxes mounts two [[UAC20]] on its wings and 2 [[ERLL]], making it able to strip off enormous amounts of armor in a single pass. A squadron of Xerxes can easily bring destruction to any unit that managed to withstand its first strike. It also saw use in space battles, where its immense array of weapons could tear away the main armor of DropShips with other fighters finishing what was left. After the annihilation of Clan Smoke Jaguar, Clan Hell's Horses captured the factory where the Xerxes was being built, leading to a variant mounting two ERLL and two [[Gauss]] Rifles.
 +
 +
Date Introduced 2827 during the Era known as "Early Succession War" (2781 - 2900) - Unit Role: Dogfighter
  
 
[http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Xerxes BattleTech Reference]
 
[http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Xerxes BattleTech Reference]
 +
 +
==Gallery==
 +
<gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-align:left">
 +
File:Xerxes_Concept.jpg|Pre-alpha concept model
 +
File:Old_UnfinishedAssets_Xerxes.png|Unfinished model revealed at the time of v0.7.0's release
 +
</gallery>
  
 
[[Category: Community Edition Assets]]
 
[[Category: Community Edition Assets]]
  
 
{{Template:Navbox Assets Clan}}
 
{{Template:Navbox Assets Clan}}

Latest revision as of 04:03, 25 March 2024

Xerxes
Xerxes spin.gif
360v4.png
Xerxes.png
360v4.png
Faction Clan
Ticket cost: 13 upon destruction
Tier: 15
Tonnage: 85 tons
Variant Armament
Variant Weapons Equipment
Prime:
Class: Attacker
Price: 131 000 CBills
Total Armor: 26 837
Maneuverability: 3
Max Speed: 481 km/h
Opt. Turning: 315 km/h
A:
Class: Bomber
Price: 122 750 CBills
Total Armor: 29 687
Maneuverability: 2.4
Max Speed: 448 km/h
Opt. Turning: 310 km/h
B:
Class: Attacker
Price: 119 300 CBills
Total Armor: 26 837
Maneuverability: 3
Max Speed: 481 km/h
Opt. Turning: 315 km/h
C:
Class: Bomber
Price: 132 500 CBills
Total Armor: 29 687
Maneuverability: 2.4
Max Speed: 448 km/h
Opt. Turning: 310 km/h
D:
Class: Attacker
Price: 126 500 CBills
Total Armor: 26 837
Maneuverability: 3
Max Speed: 481 km/h
Opt. Turning: 315 km/h
E:
Class: Bomber
Price: 128 500 CBills
Total Armor: 29 687
Maneuverability: 2.4
Max Speed: 448 km/h
Opt. Turning: 310 km/h
F:
Class: Attacker
Price: 124 000 CBills
Total Armor: 26 837
Maneuverability: 3
Max Speed: 481 km/h
Opt. Turning: 315 km/h
G:
Class: Bomber
Price: 143 500 CBills
Total Armor: 29 687
Maneuverability: 2.4
Max Speed: 448 km/h
Opt. Turning: 310 km/h
Armor Points Distribution
B
LW
RW
E
T
10014
3845
3845
5448
3685

All stats current as of release 0.16.3

The Xerxes supersedes the Visigoth as the heaviest Clan aerospace fighter by a large margin. Many variants of the Xerxes carry immense anti-ground firepower in the form of direct-fire weapons such as the Air UAC20 and a significant payload of bombs for finishing off damaged targets. In this regard, it is very similar to the Shiva - lethal to unwary ground units, yet virtually helpless against enemy aerospace assets. Every variant is equipped with a Rear-Firing Laser to provide some level of defense against tailgating enemy aircraft. Do to it's immense size and weight controlling flight can be a challenge.

Note in Stats the; Maneuverability / Max Speed / Optimal Turning Speed, between the 3 different classes. The Xerxes is the least maneuverable Aerospace unit.


Roles and Gameplay Hints

Prime

One of the deadliest aerospace fighters in MWLL, the Prime variant makes use of two air UAC20s to deliver crushing firepower against any ground assets caught in its strafing run. Two ER Large Lasers provide some additional damage when lining up a pass, while three High-Explosive Bombs are excellent for delivering the killing blow or for busting targets trying to hide from the rain of shells. With such incredible firepower, this Xerxes tends to be a player favorite. Of course, not every aircraft can be without flaws: The lack of any spare tonnage does mean that the Xerxes Prime is forced to make resupply trips quite often, and the exclusively anti-ground focus of its armament means enemy aerospace fighters can pose a significant threat to it.

Variant A

With its two Air LRM10s, two Air LRM15s, and two ER Large Lasers, the Xerxes A can deliver a punishing blow from afar and with impunity. When working together with a spotter using TAG or NARC, its bomb payload of three Laser-Guided Bombs can together deal devastating damage to distracted or unwary ground targets. A pair of Clantech Air ER Medium Lasers are the only backup weapons, offering light close- to medium-range firepower in the event anything survives the bomber's initial bombardment or another aircraft attempts to intercept it. Nine Double Heat Sinks can just barely keep heat in check, while six free tons for ammo can give the Xerxes A up to two extra bombing runs if its pilot chooses to use all three bombs at once each run. An extra ton of armor helps maintain this bomber's presence in the skies, and a Beagle Active Probe allows it to detect enemies from 1200 meters away and lock its LRMs slightly faster.

Variant B - "Apep"

Simply lock your thirty Standard Air ATMs and let loose – they will deal tons of damage, provided the enemy hasn't reached cover. Three Cluster Bombs round out the Apep's air-to-ground attack capabilities, while a pair of Heavy Medium and Heavy Small Lasers provide some form of anti-air deterrence. The lack of spare tonnage does force this variant to make rearm trips often.

Variant C - "Storm"

Two Air LBX10s with two CERPPCs, wrapped in the fiery explosions of up to nine High Explosive Bombs. The bow tie of this package is a pair of Air CMPLs, providing additional anti-ground and minor anti-air damage. This variant is quite an interesting – if niche - pick on cold maps and, thanks to its good bomb payload, can deal massive damage in one run before having to rearm.

Variant D

A loadout consisting of an Air Gauss Rifle with three Air CLPLs and three Laser-Guided Bombs. Very high damage alpha strike at long range. When boosting for extended periods of time, the D is effectively the fastest aerospace in MWLL. Have a second weapon group for the CLPLs and set that group to chain fire, that way the pilot can easily switch between group fire and chain fire depending on heat.

Variant E

One may write this off as just a 'budget Xerxes Prime' with its two Air UAC10s - yet the accompanying four Air CERML and twelve Air SSRMs give it nearly as much terrifying damage from a much safer distance. That extra survivability from that range advantage will allow you to use each of your generous 6 free tons of nine High Explosive Bombs. Additionally, it also mounts Air GECM, offering some added defense against enemy missile locks.

Variant F

A classic example of an attacker aircraft, the Xerxes F wields - as its only long-range weapons - four Air Ultra AC5s, which can provide ample firepower from range as it lines up a strafing run and closes in on its target. Once it's dropped altitude to just above the target, this attacker can unleash a devastating volley of twenty individual SRMs from its two Air SRM4s and two Air SRM6s. As the Xerxes F nears the end of its run, it can call upon three Cluster Bombs to ensure anything left in its wake is thoroughly obliterated. Of course, all this raw damage output potential is balanced by an absence of any electronic warfare equipment or spare tonnage for ammunition, making this variant vulnerable to easy radar detection and forcing it to make frequent resupply trips. Two Double Heat Sinks keep heat under control.

Variant G - "Suplex"

Two HAG20s, two Air CERLLs, two Air ERMLs, Rear Firing Laser, EOptics, GECM, BHP, 7 DHS and 3 Free ton make this variant the most expensive of the ASF for when you've pissed off the enemy team with ASFs hard enough for them to put out a few huits and partisans on the field. Hit them with the HAG20s from 1250-900m under the cover of GECM, and BHP to spot them better yourself. Opening up that dual HAG20 on unsuspecting enemy fighters is also effective. Additionally, the Suplex can carry a total of six Cluster Bombs for finishing off crippled assets.


Trivia

  • The Xerxes was a canceled Clan Aerospace fighter that could not be finished before the 0.7.0 final beta release, being only 70% complete at the time. However, since development restarted under the MWLL community's efforts, the Xerxes was finally finished and released in the 0.8.3 patch in 2017.
  • Wandering Samurai Studio had planned for the Xerxes to be released with a future 0.8 or 0.9 update.

Canon

The Xerxes is an 85 ton second-line air supremacy Aerospace Fighter, nicknamed the Hunchback IIC of the skies. Its main role was to bring down enemy aerospace quickly, its heavy armor allowing it to survive prolonged engagements against more agile assets, though it was also a deadly ground attack fighter capable of crippling Mechs. Designed by Clan Smoke Jaguar, the Xerxes mounts two UAC20 on its wings and 2 ERLL, making it able to strip off enormous amounts of armor in a single pass. A squadron of Xerxes can easily bring destruction to any unit that managed to withstand its first strike. It also saw use in space battles, where its immense array of weapons could tear away the main armor of DropShips with other fighters finishing what was left. After the annihilation of Clan Smoke Jaguar, Clan Hell's Horses captured the factory where the Xerxes was being built, leading to a variant mounting two ERLL and two Gauss Rifles.

Date Introduced 2827 during the Era known as "Early Succession War" (2781 - 2900) - Unit Role: Dogfighter

BattleTech Reference

Gallery

  • Pre-alpha concept model

  • Unfinished model revealed at the time of v0.7.0's release


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