Viewing Weapons & Equipment
Weapon & Equipment Information
General Details
Name:  Artemis IV FCS
Type (Category):  Equipment (Enhancer)
Reference:  TechManual (p. 206)

Description:
In an effort to enhance the accuracy and lethality of standard missile racks, the first Star League developed the Artemis IV fire-control system. Mounted in a dome near the enhanced launcher, the Artemis was in essence an infrared laser designator, target lock mechanism and tight-beam microwave transmitter that—together with specialized missile control systems—helped to focus the spread of all missile volleys so enhanced. Though not as foolproof as the Streak system (as a consequence of design philosophy), the Artemis IV’s constant course-correction data stream rendered standard short- and long-range missile launchers even more lethal in combat with an average increase of roughly 35 percent in the number of missiles per volley that hit the target.

The Artemis is a jealous electronics system by nature; its compatibility is solely focused on standard LRM and SRM launch systems and their one-shot varieties, and requires that all such systems on a given chassis be similarly equipped. Even then, the launchers receive the targeting benefits only when using Artemis-equipped munitions. (The launchers may also fire standard missiles, but the Artemis has no impact on accuracy.) Other targeting enhancements like the Streak system, Narc beacons or even modern special munitions do not benefit from the use of Artemis IV, though most may still be fired by an Artemis-equipped launcher. While this hardware restriction may seem an inconvenience, in practice it can simplify the munitions needs of a given combat unit by encouraging the use of only one type of missile load in the field.

Interestingly enough, the Clan version of the Artemis performs exactly the same as those produced in the Inner Sphere in terms of tonnage, compactness and battlefield accuracy. The Artemis IV used by the Clan-made Series XXXII Multitrack system is identical in all such aspects to, say, the one used with IMB System’s RCA Instatrac XIII.

Game Rules:
Add +2 to the die roll when rolling on the Cluster Hits Table for attacks by standard LRM/SRM launchers, as well as MML launchers, using this system and firing Artemis-equipped missiles.

Special Munitions: Artemis IV cannot be used with Streak SRM or Narc missile beacon munitions. It can be used with any other kind of special munitions, but those munitions do not gain any benefits from the Artemis IV. The system may be used with one-shot (OS) missile packs.

Ammunition: If the launcher is loaded with normal ammo, it can still be used but functions as a normal launcher.

Critical Hits: If the Artemis system assigned to a specific launcher is destroyed, the missile launcher can still be fired as a normal launcher.

LRM Indirect Fire: The Artemis system has no effect on LRM missiles fired indirectly.
Unit Type Availability
BattleMechsIndustrialMechsCombat Vehicles
Inner Sphere Data (BattleMechs)
Prototype Date:  
Production Date:  2598
Extinction Date:  2855
Recovery Date:  3035

BattleMech Specific Construction Rules
May be mounted on Inner Sphere units in accordance with the following construction rules:
 Must be placed within the same location as the weapon or equipment it modifies

WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT COMBAT AND CONSTRUCTION TABLE
Heat
Damage (Aero)
Range (Aero)
Rating
Availability
Cost (C-bills)
Weight (Tons)
Criticals
Battle Value
Direct-Fire
Explosive
0
– (–)
– (–)
E
E-F-D-C
100,000
1
1*
*
* See rules for this equipment

RULES LEVEL PROGRESSION TABLE
Start Year
End Year
Rules Level
2598
2854
Standard
3035
Standard

MegaMek Output → Critical Slot:  ISArtemisIV
Record Sheet Output → Critical Slot:  Artemis IV FCS
Clan Data (BattleMechs)
Prototype Date:  ~2816
Production Date:  2818
Extinction Date:  
Recovery Date:  

BattleMech Specific Construction Rules
May be mounted on Clan units in accordance with the following construction rules:
 Must be placed within the same location as the weapon or equipment it modifies

WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT COMBAT AND CONSTRUCTION TABLE
Heat
Damage (Aero)
Range (Aero)
Rating
Availability
Cost (C-bills)
Weight (Tons)
Criticals
Battle Value
Direct-Fire
Explosive
0
– (–)
– (–)
F
E-F-D-C
100,000
1
1*
*
* See rules for this equipment

RULES LEVEL PROGRESSION TABLE
Start Year
End Year
Rules Level
~2816
2817
Experimental
2818
Standard

MegaMek Output → Critical Slot:  CLArtemisIV
Record Sheet Output → Critical Slot:  Artemis IV FCS