BattleMech Technical Readout
Name/Model: Ambassador MBSDR-2
Designer: Dr. B, Banzai
Source(s): Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: E
Tonnage: 15
Role: Scout
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: Star League / 2501
Rules (Current): Standard
Rules (Era): Advanced
Rules (Year): Unavailable
Total Cost: 2,300,575 C-Bills
Battle Value: 326
Chassis: Endo Steel
Power Plant: 165 XL
Walking Speed: 118.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 183.6 kph
Jump Jets: Norse Industries 1G
Jump Capacity: 30 meters
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
1 Anti-Missile System
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Lynx-shur Multiband 12.6M with Guardian ECM Suite
Targeting & Tracking: Beta Finder 101
================================================================================================
Overview:
One of the most unusual BattleMechs ever produced, the MBSDR-I Ambassador was designed
solely for diplomatic rendezvous. During the Unification War, occasions arose when two
leaders of roughly equal status needed to meet in face-to-face discussions. Communication by
radio or hyperpulse generator was often unsatisfactory for political negotiations due to the
time lag, or because it was simply too impersonal. Intimate, confidential talks and
bargaining generally yielded better results. However, any attempts for direct contact were
far too risky for both sides; snipers, assassins, and ambushes remained an everpresent
danger.
In an effort to encourage diplomatic relations between all parties involved (including both
remnants of outlying governments and Star League nation-states), Star League engineers
designed a specially equipped BattleMech, incapable of offense but well-suited for
preserving the life of its dignitary/pilot.
In a politically-motivated move of generosity, the Star League provided Ambassadors free of
charge to any prince, archon, chancellor, duke, or duchess who requested one. Accepted
reluctantly at first, the Ambassador slowly won adherents among senior leaders of every
House. Though the Star League nominally loaned these 'Mechs, it soon became a matter of
honor and pride for each "borrower" to maintain and preserve his own 'Mech in the best
possible condition. In fact, some leaders refused to conduct diplomatic talks in any other
way, insisting that their counterpart be equally equipped as a show of good faith and
comparable standing. By the end of the Good Years, over 200 MBSDRs were being used by the
six major Houses, and the Star League maintained nearly 100 more for its highest-ranking
dignitaries.
After the Second Succession War concluded, few Ambassadors remained operational or intact.
With every state and duchy short on supplies due to the preceding century of unbridled
destruction, almost all of these 'Mechs were stripped for parts to re-equip combat-capable
BattleMechs. (It is known that approximately 30 new 'Mechs of this type did leave for the
Periphery during General Kerensky's exodus.)
It is not known which House now possess functional Ambassadors, or which leaders may be in
control of them. It is believed that at least 150 still exist, scattered throughout the
Inner Sphere, though most of those will likely be out of service. Many of the Ambassadors
now found among the Successor States are missing their engines, heat sinks, and
communications equipment; even the armor has been removed from some, leaving the skeleton
bare. However, a recent unconfirmed ComStar report indicates the model is once again in
production of Terra, at the rate of two per month.
Capabilities:
Many BattleMech designers agree the MBSDR-I Ambassador was one of the finest models ever
built, certainly not in terms of efficiency or combat potential, but from the standpoint of
craftsmanship. Conceived and constructed during the Star League's finest years, the quality
of components used has rarely been equaled yet alone exceeded. Many of the original parts
(what few remain), including the excellent League-designed heat sinks, represent a level of
technology now lost to 31st-century Successor States. Numerous cockpit fixtures and
incidentals were hand-crafted, and the overall feel to the Ambassador pilot is one of
unparalleled splendor and comfort.
The light Riese armor, heavily concentrated in the head to better protect the pilot, is of
high quality and requires virtually no care. The huge VOX engine runs with exceptional
reliability and has never been directly or indirectly responsible for a pilot casualty. Of
course, with a top speed in excess of 175 kph, anyone who wishes to do harm to an MBSDR must
be able to keep up the pace. During prototype trials, one Ambassador even outran a stock
skimmer over a 1500-meter measured course, possibly making this the fastest 'Mech design
ever constructed.
Lacking any weapons and thus not equipped with a targeting system, the Beta Finder tracking
system is used primarily for transmitting and receiving IFF (Identification Friend or Foe)
recognition signals. The communication system more than makes up for it, however, with one
of the most sophisticated multi-channel frequency scramblers ever mounted in a vehicle. This
permits undetectable communication between two participating 'Mechs, thus preserving
diplomatic integrity.
The Ambassador strikes many first-time pilots as a gadget-oriented 'Mech. However, the Star
League heat sinks are of greater interest to battle-hardened MechWarriors: each sink has
double the heat-dissipation efficiency of current designs. Unfortunately, few 'Mechs have
their original heat sinks anymore; most were removed long ago.
If any valid complaint can be raised against the 'Mech's structure or features, it would
have to involve the Norse jump jets. The exhaust ports have a tendency to ice over in
sub-freezing temperatures, a condition that can make jumping slightly hazardous to say tile
least.
Deployment:
Though difficult to believe, records seem to reflect that MBSDRs have never heard more than
a handful of shots fired in anger. This astonishing fact is due entirely to the way the
model was employed. Many Ambassadors remained in rear-area systems, never venturing beyond
tile securely-maintained confines of their nation-state's borders. On rare occasions when
these 'Mechs (not truly "Battle"Mechs, but no other term existed) did venture forth, their
respective DropShip and JumpShip received heavy escort for safe passage.
After arriving at their destination, preliminary communications would be established with
the other party. The Ambassadors and dignitaries would only land on a planet after complete,
mutual agreement for a peaceful summit had been arranged on both sides. Each party would
then drop a 'Mech, and both would race to a predetermined rendezvous point. Once there, the
two leaders would sit in their respective cockpits perhaps 30 meters apart and talk for as
long as desired, adjourning whenever one chose to leave. Such conferences could last few
hours to days.
Large garrisons and DropShips might be elsewhere on (or above) the same world, but the sheer
presence of Ambassadors signified high level political discussions; all other parties –
combatants and noncombatants – were cleared from the meeting area's immediate vicinity,
without exception. Throughout the Good Years, these rules of conduct were preserved with
remarkable dedication and fewer than a dozen breaches of faith are recorded.
Variants:
<<< CLASSIFIED >>>
Notable MechWarriors:
First Lord of the Star League Michael Cameron
Lord Cameron often traveled to High Council sessions in his Ambassador, known as tile Rising
Star of Terra. Although he occasionally came with a sizable BattleMech escort when protocol
demanded, he expressed a preference to travel alone. Cameron personally-negotiated several
deals concerning the fate of Rim Worlds Lord Tadeo Amaris, visiting with other Lords and
their representatives in carefully arranged Ambassador meetings.
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo Steel 1.00
Engine: 165 XL 3.00
Walking MP: 11
Running MP: 17
Jumping MP: 1
Heat Sinks (Single): 10 0.00
Gyro: Standard 2.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 35 2.00
Type: Ferro-Fibrous
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 4
Center Torso: 5 4
Center Torso (rear): 3
R/L Torso: 4 3
R/L Torso (rear): 2
R/L Arm: 2 3
R/L Leg: 3 4
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anti-Missile System H 1 0.50
Jump Jet CT 1 0.50
Guardian ECM Suite RT 2 1.50
Anti-Missile System (Ammo 12) LT 1 1.00
CASE LT 1 0.50
================================================================================================
Alpha Strike Statistics
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Value (PV): 14
TP: BM, SZ: 1, TMM: 4, MV: 22"/2"j
Damage: (S) 0 / (M) 0 / (L) 0, OV: 0
Armor (A): 1, Structure (S): 1
Specials: AMS, CASE, ECM, JMPW4
Distribution
Name/Model: Ambassador MBSDR-2
Technology: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 15
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
===================================================================================================
Left ArmHeadRight Arm
1. Shoulder 1. Life Support 1. Shoulder
2. Upper Arm Actuator 2. Sensors 2. Upper Arm Actuator
3. Ferro-Fibrous 3. Cockpit 3. Ferro-Fibrous
4. Ferro-Fibrous 4. Anti-Missile System 4. Ferro-Fibrous
5. Ferro-Fibrous 5. Sensors 5. Ferro-Fibrous
6. Ferro-Fibrous 6. Life Support 6. Endo Steel
1. Endo Steel 1. Endo Steel
2. Endo Steel 2. Endo Steel
3. Endo Steel 3. Endo Steel
4. Roll Again 4. Roll Again
5. Roll Again 5. Roll Again
6. Roll Again 6. Roll Again
Left TorsoCenter TorsoRight Torso
1. XL Engine 1. XL Engine 1. XL Engine
2. XL Engine 2. XL Engine 2. XL Engine
3. XL Engine 3. XL Engine 3. XL Engine
4. Anti-Missile System (Ammo 12) 4. Gyro 4.Guardian ECM Suite
5. CASE 5. Gyro 5.Guardian ECM Suite
6. Ferro-Fibrous 6. Gyro 6. Ferro-Fibrous
1. Ferro-Fibrous 1. Gyro 1. Ferro-Fibrous
2. Ferro-Fibrous 2. XL Engine 2. Ferro-Fibrous
3. Endo Steel 3. XL Engine 3. Endo Steel
4. Endo Steel 4. XL Engine 4. Endo Steel
5. Endo Steel 5. Jump Jet 5. Endo Steel
6. Endo Steel 6. Ferro-Fibrous 6. Roll Again
Left LegRight Leg
1. Hip 1. Hip
2. Upper Leg Actuator 2. Upper Leg Actuator
3. Lower Leg Actuator 3. Lower Leg Actuator
4. Foot Actuator 4. Foot Actuator
5. Heat Sink 5. Heat Sink
6. Heat Sink 6. Heat Sink
Battle Value Breakdown
Name/Model: Ambassador MBSDR-2
Technology: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 15
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
================================================================================================
Defensive Battle Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Armor (Ferro-Fibrous): 35 x 2.5 x 1 87.500
Internal Structure (Endo Steel w/ XL Engine): 26 x 1.5 x 1 x 0.5 (+) 19.500 = 107.000
Gyro (Standard): 15 x 0.5 (+) 7.500 = 114.500
Defensive Equipment:
Anti-Missile System (+) 32.000 = 146.500
Anti-Missile System (Ammo 12) (+) 11.000 = 157.500
Guardian ECM Suite (+) 61.000 = 218.500
Explosive Ammunition: 1 Critical Space (-) 15.000 = 203.500
Defensive Movement Factor: +4 (*) 1.40 = 284.900
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Defensive Battle Rating: 284.900
================================================================================================
Offensive Battle Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Efficiency: Unit is efficient
6 (Base) + 10 (Heat Sinks) - 3 (Movement) = 13
Total 'Mech Tonnage: (+) 15.000 = 15.000
Speed Factor: 17 (Run) + 1 (Jump) (*) 2.720 = 40.800
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Offensive Battle Rating: 40.800
================================================================================================
BattleMech Battle Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defensive Battle Rating: 284.900
Offensive Battle Rating: (+) 40.800 = 325.700
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final BattleMech Battle Value: 326
Alpha Strike Conversion
Name/Model: Ambassador MBSDR-2
Technology: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 15
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
=======================================================================================================
Determine Unit Type
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground Units: BattleMech = BM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Unit Type: BM
=======================================================================================================
Determine Weight/Size Class
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonnage: 15 (less than 40) = 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Weight/Size Class: 1
=======================================================================================================
Convert Movement and Movement Modes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground Movement: 11 (Walk) = 22"
Ground Target Movement Modifier at 22" is 4
Jumping Movement: 1 (Jump) = 2"j
Jumping Target Movement Modifier at 2" is 0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Movement and Movement Modes: 22"/2"j
=======================================================================================================
Determine Short Range Damage Value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Efficiency: Unit is efficient
10 (Heat Sinks) = 10
3 (Movement) + 1 (Anti-Missile) - 4 (Base) (-) 0 = 10
Offensive Equipment: = 0.000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Short Range Damage Value: 0
=======================================================================================================
Determine Medium Range Damage Value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Efficiency: Unit is efficient
10 (Heat Sinks) = 10
3 (Movement) + 1 (Anti-Missile) - 4 (Base) (-) 0 = 10
Offensive Equipment: = 0.000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Medium Range Damage Value: 0
=======================================================================================================
Determine Long Range Damage Value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Efficiency: Unit is efficient
10 (Heat Sinks) = 10
3 (Movement) + 1 (Anti-Missile) - 4 (Base) (-) 0 = 10
Offensive Equipment: = 0.000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Long Range Damage Value: 0
=======================================================================================================
Convert Armor
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ferro-Fibrous: 35 armor points x 1 35.000 = 35.000
Armor Factor Conversion (/) 30 = 1.167
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Armor Value: 1
=======================================================================================================
Convert Structure
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine: Inner Sphere XL on a 15 ton BattleMech = 1.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Structure Value: 1
=======================================================================================================
Determine Special Abilities
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit is equipped with Anti-Missile System = AMS
Unit is equipped with CASE = CASE
Unit is equipped with Guardian ECM Suite = ECM
Jumping TMM is 4 less than Ground TMM = JMPW4
=======================================================================================================
Determine Point Value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit's Offensive Value:
Attack Damage Factor 0 (Short) + 0 (Medium) + 0 (Medium) + 0 (Long) = 0.000
Unit Size Factor 1 (Weight/Size Class) / 2 (+) 0.500 = 0.500
Overheat Factor 0 (Overheat) (+) 0.000 = 0.500
Blanket Offensive Modifier 1 (Base) (*) 1.000 = 0.500
Defensive Interaction Rating:
Armor Factor 1 (Armor) x 2.0 (Non-Vehicle Unit) = 2.000
Structure Factor 1 (Structure) x 1.0 (Other Unit) (+) 1.000 = 3.000
Defense Factor 1 + {[4 (22" Move) + 1 (Jump)] x 0.25} (*) 2.250 = 6.750
Final DIR Round to nearest half point = 7.000
Unit's Defensive Value:
Movement Factor 2.75 (0.25 per 2") + 0.5 (Jump-capable) = 3.250
Special Ability Factor [AMS] Anti-Missile System (+) 1.000 = 4.250
Final DIR Defensive Interaction Rating (+) 7.000 = 11.250
Unit's Final Point Value:
Offensive Value = 0.500
Defensive Value (+) 11.250 = 11.750
Force Bonus [ECM] Electronic Countermeasures (+) 2.000 = 13.750
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Point Value: 14
Cost Breakdown
Name/Model: Ambassador MBSDR-2
Technology: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 15
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
===============================================================================================================================
Structural Cost
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Armor (Ferro-Fibrous): (35 pts) 2.0 x 20,000 40,000.00
Internal Structure (Endo Steel): 15 x 1,600 x 1 (+) 24,000.00 = 64,000.00
Myomer (Standard): 15 x 2,000 (+) 30,000.00 = 94,000.00
Engine (XL): (20,000 x 165 x 15) / 75 (+) 660,000.00 = 754,000.00
Gyro (Standard): 2.0 x 300,000 (+) 600,000.00 = 1,354,000.00
Cockpit (Standard): 200,000 (+) 200,000.00 = 1,554,000.00
Life Support: 50,000 (+) 50,000.00 = 1,604,000.00
Sensors: 15 x 2,000 (+) 30,000.00 = 1,634,000.00
Arm Actuators: 15 x ((100 x 2) + (50 x 0) + (80 x 0)) (+) 3,000.00 = 1,637,000.00
Leg Actuators: 15 x ((150 x 2) + (80 x 2) + (120 x 2)) (+) 10,500.00 = 1,647,500.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Structural Cost: 1,647,500.00
===============================================================================================================================
Weapons and Equipment Cost
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anti-Missile System 100,000 100,000.00
Anti-Missile System (Ammo 12) [Empty Bin] 0 (+) 0.00 = 100,000.00
CASE 50,000 (+) 50,000.00 = 150,000.00
Guardian ECM Suite 200,000 (+) 200,000.00 = 350,000.00
Jump Jets 15 x (1 x 1) x 200 (+) 3,000.00 = 353,000.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Weapons and Equipment Cost 353,000.00
===============================================================================================================================
BattleMech Cost
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structural Cost: 1,647,500.00
Weapons and Equipment Cost: (+) 353,000.00 = 2,000,500.00
BattleMech Cost Multiplier: 1 + (15 / 100) (*) 1.15 = 2,300,575.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final BattleMech Cost 2,300,575.00