AGS-4XO Argus
Specification
Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: IA Type 12 Endo Omni
Power Plant: GM 300 XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Armor: StarGuard II
Armament:
27.5 tons of pod space
Manufacturer: Achernar BattleMechs / Robinson Standard BattleWorx
Primary Factory: Achernar, Robinson
Communication System: Achernar Electronics HID-8.7
Targeting & Tracking System: Federated Hunter Mk. XX
Introduction Year: 3062
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Cost: 14,986,000 C-bills
Overview
The Argus was designed as an OmniMech by Robinson Standard BattleWorx and Achernar BattleMechs after reviewing common Luthien Armor Works designs. The Firestarter Omni and Blackjack Omni had already been fully integrated in the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth by 3060 and had proven their worth in the early Fifth Succession War. The mix of the ability to quickly modify a configuration and carry Battle Armors had made OmniMech a favorite of many front-line officers.
Robinson was the lead on the project, attempting to introduce a heavy ‘mech which would be able to follow medium ‘mechs while providing ample firepower as well. The decision was made to use a GM 300 XL as the engine for the Argus as it was a common piece of hardware, produced locally in the Federated Suns territory and that was easy for technicians to work with. While Defiance would have been able to provide engines at a cheaper price point, there was a tinge of fear that the parts would not reach the factories due to the constant fighting in the Tikonov March. Both Achernar and Robinson also agreeed that despite its bulkiness, endo-steel should be used to build the chassis in order to better match “superior machines”.
The Department of Quartermasters of the AFFC originally did not like the design due to its cost, since the base unequipped chassis was more expensive than a similar BattleMech with full equipment. While some plans were drafted to make the Argus “non-omni”, it was former First Prince Hanse Davion which made the decision to purchase the design for the military. The current First Prince, Victor Steiner-Davion, reviewed the decision and agreed fully with his father, arguing the Argus could be the next step in the AFFC’s military superiority. The first full production run was sent to the Tikonov Command, with Stephen Davion dispatching them to various Federated Commonwealth RCT that were in need of new machine for their war against the Free Worlds League and Capellan Confederation.
Capabilities
The Argus is able to reach a top speed of 86kmph, which was seen as sufficient at the time of its design, matching things like the Ostsol and Ostroc. Unlike the two “pods”, the Argus has a more streamlined body shape that is extremely easy to access and repair when required. Twelve tons of standard grade BattleMech armor makes this OmniMech very well protected in its category, while also having 12 built-in double heat sink allowing it to control its heat spikes easily. All electronics on the machine are also preset to accomodate Beagle probes, Guardian ECMs, C3 networks and Targeting Computers, once again to simplify the work of technicians when installing pod equipment.
Configuration
The Prime configuration of the Argus is a multipurpose brawler built around the new Rotary 5-class Autocannon. Capable of dealing massive damage in quick bursts, the designers decided to add as much ammunition as they saw feasible to it with 3 tons. This is supported at long range by a 10-rack of Long Range Missiles while at closer range you have a pair of ER Medium Lasers for precision shots. For electronics, the Argus Prime mounts a Beagle Active Probe to help with detection along with an advanced Targeting Computer.
Alpha Configuration was the original design put forward by Robinson Standard BattleWorx, but it was rejected by the Quartermasters. It was the Prime configuration, proposed by Achernar, which grabbed the First Prince’s attention. Alpha is setup as a fire support configuration, using an arm and shoulder mounted 15-rack of Artemis-improved long range missiles. With four tons of reloads, this allows the Argus Alpha to keep bombarding for extended periods of time. The sole direct fire weapon is an ER PPC, giving decent firepower at extended range.
Bravo configuration is a pure brawler focusing on pulse lasers. Each arm mounts an assembly of a large pulse laser and a pair of medium pulse lasers, all which are benefiting from the higher than average speed of the Argus. A Beagle Active Probe allows the Bravo to detect hidden enemy units before cutting them apart with pulse fire. Extra heat sinks help manage the massive heat load of all those lasers.
Charlie configuation was designed for the C3 units that were getting more common within the AFFC by the early 3060s. Meant to be used by commanders and not get in close quarters, the primary weapons on the Charlie are a pair of ER PPCs, each with a coaxial ER Small Laser, in the arms. The roomy torso fits the C3 Command Computer and a Beagle Active Probe. Extra protection is granted by an anti-missile system.
Delta Configuration is also meant to be used in C3 units, but this time is equipped with a C3 Slave unit instead of a Command Computer. It mimics the Prime by using a Rotary AC/5 as its primary gun but this time it is supported by a pair of Streak 6-tubes of SRM for massive close range punch. Once things get fairly close, the Charlie also has a trio of ER Small Lasers.
Lima Configuration was originally introduced by the Capellan Confederation using captured Argus, but it was copied by the AFFC once they had access to salvaged Plasma Rifles. An unusual design, it features a hatchet in the off-arm, using pod-mounted actuators, while the opposite arm packs the brand new Plasma Rifle, fed by 3 tons of reloads. An extra Large Pulse Laser is mounted on the shoulder while two medium pulse lasers are built into the torsos. A Guardian ECM system allows the Lima to break up C3 networks.
Technical Readout
Type: Argus
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Standard)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 1,673
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure Endo Steel 3
Engine 300 XL 9.5
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Double Heat Sink 12 [24] 2
Gyro 3
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 192 12
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 20 28
Center Torso (rear) 9
R/L Torso 14 20
R/L Torso (rear) 7
R/L Arm 10 19
R/L Leg 14 27 Weight and Space Allocation
Location Fixed Space Remaining
Head Endo Steel 0
Center Torso 2 Endo Steel 0
Right Torso 2 Endo Steel 7
3 XL Engine
Left Torso Endo Steel 8
3 XL Engine
Right Arm 2 Endo Steel 8
Left Arm 2 Endo Steel 8
Right Leg 2 Endo Steel 0
Left Leg 2 Endo Steel 0
Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Heat Tonnage
CASE RT 1 – 0.5
ER Medium Laser RT 1 5 1.0
Rotary AC/5 Ammo (40) RT 2 – 2.0
Targeting Computer RT 3 – 3.0
LRM 10 LA 2 4 5.0
CASE LT 1 – 0.5
Active Probe LT 2 – 1.5
LRM 10 Ammo (24) LT 2 – 2.0
ER Medium Laser LT 1 5 1.0
Rotary AC/5 Ammo (20) LT 1 – 1.0
Rotary AC/5 RA 6 1 10.0
Features the following design quirks: Easy to Maintain, No/Minimal Arms
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