Editing Ostsol

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Ostsol RGilClan v14.png|''Ostsol'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14|RG:ilClan v14]]''
|name = ''Ostsol''
|manufacturer = 
[[Kong Interstellar Corporation]] (7M)<ref name=TRJp134f>''Technical Readout: Jihad'', pp. 134–135: "OTL-6D Ostsol"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:PP -->
----
[[Robinson Standard BattleWorks]] (5D, 6D refit)<ref name=TRJp134f />
|model = OTL-4D
|production year = 2694
|year reference = <ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 292</ref><ref name=TRO3025>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 78</ref>
|cost = 5,017,600 C-bills
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type = BattleMech
|feet = biped
|mass = 60
|chassis = [[Kell/H]]
|armor = [[Riese-475]]
|engine = [[Vlar 300]]
|comsys = [[Barret 500p]]
|T&T = [[TRSS.2L3]]
|heat sinks = 16 [[Heat Sink|single]]
|speed = 86.4
|armament = 
* 2x [[large laser]]
* 4x [[medium laser]]
|BV (1.0) = 1,034<ref name=CO121>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref>
|BV (2.0) = 1,245<ref name=TRO3039/><br>1,308<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 470</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Ostsol''''' was designed as an all-energy-weapon alternative to [[Ostmann Industries]]' previous heavy BattleMechs, the ''[[Ostwar]]'' and the ''[[Ostroc]]''.  However, Ostmann Industries was already running at capacity building new ''Ostroc'' 'Mechs, so rather than cease production on this popular line the company licensed the design to [[Kong Interstellar Corporation]], creators of the popular ''[[Black Knight]]''.  The first ''Ostsols'' walked off the production lines at Kong in [[Introduction Year::2694]] and entered into service with the [[Star League Defense Force]], outfitting various Hussar and Dragoon regiments.  Armed with a mix of lasers and requiring little resupply, the ''Ostsol'' is nearly impossible to interdict and is able to operate independently of supply lines for extended periods of time.  A versatile 'Mech, the ''Ostsol'' can operate as part of heavy lances in order to provide close-range firepower or lead recon and raiding lances thanks to its high speed and advanced electronics.  In fact an ''Ostsol'' is often so integral to its lance and its role so inconspicuous that occasionally its actual contribution to a given fight can be hard to determine.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/>

The sale of ''Ostsol'' 'Mechs to [[Great Houses|Member States]] of the [[Star League]] was allowed in [[2752]] after an amendment to [[Council Edict 2650]] was passed, increasing its deployment across the [[Inner Sphere]].  Production of the 'Mech was halted during the [[First Succession War]] when Kong Interstellar's [[Connaught]] factories were destroyed - the company could only make certain spare parts from then on - but given the wide distribution of the ''Ostsol'' it remained a common sight during [[Succession Wars (History)|the rest of that period]].  Eventually Kong was able to team up with [[Free Worlds League]] engineers to start refitting these 'Mechs with rediscovered [[lostech]], creating the OTL-5M just in time for the [[Clan Invasion]].<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3050>''Technical Readout 3050'', p.</ref>

A second renewal of the 'Mech's life came in [[3064]] when [[Duke]] [[James Sandoval]] made the mistake of involving the [[Draconis March]] in the [[Combine-Ghost Bear War]].  His unsanctioned invasion backfired terribly and, with the [[FedCom Civil War]] raging, there was no ready source to resupply his depleted forces.  Under the Duke's orders, Robinson Standard BattleWorks began searching out older 'Mech designs which could be quickly refitted to modern standards and picked the ''Ostsol'' as a good candidate.  After securing the design schematics from Kong, RSB began upgrading older ''Ostsols'' to the new OTL-6D standard, which were used to replenish units damaged during the invasion.  Kong eventually repaired their factories to a level where new models could be produced starting in [[3065]] and new variants have been produced since then.<ref name=TROPP>''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix'', p. 36</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Ostsol'' uses an all-laser weapons array which is particularly geared to close-quarters fighting. The primary weapons are two [[Tronel III Heavy]] [[Large Laser]]s in the right and left torsos, providing powerful medium to long-range firepower. As ranges close, the ''Ostsol'' is able to bring its four [[Tronel II]] [[medium laser]]s, two in each side torso, one front and one back, into play.  The rear-facing weaponry means the 'Mech can't bring its full firepower to bear on a single target, limiting its ability to take on heavy 'Mechs one-on-one, but allows it to engage multiple opponents at once more easily.  The rear lasers also help the 'Mech cover its own retreat and discourage pursuit.  In addition to this firepower the ''Ostsol'' will often engage in hand-to-hand fighting, which can be particularly damaging to lighter 'Mechs.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/>

Nine tons of armoring is considered decent for a heavy 'Mech, while its fast cruising speed of 84 km/h is thanks to a nineteen-ton [[Vlar 300]] [[fusion engine]].  Besides speed though it's the 'Mech's highly-sensitive [[TRSS.2L3]] targeting-tracking system, able to detect enemies over several kilometers in even the most difficult terrain, which makes it a good command platform for scouting missions.  Sixteen [[heat sinks]] also help manage the heat output of its all-energy weapons payload.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025/>

==Variants==
*; OTL-4F : The 4F ''Ostsol'' introduced in [[2871]] was the only common variant of the 'Mech pre–[[Clan Invasion]], completely removing the laser weapons and replacing them with two [[Dominion-V]] [[PPC]]s in the side torsos. The 'Mech is seen as, in some ways at least, a poor man's ''[[Marauder]]'' or ''[[Warhammer]]'', and the PPC array can quickly overload the sixteen heat sinks. Though, on its own merits, the variant is a good long-range direct fire support 'Mech which uses its top speed of 86.4 km/h to dictate combat ranges against most heavier 'Mechs. BV (1.0) = 1,023,<ref name=CO121/> BV (2.0) = 1,264<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 471</ref>

*; OTL-5D : A [[House Davion]] upgrade of the 4D model first fielded in [[3065]], the 5D upgrades its armor to eight and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor and mounts five additional [[Rocket Launcher 10]]s, giving the ''Ostsol'' incredible one-shot firepower in a pinch and added shock value when facing an enemy.  The fact it is very similar to the [[Taurian Concordat]]'s OSR-3C ''Ostroc'' has raised questions as to the variant's origins.<ref name=TRJp134f /> BV (1.0) = 1,084,<ref name=CO127>''Combat Operations'', p. 127</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,333<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 103</ref>

*; OTL-5M : The 5M variant of the ''Ostsol'' is an upgrade of the design using Star League technology and is built for close-range combat with production starting in [[3050]]. The original engine, heat sinks, and weapons have been stripped from the chassis and replaced with a [[Hermes 300 XL]] engine and sixteen [[double heat sink]]s.  Taking the place of its standard weapons, the 5M ''Ostsol'' carries two [[Tronel XIII]] [[Large Pulse Laser]]s and four [[Tronel XII]] [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, two of which remain rear-mounted to discourage attacks against the 'Mech's weak rear armor. Finally, for added protection against missile attacks, the -5M carries an [[LFN Lindblad Shotgun]] [[anti-missile system]] in its right torso, with one ton of ammo in the left.<ref name=TRO3050/> BV (1.0) = 1,102,<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 123</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,245<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 104</ref>

*; OTL-6D : A refit of the ''Ostsol'' unveiled in [[3064]], Robinson's 6D is powered by a [[GM 300 XL|GM 300]] [[XL engine]] and is built using [[Triple Strength Myomer]], which push the 'Mech's top speed to 97.2 km/h when operating in its optimum heat range.  Carrying fourteen double heat sinks, the 'Mech is protected with eleven and a half tons of [[StarGuard Ferro-Fibrous]] armor. The weapons payload of the 6D consists of two [[Diverse Optics Sunbeam (ERLL)|Diverse Optics Sunbeam]] [[ER Large Laser]]s, two [[Diverse Optics]] [[ER medium laser]]s, two [[Magna 600P]] [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, and two [[Magna 200P]] [[Small Pulse Laser]]s.  The extended-range lasers are split between the side torsos, the medium pulses split between right torso and head, and both small pulse systems are in the center torso.  All of these weapons are linked to an advanced [[Targeting Computer]], making them more accurate at range.  The valuable but aging TRSS 2L3 targeting system could not function properly with the targeting computer, however, requiring its replacement with a [[Federated Stalker]] system; the comms were updated to a [[Barret 509p]].<ref name=TRJp134f />  BV (1.0) = 1,379,<ref name=CO127/> BV (2.0) = 1,880<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 105</ref> or 1,379<ref name=TRJp134f />

*; OTL-7M : The 7M steps outside the ''Ostsol''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s design philosophy of independent operations.  Introduced in 3065 the 'Mech is built around an [[Endo Steel]] chassis, and uses an extralight engine for power, though it only carries ten double heat sinks. The primary weapons are two [[Light Gauss Rifle]]s and four ER medium lasers. Finally, [[CASE]] has been added to protect against a catastrophic failure of either of the Light Gauss Rifles.<ref name=TRJp134f /> BV (1.0) = 1,294,<ref name=CO130>''Combat Operations'', p. 130</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,581<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 105</ref>

*; OTL-8D : This variant of the 6D, introduced in [[3069]], replaces that version's pulse lasers and large lasers with a [[Light PPC]] and a pair of [[light autocannon/5]]s. The weight savings allows the use of a [[light fusion engine]] instead of the bulky extra-light version. The extra heat sinks of the 6D were no longer needed, so they were removed. In order to save even more weight, a new [[Heavy Ferro-Fibrous]] armor weave is used on this design, as is a [[small cockpit]]. The empty arms retain their hands, though the lack of heat buildup dictated the removal of the advanced myomers, making physical attacks less effective. A sizable [[CASE]]-protected ammunition bin in each side torso allows the use of different types of ammunition with the two light autocannons.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 248</ref> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,462<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 107</ref>

*; OTL-8E : Developed by [[Robinson Standard BattleWorks]] shortly before it was taken by the [[DCMS]], this ''Ostsol'' carries a [[Large X-Pulse Laser]] and [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]] in each side torso. A pair of [[ER Small Laser]]s mounted in the center torso cover the rear arc. It is protected by eleven tons of ferro-fibrous armor, and an XL engine keeps it moving at 86 km/h. To make room for this equipment and seventeen double heat sinks, engineers had to fit a [[Compact Gyro]]. BV (2.0) = 1,552<ref name="rg14p7">''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14'', p. 7</ref>

*; OTL-8E3 : An extension of the -8E, this 'Mech is fitted with [[Triple Strength Myomer]] to take advantage of the massive heat generated by the X-pulse lasers. BV (2.0) = 1,671<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14'', p. 21</ref>

*; OTL-8F : A [[Draconis Combine]] variant of the -8E replaces the X-pulse lasers with more conventional armament. Each side torso carries an ER medium laser and an [[ER PPC]]. The rear firing ER Small Lasers have been upgraded to ER medium lasers. Engineers fitted eighteen double heat sinks to the chassis. BV (2.0) = 1,698<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14'', p. 22</ref>

*; OTL-8M : The 8M ''Ostsol'' was built by the [[Free Worlds League]] in [[3066]] using the same Endo Steel chassis as the 7M, adding a larger [[360 XL|360-rated extralight engine]] to boost the 'Mech's speed to 97.2 km/h. The 'Mech is similar, though, to the intended design philosophy of the original version, using Triple Strength Myomer to boost its top speed to 118.8 km/h, and it carries a [[PPC]] as its primary weapon. This is supported by a large pulse laser, two medium pulse lasers, an [[ER Small Laser]], and an ER medium laser.<ref name=TRJp134f /> BV (1.0) = 1,196,<ref name=CO130/> BV (2.0) = 1,661<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 108</ref>

*; OTL-9R : Built in [[3077]] after Kong Interstellar's production lines were damaged, this ''Ostsol'' version has a top speed of only 54 km/h. Installing a standard Fusion Engine, [[Heavy-Duty Gyro]], and maximizing the armor protection the 9R carries allows it to function in roles normally assigned to [[Assault 'Mech]]s. The addition of Triple Strength Myomer (and just enough heat sinks to keep the TSM active) also allows the 9R to inflict damage during the physical combat frequently encountered on [[Jihad]] battlefields. To cover its approach, this ''Ostsol'' uses a [[Magna Supernova]] [[Heavy PPC]], [[Diverse Optics Sunbeam]] large laser, and [[Fusigon Smarttooth]] [[Snub-Nose PPC]]. For close-in fighting the MechWarrior can use an [[Magna Mk VI]] ER medium laser, [[Diverse Optics]] ER small laser, or standard [[Tronel I]] small laser. The head-mounted [[C3 slave]] allows the ''Ostsol'' to use targeting data from friendly units. BV (2.0) = 1,654<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 249</ref>

*; OTL-9M : Based on the 8M version of the ''Ostsol'' this version from [[3079]] removes the Triple Strength Myomer and uses a battery of ER large and ER medium lasers to damage a foe at long range. For close combat it carries a Snub-Nose PPC and medium pulse laser. In addition to its heavy armor, it uses a [[Guardian ECM Suite]] to disrupt enemy electronics and a [[MASC]] system to engage and disengage at will.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 248</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,871<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 109</ref>

*; ''Ostsol'' C : Developed by [[Clan Sea Fox]], this ''Ostsol'' carries fifteen double heat sinks. It uses a 300-rated engine to move at a top speed of 86 km/h. The side torso weapons are an [[ER Large Laser]] and an [[Improved Heavy medium laser]]. Two ER medium lasers are mounted in the center torso and cover the rear. All these weapons are tied into an advanced [[Targeting Computer]]. For protection, the ''Ostsol'' C carries nine tons of [[Reflective Armor]]. BV (2.0) = 2,277<ref name="rg14p7"/>

===Custom Variants===
*; OTL-4D ''Ostsol'' Ragnar : The personal 'Mech of Prince [[Ragnar Magnusson]] during the initial Clan Invasion, the rear-firing lasers were moved to forward-firing mounts to match his hot-tempered fighting style.<ref name=CMKp66>''Combat Manual: Kurita'', p. 66: "FRR-KungsArmé - Löjtnant Ragnar Magnusson"</ref>

*; OTL-4D ''Ostsol'' Woo : The personal 'Mech of [[Sergeant]] [[Lynn Woo]], decades of valorous service meant that the time of the [[Battle of Luthien (3052)|Battle of Luthien]] her 'Mech had been upgraded with double heat sinks and a mixture of extended range and pulse laser weaponry.<ref name=CMKp91>''Combat Manual: Kurita'', p. 91: "Rules Addendum - MechWarriors of the DCMS - Sergeant Lynn Woo"</ref>

*; OTL-5M ''Ostsol'' Maki : The personal 'Mech of [[18th Dieron Regulars|Eighteen Dieron Regulars]] MechWarrior [[Konami Maki]], her OTL-4D model was upgraded as a reward for her role in the successful recapture of the [[Ancha]] during the [[War of 3039]], altering some of the 5M's weapon placements to suit her preferred combat style.<ref name=CMKp33>''Combat Manual: Kurita'', p. 33: "Dieron Regulars - Eighteenth Dieron Regulars - Sho-sa Konami Maki"</ref>

== Design Quirks ==
The ''Ostsol'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 93 Design Quirk Table - Ostsol Entry.</ref>
* [[Improved Sensors]]
* [[Narrow/Low Profile]]

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[Ostroc]]'' - The ''Ostsol'' was designed as an ammo-independent alternative to the popular ''Ostroc'' heavy BattleMech.
* ''[[Ostwar]]'' - The ''Ostroc'' and ''Ostsol'' BattleMechs are successors to the early ''Ostwar'' BattleMech, the first of the "walking pods".  The armament and structure of all three BattleMechs is so similar, it became common to see [[FrankenMech]]s of Ostmann Industries production.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025ostsol.jpg|Original OTL-4D ''Ostsol'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
Ostsol RGilClan v14.png|''Ostsol'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14|RG:ilClan v14]]''
OTL-Ostsol.png|OTL-5M ''Ostsol'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
Otl-5d ostsol.png|OTL-5D ''Ostsol'' from ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix|TRO:Phoenix]]''
Otl-6d ostsol.jpg|OTL-6D ''Ostsol'' from ''TRO:Phoenix''
Otl-7m ostsol.png|OTL-7M ''Ostsol'' from ''TRO:Phoenix'' ‎
Otl-8m ostsol.png|OTL-8M ''Ostsol'' from ''TRO:Phoenix''
Otl-9r ostsol.png|OTL-9R ''Ostsol'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3085|TRO:3085]]''
</gallery>

==Notes==
* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://blainepardoe.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/out-of-the-archives-the-battlemechs-i-wrote-about-or-designed/ blog entry] that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the ''Ostsol'' was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its name, image, and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Combat Manual: Kurita]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* [http://www.battlecorps.com/BC2/news.html?article=290 OTL-8D ''Ostsol'' Technical Readout] (dead link)
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3067]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix]]''
* ''[[Total Warfare Style Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades]]''
</div>


[[Category:Federated Suns BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]