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Difference between revisions of "SturmFeur"

 
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{{InfoBoxCombatVehicle
 
{{InfoBoxCombatVehicle
| image =  
+
| image = SturmFeur RGilClan v28.jpg
 
| name = SturmFeur Heavy Tank
 
| name = SturmFeur Heavy Tank
| manufacturer = [[Trellshire Heavy Industries]]
+
| manufacturer =  
 +
[[Trellshire Heavy Industries]]<ref name=TRO80>''Technical Readout: 3026 Revised'', p. 80</ref>
 +
------
 +
[[Defiance Industries]]<ref>''Objectives: Lyran Alliance'', p. 29</ref>
 +
| production year=3018
 +
| year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3115/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
 
| Mission = Fire Support
 
| Mission = Fire Support
 
| Type = Tracked
 
| Type = Tracked
| cost = 2,395,288 C-bills
+
| cost = 2,395,288 C-bills<ref name=RS53>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 53</ref>
 
| mass = 85 Tons
 
| mass = 85 Tons
| armor = ProtecTech 6
+
| armor = [[ProtecTech 6]]
| engine = 225 InterComBust I.C.E.
+
| engine = [[255 InterComBust]] [[ICE]]
| crusing Speed = 32 Kph
+
| comsys = [[Angst 2100-b]]
| flank Speed = 54 Kph
+
| T&T = [[SturmFeur Highlight with BlindFire Radar]]
| Crew = 4
+
| heat sinks = None
 +
| speed = 54
 +
| Crew = 6
 
| armament =  
 
| armament =  
*2 SturmFeur Long Range Missile Launchers
+
*2x [[LRM-20]]
*2 MiniGuns
+
*2x [[Machine Gun]]
| BV (1.0) = N/A
+
| BV (1.0) = 763<ref name=TRO81>''Technical Readout: 3026 Revised'', p. 81</ref><ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 131</ref>
| BV (2.0) = N/A
+
| BV (2.0) = 1,400<ref name=TRO93>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 93</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
The SturmFeur is the largest missile-carrying tank available in the [[Inner Sphere]]. Mounting a huge number of long-range missile racks, this heavy tank is capable of disabling or destroying any known vehicle.
+
The '''SturmFeur''' debuted in [[3018]]. At that time, it was the largest [[combat vehicle]] dedicated to providing missile support in the [[Inner Sphere]]. True to the philosophy of the [[LCAF]] that commissioned it, the SturmFeur is slow and can withstand a determined counterassault before needing to withdraw, thanks to its copious armor protection.<ref name=TRO80>''Technical Readout: 3026 Revised'', p. 80</ref><ref name=TRO92>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 92</ref>
The SturmFeur was commissioned by the [[LCAF]], which wanted a vehicle that could support other units without having to worry about being attacked. They also wanted the tank to have indirect fire capability so that it could fire over obstacles such as hills or trees
 
The first SturmFeur rolled off the assembly line in 3018. It boasted enough missiles to support almost any number of units within range and a new radar guidance system that guaranteed superior indirect fire capability.
 
  
==Capabilities==
+
The name appears to be a misspelling of the German translation of "Assault Fire": fire would translate as "Feuer" while Feur is not a German word.
The SturmFeur went through many design changes before the current model became standard. The problem with other designs was that some of the missiles would collide when all were fired at once. Some of the solutions tried were rotary missile packs and vertical launch-tubes, but these also suffered from the mid-air collision problem. The final solution was a combination of missile-fire strips and a new terminal guidance system. One missile rack was mounted facing up and slightly forward in the right and left rear top deck of the tank. The new guidance system launched the missiles straight up and then arced them toward their target. The other missile rack was mounted in the turret, firing on a much flatter arc. This guaranteed that there would be no missile collisions.
 
Mounted coaxially to the turret missiles are a machine gun and the SturmFeur HighLight tracking module with BlindFire Radar targeting system. The HighLight keeps track of each missile rack's target, no matter where it is. The BlindFire Radar system can track over 200 targets simultaneously, and is one of the fastest and most advanced units available.
 
The only complaint SturmFeur crews have is that the vehicle's interior provides the four-man crew with no room to move. Each control seat is mounted on a rack that slides out of the sides of the tank. Once seated, the crewman straps in and slides the chair back into the SturmFeur. This means that the crew cannot move inside the vehicle, though the chairs do swivel to allow access to all the controls of a particular station.
 
Although the SturmFeur is a heavy tank, it has a remarkably low profile. The missiles are mounted inside the vehicle with only their exit ports visible. The engine, loading equipment, and ammunition is stored between the missiles. The turret is the only external piece of equipment visible on the SturmFeur's boxlike chassis.
 
  
==Battle History==
+
==Weapons and Equipment==
The SturmFeur is a very new vehicle and has not seen much combat. However, there are a few reports of engagements with these tanks against other vehicles invading [[Steiner]] space.
+
The primary armament on the SturmFeur was a pair of SturmFeur [[LRM-20]]s. These allowed the tank to provide withering support fire, both directly and indirectly. This allowed it to stay out of range and even out of sight of most enemy units. Difficulties with targeting technology during the [[Third Succession War]] necessitated splitting up the launchers so that they didn't accidentally damage friendly units. Because of this, one LRM was mounted in a turret, and the other was mounted behind but only fires forward, over the turret in an arc. The only secondary weapons were a pair of [[Machine Gun|MiniGuns]] attached to the turret. They provided effective anti-[[infantry]] defense, but little else.<ref name=TRO80 /><ref name=TRO92 />
The SturmFeur's first combat run occurred on [[Hesperus II]], a Steiner planet that still possesses a working 'Mech production facility. The world is heavily guarded to prevent a full scale attack, but one [[Marik]] faction believed that a small group could slip past the heavy defenses, land near the production sites, and steal as many 'Mech parts they could carry. The plan was to jump into the Hesperus system at a nonstandard jump point. The jump point that they choose was on the orbital plane opposite from [[Hesperus II]], with the sun between the ship and prying Steiner eyes. The DropShip would then power down and wait until the planet had swung around the sun. When operating on low power, the DropShip would be all but undetectable to the Steiner defenses. Once Hesperus swung into position, the DropShip would make a low-power entry into the upper atmosphere and then land with its small 'Mech raiding force on top of the production sites.
 
The raiding force consisted of four recon 'Mechs, two medium 'Mechs, one heavy 'Mech, and a few armored transports. The attack went exactly as planned, except that the raiders found more Steiner DropShips around the planet than usual. In order to avoid detection by the Steiner ships, the DropShip was forced to land about 30 kilometers off-target.
 
What the Raiders did not realize was that the large amount of DropShip activity around H[[ersperus]] was due to the arrival of a shipment of SturmFeurs to reinforce the defense garrison. Ten minutes after the pirate force had landed, the newly landed SturmFeur groups were on their way to their new garrison positions.
 
Moving cautiously and slowly toward the 'Mech production site, the Raiders made their way through a mountain range. They went two at a time, which allowed the other 'Mechs to provide covering fire.
 
Fifteen minutes after the first [[Marik]] 'Mech made it to the edge of the mountains, a group of six SturmFeurs in the other valley detected them on remote radar sensors. The commander of the unit sped out on a skimmer to find out what was going on. When he saw the column, he immediately called down fire from his entire unit. The force was sent running back to their DropShip minutes after the attack started.
 
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
The SturmFeur is so new and specialized that there are no variants available. It is rumored that some SturmFeurs have been given to [[House Davion]] for experimentation, but that several were "lost" along the way.
+
*;Heavy Gauss : A newer variant was more radical. This "Heavy Gauss" variant replaced the turret-mounted LRM-20 and Machine Guns with an [[Artemis IV]] assisted [[LRM-10]] and an [[ER Medium Laser]]. Even more radical is the removal of the fixed missile rack and mounting a [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]] in the front of the tank. These also radically change the SturmFeur's mission from a fire support role to more of a close up brawler. Considering the SturmFeur's speed, it is unclear how well it would do in such a role.<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 23</ref> Cost = 5,133,750 C-bills<ref>[https://www.sarna.net/files/info/docs/products/errata/rs_upgrades_errata.zip ''Record Sheets: Upgrades'' Errata 1.0]</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,067<ref name=CO /> BV (2.0) = 1,711
  
 +
*;SRM : A variant introduced in [[3023]] offered by Trellshire, the "SRM" replaced the turret-mounted LRM with four [[SRM-4]]s and an additional Machine Gun. This gave the SturmFeur increased ability to defend itself at short range and was sometimes used as a bodyguard for standard SturmFeurs.<ref name=TRO92 /> Cost = 2,481,313 C-bills, BV (2.0) = 1,390<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 54</ref>
 +
 +
*;Word of Blake : Produced by [[Defiance Industries]] when the [[Word of Blake]] held [[Hesperus II]], this version of the SturmFeur was equipped with a [[Light Fusion Engine]]. The weapons were removed and replaced by a forward firing [[LRM-20]] with [[Artemis IV]] fire control system. A single [[B-Pod]] was attached to every side of the hull, protecting the SturmFeur from infantry attacks. The body also housed the [[Improved C3 Computer]] common to Word of Blake units. The turret carried a single [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] system, two [[ER Medium Laser]]s, and a pair of [[MML-9]]s with Artemis IV FCS. The LRM-20 had a ton of ammunition, and the MML-9s had a ton each of SRM and LRM ammunition. BV (2.0) = 1,578<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II'', p. 19</ref>
 +
 +
*;Kalki Cruise Missile Launcher : Using a SturmFeur chassis, the Kalki was designed by [[Kallon Industries]] to provide missile artillery support to ground units. Unfortunately, even expanding the chassis to a staggering 125 tons and downsizing the engine only allowed the designers to incorporate a single [[Cruise Missile 50]] launcher. Also problematic was the greatly reduced top speed. To reduce costs and make more room for the Cruise Missile launcher, the top speed was reduced to approximately 32 km/h. Though it carried a decent amount of armor protection, the increased size of the vehicle resulted in the armor being considerably thinner in all locations.  The largest problem, however, was the sheer size of the missiles. The Kalki only had enough room to carry a single missile for the launcher, meaning it had to be reloaded from an external source after every shot. Considering the missiles weigh as much as a ''[[Commando]]'', this was a deadly shortcoming. Kallon shelved the project in the 3070s. BV (2.0) = 803<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations'', p. 8</ref>
 +
 +
*;Kalki Cruise Missile Launcher (Production) : The production version of the Kalki is a complete redesign of the experimental version. Many components from the SturmFeur are reused, but the chassis has been updated to 150 tons. The Kalki is now powered by a [[fuel cell]]-powered motor, which reduces cost. It also mounts a pair of [[Magshot]]s for protection. The Cruise Missile 50 launcher still only has one reload, but engineers were able to upgrade the armor protection to seven tons. BV (2.0) = 1,036<ref name=TRO:Proto>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 65</ref>
 +
 +
*;Cell : The 3149 update to the SturmFeur occurred as a result of the [[Jade Falcon]] and [[Clan Wolf]] raids on [[Hesperus II]] in conjunction with the study of salvaged [[Clan Hell's Horses]] vehicles<ref name=RG28p8>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28'', p. 8</ref>. This new variant hearkens back to the 3018 original replacing the fusion power with a fuel cell, reducing cost while increasing speed and tactical endurance. Defensively, Defiance opted to continue utilizing heavy ferro-fibrous armor while also installing [[CASE]] ammunition bins. The classic LRM20 pairs were upgraded to Clan variants with an Artemis IV FCS added to further improve performance. The twin machine guns remain with a single ton of ammunition allotted while the LRMs receive 8 tons. BV (2.0) = 1,822<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28'', p. 9</ref>
 +
 +
*; House Steiner: An adaption of the Blakist variant, this version replaces all B-Pods with [[M-Pod]] upgrades and removes the Improved C3 to install an [[ECM]]<ref name=RG28p8/>. BV (2.0) = 1,685 <ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28'', p. 29</ref>
 +
 +
*;''Gilmore'': A specialized fire support variant of the SturmFeur mounting an [[Arrow IV]] with two tons of standard munitions and one ton of homing missiles. It additionally carries 5 [[Thunderbolt 5]] launchers with 4 tons of ammunition, a TAG, and an [[ER Small Laser]]. BV (2.0) = 1,670<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28'', p. 31</ref>
 +
 +
*; Assault: Introduced along side the Cell variant, the Assault utilizes a light fusion powered engine<ref name=RG28p8/> alongside downgrading one of the turret mounted LRM20s found on the Cell. In its place the Assault introduces an [[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]] with 4 tons of ammunition. It additionally mounts one ClanTech LRM20 (with 2 tons of ammunition), a Clan LRM 10 (w/ 2 tons of ammunition), a Clan [[ER Medium Laser]], an ECM suite, and an Artemis IV FCS. BV (2.0) =2,199 <ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol 28'', p. 30</ref>
 +
 +
==Design Quirks==
 +
The Kalki Cruise Missile Launcher (Production) variant is subject of the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=TRO:Proto/>
 +
* [[Difficult to Maintain]]
 +
* [[Distracting]]
 +
* [[Non-Standard Parts]]
 +
* [[Poor Performance]]
 +
* [[Trailer Hitch]]
 +
 +
==Notes==
 +
* In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to '''''SturmFeuer'''''.
 +
 +
==Gallery==
 +
<gallery>
 +
SturmFeurHeavyTank.jpg|Original SturmFeur from ''[[Technical Readout: 3026|TRO:3026]]''
 +
Sturmfeuer HH3026.jpg|Decolorized reprint of ''SturmFeuer'' (SturmFeur) from German ''[[Hardware-Handbuch 3031|HWH:3031]]''
 +
SturmFeur TRO3026R.jpg|SturmFeur from ''[[Technical Readout: 3026 Revised|TRO:3026 Revised]]''
 +
3039 SturmFeur.jpg|SturmFeur from ''[[Technical Readout: 3039|TRO:3039]]''
 +
SturmFeur RGilClan v28.jpg|SturmFeur from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28|RG:ilClan vol. 28]]''
 +
Kalki_TROPrototypes.jpg|Kalki Cruise Missile Launcher from ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes|TRO:Prototypes]]''
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
*[[Technical Readout: 3026]] - Page 76-77
+
<references />
*[[Technical Readout: 3039]] - Page
 
  
 +
==Bibliography==
 +
*''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations]]''
 +
*''[[Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II]]''
 +
*''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28]]''
 +
*''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
 +
*''[[Technical Readout: 3026]]''
 +
*''[[Technical Readout: 3026 Revised]]''
 +
*''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
 +
*''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]''
  
 
[[Category:Combat Vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Combat Vehicles]]
 
[[Category:85 ton Combat Vehicles]]
 
[[Category:85 ton Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:Assault Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:Tracked Combat Vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Fire Support Combat Vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Fire Support Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:Lyran Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:German renamed units]]

Latest revision as of 20:22, 28 December 2023

SturmFeur RGilClan v28.jpg
SturmFeur Heavy Tank
Production information
Manufacturer Trellshire Heavy Industries[1]

Defiance Industries[2]

Production Year 3018[3]
Mission Fire Support
Type Tracked
Cost 2,395,288 C-bills[4]
Technical specifications
Mass 85 Tons
Armor ProtecTech 6
Engine 255 InterComBust ICE
Speed 54 km/h
Crew 6
Communications System Angst 2100-b
Targeting Tracking System SturmFeur Highlight with BlindFire Radar
Heat Sinks None
Armament
BV (1.0) 763[5][6]
BV (2.0) 1,400[7]


Description[edit]

The SturmFeur debuted in 3018. At that time, it was the largest combat vehicle dedicated to providing missile support in the Inner Sphere. True to the philosophy of the LCAF that commissioned it, the SturmFeur is slow and can withstand a determined counterassault before needing to withdraw, thanks to its copious armor protection.[1][8]

The name appears to be a misspelling of the German translation of "Assault Fire": fire would translate as "Feuer" while Feur is not a German word.

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The primary armament on the SturmFeur was a pair of SturmFeur LRM-20s. These allowed the tank to provide withering support fire, both directly and indirectly. This allowed it to stay out of range and even out of sight of most enemy units. Difficulties with targeting technology during the Third Succession War necessitated splitting up the launchers so that they didn't accidentally damage friendly units. Because of this, one LRM was mounted in a turret, and the other was mounted behind but only fires forward, over the turret in an arc. The only secondary weapons were a pair of MiniGuns attached to the turret. They provided effective anti-infantry defense, but little else.[1][8]

Variants[edit]

  • Heavy Gauss 
    A newer variant was more radical. This "Heavy Gauss" variant replaced the turret-mounted LRM-20 and Machine Guns with an Artemis IV assisted LRM-10 and an ER Medium Laser. Even more radical is the removal of the fixed missile rack and mounting a Heavy Gauss Rifle in the front of the tank. These also radically change the SturmFeur's mission from a fire support role to more of a close up brawler. Considering the SturmFeur's speed, it is unclear how well it would do in such a role.[9] Cost = 5,133,750 C-bills[10] BV (1.0) = 1,067[6] BV (2.0) = 1,711
  • SRM 
    A variant introduced in 3023 offered by Trellshire, the "SRM" replaced the turret-mounted LRM with four SRM-4s and an additional Machine Gun. This gave the SturmFeur increased ability to defend itself at short range and was sometimes used as a bodyguard for standard SturmFeurs.[8] Cost = 2,481,313 C-bills, BV (2.0) = 1,390[11]
  • Kalki Cruise Missile Launcher 
    Using a SturmFeur chassis, the Kalki was designed by Kallon Industries to provide missile artillery support to ground units. Unfortunately, even expanding the chassis to a staggering 125 tons and downsizing the engine only allowed the designers to incorporate a single Cruise Missile 50 launcher. Also problematic was the greatly reduced top speed. To reduce costs and make more room for the Cruise Missile launcher, the top speed was reduced to approximately 32 km/h. Though it carried a decent amount of armor protection, the increased size of the vehicle resulted in the armor being considerably thinner in all locations. The largest problem, however, was the sheer size of the missiles. The Kalki only had enough room to carry a single missile for the launcher, meaning it had to be reloaded from an external source after every shot. Considering the missiles weigh as much as a Commando, this was a deadly shortcoming. Kallon shelved the project in the 3070s. BV (2.0) = 803[13]
  • Kalki Cruise Missile Launcher (Production) 
    The production version of the Kalki is a complete redesign of the experimental version. Many components from the SturmFeur are reused, but the chassis has been updated to 150 tons. The Kalki is now powered by a fuel cell-powered motor, which reduces cost. It also mounts a pair of Magshots for protection. The Cruise Missile 50 launcher still only has one reload, but engineers were able to upgrade the armor protection to seven tons. BV (2.0) = 1,036[14]
  • Cell 
    The 3149 update to the SturmFeur occurred as a result of the Jade Falcon and Clan Wolf raids on Hesperus II in conjunction with the study of salvaged Clan Hell's Horses vehicles[15]. This new variant hearkens back to the 3018 original replacing the fusion power with a fuel cell, reducing cost while increasing speed and tactical endurance. Defensively, Defiance opted to continue utilizing heavy ferro-fibrous armor while also installing CASE ammunition bins. The classic LRM20 pairs were upgraded to Clan variants with an Artemis IV FCS added to further improve performance. The twin machine guns remain with a single ton of ammunition allotted while the LRMs receive 8 tons. BV (2.0) = 1,822[16]
  • House Steiner
    An adaption of the Blakist variant, this version replaces all B-Pods with M-Pod upgrades and removes the Improved C3 to install an ECM[15]. BV (2.0) = 1,685 [17]
  • Gilmore
    A specialized fire support variant of the SturmFeur mounting an Arrow IV with two tons of standard munitions and one ton of homing missiles. It additionally carries 5 Thunderbolt 5 launchers with 4 tons of ammunition, a TAG, and an ER Small Laser. BV (2.0) = 1,670[18]
  • Assault
    Introduced along side the Cell variant, the Assault utilizes a light fusion powered engine[15] alongside downgrading one of the turret mounted LRM20s found on the Cell. In its place the Assault introduces an Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle with 4 tons of ammunition. It additionally mounts one ClanTech LRM20 (with 2 tons of ammunition), a Clan LRM 10 (w/ 2 tons of ammunition), a Clan ER Medium Laser, an ECM suite, and an Artemis IV FCS. BV (2.0) =2,199 [19]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Kalki Cruise Missile Launcher (Production) variant is subject of the following Design Quirks:[14]

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to SturmFeuer.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Technical Readout: 3026 Revised, p. 80
  2. Objectives: Lyran Alliance, p. 29
  3. MUL online date for the SturmFeur
  4. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 53
  5. Technical Readout: 3026 Revised, p. 81
  6. 6.0 6.1 Combat Operations, p. 131
  7. Technical Readout: 3039, p. 93
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 92
  9. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 23
  10. Record Sheets: Upgrades Errata 1.0
  11. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 54
  12. Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II, p. 19
  13. Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations, p. 8
  14. 14.0 14.1 Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 65
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28, p. 8
  16. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28, p. 9
  17. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28, p. 29
  18. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28, p. 31
  19. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol 28, p. 30

Bibliography[edit]