Difference between revisions of "Von Luckner"

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{{InfoBoxCombatVehicle
 
{{InfoBoxCombatVehicle
| image = Von_Luckner.jpg
+
| image = Von Luckner RGilClan v32.jpg
| name = Von Luckner Heavy Tank
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| name = VNL-K65N Von Luckner Heavy Tank
 
| manufacturer = [[HartfordCo Industries]]
 
| manufacturer = [[HartfordCo Industries]]
 
| production year=2612
 
| production year=2612
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| cost = 3,692,500 C-bills
 
| cost = 3,692,500 C-bills
 
| mass = 75 tons
 
| mass = 75 tons
| armor = Standard
+
| armor = [[StarSlab/4]]
 
| engine = [[VOX 225]] Fusion
 
| engine = [[VOX 225]] Fusion
 
| comsys = [[O/P 300]]
 
| comsys = [[O/P 300]]
 
| T&T = [[O/P GRNDSTAT 50A]]
 
| T&T = [[O/P GRNDSTAT 50A]]
| heat sinks = 10
+
| heat sinks = 10 [[Heat Sink|single]]
 
| speed = 54.0
 
| speed = 54.0
 
| Crew = 5
 
| Crew = 5
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==Description==
 
==Description==
Designed for the original [[Star League]] after the [[Reunification War]] as a [[BattleMech]] without legs, the '''Von Luckner''' is fully capable of blasting light 'Mechs to pieces. Named after [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_von_Luckner Count Felix von Luckner] of twentieth century [[Terra]], the Von Luckner is one of the few tanks to use a [[fusion engine]], as most vehicle-mounted reactors were stripped out for use in 'Mechs during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]]. Few of these vehicles remain in service, but they are very lethal, weighing more than most 'Mechs as well as boasting 11 tons of armor and overwhelming firepower.
+
Designed for the original [[Star League]] after the [[Reunification War]] as a [[BattleMech]] without legs, the '''Von Luckner''' is fully capable of blasting light 'Mechs to pieces. Named after [[w:Felix von Luckner|Count Felix von Luckner]] of twentieth century [[Terra]], the Von Luckner is one of the few tanks to use a [[fusion engine]], as most vehicle-mounted reactors were stripped out for use in 'Mechs during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]]. Few of these vehicles remain in service, but they are very lethal, weighing more than most 'Mechs as well as boasting 11 tons of armor and overwhelming firepower.
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
The Von Luckner mounts an impressive array of weaponry. Its main gun is a turret-mounted Armstrong [[Autocannon 20]], which can strip off more than a ton of armor in one salvo. A Holly [[LRM 10]] provides long range and indirect fire, while two Holly [[SRM 6]]s and a Dannel [[SRM 4]] add to its close range punch. A Ramsey [[Machine Gun]] and Firestorm [[Flamer]] provide anti-[[infantry]] capabilities. Carrying all of these weapons means that the vehicle is heavily ammo-dependent, which gives it very little to fall back on in the event of a protracted battle.  As well, the reloading system is susceptible to jamming, and missile reloads stored in the tank's hull are vulnerable to fires or critical hits.
+
The Von Luckner mounts an impressive array of weaponry. Its main gun is a turret-mounted [[Armstrong (AC20)|Armstrong]] [[Autocannon 20]], which can strip off more than a ton of armor in one salvo. A Holly [[LRM 10]] provides long range and indirect fire, while two [[Holly (SRM6)|Holly]] [[SRM 6]]s and a Dannel [[SRM 4]] add to its close range punch. A Ramsey [[Machine Gun]] and [[Firestorm (Flamer)|Firestorm]] [[Flamer]] provide anti-[[infantry]] capabilities. Carrying all of these weapons means that the vehicle is heavily ammo-dependent, which gives it very little to fall back on in the event of a protracted battle.  As well, the reloading system is susceptible to jamming, and missile reloads stored in the tank's hull are vulnerable to fires or critical hits.
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
 
* [[House Davion]] had a number of Von Luckner variants, one of which removed some of the missile systems but added an improved targeting and tracking system to the Autocannon.
 
* [[House Davion]] had a number of Von Luckner variants, one of which removed some of the missile systems but added an improved targeting and tracking system to the Autocannon.
  
*;Star League : In addition to the standard Von Luckner, the [[Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions|SLDF Royal Divisions]] also used a version from [[2761]] that was equipped with a pair of [[LB 10-X AC|LB 10-X Autocannons]], four [[Streak SRM-2]] missile launchers, a [[Small Pulse Laser]], and added an [[Artemis IV FCS]] to the LRM 10. To make room for all this equipment, an [[Fusion Engine - XL|XL Fusion Engine]] replaced the standard fusion engine. BV (2.0) = 1,261<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 17</ref>
+
*;Royal : In addition to the standard Von Luckner, the [[Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions|SLDF Royal Divisions]] also used a version from [[2761]] that was equipped with a pair of [[LB 10-X AC|LB 10-X Autocannons]], four [[Streak SRM-2]] missile launchers, a [[Small Pulse Laser]], and added an [[Artemis IV FCS]] to the LRM 10. To make room for all this equipment, an [[extralight fusion engine]] replaced the standard fusion engine. BV (2.0) = 1,261<ref name=HOKp159>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 159</ref>
 +
 
 +
*;Star League: Another Star League-era upgrade had four [[Streak SRM-2]] missile launchers, a front-facing [[Small Pulse Laser]], a rear-mounted [[Small Laser]], a forward-launching [[LRM-15]] with [[Artemis IV]], and ferro-fibrous armor, primarily on the sides.BV (2.0) = 1,216<ref name=HOKp159/> <!--Editors, see Talk Page-->
 +
 
 +
*;VNL-K65W : Built Initially by the Word of Blake on Bryant, this update to the Royal Von Luckner was eventually utilized by the Republic and spread to several House militaries. An [[Ultra AC/20]] serves as the main gun, with a pair of [[Streak SRM-4]]s and a single [[Light Machine Gun]] joining it in the turret. A pair of [[Artemis IV]] enhanced [[MML-5]]s and a [[Small Pulse Laser]] are mounted in the front glacis. All ammunition is stored in a [[CASE]] protected magazine. BV (2.0) = 1,318<ref>”Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 32”, pg8</ref>
  
 
*;VNL-K70 : This [[3008]] variant of the Von Luckner is more independent of ammunition.  A [[PPC]] is added to the turret. The main gun had to be downgraded to an [[Autocannon/10]] with two of tons ammo. Both SRM-6s had to be removed in order to make these changes possible. BV (2.0) = 1060 <ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 137</ref>
 
*;VNL-K70 : This [[3008]] variant of the Von Luckner is more independent of ammunition.  A [[PPC]] is added to the turret. The main gun had to be downgraded to an [[Autocannon/10]] with two of tons ammo. Both SRM-6s had to be removed in order to make these changes possible. BV (2.0) = 1060 <ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 137</ref>
  
*;VNL-K75N : This [[3062]] version of the Von Luckner is equipped with a forward firing [[MRM-20]] and twin machine guns. The turret carries an [[Ultra AC/20]], an SRM-6 launcher, and a pair of [[Medium Laser]]s. BV (1.0) = 942<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref>, BV (2.0)= 1,350<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 168</ref>
+
*;VNL-X71 Yakuza : This Von Luckner variant is frequently seen in the hands of the ''[[Yakuza]]'' of [[The Republic of the Sphere]] in Prefectures I through III. The turret carries a single [[LB 20-X]] autocannon, [[Medium Pulse Laser]], and [[SRM-4]] with Artemis IV FCS. The tank uses an XL Fusion engine to maintain a top speed of 54 km/h. The tank is protected by both [[CASE]] and thirty tons of [[Hardened Armor]], making it difficult to destroy. In fact on [[Altais]] two of these tanks destroyed a militia 'Mech lance that was searching for ''yakuza'' warehouses. Republic intelligence thinks that the Combine's [[Ghost Regiments]] are helping refit these tanks, but no evidence has come to light.<ref name=XTRO:MWp11>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 11</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,847<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 24</ref>
 +
 
 +
*;VNL-K75N : This [[3062]] version of the Von Luckner is equipped with a forward firing [[MRM-20]] and twin machine guns. The turret carries an [[Ultra AC/20]], an [[SRM-6]] launcher, and a pair of [[medium laser]]s. BV (1.0) = 942<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref>, BV (2.0)= 1,350<ref>''Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 168</ref>
 +
 
 +
*;VNL-K85N : This variant of the Von Luckner utilizes hardened armor and an XL engine to give itself reinforced protection. Featuring an LB 20-X AC, a pair of SRM 6s, and an MRM 10, the K85N serves as a frontline juggernaught. BV (2.0) = 1584 <ref>''Recognition Guide : Ilclan Volume 32'', p. 32</ref>
 +
 
 +
*;VNL-K90 : Utilizing the same armor and engine as the K85N, the K90 has taken an all-range approach to combat. The autocannon is replaced with a gauss rifle, and the SRMs are reduced to a single SRM 4. The extra weight is put into a Snub-nose PPC. BV (2.0) = 1688 <ref>''Recognition Guide : Ilclan Volume 32'', p. 33</ref>
  
 
*;VNL-K100 : This [[3002]] variant of the Von Luckner drops all the weapons except for the Autocannon/20 and a single SRM-6 launcher. This allows for a second Autocannon-20 to be installed in the turret, making the Von Luckner far more deadly at short range. BV (2.0) = 1001 <ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 138</ref>
 
*;VNL-K100 : This [[3002]] variant of the Von Luckner drops all the weapons except for the Autocannon/20 and a single SRM-6 launcher. This allows for a second Autocannon-20 to be installed in the turret, making the Von Luckner far more deadly at short range. BV (2.0) = 1001 <ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 138</ref>
 
*;VNL-X71 Yakuza : This Von Luckner variant is frequently seen in the hands of the ''[[Yakuza]]'' of [[The Republic of the Sphere]] in Prefectures I through III. The turret carries a single [[LB 20-X]] autocannon, [[Medium Pulse Laser]], and [[SRM-4]] with Artemis IV FCS. The tank uses an XL Fusion engine to maintain a top speed of 54km/h. The tank is protected by both [[CASE]] and thirty tons of [[Hardened Armor]], making it difficult to destroy. In fact on [[Altais]] two of these tanks destroyed a militia 'Mech lance that was searching for ''yakuza'' warehouses. Republic intelligence thinks that the Combine's [[Ghost Regiments]] are helping refit these tanks, but no evidence has come to light.<ref name=XTRO:MWp11>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 11</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,847<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 24</ref>
 
  
 
==Design Quirks==
 
==Design Quirks==
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==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Image:VonLuckner.jpg|A Von Luckner in action
+
Von_Luckner.jpg|Original VNL-K65N Von Luckner from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
 +
Von Luckner RGilClan v32.jpg|Von Luckner from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 32|RG:iClan vol. 32]]''
 +
VonLuckner.jpg|A Von Luckner in action from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised|TRO:3025 Revised]]''
 +
Camokuritaanting.png|Von Luckner in colors of [[An Ting Legion]] from ''[[Camo Specs]]''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Notes==
 +
* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20221102192457/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 Von Luckner was among the vehicles for which he invented the name and wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its art and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 60: Line 74:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
+
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
*''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted]]''
+
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted]]''
*''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]''
+
* ''[[Historical: Operation Klondike]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
+
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
+
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
 +
 
  
 
[[Category:Combat Vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Combat Vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 13:47, 18 December 2023

Von Luckner RGilClan v32.jpg
VNL-K65N Von Luckner Heavy Tank
Production information
Manufacturer HartfordCo Industries
Production Year 2612[1]
Mission Close Range/Urban Combat
Type Tracked
Cost 3,692,500 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 75 tons
Armor StarSlab/4
Engine VOX 225 Fusion
Speed 54.0 km/h
Crew 5
Communications System O/P 300
Targeting Tracking System O/P GRNDSTAT 50A
Heat Sinks 10 single
Armament
BV (1.0) 663
BV (2.0) 1058


Description[edit]

Designed for the original Star League after the Reunification War as a BattleMech without legs, the Von Luckner is fully capable of blasting light 'Mechs to pieces. Named after Count Felix von Luckner of twentieth century Terra, the Von Luckner is one of the few tanks to use a fusion engine, as most vehicle-mounted reactors were stripped out for use in 'Mechs during the Succession Wars. Few of these vehicles remain in service, but they are very lethal, weighing more than most 'Mechs as well as boasting 11 tons of armor and overwhelming firepower.

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Von Luckner mounts an impressive array of weaponry. Its main gun is a turret-mounted Armstrong Autocannon 20, which can strip off more than a ton of armor in one salvo. A Holly LRM 10 provides long range and indirect fire, while two Holly SRM 6s and a Dannel SRM 4 add to its close range punch. A Ramsey Machine Gun and Firestorm Flamer provide anti-infantry capabilities. Carrying all of these weapons means that the vehicle is heavily ammo-dependent, which gives it very little to fall back on in the event of a protracted battle. As well, the reloading system is susceptible to jamming, and missile reloads stored in the tank's hull are vulnerable to fires or critical hits.

Variants[edit]

  • House Davion had a number of Von Luckner variants, one of which removed some of the missile systems but added an improved targeting and tracking system to the Autocannon.
  • VNL-K65W 
    Built Initially by the Word of Blake on Bryant, this update to the Royal Von Luckner was eventually utilized by the Republic and spread to several House militaries. An Ultra AC/20 serves as the main gun, with a pair of Streak SRM-4s and a single Light Machine Gun joining it in the turret. A pair of Artemis IV enhanced MML-5s and a Small Pulse Laser are mounted in the front glacis. All ammunition is stored in a CASE protected magazine. BV (2.0) = 1,318[3]
  • VNL-K70 
    This 3008 variant of the Von Luckner is more independent of ammunition. A PPC is added to the turret. The main gun had to be downgraded to an Autocannon/10 with two of tons ammo. Both SRM-6s had to be removed in order to make these changes possible. BV (2.0) = 1060 [4]
  • VNL-X71 Yakuza 
    This Von Luckner variant is frequently seen in the hands of the Yakuza of The Republic of the Sphere in Prefectures I through III. The turret carries a single LB 20-X autocannon, Medium Pulse Laser, and SRM-4 with Artemis IV FCS. The tank uses an XL Fusion engine to maintain a top speed of 54 km/h. The tank is protected by both CASE and thirty tons of Hardened Armor, making it difficult to destroy. In fact on Altais two of these tanks destroyed a militia 'Mech lance that was searching for yakuza warehouses. Republic intelligence thinks that the Combine's Ghost Regiments are helping refit these tanks, but no evidence has come to light.[5] BV (2.0) = 1,847[6]
  • VNL-K75N 
    This 3062 version of the Von Luckner is equipped with a forward firing MRM-20 and twin machine guns. The turret carries an Ultra AC/20, an SRM-6 launcher, and a pair of medium lasers. BV (1.0) = 942[7], BV (2.0)= 1,350[8]
  • VNL-K85N 
    This variant of the Von Luckner utilizes hardened armor and an XL engine to give itself reinforced protection. Featuring an LB 20-X AC, a pair of SRM 6s, and an MRM 10, the K85N serves as a frontline juggernaught. BV (2.0) = 1584 [9]
  • VNL-K90 
    Utilizing the same armor and engine as the K85N, the K90 has taken an all-range approach to combat. The autocannon is replaced with a gauss rifle, and the SRMs are reduced to a single SRM 4. The extra weight is put into a Snub-nose PPC. BV (2.0) = 1688 [10]
  • VNL-K100 
    This 3002 variant of the Von Luckner drops all the weapons except for the Autocannon/20 and a single SRM-6 launcher. This allows for a second Autocannon-20 to be installed in the turret, making the Von Luckner far more deadly at short range. BV (2.0) = 1001 [11]

Design Quirks[edit]

The VNL-X71 Von Luckner (Yakuza) variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[5]

Gallery[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • Author Blaine Lee Pardoe stated in a blog entry that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the Von Luckner was among the vehicles for which he invented the name and wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its art and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.

References[edit]

  1. MUL online date for the Von Luckner
  2. 2.0 2.1 Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 159
  3. ”Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 32”, pg8
  4. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 137
  5. 5.0 5.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted, p. 11
  6. Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted, p. 24
  7. Combat Operations, p. 121
  8. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 168
  9. Recognition Guide : Ilclan Volume 32, p. 32
  10. Recognition Guide : Ilclan Volume 32, p. 33
  11. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 138

Bibliography[edit]