the shape of things to come

preliminary phases, we will still need to explore further development.
When shifting the main focus beyond reliability,
stronger and respectively faster-reacting myomers available
to IndustrialMech use may come to mind.
Currently, the only such advancement available on the
open market is so-called Industrial TSM, a FedSuns product
derived from military triple-strength myomer. Unlike its predecessor,
Industrial TSM operates at normal temperatures,
but still doubles the sheer physical strength of an equipped
‘Mech, multiplying its performance.
Cockpit and Sensor Systems
The often-heard statement that, “Core electronics installed
in IndustrialMechs are much less sophisticated than in their
BattleMech counterparts” is only partly correct, and understates
the circumstances of specialization.
Obviously, a machine for civilian use mounts systems that
are far less protected than those in BattleMechs. They lack
the redundancy, shielding installations and other safety
mechanisms expected on similar systems meant for combat.
Automated fi re suppressors, ejection seats—these simply
have a diff erent place in IndustrialMech design when one
does the necessary investment/yield calculations.
Specifi c sensors on an IndustrialMech design, however,
often surpass the capabilities and complexity of any bluntinstrument,
military-grade equipment. Perfect examples are
the Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) equivalents used on
some MiningMechs, which not only detect lumps of metal
and veins, but also deliver specifi c analyses of composition,
density and other relevant factors for successful mining
operations.
Gyroscopes
Apart from lesser redundancy tie-ins to cut costs,
IndustrialMech gyroscopes do not diff er from the standard
models produced by our contractors. Somewhat of an oddity,
however, is the fact that a lot of IndustrialMechs—unlike
BattleMechs—make little to no signifi cant use of neurohelmet-assisted
balance support. The driver of a IndustrialMech
relies entirely on manual control instead—a byproduct of the
technology loss seen during the Succession Wars.
Addendum
Please note that this document concerns standard models.
It is, of course, possible to design IndustrialMechs with
advanced fi re control systems, environmental sealing and
other technical upgrades. Such variants can be ready-made
for whatever market demands them.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Finally, to the most telling aspect in IndustrialMech engineering:
the tools of their trades, the defi ning equipment of
these machines.
Just as IndustrialMech applications are nearly limitless, so
is the range of equipment available to them. Basically, everything
that can be mounted on a vehicle of any kind can
be welded onto an IndustrialMech—only larger, and with
greater fl exibility in application and performance. This, added
to the ability to cross nearly any terrain imaginable at reasonable
speed, makes such a machine a valuable asset.
With most equipment arm-mountable, an IndustrialMech
can play to advantages over similarly equipped conventional
vehicles, such as higher dexterity, greater reach and even the
ability to wield two tools simultaneously without interference.
An experienced pilot can use both arms at the same time,
doubling productivity when operating an IndustrialMech so
equipped, though it would be more common and economical
to employ diff erent devices in each arm to eliminate any
need for machine swaps.
Weaponry
It is also possible to install standard heavy weapons on
IndustrialMech chassis, provided the power source delivers
the output needed. Of course, energy weapons such as lasers
and PPCs would require power amplifi ers when powered by
ICE- or fuel cell-based engines.
Unsurprisingly, such armaments are legally restricted on
most worlds. Therefore it is of utmost importance to coordinate
the necessary permits with our customers and their
homeworld governments before delivering an armed unit to
them. Our company could not weather the legal fallout and
loss of reputation if, for example, a SecurityMech we manufacture
ends up being used outside its specifi ed tasks.
Let us be realistic: Not all IndustrialMechs serve peaceful
purposes. Several past and current reports indicate the use
of such machines in combat on rare occasions. Though this
seems to occur out of sheer desperation in most cases, we
confi rmed rumors of small factions and insurgent groups
fi elding upgraded civilian ’Mechs on purpose. Also, several
reports covered sightings of “upgraded” hardware: Machines
with belted-on military grade weaponry or bolted-on additional
armor, for example—used as cheap and readily available
tools of warfare. Far from able to stop a BattleMech, but
good enough to wage a guerrilla campaign, such monstrosities
can hold their own against a more conventional army at
practically no cost.
This recent development provides a host of new opportunities
that are beyond the scope of this briefi ng, but further
emphasize the importance of this potential new market for a
dedicated and creative company like Gilmour Miltech.
CONCLUSION
From technical and organizational standpoints, Gilmour
Miltech can branch into the IndustrialMech market within the
demanded time frame. Building up of competitive know-how
may, however, require at least another three years, if no outside
help is obtained before that time.
Once we have laid this groundwork, a whole universe of
opportunities should open in a promising market, assuring
our company’s future. A defi nitive recommendation will be
given after the presentation of other options investigated by
this team.
Laszlo Hornstein
Head of Project
Task Force Dagobert
March 31st, 3070
INTRODUCTION
CONSTRUCTION
BASICS
BATTLEMECH
CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRIALMECH
CONSTRUCTION
PROTOMECH
CONSTRUCTION
COMBAT VEHICLE
CONSTRUCTION
SUPPORT VEHICLE
CONSTRUCTION
CONV. INFANTRY
CONSTRUCTION
BATTLE ARMOR
CONSTRUCTION
AEROSPACE UNIT
CONSTRUCTION
WEAPONS AND
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
INFANTRY WEAPONS
AND EQUIPMENT
COSTS AND
AVAILABILITY
BATTLE VALUE
INDEX
RECORD SHEETS
63