I attempted to make a reasonable energy raven with the highest possible laser alpha, and I think I succeeded on both counts.
It's not the highest, unless you use LPL. and 4 of them. then we will talk. As is, I like the concept, not the heat. But max engine ATM really helps it out, so I'd say 4-5 stars.
It surprises me that more people aren't taking advantage of the RVN-2X's sweet laser quirks! Also, the title should be XL225, not XL245.
So you gain some nice quirks, but lose ECM... hmmm.... For Large Lasers you get: +10% range -30% beam duration -25% heat generation so that's a 27 point alpha @ ~550m (with lvl5 range) in 0.7 seconds duration (basically a standard LPL) and generates 15.75 heat... not bad The 4X also got a few nice quirks. +30% range and -30% duration. Saw one for the first time last night jumping around with 2 LL, looks silly and confused me, so I killed him with my 3x ERLL 3L
Pretty sweet build after quirks, easily top 3 in damage 90% of rounds after basics. More of a strike with max DPS, then cool off playstyle than a 3L. Obviously, you wont have ECM keeping you off enemy scopes, so you have to play smarter/safer. Also, slower so you won't have the mobility crutch. And one less module assuming you don't go with Radar Derp on your 3L, so one less of those to lean on as well. That said, having fun! I'm kind of fried, gonna sleep on it and report back after mastery.
Stats from Basiced to Mastered (I had GXP'd basics previously, I guess): 590 damage per game o.o Surprisingly easy to get the LT on target along with the RA. Crazy low duration cut down on return fire a ton. Not as much as ECM would, probably, but it helped. Went with XL 245 for more speed, as I feel I can get more out of the mobility than a DHS.
With the JJs and quirks, I would say that the Panther definitely does this better. Raven does have better hardpoint locations though...those arms can screw you on the Panther ><
The heat generation perks are quite vital to a 3LLas 35 tonner. They effectively increase your heat capacity (and cool shots), allowing you to keep your DHS hissing all fight rather than getting too hot too fast, or dropping to resting heat while repositioning.
This is what I do with my ravens as far as armor. Same weapon loadout, just different armor to squeeze out more speed.
Highly inadvisable, Ravens catch plenty of headshots, and your legs are often your life. Having no weakness is a kind of strength.
Here is my take on the same mech: If you go with your current engines, 11 heatsinks put you at the equivalent of 20.8 single heatsinks. If you get an engine that has all 10 inluded, then with no adidtional heatsinks you have the equivalent of 20 single heatsinks (and a LOT more speed). That's a fair trade in my book.