This is an attempt to build a functional recon scout to support LRM boats, its only ever going to work in a team with at least 2 heavy/assault Boats. 2 Variants - first one is fully kitted out with all the goodies, RVN-3L Dropping ECM and AMS Probably seems like a bad idea, but I've been noticed by bigger mechs from having both, so this variant gains a bigger engine and SSRMs RVN-3L I expect these to generate a lot of debate, and possible flaming. However they are both intended to be specialised roles, and to excel in them. Personally I'm looking forward to running in them, when I get the chance..... Module use could be important with these, maybe seismic and a UAV perhaps?
I've actually found lately that lights are the bane of my LRM boat. The way missiles track, I can't even hit them if they're out in the open (lights moving at max speed are too fast for LRMs). The only way I can hit them is if they are right on top of me. Instead of devoting multiple hardpoints and that many tons towards tagging weapons, in a LRM boat, I'd prefer my lights to be effective counter-lights to be able to chase them off me. I'm not sure if the drop in firepower is worth it.
@skribs : I totally agree with you, and LRM's while useless against lights are hefty atm against bigger mechs. The Goal of this mech is to support the LRM boats, flanking bigger larger mech and tagging them to make the LRM's more effective. example: 2x missile boats 2x counter lights 3x brawlers 1x missile support Sure possibly this is a stupid build, but I'm really looking forward to trying it out sometime
What I'm saying is that you can do most of the job of a scout without that NARC, and then circle back to do light-hunting better.
Not useful to have BOTH ECM and AMS. Function of BAP mainly is counter-ECM, and that will not function on a mech with ECM. If you want to counter ECM with 3L, mind as well switch your ECM mode. BAP would be ok if you have a pair of ssrm2, which you do not. Also, I don't think you need both Tag and NARC. One of them would be enough. Use the other hardpoint for something more productive.
the tag and narc DO stack! I've seen LRM's Core an Atlas that had been Narced and Taged at the same time. It was terrifyingly effective.
Ultimate light ECM umbrella supporter: I've been playing with Commando with ECM and what I do with it I stay close to heavier mechs and give them ECM cover. It really makes the difference when enemy can't use their missiles. With this raven you can go to the middle of the combat with the heavier mechs and narc and tag enemy mechs and protect your team mates at the same time. Am I mistaken does AMS protect you against SMR as well. AMS is there if ECM fails.
I don't like the Raven very much, actually it was the first time it went out of the garage for months. But I wanted to try an "electronic warfare" mech (what the Raven is supposed to be) with all the stuff. I came out with this : Similar to yours, but with the biggest engine and without AMS. The mech is already pretty weak, I didn't want to add another weakness by making it slow. I'm still wondering what is better of BAP or AMS, given that I already have ECM. I went for BAP since the mech is a spotter, so higher range is welcome. But AMS could be an asset to your team when you're close to the pack. Both weight 1.5t, pick the one you prefer. You also may only load one ton of NARC ammo and strip the armor a bit, and load both - the problem is you might have to be conservative with the NARC - or reduce the engine like the previous build. Anyway, on its own, this mech is complete junk. Every single mech on the battlefield (except the SDR-5V) is more heavily armed than you. Plus, you don't have jets. So don't launch solo. But with a LRM boat friend it's pretty fun, and can also be efficient. Counter-ECM, stack NARC and TAG, while keeping as low profile as possible, it's a very exciting gamestyle. (still, but I don't know if it's because I'm not used to the mech yet, I perfer the SDR-5D for a spotter - no NARC, but JJs that make the task much more safe, allowing you to escape) To complete the "electronic warfare" setup, I load mine with an UAV module. Again, it's pretty fun. Other suggested modules (4 modules slots): - advanced sensor range - advanced target decay - 360 target - advanced sismic sensor (this last one won't help your spotting, but might help you evade unwanted encounters) @fin_jaekaelae (welcome btw): AMS protects you form the SRMs as much as it can, but SRMs are faster than LRMs (300m/s instead of 120m/s) so the protection is not that efficient.
Here's my version of "Information Warefare" Raven: Modules: - Advanced Sensor Range - Target Info Gathering (or advanced target decay) - Capture Accelerator (for conquest battles or last moment base cap) - Improved UAV (or advanced UAV if you want to spend MCs) And woodland camo with black, grey and brown colors. hear: I went with only 1 ton of NARC ammo, considering I have TAG also. That freed space for both AMS and BAP and largest engine. BAP is mainly here because I don't want to lose lock on shutdown or overheated enemies. I only wish PGI awards this loadout more because it brings versatility, something different than just big guns.
I don't like Ravens all that much either, though I have three of them and do have to say it was a challenge learning the chassis, but in this role I think I would get a kick out of playing it. I don't know about land, but at sea where the majority of your targets are not line of sight electronic warfare is pivotal to success in a radar dominated theatre...... Just a thought, why don't we have Active & Passive radar modes?
Raven + Narc run with a lance of LRM boats is a cash cow! Easy to make about 300k with preimum time only breaking 100 or so damage. You only really need 1 ton of ammo but the 2 tons is nice if they are ECM heavy.
What do you mean? BAP won't cancel ECM or ECM mechs with BAP installed doesn't work? As far as I know both of those things work as intended, anyone have insight on this?
This thread was before it's time, needs a new score. The Raven as a NARC & tag scout with BAP, advanced sensors and ECM is probably the best LRM spotter in the game currently.
