SHD-5M "Black Hawk" (2x MLas, 2x SSRM2, 2x AC2, BAP, 2x JJ, XL280) [with video]

The build I most like using on my BJ-1 is almost identical to Cpt Chattaha's Top Shelf, which uses a set of AC/2s and some medium lasers. Unfortunately for the Blackjack, this Shadow Hawk build just made it obsolete in my mech bay.

The biggest drawback of the AC/2 BJ-1 build is the inability to fight off lights that track you down wherever you happen to be perched. The SHD removes that limitation by having a pair of fully actuated arm lasers and a pair of BAP-enforced streaks, while retaining the same ground speed and ability to jump.

When dropship weight caps come in later the extra 10 tons may matter... but it doesn't right now. So, good bye Mr. Blackjack and hello Mr. Black Hawk.

Edit: Now with 200% more build demo moving pictures. See below

 

I have just started to use the 5M and my fit is very similar - keeping the XL275 and not having the BAP but x2 AC/2, x2 MLAS and x2 SSSRM2.

The ACs lay down a nice sustained rate of fire when needed and yes, it can handle lights as well as support the assaults. Rapidly turning out to be my goto Shadowhawk now. Just wish it had the extra c-bill bonus!

Solid build 5/5 from me.

MT

 

I dig. I've been running AC/5s on the 5M with SRM4s, however, the dual AC/2 for range and great close range punch from arm articulated MLas and SSRMs are quite a deadly Guarded Sniper build. I dig.

 

2nd drop ever in the 5M, 1st drop with this build. 2 kills, 7 assists, 505 DMG.

Two thumbs up.

 

Generally, I don't like variants with even hardpoint distributions (exactly so at 2/2/2 in this case)... I like to to have a clear focus to guide my builds and keep my weapon groups down. Thus, I've been struggling to get comfortable with the 5M, and I was reluctant to try this version since it has half the AC-punch of my 2H and half the lasers and streaks of my 2D2; but then it occurred to me that this is an exact hybrid of my two preferred variants, so what was the worst that could happen?

I should never have doubted...

I run this a bit different, keeping the stock XL 275... makes it a VERY cost-efficient loadout if you're just breaking in to the 5M:



I routinely score somewhere betweeo 400-700 damage with this build, comparable to what I do with the other SHD variants, and the weapon groups are down to a tidy three:

1) alpha ACs
2) chain MLs
3) alpha streaks

This build can do it all... early-game fire suppression, fly-swatting on overeager lights (though I don't peel off and hunt them like I do in the 2D2), and even some solid brawling--the only time I've ever needed to watch my heat is with all guns blazing. Five stars from me... I wish I'd tried this first!

 

First build i've tried on my SHD-5M. Fast enough, can pose a threat against lights, reasonable firepower along with suppressive capabilities, everything encased in shadowhawks quite sturdy chassis. Great one!

 

It's intended to drive lights away but if they're not too smart you can definitely take them out. If you want a light-hunting 'Hawk, a super fast 2D2 is the best possible option, IMO.

[quote author=Vergere link=topic=4305.msg33629#msg33629 date=1388877288]
I personally think this is a jack of all trades mech. It's not the best sniper, nor is it the best brawler. But the fact that it can do both makes it a good mech. 4-5 stars for me.
[/quote]

Most of my mechs are of the generalist variety, at least in a *reasonable* fashion. Since this guy is a mobile suppression platform, he's most likely going to run into lights and mediums that the ACs are going to have a harder time hitting, hence the streaks. Wouldn't make sense putting a heavier (tonnage) weapon to fight heavies and assaults more effectively; the ACs should be annoying them enough to make them hide.

I hadn't visited this section in about a month so when I saw this guy up at the top I was a little surprised. Thanks to everyone for receiving this build so well!

 

In my experience, it's not necessarily the damage that makes them hide, it's the fact that they can't see anything because the screenshake is so bad. Of course, a majority of pilots will let you hit them for 10-15 seconds before they even react.

 

Wow, sarcasm, handy. I don't really care what you use. The screenshake is real, it *does* affect other players, and it *does* cause them to retreat.

 

Incidentally, if you are using that module, that's one less spot you have for other modules. So you can't have everything.

 

Also, just an fyi, if you are using a module to reduce screenshake, you are admitting that screenshake is enough of an issue that you feel the need to address it, thus admitting that it *is* an issue that needs to be addressed. Thank you for admitting the point.

Logic is fun, isn't it? Would you like to be more sarcastic towards me?

 

This isn't a matter of opinion. Screenshake either does or does not affect other players. My empirically reproducible observations are that it does. This is confirmed both by the existence of modules that reduce it and the fact that players such as yourself equip those modules. The fact that the module reduces, but does not eliminate screenshake simply means it has less of an effect, not zero effect. So once again, this is not a matter of opinion.

 

Great Build. AC2 people all until you are forced to close the gap. The hardest thing for this build is getting good at AC2. GREAT BUILD! 5 stars

 

Just an evolution of the OP, with added AMS.