Modularity

Lesson 1: Hardpoints

Battletech fans have lamented at the poor visualization regarding certain
designs.  I think the solutions to this problem are hardpoints.  It is
already very effective during online gaming, allowing us to reuse models
over and over again while making small variations.

But I think hardpoints should be even more restrictive.  I think hardpoints
should have tonnage limits based on their mounting.  In addition to the
basic five, energy, ballistic, missile and ecm, they should also be
classified as light, medium or heavy.

MAX WEIGHT BY TYPE (IS)

		Energy	Missile	Ballistic
Light	2		6		10
Medium	5		9		15
Heavy	8		12		20


Lesson 2: Modular Dynamics

Weapon Modularity takes the Omni "pod" concept and applies it to the
components that compose a weapon.  Its entire chassis and mounting is
subject to modification using modular parts that affect the weapon in
various ways.  For instance, a pulse generator could be added to a laser
to make it a pulse laser.  We will start with the basics

Introduction: Modular Lasers

Modular Laser, Base Damage

Lens Assembly
			Small	Medium	Large
Single 		1		2		3
Duplex 		2		4		6
Triplex 	3		6		9

Modular Laser, Base Range

Lens Calibration
				Small	Medium	Large
Standard		2/4/5	4/7/10  6/12/17
Extended Range  3/5/7	4/8/12  7/14/20 *

Modular Laser, Base Heat (per Lens)

Cooling Jacket
				Small	Medium	Large
Liquid Nitrogen	1		2		3
Liquid Helium	0		1		2

* counts as an additional lens for heat purposes