BATTLETECH: The Dart

A product of the #FederatedCommonwealth, and a #Battlemech constructed by the #HouseSteiner half of it, the #Dart is a Light #Mech that is very simple to build, and uhhh, is really inexpensive.
It's fast too.
Those Clanners... won't see it comin', am I right?
But in all seriousness, this #lyrancommonwealth machine would emerge after the breakup of the FC as a light-staple in the LCAF. Built during the #ClanInvasion, it does not have a storied history... but it does have its role to play.
#Battletech #3055 #FederatedSuns #HouseDavion
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Note: I am not associated with the Battletech / Mechwarrior IP, and create this under fair-use. Ownership of the Battletech IP resides with several companies at this time. I support all official releases.

[@nitesy381]

"something something good enough. " -Tex of the BPL probably

[@Bomfunker91]

A funny thing I've realized is, if I were a mechwarrior, I'd probably be very happy to be in a machine like the Dart. Very fast and agile, and I probably (hopefully!) won't be assigned to a frontline engagement any time soon.

[@Qardo]

Well, unless you are one of those idiots who are glory seekers and blood hungry. Wanting frontline combat. Even without having the reality, they would be dead in two seconds they hit planetside. And that isn't in the mech.

[@scytheseven9173]

yeah, the issue with piloting a Warhammer is you can be pretty damn sure of facing heavy frontlone fighting

[@topcatcoast2coast579]

I would feel safe in a Vindicator.

[@HellecticMojo]

I feel like mid and heavy weights are the actual worst assignment. Low expectations in a light, high survival rate on the assaults.

[@scytheseven9173]

@@HellecticMojo probably one of the worst assignments, expectations/role relative to survivability, would be a hatchetman

[@theapostatejack8648]

I'm surprised there is no variant with a TAG. Pairing one of these with a Catapult would be interesting.

[@x.a.n.a6835]

That's what the raven is for

[@theapostatejack8648]

@x.a.n.a6835 Sure, for nearly double the cost.

[@jlokison]

The Catapult is not manufactured in Lyran space. They do make other missile boats just not Catapults.

[@theapostatejack8648]

@@jlokison well yes, but the Catapult is a classic, and while it may not be made in Steiner space, it certainly won't be a surprise to see. They get EVERYWHERE.

[@MajorTymojo]

I appreciate a mech which has a clear design philosophy, and doesn't dip into expensive XL engines and other fineries to make it both able to stand toe to toe with have the same cost c-bill/bv wise to something in a weight class above. A cheap, functional scout is underappreciated. And hey, if you throw enough darts at the board your bound to get a decent score eventually.... maybe its for the best this wasn't a kuritan design given light recon formations sometimes turn into light assault formations.

[@BoisegangGaming]

"We have a bunch of fast scouts" "That's a funny way to say 'Cannon fodder'." - Kuritan generals

[@Chris_Sizemore]

I think an Ilkhan era variant would be interesting to see. With clan grade weapons becoming more common, replacing the 3 IS small pulse lasers with clan grade ER medium lasers and a set of double heat sinks would be a relatively easy field upgrade kit. This would change the role of the Dart from being a light harasser to ... a more effective light harasser that can pretend it is a sniper mech. For a deluxe rebuild upgrade to endo steel frame and add the 1 ton to install stealth armor. Stealth armor on a mech this fast would be criminal.

[@scytheseven9173]

i see the Dart as a worthy successor to 'Mechs like the Locust-i'd probably want a variant with 2 medium lasers and a small x-pulse laser

[@greysonjones5429]

Glory to the Federated Commonwealth! The dart seems like a great mech, just maybe not one for pickup games unless you're using one of more anti-mech focused variants/you need something freaking cheap. Once we get this sucker in plastic, you best believe I'm adding him to a light formation in my Fedcom RCT.

[@BigRed40TECH]

House Steiner-Davion's reign will never end, the beginnings a New Star League is before us! :P

[@beskar66]

Nothing like punching a dart

[@BigRed40TECH]

*takes a drag on the dart* This thing's not so bad. :P

[@MechanicalFrog]

Go go super Dart... idol of many, foe of the soon to be deceased.

[@Reverb154]

My version of the Dart for the Il-Clan age has a Light 225 engine with 10 Double heat sinks, 5 tons of armor, and 2 small VSP Lasers for more bite at range. This will improve the firepower and survivability of the Dart I believe!

[@DauntlessProductionz]

The original dart is probably the best mech a commander could give their scouts. "Here's a fast scout mech with only enough firepower to engane infantry and support assets. If you try to fight anothet mech you will die so do your job and scout."

[@samuelbaldwin2184]

The dart 4s is a great mech. Speed is a better defense than armor especially on a light mech. But even though its lightly armored it can still take a clan medium laser to the torso and not take any internal damage. 3 medium lasers is a very respectable damage output too. While i wouldn't say its as good as a jenner, it can still fill a similar role and give your heavier Steiner mechs a little more bv to play with while doubling as an initiative sink.

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

Stock 3025 Jenner only has 4 tons of armor, so I'd say it's pretty comparable. And cheaper.

[@BluLionIV]

When speed is life, a slow light mech is easy prey. Let's see if the Dart lives up to its name or just should be "thrown away"

[@leoismaking]

That variant with the medium lasers is basically a full "introtech" mech - and does a good job of it. It's a better Ostscout than the Ostscout, and cheaper too. Just a hair slower than the Firemoth even (ok, with no MASC, but still). With the Commando, Wolfhound and Dart, by the 3050s House Steiner really does have a capable and flexible roster of light 'mechs to equal any other IS faction out there. Now if only someone would explain that to their generals, preferably using small words and lots of pictures...

[@BigRed40TECH]

I hear Steiner Generals War gud.

[@bthsr7113]

The Ostscout has a few other features the Dart lacks, but it also has some fluff handicaps.

[@iansaviet600]

Definitely feels like this mech is missing a tag in some configurations

[@thomascraiker6449]

Not as fast as the Fireball, but it outruns most Clan lights and mediums. Makes it handy to break up formations and force heavies and assaults out of cover.

[@bthsr7113]

And unlike the fireball, it can actually kill more than baseline infantry.

[@xerenkeldar]

Dart be smokin them fools!

[@jeffersonian000]

Love the Canadian reference in the thumbnail! A Dart smoking a Dart.

[@BigRed40TECH]

:D

[@BruceEverett]

I've heard if a mechwarrior pairs a Dart with a pack of salt and vinegar crisps, and a pint of bitter, they get a targeting bonus coupled with a piloting penalty. Apparently peanuts (shelled and salted only) can be substituted for the crisps. This may only apply to mechwarriors from the Davion half of the Federated Commonwealth, and is supposed to have been associated with an increased risk of Greyhound racing, which as a dog lover you are probably aware has been banned first on Numenor, and then elsewhere in the Federated Suns. I feel that pun may have run on too long, but in my defense that's a trait of the Dart, too.

[@MervDeGriff]

"... Crazier than Katherine Stiener-Davion. Don't get caught or someone will smoke this dart." Damn right. Nice video!

[@matwisn1652]

Ah yes, "one takes ammo, one takes the rifle" the mech.

[@Elrigger]

Just now getting to listen. Unfortunately the premier occurred while I was unloading. Excellent video. The dart is a fun light to play and pair up with a mongoose. I would love to have the dart in mwo

[@bthsr7113]

One of the more sensible speed first mechs. Compared to things like the Hussar and Fireball, this is a much smarter investment. Sure, could stand dedicated scouting equipment, but that's more expensive.

[@rho1581]

They should make a heavier one and call it the Jart / Lawn Dart. 🎯

[@BigRed40TECH]

Nah, call it the Cigar. lol

[@Aceman52]

I like the simplicity of design and function. If I had to pilot a Dart, give me the 4S

[@Jackelmandingo]

The Dart DRT-3S is an Elemental killer. "Dart" in and blast them with the 3 SPL. Then punch and kick and "Dart" off at the start the next turn. Rinse and repeat. Like a bunch of mechs from TRO3055 that comes off as smash the toad edition.

[@shenandoahreynolds6921]

Always used it as a scout/battlefield harasar. One of those understood pieces , just keep moving!

[@shenandoahreynolds6921]

Misunderstood

[@jefaus06]

The Screen: UPGRADED "Information is Ammunition" - Maj. Adam Steiner

[@kvasac123]

/big fan of these tiny fast harrasers. They might not be able to bring down their heavier brethren on their own, but can sure set them up for badaboom later...

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Speedy little recon unit.

[@Gigas0101]

9:48 "Battlefield Longetivity" gesundheit! I like the look of the Dart, it's something I'd consider taking if I know I was going up against a vehicle-heavy army. I can only imagine how much fun would be to run this thing across the field and turn it loose on some dedicated artillery platforms. Lotsa potential for this thing in some compositions. Thanks for the vid, here's wishing you prosperity and logetivity in 2024!

[@BigRed40TECH]

Thanks gigas!

[@ero9841]

Speed is life. You go slow you die.

[@iller3]

good in theory, until that moment a piloting check is failed and its critted by a single PPC blast

[@matthewmclean836]

Dart should have had a TAG. Pretty much perfect for it

[@BigRed40TECH]

It'd be nice to see in an Ilclan / Dark Age upgrade for it. :)

[@Ironhold_Watch]

We are officially protesting

[@BigRed40TECH]

Mail your batchall, I'll get in the mail in a few thousand years :P

[@Primearch-GG]

Super expensive Dart variant: DRT-S7; Vox 225 Clan XL, 5.5 ton FF armor, Double Heatsinks, 3 Clan Medium Pulse Lasers. potential Crazy pilot modification: loudspeaker to shout "Come Kill Me! I'm Here!"

[@MrFleem]

A DRT leaves the dropship at 12:00, traveling at a uniform speed of 151 km/h...

[@TheStraycat74]

youtubes never notifide me this was running

[@BigRed40TECH]

Thanks KZbin XD

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

One thing they didnt seem to take into account was a TAG unit. Take a stock dart and just swap out one SPL for a TAG. Now youre scouting and helping mop up infantry if needed, but wont really be tempted to get into a stand up fight.

[@jasonstandlea1784]

I'd forgotten how little advanced tech this little bug used. Cheappppppp scout 101. And i agree with a previous commenter: needs a TAG

[@BigRed40TECH]

Yep, TAG would've been nice. Apparently there was no TAG in the tonnage budget. lol

[@joshuamidgette4846]

3 ER medium lasers would serve the Dart well I think.

[@alexandervanwijk295]

its a faster locust. woot. looks pretty cool, and hands are a plus. for a scout sure decent enough. personally id swap a laser for tag, gives it something to do if theres no infantry around to pulse to death

[@GrammarTron3000]

It's an accurately named mech. Hit and dart the hell away.

[@matthewjay660]

10:45 "You get caught and you're* in trouble." Pod-Brother, we have to use vulgar Inner Sphere contractions. Seyla! 💪🏻 👻🐻

[@BigRed40TECH]

XD My proofing on this one wasn't top notch regarding the on-screen it seems. DOn't make videos while exhausted folks XD

[@TroySeward]

Nice light mech. Another great video.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Thanks Troy!

[@harvestblades]

Stoked about the WHMIiC!

[@BigRed40TECH]

Seen the art I put on Twitter yet? :D

[@Cygnus610]

Great video! Thanks Red!

[@BigRed40TECH]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@paladinslash4721]

I want an XL engine on it just to justify MASC or a supercharger

[@cameronparde3828]

It reminds me of a mercury.

[@thunderK5]

Didn't expect this video so soon but its welcome. The Dart is a cheap and cheerful little mech that does its jobs right.

[@BigRed40TECH]

I was surprised it got done so quickly too. The Watchman won't take very long either I suspect. The Tempest and Gunslinger though, those videos will be beefier. The Watchman might be the last 3055 Mech I cover before we hit the Cougar for Christmas.

[@l0rf]

It's nowhere as impressive as an Ares or Matar, but few 'Mechs are. It is, conversely, also probably infinitely more useful on the battlefield. As many pointed out, a Tag to share the LRM-love would make the Dart genuinely terrifying. Some added ECM to up the survivability and you have a speedy, hard to hit Mech constantly painting you for missile rain.

[@covahredro8370]

Don't get caught or you'll Dirt Dart

[@kevinmulkey9774]

I'd pilot any version of a Dart over the Fireball any day of the week,and twice on Sunday. I wonder how they'd do paired with a Commando or two.

[@BigRed40TECH]

I think I prefer the Fireball, but they both have their merits.

[@liljenborg2517]

I’d still want an XL engine. With a mech as small and unarmored as a Dart, the XL engine doesn’t really add all that much to the mech’s vulnerability. Any volley that hits the little guy in the torso is pretty much going to cripple the mech anyways.

[@attiladukai2121]

It needs a Vader variant...

[@robkitchen5344]

The Dart needs the XL engine upgrade to install 9 jump jets fot true superior mobility

[@BigRed40TECH]

That may cost more than the Lyrans can afford atm XD

[@georgesulea]

Love these little, fast guys, everyone has their place in the line of battle. BTW Mr. Red Sir, A question, and I think you may have mentioned this before, just how many battlemech designs ARE there in the Battletech universe?

[@BigRed40TECH]

Battlemech wise I think its north of 600 for individual chassis types. Or at least that's what I've heard. We'll know when I'm done covering Battlemechs I guess. lmao

[@jameshiggins5686]

Including variants for each chassis, 4126 according to Mech Factory.

[@georgesulea]

@@jameshiggins5686 That's a lotta mechs!

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@jameshiggins5686 Oh yea, I don't count variants, that'd be madness. lol

[@irondarknessdarkness8900]

Hey Look a reaL Steiner scout! Thats No Atlas!

[@BigRed40TECH]

WhAtEvEr Do YoU mEaN?!

[@shagakhan9442]

The fisters have prehtty good lights

[@BigRed40TECH]

Yub Yub

[@franksmedley8619]

Hello Red. I have only one additon to your video's data... The Dart has no weapons in either arm, so they can act as a 'shield' of sorts. Careful use of the Extended Torso Twist, and the fact that the Mech's arms are disposable, you effectively increase the effectiveness of the 'torso' armor.

[@BigRed40TECH]

It's not really armour though in a game of random shots per say. It just means that its more open space. lol

[@franksmedley8619]

@@BigRed40TECH Well, using the extended torso twist, you get another hex of firing arc for forward weapons, and get the arm pointed to the 'true' rear arc, thus letting an enemy hit the arm more often than the torso... So, yeah, The arms act as armor.

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@franksmedley8619 Kind of but not really? What if they just don't roll to thi the arm, and hit the torso? Fire is still randomized, even on a side facing. It gives more room to lose things, but I don't think of that as armour.

[@franksmedley8619]

@@BigRed40TECH : Agreed, it is not 'armor', but sacrificing the arms acts like a shield for the torsos, so, in effect, armor. No, not all the time, but when shooting at a mech's 'side' the most likely area hit will be the arm. Thus the extended torso twist and 'empty' arms, do act like armor, in a sense of the word as used, but not 'armor' as the precise definition.

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@franksmedley8619 Well, they act as the spirit of hope for the defence, I'll tell you what. lol

[@nono2645]

Fisty supremacy

[@coulbauth]

But can you throw the Dart.

[@RonOnTheWay]

I'm really surprised that the Blakist era Dart didn't have an ECM and / or active probe.

[@bruh-wy2ih]

Based thumbnail

[@BigRed40TECH]

Tell me I'm wrong though lol

[@burningchrome8622]

warhammer IIC is one of my fav mechs so looking forward to and epic expose

[@Alex-ip1dn]

🚬

[@jownbey]

there's no a in recon, i swear red i'm going to send you back to school lol

[@BigRed40TECH]

Writing hard! I also may have not slept for too long while proofing this video XD

[@lukechaplin3263]

I wonder if the world of Coventry is as awful as the city is in England 😂

[@BigRed40TECH]

oof lmao

[@datrux]

The Dart was laughably bad when it was first presented in the 90s. There is no excuse for a recon mech designed after 3048 to not have advanced sensors. It doesn't have jump jets so that speed advantage is lost in anything other than flat terrain. It has two of, perhaps, the worst energy weapon available to the inner sphere. It was, is, and always will be a design that answered a question no one except the Lyrans was dumb enough to ask.

[@Spharv2]

I love your videos, the whole resurgence of BattleTech the past few years is great, but I do have one nitpick...the typefont you use is awful when it comes to numbers particularly. It's not great for letters either, but at least legible. Numbers are just awful though. Maybe just change the font up for the numbers? It's a small nitpick, but it drives me nuts in otherwise excellent videos.

[@BigRed40TECH]

The typefont will not be changing. :)

[@Wix92]

The weight makes no sense. The mech is 25t. It has an 18t 225 engine (9 integrated heatsinks). It has 18 total heatsinks, so 9 have to be external, which already goes over the weight budget by 2t. Then it also has 3.5t of armor and 3t of weapons? And what about the structure?

[@BigRed40TECH]

It has 10 heatsinks. That's the type-script used.

[@Wix92]

@@BigRed40TECH Oh, okay, you even say 10 in the video, both when it comes to the heatsinks and the weight of the engine. The way "0" looks in that typeface is pretty confusing indeed. Nevermind, then :D