Deployment tips
aka 'How to Bloody a Nose in 3 Easy Steps'
...attack in much the same was as an unseen falcon strikes at a fat, flying
pidgeon; with paralyzing suprise, undeniable momentun, and unstoppable force.
We will leave behind only a haze of blood and a flurry of feathers.
- Khan Elias Crichell
First you need to know some things about the Vulture. Foremost I've worked very
hard to balance the unit so it's performance is almost identical to a Battletech
Vulture, most basic ground units won't prove a threat, but some types of level 2
units in large numbers, or larger base defence units (like plasma batterys) can
(and will) prove difficult for 1, or even 2 or 3 Vultures to take on.
Vultures are not that cheap either, again, I've spent a fair bit of time balancing
the unit, they're more expensive than most level 2 units - and longer to build. But
They're quite a bit cheaper than many other add-on units.
So, what you need to bear in mind is that this unit is not like the majority
of add-on unit's, where they're a free ticket to victory, but used correctly will
greatly enhance your ground offensive capabilitys.
Another thing to bare in mind is that as your sustain damage your mechs weapon
systems will fail, if you lose both arms you'll lose your primary guns, and extreme
damage may result in your LRM racks being knocked offline (leaving only your nose
turret)
There are 2 main ways to deploy the Vulture...
Defensive
A defensive deployment is probably the most effective role the Vulture serves
when acting in defense you can deploy a small number of Vultures on their own
without the need for cannon fodder. The on-board sensors can be used to find
an incoming enemy force, you can then use their excellent terrain handling to
lay ambush and strike from a prominent location. Once the enemy begins to advance
on you, you can pull back, the 360 dgree torso twist range means the mechs can
turn their guns around and shoot at the pursuing forces from a safe distance.
Offensive
Offensive operations need to be played by ear, and has no set method of attack.
However, placing a couple of Vultures at the rear of your attack force will
benefit your forces not only with long range support fire, but the radar mounts on
the mechs can help you to make indirect artillery fire onto forces beyong your
normal range of vision. Also, don't forget that Mech's are water-tight while their
guns don't work under water, they can travel under it (albeit with a massivly reduced speed)
so you can attack the enemy from unexpected directions.
Finally, remember when making offensive operations to keep the Vultures moving,
if you move at an angle to enemy gun emplacements, you become much harder to hit.