Mechs

[Zartax]

Originally posted by Stalefish
I believe they both have their advantages as well. Mechs stand higher, so in flat ground battles they'd have a longer range than a tank, and they'd also have the infamous "stomping" ability that everyone loves. But, instability is the price you pay for the extra advantages. Maybe make a mech with four legs to have increased stability and the range modifier as well?

As stated before, Mechs are not as useful as a tank of the same tonnage can be. A modern tank have over a meter armour in the front, and a little less on the sides and back. Having that on a Mech would be impossible if the Mech isn't huge in size, which instead makes a great target. And the legs are too much of a softspot to not be considered as a huge disadvantage. One hit from a tank at one of the legs would render the Mech totally useless. Think Star Wars or Robocop, when the Mech falls over.

As for the increase in range, it would be minimal. If it is, say, 3 m taller, then the increase in range compared to a tank would be approximately 3 m. The range of a tank is several km, so the rangeadvantage is none.

A modern tank can go as fast as ~70 km/h through rough terrain and forrests, plowing through the trees like it was a plains. I find it hard to see a Mech doing that. The Mech might be better at extremely rough terrain though, but not that much better. The balance would be a problem. Some tanks can even travel on water, using the tracks as a propellant. A biped cannot do that.

But the stomping ability is cool though.