Targeting Computer

The Targeting Computer was introduced by Clan Mongoose in 2860. Targeting Computers are sophisticated pieces of electronics that, unlike normal targeting systems, physically help MechWarriors target their opponents. Recoil compensators and gyroscopic stabilizers are used to prevent normal weapon drift from factors such as recoil and movement while the computer accounts for atmospheric and other conditions to present an accurate "lead" on the target. This allows for more surgical precision of weapons fire, especially with naturally accurate systems, allowing for the user to hit specific parts on the target vehicle.

The Inner Sphere finally caught up to Clan technology with the Federated Suns' development of their own targeting computer in 3062.

List of Weapons a Targeting Computer Works With

 * Autocannon/2
 * Autocannon/5
 * Autocannon/10
 * Autocannon/20
 * ER Large Laser
 * ER Medium Laser
 * ER Micro Laser
 * ER PPC
 * ER Small Laser
 * Gauss Rifle
 * Heavy Gauss Rifle
 * Heavy Large Laser
 * Heavy Medium Laser
 * Heavy PPC
 * Heavy Small Laser
 * Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle 20
 * Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle 30
 * Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle 40
 * Large Laser
 * Large Pulse Laser
 * Large X-Pulse Laser
 * Large Variable Speed Pulse Laser
 * LB 2-X AC
 * LB 5-X AC
 * LB 10-X AC
 * LB 20-X AC
 * Light AC/2
 * Light AC/5
 * Light Gauss Rifle
 * Light PPC
 * Medium Laser
 * Medium Pulse Laser
 * Medium X-Pulse Laser
 * Medium Variable Speed Pulse Laser
 * Micro Pulse Laser
 * Plasma Rifle
 * PPC
 * Rotary AC/2
 * Rotary AC/5
 * Small Laser
 * Small Pulse Laser
 * Small X-Pulse Laser
 * Small Variable Speed Pulse Laser
 * Snub-Nose PPC
 * Ultra AC/2
 * Ultra AC/5
 * Ultra AC/10
 * Ultra AC/20

Fanmade weapon types enhanced by Targeting Computers

 * Dark Matter Railgun

Game Notes
The Targeting Computer can be used to help aim all direct fire weapons, including most energy and ballistic weapons. This results in a -1 to-hit modifier for all eligible weapons that tie in, or the ability to aim for a location that is not the head with a +3 to-hit penalty. Clan Targeting Computers weigh one ton and occupy one critical slot for every five tons of equipment they control (rounded up), while a comparable Inner Sphere version weighs one ton and occupies one critical slot for every four tons it controls (also rounded up). Total Warfare updated the rules to specify that Pulse Lasers (including Variable Speed Pulse Lasers and X-Pulse Lasers) as well as multi-shot firing autocannon cannot aim their fire (but can still benefit from the modifier), unless the affected autocannon are fired in single shot mode. In addition, an LB-X autocannon only receives the benefits if it is firing solid rounds instead of cluster ammunition. The Targeting Computer costs 10,000 C-Bills per ton (ref: The Battletech Compendium, p. 129, 'Weapon and Equipment Price List')