Battletech Theory - Fusion Engine Discussion - Compact Fusions

Based on some of the comments I received in relation to my discussion of the various common types of fusion engines: Standard, XL, and Light.  I omitted talking about Compact Fusion Engines because I really have no experience with them.  There are not many Canon 'Mech designs that actually use the Compact Fusion Engine.  Therefore, which a small sample size of Canon 'Mechs did not feel qualified to talk about Compact Fusions.  However, since it was brought up, I decided to design some 'Mechs using SSW to see what I could come up with. 

Logically, the Compact Engine's value is that it reduces crit slots of the Engine, which means it's harder to take out via crits.  Additionally, it allows one to add a lot of weaponry to the center torso, meaning that you can retain combat effectiveness even after loss of side torsos.  In theory, this increases durability of the 'Mech because it will most likely die to center torso destruction before the engine is critted out.  However, this durability is only effective if the center torso is packed with weapons, equipment, or heat sinks to provide some crit padding.

So for the benefits of increased durability, the cost is fairly significant.  The cost comes in the form of lost tonnage, by which the engine's weight is increased by 50% of Standard Fusion Engine's weight.  So an 8 ton engine goes to 12 tons.  The problem is that due to the signficant increase in engine weight, you are losing out on either speed, armor, or weaponry, all of which make you an easy target. 

So here's the analysis.  The difference between a Standard Fusion and a Compact Fusion is negligable.  The difference in durability is not much.  At the point when your center torso has gone internal, you're one or two shots away from being finished anyway.  The cost associated with the increased durability, which is a debatable increase, is just really not worth it.  Additionally, there is a substantial increase in the cost of C-bills.  In my opinion, the cons definitely outweight the pros, and a Standard Fusion Engine is the way to go for optimization of durability when considering other factors such as tonnage, cost, etc.