Fusion engine
Description
The fusion engine is what powers BattleMechs, aerospace fighters and other vehicles (at least one tank, the Von Luckner, is said to have a fusion engine). It functions by harnessing the power of a fusion reaction, like what occurs in the core of the Sun. A BattleMech's fusion engine can go on almost indefinitely, though it has been stated in the novels that it requires hydrogen to function. This is because a fusion reaction consists of two hydrogen atoms fusing to become a helium atom and releasing energy in the process.
A great deal of heat is released by the engine, which can negatively affect the vehicles pilot or even the vehicle itself. Simply moving the vehicle creates heat, though this is often a small amount. The greatest source of heat comes from firing the vehicles weapons, especially energy weapons.
In a BattleMech the fusion engine rests in the center torso. It cannot be moved, though certain types of engine may take up space in the side torsos as well. The weight of the engine is proportionate to the mass of the vehicle and its desired maximum speed. Hence a light Mech can use the same engine as an assault Mech, but move much faster. Fusion engines can explode if damaged, or may simply shut down if there is too much heat.
Research into fusion engine technology has yielded improvements over the many centuries of BattleMech use. Extralight Fusion Engines, Light Fusion Engines, and Compact Fusion Engines are now available in addition to the Standard Military Fusion Engine.
Models
Fusion Engine is manufactured on the following planets:
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