Difference between revisions of "BattleMech"
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| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:Mad Dog - interior.jpg|thumb|right|Interior of a ''[[Mad Dog]]'' BattleMech]] |
| − | + | ==Overview== | |
| − | + | In the science fiction universe of [[BattleTech]], a '''BattleMech''' (often abbreviated ''''Mech''', although that could technically also refer to [[IndustrialMech]]s) is an armoured combat vehicle of roughly humanoid shape, some 10 to 14 meters (about 30 to 40 feet) tall and typically massing from 20 to 100 tons. Powered by [[Fusion Engine|fusion reactors]], 'Mechs are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of underwater operation as well as operation in vacuum and/or zero-g environments (space). | |
A single 'Mech can easily destroy a city block. A BattleMech's only true equal is another 'Mech—artillery, aircraft, and tanks are disadvantaged against them without BattleMech support or a strong advantage in numbers. | A single 'Mech can easily destroy a city block. A BattleMech's only true equal is another 'Mech—artillery, aircraft, and tanks are disadvantaged against them without BattleMech support or a strong advantage in numbers. | ||
{{TOCleft}} | {{TOCleft}} | ||
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| − | |||
| − | The | + | ==Origins== |
| + | The first BattleMech was the ''[[Mackie]]'', often described as a 100-ton box with legs. It was developed in [[2439]] by the [[Terran Hegemony]], first deployed in [[2443]], and produced throughout the rest of the [[Inner Sphere]] after the BattleMech construction plans were stolen in [[2455]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In the following centuries of interstellar warfare, numerous different BattleMech designs emerged. At the same time, the [[Succession Wars]] plunged the Inner Sphere into a technological and cultural dark age of [[Lostech]] and soon the Successor States of humanity in the Inner Sphere fought with 'Mechs and other equipment that was literally decades, if not centuries, old and in a sorry state of repair. Ancient automated factories continued to produce BattleMechs even when their technology was not understood anymore. Over time, equipment shortages, system failures and similar problems sparked innumerable variants of the classic designs. Field modifications and makeshift repairs became common. | ||
| + | |||
| + | During the [[Clan Invasion|the invasion of the Clans]] in [[3050]], the Inner Sphere got its first look at the potent advanced technology wielded by the followers of [[Kerensky]]. Enstranged from the rest of humanity, the invaders fielded unknown BattleMech designs that became known under different names among the [[Clans]] and in the Inner Sphere, respectively. For example, the Clan ''[[Timberwolf]]'' was nick-named the ''Mad Cat'' because the battle computers of Inner Sphere 'Mechs alternated between ''Marauder'' and ''Catapult'' when they tried to identify the unknown design; the Clan ''[[Summoner]]'' was dubbed as the ''[[Thor]]'' by [[House Steiner]]'s forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its [[Autocannon]] and [[PPC]], and the ''[[Dire Wolf]]'' became known as ''Daishi'' ("great death") among forces of [[House Kurita]]. The ''[[Mad Dog]]'' even received different names, being dubbed ''Vulture'' by the [[Federated Commonwealth]] and ''Hagetaka'' in the [[Draconis Combine]]. | ||
| − | + | ==BattleMech Construction== | |
| + | BattleMechs are built around an internal structure resembling a skeleton. They use an artificial polymer fiber called [[myomer]], which contracts in the presence of an electrical current, for muscles (called "[[actuators]]" on BattleMechs). The artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a large gyroscope system, provides stability for the BattleMech and allows for bipedal movement. Some 'Mechs have jump jets that provide thrust bursts for short leaps. | ||
| − | + | The power required for the myomers, weapons, and other systems is provided by a fusion reactor mounted in the torso. Although all 'Mechs have [[heat sinks]], heat buildup is a frequent problem. Intense combat action can lead to heat buildups that put physical strain on the pilot, and may even cause an emergency reactor shutdown. | |
| − | The | ||
| − | + | Most BattleMechs copy the human form to an extent, which is the deciding factor in their versatility and ultimately, their superior combat performance. The entire system is controlled by a pilot wearing a [[neurohelmet]] that links the 'Mech's central computer to the pilot's sense of balance and nervous system. Augmented by a combination of throttle, joystick, and dual pedal system, the 'Mech pilot controls the BattleMech like an extension of his own body, akin to a very large armoured combat suit. Many 'Mechs have fully articulated hands that can be used to climb or grab items. | |
| − | + | [[OmniMech]]s, a concept introduced by the [[Clans]] and later adopted by the [[Successor States]] of the [[Inner Sphere]], feature hardpoints with interchangeable weaponry whereas classic BattleMechs have a fixed configuration. | |
| − | + | Designed as combat vehicles, BattleMechs are modular to an extent and relatively easy to repair and maintain. They can be repaired and modified with relative ease. Even throughout the Lostech era of the Succession Wars, battlefield salvage could keep them operational despite their technology not being understood anymore. | |
==Chassis Types== | ==Chassis Types== | ||
===Bipedal=== | ===Bipedal=== | ||
| − | Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in two types: Humanoid-type BattleMechs are the most commonly encountered model of BattleMech; iconic 'Mechs of this class include the ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' | + | Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in two types: Humanoid-type BattleMechs are the most commonly encountered model of BattleMech; iconic 'Mechs of this class include the ''[[Wasp]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' and ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)''. Reverse joint (chicken-walker) bipedal 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous 'Mechs as the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Catapult]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'', and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)''. |
===Tripodal=== | ===Tripodal=== | ||
| − | + | 'Mechs normally have two or (rarely) four legs. The only three-legged 'Mechs known are the exotic [[:Category:Colossal BattleMechs|Colossal]] class ''[[Ares (BattleMech)|Ares]]'' 'Mechs which appeared in the early 3130s; previously the ''[[Hedgehog]]'' was mentioned in an official source but it is not considered [[canon]]ical. | |
===Quadrupedal=== | ===Quadrupedal=== | ||
| − | The [[Quad 'Mech|quad 'Mech]] uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the designs proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. Notable early designs are the ''[[Scorpion]]'' and the ''[[Goliath]]''. It was only around the year [[3060]] that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers, leaving the normal bipedal BattleMech the vastly more common 'Mech. Notable new quad designs include the ''[[Tarantula]]'', ''[[Barghest]]'', ''[[Thunder Stallion]]'', ''[[Stalking Spider]]'' and ''[[Sirocco]]''. | + | The [[Quad 'Mech|quad 'Mech]] uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping, also known as lateral shift movement). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the designs proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. Notable early designs are the ''[[Scorpion]]'' and the ''[[Goliath]]''. It was only around the year [[3060]] that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers, leaving the normal bipedal BattleMech the vastly more common 'Mech. Notable new quad designs include the ''[[Tarantula]]'', ''[[Barghest]]'', ''[[Thunder Stallion]]'', ''[[Stalking Spider]]'' and ''[[Sirocco]]''. |
===Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)=== | ===Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)=== | ||
| − | A special type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mech (aka [[LAM]]) could transform from a regular BattleMech form into an Aerospace Fighter, or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or Aerospace Fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard [[DropShip]]s), in LAM | + | A special, and very rare, type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mech (aka [[LAM]]) could transform from a regular BattleMech form into an [[Aerospace Fighter]], or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or Aerospace Fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard [[DropShip]]s), in LAM Mode these 'Mechs could quickly traverse great distances, giving them a tactical advantage in ground combat. However, their delicate technology was unduly susceptible to damage and the combat performance of Land-Air 'Mechs fell short of expectations by a long margin, especially considering their exorbitant production and maintenance costs. Land-Air 'Mechs were only produced in very small numbers and the ability to maintain and repair (or even produce) them was largely lost early on in the succession wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition. |
| − | + | ==Classifications== | |
| + | ===Ultralight=== | ||
| + | :''(see [[:Category:Ultralight BattleMechs]])'' | ||
| + | BattleMechs do not normally come below 20 tons of weight, although it is technically possible to build 'Mechs of 15 or even 10 tons which would then be considered "ultralight". A small number of ultralight designs have been published, but none of them is considered canonical. | ||
| − | + | Ultralight 'Mechs should not be confused with [[ProtoMech]]s which, while approximately of the same weight, are of a fundamentally different design compared to BattleMechs. | |
| − | |||
===Light=== | ===Light=== | ||
| − | [[ | + | :''(see [[:Category:Light BattleMechs]])'' |
| − | All 'Mechs weighting up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role. | + | All 'Mechs weighting from 20 up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role. |
| − | Famous light scout 'Mechs include the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', while the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', and ''[[Panther]]'' are powerful combat units for their size. Clan technology provides their designs such as the ''[[Adder]] (Puma)'' with firepower equalling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size. Notable specialized light designs include the ''[[Ostscout]]'' Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the ''[[Raven]]'' ECM 'Mech, and the ''[[Firestarter]]'' Incendiary 'Mech. | + | Famous light scout 'Mechs include the ''[[Locust]]'', ''[[Stinger]]'', and ''[[Wasp]]'', while the ''[[Commando]]'', ''[[Jenner]]'', and ''[[Panther]]'' are powerful combat units for their size.<br>Clan technology provides their designs such as the ''[[Adder]] (Puma)'' with firepower equalling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size.<br>Notable specialized light designs include the ''[[Ostscout]]'' Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the ''[[Raven]]'' ECM 'Mech, and the ''[[Firestarter]]'' Incendiary 'Mech. |
===Medium=== | ===Medium=== | ||
| + | :''(see [[:Category:Medium BattleMechs]])'' | ||
Medium 'Mechs weigh between 40 and 55 tons and naturally fall somewhere in between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. In the [[BattleTech]] universe, the medium 'Mech is the workhorse 'Mech of most armies. They tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain. | Medium 'Mechs weigh between 40 and 55 tons and naturally fall somewhere in between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. In the [[BattleTech]] universe, the medium 'Mech is the workhorse 'Mech of most armies. They tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain. | ||
| − | Common medium 'Mech designs include the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', and ''[[Wolverine]]'', and the | + | Common medium 'Mech designs include the ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]'', ''[[Vindicator]]'', ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'', ''[[Shadow Hawk]]'', ''[[Griffin]]'', and ''[[Wolverine]]'', and the Clan designs ''[[Nova]] (Black Hawk)'' and ''[[Stormcrow]] (Ryoken)''. |
===Heavy=== | ===Heavy=== | ||
| + | :''(see [[:Category:Heavy BattleMechs]])'' | ||
Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh in between 60 and 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have have much heavier armour and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations. | Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh in between 60 and 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have have much heavier armour and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations. | ||
| − | Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'' and the | + | Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the ''[[Crusader]]'', ''[[Warhammer]]'', ''[[Marauder]]'' and the Clan ''[[Mad Dog]] (Vulture)'', ''[[Summoner]] (Thor)'' and ''[[Timber Wolf]] (Mad Cat)'' designs. The ''[[Rifleman]]'' is notorious for its anti-air capabilities, and the ''[[Archer]]'' for its long-range missile barrages. |
===Assault=== | ===Assault=== | ||
| + | :''(see [[:Category:Assault BattleMechs]])'' | ||
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighting in between 80 and 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. The trade-off is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. They can project tremendous firepower, but require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are often used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive costs and limited production, actually make up only a tiny fraction of all BattleMechs. | Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighting in between 80 and 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. The trade-off is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. They can project tremendous firepower, but require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are often used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive costs and limited production, actually make up only a tiny fraction of all BattleMechs. | ||
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===Colossal=== | ===Colossal=== | ||
| − | + | :''(see [[:Category:Colossal BattleMechs]])'' | |
| + | Appearing first in the early 3120s as an experimental technology, the four ''[[Ares_(BattleMech)|Ares]]'' Colossal 'Mechs broke the previous limit of 100 tons. Manned by a crew of three (Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer) these 'Mechs top the scales at 135 tons. The variants are called "[[Ares (BattleMech)#Variants|Hades]]", "[[Ares (BattleMech)#Variants|Hera]]", "[[Ares (BattleMech)#Variants|Zeus]]", and "[[Ares (BattleMech)#Variants|Poseidon]]". | ||
| − | === Industrial 'Mechs === | + | ===Industrial 'Mechs=== |
| − | [[IndustrialMech | + | [[IndustrialMech]]s (also known as WorkMechs or ICE 'Mechs), though far less glamorous than their war-faring counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the [[BattleTech]] universe. There are LoggerMechs/ForestryMechs, MiningMechs, AgroMechs, LoaderMechs, and many other types for many different industries including even lightly armed SecurityMechs. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors. Industrial 'Mechs have occasionally been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach (most often in the ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age]]'' saga), although the modified WorkMech is usually far less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage. |
==BattleMech Listings== | ==BattleMech Listings== | ||
* [[Inner Sphere 'Mechs]] | * [[Inner Sphere 'Mechs]] | ||
* [[Clan 'Mechs]] | * [[Clan 'Mechs]] | ||
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[[Category:Technology]] | [[Category:Technology]] | ||
{{wikipedia|84454368|BattleMechs}} | {{wikipedia|84454368|BattleMechs}} | ||
Revision as of 17:44, 3 August 2009
Overview
In the science fiction universe of BattleTech, a BattleMech (often abbreviated 'Mech, although that could technically also refer to IndustrialMechs) is an armoured combat vehicle of roughly humanoid shape, some 10 to 14 meters (about 30 to 40 feet) tall and typically massing from 20 to 100 tons. Powered by fusion reactors, 'Mechs are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of underwater operation as well as operation in vacuum and/or zero-g environments (space).
A single 'Mech can easily destroy a city block. A BattleMech's only true equal is another 'Mech—artillery, aircraft, and tanks are disadvantaged against them without BattleMech support or a strong advantage in numbers.
Origins
The first BattleMech was the Mackie, often described as a 100-ton box with legs. It was developed in 2439 by the Terran Hegemony, first deployed in 2443, and produced throughout the rest of the Inner Sphere after the BattleMech construction plans were stolen in 2455.
In the following centuries of interstellar warfare, numerous different BattleMech designs emerged. At the same time, the Succession Wars plunged the Inner Sphere into a technological and cultural dark age of Lostech and soon the Successor States of humanity in the Inner Sphere fought with 'Mechs and other equipment that was literally decades, if not centuries, old and in a sorry state of repair. Ancient automated factories continued to produce BattleMechs even when their technology was not understood anymore. Over time, equipment shortages, system failures and similar problems sparked innumerable variants of the classic designs. Field modifications and makeshift repairs became common.
During the the invasion of the Clans in 3050, the Inner Sphere got its first look at the potent advanced technology wielded by the followers of Kerensky. Enstranged from the rest of humanity, the invaders fielded unknown BattleMech designs that became known under different names among the Clans and in the Inner Sphere, respectively. For example, the Clan Timberwolf was nick-named the Mad Cat because the battle computers of Inner Sphere 'Mechs alternated between Marauder and Catapult when they tried to identify the unknown design; the Clan Summoner was dubbed as the Thor by House Steiner's forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its Autocannon and PPC, and the Dire Wolf became known as Daishi ("great death") among forces of House Kurita. The Mad Dog even received different names, being dubbed Vulture by the Federated Commonwealth and Hagetaka in the Draconis Combine.
BattleMech Construction
BattleMechs are built around an internal structure resembling a skeleton. They use an artificial polymer fiber called myomer, which contracts in the presence of an electrical current, for muscles (called "actuators" on BattleMechs). The artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a large gyroscope system, provides stability for the BattleMech and allows for bipedal movement. Some 'Mechs have jump jets that provide thrust bursts for short leaps.
The power required for the myomers, weapons, and other systems is provided by a fusion reactor mounted in the torso. Although all 'Mechs have heat sinks, heat buildup is a frequent problem. Intense combat action can lead to heat buildups that put physical strain on the pilot, and may even cause an emergency reactor shutdown.
Most BattleMechs copy the human form to an extent, which is the deciding factor in their versatility and ultimately, their superior combat performance. The entire system is controlled by a pilot wearing a neurohelmet that links the 'Mech's central computer to the pilot's sense of balance and nervous system. Augmented by a combination of throttle, joystick, and dual pedal system, the 'Mech pilot controls the BattleMech like an extension of his own body, akin to a very large armoured combat suit. Many 'Mechs have fully articulated hands that can be used to climb or grab items.
OmniMechs, a concept introduced by the Clans and later adopted by the Successor States of the Inner Sphere, feature hardpoints with interchangeable weaponry whereas classic BattleMechs have a fixed configuration.
Designed as combat vehicles, BattleMechs are modular to an extent and relatively easy to repair and maintain. They can be repaired and modified with relative ease. Even throughout the Lostech era of the Succession Wars, battlefield salvage could keep them operational despite their technology not being understood anymore.
Chassis Types
Bipedal
Covering the vast majority of the types of BattleMechs, bipedal 'Mechs come in two types: Humanoid-type BattleMechs are the most commonly encountered model of BattleMech; iconic 'Mechs of this class include the Wasp, Phoenix Hawk, Warhammer, Atlas and Summoner (Thor). Reverse joint (chicken-walker) bipedal 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous 'Mechs as the Locust, Catapult, Marauder, and Timber Wolf (Mad Cat).
Tripodal
'Mechs normally have two or (rarely) four legs. The only three-legged 'Mechs known are the exotic Colossal class Ares 'Mechs which appeared in the early 3130s; previously the Hedgehog was mentioned in an official source but it is not considered canonical.
Quadrupedal
The quad 'Mech uses its "arms" for legs which gives these designs some additional stability and maneuverability (such as sidestepping, also known as lateral shift movement). The concept was much maligned for sacrificing the overall versatility of BattleMechs and the designs proved flawed, being notoriously difficult to maintain and highly susceptible to breakdowns. Notable early designs are the Scorpion and the Goliath. It was only around the year 3060 that improved technology led to new quadrupedal 'Mech designs, although the stigma associated with the general concept still lingers, leaving the normal bipedal BattleMech the vastly more common 'Mech. Notable new quad designs include the Tarantula, Barghest, Thunder Stallion, Stalking Spider and Sirocco.
Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)
A special, and very rare, type of BattleMechs based on common designs, the Land-Air 'Mech (aka LAM) could transform from a regular BattleMech form into an Aerospace Fighter, or an intermediate form referred to as LAM Mode. While performing just like a conventional BattleMech or Aerospace Fighter in the respective form (to the point of being kept in either 'Mech bays or fighter hangars aboard DropShips), in LAM Mode these 'Mechs could quickly traverse great distances, giving them a tactical advantage in ground combat. However, their delicate technology was unduly susceptible to damage and the combat performance of Land-Air 'Mechs fell short of expectations by a long margin, especially considering their exorbitant production and maintenance costs. Land-Air 'Mechs were only produced in very small numbers and the ability to maintain and repair (or even produce) them was largely lost early on in the succession wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition.
Classifications
Ultralight
BattleMechs do not normally come below 20 tons of weight, although it is technically possible to build 'Mechs of 15 or even 10 tons which would then be considered "ultralight". A small number of ultralight designs have been published, but none of them is considered canonical.
Ultralight 'Mechs should not be confused with ProtoMechs which, while approximately of the same weight, are of a fundamentally different design compared to BattleMechs.
Light
All 'Mechs weighting from 20 up to 35 tons are classified as "light". Their skeleton can only carry limited armor, but the higher efficiency of smaller fusion reactors means that light 'Mechs benefit from superior mobility. They are typically fast but lightly armed and armored. These 'Mechs are generally used as scout 'Mechs and anti-personnel units instead of frontline combat duty, but some are designated combat 'Mechs with relatively heavy armament. Their low production cost, high proliferation, and relatively good supply of spare parts meant that they saw widespread use throughout history in virtually any role.
Famous light scout 'Mechs include the Locust, Stinger, and Wasp, while the Commando, Jenner, and Panther are powerful combat units for their size.
Clan technology provides their designs such as the Adder (Puma) with firepower equalling Inner Sphere 'Mechs twice their size.
Notable specialized light designs include the Ostscout Recon 'Mech with its advanced sensor gear, the Raven ECM 'Mech, and the Firestarter Incendiary 'Mech.
Medium
Medium 'Mechs weigh between 40 and 55 tons and naturally fall somewhere in between the agile light 'Mechs and the powerfully armed heavy 'Mechs. In the BattleTech universe, the medium 'Mech is the workhorse 'Mech of most armies. They tend to have the best combination between speed, armor, and payload which gives them unmatched versatility. The fastest medium 'Mechs often serve as command units among light 'Mechs with similar speed. Better armed than light 'Mechs, medium 'Mechs can often outmaneuver heavier opponents in combat and bring their weapons to bear with better effect to the point of being superior combatants in single combat, given time and suitable terrain.
Common medium 'Mech designs include the Phoenix Hawk, Vindicator, Centurion, Shadow Hawk, Griffin, and Wolverine, and the Clan designs Nova (Black Hawk) and Stormcrow (Ryoken).
Heavy
Heavy 'Mechs are those designed for frontline combat duty, and weigh in between 60 and 75 tons. They are slightly less versatile and generally slower than medium 'Mechs, but tend to have have much heavier armour and weapon payloads. Capable of delivering sustained heavy fire over long ranges while retaining adequate mobility, they are formidable and powerful foes. Some designs are adapted to special roles in combat which greatly improves the combat performance of their unit but makes them a poor choice in single combat situations.
Typical examples of heavy 'Mech designs are the Crusader, Warhammer, Marauder and the Clan Mad Dog (Vulture), Summoner (Thor) and Timber Wolf (Mad Cat) designs. The Rifleman is notorious for its anti-air capabilities, and the Archer for its long-range missile barrages.
Assault
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest regular class of BattleMechs, weighting in between 80 and 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount up to 50 tons of weapons as well as very thick armor protection. The trade-off is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow. As such, they perform best as the spearhead of frontal assaults or in defending entrenched positions. They can project tremendous firepower, but require friendly units to protect them from being outmaneuvered. Assault 'Mechs are often used as command units, heavy assault platforms, and in fire-support roles, but due to their prohibitive costs and limited production, actually make up only a tiny fraction of all BattleMechs.
Iconic Assault 'Mechs include the Mackie, Atlas, and Stalker and the Clan Dire Wolf (Daishi), Warhawk (Masakari) and Kodiak designs. The BattleMaster and Cyclops are well-known command 'Mechs, as both have above average electronics packages geared towards command & communication while maintaining heavy weapon payloads.
Colossal
Appearing first in the early 3120s as an experimental technology, the four Ares Colossal 'Mechs broke the previous limit of 100 tons. Manned by a crew of three (Pilot, Gunner, and Engineer) these 'Mechs top the scales at 135 tons. The variants are called "Hades", "Hera", "Zeus", and "Poseidon".
Industrial 'Mechs
IndustrialMechs (also known as WorkMechs or ICE 'Mechs), though far less glamorous than their war-faring counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the BattleTech universe. There are LoggerMechs/ForestryMechs, MiningMechs, AgroMechs, LoaderMechs, and many other types for many different industries including even lightly armed SecurityMechs. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors. Industrial 'Mechs have occasionally been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach (most often in the MechWarrior: Dark Age saga), although the modified WorkMech is usually far less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage.
BattleMech Listings
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