BattleMech
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A BattleMech (or 'Mech), in the science fiction universe of BattleTech, is an armoured combat vehicle about 30 to 40 feet tall of roughly humanoid shape, 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). 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.
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.
BattleMech Construction
BattleMechs are built around an internal structure resembling a skeleton, and 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 carry 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, and 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 mobility, versatility, and ultimately, superior combat performance. The entire system is controlled by a pilot wearing a neurohelmet that effectively links the 'Mech's central computer to the pilot's sense of balance and nervous system. Augmented by a combination 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.
Origins
The first BattleMech ever developed 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 'Mech designs and configurations 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 and field modifications became increasingly 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 forces because of its deliverance of "thunder and lightning" by its Autocannon and PPC, and the deadly Clan Dire Wolf became known as Daishi ("great death") among House Kurita forces.
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 clan 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 clan Timber Wolf (Mad Cat).
Tripodal
There is currently only one known tripodal BattleMech, the Colossal class Ares. The Ares represents a series of 'Mechs that are built to exceed the 100 ton mark. The Ares uses a unique tripodal chassis to support the 'Mechs weight bridging the gap between the bipedal 'Mechs and the quadrupedal 'Mechs.
Quadrupedal
The 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.
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 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 the 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 lost early on in the succession wars. The concept quickly faded into obscurity from a combination of small numbers, maintenance shortfalls and combat attrition.
The only known LAM designs ever built were the Stinger LAM, Wasp LAM and Phoenix Hawk LAM. They were based on the regular BattleMech designs of the same name, the Stinger, Wasp, and Phoenix Hawk, respectively.
[The official existence of LAMs within the BattleTech universe was abandoned due to legal concerns. LAMs, as well as several other 'Mechs, were based heavily off of mecha designs from the television series Super Dimension Fortress Macross and other anime series. Pressure from potential litigation led to FASA removing LAMs altogether.[1]]
Classifications
Light
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.
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
The Colossal class BattleMechs are new and experimental. There are only four "Ares" Colossal 'Mechs in existence, varying in primary weapons, though the torso and leg weapons are the same for each. The arms and paint scheme set the variants apart. 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
Industrial 'Mechs (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 and many other types for many different industries. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine, usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors. Industrial 'Mechs have 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, but some exceptions exist such as 'Mechs used by Clan Wolf's Steel Wolves.
BattleMech Listings
References
- ↑ Descriptions of Land-Air 'Mechs can be found in the original edition of Technical Readout: 3025, along with the other "unseen" BattleMechs, including the non-LAM versions of the Stinger, Wasp, and Phoenix Hawk.
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