Cockpit

Overview

The cockpit of a BattleMech is more akin to that of a fighter jet than the controls a normal ground combat vehicle, requiring years of training to master. As each 'Mech manufacturer designs their own cockpit and each 'Mech model has its own cockpit design, there is no such thing as a standard cockpit, though many share the same basic structure and components. They also become a home away from home for the MechWarrior, especially on extended campaigns.

In combination with their Neurohelmet, the MechWarrior pilots their 'Mech through use of the hand and foot controls. Typically there will be a main targeting control stick and a throttle stick, sometimes with a second weapon control stick, and a pair of steering pedals. Depending on the 'Mech, the control sticks and pedals can tilt and twist to provide additional movement input, including when using jump jets. Fine-tuned movements, such as delicately picking up a person, are handled through the use of the neurohelmet and Diagnostic Interpretation Computer (DI computer). Additional controls and information are displayed on physical monitors located around the cockpit. In some cockpits these displays are multifunctional with programmable controls, while others may be fixed with single-function switches; debate over which method is superior raged well into the thirty-first century. Most cockpits also incorporate speech recognition and can be programmed to provide verbal or sound cues.

One early source indicated that most 'Mech cockpits are completely enclosed, with the pilot observing the outside world through their viewscreen rather than vulnerable openings. However, that description seems to be inaccurate and has been refuted by ample descriptions of cockpit windows in fiction, as well as artwork. Some if not most 'Mechs, particularly older models, do have viewports protected by transparent material to allow an unobstructed view, much like an aircraft's canopy. Such material is always polarized to protect the pilot's eyesight from potentially damaging laser blasts and other impairments.

BattleMech cockpit Life Support Systems can generally allow a MechWarrior to fight in even the most inhospitable atmospheres. With the cockpit sealed and pressurized, there exists enough oxygen to last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The system is also able to draw in oxygen from the outside environment through a filtration system for as long as the fusion engine is operational, though certain chemical and biological agents can bypass this defense. A foldout commode handles any human waste, which is then typically incinerated via microwaves or other means, and storage lockers can hold several days' worth of food rations, water and other gear. Particularly small cockpits were known to leave out the foldout commode; technicians and pilots figured out a number of awkward stopgaps and retrofits to make up for this.

Some roomier cockpits can handle more luxurious amenities, such as a microwave oven and refrigerator, or have enough space to carry a passenger. Cooking equipment could range from miniature ration heaters to, at an extreme, full kitchens such as the TharHes AuroChef, a system of foldout cooking equipment and storage space that would replace the entire jump-seat area. Other pilots would sometimes consider using the heat-generating 'Mech itself to cook; a popular cookbook, the Fusion Casing Cookbook, was dedicated to this practice.

The greatest issue facing a MechWarrior in their cockpit is overheating. Even with advanced climate control, a 'Mech running hot can quickly turn its cockpit into a virtual sauna; if the life support fails, it can even potentially kill the pilot. Cooling Suits were one answer to this problem, but while they were lostech MechWarriors were forced to rely on Cooling Vests and wearing as little clothing as possible.

Other features common to 'Mech cockpits include:

• Medical Kit - This includes a standard Medipack.
• Communications System - Includes IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) Transponder
• BattleROM - The BattleTech equivalent of the real-world "Black Box" and "Event Data Recorder" devices installed on many vehicles, the BattleROM records and stores sensor data from a 'Mech's internal and external sensors and communications.
• Ejection Seat - Sometimes includes a second seat for the passenger
• Folding work surfaces - generally found in command 'Mechs, but not uncommon elsewhere

Clan cockpits, historically intended for shorter engagements than those common in the Sphere, traditionally were more compact than standard Inner Sphere cockpits and lacked many of their amenities. Minimal ceiling clearance, a lack of storage space, and cramped and comfort-less jump-seat space were standard. By the 3080s, with Inner Sphere warfare in mind, most new Clan 'Mechs were produced with somewhat larger and less cramped cockpits, and by 3151, Clan Sea Fox offered expensive refit services to bring old Clan 'Mechs to that new cockpit standard. However, even by 3151, Clan cockpits lacked some otherwise standard amenities, such as toilets.

Variants

Full Head Ejection System 

Similar to a standard IS cockpit, but instead of an ejection seat for the pilot the entire head detaches from the body and blasts away

Cockpit Command Console 

Includes a second command couch for a passenger capable of taking over for the pilot but otherwise dedicated to commanding large troop formations

Dual Cockpit 

An uncommon variant, this also includes a second command couch but instead splits piloting and gunnery of the 'Mech between the two operators

Small Cockpit

Torso Cockpit

BattleMech Cockpit Views

Below are images from the inside of a Grand Titan cockpit:

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  Left Console

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  Center Console

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  Right Console

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  Back room

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  Sao-wei Tzu-Chien Hao shaves in the cockpit of his Vindicator

Bibliography

• Classic BattleTech Companion
• Decision at Thunder Rift (novel)
• Shrapnel Issue 11
• TechManual