Null Signature System

Said to the finest achievement in stealth systems developed in 2630 by the Terran Hegemony, the Null Signature System (also known as NullSig) was capable of shielding a BattleMech's presence from all but visual detection.[1]

Description[edit]

First appearing on the Star League Defense Force's EXT-4D Exterminator and the later Spector, it would be used in conjunction with the Chameleon Light Polarization Shield to masked their visual presence in addition to the Null Signature System cloaking their heat output and electronic emissions. While both systems were engaged, the BattleMech was much more difficult to track at anything other than short range and resulted in Active Probe systems being unable to locate the it. Later advancements would lead to the Bloodhound Active Probe, which could penetrate the null signature masking.

Like many pieces of advanced technology, the NullSig and the 'Mechs that carried it became LosTech during the maelstrom of the early Succession Wars. Outside of ComStar and the later Word of Blake, all examples of NullSig in the Inner Sphere prior to the FedCom Civil War were either experimental prototypes such as that carried by the Werewolf or exceedingly rare surviving examples from the original Star League. The Capellan Confederation would be the first to develop something closest to the technology with a solution suitable for mass-production, Stealth Armor. Integrating the heat baffles and required components directly into specially designed armor plating, when linked with a Guardian ECM Suite Stealth Armor replicates its benefits (and disadvantages).[1]

While the Clans retained the peak of the Terran Hegemony's military technology, the tenets of Clan honor found stealth systems as dishonorable and ceased research and production of the system. However during the Wars of Reaving, The Society would make use of both this system and the Chameleon Light Polarization Shield in their attempt to rebel against the Warrior caste. This would result in both technologies being formally officially banned as Dezgra technology.[citation needed]

References[edit]

  1. a b Tactical Operations, p. 336: "Null Signature System"

Bibliography[edit]