Death From Above

This article is about the combat maneuver. For the show or other uses, see Death From Above (disambiguation).

Highlander Burial redirects here.

Death from Above (DFA) is a maneuver in which the attacking 'Mech engages its jump jets to jump and then land (drop) on its target.

Characteristics

Although the exact rules differ depending on the overall ruleset, Death from Above is invariably a risky and difficult maneuver that inflicts a great deal of damage to the target but usually also some damage to the attacker. It cannot be performed by 'Mechs without jump jets. Many MechWarriors consider this tactic reckless, but admit it gives a strong advantage to BattleMechs equipped with jump jets.

History

When performed by a Highlander BattleMech (or possibly any assault class 'Mech), this attack is sometimes referred to as a "Highlander Burial", because a light 'Mech is crushed and literally buried into the earth by the Highlander's impact. In fact, the BattleMech was redesigned specially to perform it. The Northwind Highlanders were specialized in this type of attack.

During the Dark Age, Clan Jade Falcon's followers of the Mongol Doctrine chose DFA as one of their main tactics. For the conquest of Terra, Clan Wolf created an OmniMech, the Amarok, with a defense system specifically designed to counter and deflect DFA attacks.

Notable casualties

• Jasek Kelswa-Steiner, leader of Stormhammers, was killed in this way by a Clan Jade Falcon commander during the battle of Coventry in 3148.
• Colonel Fiona Cochraine, commanding officer of Cochraine's Goliaths, was killed by Andrew Redburn in the battle of St. Andre at the beginning of Fourth Succession War in 3028.

Gallery

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  Royal Black Watch Highlander realizing a DOA attack during the Amaris Civil War