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Difference between revisions of "Fusion engine"

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[[File:Fusion engine.jpg|200px|right|Image of a military-standard fusion engine]]
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[[File:Color-mech-components-4.png|A fusion engine of a [[BattleMech]]|thumb|right|200px]]
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'''Fusion engines''' are the most common type of [[BattleMech]] and [[aerospace]] power plant in the BattleTech Universe.  Fusion engines can supply great quantities of power, enough for massive vehicles and all of their weapon systems, including the [[:Category:Energy Weapons|directed energy weapons]] common on modern battlefields. When no thrust is generated, fusion engines are extremely efficient, practically never needing refueling.  If properly ventilated, controlled fusion reactions generate little heat. There are several sub-types of fusion engines available as well, each trading bulk for mass of the components.
 +
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 +
The fusion engine is capable of powering 'Mechs, Aerospace Fighters, and other vehicles. Fusion engines function by harnessing the power of a fusion reaction, as occurs in the core of the Sun. A BattleMech's fusion engine can usually last for decades on a few kilograms of hydrogen. Unlike the research reactors of the real world, a BattleMech's fusion engine runs on "light" hydrogen, protium, rather than hydrogen's heavier isotopes deuterium and tritium. <ref name=FaFF>''TechManual'', p. 35, "Fusion and Fusion Fuels"</ref>
 +
 +
Fusion engines are able to generate a great deal of heat.  Simply moving the vehicle creates heat, though this is often a small amount.  Though heat can negatively affect the vehicle's pilot or even the vehicle itself, a well-ventilated fusion engine is far less dangerous than the bleed-heat generated by charging and/or firing weapons, especially lasers and particle weapons.
 +
 +
In a BattleMech, the fusion engine resides in the center torso. It cannot be relocated elsewhere in the BattleMech, though certain types of engines may intrude into adjacent spaces within the structure.
 +
 +
Fusion engines, like other engines, are defined by their "engine rating". For 'Mechs, the engine rating is the mathematical product of the mass of the vehicle and its desired maximum walking or cruising velocity. Stated another way, a 'Mech's maximum walking momentum is directly proportional to engine rating. For instance, a 30-ton ''[[Spider]]'' BattleMech with a 240 [[Pitban]] fusion engine is able to generate the same maximum momentum as a 60-ton ''[[Merlin (BattleMech)|Merlin]]'' with the same engine, but because the ''Merlin's'' mass is twice that of the ''Spider'', the ''Spider'''s maximum velocity is twice that of the ''Merlin''.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 106-107</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3058'', pp. 142-143</ref><br>
  
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The '''fusion engine''' is what powers [[BattleMech|BattleMechs]], aerospace fighters and other vehicles (at least one tank, the Von Luckner, is said to have a fusion engine). It functions by harnessing the power of a fusion reaction, as occurs in the core of the Sun. A BattleMech's fusion engine can usually last for decades on a few kilograms of hydrogen. Unlike the research reactors of the real world, a Battlemech's fusion engine runs on "light" hydrogen, protium, rather than hydrogen's heavier isotopes deuterium and/or tritium. <ref>TechManual, p. 35</ref>  
+
Combat Vehicles adjust engine rating calculation slightly based on motive suspension system.  Additionally, engine rating is ''not'' proportional to engine mass; engine mass increases ''exponentially'' depending upon rating<ref>Based on Microsoft(R) Excel(R) "trendline" analysis</ref>. This results in light, low-to-moderately rated engines massing a disproportionately small fraction of larger engines.  As a 'Mech's mass increases, a much larger proportion of the mass must be devoted to engine mass, or speed must be sacrificed.  For instance, all of the following BattleMechs have the same maximum cruising (walking) velocity (43.2 km/h), but their varying mass means each 'Mech mounts a different engine.  BattleMech mass, engine rating, engine mass, and (engine mass)/(BattleMech mass) are listed for each example, and increase together: PNT-9R ''[[Panther]]'' (35, 140, 5, 14%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 115</ref>, WTH-1 ''[[Whitworth]]'' (40, 160, 6, 15%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 127</ref>, BJ-1 ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]'' (45, 180, 7, 16%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 129</ref>, CN9-A ''[[Centurion (BattleMech)|Centurion]]'' (50, 200, 8.5, 17%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 133</ref>, MLN-1A ''[[Merlin (BattleMech)|Merlin]]'' (60, 240, 11.5, 19%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 143</ref>, CPLT-C1 ''[[Catapult]]'' (65, 260, 13.5, 21%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 147</ref>, GHR-5H ''[[Grasshopper]]'' (70, 280, 16, 23%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 151</ref>, ON1-K ''[[Orion]]'' (75, 300, 19, 25%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 153</ref>, VTR-9B ''[[Victor]]'' (80, 320, 22.5, 28%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 159</ref>, BLR-1G ''[[BattleMaster]]'' (85, 340, 27, 32%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 300</ref>, CP-10-Z ''[[Cyclops]]'' (90, 360, 33, 37%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 165</ref>, BNC-3E ''[[Banshee (BattleMech)|Banshee]]'' (95, 380, 41, 43%)<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 167</ref><br><br>
  
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A great deal of heat is released by the engine, which can negatively affect the vehicles pilot or even the vehicle itself. Simply moving the vehicle creates heat, though this is often a small amount. The greatest source of heat comes from firing the vehicles weapons, especially energy weapons.
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For 'Mechs, larger fusion engines allow larger maximum momenta. But the inherent instability of bipedal locomotion requires a means to maintain balance and correct falls. In order to maintain control, 'Mechs also mount [[Gyro]]s, which vary in size proportionally to engine rating.
  
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In a BattleMech the fusion engine rests in the center torso. It cannot be relocated elsewhere in the BattleMech, though certain types of engine may intrude into the side torso bays as well. The weight of the engine is proportionate to the mass of the vehicle and its desired maximum speed. Hence a light Mech can use the same engine as an assault Mech, but move much faster.  
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Fusion engines usually will only shut down if damaged or if heat is uncontrolled. Unlike popular belief, there is absolutely no risk of a fusion engine accidentally becoming a nuclear weapon. <ref>''TechManual'', pp. 36-37, "Fusion Engine Explosions: The Great Myth"</ref> There have been a number of cases of fusion engines being "over revved" and exploding with devastating force, but this is more akin to a boiler explosion than a true nuclear explosion. More often a destroyed engine will be punctured by weapons fire. Because the plasma is held in a vacuum chamber (to isolate the superheated plasma from the cold walls of the reactor; contact with the walls would super-chill the plasma below fusion temperatures), a punctured reactor can suck in air where the air is superheated. Normal thermal expansion of the air causes the air to burst out in a brilliant lightshow often mistaken for a "nuclear explosion". This thermal expansion damages anything within 90 meters of the destroyed 'Mech.
  
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Fusion engines usually will only shut down if damaged, and they absolutely no risk of being a fusion bomb as discussed in the "Great Myth" article in the TechManual. <ref>TechManual, p. 36-37</ref> There have been a number of cases of fusion engines being "over revved" and exploding with devestating force, but this is more akin to a boiler explosion than a true nuclear explosion. More often a destroyed engine will be punctured by weapons fire. Because the plasma is held in a vacuum chamber (to isolate the superheated plasma from the cold walls of the reactor; contact with the walls would super-chill the plasma below fusion temperatures), a punctured reactor can suck in air where the air is superheated. Normal thermal expansion of the air causes the air to burst out in a brilliant lightshow often mistaken for a "nuclear explosion" that is only a risk for unarmored infantry close to the destroyed 'Mech.
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Such dramatic failures are rare, though. It is difficult to sustain the fusion reaction and very easy to shut down. Safety systems or damage to containment coils will almost always shut down the engine before such an explosion occurs. The massive shielding of the engine (in the case of standard fusion engines, this is a tungsten carbide shell that accounts for over 2/3 of the weight of the engine) usually buys the safety systems the milliseconds needed to shut down the engine when severe damage is inflicted.
  
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Such dramatic failures are rare, though. It is difficult to sustain the fusion reaction and very easy to shutdown. Safety systems or damage to containment coils will almost always shut down the engine before such an explosion occurs. The massive shielding of the engine (in the case of standard fusion engines, this is a tungsten carbide shell that accounts for over 2/3 of the weight of the engine) usually buys the safety systems the milliseconds needed to shutdown the engine when severe damaged is inflicted.
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==History==
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Fusion technology was achieved by the [[Western Alliance]] in [[2021]].<ref>''TechManual'', pp. 214-215, "Military-Standard Fusion Engines" & "Industrial Fission/Fusion Engines"</ref> Almost a century later, fusion technology had progressed to the point of using protium, the most abundant isotope of hydrogen.<ref name=FaFF/>
  
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Research into fusion engine technology has yielded improvements over the many centuries of BattleMech use. [[Fusion Engine - XL|Extralight Fusion Engines]], [[Fusion Engine - Light|Light Fusion Engines]], and [[Fusion Engine - Compact|Compact Fusion Engines]] are now available in addition to the Standard Military Fusion Engine.
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Research into fusion engine technology has yielded improvements over the many centuries of BattleMech use. [[Light fusion engine|Light]], [[Extralight fusion engine|extralight]], and [[compact fusion engine]]s are now available, in addition to the standard military version.
  
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== Models ==
+
==Brands==
 +
Fusion engines are produced under the following brand names:
 +
<div class="desktop-3-col">
 +
* [[Breen (Engines)|Breen]]
 +
* [[Consolidated (Fusion Engines)|Consolidated]]
 +
* [[Core Tek (Engines)|Core Tek]]
 +
* [[DAV (Engines)|DAV]]
 +
* [[Defiance (Engines)|Defiance]]
 +
* [[Edasich Motors (Engines)|Edasich Motors]]
 +
* [[Ford (Engines)|Ford]]
 +
* [[Galas (Engines)|Galas]]
 +
* [[General Motors (Engines)|General Motors]]
 +
* [[GoreTex (Engines)|GoreTex]]
 +
* [[Hermes (Engines)|Hermes]]
 +
* [[LTV (Engines)|LTV]]
 +
* [[Magna (Engines)|Magna]]
 +
* [[New Kent (Fusion Engines)|New Kent]]
 +
* [[Nissan (Engines)|Nissan]]
 +
* [[Omni (Engines)|Omni]]
 +
* [[Pitban (Engines)|Pitban]]
 +
* [[PlasmaStar (Engines)|PlasmaStar]]
 +
* [[Rawlings (Engines)|Rawlings]]
 +
* [[Strand (Engines)|Strand]]
 +
* [[Shinobi (Engines)|Shinobi]]
 +
* [[Vlar (Engines)|Vlar]]
 +
* [[VOX (Engines)|VOX]]
 +
* [[Warner (Engines)|Warner]]
 +
</div>
  
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Fusion Engine is manufactured on the following planets:
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==Manufacturing==
 +
Fusion engines are manufactured on the following planets:
  
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{| width='500'
+
{| width='600' class='wikitable'
 
! Brand
 
! Brand
 
! Planet
 
! Planet
 
! Company
 
! Company
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Omni 25
+
| 240 Standard
−
| [[Carlisle]]
+
| [[Arcadia (Clan System)|Arcadia]]
−
| [[S. L. Lewis Incorporated]]
+
| [[Arcadia BattleMech Plant CM-T4]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 55
+
| 300 XL
−
| [[Salem]]
+
| [[Arcadia (Clan System)|Arcadia]]
−
| [[General Motors]]
+
| [[Arcadia BattleMech Plant CM-T4]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| VOX 55
+
| Breen 190
−
| [[Indicass]]
+
| [[Panpour]]
−
| [[Ceres Metals Industries]]
+
| [[Jalastar Aerospace]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Galas Lightpower 80
+
| DAV 220
−
| [[Ruchbah]]
+
| [[Keystone]]
−
| [[Michaelson Heavy Industries]]
+
| [[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| VOX 80
+
| Defiance 120
−
| [[Kagoshima]]
 
−
| [[Nissan General Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| VOX 80
 
−
| [[Tematagi]]
 
−
| [[Nimakachi Fusion Products Limited]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hermes 100
 
−
| [[Wernke-Talon]]
 
−
| [[Kallon Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Lockheed 105 Micro-Fusion
 
 
| [[Tharkad]]
 
| [[Tharkad]]
−
| [[Lockheed-CBM Corporation]]
+
| [[Defiance Motors]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Defiance 120
+
| Defiance 160
 
| [[Tharkad]]
 
| [[Tharkad]]
 
| [[Defiance Motors]]
 
| [[Defiance Motors]]
Line 63: Line 89:
 
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 120
+
| Doorman 130
−
| [[Grand Base]]
+
| [[Carlisle]]
−
| [[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
+
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 120
+
| Doorman 140
−
| [[Talcott]]
+
| [[Carlisle]]
−
| [[General Motors]]
+
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 120
+
| Fireheart 180
−
| [[Calloway VI]]
+
| [[New Syrtis]]
−
| [[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
+
| [[Johnston Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 120
+
| Fusion 140
−
| [[Keystone]]
+
| [[Irece]]
−
| [[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
+
| [[Barcella Beta]]
 +
|-
 +
| Fusion 260
 +
| [[Irece]]
 +
| [[Barcella Beta]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 120
+
| Galas Lightpower 80
−
| [[Coventry]]
+
| [[Ruchbah]]
−
| [[Coventry Metal Works]]
+
| [[Michaelson Heavy Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 120
+
| GoreTex 240
−
| [[Canopus IV]]
+
| [[Betelgeuse]]
−
| [[Majesty Metals and Manufacturing]]
+
| [[Aldis Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 120
+
| GoreTex 240
−
| [[New Vandenburg]]
+
| [[New Samarkand]]
−
| [[Vandenberg Mechanized Industries]]
+
| [[New Samarkand Metals]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 120
+
| GoreTex 240
−
| [[Perdition]]
+
| [[Terra]]
−
| [[Pinard Protectorates Limited]]
+
| [[Aldis Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 120
+
| GoreTex 240
−
| [[Taurus]]
+
| [[Loyalty]]
−
| [[Taurus Territorial Industries]]
+
| [[Kallon Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hermes 120
+
| GTEM 210
−
| [[Sian]]
+
| [[Andurien]]
−
| [[Hellespont 'Mech Works]]
+
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| LTV 120
+
| GTEM 210
−
| [[Ares]]
+
| [[Irian]]
 
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Magna 120
+
| GTEM 210
−
| [[Regulus]]
+
| [[Kendall]]
−
| [[Magna]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Nissan 120
 
−
| [[Praxton]]
 
−
| [[Praxton Fusion Products Limited]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Doorman 130
 
−
| [[Carlisle]]
 
 
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GM 130
+
| Hermes 100
−
| [[Salem]]
+
| [[Wernke]]
−
| [[General Motors]]
+
| [[Kallon Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Magna 130
+
| Hermes 120
−
| [[Luthien]]
+
| [[Sian]]
−
| [[Buda Imperial Vehicles]]
+
| [[Hellespont 'Mech Works]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Magna 130
+
| InterFus 155
−
| [[Regulus]]
+
| [[Johnsondale]]
−
| [[Magna]]
+
| [[Valiant Vehicles]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Magna 130
+
| InterFus 260
−
| [[Indicass]]
+
| [[Johnsondale]]
−
| [[Ceres Metals Industries]]
+
| [[Valiant Vehicles]]
−
|-
 
−
| Doorman 140
 
−
| [[Carlisle]]
 
−
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Leenex 140
 
| Leenex 140
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| [[Luthien Armor Works]]
 
| [[Luthien Armor Works]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Rawlings 140
+
| Light Force 210
−
| [[Sian]]
+
| [[Huntress]]
−
| [[Saroyan Special Projects]]
+
| [[Abysmal Manufacturing Complex]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Scarborough 140
+
| Lockheed 105 Micro-Fusion
−
| [[Al Na'ir]]
+
| [[Tharkad]]
−
| [[Scarborough Manufacturers]]
+
| [[Lockheed-CBM Corporation]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Omni 145
+
| LTV 120
−
| [[Perdition]]
+
| [[Ares (system)|Ares]]
−
| [[Alphard Trading Corporation]]
+
| [[Bergan Industries]]
−
|-
 
−
| GM 150
 
−
| [[Nirasaki]]
 
−
| [[New Age Systems Incorporated]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 150
 
−
| [[Gibson]]
 
−
| [[Gibson Federated BattleMechs - (Free Worlds Defense Industries)]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 150
 
−
| [[Coventry]]
 
−
| [[Coventry Metal Works]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 150
 
−
| [[New Vandenburg]]
 
−
| [[Vandenberg Mechanized Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Omni 150
 
−
| [[New Avalon]]
 
−
| [[Corean Enterprises]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| InterFus 155
 
−
| [[Johnsondale]]
 
−
| [[Valiant Vehicles]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Defiance 160
 
−
| [[Tharkad]]
 
−
| [[Defiance Motors]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| LTV 160
 
| LTV 160
−
| [[Ares]]
+
| [[Ares (system)|Ares]]
 
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
Line 203: Line 193:
 
| [[Taurus Territorial Industries]]
 
| [[Taurus Territorial Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Magna 160
+
| LTV 160
−
| [[Regulus]]
+
| [[Ares (system)|Ares]]
−
| [[Magna]]
+
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 +
|-
 +
| LTV 160
 +
| [[New Avalon]]
 +
| [[Achernar BattleMechs]]
 +
|-
 +
| Manatwist 300
 +
| [[Chatham]]
 +
| [[Wakazashi Enterprises]]
 +
|-
 +
| Model SF-3 260
 +
| [[Strato Domingo]]
 +
| [[Auxiliary Production Site 4]]
 +
|-
 +
| Nissan 120
 +
| [[Praxton]]
 +
| [[Praxton Fusion Products Limited]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Nissan 160
 
| Nissan 160
 
| [[Praxton]]
 
| [[Praxton]]
 
| [[Praxton Fusion Products Limited]]
 
| [[Praxton Fusion Products Limited]]
−
|-
 
−
| Robinson 160 Fuse-Pak
 
−
| [[Robinson]]
 
−
| [[Robinson Standard BattleWorks]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 170
 
−
| [[Betelgeuse]]
 
−
| [[Aldis Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 175
 
−
| [[Taurus]]
 
−
| [[Magna]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Nissan 175
 
| Nissan 175
Line 230: Line 224:
 
| [[Terra]]
 
| [[Terra]]
 
| [[Skobel MechWorks]]
 
| [[Skobel MechWorks]]
−
|-
 
−
| Omni 175
 
−
| [[Coventry]]
 
−
| [[Coventry Metal Works]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Fireheart 180
 
−
| [[New Syrtis]]
 
−
| [[Johnston Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 180
 
−
| [[Capella]]
 
−
| [[Ceres Metals Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 180
 
−
| [[St. Ives]]
 
−
| [[Ceres Metals Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 180
 
−
| [[Outreach]]
 
−
| [[Blackwell Heavy Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Piker 180
 
−
| [[Nirasaki]]
 
−
| [[New Age Systems Incorporated]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Breen 190
 
−
| [[Panpour]]
 
−
| [[Jalastar Aerospace]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| RT 190
 
−
| [[Terra]]
 
−
| [[Matabushi Incorporated]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Nissan 200
 
| Nissan 200
Line 278: Line 240:
 
| [[New Earth]]
 
| [[New Earth]]
 
| [[New Earth Trading Company]]
 
| [[New Earth Trading Company]]
 +
|-
 +
| Nissan 220
 +
| [[Kagoshima]]
 +
| [[Nissan General Industries]]
 +
|-
 +
| Nissan 220
 +
| [[Terra]]
 +
| [[Skobel MechWorks]]
 +
|-
 +
| Nissan 225
 +
| [[Panpour]]
 +
| [[Jalastar Aerospace]]
 +
|-
 +
| Piker 180
 +
| [[Nirasaki]]
 +
| [[New Age Systems Incorporated]]
 +
|-
 +
| PlasmaStar 270
 +
| [[Axton]]
 +
| [[Wangker Aerospace]]
 +
|-
 +
| Rawlings 140
 +
| [[Sian]]
 +
| [[Saroyan Special Projects]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Rawlings 200
 
| Rawlings 200
Line 294: Line 280:
 
| [[Sarna]]
 
| [[Sarna]]
 
| [[Tengo Aerospace]]
 
| [[Tengo Aerospace]]
−
|-
 
−
| Warner 200
 
−
| [[Praxton]]
 
−
| [[Praxton Fusion Products Limited]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Warner 200
 
−
| [[Taurus]]
 
−
| [[Magna]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 210
 
−
| [[Tharkad]]
 
−
| [[TharHes Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GTEM 210
 
−
| [[Andurien]]
 
−
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GTEM 210
 
−
| [[Irian]]
 
−
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GTEM 210
 
−
| [[Kendall]]
 
−
| [[Bergan Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Core Tek 215
 
−
| [[Skye]]
 
−
| [[Cyclops Incorporated]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| VOX 215
 
−
| [[Outreach]]
 
−
| [[Blackwell Heavy Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| DAV 220
 
−
| [[Keystone]]
 
−
| [[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 220
 
−
| [[Taurus]]
 
−
| [[Magna]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Nissan 220
 
−
| [[Kagoshima]]
 
−
| [[Nissan General Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Nissan 220
 
−
| [[Terra]]
 
−
| [[Skobel MechWorks]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Rawlings 225
 
| Rawlings 225
Line 347: Line 285:
 
| [[Kressly Warworks]]
 
| [[Kressly Warworks]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| VOX 225
+
| Rawlings 300
−
| [[Edasich]]
+
| [[Sian]]
−
| [[Edasich Motors]]
+
| [[Saroyan Special Projects]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| VOX 225
+
| Robinson 160 Fuse-Pak
−
| [[Dunianshire]]
+
| [[Robinson]]
−
| [[Majesty Metals and Manufacturing]]
+
| [[Robinson Standard BattleWorks]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Warner 225
+
| RT 190
−
| [[Panpour]]
 
−
| [[Jalastar Aerospace]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Warner 225
 
−
| [[Taurus]]
 
−
| [[Magna]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GoreTex 240
 
−
| [[Betelgeuse]]
 
−
| [[Aldis Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GoreTex 240
 
−
| [[New Samarkand]]
 
−
| [[New Samarkand Metals]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GoreTex 240
 
 
| [[Terra]]
 
| [[Terra]]
−
| [[Aldis Industries]]
+
| [[Millennium Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| GoreTex 240
+
| Scarborough 140
−
| [[Loyalty]]
+
| [[Al Na'ir]]
−
| [[Kallon Industries]]
+
| [[Scarborough Manufacturers]]
−
|-
 
−
| GM 240
 
−
| [[Qandahar]]
 
−
| [[Dow-Nexus Fusion Products]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 240
 
−
| [[Nanking]]
 
−
| [[Kallon Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 240
 
−
| [[Talcott]]
 
−
| [[General Motors]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pitban 240
 
−
| [[Ingersoll]]
 
−
| [[Bulldog Enterprises]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pitban 240
 
−
| [[Irian]]
 
−
| [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pitban 240
 
−
| [[Tematagi]]
 
−
| [[Nimakachi Fusion Products Limited]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pitban 240
 
−
| [[Aur]]
 
−
| [[Edasich Motors]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pitban 240
 
−
| [[Dunianshire]]
 
−
| [[Canopus Industries Alpha]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| VOX 240
 
−
| [[Trellisane]]
 
−
| [[Grumman Amalgamated]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 245
 
−
| [[Luthien]]
 
−
| [[Luthien Armor Works]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 250
 
−
| [[Loxley]]
 
−
| [[Norse-Storm Technologies Incorporated ]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Strand 255
 
| Strand 255
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| [[StarCorp Industries]]
 
| [[StarCorp Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| InterFus 260
+
| Type 275 Standard
−
| [[Johnsondale]]
+
| [[Tamaron]]
−
| [[Valiant Vehicles]]
+
| [[Ashton 'Mech Production Complex]]
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 260
 
−
| [[Corey]]
 
−
| [[Hellespont Industrials]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 260
 
−
| [[Regulus]]
 
−
| [[Magna]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 260
 
−
| [[Tharkad]]
 
−
| [[Defiance Motors]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 260
 
−
| [[Tharkad]]
 
−
| [[TharHes Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 260
 
−
| [[Taurus]]
 
−
| [[Magna]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 270
 
−
| [[Qandahar]]
 
−
| [[Dow-Nexus Fusion Products]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 270
 
−
| [[Irian]]
 
−
| [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 270
 
−
| [[Son Hoa]]
 
−
| [[StarCorp Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| PlasmaStar 270
 
−
| [[Axton]]
 
−
| [[Wangker Aerospace]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Core Tek 275
 
−
| [[New Avalon]]
 
−
| [[Achernar BattleMechs]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Core Tek 275
 
−
| [[Dunianshire]]
 
−
| [[Majesty Metals and Manufacturing]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Core Tek 275
 
−
| [[Epsilon Eridani]]
 
−
| [[Kressly Warworks]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| VOX 280
 
−
| [[Calloway VI]]
 
−
| [[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| VOX 280
 
−
| [[Irian]]
 
−
| [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| VOX 280
 
−
| [[Tematagi]]
 
−
| [[Nimakachi Fusion Products Limited]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| VOX 280
 
−
| [[New Vandenburg]]
 
−
| [[Vandenberg Mechanized Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| VOX 280
 
−
| [[Taurus]]
 
−
| [[Taurus Territorial Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| VOX 280
 
−
| [[Outreach]]
 
−
| [[Blackwell Heavy Industries]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| GM 285 Cold-Start
 
−
| [[Shiro III]]
 
−
| [[Grumman Amalgamated]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pitban 285
 
−
| [[Nirasaki]]
 
−
| [[Maltex Corporation]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Manatwist 300
 
−
| [[Chatham]]
 
−
| [[Wakazashi Enterprises]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Rawlings 300
 
−
| [[Sian]]
 
−
| [[Saroyan Special Projects]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Vlar 300
 
| Vlar 300
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|-
 
|-
 
| Vlar 300
 
| Vlar 300
−
| [[Wernke-Talon]]
+
| [[Wernke]]
 
| [[Kallon Industries]]
 
| [[Kallon Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
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| [[Edasich Motors]]
 
| [[Edasich Motors]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| VOX 300
+
| Warner 200
−
| [[New Vandenburg]]
+
| [[Praxton]]
−
| [[Vandenberg Mechanized Industries]]
+
| [[Praxton Fusion Products Limited]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| VOX 300
+
| Warner 200
 
| [[Taurus]]
 
| [[Taurus]]
−
| [[Taurus Territorial Industries]]
+
| [[Magna]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pitban 320
+
| Warner 225
−
| [[Nirasaki]]
+
| [[Taurus]]
−
| [[Maltex Corporation]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pitban 320
 
−
| [[Aur]]
 
−
| [[Edasich Motors]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pitban 320
 
−
| [[St. Ives]]
 
−
| [[HildCo Interplanetary]]
 
−
|-
 
−
| Magna 340
 
−
| [[Regulus]]
 
 
| [[Magna]]
 
| [[Magna]]
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
 
+
==Notes==
−
==Bibliography==
+
* This article refers to a common object and addresses the object as a common noun. The preferred term is "fusion engine" (except on section titles & table headings, where "Fusion Engine" is favored).
−
 
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 +
 +
==Bibliography==
 +
*''[[BattleTech Compendium]]''
 +
*''[[TechManual]]''
 +
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
  
  
−
[[Category:Engines]]
+
[[Category:Technology]]
 +
[[Category:Engines|Engine, Fusion 000 Engine]]

Latest revision as of 18:03, 30 August 2023

A fusion engine of a BattleMech

Fusion engines are the most common type of BattleMech and aerospace power plant in the BattleTech Universe. Fusion engines can supply great quantities of power, enough for massive vehicles and all of their weapon systems, including the directed energy weapons common on modern battlefields. When no thrust is generated, fusion engines are extremely efficient, practically never needing refueling. If properly ventilated, controlled fusion reactions generate little heat. There are several sub-types of fusion engines available as well, each trading bulk for mass of the components.

Description[edit]

The fusion engine is capable of powering 'Mechs, Aerospace Fighters, and other vehicles. Fusion engines function by harnessing the power of a fusion reaction, as occurs in the core of the Sun. A BattleMech's fusion engine can usually last for decades on a few kilograms of hydrogen. Unlike the research reactors of the real world, a BattleMech's fusion engine runs on "light" hydrogen, protium, rather than hydrogen's heavier isotopes deuterium and tritium. [1]

Fusion engines are able to generate a great deal of heat. Simply moving the vehicle creates heat, though this is often a small amount. Though heat can negatively affect the vehicle's pilot or even the vehicle itself, a well-ventilated fusion engine is far less dangerous than the bleed-heat generated by charging and/or firing weapons, especially lasers and particle weapons.

In a BattleMech, the fusion engine resides in the center torso. It cannot be relocated elsewhere in the BattleMech, though certain types of engines may intrude into adjacent spaces within the structure.

Fusion engines, like other engines, are defined by their "engine rating". For 'Mechs, the engine rating is the mathematical product of the mass of the vehicle and its desired maximum walking or cruising velocity. Stated another way, a 'Mech's maximum walking momentum is directly proportional to engine rating. For instance, a 30-ton Spider BattleMech with a 240 Pitban fusion engine is able to generate the same maximum momentum as a 60-ton Merlin with the same engine, but because the Merlin's mass is twice that of the Spider, the Spider's maximum velocity is twice that of the Merlin.[2][3]

Combat Vehicles adjust engine rating calculation slightly based on motive suspension system. Additionally, engine rating is not proportional to engine mass; engine mass increases exponentially depending upon rating[4]. This results in light, low-to-moderately rated engines massing a disproportionately small fraction of larger engines. As a 'Mech's mass increases, a much larger proportion of the mass must be devoted to engine mass, or speed must be sacrificed. For instance, all of the following BattleMechs have the same maximum cruising (walking) velocity (43.2 km/h), but their varying mass means each 'Mech mounts a different engine. BattleMech mass, engine rating, engine mass, and (engine mass)/(BattleMech mass) are listed for each example, and increase together: PNT-9R Panther (35, 140, 5, 14%)[5], WTH-1 Whitworth (40, 160, 6, 15%)[6], BJ-1 Blackjack (45, 180, 7, 16%)[7], CN9-A Centurion (50, 200, 8.5, 17%)[8], MLN-1A Merlin (60, 240, 11.5, 19%)[9], CPLT-C1 Catapult (65, 260, 13.5, 21%)[10], GHR-5H Grasshopper (70, 280, 16, 23%)[11], ON1-K Orion (75, 300, 19, 25%)[12], VTR-9B Victor (80, 320, 22.5, 28%)[13], BLR-1G BattleMaster (85, 340, 27, 32%)[14], CP-10-Z Cyclops (90, 360, 33, 37%)[15], BNC-3E Banshee (95, 380, 41, 43%)[16]

For 'Mechs, larger fusion engines allow larger maximum momenta. But the inherent instability of bipedal locomotion requires a means to maintain balance and correct falls. In order to maintain control, 'Mechs also mount Gyros, which vary in size proportionally to engine rating.

Fusion engines usually will only shut down if damaged or if heat is uncontrolled. Unlike popular belief, there is absolutely no risk of a fusion engine accidentally becoming a nuclear weapon. [17] There have been a number of cases of fusion engines being "over revved" and exploding with devastating force, but this is more akin to a boiler explosion than a true nuclear explosion. More often a destroyed engine will be punctured by weapons fire. Because the plasma is held in a vacuum chamber (to isolate the superheated plasma from the cold walls of the reactor; contact with the walls would super-chill the plasma below fusion temperatures), a punctured reactor can suck in air where the air is superheated. Normal thermal expansion of the air causes the air to burst out in a brilliant lightshow often mistaken for a "nuclear explosion". This thermal expansion damages anything within 90 meters of the destroyed 'Mech.

Such dramatic failures are rare, though. It is difficult to sustain the fusion reaction and very easy to shut down. Safety systems or damage to containment coils will almost always shut down the engine before such an explosion occurs. The massive shielding of the engine (in the case of standard fusion engines, this is a tungsten carbide shell that accounts for over 2/3 of the weight of the engine) usually buys the safety systems the milliseconds needed to shut down the engine when severe damage is inflicted.

History[edit]

Fusion technology was achieved by the Western Alliance in 2021.[18] Almost a century later, fusion technology had progressed to the point of using protium, the most abundant isotope of hydrogen.[1]

Research into fusion engine technology has yielded improvements over the many centuries of BattleMech use. Light, extralight, and compact fusion engines are now available, in addition to the standard military version.

Brands[edit]

Fusion engines are produced under the following brand names:

Manufacturing[edit]

Fusion engines are manufactured on the following planets:

Brand Planet Company
240 Standard Arcadia Arcadia BattleMech Plant CM-T4
300 XL Arcadia Arcadia BattleMech Plant CM-T4
Breen 190 Panpour Jalastar Aerospace
DAV 220 Keystone Earthwerks Incorporated
Defiance 120 Tharkad Defiance Motors
Defiance 160 Tharkad Defiance Motors
Doorman 120 Carlisle Bergan Industries
Doorman 130 Carlisle Bergan Industries
Doorman 140 Carlisle Bergan Industries
Fireheart 180 New Syrtis Johnston Industries
Fusion 140 Irece Barcella Beta
Fusion 260 Irece Barcella Beta
Galas Lightpower 80 Ruchbah Michaelson Heavy Industries
GoreTex 240 Betelgeuse Aldis Industries
GoreTex 240 New Samarkand New Samarkand Metals
GoreTex 240 Terra Aldis Industries
GoreTex 240 Loyalty Kallon Industries
GTEM 210 Andurien Bergan Industries
GTEM 210 Irian Bergan Industries
GTEM 210 Kendall Bergan Industries
Hermes 100 Wernke Kallon Industries
Hermes 120 Sian Hellespont 'Mech Works
InterFus 155 Johnsondale Valiant Vehicles
InterFus 260 Johnsondale Valiant Vehicles
Leenex 140 Luthien Luthien Armor Works
Light Force 210 Huntress Abysmal Manufacturing Complex
Lockheed 105 Micro-Fusion Tharkad Lockheed-CBM Corporation
LTV 120 Ares Bergan Industries
LTV 160 Ares Bergan Industries
LTV 160 New Avalon Achernar BattleMechs
LTV 160 Canopus IV Majesty Metals and Manufacturing
LTV 160 Perdition Pinard Protectorates Limited
LTV 160 Taurus Taurus Territorial Industries
LTV 160 Ares Bergan Industries
LTV 160 New Avalon Achernar BattleMechs
Manatwist 300 Chatham Wakazashi Enterprises
Model SF-3 260 Strato Domingo Auxiliary Production Site 4
Nissan 120 Praxton Praxton Fusion Products Limited
Nissan 160 Praxton Praxton Fusion Products Limited
Nissan 175 Praxton Praxton Fusion Products Limited
Nissan 175 Terra Skobel MechWorks
Nissan 200 Kagoshima Nissan General Industries
Nissan 200 Robinson Robinson Standard BattleWorks
Nissan 200 Kalidasa Kali Yama Weapons Industries Incorporated
Nissan 200 New Earth New Earth Trading Company
Nissan 220 Kagoshima Nissan General Industries
Nissan 220 Terra Skobel MechWorks
Nissan 225 Panpour Jalastar Aerospace
Piker 180 Nirasaki New Age Systems Incorporated
PlasmaStar 270 Axton Wangker Aerospace
Rawlings 140 Sian Saroyan Special Projects
Rawlings 200 Capella Ceres Metals Industries
Rawlings 200 Tikonov Earthwerks Incorporated
Rawlings 200 St. Ives Tengo Aerospace
Rawlings 200 Sarna Tengo Aerospace
Rawlings 225 Epsilon Eridani Kressly Warworks
Rawlings 300 Sian Saroyan Special Projects
Robinson 160 Fuse-Pak Robinson Robinson Standard BattleWorks
RT 190 Terra Millennium Industries
Scarborough 140 Al Na'ir Scarborough Manufacturers
Strand 255 Crofton StarCorp Industries
Strand 255 Shiro III Irian BattleMechs Unlimited
Strand 255 Loburg StarCorp Industries
Type 275 Standard Tamaron Ashton 'Mech Production Complex
Vlar 300 Luthien Luthien Armor Works
Vlar 300 Wernke Kallon Industries
Vlar 300 Gibson Gibson Federated BattleMechs - (Free Worlds Defense Industries)
Vlar 300 Edasich Edasich Motors
Warner 200 Praxton Praxton Fusion Products Limited
Warner 200 Taurus Magna
Warner 225 Taurus Magna

Notes[edit]

  • This article refers to a common object and addresses the object as a common noun. The preferred term is "fusion engine" (except on section titles & table headings, where "Fusion Engine" is favored).

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 TechManual, p. 35, "Fusion and Fusion Fuels"
  2. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 106-107
  3. ↑ Technical Readout: 3058, pp. 142-143
  4. ↑ Based on Microsoft(R) Excel(R) "trendline" analysis
  5. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 115
  6. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 127
  7. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 129
  8. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 133
  9. ↑ Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 143
  10. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 147
  11. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 151
  12. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 153
  13. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 159
  14. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 300
  15. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 165
  16. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 167
  17. ↑ TechManual, pp. 36-37, "Fusion Engine Explosions: The Great Myth"
  18. ↑ TechManual, pp. 214-215, "Military-Standard Fusion Engines" & "Industrial Fission/Fusion Engines"

Bibliography[edit]

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