Difference between revisions of "Jump Jet"
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Developed by the [[Terran Hegemony]] in [[2471]] <ref name="TechManual225">''[[TechManual]]'', pp. 225-226</ref>, thirty years after the introduction of the first [[BattleMech]], the ''[[Mackie]]'', and first appearing on the ''[[Wasp]]'', '''Jump jets''' allow 'Mechs to navigate difficult terrain by rocketing over obstacles.  Since their invention, jump jets have been adapted for use on other units.
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[[File:Jump Jet view.jpg|right|thumb|Jump Jet of the FLE-14 ''Flea'' Internal Arrangment]]
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__TOC__
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=='Mech Jump Jets==
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Developed by Dr. [[Soren Iishi]] of the [[Terran Hegemony]] in [[2464]] <ref name=IO>''Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras'', p. 29: "Advanced ’Mech/ProtoMech/Vehicular Motive Systems"</ref>, thirty years after the introduction of the first [[BattleMech]], the ''[[Mackie]]'', and first appearing on the ''[[Wasp]]'', '''Jump jets''' allow 'Mechs to navigate difficult terrain by rocketing over obstacles.  Since their invention, jump jets have been adapted for use on other units. They entered full production in the Hegemony in [[2471]], becoming commonplace in 2500.<ref name=IO/>
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== 'Mech Jump Jets ==
 
By harnessing the power of a 'Mech's fusion engine to superheat air or another suitable fluid, '''Jump Jets''' allow a BattleMech to briefly overcome gravity and rocket short distances over the battlefield.
 
By harnessing the power of a 'Mech's fusion engine to superheat air or another suitable fluid, '''Jump Jets''' allow a BattleMech to briefly overcome gravity and rocket short distances over the battlefield.
  
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===Operational Details===
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=== Operational Details ===
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Jump jets work in a similar, albeit more limited, fashion to the fusion rockets installed on [[Aerospace Fighter|Aerospace Fighters]].  Inside a magnetically shielded reaction chamber buried deep inside the 'Mech, an electron beam superheats a reaction mass and expels the expanding gases through nozzles located on the back of the 'Mech or in its legs.  Reaction mass is commonly provided in the form of air forced into the reaction chamber by a system of turbo-compressors, but most 'Mechs have a small amount of alternate reaction mass, usually in the form of hydrogen, water or mercury, in order to facilitate operation in a vacuum and to reduce the wear on the jets from superheated oxygen when in an atmosphere that contains it<ref name="TechManual39">''[[TechManual]]'', pp. 38-39</ref>.  The reaction mass provided by an atmosphere is effectively infinite, but the supplementary reaction mass carried on-board is limited by the number of thruster assemblies installed unless additional tankage is added to the 'Mech<ref>''[[Strategic Operations]]'', p. 24</ref>.
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Jump jets work in a similar, albeit more limited, fashion to the fusion rockets installed on [[aerospace fighter]]s.  Inside a magnetically shielded reaction chamber buried deep inside the 'Mech, an electron beam superheats a reaction mass and expels the expanding gases through nozzles located on the back of the 'Mech or in its legs.  Reaction mass is commonly provided in the form of air forced into the reaction chamber by a system of turbo-compressors, but most 'Mechs have a small amount of alternate reaction mass, usually in the form of hydrogen, water or mercury, in order to facilitate operation in a vacuum and to reduce the wear on the jets from superheated oxygen when in an atmosphere that contains it<ref name="TM38+">''TechManual'', pp. 38-39, "Jump Jets"</ref>.  The reaction mass provided by an atmosphere is effectively infinite, but the onboard supplementary reaction mass carried is limited by the number of thruster assemblies installed unless additional tankage is added to the 'Mech<ref name="SOp24">''Strategic Operations'', p. 24, "Conversion Of Ground Units To Fighters Table"</ref>.
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Because of the heat produced by jump jet activation and limited onboard fuel, jump jets can only maintain thrust for a few seconds. A far cry from flight, jump jets nevertheless allow a 'Mech to make short leaps sufficient enough to outmaneuver 'Mechs not similarly equipped or bypass obstacles and unfavorable terrain<ref name="TM38+"/><ref name="TMp225+">''TechManual]]'', pp. 225-226, "Jump Jets"</ref>. Care must be taken when jumping, however, as jumping causes heat buildup with even the shortest jump generating more heat than running, and damage to a 'Mech's gyro or leg actuators and joints can cause a 'Mech to fumble upon landing. Owing to the inability of liquids to be compressed, submerged jump jets cannot be used lest the extreme pressure rupture the jet's casing<ref name="TM38+"/><ref name="TWp53+">''Total Warfare'', pp. 53-54, "Movement Modes - Jumping"</ref>.
  
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Because of the heat produced by jump jet activation and limited on-board fuel, jump jets can only maintain thrust for a few seconds.  A far cry from flight, jump jets nevertheless allow a 'Mech to make short leaps sufficient enough to outmaneuver 'Mechs not similarly equipped or bypass obstacles and unfavorable terrain<ref name="TechManual39" /><ref name="TechManual225" />. Care must be taken when jumping, however, as jumping causes heat buildup with even the shortest jump generating more heat than running, and damage to a 'Mech's gyro or leg actuators and joints can cause a 'Mech to fumble upon landing<ref name="TotalWarfare53" />.  Owing to the inability of liquids to be compressed, submerged jump jets cannot be used lest the extreme pressure rupture the jet's casing<ref name="TechManual39" /><ref name="TotalWarfare53">''[[Total Warfare]]'', pp. 53-54</ref>.
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=== Attacks by a Jumping 'Mech ===
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Jumping makes a 'Mech harder to hit, but the accuracy of weapons fitted to the jumping 'Mech is also adversely affected<ref name="TWp53+"/>. In addition to standard weapons fire, a 'Mech with jump jets can perform a combat maneuver known as [[Death from Above]], which involves it  jumping into the air and attempting to land on an opponent. A successful DFA has the potential to crush an opposing 'Mech's head, but the maneuver risks damage to one's own 'Mech even if the attack is successful<ref name="TWp149+">''Total Warfare'', pp.149-150, "Death From Above Attacks ('Mechs Only)"</ref>.  Another attack that has been known to be performed using jump jets nicknamed the "I Am Jade Falcon" maneuver uses the jets in a 'Mech's legs to torch an adjacent hostile<ref name="TOp90+">''Tactical Operations'', pp. 90-91, "Jump Jet Attacks"</ref>.
  
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===Attacks by a Jumping 'Mech===
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=== Fitting Jump Jets ===
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Jumping makes a 'Mech harder to hit, but the accuracy of weapons fitted to the jumping 'Mech is also adversely affected<ref name="TotalWarfare53" />.  In addition to standard weapons fire, a 'Mech with jump jets can perform a combat maneuver known as [[Death from Above]], which involves it  jumping into the air and attempting to land on an opponent.  A successful DFA has the potential to crush an opposing 'Mech's head, but the maneuver risks damage to one's own 'Mech even if the attack is successful<ref name="TotalWarfare149">''[[Total Warfare]]'', pp.149-150</ref>. Another attack that has been known to be performed using jump jets nicknamed the "I Am Jade Falcon" maneuver uses the jets in a 'Mech's legs to torch an adjacent hostile<ref>''[[Tactical Operations]]'', pp. 90-91</ref>.
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A 'Mech may have one or more jump jets installed; each thruster increases the 'Mech's maximum jump distance by 30 meters<ref name="TWp53+"/> but takes up space and weight on the 'Mech's frame.  The mass of the jump jets is proportionate to the mass of the 'Mech they are installed on, owing to the increased power needed to move a more massive object and the maximum number of jump jets that a 'Mech can carry, and thus its maximum jump distance, is limited by the motive power provided by the 'Mech's engine<ref name="TMp51">''TechManual'', p. 51, "Determine Jump Capability"</ref>. [[Improved Jump Jets]] are also available, which take up twice the mass and space of standard jump jets, but produce less heat and allow for more nozzles to be fitted for a given engine allowing for a longer maximum jump distance<ref name="TMp225+"/><ref name="TMp51"/>. Due to the power requirements, jump jets cannot function on a unit that lacks a nuclear engine, be it [[fusion engine|fusion]] or [[fission engine|fission]] based<ref name="TMp225+"/>, and a single chassis cannot mount both types of jump jets simultaneously. Jump jets can be pod mounted to grant an [[OmniMech|OmniMech]] the ability to jump and are found in numerous variants. Like all fixed equipment, any jump jets hard-mounted to an OmniMech's base configuration cannot be removed, though they can be supplemented by pod mounted jump jets<ref name="TMp51" />.
  
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===Fitting Jump Jets===
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For 'Mechs that do not fit jump jets, a [['Mech Jump Pack|'Mech jump pack]] may be mounted externally to the rear of a 'Mech to provide limited jump capability or braking thrust to allow a 'Mech to be [[Drop Pod|dropped]].
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A 'Mech may have one or more jump jets installed; each thruster increases the 'Mech's maximum jump distance by 30 meters<ref name="TotalWarfare53" /> but takes up space and weight on the 'Mech's frame.  The mass of the jump jets is proportionate to the mass of the 'Mech they are installed on, owing to the increased power needed to move a more massive object and the maximum number of jump jets that a 'Mech can carry, and thus it's maximum jump distance, is limited by the motive power provided by the 'Mech's engine<ref name=TechManual51>''[[TechManual]]'', p.51</ref>.  [[Improved Jump Jets]] are also available which take up twice the mass and space of standard jump jets, but produce less heat and allow for more nozzles to be fitted for a given engine allowing for a longer maximum jump distance<ref name="TechManual225" /><ref name="TechManual51" />.  Due to the power requirements, jump jets cannot function on a unit that lacks a nuclear engine, be it [[Fusion Engine|fusion]] or [[Fission Engine|fission]] based<ref name="TechManual225" />, and a single chassis cannot mount both types of jump jets simultaneously.  Jump jets can be pod mounted to grant an [[OmniMech|omniMech]] the ability to jump and are found in numerous variants.  Like all fixed equipment, any jump jets hard mounted to an omnimech's base configuration cannot be removed, though they can be supplemented by pod mounted jump jets<ref name="TechManual51" />.
 
  
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For 'Mechs that do not fit jump jets, a [['Mech Jump Pack|'Mech jump pack]] may be mounted externally to the rear of a 'Mech to provide limited jump capability or braking thrust to allow a 'Mech to be dropped.
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== Protomech Jump Jets ==
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[[Protomech|Protomechs]] can also be fitted with jump jets.  Owing to the lighter frames and differing construction of protomechs, new jump jets had to be designed for protomechs.  Though they are operationally equivalent to the jump jets mounted to 'Mechs and are installed to provide propulsion in the same 30 meter increments, functionally, protomech jump jets are more similar to [[battle armor]] jump packs.
  
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==Protomech Jump Jets==
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== Battle Armor Jump Jets ==
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[[Protomech|Protomechs]] can also be fitted with jump jets.  Owing to the lighter frames and differing construction of protomechs, new jump jets had to be designed for protomechs.  Though they are operationally equivalent to the jump jets mounted to 'Mechs and are installed to provide propulsion in the same 30 meter increments, functionally, protomech jump jets are more similar to [[Battle Armor|battle armor]] jump packs.
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Introduced by the [[Western Alliance]] on [[Terra]] in [[2050]],  Jump packs use simpler, chemical based rockets to propel [[Conventional Infantry|infantrymen]] nearly 100 meters through the air<ref name="TMp272">''TechManual'', p. 272, "Conventional Infantry Equipment"</ref><ref name="TMp257">''TechManual'', p. 257, "Jump Jets/Jump Pack"</ref>.  Later, these jump packs were adapted for use on [[battle armor]] allowing suits up to one ton to rocket up to 90 meters in one bound, while suits up to 2 tons are limited to 60 meter jumps.  A [[Jump Booster|jump booster]] can be added to a jump-capable suit to supercharge the jets and add 30 meters to the suit's maximum jump range<ref name="TMp257"/><ref name="TMp165">''TechManual'', p. 165, "Jump Booster"</ref>.
  
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==Battle Armor Jump Jets==
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== Vehicular Jump Jets ==
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Introduced by the [[Western Alliance]] on [[Terra]] in [[2050]], Jump packs use simpler, chemical based rockets to propel [[Conventional Infantry|infantrymen]] nearly 100 meters through the air<ref>''[[TechManual]]'', p. 272</ref><ref name="TechManual257">''[[TechManual]]'', p. 257</ref>.  Later, these jump packs were adapted for use on [[Battle Armor|battle armor]] allowing suits up to one ton to rocket up to 90 meters in one bound, while suits up to 2 tons are limited to 60 meter jumps.  A [[Jump Booster|jump booster]] can be added to a jump-capable suit to supercharge the jets and add 30 meters to the suit's maximum jump range<ref name="TechManual257" /><ref>''[[TechManual]]'', p. 165</ref>.
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Adapting jump jets to vehicles is more complex than simply attaching thrusters to the bottom of a tank.  Though the jump jets themselves are functionally similar to the standard jump jets fitted to 'Mechs, successful operation of vehicular jump jets hinges on an advanced AI computer and guidance system first seen on the [[SLDF]]'s [[Kanga|Kanga Jump Tank]] in [[2650]] that is able to precisely track the vehicle's trajectory and vector the thrust of the jump jets to stabilize the vehicle.  Because of the prohibitive complexity and expense of the system, few jump-capable vehicles were produced beyond the Kanga, and even the vehicle heavy forces of Clan Hell's Horses who retained but have sidelined the technology.<ref name="TOp348+">''Tactical Operations'', pp. 348-349, "Vehicular Jump Jets"</ref><ref name="TRO:3050Up166">''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 166, "Kanga"</ref>
  
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==Vehicular Jump Jets==
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== Brands ==
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Adapting jump jets to vehicles is more complex than simply attaching thrusters to the bottom of a tank.  Though the jump jets themselves are functionally similar to the standard jump jets fitted to 'Mechs, successful operation of vehicular jump jets hinges on an advanced AI computer and guidance system first seen on the [[SLDF]]'s [[Kanga|Kanga Jump Tank]] in [[2650]] that is able to precisely track the vehicle's trajectory and vector the thrust of the jump jets to stabilize the vehicle.  Because of the prohibitive complexity and expense of the system, few jump-capable vehicles were produced beyond the Kanga, and even the vehicle heavy forces of Clan Hell's Horses who retained the technology have sidelined the technology<ref>''[[Tactical Operations]]'', pp. .
 
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348-349</ref><ref>''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'', p. 168</ref>
 
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==Brands==
 
 
Jump Jets are produced under the following brand names:
 
Jump Jets are produced under the following brand names:
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<div class="desktop-3-col">
 
* [[Anderson Propulsion (Jump Jets)|Anderson Propulsion]]
 
* [[Anderson Propulsion (Jump Jets)|Anderson Propulsion]]
 
* [[BMP  (Jump Jets)|BMP]]
 
* [[BMP  (Jump Jets)|BMP]]
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* [[Pitban (Jump Jets)|Pitban]]
 
* [[Pitban (Jump Jets)|Pitban]]
 
* [[Rawlings (Jump Jets)|Rawlings]]
 
* [[Rawlings (Jump Jets)|Rawlings]]
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</div>
  
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==Manufacturing==
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== Manufacturing==
 
Jump Jets are manufactured on the following planets:
 
Jump Jets are manufactured on the following planets:
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{| class=wikitable
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{| width='700'
 
 
! Brand
 
! Brand
 
! Planet
 
! Planet
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|-
 
|-
 
| McCloud Specials
 
| McCloud Specials
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| [[Wernke-Talon]]
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| [[Wernke]]
 
| [[Kallon Industries]]
 
| [[Kallon Industries]]
 
|-
 
|-
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|}
 
|}
  
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{|
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== See Also ==
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!Model
 
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!Used by
 
−
|-
 
−
| "Highlifter" 44 <ref> TRO Phoenix p. 66 </ref>||RIFLEMAN IIC 3 IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 100AFVTA <ref> TRO 3050U p. 34 </ref>||ASN -23 ASSASSIN (Mech) IS
 
−
|-
 
−
| 100AFVTA <ref> TRO 3055U p. 36 </ref>||STH-1D STEALTH IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 4 MicroTan Streaks <ref> TRO 3075 p. 150 </ref>||Clan erinyes (proto mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 4 Model KT Boosters <ref> TRO 3060 p. 152 </ref>||CORVIS Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 5 Standard Jump Jets <ref> TRO 3055U p. 164 </ref>||SA-OS2 ONSLAUGHT IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 6 Luxor Load Lifters <ref> TRO 3058U p. 128 </ref>||FS9-O FIRESTARTER IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 7 Clan Standard 14X Series Standard <ref> TRO 3058U p. 168 </ref>||GRENDEL Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Allied AVRtech Model A <ref> 3085 p. 300 </ref>||PHX-HK1 PHoeniX Hawk LAM MK I IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Allied lifter B-Series <ref> 3085 p. 290 </ref>||SHD-X2 Shadow Hawk LAM IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Andoran Model JJII <ref> TRO 3060 p. 150 </ref>||CLINT IIC Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Andoran Model JJII <ref> 3039 p. 120 </ref>||CLNT-2-3T CLINT IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Andoran Model JJII <ref> TRO 3050U p. 38 </ref>||clnt-2-3u Clint (Mech) IS
 
−
|-
 
−
| Audi-Fokker Mark IV <ref> 3085 p. 266 </ref>||LGb-12r Longbow IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Audi-Fokker Mark IV <ref> TRO 3067 p. 90 </ref>||TNS-4S THANATOS IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Chevron I <ref> TRO 3060 p. 106 </ref>||TSG-9H TI TS'ANG IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Chevron I <ref> Milspecs </ref>||TSG-9C TI TS’ANG IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Chevron II <ref> TRO 3050U p. 208 </ref>||eXt-4d Exterminator (Mech) IS
 
−
|-
 
−
| Contraband <ref> TRO 3067 p. 46 </ref>||IDT-1 BRIGAND IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Devil A7 <ref> TRO 3055U p. 62 </ref>||FLC-8R FALCONER IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Foster Ocelot Mrk. VIII <ref> TRO 3058U p. 164 </ref>||HANKYU Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| GE-2200 <ref> TRO 3075 p. 206 </ref>||IS gld-4r gladiator (mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Gerard Special A <ref> TRO 3075 p. 298 </ref>||IS pX-3r phoenix (mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| gM Ato 100 <ref> 3085 p. 292 </ref>||STG-a1 Stinger LAM MK I IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Guld Mk. Ill <ref> TRO Phoenix p. 72 </ref>||MARAUDER IIC 2 IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hellespont Leapers <ref> TRO Phoenix p. 18 </ref>||WSP-3L WASP IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hellespont leapers <ref> 3085 p. 230 </ref>||WsP-8t Wasp IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hellespont Leapers <ref> TRO 3060 p. 112 </ref>||JN-G8A JINGGAU IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hellespont Leapers <ref> Milspecs </ref>||Wasp WSP-7MAF IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Icarus 81 <ref> TRO 3075 p. 260 </ref>||IS icr-1s icarus ii (mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Icarus 81 <ref> TRO 3055U p. 32 </ref>||WTC-4M WATCHMAN IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Icarus Standard <ref> TRO 3058U p. 130 </ref>||BJ2-O BLACKJACK IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Icarus Standard <ref> TRO 3058U p. 140 </ref>||BHKU-O BLACK HAWK-KU IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| JF Improved Jump Jets <ref> 3085 p. 176 </ref>||Onager clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| JF Standard <ref> TRO 3050U p. 134 </ref>||Thor (Mech) Clan
 
−
|-
 
−
| JF Standard <ref> TRO 3058U p. 186 </ref>||NIGHT GYR Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Leaper Model L5 Improved <ref> Milspecs </ref>||PACK HUNTER 4 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Leaper Model L6 <ref> TRO 3075 p. 136 </ref>||Clan ocelot (mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Leaper Model, L5 <ref> TRO 3060 p. 142 </ref>||PACK HUNTER Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| leaper Model, l5  <ref> 3085 p. 144 </ref>||Pack Hunter ii clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| leaper Model, l5 meters <ref> 3085 p. 154 </ref>||Ursus ii clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Leviathan Lifters <ref> TRO 3050U p. 80 </ref>||Ghr-5J Grasshopper (Mech) IS
 
−
|-
 
−
| Leviathon Lifters <ref> 3039 p. 150 </ref>||GHR-5H GRASSHOPPER IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Lox Lift Series 1 <ref> 3039 p. 116 </ref>||ASN-21 ASSASSIN IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| McCloud Special <ref> TRO 3050U p. 56 </ref>||enf-5d Enforcer (Mech) IS
 
−
|-
 
−
| McCloud Specials <ref> 3039 p. 134 </ref>||ENF-4R ENFORCER IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| McCloud Specials <ref> TRO 3058U p. 132 </ref>||CLN-7V CHAMELEON IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| McCloud Specials <ref> TRO 3060 p. 96 </ref>||ENF-6M ENFORCER III IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| McCloud Specials <ref> Milspecs </ref>||ENF-6NAIS ENFORCER III IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| McCloud Specials (Reinforced) <ref> TRO Phoenix p. 38 </ref>||RFL-8D RIFLEMAN IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| McCloud Specials (Reinforced) <ref> 3085 p. 250 </ref>||rfl-7X Rifleman IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mitchell JB Thrust Bottles <ref> TRO 3050U p. 166 </ref>||Kanga (Vehicle) IS
 
−
|-
 
−
| Model 9 Pitban <ref> 3039 p. 124 </ref>||VL-2T VULCAN IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Model Kt Boosters <ref> 3085 p. 148 </ref>||Parash clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Model KT Boosters <ref> Milspecs </ref>||CORVIS 2 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Model KY Boosters <ref> TRO 3058U p. 170 </ref>||SHADOW CAT Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Nike Doublejet 9s <ref> TRO 3075 p. 78 </ref>||IS eyk-45a eyleuka (mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Nike Doublejet 9s <ref> 3085 p. 98 </ref>||Pen-2H Penthesilea IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Norse Industries 3S <ref> 3039 p. 284 </ref>||VLK-QA VALKYRIE IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Odin Type II <ref> TRO 3060 p. 88 </ref>||BEO-12 BEOWULF IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Odin Type II <ref> Milspecs </ref>||BEO-14 BEOWULF IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Odin’s Own Model 34z <ref> TRO 3058U p. 210 </ref>||STY-3C STARSLAYER IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Ostmann Sct-A <ref> 3039 p. 285 </ref>||OTT-7J OSTSCOUT IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Panpour Specials <ref> TRO 3075 p. 228 </ref>||IS jaw-66b jabberwocky engineerMech (indu - mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Phoenix tail Improved Jumpers <ref> 3085 p. 260 </ref>||Mad-9W2 Marauder IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Prentiss-IIIA <ref> Milspecs </ref>||HIGHLANDER IIC 2 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| PRS-60 <ref> 3039 p. 248 </ref>||FLC-4N FALCON IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| PRS-60 <ref> TRO 3050U p. 14 </ref>||flc-4p Falcon (Mech) IS
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pryzhok jump jets <ref> TRO 3055U p. 118 </ref>||VIPER 3 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pryzhok WM 10 <ref> TRO 3060 p. 164 </ref>||MATADOR Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pryzhok WM 10 <ref> Milspecs </ref>||MATADOR 2 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pryzhok WM 10 <ref> TRO 3050U p. 142 </ref>||Gladiator (Mech) Clan
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pryzhok WM 5 <ref> TRO 3055U p. 114 </ref>||GOSHAWK 3 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pryzhok WM15 <ref> TRO 3067 p. 134 </ref>||SCYLLA Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Rodan-90 <ref> Milspecs </ref>||Y-H11G YU HUANG IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Rodan-90s <ref> TRO 3060 p. 126 </ref>||Y-H9G YU HUANG IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Series-15 Improved <ref> Milspecs </ref>||CLINT IIC 2 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| SL-150 Mod V <ref> Milspecs </ref>||WYVERN IIC 2 IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| SL-150 Mod. V <ref> TRO 3060 p. 156 </ref>|| Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Smithson Lifters <ref> 3039 p. 112 </ref>||JR7-D JENNER IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| SR Starlifter 45 <ref> 3085 p. 152 </ref>||Goshawk ii clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Swingline X-100 <ref> 3039 p. 140 </ref>||DV-6M DERVISH IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Swingline X-1000 <ref> TRO 3050U p. 62 </ref>||dV-7d Dervish (Mech) IS
 
−
|-
 
−
| Swingline X-1200 <ref> TRO 3060 p. 104 </ref>||HEL-3D HELIOS IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Swingline X-1200 <ref> Milspecs </ref>||HEL-6X HELIOS IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| trellshire long lifters <ref> 3085 p. 278 </ref>||Rifleman iic 8 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Trellshire Long Lifters <ref> Milspecs </ref>||Rifleman IIC 5 IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Trellshire Long Lifters <ref> Milspecs </ref>||Phoenix Hawk IIC 6 IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| trellshire long lifters Improved Jump Jets <ref> 3085 p. 280 </ref>||PHoenix Hawk IIC 7 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type C Medium Lifters <ref> TRO 3060 p. 140 </ref>||MANDRILL Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Uplift 12 <ref> Milspecs </ref>||FIRE SCORPION 3 Clan (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Vicore Thrust-Masters Model L <ref> TRO Phoenix p. 20 </ref>||VLK-QD I VALKYRIE IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Vicore Thrust-Masters Model L <ref> Milspecs </ref>||Valkyrie VLK-QD2 IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Waterly Heavy lifters <ref> 3085 p. 94 </ref>||Glt-7-0 Gallant IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Waterly Heavy Lifters <ref> Milspecs </ref>||BCN-4W BUCCANEER IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Waterly Heavy lifters Improved Jump Jets <ref> 3085 p. 258 </ref>||WHM-11t Warhammer IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Whitworth Jetlift <ref> 3039 p. 126 </ref>||WTH-1 WHITWORTH IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Whitworth Jetlift <ref> 3039 p. 128 </ref>||BJ-1 BLACKJACK IS (Mech)
 
−
|-
 
−
| Whitworth Jetlift <ref> TRO 3050U p. 44 </ref>||Wht-2 WhitWorth (Mech) IS
 
−
|-
 
−
| Whitworth Jetlift <ref> TRO 3050U p. 46 </ref>||bJ-2 Blackjack (Mech) IS
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
{|class="wikitable" style="background: #gray; text-align:center; border: 2px solid black;"
 
−
! Type
 
−
! Used by
 
−
! Manufacturer
 
−
! Planet
 
−
! Reference
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pitban LFT-50
 
−
|HNT-171 [[Hornet]]
 
−
|[[Kallon Weapon Industries]]
 
−
|[[Talon]] (Wernke System)
 
−
|<ref name=TRO3050p5253>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p.50-51 </ref>
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==See Also==
 
 
* [[Improved Jump Jet]]
 
* [[Improved Jump Jet]]
 
* [[BattleMech Jump Pack]]
 
* [[BattleMech Jump Pack]]
  
−
==References==
+
== References ==
 
<references />
 
<references />
−
==Bibliography==
+
 
−
*''[[Total Warfare]]''
+
== Bibliography ==
−
*''[[TechManual]]''
+
* ''[[Strategic Operations]]''
−
*''[[Tactical Operations]]''
+
* ''[[Tactical Operations]]''
 +
* ''[[TechManual]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
 +
* ''[[Total Warfare]]''
  
  
 
[[Category:Technology]]
 
[[Category:Technology]]

Latest revision as of 21:32, 21 November 2022

Jump Jet of the FLE-14 Flea Internal Arrangment

Developed by Dr. Soren Iishi of the Terran Hegemony in 2464 [1], thirty years after the introduction of the first BattleMech, the Mackie, and first appearing on the Wasp, Jump jets allow 'Mechs to navigate difficult terrain by rocketing over obstacles. Since their invention, jump jets have been adapted for use on other units. They entered full production in the Hegemony in 2471, becoming commonplace in 2500.[1]

'Mech Jump Jets[edit]

By harnessing the power of a 'Mech's fusion engine to superheat air or another suitable fluid, Jump Jets allow a BattleMech to briefly overcome gravity and rocket short distances over the battlefield.

Operational Details[edit]

Jump jets work in a similar, albeit more limited, fashion to the fusion rockets installed on aerospace fighters. Inside a magnetically shielded reaction chamber buried deep inside the 'Mech, an electron beam superheats a reaction mass and expels the expanding gases through nozzles located on the back of the 'Mech or in its legs. Reaction mass is commonly provided in the form of air forced into the reaction chamber by a system of turbo-compressors, but most 'Mechs have a small amount of alternate reaction mass, usually in the form of hydrogen, water or mercury, in order to facilitate operation in a vacuum and to reduce the wear on the jets from superheated oxygen when in an atmosphere that contains it[2]. The reaction mass provided by an atmosphere is effectively infinite, but the onboard supplementary reaction mass carried is limited by the number of thruster assemblies installed unless additional tankage is added to the 'Mech[3].

Because of the heat produced by jump jet activation and limited onboard fuel, jump jets can only maintain thrust for a few seconds. A far cry from flight, jump jets nevertheless allow a 'Mech to make short leaps sufficient enough to outmaneuver 'Mechs not similarly equipped or bypass obstacles and unfavorable terrain[2][4]. Care must be taken when jumping, however, as jumping causes heat buildup with even the shortest jump generating more heat than running, and damage to a 'Mech's gyro or leg actuators and joints can cause a 'Mech to fumble upon landing. Owing to the inability of liquids to be compressed, submerged jump jets cannot be used lest the extreme pressure rupture the jet's casing[2][5].

Attacks by a Jumping 'Mech[edit]

Jumping makes a 'Mech harder to hit, but the accuracy of weapons fitted to the jumping 'Mech is also adversely affected[5]. In addition to standard weapons fire, a 'Mech with jump jets can perform a combat maneuver known as Death from Above, which involves it jumping into the air and attempting to land on an opponent. A successful DFA has the potential to crush an opposing 'Mech's head, but the maneuver risks damage to one's own 'Mech even if the attack is successful[6]. Another attack that has been known to be performed using jump jets nicknamed the "I Am Jade Falcon" maneuver uses the jets in a 'Mech's legs to torch an adjacent hostile[7].

Fitting Jump Jets[edit]

A 'Mech may have one or more jump jets installed; each thruster increases the 'Mech's maximum jump distance by 30 meters[5] but takes up space and weight on the 'Mech's frame. The mass of the jump jets is proportionate to the mass of the 'Mech they are installed on, owing to the increased power needed to move a more massive object and the maximum number of jump jets that a 'Mech can carry, and thus its maximum jump distance, is limited by the motive power provided by the 'Mech's engine[8]. Improved Jump Jets are also available, which take up twice the mass and space of standard jump jets, but produce less heat and allow for more nozzles to be fitted for a given engine allowing for a longer maximum jump distance[4][8]. Due to the power requirements, jump jets cannot function on a unit that lacks a nuclear engine, be it fusion or fission based[4], and a single chassis cannot mount both types of jump jets simultaneously. Jump jets can be pod mounted to grant an OmniMech the ability to jump and are found in numerous variants. Like all fixed equipment, any jump jets hard-mounted to an OmniMech's base configuration cannot be removed, though they can be supplemented by pod mounted jump jets[8].

For 'Mechs that do not fit jump jets, a 'Mech jump pack may be mounted externally to the rear of a 'Mech to provide limited jump capability or braking thrust to allow a 'Mech to be dropped.

Protomech Jump Jets[edit]

Protomechs can also be fitted with jump jets. Owing to the lighter frames and differing construction of protomechs, new jump jets had to be designed for protomechs. Though they are operationally equivalent to the jump jets mounted to 'Mechs and are installed to provide propulsion in the same 30 meter increments, functionally, protomech jump jets are more similar to battle armor jump packs.

Battle Armor Jump Jets[edit]

Introduced by the Western Alliance on Terra in 2050, Jump packs use simpler, chemical based rockets to propel infantrymen nearly 100 meters through the air[9][10]. Later, these jump packs were adapted for use on battle armor allowing suits up to one ton to rocket up to 90 meters in one bound, while suits up to 2 tons are limited to 60 meter jumps. A jump booster can be added to a jump-capable suit to supercharge the jets and add 30 meters to the suit's maximum jump range[10][11].

Vehicular Jump Jets[edit]

Adapting jump jets to vehicles is more complex than simply attaching thrusters to the bottom of a tank. Though the jump jets themselves are functionally similar to the standard jump jets fitted to 'Mechs, successful operation of vehicular jump jets hinges on an advanced AI computer and guidance system first seen on the SLDF's Kanga Jump Tank in 2650 that is able to precisely track the vehicle's trajectory and vector the thrust of the jump jets to stabilize the vehicle. Because of the prohibitive complexity and expense of the system, few jump-capable vehicles were produced beyond the Kanga, and even the vehicle heavy forces of Clan Hell's Horses who retained but have sidelined the technology.[12][13]

Brands[edit]

Jump Jets are produced under the following brand names:

Manufacturing[edit]

Jump Jets are manufactured on the following planets:

Brand Planet Company
100AFVTA Kathil General Motors
A100 Barcella Barcella Alpha
Coyote Leapers Tamaron Ashton 'Mech Production Complex
Devil A7 Coventry Coventry Metal Works
Hellespont Leaper Sian Hellespont 'Mech Works
Icarus 81 Luthien Luthien Armor Works
McCloud Specials New Avalon Achernar BattleMechs
McCloud Specials Wernke Kallon Industries
Model KY Boosters Irece Barcella Beta
Norse Industries 5S Marduk Victory - (Norse BattleMech Works)
Odin's Own 34z Loxley Blue Shot Weapons
Swingline X-1000 New Avalon Achernar BattleMechs

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras, p. 29: "Advanced ’Mech/ProtoMech/Vehicular Motive Systems"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 TechManual, pp. 38-39, "Jump Jets"
  3. ↑ Strategic Operations, p. 24, "Conversion Of Ground Units To Fighters Table"
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 TechManual]], pp. 225-226, "Jump Jets"
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Total Warfare, pp. 53-54, "Movement Modes - Jumping"
  6. ↑ Total Warfare, pp.149-150, "Death From Above Attacks ('Mechs Only)"
  7. ↑ Tactical Operations, pp. 90-91, "Jump Jet Attacks"
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 TechManual, p. 51, "Determine Jump Capability"
  9. ↑ TechManual, p. 272, "Conventional Infantry Equipment"
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 TechManual, p. 257, "Jump Jets/Jump Pack"
  11. ↑ TechManual, p. 165, "Jump Booster"
  12. ↑ Tactical Operations, pp. 348-349, "Vehicular Jump Jets"
  13. ↑ Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 166, "Kanga"

Bibliography[edit]

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