Difference between revisions of "Supercharger"

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==Description==
 
==Description==
Despite the wide differences in underlining technology, with [[internal combustion engine]] superchargers compressing the air intake charge into the engine to increase power while [[Fusion Engine]] superchargers temporarily drop the limiters that keep the engine output from damaging the shielding, both produce almost identical end-results, boosting ground speed by as much 125%<ref name=MT-92/> <ref name=TO-345/>
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Despite the wide differences in underlining technology,[[internal combustion engine]] superchargers compress the air intake charge into the engine to increase power while [[Fusion Engine]] superchargers temporarily drop the limiters that keep the engine output from damaging the shielding, both produce almost identical end-results and thus boost ground speed by as much 125%<ref name=MT-92/> <ref name=TO-345/>
  
 
Because [[BattleMech]] superchargers use an entirely different method of increasing performance than that used by [[MASC]], both devices can be used at the same time for a cumulative speed boost in exchange for considerably higher odds of a catastrophic failure. <ref name=MT-92/> <ref name=TO-345/>
 
Because [[BattleMech]] superchargers use an entirely different method of increasing performance than that used by [[MASC]], both devices can be used at the same time for a cumulative speed boost in exchange for considerably higher odds of a catastrophic failure. <ref name=MT-92/> <ref name=TO-345/>

Revision as of 15:15, 5 July 2013

A Supercharger is a device which temporarily exceeds the normal safe operating levels of an engine to boost the ground speed of Combat Vehicles, Support Vehicles, IndustrialMechs and BattleMechs. While this compromises safety with an increasing chance of critical engine damage, in any field such as racing or war where there is a need for speed, people are willing to throw safety to the wind for a performance boost. [1] [2]

Description

Despite the wide differences in underlining technology,internal combustion engine superchargers compress the air intake charge into the engine to increase power while Fusion Engine superchargers temporarily drop the limiters that keep the engine output from damaging the shielding, both produce almost identical end-results and thus boost ground speed by as much 125%[1] [2]

Because BattleMech superchargers use an entirely different method of increasing performance than that used by MASC, both devices can be used at the same time for a cumulative speed boost in exchange for considerably higher odds of a catastrophic failure. [1] [2]

While an unusual if experimental add-on for centuries, the technology achieved a mainstream level of acceptance and refinement during the Word of Blake Jihad, with manufacturers within both the Inner Sphere and Clan-space regularly producing superchargers from 3078 on. [3]

Rules

Game Rules

Operating similarly to MASC, when a player first activates a supercharger, they roll 2D6. On a result of 3+, the supercharger operates normally, allowing the unit to move at twice its Cruising or Walking MP speed (adjusted for modifiers such as damaged leg actuators, etc.) for that turn. On a failed activation roll, unlike MASC the critical hits are applied directly to engine for 'Mechs and to motive systems first and then destroying engine after immobilization. The Supercharger is automatically destroyed upon failure. Each consecutive turn the supercharger is used, the target number increases by 2, each turn the player ceases to use the supercharger the target number is reduced by 1. [1] IndustrialMechs and Support Vehicle apply an additional -1 modifer to the activation roll under TO rules. [2]

The supercharger weighs one-tenth of the unit's engine weight (rounded up to the nearest half-ton) and occupies 1 critical slot on 'Mechs and one item location on vehicles. 'Mech carrying a supercharger must mount the system in a location that contains engine slots, either the center torso on standard engines or additionally the left or right torsos for Light and XL Engines. [4] Superchargers can be pod-mounted by OmniMechs and OmniVehicles. [1]

'Mechs carrying both a Supercharger and MASC can use both devices within the same round for a cumulative speed boost, making separate activation rolls for each, receiving a Running MP equal to 2.5 its normal Walking MP rounded up. [2] (Previously 3 times its normal Walking MP under MaxTech) [1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Maximum Tech, p. 92 "Equipment - Supercharger"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Tactical Operations, p. 345 "Advanced Weaponry and Equipment - Supercharger"
  3. Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 207 "Jihad Technology Advancement Table - Supercharger"
  4. Tactical Operations, p. 344 "Advanced Weaponry and Equipment - Construction Rules - Supercharger"

Bibliography