BattleMechs
Encyclopedia
BattleMechs are large walking war machines that feature prominently in the fictional universe
of BattleTech
. 'Mechs, which are generally either bipedal or quadrupedal in configuration, are controlled by human pilots and can thus be classified as mecha
.
, a board game of futuristic armored combat played with dice
, counters and paper record sheets on a map of hexagonal territories
. The game's first edition in 1984 was titled BattleDroids and featured mecha based directly on those in the Japanese animated television series Macross
and other Japanese animation
from the late '70s and early '80s. Legal impediments with George Lucas
over the use of the term "droid" forced the name of the game to change in the second edition to BattleTech. This, combined with legal troubles with Playmates
, led FASA in the 1990s to remove all images of these early designs from subsequent published material. Since FASA retained the rights to all aspects of the 'Mechs except for their visual depictions, they continued to use the 'Mechs and their stats, but did not print images of them until Technical Readout: Project Phoenix canonized new artwork for the designs. This fact led fans to dub these early 'Mechs the "Unseen," while their new look is colloquially referred to as the "Reseen."
'Mechs in BattleTech vary from one another in many ways, including mass, speed, chassis configuration, armor and armament, resulting in a practically limitless array of legal 'Mech designs. FASA and its successors WizKids
, FanPro, and Catalyst Game Labs
created hundreds of official BattleMechs to complement the game, the majority published in a long-running series of "technical readouts". The game's detailed construction rules, which allow players to create legal custom units of their own, has also resulted in untold thousands of additional designs, some published in magazines, on websites, and in various other fan media.
As the BattleTech franchise has grown, BattleMechs have increasingly appeared beyond the confines of the board game. A line of figurines, a collectible card game, and numerous computer simulation titles feature the machines; 'Mechs also feature centrally in a prolific series of novels set in the fictional BattleTech universe, as well as an animated spin-off television series.
after its construction plans were stolen in 2455. Significant development and refinement of the technology followed through subsequent centuries.
'Mech advancement in the Inner Sphere
crested during the reign of the Star League
, but slowly degraded during the protracted conflicts of the Succession Wars
. Much of the infrastructure and expertise necessary to produce the most advanced models was lost, with the result that, by the early 31st century, most Great Houses were fielding models that were centuries old.
Star League-era BattleMech technology was preserved during this period of decline by a military faction later known as the Clans
. Absent from the Inner Sphere for centuries, they returned in 3050 fielding 'Mechs of considerable sophistication and power. The first confirmed sighting of a Clan 'Mech by an Inner Sphere observer was that of a Timber Wolf (called the Mad Cat by Inner Sphere observers) by the legendary Phelan Kell of the Kell Hounds mercenary unit.
The Clan invasion triggered a resurgence of BattleMech-related research and development, both in the Inner Sphere and among the Clans, leading to many new models being introduced during the 3050s and '60s.
After the collapse of the 2nd Star League in late 3067, most Battlemech manufactures were damaged or outright destroyed by the Word of Blake Jihad (Holy War). Smaller factories retooled and began manufacturing ancient designs dating back to the Age of War when Mackie was first introduced.
The creation of hybrids from these ancient designs and new technologies again led to a slow progress in 'Mech development, despite the return to all-out war and the use of nuclear weaponry.
However, the collapse of the hyperpulse generator network in the early 32nd century disrupted 'Mech advancement.
OmniMechs are a sub-class of BattleMech that mount weapons and equipment in modular "pods". The pods are easily swapped or changed, enabling engineers to customize an OmniMech's components for any given mission.
With few exceptions, every major model of BattleMech bears both a name and an identifying code. Codes generally use letters from the 'Mech's name, followed by an alphanumeric reference to the submodel or variant. For example, the base model of the 70-ton Warhammer is WHM-6R, with variants WHM-6X, WHM-7A, etc. A single letter is normally used to indicate common variants of an OmniMech.
Clan 'Mechs are sometimes known by two different names, one assigned by its Clan creators and one by Inner Sphere observers. An example is the 75-ton Clan Timber Wolf, known in the Inner Sphere as the Mad Cat. This practice generally ceased after the mid 3060s.
s) in five-ton intervals, with some capable of ground speeds in excess of 150 km/h (90 mph). Mechs have a torso that can rotate to either side independently from the legs, but few can do a complete 360 twist. Their power is drawn from fusion reactors and are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of limited performance underwater
and in outer space
.
"). Humanoid-type BattleMechs are the most common and include the iconic Atlas and Summoner (Thor). Reverse-joint 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous models as the Marauder, Catapult, Timber Wolf (Mad Cat) and the Dire Wolf (Daishi). There are a few, however, with digitigrade
legs that have a raised ankle and stand on their toes, like the legs of a dog, cat, etc. Examples include the Thanatos and Nova Cat.
and other anime
series (see variable fighter
s); resulting real-world legal conflicts ended their official existence within the franchise. The Wasp, Stinger and Phoenix Hawk are the only published LAMs, found in the unrevised edition of Technical Readout: 3025, along with the other "lost" or "unseen" BattleMechs such as the Marauder, Crusader, Warhammer and the non-LAM versions of the Stinger, Wasp, and Phoenix Hawk. The most current rules for the LAM system are in the out-of-print BattleTech Tactical Handbook. However, an update has since been released with the return of the LAM versions in the upcoming Technical Readout: 3085.
Iconic light 'Mechs include the Locust, Raven, Cougar, Adder (Puma), Commando, Wolfhound, Hollander, Stinger, Wasp, Panther, Owens, and Kit Fox (Uller).
Some notable medium 'Mechs include the Centurion, Wolverine, Shadow Hawk, Hunchback, Uziel, and Griffin.
Some notable heavy mechs are: Warhammer, Orion, Summoner (Thor), Catapult, Marauder, Axman, Timber Wolf (Mad Cat), Archer, Hellbringer (Loki), and Mad Dog (Vulture).
These 'Mechs are often used as command units, heavy assault platforms and heavy fire-support. Some common Inner Sphere command 'Mechs are the BattleMaster and Cyclops, which both have above average electronics while maintaining heavy weapon payloads. Clan assault 'Mechs are the most fearsome weapons in the entire BattleTech universe, and include the Warhawk (Masakari) and Dire Wolf (Daishi).
Iconic assault 'Mechs include the Dire Wolf (Daishi), Warhawk (Masakari), Kodiak, Blood Asp, Atlas, Marauder II, Zeus, Mad Cat MKII, and BattleMaster.
.
This class is no longer produced and generally not considered canon.
The necessary electrical current for the myomers is provided by a fusion reactor mounted in the torso. This artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a powerful gyroscope provide stability for the BattleMech. The entire system is controlled by a pilot wearing a neurohelmet that effectively links the 'Mech's central computer to the pilot's sense of balance and nervous system
. The movement of a 'Mech is controlled by a combination throttle, joysticks, and dual pedal system.
Each of the bones features a series of different size and capacity rated hardpoints for the attachment of critical systems such as life support and cooling equipment. In addition, weapons and armor plating are also attached to these points to give the 'Mech its offensive and defensive capability.
'Mechs can carry a variety of weapons, most of which generate heat upon firing. This can become a problem in intense or prolonged fighting, as an overheating 'Mech may shut down or, in extreme cases, explode (in-universe information contained in several BattleTech sourcebooks indicates that a Mech technically doesn't 'explode', but instead vents coolant and fusion by-product from the 'Mech's reactors). To mitigate this, the heat is transferred into massive heat sinks, which help facilitate cooling but do not eliminate the problem entirely. Water is an effective coolant, but it also impairs movement. 'Mechs have a small on-board coolant tank which can be partially or completely emptied on the heat sinks in an emergency.
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
of BattleTech
BattleTech
BattleTech is a wargaming and science fiction franchise launched by FASA Corporation in 1984, acquired by WizKids in 2000, and owned since 2003 by Topps. The series began with FASA's debut of the board game BattleTech by Jordan Weisman and L...
. 'Mechs, which are generally either bipedal or quadrupedal in configuration, are controlled by human pilots and can thus be classified as mecha
Mecha
A mech , is a science fiction term for a large walking bipedal tank or robot, including ones on treads and animal shapes.-Characteristics:...
.
Origins
BattleMechs debuted in FASA Corporation's BattleTechClassic BattleTech
Classic BattleTech is a table-top wargame set in the fictional BattleTech universe that simulates combat between futuristic mechanized forces. Originally published by FASA Corporation, the game is now produced by Catalyst Game Labs under license from WizKids...
, a board game of futuristic armored combat played with dice
Dice
A die is a small throwable object with multiple resting positions, used for generating random numbers...
, counters and paper record sheets on a map of hexagonal territories
Hex map
A hex map, hex board or hex grid is a gameboard design commonly used in wargames of all scales. The map is subdivided into small regular hexagons of identical size.-Advantages and disadvantages:...
. The game's first edition in 1984 was titled BattleDroids and featured mecha based directly on those in the Japanese animated television series Macross
Macross
is a series of science fiction mecha anime, directed by Shōji Kawamori of Studio Nue in 1982. The franchise features a fictional history of Earth/Humanity after the year 1999. It consists of three TV series, four movies, six OVAs, one light novel and five manga series, all sponsored by Big West...
and other Japanese animation
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
from the late '70s and early '80s. Legal impediments with George Lucas
George Lucas
George Walton Lucas, Jr. is an American film producer, screenwriter, and director, and entrepreneur. He is the founder, chairman and chief executive of Lucasfilm. He is best known as the creator of the space opera franchise Star Wars and the archaeologist-adventurer character Indiana Jones...
over the use of the term "droid" forced the name of the game to change in the second edition to BattleTech. This, combined with legal troubles with Playmates
Playmates Toys
Playmates Toys is a Costa Mesa, California toy manufacturer and a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Playmates Holdings Ltd , which was founded in 1966.-Proprietary brands:*Amazing Dolls*Amazing Pets*Kinder-Garden Babies*R.E.V.s*Waterbabies*WOW Pals...
, led FASA in the 1990s to remove all images of these early designs from subsequent published material. Since FASA retained the rights to all aspects of the 'Mechs except for their visual depictions, they continued to use the 'Mechs and their stats, but did not print images of them until Technical Readout: Project Phoenix canonized new artwork for the designs. This fact led fans to dub these early 'Mechs the "Unseen," while their new look is colloquially referred to as the "Reseen."
'Mechs in BattleTech vary from one another in many ways, including mass, speed, chassis configuration, armor and armament, resulting in a practically limitless array of legal 'Mech designs. FASA and its successors WizKids
WizKids
WizKids, Inc. is an American New Jersey-based company that first made its mark in the game industry producing collectible miniatures wargames. WizKids was purchased by and is a subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The company was founded in 2000 by Jordan Weisman, a...
, FanPro, and Catalyst Game Labs
Catalyst Game Labs
Catalyst Game Labs was created in May 2007 by InMediaRes Productions, LLC for the purpose of publishing print Classic BattleTech and Shadowrun sourcebooks...
created hundreds of official BattleMechs to complement the game, the majority published in a long-running series of "technical readouts". The game's detailed construction rules, which allow players to create legal custom units of their own, has also resulted in untold thousands of additional designs, some published in magazines, on websites, and in various other fan media.
As the BattleTech franchise has grown, BattleMechs have increasingly appeared beyond the confines of the board game. A line of figurines, a collectible card game, and numerous computer simulation titles feature the machines; 'Mechs also feature centrally in a prolific series of novels set in the fictional BattleTech universe, as well as an animated spin-off television series.
Backstory
In the BattleTech universe, the first BattleMech ever developed was the Mackie MSK-6S, described as a 100 ton box with legs. It was developed in 2439 by the Terran Hegemony, first deployed in 2443, and produced throughout the rest of the Inner SphereInner Sphere
Inner Sphere can refer to:*A region of space in the BattleTech universe*Inner sphere electron transfer, a chemical reaction involving closely associated atoms*Inner sphere complex, a type of ion-surface binding...
after its construction plans were stolen in 2455. Significant development and refinement of the technology followed through subsequent centuries.
'Mech advancement in the Inner Sphere
Inner Sphere
Inner Sphere can refer to:*A region of space in the BattleTech universe*Inner sphere electron transfer, a chemical reaction involving closely associated atoms*Inner sphere complex, a type of ion-surface binding...
crested during the reign of the Star League
Star League
Within the fictional BattleTech universe, the Star League was an interstellar empire that united the various states of the Inner Sphere into a single alliance of nations.-The Terran Hegemony:...
, but slowly degraded during the protracted conflicts of the Succession Wars
Succession Wars
Wars of succession are prompted by two or more individuals' claim as successor to a deceased or deposed monarch. The individuals are supported by competing factions within the royal court and foreign powers might also intervene through allying themselves with a faction.* The Anarchy * War of...
. Much of the infrastructure and expertise necessary to produce the most advanced models was lost, with the result that, by the early 31st century, most Great Houses were fielding models that were centuries old.
Star League-era BattleMech technology was preserved during this period of decline by a military faction later known as the Clans
Clans (BattleTech)
In the BattleTech universe, Clans are fictional peoples.-History:The background fictional story of the Clans begins with the build-up to the 1st Succession War...
. Absent from the Inner Sphere for centuries, they returned in 3050 fielding 'Mechs of considerable sophistication and power. The first confirmed sighting of a Clan 'Mech by an Inner Sphere observer was that of a Timber Wolf (called the Mad Cat by Inner Sphere observers) by the legendary Phelan Kell of the Kell Hounds mercenary unit.
The Clan invasion triggered a resurgence of BattleMech-related research and development, both in the Inner Sphere and among the Clans, leading to many new models being introduced during the 3050s and '60s.
After the collapse of the 2nd Star League in late 3067, most Battlemech manufactures were damaged or outright destroyed by the Word of Blake Jihad (Holy War). Smaller factories retooled and began manufacturing ancient designs dating back to the Age of War when Mackie was first introduced.
The creation of hybrids from these ancient designs and new technologies again led to a slow progress in 'Mech development, despite the return to all-out war and the use of nuclear weaponry.
However, the collapse of the hyperpulse generator network in the early 32nd century disrupted 'Mech advancement.
Terminology and nomenclature
The term "'Mech" broadly applies to all mecha within the BattleTech universe. BattleMechs, those that are intended for combat or related operations, are the predominant variety, with the result that the term is frequently applied to all BattleTech mecha. Non-combat models do exist, however, and are generally referred to as WorkMechs or UtilityMechs. These models tend to be specialized to perform a particular task such as harvesting, lumbering, scavenging, repair, etc.OmniMechs are a sub-class of BattleMech that mount weapons and equipment in modular "pods". The pods are easily swapped or changed, enabling engineers to customize an OmniMech's components for any given mission.
With few exceptions, every major model of BattleMech bears both a name and an identifying code. Codes generally use letters from the 'Mech's name, followed by an alphanumeric reference to the submodel or variant. For example, the base model of the 70-ton Warhammer is WHM-6R, with variants WHM-6X, WHM-7A, etc. A single letter is normally used to indicate common variants of an OmniMech.
Clan 'Mechs are sometimes known by two different names, one assigned by its Clan creators and one by Inner Sphere observers. An example is the 75-ton Clan Timber Wolf, known in the Inner Sphere as the Mad Cat. This practice generally ceased after the mid 3060s.
Configuration
BattleMechs range in height from 7 to 17 meters (23 to 50+ feet) and mass from 20 to 100 tonnes (22 to 110 short tonShort ton
The short ton is a unit of mass equal to . In the United States it is often called simply ton without distinguishing it from the metric ton or the long ton ; rather, the other two are specifically noted. There are, however, some U.S...
s) in five-ton intervals, with some capable of ground speeds in excess of 150 km/h (90 mph). Mechs have a torso that can rotate to either side independently from the legs, but few can do a complete 360 twist. Their power is drawn from fusion reactors and are best suited for ground combat, although they are also capable of limited performance underwater
Underwater
Underwater is a term describing the realm below the surface of water where the water exists in a natural feature such as an ocean, sea, lake, pond, or river. Three quarters of the planet Earth is covered by water...
and in outer space
Outer space
Outer space is the void that exists between celestial bodies, including the Earth. It is not completely empty, but consists of a hard vacuum containing a low density of particles: predominantly a plasma of hydrogen and helium, as well as electromagnetic radiation, magnetic fields, and neutrinos....
.
Bipedal
The majority of BattleMechs are bipedal and can be classed as either humanoid or reverse-joint ("chicken walkerChicken walker
A chicken walker is a fictional type of bipedal robot or mecha, distinguished by its rear-facing knee joint. This type of articulation resembles a bird's legs, hence the name. However, birds actually have forward-facing knees; they are digitigrade, and what most call the "knee" is actually the...
"). Humanoid-type BattleMechs are the most common and include the iconic Atlas and Summoner (Thor). Reverse-joint 'Mechs are slightly less common on the field of battle, but include such famous models as the Marauder, Catapult, Timber Wolf (Mad Cat) and the Dire Wolf (Daishi). There are a few, however, with digitigrade
Digitigrade
A digitigrade is an animal that stands or walks on its digits, or toes. Digitigrades include walking birds , cats, dogs, and many other mammals, but not plantigrades or unguligrades...
legs that have a raised ankle and stand on their toes, like the legs of a dog, cat, etc. Examples include the Thanatos and Nova Cat.
Quadrupedal
Four-legged "quad" 'Mechs constitute a small segment of official designs, and while they lack the flexibility of bipedal designs, they are considerably more stable. Though often maligned, quads experienced a bit of a renaissance in the years after 3060 with several new models released. Notable quad designs include the 25-ton Tarantula, 55-ton Scorpion, and 70-ton Barghest.Land-Air 'Mech (LAM)
LAMs are an extremely uncommon form of 'Mech capable of transforming between BattleMech and aircraft configurations, an ability that conveys great speed and flexibility at the cost of power and protection. The design of these LAMs, as well as several other 'Mechs, were leased from mecha designs used in The Super Dimension Fortress MacrossThe Super Dimension Fortress Macross
is an anime television series. According to story creator Shoji Kawamori, it depicts "a love triangle against the backdrop of great battles" during the first Human-alien war....
and other anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
series (see variable fighter
Variable fighter
A Variable Fighter is a series of fictional transforming aerospace fighter mecha primarily designed by Studio Nue's Shoji Kawamori for the animated series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross and later related projects...
s); resulting real-world legal conflicts ended their official existence within the franchise. The Wasp, Stinger and Phoenix Hawk are the only published LAMs, found in the unrevised edition of Technical Readout: 3025, along with the other "lost" or "unseen" BattleMechs such as the Marauder, Crusader, Warhammer and the non-LAM versions of the Stinger, Wasp, and Phoenix Hawk. The most current rules for the LAM system are in the out-of-print BattleTech Tactical Handbook. However, an update has since been released with the return of the LAM versions in the upcoming Technical Readout: 3085.
Light
Light 'Mechs are those that weigh between 20 and 35 tons. They often serve as scout 'Mechs, fire-support 'Mechs, and anti-personnel units, are generally quite fast, and tend to mount light weapon payloads or electronics and ECM equipment. Some can be quite formidable despite their small size.Iconic light 'Mechs include the Locust, Raven, Cougar, Adder (Puma), Commando, Wolfhound, Hollander, Stinger, Wasp, Panther, Owens, and Kit Fox (Uller).
Medium
Medium 'Mechs weigh between 40 and 55 tons and are very versatile. Some, such as the Hellspawn, have significant electronics payloads and are used as scout 'Mechs; others like the Hunchback carry powerful weapons and can serve as front-line or fire support units. In the BattleTech universe, the medium 'Mech is the workhorse 'Mech of most armies. Those that max out the engine can serve as useful recon units.Some notable medium 'Mechs include the Centurion, Wolverine, Shadow Hawk, Hunchback, Uziel, and Griffin.
Heavy
Heavy 'Mechs mass between 60 and 75 tons. They're versatile like medium 'Mechs, but generally have much heavier weapon payloads. These 'Mechs are large enough to mount weapons like Gauss Rifles and heavy autocannon, but are still light enough to have decent maneuverability and attain speeds of up to 90 km/h. Many of the most famous and popular designs are heavy 'Mechs.Some notable heavy mechs are: Warhammer, Orion, Summoner (Thor), Catapult, Marauder, Axman, Timber Wolf (Mad Cat), Archer, Hellbringer (Loki), and Mad Dog (Vulture).
Assault
Assault 'Mechs are the heaviest class of BattleMech in Classic BattleTech, weighing in between 80 and 100 tons. Some of these huge 'Mechs can mount weapons and armour of a greater tonnage than some entire medium 'Mechs. The trade-off is in speed and maneuverability, as assault 'Mechs are generally very slow.These 'Mechs are often used as command units, heavy assault platforms and heavy fire-support. Some common Inner Sphere command 'Mechs are the BattleMaster and Cyclops, which both have above average electronics while maintaining heavy weapon payloads. Clan assault 'Mechs are the most fearsome weapons in the entire BattleTech universe, and include the Warhawk (Masakari) and Dire Wolf (Daishi).
Iconic assault 'Mechs include the Dire Wolf (Daishi), Warhawk (Masakari), Kodiak, Blood Asp, Atlas, Marauder II, Zeus, Mad Cat MKII, and BattleMaster.
Colossal
Colossal BattleMechs are a latest and experimental category, massing over 100 tons and manned by a crew of three — a pilot, a gunner and an engineer. Only four Ares class 135-ton 'Mechs occupy this category, each with a different set of primary weapons. The variants are Hades, Hera, Zeus, and Poseidon. Poseidon is the newest of the four, and is an improved version the earlier variants. This class introduced in 3130s, in game system MechWarrior: Dark AgeMechWarrior: Dark Age
MechWarrior: Dark Age was a tabletop wargame by WizKids set in the BattleTech universe that uses the Clix system...
.
This class is no longer produced and generally not considered canon.
Utility Mechs
Utility Mechs, also known as WorkMechs, IndustrialMechs or Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Mechs, though far less glamorous than their war-faring counterparts, are very important in the everyday life of the BattleTech universe. There are ForestryMechs, MiningMechs, AgroMechs and many other types for many different industries. Many of these 'Mechs use an internal combustion engine, usually diesel, due to the high cost of fusion reactors. Utility Mechs have been modified for war when normal 'Mechs are out of reach, most often in the Mechwarrior: Dark Age saga; the general consensus is that a modified Utility Mech is less capable than a BattleMech of the same tonnage, though some field-modified Utility Mechs using ballistic weaponry can compare favorably with older melee-weapon-equipped BattleMechs such as the Hatchetman.BattleMech Construction
BattleMechs are initially made up of a series of internal structure "bones" which are connected together to form a skeleton of the 'Mech. An electroactive polymer called myomer, which contracts in the presence of an electrical current, is then wrapped around these bones. This powerful myomer transmission system is what gives BattleMechs their speed and agility in even the roughest terrain.The necessary electrical current for the myomers is provided by a fusion reactor mounted in the torso. This artificial skeleton and musculature, combined with a powerful gyroscope provide stability for the BattleMech. The entire system is controlled by a pilot wearing a neurohelmet that effectively links the 'Mech's central computer to the pilot's sense of balance and nervous system
Nervous system
The nervous system is an organ system containing a network of specialized cells called neurons that coordinate the actions of an animal and transmit signals between different parts of its body. In most animals the nervous system consists of two parts, central and peripheral. The central nervous...
. The movement of a 'Mech is controlled by a combination throttle, joysticks, and dual pedal system.
Each of the bones features a series of different size and capacity rated hardpoints for the attachment of critical systems such as life support and cooling equipment. In addition, weapons and armor plating are also attached to these points to give the 'Mech its offensive and defensive capability.
'Mechs can carry a variety of weapons, most of which generate heat upon firing. This can become a problem in intense or prolonged fighting, as an overheating 'Mech may shut down or, in extreme cases, explode (in-universe information contained in several BattleTech sourcebooks indicates that a Mech technically doesn't 'explode', but instead vents coolant and fusion by-product from the 'Mech's reactors). To mitigate this, the heat is transferred into massive heat sinks, which help facilitate cooling but do not eliminate the problem entirely. Water is an effective coolant, but it also impairs movement. 'Mechs have a small on-board coolant tank which can be partially or completely emptied on the heat sinks in an emergency.