Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Battle Space
Battle Space
Battle Space
l INI
COMrCIMTS
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4 JumpShip/WarShip Critical Systems 26
Components 4 Space Station Critical Damage 29
Counters 4 OPTIONAL RULES 30
Record Sheets 6 Advanced Movement Rules 30
Mapsheets 6 Optional Thrust Point Use 30
Dice 6 Optional Facing 30
Game Terms 6 Atmospheric Operations 32
Fire Factor 7 Space/Atmosphere Interface 32
Piloting Skill Rolls 7 Atmosphere 32
Other Rolls 7 Ground 34
Margin of Failure 7 Asterolds 35
PLAYING THE GAME 8 Shuttlecraft 35
Sequence of Play 8 Emergency Exit Systems 35
Initiative Phase 8 Advanced Point Defense Weapons 36
Movement Phase 8 Docked DropShips 36
Combat Phase 9 Boarding Actions 36
End Phase 9 Debris 37
Clan Rules of Engagement 9 Dropping Troops 37
MOVEMENT 11 Attacking the Jump Sail 38
Facing 11 Surface to Orbit Fire 38
Thrust Points 11 Weapons of Mäss Destruction 39
Using Thrust Points 11 Orbit to Surface Bombardment 39
Stacklng Limit 12 Nuclear Weapons 40
Gontröl Rolls 12 CAMPAIGN OPERATIONS 42
Making Control Rolls 12 Hyperspace Travel 42
Special Actions 13 Jump Point 42
Evade 13 Jump Field Damage 44
Roll-Över 13 Making the Jump 45
Change Formation 13 Jump Sail Recharging 46
Hover 13 Physical Effects of Hyperspace Travel 48
Docking 13 Detection 48
Launch/Recover 13 Deep-Space Rendezvous 49
Landing 13 Docking 49
Jump 13 Moving Damaged Craft 50
COMBAT 14 Launching/Recovering Small Craft 50
Detection 14 Recovering Fighter Casualties 52
Weapons Flre/Firing Åres 14 System Transit 52
WarShips 16 Fuel Consumption 52
Fighters 16 In-Flight Refueling 53
Heat 16 Pilot Modifiers 53
Range 16 Planetary Landing 53
Making the Attack 17 Liftoff 55
Damage 17 Cargo 56
Armor 17 Maintenance 56
Applying Damage 18 Support Points 56
Determining Fighter Damage 18 MPV (Small Craft) 57
Damage to Fighters 19 MPV (Large Craft) 57
Crftical Damage 20 Effects of Maintenance 58
Critical Damage Effects 22 Maintenance Costs 60
General Critical Damage 23
l
Repalr 60
Repair Modifiers 60
Component Repair 61
Armor Repair 61
Jump Sail Repair 61 Design and Writlng
Chris Hartford
Fighter Repair 61
Crew 62
Development
Crew Quality 62 Scott Jenkins
Crew Requirements 62
)NSTRUCTION RULES 64 Levlathan Original Design
DropShlp Construction 64 L. Ross Babcock III
Determine Parameters 64 Sam Lewis
Determine Propulsion 64 Jordan Weisman
Determine Structure 66
Choose Weapons 68 Jumpships and Dropships Original Design
JumpShlp/WarShip Construction 72 Clare Hess
Determine Parameters 72
Editorlal Staff
Add K-F Drive 72 Senior Edltor
Determine Propulsion 73 Donna Ippolito
Determine Structure 73 Associate Editor
Choose Weapons 75 Sharon Turner Mulvihill
Space Statlons 76 Editorial Assistants
Calculating the Cost 76 Diane Piron
Converting AeroTech Craft 78 Rob Cruz
Movement/Fuel 78
Offensive Systems 78 Production Staff
Armor Art Director
78
Jeff Laubenstein
Miscellaneous Stastics 79 Project Manager
Fighter Units 79 Mike Neilsen
)BATTLE 81 CoverArt
Fighter Engagements 81 Peter Scanlon
Modlfylng BattleSpace 81 Cover Design
Armor Re-scale 81 Mike Neilsen
Weapons Split and Re-scale 81 Illustration
Expanded Combat Rules 81 Joel Biske, Earl Geier,
Low Atmosphere Rules 83 Jeff Laubenstein, Larry MacDougall,
Altitude Levels 83 Allén Nunis, Gary Thomas Washington
Map and Counter Illustrations
Map Scale 83
David Martin
Movement 83 Layout
Air-to-Air Combat 84 Mark Ernst
Air-to-Ground Fire 84 Steve Bryant
Return Fire Keyline and Pasteup
Ernesto Hernandez
Playtesting
The Nottingham BattleTech Club
Steve Bacon, Chris Cantrill, Neil Dale, Richard
VTTLETECH, 'MECH, BATTLEMECH and MECHWARRIOR are Eaton, Roger Gerrish, Darren Merriman,
frademarks of FASA Corporation, registered in the U. S. Patent and Karl Tebbutt
f rademark Office. BATTLESPACE is a Trademark of FASA Corpo- Ariston Productions
i. Copyright © 1993 FASA Corporation. Mike Collins, Rick Cox, Greg Gbur, Jason
l Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Hansa, Gene McDonald, Christina Smith,
Eric J. Smith, Chris Wagner
AndAIso
[Published by Scott Jenkins, David McCulloch, Stephane Matis
IFASA Corporation • P.O. Box 6930 • Chicago, IL 60680
3
IlSirROOUCTfOM
INTRODUCTION
A burst of infrared radiation signals the invaders' arrival in-system. Space blurs, then resolves itselfinto the needle-\
like shape of a JumpShip. As the vessel snaps solidly into existence, the crew seans the immediate vicinity for threats. j
Nearby areas of space shimmer, marking the arrival of the rest of the fleet. As DropShips detach from their fragilel
transports and accelerate toward the target planet, the ships of the fleet deploy huge, flexible, metallic discs to collect
the rays of the nearby stars, recharging their Kearny-Fuchida drives.
Having covered half the distance to the target, the fleet of DropShips turns end-over-end and fires their engines to
reduce their velocity. As the attackers make a controlled approach to the target, both sides launch squadrons offighters
to take up defensive positions and protect their larger cousins from the opposing forces.
Unwilling to intercept in deep space, the defenders gather and wait in orbit around their planet. Fighters strain under
multiple-G maneuvers while the DropShips travel steadily onward, moving like whales among darting minnows. The
battle isjoined—the minnows become piranhas, biting ät the enemy DropShips. Alone, a fighter would be only a minoi
nuisance to a DropShip, but like piranhas, fighters rarely attack alone. Half-a-dozen fighters break through to converge
on a BattleMech transport, shredding armor and vital systems. Though badly damaged, the craft limps toward its goal
with the help of a friendly fighter squadron.
This is the large-scale action ofplanetary invasion, where the skill and daring of fighter pilots and the tactical training
of captains of DropShips, JumpShips, and rare WarShips determine the fäte of planets and the tide of war.
mA m. f st*A fm
4 RULKBOOfC
IIMTROOUCTfOlM
BÄ TTt-CSPA CC
5 HULEBOOK
flMTROOUCTIOM
Weapon Data
BattleSpace provides a record sheet for each unit, to keep The table in the upper right-hand side of the record sheet lists
track of any damage inflicted against the unit during the game. the weapons bays of each vessel. Each line provides data on the
Each type of unit, DropShip, JumpShip, WarShip, space station, type of weapons in the bay, their firing are, and the damage they
and fighter, has a unique record sheet. Every record sheet, inflict ät a given range. See the Combat section, p.14, for more
regardless of the type of unit it represents, divides needed informa- information on weapons. This table also gives the amount of heat
tion into several common sections, described below. generated by using that weapons bay.
When the rules refer to a crossed-out box (a damaged area of
the ship), that part of the ship has taken damage, which is indicated Unit Data
by X-ing out the appropriate boxes. Unmarked boxes refer to Each record sheet also lists the unifs important statistics,
location boxes that remain intact (that part of the ship has taken no including its Safe and Maximum Thrust (see Movement, p. 11).
damage, and so the boxes are not crossed out). The same section provides space to record the amount of thrust
currently available, and the unifs velocity and fuel reserves.
49
19
u ---
-- -
49
Damage boxes, and a different mix of internal components. The
90 19 - —-
90
90
55 Fighter Record Sheets do not have a Critical Damage section; the
ii •0 W1N9
u
70
40 <5
49 - - - _ - 70 TTM HMll Hl 1RT JEL ML
amount of damage required to destroy a fighter is much smaller.
30 ' 1 1
um
IS
J. RIOHT
See Critical Damage, p. 20 of Combat, for more information.
s
10
70
79
-
- _
9
10
BattleSpace provides two WarShip Record Sheets. The
11 19
20
19
»1
»
Small WarShip Record Sheet is for WarShips mässing less than
90 - - -
90
19
99 - - -
ett _ _ 11
JO
L 750,000 tons. Heavier WarShips use the Large WarShip Record
40 #« _ _ _ - « WIHO
*n *» - - Sheet.
II 99
»0 _ «o
•B 49
70 IVUVPSHEETS
HUT HHU d 1 FUll
UFI THRUCT ~~~] FU1ADAI l—|—|—1 The game provides two mapsheets printed with a grid of
MAX THRUST C ~l uunmaoui 1
hexagons (or hexes). These hexes regulate movement in the
1 | | | 1 *"
ftVKHUCl D n Ifj ™
M» ••.'_ game, and provide a quick means of calculating the distance
•PILOT DATA- iii between units. Each hex represents approximately 18 kilometers
OM»
MLOTlNa IKIU in i. J_5 i i.
(just över 11 miles). This is the distance that a craft would cover
OUNNIRY HULL
COHC
TAM -* ! _rm_
——i every Game Turn (1 minute) after accelerating ät one-half gravity
Ift roat
NOSt
AfT
AFT
_ _iim_ _um_ -AkflXL
NOSE NOSE
!i (5 meters/sec./sec.) for one minute (moving ät 1,080 kph or 670
NOSC LWING RWING
NOSE
LWING
AFT
AFT FUSELAGE FUSELAGE
LWING FUSELAGE FUSELAGE
mph).
RWtNG RWING L WING
FUSELAGE F USELAGE AFT
R WING
AFT
R WING
AFT i
9
1
miDi RI CO»
téAii 1 WiHA" -AB-
V •LOCITY AND ALT]
JUT.
DICE
1 WEAPON l WEAPON WEAPON
3
WEAPON WEAPON WEAPON
WEAPON 1 WEAPON CONTKX
GEAR
EUEt
The BattleSpace game system often requires players to roll
4 FCS ICONTVOL ENGINE UfESUP.
S NOCItlT. 1 NOCBT. ENGINE AV10NKS dice to determine their unifs success or failure ät certain maneu-
IEFOMFREE1WJ -
: i vers. Whenever dice rolling is required, BattleSpace uses two
standard six-sided dice, included in the game. The rules may ask
the player to roll one six-sided die (1D6) or two six-sided dice (2D6).
When rolling multiple dice, add the result of each die to get a single
Armor Data total. For example, rolling 1D6, that is, rolling one six-sided die, will
The boxes on the left-hand side of each record sheet repre- produce a result between 1 and 6. Rolling 2D6 and adding the
sent the amount of armor plating on each f acing of the unit. Fighters results will give a total between 2 and 12.
use a single set of Armor boxes to represent the armor on each unit;
DropShips have four armor facings, Före, Aft, Left Side, and Right GAME TERMS
Side. WarShips, JumpShips, and space stations have six armor
facings, Före, Aft, Fore-Left, Aft-Left, Fore-Right, and Aft-Right. The following information reviews game terms introduced in
Successful attacks damage the armor (reduce the number of previous products and defines terms used in BattleSpace. See
unmarked Armor boxes); when no Armor boxes remain unmarked, MechWarrior, Second Edition and the BattleTech Compen-
the unit will take critical damage if hit on that facing. dium for more information.
A mrnsfA em
6 KULtTBOOfr
fMTftODUCTfOM
FIRE ROLLS
In BattleSpace, weapons damage is grouped together in BattleSpace uses dice rolls to resolve other types of actions
nglevaluescalled Fire Factors. Each weapons bay of a DropShip, and situations. In these cases, the rules will instruct the players to
jmpShip, WarShip, or space station has a single Fire Factor. The make a Repair Roll, Landing Roll, and so on. The player rolls 2D6
Fire Factor, or damage, of each weapons bay is different ät and compares the result to a base or modified number to determine
fferent ranges. (See Combat, p. 16, for more information.) the outcome of the action. For example, a player making a Repair
Roll compares the result of the 2D6 roll to the repair difficulty (a
»ILOTING SKILL target number provided for each component of a ship).
Whenever a pilot attempts to execute a difficult maneuver or
; ship is exposed to circumstances that might cause the pilot to Ml ARG l N OF FAILURE
se control, the player makes a Piloting Skill Roll. The BattleSpace When a player makes a roll and fails (gets a result less than the
ules indicate when the player should make a skill roll, and also target number), how badly he failed may affect the pilot and the
Dvide modifiers to this roll. Add any appropriate modifiers to the craft. The difference between the dice roll result and the target
»iloting Skill Level. number is called the Margin of Failure.
To make a Piloting Skill Roll, the player rolls 2D6. If the result
sequal to orgreaterthan the modified Piloting Skill Level, the pilot
naintains control of his craft. If the result is less than the modified
sting Skill Level, the pilot löses control and suffers the conse-
jnces given in the rules for each situation.
l ttULMBOOK
RLAYING THE GAM E
JVtOVEfVtENT PHASE
Vessels move in the following order, according to size:
JumpShips
WarShips
DropShips
Fighter Units
Escape Pods
Lifeboats
The player or team with the lowest Initiative chooses one unit
and moves it. A unifs move may be to remain stationary, if the craft
has a Velocity of 0.
The player or team with the next lowest Initiative chooses one
unit and moves it.
The player or team with the highest Initiative chooses one unit
and moves it. Movement alternates between sides until all units on
the map have moved or chosen to remain stationary.
If ät any stage during the Movement Phase a player or team
has twice as many units left to move as the opposing sides, that
player or team should move two units ät his next opportunity. If one
side has three times as many units left to move, that player or team
should move three units, and so on. The player or team with the
lowest Initiative will always move the first unit, and the player or
team with the highest Initiative will always move one of its units last.
Where possible, each team should move an identical number of
craft in each Movement Phase. If each teamTias a diff erent number
The BattleSpace game system allows players to run a cam- of craft left to move, the players should determine the maximum
paign using allthe resources requiredtoapproachatargetsystem, number of turns required for the team with the lowest Initiative to
evade or blast through the system defense, land ground troops on move all its units. The teams with larger numbers of vessels should
the target planet, and take the objective or effect an orderly retreat. then move an appropriate number of units each turn to move an
equal number of turns, starting with the largest group of craft. (See
example below.)
Players should only move units that can expend Thrust Points.
The sequence of play provides a framework for the rules of Units that cannot expend Thrust Points, such as space stations,
BattleSpace, regulating the players' actions and giving structure to Out-of-Control units, or units suffering from serious engine dam-
the game. The optional and campaign rules add complexity to the age, may not move to give the owning side an advantage. Ät the
basic sequence of play. Players repeat the sequence of play until end of the Movement Phase, any Out-of-Control units should move
the action or battle is resolved. The sequence of play consists of: straight forward a number of hexes equal to their velocity. All other
Initiative Phase units incapable of expending Thrust Points continue to move
Movement Phase straight forward ät their current velocity. Resolve any potential
Combat Phase collisions immediately.
End Phase If ordered to abandon ship in the previous End Phase, the crew
will leave the vessel using escape pods and lifeboats ät the
beginning of the Movement Phase. (See Optional Rules, p. 36.)
8 ItULMBOQK
ägagawoWBattleSpacp F-r^h tearn rp||j;
ISfi.TganiBroiii-.rt i<:
st Initiative*:T|
C must moveorié of iti ulits fffst, l
Team B.;. _ . ...
9 KVLCBOOK
RLAYING THE GAfAE
10 KULMBOOIC
MOVEMENT
JVtOVEJVIENT
In the frictionless vacuum of space, a moving craft will con- THRUST POINTS
jnue in a straight line ät a constant speed unless acted upon by a
'orce. The application of force may result in changes in velocity or Every unit in the game can use thrust to a greater or lesser
direction. This force can be natural, such as the gravitational pull degree. The thrust of space stations and JumpShips is used only
of a står or planet, or, as is more relevant to this game, can result for station-keeping, and so these craft are effectively immobile (see
f^-orn thrust applied by a craft's engines. JumpShip/WarShip Construction, p. 68, for more information).
Other craft can use varying amounts of thrust to accelerate,
decelerate, or change direction. BattleSpace uses the term Thrust
Point to indicate the thrust available to a unit. One Thrust Point is
Every unit, be it a DropShip, squadron of fighters, JumpShip, equal to approximately 5 meters per second per second accelera-
l so on, must face one of the six sides of the hex in which it is tion (0.5 G).
This facing (the direction in which the unifs nose is Each unit has two thrust values. Safe.Thrust is the amount of
nting) not only determines the direction in which the unit moves, thrust, or number of Thrust Points, that the unit can expend without
: also determines where the unit can fire, and where attacks suffering any adverse effects. Maximum Thrust is the total number
linstthat unit will strike. In the basic BattleSpace rules, a unifs of Thrust Points that the unit can expend in one Game Turn (60
ding (the direction of the unifs motion) and facing are the same. seconds), and is equal to the Safe Thrust plus 50 percent. Spend-
Advanced Movement rules, p. 30 in Optional Rules, de- ing Thrust Points in excess of the Safe Thrust value degrades the
ribe additional rules for those players who prefer to use separate unifs handling, making the unit harder to control if damaged (see
dings and facings. Control Rolls, p. 12). The increased vibration created by operating
the engines beyond "safe" limits also makes it harder to target
enemy units accurately (see Combat, p. 17).
HULMBOOK
11
A4OVEJVUEMT
12 RUftCBOOK
A/IOVEA/IEMT
JumpShips/WarShips
An Out-of-Control JumpShip or WarShip may not launch or {FIGHTERS ONLY)
i recover fighters, launch or dock DropShips, dock with a space Fighter units may change their formation between tight and
station, deploy a jump sail, or attempt a jump. Any jump sail loose, which affects their ability to fight. In tight formation, the
[deployed when the ship goes Out-of-Control is destroyed. Docked fighters are close together and can concentrate all their fire on a
JDropShips may attempt to disembark from an Out-of-Control single target (or targets). A unit in loose formation is harder to hit,
IjumpShip/WarShip, but must immediately make a Control Roll but only part of the unit will be able to attack. See Fighters, p. 16
j (this is an exception to the usual requirements for Control Rolls). in Combat, for more information on the effects of formations.
[On a failed roll, the launching unit also goes Out-of-Control. The
i unit is destroyed if its movement forces it to re-enter the atmo- HOVER
; sphere. {SPHEROID DROPSHIPS ONLY}
Their unique construction allows spheroid DropShips to hover
[SPECIAL ACTIONS in atmosphere. See Atmospheric Operations, p. 32, for details on
this optional rule.
Ät the beginning of a unifs movement, the player controlling
i unit may announce that the unit is carrying out a Special Action. DOCKING
[The basic BattleSpace rules allow the special maneuvers of {ALL CRAFT EXCEPT FIGHTERS}
ading, rolling över, and changing formation. The additional All units except fighters may attempt to dock with another unit
cial actions listed below are optional or campaign rules, and are in the same hex. The target of the docking attempt must have the
f described in detail in the appropriate section. Space stations may same heading and velocity as the maneuvering unit. A boarding
ot use any of the special actions listed except for Launch/ action may follow docking. For more information see Boarding
cover Fighters. Actions, p. 37 in Optional Rules.
13 JVUlKBOOfC
COJVtBAT
The goal of ships fighting in BattleSpace is to kill any enemy WEAPONS FIRE/
units or render them ineffective (referred to as a mission kill). To
FIRING ARCS
accomplish this, units attempt to maneuver into the most advanta-
geous firing position while limiting the possibilities for return fire.
Each unit has an array of weapons, usually an assortment of
The primary combatants are usually fighter units and DropShips,
energy (laser and PPC) and ballistic (autocannon, Gauss, and
though some engagements may include JumpShips, WarShips
missile) types. Weapons bays, systems that group together similar
and space stations. The primary emphasis of BattleSpace combat
weapons, simplify targeting and fire-control. Most ships use some
is on engagements in space, usually near-orbit, but may include
or all of eight standard types of weapons bay: PPC, autocannon,
atmospheric operations and even ground-attack missions. This
LRM, SRM, laser, LB-X autocannon, pulse laser, and point-
section provides the rules for conducting space combat. The rules
defense weapons. The WarShip section below provides rules for
for atmospheric and ground-attack combat appear in the Optional
the nåväl bays of WarShips. Fighter units do not have weapons
Rules section, p.30.
bays in the same sense as other units; in effect,- a fighter unit acts
Ät the beginning of combat, the players declare a target for
as a weapons bay when attacking. See Fighters, p. 16, for specific
each unifs attack. In the basic BattleSpace rules, units automati-
rules for fighter combat.
cally detect all other units on the mapsheet. Then, taking into
BattleSpace weapons group their damage together into a
consideration their unifs firing arcs as related to the target, and
single value called a Fire Factor. Unlike in AeroTech or Battle-
their unifs capacity for dissipating the heat generated by firing its
Tech, where each weapon has an individual Damage Value that
weapons, the players determine what weapons or weapons bays
produces the same damage ät any range, four different numbers
their unit will fire, and the angle of attack. The player makes a to-
represent the capabilities of each bay, describing the Fire Factors
hit roll to make the attack and determine whether it nits the target,
(damage) for that bay ät snört, medium, long, and extreme ranges
then determines the damage inflicted by the attack. Because all
(see Range, p. 16). If the Fire Factor for a particular range bracket
damage takes effect simultaneously, every unit that declares an
is O, that bay cannot engage targets ät that range.
attack will make that attack before taking damage.
Nearly all craft in the game make use of the standard weapons
bays, which have relatively small Fire Factors. In addition to
DETECTION standard bays, WarShips carry capital ship bays, bays containing
huge nåväl weapons designed to engage very large targets. The
The standard BattleSpace rules assume that because of Fire Factors of capital ship bays, called Capital Ship Factors, are
electromagnetic emissions (usually radio traffic and ships' highly generally much larger than those of standard bays.
visible drive exhaust) and active sensors (mostly radar), all units The area into which each weapons bay can fire, called a firing
automatically detect any craft on the mapsheet. Damage to a craft are (see the diagram below), remains fixed relative to the craffs
may reduce the range ät which it can detect and engage other units nose, but changes as the unit moves and turns. Each unit type uses
(see Damage, p. 17) or may prevent engagements altogether. See slightly different firing arcs. Fighters may fire into the före and aft
the Campaign Operations section for advanced detection rules arcs, and also have special "wing" arcs. Fighters cannot fire
that allow some units to remain undetected. sideways. DropShip weapon bays may use any of the standard
firing arcs, as can those of WarShips and space stations. WarShips
have an additional "broadside" firing are.
Because the standard firing arcs converge, a unit may attack
a target from more than one are.
14
COMBAT
FIRING ARCS
15
co/ue/ir
TTi.mSPACm 1 C HUIHOOK
C O M B AT
BÄ TTLMSPA t m
17 ftULEBOOK
APPLYING DAJVIAGE
To determine the side damaged by a successful attack, draw
a straight line (or place a straightedge) between the center of the
hexes occupied by the attacker and the target. Apply the damage
to the side of the vessel facing the hex-side crossed by that line. Fö
example, if the line enters the targefs hex through the rear hex
side, the target takes damage to the aft section. On large units tha
have six armor facings, such as space stations, JumpShips, o
WarShips, apply the damage directly to the hex-side indicated
Because DropShips have only four armor facings, apply damage
from a shot entering through either the före or aft sides of the hex
occupied by the DropShip to the nose or aft armor of the unit. Apply
any damage that enters the target hex through a side hex (includini
före left and right or aft left and right) to the appropriate side. If the
shot enters the targefs hex between two hex-sides (in a corner)
the target may choose the side the shot hits. If an attacker can make
multiple shots against a target, all attacks hit the same armo
facing.
V
TO LOCATION HIT BACK
_ HITS ON WARSHIPS
HIT NOSE
HIT FRONT HIT FRONT
LIFT RIOHT
18 JtCflKBOOfC
COMOAT
[Multiply the unifs base Attack Value (the Fire Factor for the The Clan rules of engagement will limit the number of fighters
\ to the target) for each are fired in (consult the Attack Values actively involved in any attack. In honorable combat, Clan units will
the record sheet) by the number of fighters that hit to only use their maximum strength against targets of equal or greater
nine the actual damage of the attack. The target will take this size. A Clan unit engaging a smaller unit will use only as many
3r of points of damage, either to the armor or the internal fighters as are in the smaller unit. (See Clan Rules of Engage-
ure. ment, p. 9.)
FIGHTERS
Unlike other units, the combat effectiveness of a fighter unit
degrades for each row of Armor boxes crossed off. A fighter unit is
considered destroyed for game purposes when no Armor boxes
remain unmarked.
The numberof fighters in a unit determines the number of rows
of armor with which each unit begins the game. A Clan Står can
i the have a maximum of 10 rows of armor (10 fighters); an Inner Sphere
squadron can have a maximum of 6 rows of Armor boxes (6
fighters). Divide the armor evenly between the rows. Place any
short rows ät the top.
ål:
'Civ
rfigt
ths
f B,
inö
Fa
'pre
m . siar
of
Dr<
19 RUlCBOOJt
Each unmarked armor row represents the combat readiness CRITICAL DAMAGE
of one fighter, and affects the amount of damage a fighter unit can
inflict. A fighter unit taking increasing damage suffers a steady When damage breaches an armor location (i.e., all Arme
reduction in its ability to inflict damage. See the Determining boxes for that location are crossed off), any subsequent damag
Fighter Damage section for more details. to that facing is critical damage. Rather than applying the damaj
row-by-row, as for armor, divide any penetrating Fire Factors in
4-point groups. Apply each of these groups vertically to a random
A full Squadron (6 rows of arfiior) >wtil multiply the base:i: determined column of the Critical Damage box.
To determine the affected column, roll 1D6 twice. The first di
roll result determines whether the damage will be marked on the le
(1 to 3) or right (4 to 6) side of the Critical Damage box. The secon
fighters to attack the target, and wpuld multiply the base
damage for the attack in each are by 3. The fewer fighters left die roll result determines which column takes the critical damag<
in the unit, the less damage the unit is likeiy to inflict on a target. For example, if the first die roll result is a 4 and the second die ro
result is a 2, apply the damage to the second column of the lef
hand side of the Critical Damage Box.
The critical damage die roll results are also modified to tak
into account the angle of attack and so shift the damage toward th
Each row crossed off represents the effective (but not always attacked side. The modifier depends on the hex-side (or corne
actual) destruction of an individual fighter. The Campaign Opera- through which the shot entered the targefs hex. Consult th
tions section, p. 50, provides a system for determining the actual diagram below and apply the modifier (either +2, O, or -2) to eac
status of each eliminated fighter. Though crossing off the final roll as appropriate for the angle of attack. Treat a result of less tha
Armor box for a fighter unit means that that unit is destroyed for 1 as 1, and a result greater than 6 as 6.
game purposes, this does not mean the individual fighters are The Critical Damage box is laid out so that the left ha
destroyed, just that the unit ceases to exist as a cohesive fighting represents the forward of the craft and the right half represents th
entity. aft.
20 *rt/f.»oo«r
COAiB/ir
IE#1 1 TO 3 4 TO 6
BÄ TTLESPA CM
21 RUICBOOK
COJUBAT
CM ftULEBOOK
L COMBAT
'Doors
r
Door)
s: Each DropShip has several bays, each usually containing
(e.g., general cargo, 'Mechs, fighters, passengers). Each
i crossed off reflects damage to the doors of the cargo bays.
hit increases the time required to load or unload the bay.
all the boxes have been crossed off, that door no longer
i and the relevant cargo bay is depressurized. See Cargo, p.
i Campaign Operations for more information.
ir
1
jlty: 7/7NR
r. Dry Dock
a A rn.mst*A cm
23 JCWICBOOJC
COMBAT
a A TTLMSPA cm
24 RULEBOOK
i to the fusion plant always knock out the excess points example, damage to the left thruster makes it harder to turn left).
ach box of the fusion plant crossed off reduces the ship's When the thruster on one side is destroyed (all the boxes crossed
> power, and means that fewer systems can be used. For out), the craft can no longer turn in that direction.
e, crossing off 4 Fusion Plant boxes (2 excess points + 2 Repair
| means that only six systems receive power. Time: 1
unifs commander may allocate power to different sys- Difficulty: 6NR/6NR
i turn, but standard procedure requires that life support Location: Field
ast system taken off-line. When no boxes remain unmarked,
> is without power. Treat unpowered systems as destroyed. Life Support
ans that if the weapons system is off-line, the ship may not (Life Support)
^weapons; if the fuel system is off-line, the ship cannot use Effects: Each hit to this system degrades the craft's life support.
l Points; and so on. The first box of damage crossed out imposes no penalty, but for the
s fusion plants of WarShips and space stations provide 8 second and subsequent boxes crossed out, add a +1 modifier to
• Points (2 boxes per 1 point of power) to run the internal any Control Rolls. When the last box is crossed out, the unifs life
s. However, the capital ship bays of each firing are require support system has failed. The crew must put on pressure suits and
t of power. add an additional +1 modifier to all ControlRolls. On civilian craft,
where the crew usually have minimal training in suited operations,
any maneuvers to change direction or velocity require extra time,
/: 5/7NR and occur after a delay of 1 turn. In other words, the controlling
n: Dry Dock player must announce the unifs movement 1 turn before it occurs.
Repair
lapse Time: 2
illapse, Failure of structural integrity) Difficulty: 7/8NR
Crossing out even one of these critical damage boxes Location: Field
lises the ship's structural integrity. The craft löses its
atmosphere, and the crew must wear pressure suits. A hull Navigation Systems
result also destroys the power conduits (rendering weap- (Nav sys, In-system or Astro-navigation systems)
fative), and the engine and power plant cease operation. Effects: This system provides the means for in-system navigation
l all Hull Collapse boxes are crossed out, the craft is de- and navigation between stars on JumpShips. Any damage to this
system makes the transit or jump more difficult. For more specific
information, see System Transit, p. 52 in Campaign Operations.
: 2 days It is possible for a craft to operate successfully with a damaged or
y: 8NR/XX destroyed navigation system, but it is very difficult and time-
r. Dry Dock consuming.
Repair
ing Gear Time: 6
ar) Difficulty: 7/7
Each hit to the landing gear makes safe landings more Location: Field
It. Add a +3 modif ier to the target number of any Landing Rolls
box crossed out. The landing gear has been destroyed Plant Destroyed
i all boxes are crossed out. Because this makes landing safely (Plant Destroyed, Fusion Plant Destroyed)
more difficult, landings attempted by units whose landing Effects: Crossing out one of these critical damage boxes means
r is destroyed must add an additional +6 modif ier to the Landing the ship has löst power. It cannot fire weapons, expend thrust, or
. If a craft with destroyed gear does manage to land, it cannot maintain life support. The crew must wear pressure suits to survive.
'again. Repair
Time: 2 months
b: 2 Difficulty: 6NR/XX
Culty:6NR/12NR Location: Dry Dock
ätion: Dry Dock
Radar
t Thruster/Right Thruster (Radar)
!/Rt Thruster, Left/Right Maneuvering Quad Thrusters) Effects: The radar system allows the unit to track any nearby units
sets: Each Thruster box crossed out represents damage to the or planetary bodies within 100,000 miles. The first box crossed off
euvering thrusters on the hull. Each hit adds +1 to the number for damage makes it harder for the DropShip to detect an enemy,
IThrust Points required to turn in the appropriate direction (for and makes precision maneuvers more difficult. In game terms, the
25 RISLCBOOK
player adds +1 to the target number of all Detection Rolls (see transit drive is destroyed and the craft can no longer expend Thrus
Detection in the Campaign Operations section, p. 48), and +1 to Points. The player does not need to check for an explosion whe
all Docking Rolls. Crossing out a second box fordamage forces the the drive is destroyed in this manner; this damage represent
unit to rely on inferior back-up systems. In this case, add +3 to the damage to the thrusters and exhaust nozzles, not fuel transfe
target number for all Detection and Docking Rolls. systems or the reaction chamber.
Repair Repair
Time: 2 Time: 5
Difficulty: 6/6NR Difficulty: 7/9NR
Location: Field Location: Dry Dock
26 KULMBOOK
CO/UBAT
-jlse generator, as on the WarShips of the defunct Står double the effects of that damage for each Engineering box
-e (and the Glans), these systems provide an unrivaled crossed out.
- -nications advantage. The WarShips belonging to the Houses Repair
.on radio Communications, and so their Communications are Time: 40
to the speed of light. When a WarShip takes 1 box of Difficulty: 7/9
5 to Communications, it löses contactwith itsbase. Crossing Location: Field
s second box for damage means the flagship löses contact
i fleet.
Engineering and the transit drive of a WarShip both take 1
box of damage. Normally, the WarShip would decrease its
i\ 5/8NR Thrust Values by 1 for this damage, but because engineering
n: Field is damaged, the transit drive thrust is reduced by 2. If 2
Engineering Boxes had been crossed out (i,e., engineering
i Quarters/Recreation Facilities was destroyed), thrust would be reduced by 4 points.
rQuarters/Recreation, Recreation Facilities)
s: Crossing off boxes from these critical damage locations
• damage to the living and recreation areas of the vessel. Escape Systems
! areas have no importance in combat, but a lack of R&R (Esc Sys, Escape Systems, Emergency Exit Systems)
> will make a difference in a campaign. See Crew Quality, Effects: JumpShips, WarShips, and space stations carry so many
! in Campaign Operations for more information. crewmen that the emergency escape systems require a sizable
area of the craft. The escape systems critical location represents
.20 this important emergency system. For each box crossed out,
jtty: 7/7NR reduce the number of functioning escape systems. On a space
n: Dry Dock station, each box crossed out reduces the number of functioning
systems by 25 percent. On a JumpShip or WarShip, each box
ng Collar crossed out indicates a reduction of 50 percent. When all damage
; Coll or Docking Collars) boxes are crossed out, the crew of the vessel can no longer escape
s: Each JumpShip, WarShip, and space station supports a via escape pods or lifeboats. They must rely instead on the ship's
rof hardpoints ät which DropShips may dock. Each Docking small craft (if the small craft bays are intact). Ät first glance, this
r box crossed out will reduce the number of DropShips that rapid degradation of the escape systems appears harsh; however,
ck with that craft by 12.5 percent (with a minimum of one, most ships carry only sufficient escape pods and lifeboats for one
l all fractions up). Apply damage to unoccupied hardpoints third of the crew, and so if even a few of the escape systems are
hen docking collar damage applies to occupied hardpoints, destroyed, this loss will seriously affect the number of people who
* the affected hardpoints and roll 1D6. On a result of 1 to 3, can escape.
apShip immediately undocks from the JumpShip. Emer- Repair
r doors prevent either craft from depressurizing. On a result Time: 6 per pod/boat
)6, the docking mechanism locks, and the DropShip may not Difficulty: 4/8
until the collar is repaired. If the mechanism cannot be Location: Field
i (see Repair, p.60 in Campaign Operations), the DropShip
remain attached to the JumpShip until the JumpShip can Grav Deck
i a dry dock. (Grav Deck, Artificial Gravity Deck)
air Effects: Prolonged exposure to zero gravity can prove detrimental
:2 ' . to the health of crews stationed in space över prolonged periods.
Jlty: 6NR/6NR To counter the common problems of zero gravity, many large ships
ation: Field and space stations maintain a grav deck, an area of the ship that
spins around the craft's axis, producing artificial gravity by means
gineering of centrifugal force. The drive motors and bearings creating this
gineering, Engineering Control Center) artificial environment are very delicate, and any damage to the
cts: The engineering control center coordinates the work of deck will prevent its use. Grav decks cannot be used while a craft
sdrive ar\d fusion plants of large vessels. Damage to engineering is in motion: any attempt to do so causes one box of damage to the
ill make it more difficult to control the ship's engines or plant. If the grav deck for every minute it is in use.
nt or drives are functioning normally, damage to engineering will Repair
ave little effect on those systems. However, if engineering is Time: 10 days
naged, and either the plant or drive systems take damage, Difficulty: 8/11 NR
Location: Dry Dock
A TTLESPA fm JBUIEBOOK
Jump Sail Array Drive Coil
(Jump Sail Array) (Drive Coil, K-F Drive Coil)
Effects: The jump sail array is the mechanism that stores, furls, Repair
andunfurlsthejumpsailusedbyJumpShips, WarShipsandspace Time: 2 months
stations. The material used to make the sail is very delicate and Difficulty: Must be replaced
must be furled and unfurled carefully. Any damage to the mecha- Location: Dry Dock
<
nism that performs this task will drastically increase the lime
needed for these operations. For each box crossed out, add 100 Drive Controller
percent to the time required to furl or unfurl a sail. For example, if (Drive Controller, K-F Jump Controller)
the jump sail array takes 2 boxes of damage, add 200 percent to Repair
the base time to furl or unfurl the sail, making the minimum time Time: 5
required 8 hours. When all boxes are crossed out, the unit can no Difficulty: 10NR/10NR
longer deploy or recover its jump sail. Location: Field
Repair
Time: 40 Lithium Fusion Battery
Difficulty: 5/8NR (Lithium Battery, Lithium-fusion Battery)
Location: Field Repair
Time: 2 months
K-F Drive Destroyed Difficulty: Must be replaced
(KF Drive Destroyed) Location: Dry Dock
Effects: Crossing out one of these boxes for damage prevents the
ship from making a hyperspace jump. All drive components must KFFC Boom
be replaced. (KF Boom, Kearny-Fuchida field conducting-boom)
Repair Effects: The K-F boom allows a JumpShip to expand its K-F field
Time: 6 months around a DropShip it wishes to transport. As soon as the first
Difficulty: Replace all components. damage box is crossed off, double the time needed to dock ships
Location: Dry Dock and prepare for jump. A second hit destroys the K-F boom, making
it impossible to extend the field around the DropShip (thus prevent-
K-F Drive System ing the JumpShip from transporting that DropShip). A DropShip
See the Hyperspace Travel section, p. 42 of Campaign can dock with a JumpShip damaged in this way, but the JumpShip
Operations, for the effects of damage to the K-F drive systems. will be unable to jump with that DropShip.
The name of each component of that system, the Critical Damage Repair
box designation, and the repair codes follow. Time: 6
Difficulty: 6/6NR
Drive Charging System Location: Field
(Charging System, K-F Drive Charging System)
Repair Navigation Lights
Time: 2 (Nav Lights, Navigation Lights, Running Lights)
Difficulty: 8NR/9NR Effects: The navigation lights tell other ships the direction in which
Location: Field a ship is heading. Different colors and patterns distinguish port,
starboard, före, and aft while a craft is maneuvering. Damage to
Helium Tank this system makes little difference to the game, as the navigation
(Helium Tank) lights are turned off or changed to create camouflage during
Repair combat.
Time: 3 Repair
Difficulty: 5NR/9NR Time: .5
Location: Field Difficulty: 4/5
Location: Field
Field Initiator
(Field Initiator, K-F Field Initiator) Observation Deck
Repair (Obs Deck, Observation Deck)
Time: 2 months Effects: The observation deck provides a place for visiting senior
Difficulty: Must be replaced officers to observe the activity on the craft's main bridge and still be
Location: Dry Dock out of the way. Damage to the observation deck has no effect on
A TTLESPA cm
28 KULfBOOK
fs performance. On Glan WarShips, the observation deck is Energy Transfer
the site of the batchall between commanders, but this (Energy Transfer System)
sny may also occur on the main bridge, the auxiliary bridge, Effects: Only space stations have energy transfer systems, which
SCIC. allow for the transfer of power from the statiorVs batteriee to a
iir Jumpsnip's K-F drive through either microwave transfer or direct
:8 hook-up. For each box crossed out, add 25 percent to the time
jlty: 3/6 needed to transfer power to a DropShip. When all damage boxes
Don: Field have been crossed out, the station can no longer transfer power.
Repair
jing Time: 60
ding, Ballistic Shielding) Difficulty: 5/8NR
s: Found only on large WarShips, ballistic shielding consists Location: Field
^additional layer of armor carefully positioned to provide extra
DR for the bridge. Crossing outthe boxes of this system has Grav Deck
: on the craffs performance. (Grav Deck, Artificial Gravity Deck)
Effects: For description of damage effects, see p. 29.
Repair
:2/4 Time: 10
n: Field Difficulty: 8/11 NR
Location: Field
n-Keeping Drive
n-Keeping Drive) Repair Facilities
s: Found only on JumpShips and space stations (WarShips (Repair Facilities)
nsit drives), this small drive allows the craft to maintain its Effects: Some large space stations maintain dry docks that
i or move very short distances. Any damage to the system provide repair facilities for DropShips and some JumpShips. Many
jce the ability of the craft to expend thrust, but as long as 1 of these facilities can be pressurized to provide atmosphere, which
nains unmarked, the craft will be able to maintain position. makes conducting repairs considerably easier. Any vessel that
\ JumpShip, each box crossed out reduces the ship's Thrust needs to make repairs requiring a dry dock may dock for such
s by 0.1G (0.2 Thrust Points). Thus, the station-keeping drive repairs ät any orbiting station with repair facilities. Repairs carried
^take 5 boxes of damage to affect the ship's thrust by even 1 out in a dry dock require the standard repair time if the facility is
i Point. depressurized (or cannot be pressurized), but repairs in pressur-
ized facilities require only 75 percent of the stated repair time.
Repairs that can be made in field facilities may also be made in dry
/: 7/9NR dock, and require only 50 percent of the stated repair time. Any
an: Dry Dock damage to the repair facility (crossing out boxes) will decompress
the dry dock, and those facilities can no longer be used as a
»ACE STATION pressurized dry dock. If the bay contains atmosphere (is pressur-
ITICAL DAIMAGE ized) when it takes damage, the damage results in explosive
decompression and kills all unsuited personnel in the facility. The
station may also take collateral damage from explosive decom-
y, Energy Storage Banks, Energy Storage Batteries) pression. Because of this possibility, most stations depressurize
ts: These huge banks of capacitors store the energy gath- their repair facilities if combat is imminent.
by the station's jump sail. Each energy bank may store Repair
cient energy to charge one JumpShip's K-F drive. For each box Time: 40
l out, reduce the number of charges a station can store by Difficulty: 8/9
3n all the damage boxes have been crossed out, the station Location: Field
l no longer store energy.
air Station-Keeping Drive
3:60 (Station-Keeping Drive)
culty:*6/10NR Effects: For description of damage effects, see above.
ation: Field Repair
Time: 5
Difficulty: 7/9NR
Location: Field
BÄ TTLKSPA CM
29 RULfBOOK
record sheet. If, while attempting to accumulate thrust, the unit
moves slower than maximum thrust, or uses thrust for any othe
maneuver or velocity change, the unit löses all accumulated Thrus
Points. All accumulated points must be used on a single maneuver.
The unit must make the maneuver ät the end of its movement (after
the unit nas moved a number of hexes equal to its velocity), and can
perform only that single maneuver to expend the accumulatec
Thrust Points. The maneuver uses up the accumulated Thrusl
Points. JumpShips may use this stored thrust to accumulate the
f ractional thrust values that enable them to accelerate, decelerate,
and turn (see JumpShip/WarShip Construction, p. 68)
OPTIONAL FACING
In real space, a craffs heading (the direction of motion) does
not always coincide with the direction in which the nose of the crafl
is pointing. Forget the cinematic concept of space fighters, wher«
craft swoop and dive like atmospheric fighters (the maneuvers o
which form the basis of space-fighterfootage in movies). In reality
This section provides rules that add complexity to the game of a spacecraft must maneuver so that its main drive points away from
BattleSpace. As with most advanced rules, these are best added the direction it wishes to move, and then expend sufficient thrust to
to the game after all players feel comfortable playing the basic offset its current momentum and change its vector to the desirec
rules. The Optional Rules allow players to design their movement direction. (Of course, this is a gross simplification. Most physics
and attacks to achieve more specific goals, and add more realism textbooks provide a fuller explanation.) Most units can turn quitt
to every facet of the game. The optional rules are divided into two easily—it is the thrust required to change vector that restricts a
types, movement and combat. Advanced Movement, Atmospheric unifs movement. The following rules provide a crude analog to the
Operations, Asteroids, Shuttlecraft, and Emergency Exit Systems above principles.
all expand on the basic BattleSpace movement rules. The remain- Each ship has maneuvering thrusters designed to allow the
ing sections expand on the basic combat rules, providing additional craft to turn almost on the spöt. Spending 1 Thrust Point changes
attack options and rules for dropping troops. the unifs facing by one hex side. Damage to the maneuverinc
thrusters means the craft must spend more Thrust Points to turr
one hex side.
JVIOVEJVIENT RULES Place a Heading counter (arrow) under the unit marker. This
counter indicates the direction of travel, as opposed to the facing
The basic rules represent a massive simplification of the of the unit. Ät any point during its movement, a unit may change its
mechanics that govern movement in space. The following rules heading by expending a number of Thrust Points equal to its
provide a more realistic situation. current velocity. After spending the appropriate number of Thrus
The first advanced movement rule allows players to spend Points, the heading of the unit will change to match its facing. The
Thrust Points över several turns, which allows low-thrust units such unit then proceeds ät its current velocity along the new heading.
as JumpShips to pick up sufficient speed to move around the Thrust applied to change heading does not increase the unifs
mapsheet, and allows faster vessels to turn ät higher speeds. The acceleration. To decelerate when using this optional rule, a uni
second advanced movement rule explains how high-thrust vessels must be facing the opposite direction of its heading, and then apply
may face a different direction than their heading indicates. thrust to accelerate the craft. This maneuver decreases the unifs
velocity by the thrust applied to accelerate.
OPTIONAL THRUST POINT USE In atmosphere, the heading and facing of a unit will always l
Units may find it impossible to change their direction of travel the same (though technically not true for spheroid craft, this
ät their current velocity. This optional rule allows the unit to expend generalization will suffice for the game). Use the standard Move
thrust över several turns and so gather enough momentum to ment rules.
perform maneuvers that, under normal circumstances, would be
impossible. A player who intends to have his craft perform a high-
thrust maneuver must expend maximum thrust for as many turns
as the player wishes, recording the accumulated thrust on the
30 KULmmooic
ORTIONAL RULES
OPrfOfSTAL RULES
ATJVIOSPHERIC OPERATION!
A Union class DropShip is traveling ät a Velocity of 5. The pilot
chooses to continue ät the same velocity, and moves 5 hexes
Engagements fought in near-orbit almost always spill över into tt
forward. However, the pilot does decide to change the unifs
upper atmosphere. When fighting an engagement near a plane
facing, and tums one hex-side left. The craft must now use a
atmosphere, make the following changes to the map and rules.
Heading counter, as its facing and heading are not the same.
Nominate one edge of the map as the surface of the plan<
In the following turn, the pilot decides to change the craffs
Treat the 4 hex-rows above the ground as the planefs atmospher
heading again to match the facing. The DropShip must ex-
Row 5 serves as the space/atmosphere interface.
pend 5 Thrust Points (the maximum thrust of a Union) to
The proximity of ships to the planet makes the effects of gravi
change heading, The pilot changes heading after the craft
very important. Gravity affects any craft on the same mapsheet i
moves 4 of its 5 hexes, and the last hex of movement is along
the planefs surface. The following information describes the i
the new course. In the next turn the pilot decides to decelerate
fects of the space/atmosphere interface, atmosphere, and grou
(see above), and thus turns the craft through 180 degrees
on ship operations.
(using 3 Thrust Points). The pilot uses the last 2 Thrust Points
to reduce the ship's Velocity to 3. The DropShip then moves
SPACE/ATJVIOSPHERE INTERFACI
3 hexes in the direction of travel (which is "backward" to the
The space/atmosphere interface marks the börder betwee
DropShip).
the effective vacuum of space and the denser planetary atn
sphere. Because it acts as a barrier, the interface can damage i
destroy any craft entering the Interface hex-row. When a ui
moves from a Space hex to an Interface hex, the player makes
Control Roll. Modify the Target Number of 4 for the followir
existing conditions:
ADVANCED
MOVEMENT EXAMPLE INTERFACE TABLE
Condition Modifier
Craft has no thrust +4
Craft has engine damage +1 per box of damage
Craft has damage to
maneuvering thrusters +1 per box of damage
Craft has internal damage +1 per box of damage
Bridge damage +1 per box of damage
32 ItULMBOOK
ut
l types of units operating in atmosphere, the velocity of MAXIMUM ATMOSPHERIC SPEED TABLE
t decreases by 1 in the End Phase of every turn. For all
srating in atmosphere, increasing a unifs velocity by 1 Mapsheet Altitude Thrust Points
É Thrust Points. Use the standard rules to decrease a unifs Location (in kilometers) (Velocity)
äuse spheroid DropShips must use their thrusters to Interface 90-107 15(1 6,200 kph)
Row4 72-89 12(12,960kph)
t, control, and velocity, these craft are impractical for
Row3 54-71 9 (9,720kph)
äric combat. Spheroid DropShips have a maximum Ve-
Row2 36-53 6 (6,480kph)
f 2. However, they may "hover" in an Atmosphere hex by Row 1 18-35 3 (3,240 kph)
ptheir nose directly away from the planet and reducing their Ground 0-17 2 (2,160 kph)
rto 0. The unit must then spend 2 Thrust Points per turn to
avity and remain in place. As long as the DropShip is
, this thrust will not increase the unifs velocity.
/ne DropShips and fighter units may operate ät higher
atmosphere than spheroids by using their wings and A craft in atmosphere must make a Control Roll in every turn
ng surfaces to provide the means of flight, and using in which it takes damage. Use a Target Number of 6 and apply all
flaps, and rudders to maneuver. Atmospheric density applicable standard modifiers (see Control Rolls, p. 12 in Move-
! speed ät which these streamlined craft may travel. As ment). When applicable, also apply any of the additional following
lapproaches the surface of the planet, atmospheric density, modifiers to the target number:
friction, increases, and the maximum speed possible Per 5 points of critical damage +1
s. The table below gives the maximum safe speed in Unit is spheroid DropShip +1
3re for each altitude above the planefs surface (each row Unit is aerodyne DropShip O ^
apsheet). Unit consists of fighters -1
jcraft exceeds the Safe Thrust for the altitude, for each point An Out-of-Control unit in atmosphere automatically löses 1
t Safe Thrust it will automatically take 5 points of damage altitude level each turn it is Out-of-Control (see above), and
! armor. Fighters and aerodyne DropShips cannot hover: crashes if it enters (or is in) a Ground hex.
sity of a fighter or aerodyne DropShip dröps to O, gravity Atmospheric interceptors (e.g., the MechBusterfighter) may
jly affects the unit as described below (see Gravity). only operate in Ground hexes and the two hex-rows above the
may enter Ground hexes in the same way as an surface. Propeller-driven craft, such as the Karnov UR transport,
are hex. may only operate in the Ground hexes and the first hex-row above
the surface. These conventional craft may hover using the same
rules as for spheroid DropShips, and may turn for half the normal
cost in Thrust Points.
Gravity
Gravity influences the position of any units ät zero velocity on
the same mapsheet as the surface of the planet. In the End Phase,
move any units on the planetary mapsheet that have Velocity O one
hex-row closer to the planetary surface. If there are two possible
hexes into which a unit may move to represent the eff ects of gravity,
the player controlling the unit chooses in which hex the unit ends
the turn. Craft displaced into the Interface hex must make a Control
Roll for re-entry. Gravity will not influence units in the interface, or
Atmosphere or Ground hexes unless those units have a Velocity of
0. A unit in a Ground hex with a Velocity of O must either land, hover,
or crash.
Combat
Conflicts carried out within a planefs atmosphere use addi-
tional rules to simulate the restricting effects of the atmosphere.
Atmospheric distortion, clouds, and wind drastically reduce
the ranges of fighter and DropShip weapons. To represent this
reduced range, each Atmosphere hex counts as 4 hexes for range,
m A TTi.mst*A em
33 JBUlCBOOfC
reducing the maximum range of engagement to 5 hexes. Treat any
hexes that fall on the boundary between ranges as the longer
range. This means short range is in the same hex as or 1 hex away
from the attacker, medium range is 2 or 3 hexes from the attacker,
and long range is 4 or 5 hexes from the attacker.
Combat in the space/atmosphere interface is similar to com-
bat in the atmosphere. The atmospheric distortion in the interface
also reduces the effective ranges of weapons: each Interface hex
counts as 2 hexes for determining range. The row of Interface
hexes also acts as a barrier between space and the atmosphere.
Standard weapons bays may fire into but not through an Interface
hex. Units in an Interface hex can fire ät units in space and in
atmosphere, and can be attacked by units in space and atmo-
sphere, but a unit in space cannot fire into the atmosphere, and a
unit in atmosphere cannot attack a unit in space.
Only capital ship Fire Factors may pass through the interface,
and so these weapons bays can engage DropShips in atmosphere
or bombard ground targets. The Orbit to Surface Bombardment
section, p. 41, contains more information on space-to-surface fire.
GROUND
Any BattleSpace unit that ends its movement in a Ground hex
may attack BattleTech units on one of the mapboards that make
up that hex.
The rules given here for attacking targets on the ground are
somewhat abstract, and players may wish to use the AeroBattle
rules, p. 80 to simulate more realistic situations in greater detail
(such as strafing or bombing). Because one BattleSpace turn lasts
60 seconds, and one BattleTech turn lasts 10 seconds, a
BattleSpace turn takes place once every six BattleTech turns. On Modifiers to Weapons Fire Table, p. 25 in the BattleTech Gon
every sixth BattleTech turn, the BattleTech and BattleSpace pendium). Intervening terrain does not provide protection, as ar
Movement, Combat, and End Phases will coincide. The BattleSpace craft will be able to shoot över terrain. Resolv
BattleSpace Initiative and Movement Phases take place sepa- attacks normally against targets in Depth 1 wateroron the surfaa
rately from those of the BattleTech game. In the BattleSpace BattleSpace units cannot attack units submerged to Depth 2 an
Combat Phase, any BattleSpace unit in a Ground hex may attack lower.
BattleTech units on an appropriate BattleTech mapboard. All BattleSpace attacks against ground targets are consit
ered short range. A successful hit will inflict a number of points <
Ground Attacks damage equal to the Fire Factors that hit the unit, multiplied by 11
A fighter unit may attack one ground target for each remaining Apply the damage in 5-point groups as if the attack originated i
fighter (each row of unmarked Armor boxes) in the unit. Individual Hex 0808 (to determine the hit location). Use the BattleMech H
fighters may target the same ground unit, but make separate Attack and Punch Locations Tables, pp. 27 and 31 in the BattleTec
Rolls to determine if each fighter hits the target. DropShips in a Compendium, to determine the specific location damaged. Th
Ground hex use the standard rules for multiple targets, and may ground-attack Fire Factor of each fighter in a unit appears under th
split their fire between as many targets as they have Fire Factors. Velocity section ät the bottom of each Fighter Record Sheet.
To determine line-of-sight, assume any unit attacking targets on BattleSpace units may attack buildings using a To-Hit Mun
the ground is in the center of the BattleTech mapboard (Hex 0808). ber of 4. A successful hit causes damage to the building equal l
This does not affect which targets fighter units can attack, but the Fire Factors that hit the building multiplied by 10.
provides a reference point for determining the angle of attack and Ground units may fire ät any BattleSpace units makin
the position of a DropShip's firing arcs. The player controlling the attacks against the BattleTech mapboard by using any weapon
DropShip chooses the ship's facing, which may be any of the hex's with a Range of 6 or greater. Regardless of the weapon fired, th
six sides. To-Hit Number for a ground unit to successfully return fire agains
Roll 2D6 for each target against a Base To-Hit Number of 6. a BattleSpace unit is 10. Reduce this to-hit number by 1 for eac
Modify the to-hitnumber fordamage to the attacking craft, for using level of the attacker's Gunnery Skill below 4, and increase it by
more thrust than is safe, and for the terrain the unit is in (see the for each Gunnery Skill level above 4 (per BattleTech). For ei
f A TTLfSfA CM
34 MUlCBOOfC
ot with a Gunnery Skill level of 3 would use a To-Hit SHUTTLECRAFT
> to return fire, and a pilot with a Gunnery Skill of 6 would
t Number of 12 to return fire. Total all damage hitting Shuttlecraft represent the intermediate stage between fight-
»pace unit, and divide by 10. Apply a number of points ers and DropShips. Though mässing only slightly heavier than the
[equal to the result to the nose of the unit. average fighter, shuttlecraft can carry a substantial load of cargo or
l units may only attack a BattleSpace unit during the passengers. Most shuttlecraft are aerodynamic and ideally suited
l BattleTech/BattleSpace Combat Phase (every sixth to servicing vessels or stations in orbit, saving the expense of using
fattack of a BattleTech unit that fires ät a BattleSpace a DropShip for such minor tasks. Many DropShips and JumpShips
(any other BattleTech turn has no effect. carry shuttlecraft to transfer cargo between vessels, thus avoiding
the relative hazards of docking. Carried in the same type
•ROIDS of bays as fighters, shuttlecraft use the fighter rules for
maneuvering, launching, and landing. Each
es do not occur in clear Shuttlecraft counter represents a single
^ia being fought in or shuttlecraft.
l fields. These väst
rocks can be EJVIERGENCY
i and a curse in
EXIT SYSTEMS
ibat. Most
and
Most vessels of DropShip size
create an
and larger carry small craft for
gnetic field
use in emergency evacuations,
dust and
for example, if the craft is in
l obstacles,
imminent danger of destruc-
t a series of
tion. There are two distinct
t(usually la-
groups of craft. Escape pods
»PCs) de-
are small, teardrop-shaped
destroy
craft, capable of limited ma-
Jpiecesof
neuvering and designed to sup-
owever, all
port four people (six ät a pinch)
craft must
for between 12 and 20 days.
Janylargeob-
Lifeboats are larger than escape
object larger
pods, but cannot maneuver. Though
: meter).
designed to accommodate only 6
sible for a unit to
people, lifeboats carry sufficientsupplies
a hex occupied by
to support life for 24-30 days.
J. but any unit doing so
When a unit launches escape pods
sion. Make a Control Roll
and lifeboats, place an appropriate number (see
Number of 6 to determine
the unit record sheet) of Escape Pod and Lifeboat
collides with the asteroid. Apply the
counters (1 counterfor every 10 pods or boats) on the mapsheet
l modifiers to the target number for damage to the unit or
in the launching unifs hex. Lifeboats will drift in the same direction,
jmore thrust than is safe. A failed roll (a result less than the
ät the same velocity, as the launching unit. Escape pods will launch
l target number) means the ship and the asteroid collide;
with the same facing and velocity as the launching unit, but may
x 10 points of damage to the unifs nose armor. A
change velocity and direction. Escape pods have a Safe and
l roll means the unit avoids a collision. Asteroids suffer no
Maximum Thrust of 4. The pods have sufficient fuel to expend a
»effects in a collision.
total of 9 Thrust Points.
i may end the Movement Phase in the same hex as an
Any standard weapons bay may attack flights of lifeboats or
. Doing so has advantages and disadvantages: neitherthe
escape pods. Their poor (or nonexistent) mobility makes them
Dying the hex nor other units may trace a line-of-sight
easy targets. Any units attacking lifeboat units reduce the to-hit
i a hex containing an asteroid. While thls prevents other
number for the attack by 2, and units attacking escape pod units
i attacking a unit in a hex with an asteroid, the unit sharing
reduce the to-hit number for the attack by 1. Both lifeboats and
k also cannot make any attacks.
escape pods have 1 point of armor per five pods (or fraction of five)
in the unit. Crossing out allithe Armor boxes of a lifeboat or escape
pod unit means that unit is destroyed. Escape pod units maneuver
as if they were a fighter unit. See Launching/Recovering Small
mA TTi.msf*A em KULMBOOK
OPTIONAL RULES
Craft, p.50, for information on retrieving escape pods and lifeboats. uses the term "marine" to refer to any personnel trained to fightj
See also Atmospheric Operations, p. 32. zero-G conditions aboard a spaceship.
The f irst stage in any boarding attempt requires the attacke
ADVANCED POINT DEFENSE match velocity and heading with the defender, and then to eitl
WEAPONS dispatch marines using a shuttle/assault craft, or to dock with
target. Docking is generally very difficult, and particularly dang<
ous to attempt with a hostile vessel. Few captains will risk t
The limited range of point defense weapons (machine guns,
maneuver. To dock with a hostile craft, the attacking craft must fi
flamers, and small lasers) makes them almost useless in an
cripple the defender (< »., prevent it from expending thrust), ort
offensive role. However, these weapons may engage and destroy
target will be able to maneuver and prevent docking indefinite
incoming missiles and so help defend the unit. Point defense
Even a few meters-per-second difference in velocity can post
weapons cannot engage or destroy autocannon or Gauss rifle
major problem for the docking vessel. Thus, docking assai
shells, as these projectiles travel too quickly for the targeting
remain rare, usually restricted to actions against JumpShips (whi
computers to track.
tend to surrender if given the option), space stations (unable to r
If a unit is using its point defense weapons defensively, the
away), or crippled DropShips and WarShips. Most military boa
player may subtract half of the point defense weapon's Fire Factors
ing actions use assault craft to deliver troops onto the hull or ii
from all enemy missile attacks that pass through a hex within the
the airlock of a defending craft.
point defense weapons' firing are. This represents how many
Most assault craft are shuttles modified to carry troops a
missiles the point-defense weapons managed to destroy. Point
weapons. Any shuttle may operate as an assault craft, with ea
defense weapons may also protect units other than the unit firing
ton of cargo space holding five marines in pressure suits or o
the weapons. If a missile attack passes along the line between two
marine (or Elemental) in battle armor. Add a +2 modifier to any
point-defense firing arcs, the point defense weapons can defend
hit numbers for attacks against assault craft torepresent the err;
both arcs. A point-defense bay used for an attack cannot defend a
maneuvers the craft must make to avoid being hit. To dep
unit in the same turn.
marines against an active (not crippled) target, the assault ci
should maneuver to end the Movement Phase in the same hex
DOCKED DROPSHIPS its target, with the same heading and velocity. The assault craft
attempt to attach grappling lines to the target, and if success
A DropShip docked with a JumpShip, WarShip, or space may deploy forces to board the target. Roll 2D6 against a Ta
station may continue to f ire ät any attacking units. Treat any docked
DropShips as if they are in the same hex as the transporting vessel
and have the same orientation, i.e., the nose points the same way POINT DEFENSE ARCS
as that of the JumpShip. However, because the DropShip is so
close to the transport (or station), it cannot use any weapons that
fire directly aft. Attacks made against a JumpShip, WarShip, or
station carrying docked DropShips may strike a docked unit.
Attacks made against a space station carrying docked JumpShips
or WarShips may hit a docked ship. To determine whether or not
the attack hits a docked ship, roll 1D6. On a result of 1, the attack
hits a docked ship. If the JumpShip or station has more than one
docked unit, randomly determine the unit struck. Use the standard
rules to determine the damaged side (see Applying Damage, p.
f 18in Combat).
BOARDING ACTIONS
The nåväl tactic of boarding an enemy vessel is as old as nåväl
warfare itself. Even in the 31st century, boarding is the only
effective way to seize control of an enemy vessel short of destroy-
ing it. Most DropShips and JumpShips carry personnel trained for
such operations. On civilian DropShips and JumpShips, the secu-
rity staff assigned to provide a minimum level of defense,are also
trained in boarding procedures. On military DropShips and
JumpShips, marines trained to attack as well as defend serve the THE HEAVY BLACK LINE REPRESENTS THE
"-role of security personnel. For ease of reference, this rulebook MAXIMUM RANGE OF POINT DEFENSE WEAPONS
a A TTLmsfA cm
36 JtVlCBOOJt
f of 8 to determine the success of grappling. A successful
is the craft attachés a grapple to the target.
player séttds a unit totaling 50 Marine Points to board a
stermine the result of a boarding action, establish the ratio
DropShip defended by crew totaling 20 Marine Points. The
ers to defenders. Marine Points are assigned to each
ratio of attackers to defenders is 2.5:1, rounded (in the
i the vessel, providing a value that represents the strength
defenders' favör) to 2:1. The player rolls 2D6 for a result of 8,
cking and defending forces. The following table lists the
indicating a 35/55 result in the boarding action. The attackers
jint values of various personnel.
lose a number of Marine Points equal to 35 percent of the
l the Marine Points for each side and determine the ratio
defenders' strength (7 Marine Points worth of personnel).
5 to defenders. After determining the ratio, roll 2D6 and
The defenders lose a number of Marine Points equal to 55
srence the result with the ratio on the Boarding Action
percent of the attacker's strength (27 Marine Points). How-
3, p. 40. It is unlikely that the ratio will exactly match one
ever, because there was no P result, the defenders only take
on the table. In such circumstances, use the closest-
half the losses and lose 13 Marine Points worth of personnel.
I column that benefits the defender.
IMow 7 Marine Points of troops face 43 (a greater than 3:1
ratio). The player rolls 2D6, and attackers get an unlucky
result of 3. The attackers lose 50 percent of the defenders'
strength (4 points) butthe defenders lose 13 points (reduced
MARINE POINT TABLE to 6 for lack of a P result). One man survives, The odds are
jnnel Marine Points (each) now 39:1, and the sole survivor surrenders.
Elemental in battle armor 5
sr Sphere marine in power suit 4
i Elemental (no armor) 2
1
i-combat ship crew/Fighter pilot. .25
sr service personnel When any ship other than a fighter is destroyed, replace the
g., MechWarriors/lnfantry). .25 unit counter with a Debris counter. The debris has the same
rilians. 1
velocity and heading as the destroyed unit. Units whose line-of-
sight for an attack lies through a hex containing a Debris counter
must add +1 to the to-hit number to make an attack that will pass
through that hex. This modifier is cumulative for each Debris
he number to the left of the slash in each ratio column is the
counter that line-of-sight passes through.
ntage of the defenders' total strength that should be sub-
I from the attackers' strength as the result of a successful
k. The number to the right of the slash is the percentage of the
kers' total strength to be subtracted from the defenders'
ith. Round up for results of .5 and above. If an E (eliminated) BattleMechs may leave a DropShip while the ship holds one
t appears to the left of the slash, eliminate the attacking force. of three positions: on the ground, ät high altitude, or in space.
i E is to the right of the slash, eliminate the defending force. An Battle-suited infantry may exit a DropShip in atmosphere or on the
anal letter may appear in parentheses following some results. ground.
aret these as follows: BattleMechs and battle-suited units that debark a DropShip ät
= Attacker repulsed. The attacking force doubles any high altitude will descend under the influence of gravity, falling 1
jalties taken this turn. If the defender wishes, they may take the hex perturn. Jump-capable BattleMechs and infantry in battle suits
nsive, and counter-board a docked DropShip or attack craft. will use their built-in thrusters to control their descent. BattleMechs
P = Partial Control. The attacking force has seized control of that lack jump jets are fitted with special, disposablethruster packs
arge portion of the ship, and the defenders must take the full to allow them to land safely.
nage indicated until an R result occurs or they eliminate the Fighters or DropShips may attack a descending 'Mech or
ekers. battle-suited unit. All standard combat rules apply. Multiply the
Until a P result occurs, the defending force will only take half number of Fire Factors that hit the target by 10 to determine the
indicated damage. When the defender's Marine Point total damage that affects the descending unit. Divide this damage into
ches O (or the defender chooses to surrender) the attacker 5-point groups and apply it to the unit using the BattleTech rules.
ptures the ship, and gains control of all systems. If an R result All descending 'Mechs take damage to their backs.
curs, Or the attacker's Marine Point total reaches O, the boarding Upon reaching the Ground hex-row of the BattleSpace
bon fails. mapsheet, the player controlling the dropping unit should nominate
Boarding actions may also be played out using the rules for a hex on the BattleTech mapboard on which to land. The player
tleTroops or MechWarrior, Second Edition. then rolls 2D6 against a Target Number of 4 to determine whether
•A TTLMfPA f
37 KULIBOOK
the landing was successful. Modify the target number for the ATTAGKING THE JUJVtP SAlj
following damage:
Per gyro critical hit +4 The energy-collecting sail used by most JumpShips (coml
Per head hit +2 or otherwise) to gather the energy needed to move throu
Per 1 0 points of damage hyperspace makes a prime target for attack. The tremendous si:
received during descent +1 of the sail, and the fäet that the JumpShip must remain station,
Per leg actuator damaged +1 when the sail is deployed, makes an attack against the jump sail ti
Per hip critical hit +2 easiest means of preventing a JumpShip's escape. Even a d<
Leg missing (ignore ployed sail will not prevent a JumpShip with a fully charged K-l
hip/actuator modifiers) +5 drive from jumping out of the system, however.
Pilot unconscious +5 When an attacker fires on a deployed sail, reduce the standai
The above modifiers are cumulative. If the die roll result is to-hit numberforthe attack by 4. However, the size and fragilityi
equal to or greaterthan the modified target number, the landing is the jump sail limits the effectiveness of weapons used against
successful. Any other result is a failure. Explosive rounds often pass straight through the sail becaus
If a landing fails, find the difference between the target number warheads fail to explode on such slight contact. Energy weapor
and the dice roll result. The 'Mech or battle-suited infantry will take simply burn holes. As a result, the maximum amount of dama
damage equal to its tonnage divided by 1 0 (round up) for each point that can be inflicted per successful hit is 1 point. However, ti
by which the roll fails. A failure resulting from a difference greater physical integrity of most JumpShip sails is low, and even mini
than 7 means the unit is automatically destroyed. A failed landing damage to a sail will allow the sail to rip itself apart.
may also mean that the unit does not land on the target landing site.
The unit will "scatter" 1 D6 hexes for every point by which the result
SURFACE TO ORBIT FIRE
falls below the target number. If the roll fails by 5 or more, the unit
will miss its landing site by 1 D6 x (the number of points of failure
When ComStaropened its historical archives in 3052, the re;
greaterthan 4) mapboards. Battle-suited units will take 5 points of
of the Inner Sphere learned that elements of the Terran Spac
damage for each Elevation level fallen.
Defense System remained operational. Though badly damage
BattleMech units may also launch from a DropShip in space,
during the final days of General Kerensky's campaign to libera^
after being encased in a special ceramic cocoon to protect them
Terra from Amaris the Usurper in 2779, some weapons from 1
during re-entry into the atmosphere. The cocoon provides no
formidable array of surface-to-space weaponry remained fun
means for powered flight, and will fall toward the planefs surface
tional. ComStar still declines to reveal the location of these missÉ
under the influence of gravity (see Gravity, p. 33). Upon reaching
launchers, particle cannons, and laser batteries for fear that a wq
the space-atmosphere interface, the player makes a Control Roll
will begin to win control of them, but willingly made data availab
against a Target Number of 8. If the result is equal to or greaterthan
relating to the effectiveness of the weapons.
8, the 'Mech survives re-entry, jettisons the cocoon, and falls
Three primary types of surface-to-space weapons still exis
toward the planefs surface as described above.
Two of these systems can engage JumpShips and DropShips, an
the third can engage targets of any size, which allows the SC
systems to engage fighter units.
Naval-grade lasers and particle projection cannons compris
the anti-WarShip weaponry, with modified LRM missile batterie
serving as the anti-fighter weaponry. The slow tracking speed i
the nåväl lasers and PPCs limits the ability of these weapons l
engage small, agile targets, and such weapons may only fire upo
targets of DropShip size or larger. The missile batteries fire
N spread of missiles to saturate the target area, an ideal weapon typ
to engage smaller targets. Missile units may engage any unit.
Each SDS base mounts ät least one anti-WarShip weapo
(laser or PPC) and three to ten missile batteries.
The Ground Are Firing Diagram shows the firing are of grount
based SDS weapons. The range of all weapons is 20 hexes. Us
the standard modifiers for the effects of atmosphere.
SCATTER DIAGRAM The weaponry of an SDS base may engage any unit in its firii>
are. The To-Hit Number for these weapons is 6.
If an SDS base is attacked, treat it as an attack against <
standard ground base (see Atmospheric Operations, p. 32).
BÄ TTLmSI*A Cm
38 Jtl/LCBOOK
OPTfOMAl. RULES
BATTLESPACf
39 JtUlCBOOMT
BOARDING ACTION RESULT TABLE
Ratio of Attackers to Defenders
Dice Greater than
Roll 1 to 3 1 to 3 1 to 2 2 to 3 1 to 1 3 to 2 2to1 3to1 3to1
2 E/1(R) E/1(R) E/5(R) E/10(R) 75/25 (R) 70/25 (R) 65/25 (R) 60/25 (R) 55/25 (R)
3 E /3 (R ) E /3 (R) E17 (R) E /15 (R) 70/30 (R) 65/30 60/30 55/30 50/30
4 E/5(R) E/5(R) E/10(R) 65/20 65/35 60/35 55/35 50/35 45/35
5 E/7(R) E/7 E/15 60/25 60/40 55/40 50/40 45/40 40/40
6 E/10 E/10 E/20 55/30 55/45 50/45 45/45 40/45 35/45
7 E/15 E/15 E/25 50/35 50/50 45/50 40/50 35/50 30/50
8 E/20 E/20 45/30 45/40 45/55 40/55 35/55 30/55 25/55
9 E/25 E/25 40/35 40/45 40/60 35/60 30/60 25/E (P) 20/E (P)
10 E/30 E/30 35/40 35/50 35/65 30/65 (P) 25/E (P) 20/E (P) 15/E(P)
11 E/35 30/35 30/45 (P) 30/55 (P) 30/70 (P) 25/E (P) 20/E (P) 15/E(P) 10/E (P)
12 30/40 (P) 25/40 (P) 25/50 (P) 25/60 (P) 25/75 (P) 20/E (P) 15/E(P) 10/E (P) .5/E (P)
Results given as: % of Defender's strength subtracted from Attacker's strength as casualties/% of Attacker's strength subtracted from
Defender's strength as casualties.
R = Attackers repulsed. The attacking force doubles any casualties taken this turn. The Defender may attempt to counter-board the
Attacker's craft. (An R result also ends the effects of a (P) result, i.e. Defenders take only 50% casualties.)
P = Attackers sieze partial control of the Defender's craft. The Defenders now take full casualties.
E = Indicated force eliminated.
Until a (P) result occurs, the Defenders will take 50% of the indicated casualties.
points of BattleTech damage). To apply damage to any victims in Automatically destroy any infantry within 50 hexes of groun
the blast area, use the angle of attack for damage originating in the zero. Battle-suited units take damage normally.
impact hex. Woods provide no protection against this type of Alamo missiles have an effective Fire Factor of 100.
damage, but if terrain 2 levels higherthan eitherthe impact ortarget
hexes lies between the impact point and the target unit, the terrain
shields the unit from damage. A victim in the hex of impact will take
damage as if punched in the back.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Certain rumors are currently circulating about the use of a
missile (code-named Alamo) designed to deliver a low-yield nuclear
warhead against a target in space or on the ground. Unlike the Står
League-vintage Davy Crockett ground-based missile, Alamos are
carried on a centerline pylon by fighters. No records exist of an
Alamo-type missile being used by any forces of the Står League
era; still, it remains unclear whether these weapons come from an
SLDF cache or are recent developments to counter the Clan
WarShips.
Any attempt to use an Alamo will require the fighter transport-
ing it to enter the hex of the target (in space or on the ground). The
player then rolls 2D6 against a To-Hit Number of 10. If the result is
equal to or greater than the to-hit number, the attack succeeds. A
successful attack against a target in space will automatically
destroy the target, even if the target could normally survive the
damage. Attacks against a ground target with an Alamo missile use
the space-to-surface bombardment rules, with three exceptions:
No terrain can protect against an atomic weapon.
Remove any terrain features (including hills and lakes) or
buildings within 25 hexes of ground zero (the point of impact).
Buildings beyond the 25-hex area will take damage normally.
40 ftULKBOOK
«***<*** « *
CAMRAIGN OPERATIONS
CAIVIPAIGN OPERATIONS
- The first four sections of this book provided rules for how to This section also covers the universal campaign concerns of carg(
simulate space combat in the BattleTech universe, and how to transfer, maintenance and repair, and crew.
integrate space combat with ground combat using the BattleTroops,
MechWarrior, Second Edition, and BattleTech rules. But space
combat involves much more than simply arriving in-system, de-
ploying fighters, and dropping troops on the planefs surface. The
JumpShips travel through hyperspace by means of the Kearny
campaign leader must take many factors into consideration. Arriv- Fuchida jump drive. The K-F drive operates by opening a hole int<
ing in-system requires a certain amount of time and fuel, and the hyperspace and moving the JumpShip through this hole to anothe
ship's pilot affects how much of both is required; certain procedures location in rational (real) space. The Nåväl Technology section o
restrict the successful launch and recovery of fighters; and troop the BattleSpace Sourcebook explains the principles by which th<
quality and availability and ship maintenance determine how K-F drive functions. A JumpShip may travel up to 30 light year
smoothly a DropShip lands on the planet and debarks its troops. every time it jumps.
This section provides rules for determining how and if all of the
above and more is accomplished. JUJVtP POINT
The rules for BattleSpace campaign operations expand on To perform a jump safely, a JumpShip must be free o
the basic and optional BattleSpace rules, and provide additions to gravitational influences, and so must maintain a safe distancefrort
the rules for MechWarrior, Second Edition and BattleTroops. a system's står and any planets. In fäet, all Kearny-Fuchida drives
Some elements of the rules assume that MechWarrior, Second are manufactured with a built-in, tamper-proof safety mechanisrt
Edition, statistics are available for a craffs pilot. If such statistics that prevents a JumpShip from arriving in-system closer to th(
are not available, assume Gunnery and Piloting Skill Levels of 4.
primary starthan is safe. The terms "proximity point" or "jump point
The rules in this section are arranged in roughly the same order as refer to points from which a JumpShip can safely enter hyperspace
a planetary campaign takes place; the ships jump into the system,
The minimum safe distance from a står varies considerably
find out what else is there, rendezvous with the rest of their force,
depending on the står type. The Proximity Point Table gives th<
fight their way to the planefs surface, and dröp and retrieve troops. minimum safe distance from each class of står.
CAMRAIGN OPERATIONS
43 RULMBOOK
PROXIMITY POINT TABLE
(Distances in billions of kilometers)
Står Står Subtype
Type 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
M .18 .16 .15 .13 .12 .11 .10 .09 .08 .07
K .55 .49 .43 .39 .34 .31 .28 .25 .22 .20
G 1.99 1.74 1.52 1.33 1.16 1.02 .90 .79 .70 .62
F 8.80 7.51 6.43 5.51 4.74 4.08 3.52 3.04 2.64 2.29
A 48.59 40.51 33.85 28.36 23.82 20.06 19.63 14.32 12.15 10.32
B 347.84 282.07 229.40 187.12 153.06 125.56 103.29 85.20 70.47 58.44
For example, Sol is a class G2 står. To determine the distance points of Luthien, capital of the Draconis Combine, is 8 day
from the står to the closest safe jump point, cross-index the G row However, a pirate point exists only eleven hours out from th
with the 2 column on the table. The result is 1.52. Because the planet.
figures given are in billions of kilometers, the closest safe "jumping" Raiding forces, invaders, smugglers, and pirates mainly us
distance from Sol is 1.52 billion kilometers. these non-standard jump points, giving them their common nic
The two most commonly used jump points are ät the zenith name of pirate points. Using non-standard jump points has
and nadir of a system's gravity well, along the line that passes major disadvantages. First, the necessary calculations take a Id
through the systerrTs gravitational center and which is perpendicu- longer to perform because many more factors must be taken ini
lar to the plane of the står system. These two points lie ät the consideration than when calculating for a zenith or nadir poin
minimum safe jump distance from the main står, and are the Second, the almost infinite number of pirate points makes it vei
easiest distances with which to perform navigational calculations. unlikely that another ship would ever arrive ät or near that point. N
rescuers will arrive to help a ship suffering drive failure i
Pirate Points most pirate points.
-, A JumpShip may travel to any point in a
står system that is ät least as far away JUJVIP
from the står as the distance given in FIELD DAfVIAGE
the Proximity Point Table. The When a JumpShip opens
zenith and nadir are the most hole into hyperspace, it place
commonly used points, espe- great stress on nearby object!
cially for civilian traffic, but These tidal stresses may cau^
are not the only options. damageouttoasfaras2,0(
Alternate jump points form v meters away from H
a sphere around the står, JumpShip, and may destrc
though the gravitational closer objects. Standa
fields of large planets operating procedure
may distort this sphere. quires that a JumpSh
A skillful navigatör can must confirm that all oth<
use information on a craft are more than 2,OD
planetary system to cal- meters away before ti
culate a jump point much JumpShip makes a jump.
closer to the intended The Jump Fie
destination than the ze- Damage Table below lists ti
nith or nadir. This can dras- damage inflicted on objects
tically reduce transit times craft occupying space ät varioi
and fuel consumption, and will distances f rom a JumpShip ente
give defenders less time to react ing or exiting a står system. App
than would arriving ät a standard the damage equally to all armor faciru
jump point. For example, the normal of the unit. Cross off one Armor box f<
transit time from the zenith or nadir jump each point of damage, and apply any rema
ing damage to the Critical Damage boxes.
44 JtUMBOOK
CAMRAIGN OPERATIONS
i fighter in a unit takes damage from proximity to a jump Find the exact time required for the jump using the Hy-
Dly the appropriate damage given in the table by the perspace Jump Time Table below. The minimum time to perform
E of armor rows remaining. the navigation calculations is 10 minutes with a computer, and 1
viduals on board vessels damaged by proximity to a hour without.
J receive injuries. Each person takes a numberof points
i equal to the ship's damage multiplied by 10. K-F Drive Damage
Damage to the K-F drive mayincrease the time required forthe
UNG THE JUJVIP jump, or may decrease the likelihood of a successful jump. Five
3re a JumpShip enters hyperspace, the crew must perform major systems can take damage.
tasks. The first is to make the navigation calculations Drive Charging System: Damage to the drive charging
and feed these calculations into the drive controller. system does not affect the jump itself, but will affect the time
•:; : Jations are much simpler when a craft jumps to or from required to recharge the K-F drive to make the jump. For each
or nadir jump points, and thus the calculation time is Charging System box crossed out, add 10 percent to the recharg-
ing time.
Helium Tank: The K-F drive uses liquid helium in its power-
storing system. Roll 2D6 against a Target Number of 5 to attempt
a jump with a damaged helium tank. Add 2 to the target number for
JUMP FIELD DAMAGE TABLE
each Tank box crossed out. If the result is equal to or greater than
Distance from jump field Points of
the target number, the jump is successful. If the roll fails, the drive
fin meters) Damage does not receive the necessary power, and the JumpShip goes
_essthan100 3D6 nowhere. The failure caused by a damaged helium tank occurs
100-249 2D6 before the drive uses any charge, and so the ship may attempt
f250-499 1D6 another jump as soon as all the jump systems are reset (one hour).
Field Initiator: Damage to the field initiator may prevent the
500-999 1D6/2(roundup)
K-F field from activating properly. A functional drive controller will
1.000-2,000 1D6/3 (round up)
automatically abort a jump if it senses a fault in the initiator. If any
2,000+ None Field Initiator boxes are crossed out, roll 2D6 against a Target
Number of 8 when attempting a jump. If the result is 8 or greater,
the jump occurs. If the roll fails, the controller aborts the jump and
> the drive controller receives the navigation calculations, wastes 10 percent of the drive charge. The pilot may attempt the
äem initiates the jump program, and fires up the K-F drive. jump again after recharging the drive.
> point, it becomes impossible to abort the jump. Within just Drive Coil: Any damage to the drive coil, the system that
jminutes, the K-F drive is ready, and a warning klaxon sounds generates the K-F field, usually causes the jump to fail. If any Jump
i the ship. Ten seconds låter, the K-F field expands around Coil boxes are crossed out, roll 2D6 against a Target Number of 9,
modified by +1 for each box crossed out, when attempting a jump.
D, the ship moves into hyperspace, and then (if all goes as
j) materializes ät the target point. Remove a JumpShip orIf the result is equal to or greater than the target number, the craft
»p from the mapsheet during the End Phase if it enters jumps safely.lf the roll fails, the drive controller detects a fault in the
pace during a BattleSpace game. K-F field and prevents the ship from entering hyperspace. The craft
löses all its charge in this situation, and the crew suffers the
physical effects of hy-
perspace travel (see be-
HYPERSPACE JUMP TIME TABLE low).
Drive Controller:
l Calculations for: Time: Damage to this system,
[ Zenith or Nadir the "brain" of the vessel,
With computer 2D6 x 10 minutes (-10 minutes per Navigation Skill Level) is perhaps the most dan-
Without computer 2D6 hours (-1 hour per Navigation Skill Level) gerous type of damage.
Non-standard jump point This system contains all
With computer 2D6 x 30 minutes (-30 minutes per Navigation Skill Level) the hyperdrive regulating
Without computer Impossible systems, and so ensures
Drive Programming 3D6 minutes the safety of the craft and
Program Initiation 2D6/2 minutes (round up) crew. Damage to the
Jump Process (Light years traveled/2) x maximum number of DropShips carried drive controller creates
the possibility of a
misjump. Whenever a
CAMRAIGN OPERATIONS
ship with drive controller damage attempts to jump, roll 2D6 against
a Target Number of 6, modified by +1 for each additional Drive
Controller, Drive Coil, or Field Initiator box crossed out. If the roll
succeeds, the JumpShip arrives safely ät its destination (other
systems permitting). If the roll fails, determine the Margin of Failure
and consult the Failed Jump Table.
ftUlCBOOK
CAMRAtGN OPFfZATfOJVS
47 JBUUBOOK
PHYSICAL EFFECTS signal, and will be operating under EMCON (EMission CONtrol,
OF HYPERSPACE TRAVEL radio silence) orders. Any unit not operating under EMCON, or w
Some people suffer adverse effects whenever a craft jumps an active IFF transponder may be tracked by any DropShips
through hyperspace, even when the jump is successful. Roll 2D6 JumpShips in the same system. Fighter units' detection arrays la<
for each character. If the dice roll result is a double (both numbers the power needed to detect and track hostile units, and must
identical), that character becomes nauseous every time the ship he "vectored" toward a target by the flight contrallers on their hon
or she is on jumps. Such characters should make a Build Saving carrier. The radar unit carried by most fighters has an effectii
Roll. A failed roll indicates the character will suffer a +2 penalty on range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (55 hexes).
all skill rolls for 15 minutes after the jump. Characters who make a A JumpShip arriving in-system will be automatically detecfc
successful Build Saving Roll will suffer a +1 penalty for all skill rolls by any units within 10,000 kilometers. Only military DropShips
for 5 minutes after the jump. All characters suffer a +1 modifier to JumpShips can detect a JumpShip arriving ät greater distance
their skill rolls for 1 minute after a hyperspace jump. For JumpShips arriving ät distances of greater than 10,000 kilom
ters from any unit currently occupying the system, the players
DETECTION any military craft other than fighters must roll 2D6 to see if th<
detect the arriving JumpShip. The target number is equal to 7 pil
When a JumpShip arrives in-system, it automatically adver- one-half the distance from the JumpShip (in AU), rounded L
tises its presence with both an electromagnetic pulse and a Modify the target number by subtracting a number equal to the SL
localized infrared (IR) signature. Only craft in relatively close of the arriving craffsK-Fdriveintegrity plus the numberof DropShi
proximity to the arriving JumpShip (approximately 50,000 kilome- carried (see descriptions in Large Craft, p. 43 of the BattleSpa
ters) candetectthe IR signature. Any combat-capable craft detect- Sourcebook), divided by 10 (round up). Each unit may make or
ing the IR signature can easily pinpoint, identify, and engage any one attempt to detect each target unit. The maximum range
hostile vessels arriving in-system. which a ship can be detected is 15 AU. Detection may only occ
The electromagnetic pulse can be detected ät much longer after the JumpShip arrives in-system; because the electroma
range. However, because the pulse radiates out from the ship's netic pulse travels ät the speed of light (314,000 km per secora
arrival point ät the speed of light, ground-based sensors may not it will take the pulse approximately 8 minutes to travel 1 AU.
detect a ship until several hours after it arrives in-system. As a
result of this delay, a detected electromagnetic pulse only indicates
the general position of the JumpShip and any DropShips it carries. A DropShip is 3 AU from an arriving Invaderclass JumpShip.
In addition, as it spreads the signal becomes steadily more diffuse, If the DropShip attempts to detect the JumpShip, it will suc-
and often cannot be detected beyond a distance of 15 AU (1 ceed on a 206 result equal to or exceeding the base Target
Ångström Unit = about 150 million km). This phenomenon prompts Number of 7 plus 2 (1.5 for distance, in AU, rounded up) and
most Housesto maintain small response-forcesaflistening" posts • minus 1 (the sum of the Drive Integrity of 4 and the DropShip
throughout key systems. capacity of 3, divided by 10 and rounded up), for a modified
DropShips are harder to detect than JumpShips, but if found, Target Number of 8. If the DropShip successfully detects the
can be tracked. The active radar system of any vessel can detect JumpShip, it will become aware of its position 24 minutes (8
and track any other craft within approximately 100,000 kilometers. minutes x 3 AU) after the JumpShip arrives.
However, it is possible to detect radar emissions out to approxi-
mately 1,000,000 kilometers. The obvious solution would seem to
be for DropShips to travel without using radar. After all, the radar
system cannot "see" very far, but can be detected ät long distances. Any craft with an active radar system may attempt to dete
However, radar serves a more vital purpose than simply detecting any objects (including units) within 100,000 kilometers. Roll 21
hostile ships: it also serves to warn the operating crew of any against a Target Number of 6. If the detecting unit is a milita
obstacles in the ship's flight path. A collision with an object of any DropShip, a WarShip, or a JumpShip attached to a military ur
size when traveling ät tens of thousands of kilometers per hour is subtract-2 from the target number. Increase the target number l
like being shot with a very large (and fast) Gauss rifle—the results +1 for each Radar Critical Damage box crossed out. Once d
would bedevastating. The DropShips use their radartoavoidthese tected, an object will remain detected as long as it remains witr
obstacles and aim the meteorite-defense systems used to destroy 100,000 kilometers of the detecting craft. Each unit may make or
very small space debris. Deactivating their radar also does not detection attempt against each target per hour.
prevent anyone within 3,500,000 kilometers from detecting the Military craft will automatically detect any craft with actf
electromagnetic emissions (radiation and light) of the DropShip's radar within 150,000 kilometers. Most civilian craft lack the nece
transit drive, and so only a stationary DropShip is likely to deacti- sary ECM (Electronic CounterMeasure) systems to detect rad
vate its radar. emissions, and may not detect ships using this method.
The following rules put the above principles to work in Any unit may detect the exhaust plume of any other u
BattleSpace. To begin with, BattleSpace assumes that any actively using its drive. The plume, seen as a moving point of ligt
military craft will not emit an identifying IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) provides information on the thrusting unifs heading, velocity, as
C/IJUf>AfGM OPERATIONS
t the detecting craft. The Target Number for detecting for this maneuver. A ship attempting to dock must be in the same
unit is 5, modified by +1 for every 50,000 kilometers of BattleSpace hex as the JumpShip, and with the same heading and
from the detecting craft. The detection limit for velocity. Roll 2D6, using the pilofs Piloting/Spacecraft Skill as the
"•• - öoes not reflect how far a craft can "see," but the distance target number, modified for the conditions listed below. A result
,,-ie motion of the unit becomes apparent. Each unit may equal to or greater than the target number means the docking
l to detect another unifs drive emission once per hour. attemptsucceeded.lf the result is lowerthan the target number, the
ta unit has been detected, the player may send defending docking attempt was unsuccessful, and the ship has caused
lintercept the hostile unit. damage. Determine the difference between the target number and
the 2D6 dice roll result and consult the Docking Damage Table on
p. 50 for the effects of the mishap.
fKSLVBOOK
CAMRAiGN ORERATiONS
50 ttULCBOOK
fe
--J\l
*•»!•*
,vhilethetransportingvesselisaccelerating,aslongas To recover small craft, the unit on which the craft are to land
,es straight ahead during the turn in which the craft must shut down its drive (expend no thrust) until all craft have
effect of this maneuver on the small craft is similar to landed. Most units prefer to recover small craft after rather than
ig pushed off a cliff; the craft appear to fall away from during combat, as a drifting ship is easy prey for enemy aerospace
It takes 5 minutes to launch a prepared craft, most of fighters and DropShips. Make a Control Roll by rolling 2D6 against
rit maneuvering the craft into the launch bay and a Target Number of 4 for each unit (individual shuttle or fighter unit)
it-minute checks. Two small craft may exit each bay in the turn of recovery. Players make this roll for a fighter unit in the
i Game Turn. If launching a unit of fighters takes more turn in which its last fighter lands. Increase the target number by 5
i. place the unit on the mapsheet when the last fighter for each turn during the landing in which the target (recovering) unit
:h bay. Small craft may not launch from an Out-of- expends thrust. The unit lands successf ully if the Control Roll result
, or a unit operating in atmosphere ät a Velocity higher is equal to or greater than the target number. If the result is less than
the target number, apply 2 points of damage to the landing unit for
:h units also may launch from a DropShip and each point of the Margin of Failure. Each operational bay door can
t so the planefs surface according to the procedure out- accommodatetwo small craft landing per minute. Remove a fighter
jping Troops, p. 39. 'Mech units may exit a DropShip unit from the mapsheet when the last of the unifs fighters lands.
:r £--nosphere, and will fall under the influence of gravity. The unit attempting to land must also maneuver to maintain a
r; jnits may only launch from DropShips in atmosphere. heading and velocity identical to the target craft. If the unit on which
- Dving through atmosphere must have a Velocity of 2 the craft are landing turns to a new heading, any craft attempting
: ~-sr to launch 'Mechs or battle-suited infantry. It takes to land must make a Control Roll against a Target Number of 6 to
: : t a thruster pack to a non-jump-capable 'Mech, and avoid being destroyed. If a fighter unit has landed only some of its
-: fit a 'Mech into an ablative cocoon and dröp pod for craft when the target unit turns, the player must make a Control Roll
An actual BattleMech launch takes 1 minute. In each against a Target Number of 6 for the remaining fighters. A failed
- -~e prepared BattleMech may exit each f unctional bay Control Roll means any fighters of that unit waiting to land are
jited units are automatically equipped to launch and destroyed.
5hip, usually by jumping out a cargo-bay door, ät the
»Wantry per minute.
51 RULCBOOK
per hour. 1G = 127,008 km/hr/hr (9.8 m/sec./sec.). The result
In order for a shuttle to land on an accelerating DropShip, is in hours. The Proximity Point Table in the Hyperspace Trä
the player must make a Control Roll equal to or higher than section, p. 44, provides the distance in billions of kilometers f
a Target Number of 9 (Target Number 4 -f 5 for target unit a standard jump point to a planet.
thrusting). For afighter unit that must land during two turns on
& a DropShip that is accelerating during both turns, the die roll FUEL CONSUIVtPTION
• result must be equal to or higher than a Target Number of 14 Though unimportant in tactical situations, fuel becomes
(the unit will automatically take 4 points of damage). important factor in a strategic campaign. Each DropShip
carries a number of tons of fuel, which it must use to acceler
decelerate, and change heading. Individual craft use fuel ät dif
ent råtes. BattleSpace uses a unit called a burn-day to indicate
A DropShip may maneuver to recover small craft that run out råte of fuel consumption. One burn-day is the amount of
of fuel or lack thrust capability (e.g., lifeboats, escape pods). The consumed by a unit accelerating ät a constant råte of 1 G for
unit attempting the recovery must enter the hex of the unit being day. Determine the amount of fuel used by DropShips in sys!
recovered, and match velocity and heading. An attemptto recover transit using the following formula:
one craft takes 5 minutes. Roll 2D6 ät the end of the five-minute
recovery attempt. If the result is equal to or greater than 4, the craft F = TxA
is safely recovered. A result of less than 4 indicates some kind of
delay in recovering the unit. The recovering unit can make another T is the total number of days that the engine nas been burni
attempt in 5 minutes. No damage occurs to either unit. and A is the average acceleration, expressed in Gs. The result
is the number of burn-days of fuel used. Consult the descriptioi
RECOVERING each craft in Large Craft, p. 43 in the BattleSpace Sourcebo
FIGHTER CASUALTIES and multiply the result (F) by the indicated tons per burn-da
Every row of armor crossed out on a Fighter Unit Record Sheet determine how much fuel the ship used in system transit.
represents a fighter from that unit that may have been destroyed.
To determine if a fighter survives and can be recovered, roll 1D6 for Fuel (Optional Rule)
each armor row crossed off. If the result is a 5 or a 6, the fighter Players may add the following fuel rules to the stånd
survives and can be repaired before the next major engagement. BattleSpace rules. Each point of thrust used will consume
A result of 1 to 4 means the fighter was destroyed. To recover a point of fuel from the DropShip's reserve. The number of l
damaged fighter, the recovering unit must enter the hex of the unit Points available per ton of fuel varies from ship to ship. See La
being recovered and match velocity and heading. An attempt to Craft, p. 43 in the BattleSpace Sourcebook, for specific infon
recover one fighter takes 5 minutes. Roll 2D6 against a Target tion for each craft. The fuel consumption determined in this man
Number of 4 to attempt the recovery. If the result is equal to or will seem excessive, especially compared to the amount of
greater than 4, the fighter is safely recovered. A failed roll means used during transit, but keep in mind that each DropShip has
the recovering unit must wait 5 minutes and try again. Players fuel systems.
should also attempt to recover the pilots of destroyed units. Roll The first system is simple, requiring minimal maintenar
1D6. A result of 6 means the pilot survives and can be recovered This system pumps small amounts of fuel into heated ston
with his fighter. Where records exist of the unit composition, tanks. The temperature causes the fuel to expand, and the res
determine the destroyed fighter randomly, and recalculate the ing increase in pressure feeds fuel into both the engine cores
actual strength of the fighter unit. the power planfs fusion reactor. This efficient system supplies
ät a constant råte, as required during system transit, but can
SYSTEM TRANSIT supply the surges in fuel demand required during combat man
vering.
After arriving in-system, a DropShip carrying troops or mate- The second fuel system uses high-speed pumps to maint
riel must travel from its point of arrival to the target planet. This the constant fuel pressure required by the fusion reaction. l
deep-space transit usually takes several days, depending on the system, functioning like a sports car's turbo-charger, supp
distance between the point of arrival and the planet. Determine the enough fuel to provide the short bursts of high-G thrust require<
transit time between two such points in space using the following maneuver the craft during combat, but ät the expense of
formula: efficiency.
Fighters lack the fuel-efficient temperature/pressure syst
T = 2V (2 x (D/A)) of DropShips, and so cannot carry the fuel reserves necessary
system transit. For game purposes, fighters are incapable
D is the distance from the starting point to the midway point (in system transit.
kilometers), and A is the acceleration råte (in kilometers per hour
52 RUUBOOK
>HT REFUELING Vertical landing requires the least amount of space, but is the
lolds of some specially equipped DropShips and most difficult to perform, requires more fuel, and cäuses more
,i converted to carry fuel tanks. Each cargo hold can ground damage. All spheroid DropShips and shuttles must land
rof tons of fuel equal to the number of tons of cargo vertically. Aerodyne DropShips attempting to land on an aifless
e in that hold. world may also make vertical landings. For craft making vertical
^. ~ay be fed directly into the DropShip or JumpShip's landings, reduce the terrain modifiers given in the Failed Braking
, effectively acting as a reserve tank; refuel fighters Maneuver Table below by half. A craft landing vertically expends
[landing on the vessel; or refuel docked DropShips 1 ton of fuel hovering över the landing site. If a DropShip lands in
^.Asingle tanker mayfill all threeroles, ref uelingitself, any terrain other than an airfield, water, a road, or a concrete
l tt carries, and any craft that docks with it. surface, the area becomes a Depth 1 crater.
i o fuel tank supplements the craffs own fuel tanks, Only fighters and aerodyne DropShips and shuttles may make
-rs.~; jel according to the ship's normal consumption. Use horizontal landings. A DropShip needs a 600-meter (20 Battle-
- e -eserve tanks before using any fuel from the DropShip's Tech hexes) runway on a flat surface to land horizontally. Fighters
and shuttlecraft may land in a distance of 300 meters (10 Battle-
~ - .e minutes to refuel a small craft or fighter from the Tech hexes). Fighters land as a unit. Every pilot must make a
: -2 ~ks, assuming the craft requires 5 tons or less of fuel. successful Piloting/Spacecraft (Piloting/Aerospace for fighters)
= s—all craft or fighter, the DropShip crew must hook the Skill Roll to land.
-» -to the DropShip's own fuel system, then pump that Experienced pilots may safely land an aerodyne DropShip in
r" 'ighter bay. The DropShip may also refuel craft from a distance of less than 600 meters by tilting up the nose of the
--£-KS, keeping the cargo-hold fuel in reserve. DropShip, cutting the aft drive, and using the bottom-mounted drive
-::ShiporJumpShipcan refuel f rom anothership of that to provide braking thrust. To make this braking maneuver, the
- . sssels have functioning docking collars and transfer player controlling the pilot of the craft must roll 2D6 and compare
r
_ e transfers into the docking vessePs tanks (built-in or the result to his character's Piloting/Spacecraft Skill. For a result
:i ät the råte of 1 ton per minute, unless the transfer greater than the skill level, reduce the required landing distance by
js sustained damage. With a damaged transfer system, 50 meters for each point of the Margin of Success. If the dice roll
-ninutes to transfer each ton of fuel. result is less than the target number, consult the Failed Braking
argo bay containing fuel takes damage during combat, Maneuver Table.
> bay as a reaction mäss critical location (see Critical
t p. 20 in Combat).
FAILED BRAKING MANEUVER TABLE
MIODIFIERS Margin of Failure Effect
f ptot can take a ship through an interstellar journey with 1-4 Landing requires full distance.
. However, experienced pilots may be able to reduce The pilot may attempt to land
tänd fuel required. normally, may circle and try
culate how much, if any, fuel and time the pilofs again, or may attempt to land
s saves the craft, roll 2D6 and compare the result to the in a different area.
töng/Spacecraft Skill. (If statistics are not available for the The vessel must land. However,
f a Piloting Skill of 4.) For every point by which the roll the DropShip becomes
- exceeds the target number, subtract 1 percent from all harder to control. Add 1 to
BS and fuel usage. If the roll fails, add 1 percent for every
the pilofs Piloting/Spacecraft
ffailure to the ship's travel time and fuel consumption. For
Skill.
c of the navigation system crossed out for damage, add 2
et number. If all Navigation boxes are crossed out, modify 6+ The vessel must land, using all
t number by 5. Damage to the computer will also affect the 600 meters. The vessel au-
Jtransit time. For each Computer box crossed out, add +1 to tomatically takes 2 points of
et number (see Critical Damage, p. 20 in Combat). damage on the nose and the
landing gear is destroyed.
UNETARY LANDING Add 2 to the pilofs Piloting/
Spacecraft Skill.
f units with a Velocity of O that end the turn in a Ground hex
ttempt to land on any available space on the BattleTech
ät Ground hex covers. (Except see Atmospheric Opera- Whether or not he attempts a braking maneuver, the pilot must
. 33, for hovering.) BattleSpace units may make two types make a Piloting/Spacecraft Skill Roll (Piloting/Aerospace for fight-
3, vertical and horizontal. ers and shuttles) when landing. To make this skill roll, apply the
53
CAMRAiGN OPERATIONS
Note: All spheroid craft take damage on the aft side rathe
than the nose.
BRAKING MANEUVER DAMAGE TABLE
Modifier to Margin
Condition Skill Level of Failure Effect
Maneuvering thrusters damaged +4 1 Landing gear destroyed. Craft takes 1 point
Landing gear damaged +3 per box of of damage on its nose.
damage Landing gear destroyed. Craft takes 2 points
Nose armor destroyed +2 of damage on the nose. One bay door is
Craft reduced to 50 percent or destroyed.
less of starting thrust +2 Landing gear destroyed. Craft takes 2 point!
No thrust available (aerodyne craft) +4 of damage on the nose, and 2 points on on<
No thrust available (spheroid DropShip) +8 side. Two bay doors are destroyed.
Runway too short for craft +2 Crash. Any non-secured personnel take 2D6
Craft landing ät manned, points of Lethal damage. The crew must
friendly airfield -2 spend 1D6 minutes to free each 'Mech
Craft landing ät unmanned, or vehicle.
friendly airfield -1 Crash. All secured personnel take 2D6 pointso
Craft landing on road or paved surface O Lethal damage. Non-secured personnel take
Craft landing on unfriendly airfield +1 4D6 points of Lethal damage. Roll 2D6 for
Craft landing in Open hex +2 each 'Mech or vehicle. If the result is 10 or
Craft landing in water or swamp +3 higher, the unit takes 8D6 + 10 points of
Craft landing in Rough or Rubble hex +3 damage, allocated in 10-point groups to the
Craft landing in Elevated/Building hex +3 front of the unit. If the dice roll result is less
Craft landing in light woods +4 than 10, the unit takes 2D6 points of damage
Craft landing in heavy woods +5 The crew must spend 2D6 minutes to free
each 'Mech and vehicle.
Crash. All secured personnel take 6D6 points o
Lethal damage. The crash kills any non-
secured personnel. Roll 2D6 for each 'Mect
or vehicle. If the result is 8 or higher, the uni
takes 8D6 + 10 points of damage, allocated in
10-point groups to the front of the unit. If the
dice roll result is less than 8, the unit takes 2D6
points of damage. The crew must spend 2D6
minutes to free each 'Mech and vehicle.
Crash. All secured personnel take 8D6 points o
Lethal damage. The crash kills any non-se
cured personnel. Roll 2D6 for each 'Mech 01
vehicle. If the result is 7 or higher, the unit
takes 10D6 + 10 points of damage, allocatec
in 10-point groups to the front of the unit. If the
dice roll result is less than 7, the unit takes 2D6
points of damage. The crew must spend 3D(
minutes to free each 'Mech and vehicle.
8+ Crash. The craft explodes on impact. No
personnel or equipment survive.
54 RULEBOOK
FAILED LANDING TABLE (FIGHTERS/SHUTTLES) VERTICAL LIFTOFF MODIFIERS TABLE
jin of Failure Effect Condition Modifier
1 Craftdamaged.Crafttakesl pointof Landing gear damaged +1
damage. Maneuvering thrusters damaged +3
2 Craft damaged. Craft takes 2 points Craft lifting off from a crater +3
of damage.
Computer damaged +1 per box of
3 Craft damaged. Craft takes 4 points
damage
of damage.
4 Craft crashes. Ship destroyed. Pas- Door damaged +1 per door
sengersandcrewescape.Cargo jammedopen
is salvageable. Drive damaged +1 per box of
5 Craft crashes. Ship destroyed. Pas- damage
sengers and crew take 1 row of Craft lifting off from an airfield -1
damage (per MechWarrior, Sec-
ond Edition) as they escape.
Cargo is salvageable.
6 Craft crashes. Ship destroyed. Pas-
sengers and crew take 3 rows of
damage (per MechWarrior, Sec-
ond Edition) as they escape. FAILED LIFTOFF TABLE
Cargo is destroyed. Margin of Failure Effect
7 Craft crashes. Ship destroyed. Pas- 1-2 Liftoff. Vessel lifts off, but uses
sengers and crew take four rows 1 additionaltonoffuel.
of damage (per MechWarrior, 3-4 Landing gear damaged. (Cross out 1
Second Edition) as they escape. box). The pilot makes an unmodif ied
Cargo is destroyed. Piloting/Spacecraft Skill Roll. If the
9 Craft explodes on impact. roll is successful, the craft has lifted
No survivors. off. If the roll fails, the craft falls back
to the ground, taking 2 points of
damage on the aft side.
5 Landing gear is destroyed. The craft
flf the Piloting Skill Roll is successful, the craft touches down strikes the ground, causing 5 points
y. If the roll fails, consult the appropriate Failed Landing Table. of damage on the aft side. Each
| When the result of a failed fighter or shuttle landing is damage unsecured person on thecrafttakes
i craft or the craft is destroyed, apply the result given in the 2D6 points of Lethal damage. The
\ to each craft in the unit. For example, if a unit containing 4 craft may not attempt another liftoff.
s fails to land safely, and the Margin of Failure was 3, apply 6+ Landing gear is destroyed. The craft
rits of damage to the unit (4 points of damage x 4 fighters). suffers the results given above, but
takes 10 points of damage on the aft
side. All secured personnel take
1D6 points of Lethal damage. All
[Aerodyne DropShips, fighters, and shuttles may lift off by unsecured personnel take 4D6
srating along a runway (or otheropen ground) until they reach points of Lethal damage. The craft
l velocity. All craft need a runway ät least 600 meters long. may not attempt another liftoff.
yne craft can use their bottom-mounted transit drives to
je enough lift for takeoff. A craft may not lift off if it has a Thrust
>or less, or cannot power its transit drive. Skill rolls are not
sd for horizontal liftoff. If the skill roll result equals or exceeds the pilofs skill level,
/ertical liftoff is much more difficult, as DropShips tend to be place the unit in the appropriate Ground hex on the BattleSpace
j unstable ät low velocity. Spheroid DropShips must lift off map. If the roll failed, determine the Margin of Failure and consult
illy; aerodyne DropShips may do so only on an airless world, the Failed Liftoff Table.
al liftoff requires the pilot of the craft to make a Piloting/
raft Skill Roll, modified by the following conditions.
TTLmsi*A em
55 HULEBOOK
A crew must unload 100 tons of cargo from a DropShip sitting
Both merchant and military craft must regularly transfer cargo on a planefs surface. Because the planet nas a breathable
and passengers. Whether conducted in space or on the ground, atmosphere, consult the In Gravity section of the table. Five
the goal of such a transfer is to load or unload the ship quickly, battle suits are available for unloading, and 25 men. fyve
efficiently, and safely. men pilot the battle suits, leaving 20 men available to move
Most ships use crew members in industrial exoskeletons (lEs) cargo by hand. Each battle suit can move 1 ton of cargo per
to move cargo, though almost every cargo contains something that minute. The men can move 2 tons of cargo per minute, for a
must be moved by hand. Some military units use BattleMechs to total of 7 tons moved per minute. It wil! lake 14.5 minutes to
move cargo. To determine how quickly cargo can be moved out of unload 100 tons of cargo.
or onto a ship (or between ships) under various conditions, consult
the Cargo Transfer Table. Treat battle suits as industrial exoskel-
etons. Maneuvering cargo in zero-G is very difficult unless the IVIAINTENANCE
cargo comes with maneuvering devices, such as null-G packs,
attached. The amount of cargo that can be moved during any given
Spacecraft require almost constant maintenance. Many of t
period depends on the means of transfer and the conditions that
DropShips and JumpShips operating in the Inner Sphere ai
currently apply to the craft.
decades old, held together by a prayer as much as by technic
expertise. Though all crews know several ways to reduce ti
maintenance requirement of a vessel, few ships can afford to tal
these measures. Avoiding atmospheric operations and acth
CARGO TRANSFER TABLE
maneuvering will reduce stress on the hull and drive system
reducing required maintenance. Shutting down the ship's pow
Equipment Used: Tons Transferred
plant and drive system reduces the ship's maintenance requin
In zero-G (per minute)
ment substantially, but also makes the craft uninhabitable. Tt
IE with null-G packs .5
most drastic option is to mothball the vessel. A mothballed vess
10 men in pressure suits .5
requires no maintenance, but requires additional work in the we<
2 men in pressure suits
1
before it is put into storage. The following table shows the acti
w/null-G packs
maintenance reductions created by each of the above strategie
BattleMech in zero-G Weight of cargo/30
Maintenance for each craft falls into three distinct elemenl
In gravity Structure, Power and Life Support, and Weapons. The maint
IE 1 nance requirements of each element can be determined sep
10 men 1 rately, then the crew required to perform the maintenance can al;
Heavy cargo platform 2 be determined.
Light cargo platform 1
BattleMech Weight of cargo/20
MAINTENANCE REDUCTION TABLE
In gravity and vacuum
Percent of Standard
IE 1
Maintenance
10 men in pressure suits .75
Condition Required
Heavy cargo platform 2
No atmospheric operations 90
Light cargo platform 1
No active maneuvers 70
BattleMech Weight of cargo/20
Powered down 10
Mothballed 0/double in week
before mothballing
Unloading cargo from one ship and loading it onto another SUPPORT POINTS
doubles the total time required for the operation. BattleSpace uses a system of maintenance similar to th
When working on the surface of a planet, BattleMechs, ve- presented in the Mercenary's Handbook: 3055. A ship's technic
hicles, and other military units may move out of the DropShip ät the crew (known as engineers, though they need not possess tt
råte of one unit (individual 'Mech or vehicle, point of battle-suited Engineer Skill) provides Support Points (SP), which indicate tt
infantry, or platoon of infantry) every 30 seconds. This number of amount of work an engineer can accomplish in a given tim
units may exit each operational bay door.
56 RULfBOOK
CAMRAIGN ORERATtONS
Points are based on the skill level each engineer pos- no SP toward maintenance, but will not create a negative SP value.
i in an appropriate skill. The Support Points each engineer For example, an engineer with Tech/Weapons Skill Level 3 nor-
ss must be applied to an appropriate craft or system. For mally produces 1,238 SP in a 50-hour week. However, the engi-
3, an engineer with the Tech/DropShip Skill must apply his neer spends 5 hours repairing weapons after a battle, and so only
»DropShip work. An engineer with the Tech/Weapons skill produces 1,114 SP that week (1,238 SP x [.02 x 5] = 124.1,238 -
his SP on any type of craft, but only on the weapons 124 = 1,11
for that craft. One Support Point repairs one point of
l maintenance.
engineers of each craft are divided into two groups.
ary engineers make up the largest group on each craft, but
i Skills of Level 3 or below. The second group, engineers,
r act as team leaders, commanding a group of up to five
engineers. Engineers usually possess ät least one
till ät a level ranging from 4 to 7, with an average of Skill l 'Drops^p-filiisSSijsl
. One engineer on each ship commands all the rest. This
^Engineer (or Chief of Engineering) possesses Technician
Hs of 6 and above. On average, the crewmen of Clan
have an additional 2 levels in appropriate skills, with JVtPV f SMALL CRAFT)
engineers possessing average skills of Level 5 or The Combat Values provided in the Mercenary's Handbook,
[engineers having an average Skill Level of 8, and chief 3055, may be used as the f ighter MPV (Maintenance Point Value).
; having an average Skill Level of 8+. Players may also calculate an approximate MPV using the follow-
i engineer may work a maximum of 80 hours per standard ing formula:
|168 standard Terran hours). However, he or she will
175 percent of his or her SP in the first 50 hours (2 percent (Craft Tons x Heat Sinks) + (Craft Tons x Thrust) + (Total Fire
. After 50 hours, fatigue reduces the number of Support Factors x 90) + (Armor Value x 15)
i engineer can generate. See the Support Points Per Hour
i to determine how many SP an engineer of each skill A calculated MPV will only approximate the Combat Value in
i produce in an hour. Most spacecraft crews expect long the Mercenary's Handbook, because the Combat Value involves
jrs (an average of 12 hours out of 24), and gladlyaccept a more detailed breakdown of the craft's systems.
ird of extended (and rowdy) shore leave on a frequent Each fighter requires maintenance equal to 20 percent of its
MPV (or Combat Value) per week.
^engineer with more than one Technician Skill may divide
tbetween the two skills as he sees fit, but is still limited to MPV (LARGE CRAFT}
um of 80 hours per week. Each craft of DropShip size or larger has a specific mainte-
gineer who spends some of his time on repairs will not nance requirement (the Maintenance Point Value, or MPV). Each
his full Support Point value to maintenance, losing 2 craft's total Maintenance Point Value is represented by three
(of his potential SP for each hour on repair detail. An separate MPV, the Power and Life Support MPV, Structure MPV,
r who spends 50 hours or more on repair detail produces and Weapons MPV, calculated using the following formulas.
Please note that MPV are not the same as the Combat Value used
to determine the maintenance requirement of ground units. One
Support Point repairs one Maintenance Point.
* SUPPORT POINTS PER HOUR TABLE The Maintenance Table, p. 59, provides the maintenance
h Work Week (in hours) requirements for each vessel of DropShip size or larger currently
vel 50 60 70 80 in use in the Inner Sphere (including occupying Glan vessels), not
563 638 713 750 including space stations. The ships appear in alphabetical order
within ship type for easy reference.
788 893 998 1,050
1,238 1,403 1,568 1,650
Power/Life Support Systems
2,025 2,295 2,565 2,700 Determine the Maintenance Point Value of the power and life
2,700 3,060 3,420 3,600 support systems using the following formula:
2,925 3,315 3,705 3,900
3,038 3,443 3,848 4,050 MPV = Engine MPV + K-F Drive MPV + Life Support MPV
3,150 3,570 3,990 4,200
Consult the Power/Life Support MPV table, p. 59, for the
individual values.
JHH.MBOOK
Structure Weapons
Determine the Maintenance Point Value of the ship's structure Determine the Maintenance Point Value of the weapc
using the following formula: systems using the following formula:
MPV = Structural Integrity MPV + Bridge MPV + Sail MPV + MPV = Weapons MPV + Heat Sink MPV
Grav Deck MPV + Docking MPV + Bay MPV
The weapons MPV is equivalent to the MPV value of
Consult the Structure MPV table for the individual values. weapons. Weapon MPVs appear in the Master Weapons Table,
70-71. The heat sink MPV is equal to the number of heat sinksi
the vessel x 10.
POWER/LIFE SUPPORT MPV
Bridge MPV:
Type MPV
DropShip Bridge tonnage x 10
JumpShip Bridge tonnage
Miscellaneous MPV:
Jump Sail = Sail tons x 10
Grav Deck = Deck tonnage x 10
Docking Hardpoints =100 each
Tug Adapter = 500
Cargo Bays:
Vehicle/'Mech/fighter = Tonnage of bay
Cargo = Tonnage of bay/100
EFFECTS OF MAINTENANCE
The Support Points generated by a ship's crew offset tti
maintenance required on each craft by a ratio of 1:1; in other words
using 1 SP cancels out 1 Maintenance Point. If the crew cann<
generate enough Support Points to cover all the Maintenano
Points, some systems may fail. Roll 2D6 for each system that doe
not receive full maintenance, adding 1 to the result per 10 percei
of shortfall. If a system that did not receive full maintenance als
58 RULEBOOIC
CAMRAIGN OPERATIONS
59 JCWUBOOfC
If a weapons system fails, apply one box of damage to a
randomly determined weapons bay. Capital-ship bays always K-F DRIVE FAILURE TABLE
suffer system failure before standard weapons bays. 2D6 Result Affected Component
If an aerospace craft suffers a system failure, cross out one 2 Drive Coil
Armor box per system failure. When no Armor boxes remain 3 Charging System
unmarked, the craft cannot be used, but may still be repaired. 4 Lithium-Fusion Battery
(Treat it as recovered. See Recovering Fighter Casualties, p. 5 Helium Tank
52.) 6 Helium Tank
7 Helium Tank
JVtAINTENANCE 8 Helium Tank
Maintenance costs include the wages of the engineers and a 9 Helium Tank
steady stream of small, inexpensive parts to keep the vessel 10 Lithium-Fusion Battery
functioning. This cost averages out to 1 C-bill for every 100 points 11 Field Initiator
of maintenance required. On most craft, this cost is minor, but 12 Drive Controller (battery system on
crews operating larger and more sophisticated vessels find that space station)
these minor expenses mount up!
REPAIR
AFFECTED SYSTEMS TABLE Most parts of all types of ships can be repaired. Information
2D6 Result Structure Power/Life Support the effects of damage to internal components and their ba
DropShips repairability appear in the Combat section, p. 22. The informat
2 Hull Collapse Fusion Plant below explains how to make these and other vital repairs to sh
3 Bay Door Fusion Plant and small craft in BattleSpace. These rules assume that ur
4 Cargo Bay Radar have the necessary tools and parts available to make all need
5 Crew Quarters Life Support repairs.
6 Right Thruster Bridge
7 Transfer K-F Boom
8 Left Thruster Computer Repairs are possible only if appropriate facilities are availat
9 Docking Collar Nav Sys To attempt a repair, roll 2D6 and compare the result to the diffici
10 Docking Collar Reaction Mäss (target number). If the result equals or exceeds the target numb
11 Landing Gear Drive the repair succeeds. If the result is less than the target number, l
12 Bridge Drive repair fails. Whether or not a repair succeeds, the time indicatefl
JumpShips, WarShips, Stations make the repair elapses.
2 Hull Collapse Life Support Clan WarShips, JumpShips, and DropShips carry a hs
3 Bay Door Fusion Plant sealing system that aids in all repairs. Reduce the target numb
4 Cargo Bay Computer* for the difficulty of any repairs to a Clan vessel by 1.
5 Crew Quarters Bridge* Each repair requires the presence of ät least one engineera
6 Right Thruster Radar one secondary engineer. A good engineer may reduce the diffici
7 Docking Collar Communications . of the repair, and reduce the time required.
8 Left Thruster CIC If the engineer supervising the repairs has a Base Tärt
9 Transfer Engineering Number for the Tech/(Craft) Skill Roll of less than 4 (see Skill Roi
10 Jump Sail Array Reaction Mäss p. 10, MW2), reduce the target number of the repair by 1 for ea
11 Grav Deck** Drive point below 4. For example, if the Base Target Number is
12 Bridge* K-F Drive (see K-F Drive subtract 1; if it is 2, subtract 2; and so on. The player must increa
Failure Table) the difficulty (target number) of the repair by 1 for each point
*Fifty percent of the time, the auxiliary system fails. which the Base Target Number for the Tech/(Craft) Skill of 1
"Fifty percent of the time, the systems of the recreation deck engineer supervising the repairs exceeds 4. For example, add 1
fail. the difficulty if the Base Target Number is 5; if it is 6, add 2; and
on.
Each point added to or subtracted from the difficulty of tt
repair also adds or subtracts 10 percent from the base tirn
required to perform a repair. For example, if the difficulty for tt
repair is modified by +2, increase the repair time by 20 percent
the difficulty modifier is -2, reduce the repair time by 20 perce»
mATTLMSPACm itULfBOOK
'an attempt to repair a destroyed component fails, that ARJVIOR
Tppnent must be replaced. The Construction section, p. 77, Armor cannot be repaired, but damaged sections can be
lÉtes the cost of new parts. Installing a new part requires 10 replaced. A field armor repair requires 20 minutes to replace each
-^ the base repair time, unless the text specif ies a replacement point of armor (assuming the craft is carrying spare armor). In dry
- ~o inställ most new components, the player makes a Repair dock, the same repair takes 10 minutes. No Repair Roll is required.
nstaTarget Number of 7. The Target Numberforinstalling
K-F drive system is 9. JUJVIP SAIL
A JumpShip's energy-collecting sail cannot be repaired, but
LPONENT REPAIR damaged sections can be replaced ät a dry-dock facility. It takes 4
i Critical Damage section, p. 22 in Combat, lists the time hours to replace each damaged sail section (each point of sail
s), facilities required, and difficulty (represented by a target integrity löst). No Repair Roll is required.
sr) of repairing internal components. To repair internal com-
s, players must make a Repair Roll against one of two target FIGHTER REPAIR
When all boxes of a component are crossed out, that Any fighter or small craft that survives a battle may be repaired
nent is considered destroyed; use the "destroyed" target after the battle. Use a target Number of 6 to repair each crossed-
rto attempt the repair. If some boxes remain unmarked, use out damage box, and a base repairtime of 6 hours. When the player
naged" target number to attempt the repair. A result equal can determine the exact type of fighter being repaired, each box of
9ater than the target number indicates a successful repair damage repaired costs 1 percent of the craffs purchase price.
i on a destroyed component). Unmark one box of damage These repair attempts may be repeated. If the exact type of craft is
ät component. If the Repair Roll result is less than the target unknown, the repairs cost 1 percent of the average price of the
r, the repair attempt failed. Failed repairs can be tried again fighters in that unit. If the player cannot identify any of the fighter
»the repair cannot be repeated, indicated by NR. If a repair types in the unit, assume an average cost of 40,000 C-bills
ds, but more boxes of damage remain crossed out on that (aerospace fighter) or 200,000 C-bills (OmniFighter).
nent, the player may attempt to repair more damage, even Recovered small craft may also be repaired. Treat each
repair target number indicates that the repair cannot be recovered craft as having no unmarked Armor boxes remaining.
ed. Each box of damage may be recovered ät a cost of 5 percent of the
he rules for repairing weapons bays are slightly different. fö craffs cost. If the player cannot identify the type of craft, assume
ra weapons bay, make a Repair Roll for each bay (not each a cost of 200,000 C-bills for an Inner Sphere craft or 1,000,000 C-
Bay box) against the target number provided (see bills for a Clan craft. The Target Number to repair each box of
al Damage). If ät least one of the bays in a firing are remains damage is 6, and the base repair time is 18 hours.
anal (the Repair Roll is successful), unmark one box of
3. If the repair attempts for all weapons bays are successful,
; both boxes.
BATTLESPACC Cl RUUBOOK
CAMRAIGN OPERATIONS
CREW REQUIREJVIENTS
The crews of all space-faring craft work in alternating shifts,
eight hours working and eight hours resting. Usually only the senior
crew, the pilots and engineers, hold a permanent contract with a
DropShip. Other crewmen are hired on a casual basis, for a few
62 JfUUBOOK
CREW REQUIREMENTS TABLE
l 63 «•
CONSTRUCTION RULES
GONSTRUGTION RULES
Though some Inner Sphere factories have begun to produce Type
DropShips and JumpShips again, many of the techniques and Next, determine the type of DropShip to be construc
tools to do so have changed över the last thousand years. Distinc- spheroid (egg-shaped) or aerodyne (with wings). Spheroidsj
tions between technology bases, classified as pre-Succession cheaper to construct and simpler to operate in space; aerody
Wars, Står League-era, and Glan technology, grossly oversimplify operate better in atmosphere.
the real situation. No two classes of DropShip or JumpShip, and,
in many cases, no two ships within a class, use exactly the same Use
technologies or assembly techniques. Manufacturers have always Decide whether the craft is for military or civilian use. Mili
used whatever they could get ät the time of construction, not always craft are usually more powerful, with more efficient systems, l
what was best; where a craft was built also affected its compo- also cost more than civilian vessels.
nents. For example, a ship constructed ät a major facility in the
Terran Hegemony would probably have a more eff icient propulsion Mäss
system than a ship of similar mäss and design built in the Taurian Finally, decide on a mäss for the craft. A spheroid Dröp
Concordat. may weigh anywhere between 100 and 100,000 tons. An aerod
Because crews have been forced for centuries now to jury-rig DropShip may weigh anywhere between 100 and 35,000 tons. 'l
their beloved spacecraft to keep them running, those ships listed total mäss of all the ship's components must be equal to or less l
as "Standard" technology are anything but. Most of the older ships the total mäss of the craft.
listed in the BattleTech Technical Readouts were built one ät a Players must decide the mäss of their ship ät this
time from whatever material was available. because the plant size and other components are determined i
The dissemination of the Gray Death memory core created an the ship's mäss. However, because mäss also determines l
almost uniform distribution of Står League-era nåväl technology many weapons a ship can carry and how well it will perfor
throughout the Inner Sphere by 3056, and so players from all function, players may want to take these factors into considen
Houses and the Glans may use this single set of rules for construc- when choosing their ship's mäss. The Large Craft section i
tion. The text explains how to modify ship construction based on the vides this type of information for all ships in current use;
advanced technology of the Glans. may find it useful to study this section to determine what each j
mäss allows the ship to do before deciding on their ship's ma
DROPSHIP CONSTRUCTION
decfdés to construct a 5,000-fori f!
Manufacturers construct DropShips in four major parts. Each iechnology. This DropShip will be a
part incorporates several important systems, but for construction
purposes, players can concentrate on these four areas: para-
meters, propulsion, structure, and weapons. The parameters de-
termine the type, use, and mäss of the ship. The construction of the
propulsion system determines how the ship is powered. The DETERJVtlN£ PROPULSION
structure determines how much armor the ship can carry and how The propulsion system determines how the ship is powe
much damage it can withstand. The final step of construction is to its safe and maximum speed, and its maneuverability.
mount weapons. Each of these basic areas of construction require
several steps. Engine Size
Determine the size of a DropShip's engine using its mäss
DETERJVIINE PARAMETERS intended Safe Thrust Value. A DropShip may use any Thrust V
The parameters of a DropShip determine its type, use, and up to a maximum of 10, but the greater the Thrust Value, the la
mäss. the engine. The engine takes up 6.5 percent of the craffs mas
each Thrust Point. For example, the engine of a DropShip mas
Technology 1,000 tons with a Thrust Value of 3 will weigh 195 tons.
De.cide what technology will be used to construct the craft, Glan DropShips run slightly more efficiently than their Ii
either Inner Sphere (including Står League) or Glan. Sphere counterparts, and each Thrust Point of the engine take
6.1 percent of the ship's total mäss. For example, the engine
Glan DropShip mässing 1,000 tons with a Thrust Value of 3
weigh 183 tons.
The Maximum Thrust of a craft is equal to the Safe TI
multiplied by 1.5 (round fractions up).
UlfBOONT
COMSTRUCrtOM RULES
Ib
65 KULBBOOK
COfMSTRUCrfOfV RULES
Fuel Tanks
Reserve space in the ship for fuel tanks. The minimum space
for fuel usually equals a number of tons of fuel equal to 20 times the
Burn-day Value of the craft, but the actual space allocated is
usually much larger (especially on military craft). Each ton of fuel
requires 1 ton of ship space. Fuel pumps will take up a number of
tons equal to 2 percent of the fuel tank space.
DETERfVtlNE
The ship structure determines how much armor the ship can
carry and how much damage it can withstand. The structure also
determines how efficiently the ship can use its weapons, depend-
ing on the number of heat sinks the ship carries.
Structural Mäss
A ship's f ramework and bulkheads take up a certain proportion
of the craft's mäss. The player should assign a numeric value
(expressed in .5 G Thrust Points ) to the ship's structure. That
Bridge
value, the ship's Structural Integrity (SI), represents the G force the
The bridge of a DropShip takes up a relatively small portk
f rame can withstand. The Structural Integrity has a minimum equal
the ship's mäss. The minimum mäss reserved for the bridge sh
to the maximum Thrust Value of a craft. Most designers, especially
equal .75 percent of the ship's total tonnage. The bridge mc
of military craft, provide a higher Structural integrity than required
contains all the computers, sensors, and avionics needed te
to allow the ship to compensate for the effects of extemal G forces
the ship.
(for example, weapons fire and collisions). A high Structural
Integrity also will boost the craffs Armor Value (see Armor, p. 67).
Heat Sinks
Find the weight of the framework using the following formula.
The heat generated by weapons and the råte ät which j
heat dissipates together limit how frequently BattleSpace
DropShip Structural Mäss:
can fire their weapons. Each ship has a certain number of l
Spheroid = (Integrity x Tonnage) / 500
sinks built into the engine. The exact number depends on the i
Aerodyne = (Integrity x Tonnage) / 200
of the engine and the type of craft. The heat sinks built inte
engine do not take up any extra mäss, and in terms of
construction are considered "f ree" heat sinks. Most manufactu
add more heat sinks (that take up mäss) in order to increas
firing efficiency of a ship. Players should use the following tabk
calculate the number of "free" heat sinks the ship they are i
structing receives. For aerodyne DropShips, use the folloi
formulas, with the result equal to the number of free heat sinks,
spheroid DropShips, consult the Heat Sink Table below, divi
the number in the left column into the ship's engine mäss ir
appropriate column (round up). The result is the number of
DropShip structure includes a standard docking collar and the
heat sinks for that ship and engine size.
appropriateairlocks, allowingthe DropShiptodockwith JumpShips,
space stations, and other DropShips.
Aerodyne DropShip Heat Sinks:
A craft intended for use as a tug must have a reinforced
Military = Engine weight / 20
structure. Add 10 percent to the required Structural mäss.
Civilian = Engine weight / 60
• UlVBOOJt
COMSTRUCTIOM RULES
of the craft limits how many tons of armor the ship can support. Use
HEAT SINK TABLE (SPHEROIDS) the following formulas to determine the amount of armor each craft
Engine Mäss (in tons) may carry. Consult the Armor Point Table for the number of Armor
Mvisor Military Civilian Points per ton of ship that that armor provides.
1 0-19 —
2 20-49 — DropShip Armor:
3 50-99 0-19 Aerodynes: Structural Integrity x 3.6 tons
4 100-159 20-39 Spheroids: Integrity x 4.5 tons
5 1 60-229 40-49
230-299 50-69
7 300-389 70-89 ARMOR POINT TABLE
8 390-499 90-119 Ship Mäss (in tons) Armor Points (per ton)
9 500-619 120-149 Inner
620-899 150-219 Spheroid Aerodyne Sphere Clan
kl°
900-1,239 220-299 100-12,499 100-5,999 1.6 2
W** 1 ,240-1 ,639 300-389 12,500-19,999 6,000-9,499 1.4 1.7
16 1,640-2,099 390-489 20,000-34,999 9,500-12,499 1.2 1.4
\ 18 2,100-2,599 490-519 35,000-49,999 12,500-17,499 1 1.2
i 20 2,600-4,099 620-979 50,000-64,499 17,500-24,999 0.8 1
L25 4,100-5,999 980-1 ,399 65,500-t- 25,000-35,000 0.6 0.7
fe
^PTJrj
40
6,000-8,499
8,500-10,999
11,000-13,499
1,400-1,919
1 ,920-2,499
2,500-3,199 Determine the total Armor Points for the craft (round to the
| 45 13,500-16,999 3,200-3,999 nearest whole number), then divide the total evenly between the
f 50 17,000+ 4,000-5,799 four armor facings. Add additional Armor Points to each armor
f 60 — 5,800-7,799 facing equal to the Structural Integrity divided by 10 (round to the
r
70 — 7,800-10,499 nearest whole number).
80 — 10,500-12,999
90 __ 13,000-15,999 Other Structural Components
100 — 16,000+ Use the Miscellaneous Structural Components Table to add
the remaining necessary Structural components to the DropShip.
67 ftf/lCBOOfC
CONSTftUCTfOfM RULES
A TTLESPA cm JtVUBOOJt
COMSTRUCTfOM RULES
•Sphere
JLarge Laser Laser 12 .8 Long _ 5 200,000 _ 108
l PPC PPC 15 1 Long — 7 300,000 — 136
mer Point Defense 3 .2 Short — 1 7,500 — 4
large Laser Laser 8 .8 Mediumn — 5 100,000 — 76
eaium Laser Laser 3 .5 Short — 1 40,000 — 31
5-all Laser Point Defense 1 .3 Short — 1 1 1 ,250 — 6
PPC 10 1 Mediumi — 7 200,000 — 110
ulse Laser Pulse Laser 10 .9 Mediumi — 7 175,000 — 79
J
ulse Laser Pulse Laser 4 .6 Short — 2 60,000 — 82
D
ulse Laser Point Defense 2 .3 Short — 1 16,000 — 8
Missile Point Defense 1 .3 12 1 100,000 2,000 40
Autocannon 1 .2 Long 45 6 75,000 1,000 24
Autocannon 1 .5 Mediumi 20 8 125,000 4,500 61
3 Autocannon 3 1 Medium1 10 12 200,000 6,000 94
O Autocannon 7 2 Short 5 14 300,000 10,000 123
ss Rifle Autocannon 1 1.5 Long 8 15 300,000 20,000 226
0-X AC LBXAC 2 .6 Mediumi 10 11 400,000 16,000 128
nine Gun Point Defense O .2 Short 200 1.5 5,000 1,000 2
AC5 Autocannon 2 .7 Long 20 9 200,000 9,000 144
5 LRM 2 .3 Long 24 2 30,000 30,000 29
10 LRM 4 .6 Long 12 5 100,000 30,000 58
15 LRM 5 .9 Long 8 7 175,000 30,000 87
.120 LRM 6 1.2 Long 6 10 250,000 30,000 117
',] 5 + Artemis LRM 2 .4 Long 24 2 130,000 60,000 89
'.1 10 + Artemis LRM 4 .8 Long 12 5 200,000 60,000 118
'.1 15 + Artemis LRM 5 1.2 Long 8 7 275,000 60,000 147
'.' 20 + Artemis LRM 6 1.6 Long 6 10 350,000 60,000 177
O Short 6 3 100,000 6,000 60
-12 SRM 2 .2 Short 50 1 10,000 27,000 17
: - .1 4 SRM 3 .6 Short 25 2 60,000 27,000 34
: - .1 6 SRM 4 .8 Short 15 3 80,000 27,000 51
i-"/l 2 +Artemis SRM 2 .4 Short 50 1 110,000 54,000 77
Wl 4 + Artemis SRM 3 .6 Short 25 2 160,000 54,000 94
l 6 + Artemis SRM 4 1 Short 15 3 180,000 54,000 111
Streak 2 SRM 2 .4 Short 50 2 15,000 54,000 25
JKVlCAOOfC
COMSrJfUCTfOJSf RULES
C/ans
Note: Multiply the cost by 5 if purchased on the black märket.
70 ItULMBOOK
COMSTRUCTfOM RULES
t AR10 system can fire any of the three capital missile types as long as appropriate ammunition is available.
•i^H^i^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
BATTLfSfACf
71 MULEBOOK
COMSTftUCTfOM RULES
— 72
COlNTSTRUCrfOISf RULES
al Fuel Efficiency
Dugh the size of the ship's engine determines the craft's
verability, the size of the ship itself determines the amount STRUGTURE
l required to maneuver. Ratherthan list the fractional amounts The ship structure determines how much armor the ship can
required to generate 5 meters per second per second carry and how much damage it can withstand. The structure also
eration (1 Thrust Point/0.5 Gs), the Fuel Consumption Table determines how efficiently the ship can use its weapons, depend-
the number of Thrust Points per ton of fuel required to ing on the number of heat sinks the ship carries.
sr. This value is important for players using the advanced
es (see Fuel (Optional Rule), p. 52 in Campaign Opera- Structural Mäss
A ship's framework and bulkheads take up a large proportion
of the craffs mäss. The player assigns a numeric value to the ship's
jic Fuel Efficiency structure, representing the strength of the Structural framework
Vhen using the engine ät a constant råte for long periods, and its ability to withstand G force and other stresses. This numeric
ST ät a low level to maintain station ät a jump point or to travel value is the ship's Structural integrity (SI). The SI has a minimum
i a system, a ship can use its more efficient heat-expansion value equal to the Maximum Thrust Value of a craft, but most
[system, drastically reducing fuel consumption. The exact designers provide a higher Structural integrity than required (up to
nption (given in tons of fuel per day per G of acceleration) thirty times the Maximum Thrust on WarShips) to allow the ship to
ds on the size of the ship. This value appears in the Heat- compensate for those G forces resulting from an external source
sion Fuel Table.
BÄ mmmt»A cm 73
COMSrftUCTfOfM RULES
Armor
Manufacturers provide all JumpShips with some armor pro-
tection. The amount of protection each ton of armor provides varies
depending on the size of the craft and its technology (Inner Sphere
or Clan). On JumpShips, players may add a maximum of 1 ton of
armor for every 12 tons of mäss dedicated to structure. WarShips
can carry 1 ton of armor for each 50 tons of structure. Use the
following table to determine the number of Armor Points (AP)
provided per ton of armor for JumpShips and WarShips.
74 RULEBOOK
COMSTRUCTfOM RULES
Standard Bays
MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS II Particle Projection Cannons (in-
jnent Mäss (in tons) cluding ER versions)
jong Hardpoint (JumpShip collar) 1,000 Autocannons (including Ultra
fDeck (less than 100 meters in diameter) 50 versions and Gauss rifles)
Long Range Missiles (including
F Deck (100-250 meters in diameter) 100
Artemis versions)
n-Fusion Battery 1 % of ship's mäss (maximum 1 per ship) Short Range Missiles (includ-
ing Artemis and Streak
ii Use any tonnage remaining after installing weapons for cargo. versions)
Laser Weapons (including ER
versions)
[Components LBX Autocannons
i the above table or the Miscellaneous Structural Com- Capital Ship Bays Pulse Lasers
s Table l, p. 67, to add the remaining necessary structural Nåväl Lasers Point Defense Weapons
nts to the JumpShip or WarShip. Nåväl PPCs
/requirementsforJumpShipsandWarShipsdifferslightly Nåväl Autocannons
se of DropShips. JumpShips and WarShips usually re- Nåväl Gauss
^crew of two or three pilots, two to six engineers, and one or Nåväl Missiles
ndary engineers per engineer. Each weapons bay re- 3) Some side firing arcs must contain identical weapons to
> engineers or an engineer and a secondary engineer. A maintain the ship's balance. These are the fore-left and fore-right
top also assigns ät least four engineers or secondary arcs, aft-left and aft-right arcs, and the right and left broadsides
srs to the K-F drive and two engineers or secondary (WarShips only).
ars to the fusion plant and station-keeping drive. WarShips To determine the Fire Factor of each weapons bay, add
iten engineers or secondary engineers to their transit drive. togetherthe Fire Factors of all the weapons in a bay, and round the
total to the nearest whole number. If a weapon fires fewer than 10
shots per round, add only 75 percent of its Fire Factor to this total.
Bill devotes 633 tons of his JumpShip to the craffs Record the bay Fire Factor for each range and the total heat
cture, adding an additional 237.5 tons for the bridge. generated by the weapons of each bay on the appropriate record
ship's drive comes with 93 heat sinks. Rather than sheet.
ting more heat sinks, which would occupy mäss, Bill
vetts the "free" heat sinks to double heat sinks (effec-
My 186 heat sinks). Bill next adds armor to the ship, a
ssive 40 tons (40 Armor Points) out of a possible 53 tons,
ding it among the facings as follows: före 10, aft 10, each Bill adds the following weapons to the JumpShip:
10. The low Structural Integrity of .1 fails to provide
iitional Armor Points. The JumpShip then takes on the Weapon Total Mäss (in tons) Location
ving miscellaneous equipment. - 1 Large Pulse Laser 6 Nose
Docking coliar 1,000 tons J1 SRM-4 Streak 2 Nose
Crew cabins (2 pilots/8 engineers) 70 tons rAmmo (SRM Streak) 25 1
Passenger quarters (10) 70 tons S'1 Anti-Missile System 1
4 Lifeboats 28 tons Ammo (Anti-Missile) 72 3
2 Large Pulse Lasers 12 Fore-Left
2 Large Pulse Lasers 12 Fore-Right
»OSE WEAPONS 2 SRM-4 Streak 4 Aft-Left
s final stage in JumpShip/WarShip design is to add weapons. Ammo (SRM Streak) 50 2
any weapons from the appropriate section of the Master 2 SRM-4 Streak 4 Aft-Right
; Table on pp. 69-71. Ammo (SRM Streak) 50 2
i player must observe three restrictions when choosing weap- Total 49 tons
:
s from the consideration of available tonnage. The remaining 1031.5 tons are reserved for cargo. Bill's
i Each ballistic weapon must be allocated ät least one ton of eompleted JumpShip belongs to the Hunter class (see full
jn. statistics and description in the Large Craft section p. 43in the
| Assign the weapons to bays in each firing are of the craft. Each BattleSpace Sourcebook)
l mount any number of standard weapons, but capital ship bays
l imit of 70 capital ship Fire Factors per capital ship bay. Bay
; consist of the following:
75 RULEBOOK
COIMSTRUCriOM RULES
SPACE STATIONS
76 • UIBBOOMT
COMSrftUCTfOM RULES
BÄ TTLMSPA CM JtWlCBOOJC
11
COMSrftUCTfOM RULES
A mmspA cm
78
COIMSTRUCTIOM RULES
AAISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS
ARMOR CONVERSION TABLE Record other important statistics for the craft, such as cargo
AeroTech Location BattleSpace Armor Value capacity, heat sinks, K-F drive integrity, sail integrity, and the
number of crew. These numbers do not change from AeroTech to
- ghters/Small Craft BattleSpace.
5 ngle Armor Value Total Annor Value/4 (does not
include 10 free points for FIGHTER UNITS
cockpit) To convert AeroTech fighters to BattleSpace statistics, use
the following special rules.
I-opShips The Armor Value of the unit is the total of all the fighters' Armor
Före armor + 25% of structure Values.
~ des Wing or side armor + 25% of The weapons values used for each fighter equal the average
structure values of all the fighters; in other words, total the Fire Factors of
Aft armor + 25% of structure each are ät each range, then divide the result by the number of
fighters, rounding to the nearest whole number.
JumpShips/WarShips Use the lowest Safe Thrust, Maximum Thrust, and thrust
Nose Före + 33% of side + SI values of all fighters in the unit, rather than the average.
Före Side Före (Side) + 33% of total (both) Determine the total number of heat sinks in the unit and divide
sides + SI by the number of fighters to find the average number of heat sinks
Att Side Aft (Side) + 33% of total (both) per fighter.
sides + SI Inner Sphere squadrons usually contain 6 fighters. Glan
Aft Aft + 33% of side + SI AeroStars usually field 10 fighters each, but are bound by the Glan
rules of engagement (see Playing the Game, p. 9). ComStar
usually organizes its fighters in units of 6.
79
See Expanded Combat Rules, below, to determine
effects of weapons fire on these armor locations.
JVIODIFYING BATTLESPACE
COJVIBAT RULES
Modify the basic BattleSpace rules according to the rules AeroBattle uses the same basic combat rules as BattleSpa
below in order to play out space or atmospheric dogf ights and other but the modified armor and weapons adds more complexity
f ighter combat in BattleSpace. These rules begin by adjusting the attacks and damage.
armor and weapons statistics to provide greater detail in small- When firing weapons in combat, roll separately for each att.
scale fighter engagements. These rules also assume that a Mech- with each weapon mount, rather than for each are. Use the sai
Warrior, Second Edition character is available for each pilot. ranges and to-hit modifiers as for BattleSpace (see Combat,
14), but also modify those numbers based on the pilofs Gunrn
Skill Level. For every point that the pilofs Gunnery Skill Leve
Players can add detail to a small-scale fighter versus fighter higher than 4, the base to-hit number increases by 1. For ew
scenario by dividing the craft's armor between several locations, point that the Pilofs Gunnery Skill Level is less than 4, the base
rather thanusing a single armor statistic. The total number of Armor hit number decreases by 1. The lowerthe Gunnery Skill Level,
Points on the craft is equal to the craft's Armor Point Value (APV) lower the base to-hit number, and the easier it is to hit the tarj
multiplied by 40. For example, a fighter with a BattleSpace APV of Unlike weapons fire directed against a DropShip, atta<
3 would have a total of 120 Armor Points. against a fighter usually hit in several locations. Determine
Divide these Armor Points among the 4 armor locations using exact location in which attacks strike their target by rolling 1D6 i
the percentages indicated below. consulting the Random Hit Location Table below. Cross-referei
Nose 20% the result of the dice roll with the angle of attack to determine
R/L Wings 30% (15% each) location hit. Determine the angle of attack as if the fighter craft
Aft 20% a DropShip (see Weapons Fire/Firing Åres, p. 14 in Combat]
Fuselage 30% the indicated location has already been destroyed, transfer
In the above example, the fighter with the APV of 3 mounts a damage to the fuselage.
total of 120 Armor Points, divided as follows: Nose 24; wings 18
each; aft 24; fuselage 36.
nATTt.mmfak.cm •UUBOOJC
81 MW&CBOOK
RANDOM HIT LOCATION TABLE
Die Roll Angle of Attack
Result Före Att LSide RSide Above/Below
1 Nose Aft Nose Nose Nose
2 Nose Aft LWing RWing LWing
3 Nose Aft Fuselage Fuselage Fuselage
4 LWing LWing Fuselage Fuselage Fuselage
5 RWing RWing LWing RWing RWing
6 Fuselage Fuselage Aft Aft Aft
Roll 1D6 for each weapon that strikes a fighter. On a result of Engine: Every successful hit to the engine causes the en
6, the fighter sustains critical damage. Roll a second 1D6 and lose 1 Thrust Point until the craft is repaired. If the numt
cross-reference the result with the appropriate column in the available Thrust Points reaches O, the craft will continue on i
Critical Damage Table below. straight line ät its current velocity (or ät a Velocity of 1 if in |
atmosphere). A craft in atmosphere with a critically dama<|
engine löses 1 altitude level per turn.
CRITICAL DAMAGE TABLE Landing Gear: Landing becomes difficult. Add +5 to the tatj
Dice Roll number for all skill rolls made to land.
Result Nose Wing Aft Fuselage Fuel Tank: Each hit to this location drains the craft o f :
1 Weapon Weapon Weapon Pilot points of fuel. Every time the craft löses fuel, roll 2D6. On a re
2 Weapon Weapon Weapon Landing of 10 or more, the fuel tank explodes, destroying the craft.
Gear Life Support: The life-support system fails and the pilot t
3 Weapon Weapon Control Fuel Tank use the craft's flight suit reserves, which provide 30 minutes of \
4 FCS Radar Control Engine Life Support support. Any unsuited passengers will fall unconscious and (
5 No Crit No Crit Engine Avionics within five minutes unless the craft is ät high altitude or lower. j
6 No Crit No Crit No Crit No Crit Avionics: A critical hit to this location indicatesdamagetol
flight computer. The avionics system can take up to 3 critical l
before being destroyed, but for each hit, add+1 to all Control Ro
When all three damage boxes have been crossed out, add +51
Critical Damage Table Key Control Rolls. A fighter with a damaged avionics system may J
A hit that does critical damage to a fighter has the following fly ät Nape of the Earth (NOE) level.
effects. No Crit: The shot penetrates the armor in that location, j
Weapon: One weapon mounted in that location suffers major does not damage any critical systems. Lucky!
damage and no longer works. The controlling player may choose
which weapon in the are stops functioning. If there are no weapons
in the location suffering a critical hit, treat the result as No Crit (see Miscellaneous Critical Damage
below). In space, a fuel tank explosion (all the armor boxes of l
Pilot: The pilot takes damage. Cross out 1 row of points fuselage are crossed out) destroys the fighter. If all damage bo)i
(MechWarrior, Second Edition) and make the appropriate Con- on the wing and nose are crossed out, the weapons in tho
sciousness Rolls. locations are destroyed. A critical hit that destroys the craft's i
FCS Radar: The radar system linked to the fire control system armor prevents the craft from expending thrust.
suffers damage. Modify all to-hit rolls by +2 per damage box When operating in atmosphere, a craft will fall Out-of-Cont
crossed out. The FCS can take 3 critical hits before being de- if all the armor boxes in any one location are crossed out. For i
stroyed. location destroyed this way otherthan the fuselage, the pilot t
Control: The pilot must make a Piloting Skill Roll. If he fails this attempt to eject from the craft. The player rolls 2D6. On a resultj
roll, the craft goes out of control. If the craft is ät low altitude (or 8 or more, the pilot ejects safely. If the result is 7 or less, the |
lower), a failed skill roll means that the aircraft crashes (see Low ejects but takes damage. For every point by which the roll fails |
Atmosphere Rules, p.82).lnanyothercircumstances,afailedroll less than 8) the pilot must cross out one damage box (or 1
forces the craft to continue in a straight line, losing 2 altitude levels points), and must make a Consciousness Roll. A pilot may ,
if in atmosphere. The pilot may attempt to eject by rolling 2D6 (see eject from his craft in space, but must be rescued within 30 minu
below for more details). (the duration of the flight suifs power and oxygen).
82 JtVLCBOOfC
>W ATfVtOSPHERE RULES turn. Each BattleSpace hex represents 500 meters, approxi-
mately 1 BattleTech mapboard. The maximum velocity of craft
' BattleSpace, as the name suggests, deals with space en- becomes 12 hexes per 10-second turn (equal to 36 kilometers per
ements. The BattleSpace rulesforatmosphericengagements minute, the same maximum speed as in BattleSpace). Six
ain abstract; atmosphere is considered as a vertical slice of the AeroBattle tums occurduringeach BattleSpace turn. BattleSpace
ijround, and air-to-ground combat is drastically simplified. Movement and Combat Phases occur every six AeroBattle turns.
:tion provides rules for those players who want to view the
sphere in three dimensions, as a series of horizontal layers. JVIOVEJVIENT
Unlike in the standard BattleSpace rules, fighters using the
LTITUDE LEVELS low atmosphere rules do not maintain a record of their velocity.
These rules only apply to the low atmosphere, that area ät an Instead, they must expend Thrust Points to maintain their speed.
j of 18 kilometers or less which comprises the Ground hexes Each fighter must spend 1 Thrust Point for each hex it wishes to
tleSpace. The following table provides the parameters of move, and must move ät least 1 hex per turn. If the craft does not
altitude level. The Altitude Level (similar to an Elevation move forward 1 hex, it has stalled and will fall one altitude level.
column also provides a general description of the level. VTOL craft need not move, but must expend a Thrust Point to
»rs fighting in the medium to very high regions of the atmo- hover. Ät the end of every turn, reduce the velocity of each craft to
te should use the standard BattleSpace rules. 0.
For low altitude maneuvers, fighters need not expend Thrust
Points to turn (change facing). Fighters use control surfaces built
into their wings to facilitate turning, diving, and climbing. These
ALTITUDE LEVEL TABLE
control surfaces allow the craft to make a number of "free" turns,
Lrtitude Minimum Maximum
that is, turning maneuvers that do not require thrust; but the faster
£vel (in meters) (in meters)
the craft moves, the fewer free turns it receives. Each craft must
»Very High 5,001 18,000
travel in a straight line for a number of hexes before it may make
/High 1,001 5,000
a free turn. The Straight Movement Table below provides the
/Medium 501 1,000
number of hexes a fighter must move before turning.
/Low 101 500
Very Low 26 100
/NOE 0 25
STRAIGHT MOVEMENT TABLE
Fighter Type
Velocity Aerospace Conventional
i Most craft will fly no lower than low altitude. Only fighters on 1 1
1-3
d-attack missions or those attempting to land fly ät very low 1
4-6 2
| NOE altitudes. Fighters flying ät altitudes below 100 meters 7-9 3 2
ally increase their risk of hitting a structure on the ground.
10-12 4 3
[ When flying ät NOE (Nape of the Earth), the aircraft skims the
often flying as low as 10 meters above the surface
ation Level 2 in BattleTech). This tactic allows the aircraft to
te terrain to mask itself from return fire (see Return Fire, For example, an aerospace fighter traveling ät a Velocity of 5
»). However, many BattleTech mapboards have terrain of must move 2 hexes forward before making a turn, but that turn
snt elevation to interfere with such a flight path. For a fighter costs no Thrust Points. A conventional fighter traveling ät the same
l ät NOE altitude, treat the fighter as being 2 elevation levels velocity need move only 1 hex forward before turning.
the actual elevation of the underlying terrain (or 1 level
j a wooded hex). For example, treat a fighter crossing a Level
i as if it were ät Elevation Level 2. Treat a fighter crossing a
LOW ALTITUDE TURNS
12 hill as if it were flying ät Elevation Level 4. A fighter crossing Velocity Minimum Number of Hexes
l hex on Level O terrain is ät Level 3, one level above the of Straight Movement
s, not ät level 4 (2 levels above the trees). A fighter whose (Aero Fighter) (Conv. Fighter)
; system is damaged may not fly ät NOE. 1-3 1 1
4-6 2 1
SCALE 7-10 3 2
' Modify the time and distance scale of BattleSpace engage- 11-15 4 3
conducted in the lower atmosphere to better fit with the 16+ 5 4
eTech mapboard and turn. Game Turns played out in low
Dhere become 10 seconds long, one-sixth of a BattleSpace
•A TTLMSfA fM
83
Aerospace fighters may use thrust to gain additional turns When a fighter ends its movement in a low-altitude
(facingchanges), making upfortheirrelatively poormaneuverabil- containing a BattleTech mapboard, it may attack targets on •
ity in atmosphere. Aerospace fighters may expend 2 Thrust Points map. Regardless of the type of attack the fighter decides to ma
in order to make an additional turn of one hex-side. The pilot can (and even if the fighter decides not to attack), the fighter mi
apply this thrust ät any point during the Movement Phase, and may nominate a line of hexes över which it will pass, called the "åtta
do so multiple times, so long as the craft has sufficient Thrust line." This row must form a straight line, and must lie directly åla
Points. However, a fighter may only make one turn, free or the craft's direction of travel.
otherwise, in each hex. The attack line determines which hexes the fighter may åtta»
A fighter may also expend Thrust Points to change its altitude and which ground vehicles may fire back (see Return Fire, p. 8
level. A craft must spend 2 Thrust Points for each altitude level
climbed, and can climb as many levels as it has available Thrust
Points in one turn. The craft may also descend altitude levels,
which costs no Thrust Points. If the fighter löses more than one
altitude level in a turn, it gains an additional, free Thrust Point for
that turn only. However, a fighter that gains a point of velocity this
way still may not exceed a velocity of 12 hexes per turn.
Using thrust uses Fuel Points ät the råte of 1 Fuel Point per 5
Thrust Points. When a fighter's Fuel Points reach O, the fighter may
no longer expend thrust.
AIR-TO-AIR COMIBAT
Fighters ät the same altitude level may fire ät each other per LEGAL ILLEGAL
the Expanded Combat rules above. Fighters ät different altitude
levels may fire ät each other, but may not aim into the area directly
above and below their hex. If the attacker and target are one Strafing
altitude level apart, the f i rer may only engage targets more than one Craft flying ät low, very low, or NOE altitude levels may i
hex away. If two altitude levels separate the fighters, the target a strafing attack. A fighter making this type of attack should chc
must be more than 2 hexes away from the attacker, and so on. 5 of the hexes along the attack row as the target hexes. Thes
The Random Hit Location Table, p. 81, provides a column of hexes must form a cohesive block, and may not be separate
information for attacks from above and below, to be used when the other hexes.
attacker and target are ät different altitude levels.
When flying ät NOE, the terrain-following radar of fighter craft
constantly "jinks" under computer control to make the most of
ground cover. This movement adds +2 to all to-hit rolls. The more
sophisticated radar and flight computers of Glan OmniFighters tie
directly into the fire control computers, and so these craft only add
+1 to the to-hit number when operating ät NOE.
If a fighter engages a second fighter that is attacking a ground
target, reduce the to-hit number of the first fighter by -3, to reflect
the advantage of attacking an engaged opponent.
AIR-TO-GROUND FIRE
The BattleMech may be the king of the battlefield, but even that LEGAL ILLEGAL
powerful machine mustfear the firepower of fighters. Though more
fragile than their ground-based opponents, most fighters carry
sufficient weaponry to cripple or destroy a ground vehicle or 'Mech, The pilot may choose to fire one, some, or all of its ene
and an intelligently used fighter unit can destroy a much larger weapons during a strafing run (lasers, pulse lasers, or PPCs), j
ground force. the weapons may strike any ground units (hostile or friendli
Fighters can attack ground targets three ways. The most these 5 hexes. The Base To-Hit Number for such attacks is
common form of attack is the strafing run, in which the craft uses modified by the Gunnery Skill of the pilot, the targefs BattleTe
its energy weapons to attack a "line" of ground hexes. The next modifiers (see p. 25, BattleTech Compendium) for mover
most common is the strike, in which a craft targets all its weapons and terrain (except partial cover, see below), and any modifier
on a single vehicle or building. The least common form of attack, damage to the strafing craft. A fighter flying ät NOE also suffersj
bombing, is also the most deadly. A good pilot can skillfully deliver movement penalties outlined above. Make separate to-hit rolls
several tons of ordnance into a relatively small area, causing each target. Divide the damage from any weapons hitting the ta
extreme damage.
RWlVBOOfC
5-point groups, and apply the damage to the target using the Bombing
-opriate column of the standard BattleTech Hit Locations Most fighters are equipped to carry a number of bombs,
e p. 27 of the BattleTech Compendium. though the capacity varies depending on the size of the fighter.
"der normal circumstances, a ground vehicle is only pro- Each fighter can carry one unit of bombs for each 5 tons of the
oy the terrain of the hex it occupies. However, fighters flying fighter's mäss. For example, a 20-ton fighter could carry 4 units of
I generally find it harder to establish a clear LOS, and so bombs; a 100-ton fighter could carry a maximum of 20 units of
;ke into account Kie terrain in the targefs hex and the terrain bombs. However, every 5 units (or part thereof) of bombs carried
_.., in front of the targéfs~hex,along the attacker's LOS. If the reducesthefighter'sthrustby 1 point, andaddsa+1 penaltytoany
directly in front of the target fé^uhill two or more elevation Control or Landing Rolls. These penalties decrease as the craff s
higher than the targefs hex, the target is in the "dead zone" payload lightens.
hill, and may not be attacked. A hill ttiree levels higher than BattleSpace makes the following types of bomb available. A
lin in the targefs hex and up to 2 hexes away protects the fighter can carry several types ät once.
A hill four elevation levels higher provides iShelter for a target High Explosive (HE): Each unit of HE bombs inflicts 10 points
hexes away, and so on. l of damage to any units in the hex of impact.
Cluster: Each unit of duster bombs inflicts 5 points of damage
to each unit in the hex of impact, and in each of the surrounding 6
hexes.
v
f Inferno: One inferno bomb creates a fire in the hex of impact
\ (even in Open or Water hexes) which will burn for 30 turns. Use the
fire rules on p. 53, BattleTech Compendium, to determine the
effects of the fire.
Mines: Similar to FASCAM submunitions, a mine-type bomb
lays a 20-point minefield in the hex of impact and in each of the
surrounding 6 hexes.
Arrow IV: Fighters may carry either version of the Arrow IV
missile system. This system can attack any unit on the target map,
and may fire ät a target on a nearby mapboard (up to the Arrow IVs
range). Use the standard Arrow IV rules on p. 117, BattleTech
Compendium. A fighter ät NOE or very low altitude may not launch
an Arrow IV missile. An Arrow IV missile occupies 5 bomb units.
TAG: Though not a weapon in its own right, some fighters
carry the TAG system in an external pod or have it built into the
fuselage. This allows them to designate, or paint, targets for
artillery fire and for bombing. The pilot must make a to-hit roll
against a Target Number of 6 to align the TAG system with the
s attacker must be flying ät low, very low, or NOE to make target. The pilot may not make any other attacks while attempting
s attack. Rather than strafing a row of hexes, a fighter may to align the TAG system. The fighter must be ät medium altitude (or
3, some, or all of its weapons, energy and ballistic, ät a single higher) to paint a target, and the target must be on the BattleTech
unit (or building). The pilot should designate one unit or mapboard corresponding to the low-altitude hex the fighter occu-
3, located on the attack line, as the target of the strike. The pies. Homing Arrow-IV missiles may attack a designated target
ay fire all the weapons it carries ät the target, making a using the rules on p. 117, BattleTech Compendium, and will use
ite to-hit roll for each weapon. The Base To-Hit Number for the BattleMech Punch Locations table, p. 31 in the Compendium,
^attacks is 8, modified by the Gunnery Skill of the pilot, the to determine the damage inflicted by a successful hit. Fighters
t~s BattleTech modifiers for movement and terrain, and any making bombing and artillery attacks against designated targets
ers for damage to the attacking craft. Hill terrain may provide reduce their to-hit number by 2. An external TAG system occupies
st with protection from a strike attack (see Strafing). A 1 bomb unit.
• attacking ät NOE will suffer the penalties indicated above. Fighters can deliver bombs one of two ways. Dive-bombing
»target of the attack is a building or other immobile structure, allows the fighter to precisely target a small area, but exposes the
s the Base To-Hit Number to 4. fighter to excessive amounts of return fire. Ripple bombing makes
vide the damage from strike attacks into 5-point groups, and for less precise targeting, but allows attacks against a strip of
l it to the target using the appropriate column of the Battle- ground, much like a strafing run.
i Hit Location Table, p. 27 of the BattleTech Compendium.
85 BULMBOOK
dröp a minimum of one unit of bombs anda maximum of two in ea
DIVE BOMBING hex. All targeted hexes must be adjacent. If the craft carries seven
SCATTER DIAGRAM types of bomb, the pilot chooses which bombs are aimed ät whic
hexes.
t For example, if a fighter dröps only two units of bombs,
craft can only attack one hex or two adjacent hexes. A fighö
dropping 10 units of bombs can target between 5 and 10 adjac
hexes.
o The Base To-Hit Number for ripple bombing is 8, modified l
the Gunnery Skill of the pilot and any damage to the attacking er
E
s5 Also modify the target number by +1 for each altitude level abc
very low ät which the attacker is flying. Do not apply modifiers fd
the movement of the target or for the terrain, but apply the standa
penalties for fighters flying ät NOE. Make a to-hit roll for each ha
targeted.
Dive Bombing If a to-hit roll succeeds, the bombs targeted on that hex '
A fighter ät low or medium altitude may make a dive-bombing explode in the designated area. If the die roll result means
attack against a single hex (on the attack line) on the target attack failed, the bombs in the relevant target hex will scatter befor
mapboard. The fighter may dröp one, some, or all of its bombs in exploding. On a failed ripple-bombing roll, roll 1D6 and consult th
the attack. Make a single to-hit roll, with a Base To-Hit Number of Ripple Bombing Scatter Diagram below to determine the directic
6. Modify the target number for the Gunnery Skill of the pilot and of scatter. Roll 1D6 again to determine the distance in hexes tfn
damage to the attacking craft. Modifiers for the movement of the bomb rolled from the target hex. The resulting hex becomes tt*
target or the terrain do not apply. impact hex, and the bombs "attack" any units in that hex.
If the result is successful, all bombs will explode in the
designated target hex. If the roll fails, the bombs scatter before
exploding. On a failed dive-bombing roll, roll 1D6 and consult the
Dive-bombing Scatter Diagram below to determine the direction of RIPPLE BOMBING
scatter. Roll a second 1D6 to determine the distance in hexes the
bomb rolled from the target hex. The resulting hex becomes the
SCATTER DIAGRAM
impact hex, and the bombs will "attack" any units in that hex.
JVULCBOOK
i
modified by the firer's Gunnery Skill and the targefs move- of sight for 10 hexes along that line, it cannot attack the fighter. If
A vehicle or BattleMech lying along the fighter's attack line a ground unit lying along the attack line cannot trace line of sight for
. a Base To-Hit Number of 8. 10 hexes of the attack line, it may still fire, but must add +2 to the
A unit that fires ät an airborne target may not fire ät any other to-hit number.
t nät turn. The weapons fired must have sufficient range to
- a hex on the f ighter's attack line (even if it did not attack), plus
-exes per the targefs altitude level (+2 to attack a target ät SPECIAL MANEUVERS
f4 for a fighter ät very low, +6 for low, and +8 for medium),
nd units engaging targets ät NOE must deal with additional
AT LOW ALTITUDES
dications (see below).
the standard BattleTech rules to apply damage to the
from return fire, using the Above/Below column of the
Hit Location Table, p. 81.
Rghters flying ät NOE level are much harder for ground units
et (which is why good pilots fly so low), and ground units must
j fighters moving through a certain number of hexes ät NOE
; firing. Ground units must have line-of-sight to the fighter for
exes along the fighter's attack line. Treat the fighter as being
ation levels above the ground (or 1 level above woods) in the
> of the attack line. Any terrain (including woods) of Elevation
t 2 or greater will obstruct line of sight. If the ground-based
ker does not lie on the f ighter's attack line and cannot trace line
87 JIUlffBOOK
™
FRSR
•v..
O O K
iTICJINI
HISTORY OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
Current Events
War on the Seas
From Sea to Space
A New World Order
Settling the Stars
Interstellar Nations
Age of War
Blrth of the Står League
End of an Age
Exodus
Foundlng of the Clans
Succession Wars
Explorer Corps
War Renewed
Clan Invasion
Radstadt
Tukayyid
NÅVÄL TECHNOLOGY
DropShips
DropShip Systems
JumpShips
JumpShip Systems
WarShips
Fighters
Weapon Systems
Ballistic Weapons
Energy Weapons
Ship Construction
Fighters
DropShips
JumpShips and WarShips
Space Stations
Clan Navies
BATTLESPACE SCENARIOS
mA TT LM si*A cm
l SOUJCCVBOOfC
IMTROOUCriOISf
INTRODUCTION
:OIVISTAR CLASSIFIED enthusiasm or troops for such exploration from his fellow Succes-
tEPORTSANCTUJVl sor Lords, the Coordinator wisely turned to ComStar and found a
willing ally. Because certain highly placed individuals in the DCMS
(ETA LEVEL CLEARANCE believe that that House's strength lies in defense rather than
XHD offense, the Coordinator is building his strike force with mercenary
units, keeping the ComStar/Combine joint military venture secret
ROM: Nicholas Hallam-Coyne, Precentor V-Eta from all but a few of his most trusted commanders. l need hardly
): Cadets of the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy remind cadets that this venture must remain secret if we are to have
^ATE: 23 September 3056 any hope of success.
Whether or not the Explorer Corps succeeds in its mission, the
Greetings to the warriors of Blake's true vision. This classified Gom Guard's space-combat forces must swing the balance of any
port provides an understanding of nåväl combat vital to the battle in our favör, using the unique capabilities of nåväl warfare to
ptimum efficiency of the Gom Guard, the Inner Sphere's best eliminate the enemy's current advantages of size, speed, and
ope of resistance to the depredations of the invading Glans. All technology. We must strike ät the Glans' weak points, especially
om Guard cadets are required to read this report. Though many their supply routes and command centers. Using our WarShips,
i may go on to serve with the infantry, armor, or BattleMech JumpShips, DropShips, and fighters to their fullest capabilities, the
anches of the Gom Guard, an understanding of the pivotal role Gom Guard must destroy the Glans' ability to fight before they can
ayed by the pilots and crewsofJumpShips, DropShips.WarShips, take advantage of the technological gap that still exists between
nd aerospace fighters confers an Glan and Inner Sphere forces. By
dvantage on members of other completely integrating all arms of
anches of military service. Never the Gom Guards, from WarShip to
jirget that the pilots' struggles BattleMech, ComStar can defend
gainst the enemy in the void of the Inner Sphere with a unified force
ace can open or close the way for capable of meeting any threat on the
aund forces to reach the surface ground, in atmosphere, or in space.
i planet. Space combat plays a vital role in
In the wake of the battle of such a force, and all Com Guard
ukayyid in 3052, where so many soldiers must possess a thorough
ave Gom Guard warriors sacri- understanding of the principles of
ed their lives to stop the invading nåväl warfare.
ans in their bloody advance to- This report includes an ex-
I Terra, the aerospace service amination of the history of nåväl war-
is stepped forward to assume a fare from ancient times to the present
eater share of ComStar's military crisis. That section opens with an
irden.Asourgroundforcesslowly analysis of the present situation in
cover from the mauling they received on Tukayyid, the once- the Inner Sphere, providing a f rame of reference for past events. It
sregarded aerospace branch continues to provide increasing also contains complete descriptions of current technologies for
vels of support to the remaining ground divisions, whenever every class of ship, from propulsion techniques to the latest
»ssible intercepting and dealing with enemy forces before they weapons. Each section of this report includes up-to-date informa-
»se a threat to ground troops. Despite the victory on Tukayyid, tion on the Glans, received through those agents still in place and
»wever, the Gom Guard cannot afford to relax. Tukayyid halted capable of completing their missions, even in our present state of
e Glan invasion for f ifteen years of truce, of which f ive years have disarray. This report also provides scenarios, based on historic
•eady elapsed. Before the truce ends and the Glans resumé their engagements, that will allow cadets to explore the uses of space-
ive toward Terra in what they call the Stacalkas-Nomen, the year faring vessels in military actions.The final sections of this report
judgment, the Gom Guard must accomplish two vital tasks. We provide specs for all space-faring and airborne units currently in
ust rebuild our strength, forging all branches of the Gom Guard use in the Inner Sphere, including Glan units.
> a weapon the Glans cannot overcome, and we must use the Read all sections of this report carefully. Only by using al
i ät our disposal to carry the fight to the Glan invaders. available resources to the best of our ability does the Com Guart
To that end, ComStar's Explorer Corps has recently begun a have a chance of standing against a renewed Glan onslaught—c
nt venture with Coordinator Theodore Kurita of the Draconis forestalling it with an Inner Sphere blitzkrieg. On ComStar and it
nbine, to seek out and destroy the capability of those left behind noble warriors depends the survival of the Inner Sphere.
k the Glan homeworlds to enter the fray. Unable to muster either
IMTROOUCTIOM
fffSrORlT OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
Hl STORY OF NÅVÄL
WARFARE
This section provides a brief history of nåväl warfare from the explosion when power levels reached 95 percent. Had the final
initial use of waterborne vessels to wage war, to the current status testing of the storage system gone ahead as planned ät the end
of military conflicts fought in the väst ocean that is space. This of the month, the ensuing explosion might easily have destroyed
section also discusses current events in the Inner Sphere and the the station. The Intelligence Secretariat himself interviewed the
effect those events are having on present-day military structure employee, Timothy Barnes, a native of Syrma, before sentencing
and manufacturing. him to the high security prison on Bonneau. The reason for the
suspected sabotage remains unclear, but given that Barne's
GURRENT EVENTS homeworld is so near to Skye, a political motive seems likely.
In another potentially disruptive development, Captain-Gen-
In the past two years, several disturbing events have given eral Thomas Marik has recently created the Knights of the Inner
new urgency to plans by the Successor States to develop and Sphere, apparently in an attempt to create a class of MechWarriors
produce WarShips. During 3054 and 3055, Glan renegades mas- loyal to him personally instead of to the various principalities of the
querading as a pirate band raided the Federated Commonwealth Free Worlds League. He hopes to circumvent the rulers of each
using two WarShips, a Congress Glass frigate and a Black Lion state in the League by using this force rather than the existing Free
attlecruiser. The so-called Red Corsair and her band of ren- Worlds military, further solidifying his strong grip on the reins of that
gades fought several battles against the Kell Hound mercenaries House. However, he appears to either have deliberately or inad-
and Wolf Glan forces, losing an Overlord DropShip to Kell Hound vertently excluded aerospace pilots and conventional forces from
aerospace attacks in a nåväl engagement ät the world of Zanderij. this organization, and so may meet the same fäte that befell Peter
\fter a resounding defeat on the ground ät Arc-Royal, the ren- Davion when he attempted to strip one military arm of its power ät
egades f led to the planet Elissa in the Glan occupation zone, where the expense of another. We cannot be certain to what extent
he Hounds and the Wolf Glan forces pursued and crushed them. Thomas Marik is being pressured into these changes, particularly
he Red Corsair's activities proved that ät least some in the Glans through the influence of power-hungry Knights of the Inner Sphere
aw no dishonor in using WarShips against the Inner Sphere. such as Paul Masters, who recently maneuvered himself into the
l n May 3055, rumors began to emerge of a nåväl engagement lordship of Gibson. The military situation within the Free Worlds
Dught in the Luzerne system, deep inside the Glan Smoke Jaguar League is a tangled web of uneasily shifting alliances which may
ccupation zone. Though reports conflict, a freelance unit operat- have devastating consequences. In addition, ComStar ROM agents
ng with the tacit approval of the DCMS apparently staged a raid report that forces allied with the Word of Blake used tactical nuclear
[rom a Combine guerrilla stronghold on Wolcott. The reason for the weapons during the battles on Gibson in March of 3055. This grim
aid and subsequent engagement remains unclear, but the DCMS news demonstrates the depths to which elements of the Free
Dnsidered the mission of sufficient priority to commit four DropShips, Worlds League will sink under the malignant influence of the Word
ncluding oneof the AchillesC\ass, to support the raid. The Jaguars of Blake. ComStar can only hope that the Word of Blake will not
also appear to have taken the raid seriously; the commander of the succeed in building or stealing WarShips in the nearfuture.
Fourth Provisional Garrison Cluster stationed on Luzerne re-
quested additional aerospace support from the Schuyler-based WAR ON THE SEAS
äecond Jaguar Guards. If the rumors are true, the Combine may
further ahead on its WarShip development program than The first use of ships in warfare is attributed to Menes the
expected. Currently, the Draconis Kyushu Glass frigate is sched- Fighter, an early Egyptian pharaoh who used papyrus rafts to
uled to begin tests ät the new Dieron shipyards in late 3057, with transport troops during his conquest of Egypt in approximately
i Federated Suns Fox Glass corvette beginning trials ät Galax 3500 B.C. Not until the reign of Pharaoh Ramses III, two thousand
Shipyards in the summer of that year. Unconfirmed reports indicate years låter, were the first custom-built warships launched. For the
hat Rhonda Snord's Irregulars are using the Camelot Command nextthreemillennia.commandersusedwarshipsprimarilyastroop
acility in the Dark Nebula to construct a Black Lion Glass transports, and deck-bound combat between trained warriors of
attlecruiser, but even if the yards survive attacks by the Jade both sides dominated the few large nåväl battles that occurred.
Falcons, it is unlikely that this vessel will launch before 3065. Crude shipboard weapons first appeared in the fifth century B.C.,
In March of this year, Federated Commonwealth intelligence but most battles were still decided by boarding actions until the
Diled a sabotage attempt against the new Boeing WarShip facility Romans developed shipboard weapons sophisticated enough to
Galax. An employee of Woodlake Associates, a contractor defeat the numerically superior fleet of Carthage.
»orking on the yard's solar collection arrays, had tampered with the Låter, militaries discovered that long-range bombardment
nergy storage system, rigging key power cells to cause a massive using iron bars, incendiaries, and powdered quicklime could cripple
5 SOVJCCVBOOfC
H l STORY OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
J
avessel inadvanceof boarding actions, makingthefightingsailor's steady refining of nåväl technology, with nuclear fission react:
job easier. The battle of Sluys, fought on the coast of Flanders in replacing steam, missiles supplanting guns, and the nearly whc r-
A.D. 1340 between English and French forces, provides a classic sale abandonment of armored vessels as the destructive powe :
example of nåväl warfare by bombardment, in which Edward III of weapons increased. By the end of that turbulent century, rr:;
England decimated the French with savage bombardment/board- vessels carried one ortwo aircraft (usually VTOLs). A specific cl?:
ing tactics. The fleets of the world's great powers made a techno- of carrier vessel had also emerged, often carrying more than : ~-
logical leap forward with the advent of shipboard cannon in the late hundred aircraft. Combat ät sea, waged with increasingly sop- ;
f ifteenth century. However, the tactics of earlieragesprevailed until ticated aircraft and missiles, often took place without the oppos .
the English defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 proved the forces coming into visual range. The day of the gun, and even -- -
advantages of smaller, better-balanced guns and more maneuver- warship seemed to be coming to an end.
able craft. The age of sail and cannon prevailed through the first
three decades of the nineteenth century, culminating in the Battle FROM SEA TO SPACE
of Navarino in 1827, in which an Anglo-Russian-French fleet
consisting of some 26 ships defeated the 65-ship Turkish fleet in The race to put a human being into orbit, then to build marr -
southern Greece. stations and land people on the Terran moon and other plar r
The end of the Napoleonic wars ushered in the next major became a prominent battlefield of the first Cold War between - -
nåväl revolution. The addition of a steam engine allowed ships to American and Soviet empires. The end of the first Cold War in -
maneuver even when becalmed, and thus ended the age of the 1980s forced both states to dr&~
great sailing ships. By the latter half of cally cut back space programs, =
the nineteenth century, almost no sail- by 1994 only one major project -
powered vessels were being con- mained under construction and '
structed, and the few still built often had funded: the joint American, Europé;
a steam engine that provided primary and Japanese construction of a h „:
propulsion. In these vessels, sail-power industrial spacefacility called Grip: -
had been relegated to emergency use. Station, due for completion in 2C: -
By the 1850s, most shipyards built The end of the first Cold War i
warships with a layer of metal armor created enormous political char:
över the ship's hull, providing protec- the most notable of which was
tion against enemy fire. By the begin- dissolution of the Warsaw Pact;
ning of the twentieth century, these so- the Soviet Union in the early 199:
called ironclads had given way to ves- l n those f i rst, heady days of f reed:
sels made selely of metal. These ships few foresaw the horrors to co~
also used steam engines, and boasted Throughoutthedecade, political •-
more accurate and maneuverable tur- economic reformers in the for- -
ret-mounted weapons than their pre- R and its Eastern European 5
decessors. This period also saw the ellites fought a constant rear-gu;
first use of nåväl aviation, primarily as action against reactionary, hard-
reconnaissance for the nåväl batteries communist forces. The hard-linf
but also as bombers. Craft such as the aided by economic tu rmoil and wc
Airco D.H.G. and the Sopwith Cuckoo wide recession, ultimately triump^
saw action defending coastal areas when they established the Repi
during the First World War. In the Sec- of Russia. In 1997, the third c
.;t<ond Wortd War twenty years låter, air attemptagainstthe reformistgove
power came into its own, used to both ment in Moscow finally succe>
attack and defend nåväl vessels. The and led to a brief re-emergence of
Battle of Cape Matapan, in which Brit- old-style, communist Soviet Ura
ish battleships using nåväl reconnais- Caught unaware in the midst of di
sance aircraft, bombers, and radar sank mament, the NATO nations could
five battleships of the Italian fleet, rep- little but watch as the Soviets ha
resented the first example of the stun- the withdrawal of Red Army fö
- ning destructive power of battleships from the former Warsaw Pact c<
and aircraft working together. American and Japanese carrier tries. Only the economic shambles of the rebellion-torn Sovifc
aireraft effectively decided the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and the republics prevented the communist regime from launching a wdjr
I
; resounding American victory came to be called the "Great Marianas
ii
against the militarily weakened West. Instead, they settled
^Turkey Shoot." The second half of the twentieth century saw a another Cold War.
mA mm» f A cm
6 mouitfmmooif
OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
^m The second Cold War lasted from 1997 until 2005, when both In the same year, NATO intervention prompted the last major
Fsides were poised on the brink of nuclear Armageddon. Rapid surface nåväl engagements fought on Terra. The Soviet Northern
rearmament programs launched by both NATO and the USSR Fleet attempted to prevent NATO landings in the Baltic and on the
made very real the possibility of a third World War, averted only by Kola peninsula, in the process destroying Riga with chemical
the ascension to power of Oleg Tikonov in 2004. As his predeces- weapons. This atrocity shocked both sides, and the conservatives
sor Gorbachev had done almost twenty years before, the liberal bowed to the inevitable. By March the war was över.
Tikonov edged his nation and the world away from the nuclear brink
and ended the second Cold War. In his first year in office, Tikonov A NEW WORLD ORDER
reined in the military and by 2005 had reopened relations with the
West. Though grateful for a return to sanity, NATO continued to In 2016 the Western Alliance nations formed the Alliance
guard against the possibility of renewed Soviet aggression; to Space Command, with its headquarters on Crippen Station. The
guard against recommitting the mistakes of the previous decades, station served as a launching facility for lunar and Martian explor-
the Western allies launched Crippen Station into orbit in mid-2005. atory missions, and these efforts resulted in a lunar settlement by
Though nominally an industrial manufacturing satellite, the station December of that year. The first mission to Mars was launched in
also served as the heart of the new Western Orbital Defense 2017. In 2018, two Stanford scientists named Thomas Kearny and
Network, or WODeN. Based on the 1980s-era Strategic Defense Takayoshi Fuchida began to publish a series of papers on the
Initiative, this space-based ballistic-missile defense system con- possibilities of hyperspace travel. Based on anomaliés they had
tained electronic detection, tracking, and jamming systems as well observed during their work on fusion reactors, these two men
as high-powered energy weapons. hypothesized that if an energy f ield of specif led properties could be
In January 2011, Premier Oleg Tikonov signed the Tikonov generated, it would allow matter to exceed the speed of light and
Accords, formally requesting financial assistance from the United be instantaneously transported between any two points in space.
States to rebuild the Soviet Union'sbankrupteconomy. In return for Because their hypothesis conflicted with accepted, Einsteinian
aid, Tikonov agreed to hold fair and open elections within five physics, the scientif ic community ridiculed their work and hounded
years. Four hours låter on the same day, a Muslim fanatic named the men from their positions as respected research scientists.
Mustafa Khemar Rhasori assassinated Tikonov and his family by Almost a century would elapse before subsequent discoveries
detonating a bomb in the Premier's staff car. A power struggle vindicated the Kearny-Fuchida principles of hyperspace.
ensued in the Kremlin, and by March Ukrainian nationalists had The early 21st century witnessed the development et the
seized Kiev and declared their independence from Moscow. Faced fusion reactor, quickly followed by a fusiqn-powered drive system.
with the prospect that other republics might follow suit and take The first interplanetär/ craft, the AS Columbia, left its dock ät
back their briefly held independence, KGB Director Admiral Sergei Crippen Station on October 12, 2027. Powered by the new fusion
I
Tarantoff instituted martial law in a vain attempt to hold the drive, the Columbia took a mere 14 days to arrive in orbit around
disintegrating union together. This strong-arm tactic touched off Mars. The Alliance used this technological breakthrough to estab-
the Second Soviet Civil War. lish bases throughout the Terran system, including permanent
Fought more than a thousand years ägo, the Second Soviet bases on Mars and Luna. The Alliance also launched scientific
Civil War provided the impetus for the first combat fought in space. missions to Jupiter, Saturn, and the asteroid belt, greatly expand-
The massive Soviet military split into liberal and conservative ing human knowledge of space and space travel. In 2028, scien-
factions, and NATO planned to intervene on the liberal side with a tists and the Alliance Parliament established the Magellan Pro-
daring assault launched through the Latvian port of Riga. In gram, an ambitious project to build unmanned, fusion-powered,
January 2014, the hard-line Soviet interstellar vessels and send the craft to explore other står sys-
commanders panicked and tems. Eight probes were built and launched between 2029 and
sought to prevent NATO in- 2034, and by 2050 three of the Magellan ships had provided Terran
tervention by launching a scientists with evidence of habitable worlds outside the Sol system.
preemptive missile attack Unfortunately, the staggering cost of building and outfitting a
against Western targets. manned craft to explore these newfound, habitable worlds prohib-
The Western Orbital ited immediate exploration. Not until more than fifty years låter
Defense Network would a human being travel to a planet outside the Sol system.
(WODeN), with As the 21st century drew to a close, the Western Alliance
Crippen Station ät its renamed itself the Terran Alliance to reflect the unity of the planet.
core, engaged and de- However, even then rumblings of discontent against the richer
stroyed all the missiles nations by the poorer foreshadowed the turmoil to come. The
fired. Though primitive by poorer nations resented the staggering amount of money being
modern standards, this spent on space exploration and technology, but research went
first space battle steadily on. Refinements in existing technology, especially metal-
proved critical to the lurgy and space vehicle construction, allowed the Alliance to
survival of humanity. construct a small fleet of fusion-powered craft sporting laser and
7
HISTORTT OF M/l VA L WARFARE
projectile weapons attached to their hulls. Though crude by mod- and so authorized the formation of a six-JumpShip Terran Spae
ern standards, these armed vessels proved extremely effective in Navy in 2120. The first military JumpShip, the TAS Charg
policing the increasingly busy space lanes. emerged from the Terran shipyards in 2122.
SETTLING THE STARS Emigration from Terra became a f lood över the next 100 years.
By 2235, humanity had established 600 colonies in a sphere 120-
In 2102, researchers ät the universities of Auckland and light years in diameter around the homeworld, but the difficulty of j
Ottawa rediscovered and vindicated Kearny and Fuchida's Pan- communicating över such väst, interstellar distances made rurt-j
Dimensional Gravitational Mathematics. After a fourteen-month ning such an empire from a central location impractical. In 2236, a j
debate, the Alliance approved funding for the Deimos Project, a coalition of far-flung colonies led by the world of Denebola declared]
crash program to build the first faster-than-lightspacecraft. Despite independence from the Terran Alliance. This so-called "Outerl
protests and the further political unrest provoked by the projecfs Reaches Rebellion," lasting from 2235 to 2237, proved the dowrv
cost, Deimos survived and the projecfs test ship slipped its fall of the imperialist, Expansionist Party that had ruled the Ten
moorings on August 28, 2107. Towed to a specific point in space Alliance for decades. They sent the Colonial Marines to blockad
north of Sol (called the zenith jump point; this distance was far the rebellious colonies and subdue the populations, but their nava
enough away from Sol and any other major planets that the vessel superiority meant nothing in the ground-based war that the grimlj
would be able to "jump" and not be torn apart by gravitational determined colonies forced them to fight on every world. Within 11
forces), the vessel was to "jump" via the Kearny-Fuchida hy- months the shamed Marines retreated and the Expansionist gov-1
perspace f ield to a point south of Sol (the nadir jump point). Ät 12:00 ernment on Terra collapsed. The Liberal Party succeeded to power
AM GMT on September 3, the craft made its maiden voyage, and followed a strict isolationist line, and the frontier worlds
jumping from Terra's zenith jump point and arriving ät the nadir suddenly found themselves alone. Many colonies did not survive
point in less than a minute. Having proved that the technology their unexpected independence, and the ruins of many of these
worked, scientists turned their attention toward manned hyperspace colonies still bear testimony to the central governmenfs abrupt
travel. In February of 2108, Raymond Bache became the first withdrawal. One such colony starved to death for lack of Terran
human to travel through hyperspace, propelled by the newly food supplies. Anotherfailed because a single storm damaged the
christened Kearny-Fuchida drive. He suffered only mild dizziness colony's water purification system and they could not get spare
and nausea, and the successful experiment encouraged the Alli- parts from Terra.
ance scientists to press ahead with the Deimos Projecfs next
phase. INTERSTELLAR NATIONS
On December 5, 2108, the TAS Pathfinder made its historic
jump to Tau Ceti. Commanded by Norm McKenna, the crew landed Throughout the 23rd and early 24th centuries, new state
on the world of Tau Ceti IV, a planet so like Terra that the new emerged among the far-flung human worlds. The 23rd century sa»
arrivals"renamed it New Earth. To the distress of the Terran the rise of the Rim Worlds Republic in 2250. This nation, in th
Alliance's poorer nations, the Alliance Parliament immediately Periphery on the edge of known space, produced a leader wh
sank money into building a fleet of starships and colonizing New would play a sinister a role in human history five centuries later.^
Earth. By 2116, humanity had established its first extra-solar Twenty years after the Rim Worlds came into being, two nations]
colony on New Earth. The Alliance immediately recognized the formed that would become modern-day Successor States: the]
potential problems of maintaining control över interstellarcolonies Free Worlds League (2271), a balkanized collection of squabblingl
BÄ TTL
8 SOUJtCVBOOK
fffsroftir OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
>rincipalities, and the Capellan Hegemony (2270), that would one ants, inadvertently legitimized warfare as a means of settling
tey become the Capellan Confederation. The other three nations political disputes, and resulted in perpetual war between the states
hat developed över the centuries into the Successor States came of the Inner Sphere.
ogether in the first half of the 24th century: the Federated Suns in Several notable nåväl engagements occurred during the Age
017, the Draconis Combine in 2320, and the Lyran Common- of War. The Capellan Confederation's attack on the Davion world
vealth in 2341. Out among the stars, humanity grew and pros- of Novaya Zemlya in 2399 brought the Federated Suns into the war
»ered; but for Terra, the 23rd and early 24th centuries brought only and marked the first use of a massed fleet of heavily armed space
urmoil and confusion. vessels to bombard a world from orbit. The Terran Hegemony
The failure of the Expansionist government to put down the attack on the Marik fleet ät Oriente in 2475 inflicted history's
Duter Reaches Rebellion brought the isolationist Liberal party to greatest loss of nåväl assets on the Free Worlds League; the
»wer in 2237. By 2242, the Liberals had in turn been forced out by Hegemony forces destroyed more than twenty Marik WarShips,
idisgruntled population, and for the next 70 years the once-strong and toppled the government of the League's Captain-General
ferran Alliance veered from one crazy-quilt political coalition to the Carlos Marik. By then, however, the Terran Hegemony's develop-
ext. The Alliance finally collapsed in chaos in 2314, and anarchy ment of the BattleMech, first used in combat against the Draconis
uled the planet until July of 2315, when Fleet Admiral James Combine in 2443, had launched a new age in military technology
dcKenna stepped into the vacuum of power to prevent a civil war. and thinking. The fearsome power of the huge, metal war machines
)emonstrating the awesome power of the navy he commanded by focused attention on ground combat ät the expense of space-
»bliterating two small, uninhabited Islands, McKenna forced the based warfare. Where fighter pilots and nåväl officers had once
Uliance parliament to dissolve and founded a new order on Terra. garnered military budgets and media attention, the BattleMech
dcKenna's Terran Hegemony rose like a phoenix from the ashes provided a new way to wage war and a new breed of hero. This
rf the fallen Alliance, and under McKenna's steady hand took its early rivalry set a pattern for relations between the aerospace and
irst steps toward assuming its place ät the head of humanity. BattleMech arms of the military that remains unchanged to this
rfichael Cameron, McKenna's successor as the Hegemony's day—MechWarriors view pilots as snobs, and pilots see
Jirector-General, would help assure this place by founding a MechWarriors as upstarts. On more than one occasion these
lynasty whose låter generations would create humanity's crown- tensions have resulted in outright hostility between the different
ig achievement. branches.
AGE OF WAR
TTLMSfA em
g
H i STGRY OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
BIRTH OF THE STÅR LEAGUE Though the Står League outwardly kepi the peace, the cor-
flicts between its members simmered beneath the surface. In the
As the Age of War wound down in the mid-26th century, the 2690s, First Lord of the Står League Jonathan Cameron led the
Terran Hegemony's Director-General lan Cameron began to lay SLDF in a massive and unexpected military buildup that wouta
the groundwork for the Sphere-wide peace treaty that would bind have disastrous consequences almost a century låter. Among h is
the major Inner Sphere states together into a grand alliance. By military innovations was the Space Defense System (SDS), a
2571, lan had persuaded the leaders of all the Inner Sphere nations series of free-roving drone WarShips known as Gåspars that were
to join in his dream of a human society no longer torn by war, and deployed to defend Hegemony worlds. Though the First Lorc
together they forged the noble and glorious Står League. Despite promised to share the technology with his fellow League members
its stated peaceful intentions, the six-state pact initiated a war he never did so.
against the Periphery states within four years of its founding. Using
the might of the newly formed Står League Defense Forces END OF AN AGE
(SLDF), Cameron accomplished by force what he had failed to
achieve through diplomacy and dragged the Periphery states The war that destroyed the Står League began as a mincx
protesting into the League. The navies of the Står League and its rebellion in 2765, when New Vandenberg and seventeen othe-
member states played a considerable role in the conflict that came Periphery worlds revolted against the latest in a series of stif.
to be known as the Reunification War. Many battles occurred in League-imposed taxes. Richard Cameron, the young First Lord c*
space, a number of which did not go in the League's favör. In the the Står League, ordered the Står League Defense Force to ',
infamous Case Amber, the Taurian Concordat navy destroyed 20 suppress the revolt. Commanded by General Aleksandr Kerensky >
Federated Suns vessels ätter provoking the Davion fleet into an ill- the bulk of the SLDF's WarShips and ground forces traveled to the i
advised nåväl offensive. Four years låter, in 2581, Admiral Janissa Periphery, where they found themselves bogged down in a Periph-,
Franklin of the Står League broke the back of the Taurian navy in ery-wide rebellion. Of all the Periphery states, only Stefan Amaris
a fierce battle över the world of Robsart. The Canopian navy met Rim Worlds Republic remained loyal to young Cameron and tr
a similar fäte ät the hands of Captain-General Marion Marik in Står League.
2583, and by 2587 the nåväl phase of the war had drawn to a close. No one, least of all Richard Cameron, suspected that Amari
The Taurian Concordat and the Rim Worlds Republic dragged out outward loyalty masked a plot to take över the Står League. Aman
the bitter fighting for another decade, finally succumbing from had spent years cultivating the lonely First Lord's affection an
sheer exhaustion and signing a peace treaty in 2597. trust; when the New Vandenberg revolt stripped the Hegemony (
With the Reunification War över, the Står League brought most of its defenders, Amaris persuaded Richard Cameron
peace and prosperity to known space. During what came to be station Rim Worlds troops throughout the Hegemony to protect it
known as the Good Years, 2600-2650, the Står League, led by the Having set his conquering armies in place, Amaris made his mov
Hegemony, made great strides in various scientific and technical On December 26, 2766, Stefan Amaris assassinated Fir
fields. New BattleMechs, aerospace fighters, DropShips, and Lord Richard Cameron in the throne room ät the Court of the Sti
JumpShips emerged from Står League drawing boards and facto- League and took control of the Hegemony. Hearing of Amaris
ries, and many old WarShips were scrapped in favör of cutting- coup, Kerensky immediately declared a cease-fire in the Periphe
edge designs. Perhaps the most significanttechnological develop- and began to plan the liberation of Terra. Kerensky's army cc
ment, with both civilian and military applications, was the hyperpulse quered the now-outlawed Rim Worlds Republic, and after
generator (HPG). eighteen-month rest and refit in preparation, began the lör
In 2614, the brilliant young professor Cassie DeBurke began campaign to liberale the Terran Hegemony from Amaris
research on developing faster-than-light Communications. Based Usurper. A few nåväl engagements occurred during the Rin
on the theories of Kearny and Fuchida, who had shown human Worlds campaign, but the Republic had few WarShips and offer
beings the secret of faster-than-light travel, DeBurke speculated the SLDF fleet little opposition. The Står League navy faced
that bundles of energy such as simple radio waves could be greatest test during the campaign for the Hegemony, battling tf
transported instantaneously across space through artificially gen- Space Defense Systems that protected many Hegemony work
erated jump points. The systerrTs computer-controlled WarShips and huge grour
For the next 15 years, Professor DeBurke and her research based weapons posed a severe threat to any space vessel.
staff worked secretly and feverishly on her theories. The culmina- In 2774, Amaris pulled back his forces from twelve Hegemc
tion of their work was the first HPG station, built just outside the worlds in order to better protect Terra. Kerensky captured
Court of the Står League, which transmitted the first HPG message worlds, among them Nirasaki, home of the Nirasaki Compute
on New Year's Day 2630. Collective, amajordeveloperof software forthe SDS system. Inth
The Hegemony put this amazing technology to a unique ruins of the NCC research facility, Kerensky's forces found
military use, equipping several SLDF WarShips with HPGs. The carefully hidden cache of data that provided a clue to defeating thej
ships' capacity for faster-than-light communication gave the Står SDS. SLDF Communications specialists developed an electronk
League navy a significant tactical and strategic advantage över the countermeasure that swamped the drone WarShips' communic
nåväl forces of the League's member-states.
mA TTt.msi»A fm
10 SOWRCCBOOK
tions channels, and in March of 2775 Kerensky tested the device drones shadowed the SLDF fleet just outside of weapon range and
in the invasion of New Home, a world protected by the SDS. The attacked in twos and threes. Twelve hours from Terran orbit, the
new defenses used by the SLDF crippled most of the drones and Caspars attacked en masse. The drones damaged or destroyed
scrambled the circuits of the ground-based missile and laser many SLDF transports and WarShips, but the fleet pressed on,
batteries, and the Står League fleet quickly destroyed the drone some ships even resorting to suicide ramming attacks to clear the
WarShips. Flush with success, the SLDF staged numerous as- way for their fellow vessels. The running battle resulted in count-
saults from 2775 through 2776. By the end of that year, only Terra less citations for valör, most awarded posthumously. Despite the
remained in the Usurper's grasp. losses, a substantial part of the fleet reached Terran orbit and
The battle for Terra, called Operation Liberation, began on prepared for the dröp to the surface.
January 23,2777. To date, this climactic battle remains the largest Swarms of fighters descended to the planet, destroying 30 key
nåväl engagement in human history. The Reagan Space Defense laser and missile batteries on the continents of Europé and Asia.
System that protected humanity's homeworld was far more sophis- Numerous WarShips braved ground fire to bombard SDS ground
ticated than its fellow SDS systems, and the SLDF's jamming bases, and more fighter squadrons faced off in Terra's skies
device was not powerful enough to defeat it. The General knew that against Republican fighter pilots loyal to Amaris. Because of the
his nåväl forces would have to battertheir way through the systerrVs skill and determination of Står League aerospace pilots, SLDF
huge battle stations and drone WarShip fleets if they hoped to ground forces safely dropped onto Terra. Their job done, many
make planetfall, l n the f irst assault, a fleet of auto-piloted JumpShips WarShips withdrew to a safe distance, but others remained in orbit,
and DropShips loaded with explosives rammed and destroyed all ready to neutralize additional SDS bases if necessary. After a bitter
the immobile battle stations around the Sol systerrTs jump points. ground battle that lasted most of 2778 and 2779, the SLDF
Receiving word of the successful first attack wave, the main fleet liberated the Court of the Står League on the 29th of September
of 932 ships made the jump to Terra. Only 20 failed to arrive ready and ended the war. Kerensky ordered Amaris executed, and the
for battle, and the remaining 912 began a high-speed approach people of the Står League heaved a collective—and premature—
toward the planet. Four days before the main force would arrive in sigh of relief. The Usurper was dead, but the Terran Hegemony lay
Terran orbit, 40 of the SLDF WarShips jumped to within a day's in ruins and the Cameron line had been wiped out. It soon became
travel of Terra, with orders to destroy as many of the SDS' Caspar clear that without the moderating influence of the Cameron dy-
drone WarShips as possible. Över the course of two days, this nasty, the Står League could not hope to survive.
small fleet succeeded in destroying more than 100 drones before Many ordinary citizens hoped that the heroic General Kerensky
succumbing to the sheer number of robot ships. would assume the title of First Lord of the Står League. The Lords
Meanwhile, the main fleet sped toward Terra, engaged in a of the five member-states, however, had other ideas. With the
running battle with the remaining 150 drones. Using the tactics that collapse of the Hegemony's centralized power, the Great Houses
long-dead admirals had programmed into their cqmputers, the of the League's other realms felt free to turn against each other.
mA TTå.msr*A cm 11
SOUMCCBOOfC
fffSTORir OF M/IWIL
The five Lords met on Terra in 2780, ostensibly to choose a new brutal response simply added to the colonists' resentment against
First Lord; but hidden enmities resurfaced as each Lord jockeyed the Står League forces.
forthecovetedtitle. In theend,the Lords agreedononlytwothings: In 2801, the aging Aleksandr Kerensky suffered a heart attack
appointment of the blessed Jerome Blake as Minister of Commu- and died ät his post, leaving his people without a leader. In an eerie
nications, and the revocation of General Kerensky's title, "Protec- parallel to the last days of the Står League, each of the numerous
tor of the Står League." For another ten months, the House Lords division commanders of the SLDF pressed his own claim to
wrangled, but ultimately failed to choose a new First Lord. On succeed Kerensky, and the disorder set the stage for civil war.
August 12, 2781, the Lords formally dissolved the Står League. Nicholas Kerensky, Aleksandr's son and designated heir, believed
that his father's ideals cculd not survive the political turmoil; in order
to preserve what his father had fought for, Nicholas led a force of
800 loyal warriors and other citizens to the duster world of Stråna
Disgusted by the selfish, short-sighted actions of the House Mechty in a second Exodus. Within three weeks of Nicholas
Lords, and anticipating the ceaseless wars to come as they fcught departure, all-out war erupted on the Pentagon worlds, laying them
among themselves f or ascendancy, Kerensky summoned his most waste in a futile struggle for power.
loyal officers and outlined a plan to take the SLDF away from known
space and found a new Står League. Dubbed Operation Exodus, FOUNDING OF THE CLANS
many soldiers saw the plan as the only way out of an untenable
position. Though 20 percent of the SLDF refused to abandon the The Exodus Civil Wars lasted almost twenty years, and
Inner Sphere to its fäte, the majority eagerly agreed to follow surpassed even the Inner Sphere's First Succession War in
Kerensky. Those who stayed behind heeded Kerensky's orders to ferocity. All sides used orbital bombardmentand nuclearweapons
work with Jerome Blake in securing Terra and rebuilding the war- indiscriminately in the first few months, until they had wiped out
shattered Hegemony worlds. A few remaining units eventually their ability and facilities to produce such weapons. The Navy,
succumbed to pressure from the Great Houses and joined House sickened by the savagery of the conflict, soon joined Nicholas
militaries or became mercenaries. In light of the centuries of Kerensky on Stråna Mechty. During this self-imposed exile.
unremitting Succession Wars that followed the Står League's Kerensky organized his 800 loyal warriors into Clans of 40 warriors
collapse, it is fortunate that no SLDF WarShip commanders opted each, setting the foundations for the disciplined, caste-based.
to stay in the Inner Sphere. Even a few of the Hegemony's warlike society that would one day return to ravage the Inner
sophisticated WarShips, with their unique, faster-than-light com- Sphere. In 2821, these elite warriors returned to the Pentagon
munications, might easily have tipped the balance of power with worlds as conquerors, liberating them from the few remaining rebel
disastrous consequences for humanity. forces. Though aerospace fighters saw some action during the
Kerensky's Exodus fleet of 402 WarShips and 1,349 trans- campaign, the rebels faced Kerensky's Clans with pitifully inad-
ports departed the Inner Sphere on November §, 2784, and equate firepower, and had no WarShips with which to fight nåväl
apparently vanished from history. j engagements. Indeed, though the Clans possessed WarShips and
Not until Kerensky's descendants returned in 3050—under other nåväl vessels of tremendous power and sophistication, they
unexpected and terrifying circumstances—did the Inner Sphere seem to have made use of them mainly as an adjunct to BattleMech
learn what had become of the vanished Står League Army. From forces.
the reports of ComStar's Precentor Martial Anastasius Focht, Inner In his researches into Glan history and lore, Precentor-Martial
Sphere historians have reconstructed the early history of the Står Focht discovered only one major nåväl engagement in which the
League Army in exile. Clans made use of WarShips. The incident lies buried in the depths
The Exodus fleet spent almost two years in deep space before of The Remembrance, the Clans' epic poem about their emer-
they reached a group of five habitable worlds they called the gence and history. In 2823, Clan Wolverine became the focus of a
Pentagon worlds, where they settled and lived relatively peacefully Trial of Annihilation, an extreme punishment reserved for the most
for a number of years. Active nåväl vessels explored the nearby heinous crimes in Clan society. Clan Wolverine had disputed the
globular duster dubbed "Kerensky's Cluster" and colonized the division of a weapons cache found in their territory, and ultimately
most habitable planets. The most promising was named Stråna committed the unforgivable sin of declaring their independence
Mechty, or "Land of Dreams." As the SLDF began to build fully from the Clans. Clans Wolf and Widowmaker won the honor of
functioning societies on their new worlds, Kerensky created a annihilating Wolverine, and during the month-long running battle,
provisional government that some dubbed the Står League in Wolverine WarShips played a deadly game of cat and mouse with
Exile. However, cultural differences between such disparate people those of Clan Wolf.
and the resentment of demobbed, forcibly idle soldiers grew from Both Clans löst many WarShips, though rumors among the
simmering discontent to open rioting on several Pentagon worlds Clans persist that ät least one Wolverine WarShip escaped to lead
within 15 years. The remaining active units of the SLDF intervened, a small fleet of survivors away from the Clan worlds. The surviving
but the military's heavy-handed response led to increased rioting. renegades supposedly fled to the Inner Sphere, which may well
When rioters on the world of Eden killed one of Kerensky's explain the appearance of the mysterious Minnesota Tribe in
generals, Kerensky ordered the rebel settlements razed. This Draconis Combine space in 2825. These unknown MechWarrion
SOURCMBOOK
OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
'aided several Combine worlds, fighting in brand-new 'Mechs in Marik assault, the Lyran Commonwealth stationed a fleet of nearly
,vays alien to the Inner Sphere, before they withdrew from the 300 ships över the industry-rich planet of Skondia, which had
Periphery. No one knows their present whereabouts, but we suffered a damaging Combine raid in 2786. In the largest nåväl
cannot discount the possibility that another divergent human battle fought since Operation Liberation, the Commonwealth fleet
culture, hostile orfriendly, exists beyond the area of space known clashed with a Draconis Combine armada above Skondia, devas-
either to the Glans or the Inner Sphere. tating both sides. Less than 100 Lyran ships remained intact after
The Wolverine Trial of Annihilation led to the destruction of the battle, and the Combine eventually captured the planet.
Clan Widowmaker by Glan Wolf ten years låter. Tensions between Concurrent with ils successful campaign against the Lyran
those two Glans över their respective positions in the Trial festered, Commonwealth, the Combine launched a devastating offensive
resulting in a Trial of Refusal in which Clan Wktowmaker's against the Federated Suns, breaking through the underdefended
MechWarriors killed Nicholas Kerensky. The enraged Wolf Clan börder zone and pushing deep into enemy territory. In 2790,
destroyed Clan Widowmaker in a three-day battle in which the Wolf desperate to save his realm from conquest, Prince John Davion
Clan fleet löst still more WarShips. Despite the assets absorbed launched a huge nåväl campaign into Combine-occupied territory.
from the defeated Clan Widowmaker, the fleet has yet to recover, The Davion task force destroyed more than 20 enemy JumpShips
even after two centuries. and DropShips, pressing its attack with brilliant results until the
battle ät the tiny, one-world system of Cholame. A fleet of Combine
WarShips and aerospace fighters ambushed the Davion fleet as
SUCCESSION WARS they entered the system, touching off a cataclysmic, six-week
\_
nåväl battle in which both sides destroyed almost all of each other's
In the Inner Sphere, the fall of the Står League returned the WarShips and an equal number of DropShips and fighters. For all
member-states to perpetual war, with each House Lord pressing the destruction, ät the battle's end neither side had gained any
his or her claim to the title of First Lord. Within weeks of Kerensky's great advantage.
departure from the Inner Sphere, the so-called Successor States Ät the start of the First Succession War, all parties chose to
had fought the first skirmishes. By 2787, the First Succession War ignore the rules of warfare laid down in the Åres Conventions.
had engulfed the entire Inner Sphere. Nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons saw widespread use,
Aerospace and nåväl assets played a prominent part in the and all sides used WarShips to bombard cities and bases from
First Succession War (2787-2821), as all sides fought orbital planetary orbit. The sheer savagery of the fighting reduced the
battles to deprive each other of the power to wage space combat. Inner Sphere to virtual barbarism, rendering cities and entire
The Successor Lords realized that their opponents could not wage worlds uninhabitable. The loss of irreplaceable Står League tech-
war effectively without interstellar transports, which made nology to the ravages of war soon meant the Houses could not
JumpShips, WarShips, and shipyards prime targets. Within a sustain the conflict, and the First Succession War ground to a halt
decade, all sides had suffered severe losses of nåväl assets. from sheer exhaustion in 2821. Despite nearly thirty-five years of
In 2787, Marik WarShips attacked Lyran Commonwealth warfare, no state had gained a decisive advantage.
shipyards all along the Marik/Steiner börder, damaging the facili- The First Succession War destroyed 90 percent of the WarShips
ties beyond repair. The Free Worlds League paid a hefty price for and 45 percent of the JumpShips operating in the Inner Sphere,
its victory; a Lyran aerospace pilot's suicide attack blew up the FWL and all but eliminated the Successor States' ability to produce
Rasalas, a surplus Står League battlecruiser that the Free Worlds either. Within seven years, the Second Succession War erupted,
League had purchased five years before. Its navy reeling from the and the Successor States squandered their last remaining WarShips
mA TTL
13
HISTORY OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
in that long, drawn-out conflict. During the brief lull between the first
two Succession Wars, the Great Houses struggled to produce
transport JumpShips from the remnants of their once-bustling
shipyards, determined to continue the fratricidal struggle for power
no matter what the cost in human lives.
The Second Succession War began with a Capelian assault
against the Federated Suns in 2828, though many historians date
it from the Combine offensive against the Lyran Commonwealth in
2830. This conflict lasted for more than three decades and came
close to completely destroying the Inner Sphere's technology
base, though all parties stopped using weapons of mäss destruc-
tion. Not even the most fanatical leader wished to rule över a
nuclear or chemical wasteland. For the navies of the Successor
States, the losses of the Second Succession War doomed them to
a secondary role in combat throughout the next two centuries. All
sides used their remaining WarShips sparingly; even so, their
numbers steadily diminished. The last great nåväl battle occurred
in 2853 ät Hesperus II, the Lyran CommonwealttVs premier
BattleMech production facility. In a desperate attempt to break the saw these tensions reach the boiling point, precipitated by one
Combine nåväl blockade of Hesperus, the Commonwealth High man's effort to champion the aerospace underdog.
Command refurbished the aging Står League battlecruiser LCS Prince Peter Davion, who succeeded his father Prince Joseph
Invincible and sent it into battle. The gallant behemoth destroyed II in 2931, was a great supporter of the AFFS aerospace forces.
the Combine's last WarShips, but perished with all hands when its During Joseph's reign, powerful MechWarriors-turned-aristocrats
drive failed in mid-jump during its return to Tharkad. The loss of the had formed MechWarrior brotherhoods and used their power to
Invincible marked the end of an age in interstellar warfare. terrorize and subdue the civilian populations under their governor-
With no capital ships remaining, it fell to vulnerable civilian ship. Prince Peter saw his aerospace pilots, the so-called "Knights
transports to move military units between the stars. The scarcity of of the Void," as a means of offsetting the increasing political
JumpShips, *iumanity's lifeline between its far-flung worlds, cre- strength of these MechWarrior barons and lords. After a major j
ated an unwritteh aile of warfare making JumpShips off-limits in aerospace victory över Capellan forces ät the Battle of Lee in 2952,
battle. The staggering losses of scientists and technicians with populär support for the aerospace arm reached an all-time high.
specialized knowledge as well as JumpShip production facilities Convinced that this public acclaim posed a threat to their domi-
during the Second Succession War made the precious technology nance, the MechWarrior barons formed the Warrior's Cabal to deal
almost impossible to replace. With a few exceptions, warfare with Prince Peter.
returned to the institutionalized, lower-level carnage common Prince Peter used the Battle of Lee and its aftermath to purge
during the Age of War four centuries earlier. the AFFS of those MechWarriors who opposed his attempts to
The Second Succession War wound down by 2864, more from reform the military, falsely believing that his beloved aerospace
attrition than from any organized peace treaty. could protect him. The Cabal struck back, assassinating Peter on
Afterasecond brief respite, theThird Succession War erupted the world of Breed in 2961. The Cabal had hoped to gain wide-
in 2866. It began when advance forces of the Draconis Combine spread public support for its stance, but could only muster allies in
invaded the coreward portion of the Lyran Commonwealth; war the Draconis March. Peter's son and successor, Prince Andrew,
soon spread across the Inner Sphere. Combat became such a fäet moved swiftly and decisively against the rebels, preventing what
of everyday life that the period became known simply as "the could have grown into a civil war in the Federated Suns—once
Succession Wars." However, campaigns during this period never again proving that purely military conflicts can negatively affect
matched the violence of the previous two wars. civilian life.
This conflict dragged on for 160 years as the Great Houses,
already exhausted from the two previous wars, continued to batter
each other with their dwindling resources.
Deprived of WarShips and reluctant to attack JumpShips, the In 2959, as the Third Succession War dragged on, Primus
Inner Sphere navies found themselves playing an ever-dwindling Adrienne Sims of the Blessed Order of ComStar began to have
role dufing the Third Succession War. Ground combat and the visions of the Inner Sphere's destruction by stränge beasts from
BattleMech assumed center stage; most aerospace fighters were beyond the Periphery. These visions prompted her to take an
relegated to a ground-support role. Aerospace had gone from extraordinär/ step whose implications for the survival of the Inner
being the pivotal arm of the military to serving as an afterthought, Sphere would not become fully apparent for a generation. Primus
and friction between the aerospace and MechWarrior arms of the Sims established the Explorer Corps, a branch of ComStar dedi-
services grew. A notable series of incidents in the Federated Suns cated to exploring the void that lies beyond known space. Eighty-
BATTLfSPACE
14 SOURCfBOOK
H l STORY OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
five years after its foundation, the Ex- Short but brutal, the Fourth Succes-
plorer Corps vessel Outbound Light sion War shattered the Capellan Con-
stumbled across the Glans, who would federation, seriously damaged the
shortly afterward become the Inner Draconis Combine, and cemented the
Sphere's deadliest and most implacable Steiner-Davion alliance. The Federated
foe. The Outbound Lighfs appearance Commonwealth's enormous economic
in Glan space prompted the Glan inva- and military power dominated the Inner
sion of the Inner Sphere, which many Sphere for the next twenty years, but
believe was the destruction that Primus failed to eliminate its opponents, both
Sims foresaw. internal and external. In the 3030s, the
Beginning in 2961 Explorer Corps Free Worlds League suffered through
JumpShips and DropShips explored väst an internal power struggle that ended
regions of space beyond the Periphery with the ascension of Captain-General
and made countless charts detailing står Thomas Marik, and CoordinatorTakashi
systems up to 1,000 light years from Kurita waged a hidden battle with his
Terra, almost twice as distant, as the son Theodore for control of the Draconis
present boundaries of the Inner Sphere. Combine. Theodore Kurita quietly engi-
The Explorer Corps has yet to succeed in neered the independence of the Free
its primary, unstated mission; to discover Rasalhague Republic in 3034 in ex-
the destination of Aleksandr Kerensky's change for military aid from ComStar,
army. Those Clan homeworlds, believed and the Combine's victory över Hanse
to lie approximately 1,300 light years Davion in the War of 3039 gave the
rimward from Terra, remain hidden. To younger Kurita the upper hand. The
date, the crew of the Outbound Light truncated Capellan Confederation
remain the onlypeople of the Inner Sphere struggled for its life against the Magis-
to see a Clan homeworld, and the Glans tracy of Canopus and the Duchy of
wiped that knowledge from their memo- Andurien, eventually defeating both.
ries. Unfortunately, retracing the path of that ship's mission has not The calm that followed the Fourth Succession War gave the
turned up any clues to the location of the Clan worlds; the ship was Successor States a chance to fully investigate the so-called Gray
apparently some distance off its scheduled flight. The number of Deathmemorycore.namedforthefamousGrayDeath Legion who
Explorer missions charged with finding them has increased mark- discovered it on the planet Helm in 3028. The wealth of data
edly since the Com Guards' temporary victory över the Glans on contained in this Står League-era library core led to a technological
Tukayyid in 3052. revival throughout the Inner Sphere. The Federated Common-
wealth made particularly rapid progress, and the Draconis Com-
WAR RENEWED bine did not lag far behind. Military scientists recreated weapons
systems and manufacturing materials long thought irretrievably
By the dawn of the 31 st century, the Third Succession War had löst, and though the majority of the new technology went to the
settled into a steady, low-intensity conflict. A few worlds changed favored ground arm of the services, numerous aerospace designs
hands, but most battles took place on planetary surfaces between received much-needed upgrades. The Gray Death memory core
BattleMech regiments. Few forces fought space battles during this even enabled the Great Houses to re-learn the technologies used
period. The war simmered on until 3022, when Houses Davion and to construct WarShips, but the cost of construction and scarcity of
Steiner signed a secret treaty that would set the stage for the Fourth suitable shipyards made such a buildup low priority. Not even the
Succession War and profoundly alter the balance of power in the rich and powerful Federated Commonwealth could provide all the
Inner Sphere. Through the marriage of Hanse Davion, Prince of the resources necessary to build the huge-war machines. Instead, the
Federated Suns, and Melissa Steiner, heir to the Lyran Common- Successor States concentrated on redesigning BattleMechs and,
wealth, the two strongest Successor States would become a to a lesser extent, aerospace fighters. Though none suspected it,
single, väst, allied realm, sharing technology and military secrets. this technological renaissance had occurred not a moment too
Seeing the formation of the new Federated Commonwealth as a soon.
bid by their enemies to form a new Står League, the remaining
three Successor states formed a loose alliance that split the Inner GLAN INVASION
Sphere into two opposing camps. With the economic might of the
Lyrans backing his own realm's military power, Hanse Davion Throughout the summer and autumn of 3049, ComStar began
attacked the Capellan Confederation in 3028, setting off the Fourth to hear rumors of an unidentified military force operating in the
Succession War. Periphery, systematically destroying the Bandit Kingdoms that lay
ät the fringes of known space. These invaders fought using
COURCVBOOfC
H l STORY OF NÅVÄL VKARFAf»
16
OF NÅVÄL WARFARE
bine forces in repelling the Glan invaders, represented the f irst time providing air cover and battlefield support for Glan ground forces,
that those two ancient enemy states had fought for rather than but the Gom Guards held fast, eventually driving the Glans from the
against each other since the löst days of the glorious Står League. planet. Using air and ground forces as integral parts of the same
This victory narrowly prevented the Combine's collapse, which massive f ighting force, the Gom Guards won the battle for Tukayyid
would have been the result of Luthien falling to the Glans. The and gained for the beleaguered Inner Sphere a fifteen-year halt to
Combine has been a major motivating force behind recent expedi- the Glan advance.
tions to find the Glan homeworlds. Even as the Gom Guards fought and died to hold Tukayyid
against the Glans, Primus Waterly set Operation Scorpion in
TUKAYYID motion. This diabolical plot to bring the entire Inner Sphere under
ComStar's thumb backfired badly when ComStar technicians on
The Glans' defeat ät Luthien prompted Primus Waterly to several HPG stations refused to obey Waterly's call to cut off
confer with ilKhan Kerensky, and in January 3052 she traveled to Communications across the Inner Sphere. Rebellions by ComStar
the Clan-held world of Satalice. Waterly hoped to manipulate the personnel on Clan-held worlds, timed by Waterly's orders to occur
Glans into attacking the Lyran capital of Tharkad, but the meeting while the Glans remained bogged down on Tukayyid, succeeded
did not go as she had planned. The ilKhan informed the Primus that only in angering ComStar's erstwhile allies. Waterly's power grab
the Glans intended to conquer Terra, ancient home of humanity was doomed from its inception, and a furious Precentor Martial
and the Står League. This revelation forced Waterly to admit the forced Waterly out of power as soon as ne learned of her treachery.
folly of her attempts to control the Glan juggernaut. Unexpectedly In her place he appointed Sharilar Mori as Primus, and together
faced with such powerful foes, ComStar's Precentor Martial they embarked on an ambitious reform program that split ComStar
Anastasius Focht proposed an unusual course of action. Using his in two. Many ComStar members departed the order, led by the
knowledge of Glan culture against them, Focht persuaded the reactionary Precentor Demona Aziz. This schismatic faction, call-
Glans to battle the Gom Guards for Terra on the proxy world of ing itself the Word of Blake, sought refuge in the Free Worlds
Tukayyid. If the Glans won, Terra would be theirs. If ComStar won, League under the protection of Thomas Marik. The former ComStar
the Glans would abide by a fifteen-year truce. IlKhan Kerensky Precentor gave them a landhold on the world of Gibson, where they
agreed, setting the stage for the climactic battle on which human gathered to practice their outmoded mystical traditions and plot the
history would turn. downfall of the new ComStar. A few Com Guard units chose to join
The Battle of Tukayyid lasted 21 days, and cost the lives of these misguided rebels, and in the four years since the schism, the
almost 40 percent of the Gom Guard. The Order's aerospace number of defectors has grown steadily. The majority of the
forces served with exceptional valör, destroying several Clusters defecting troops were MechWarriors, veterans of Tukayyid who felt
from various Glans. Fighters of the Gom Guards' 417th division that the secularization of ComStar betrayed the sacrifices they and
destroyed the Nova Cafs Alpha Galaxy command ship as it their colleagues had made. The majority of the aerospace forces,
hovered över the landing zone, then helped ground forces shatter relatively unscathed by the bloodbath on Tukayyid, chose to remain
the Nova Cats' OmniMechs just north of Joje. Both the Jade with the reformed Order.
Falcons and the Wolves made good use of their OmniFighters,
17
NÅVÄL TECHNOLOGY
Only with the discovery of the Gray Death memory core has increases the cost of building these sleek, graceful craft. Another
Inner Sphere technology begun to reapproach the technology level disadvantage is that most aerodynes must land on a long, flat
of the Står League era. The Glan invasion prompted the Houses to stretch of runway as conventional aircraft do. This dependence on
step up their research and development efforts to create war prepared landing surfaces and support makes aerodyne DropShips
machines capable of meeting and possibly defeating this threat. less versatile than spheroids. To enable aerodyne DropShips to
This section describes the current status of efforts to improve operate both in atmosphere and in space, most aerodynes have
space capabilities. We only briefly mention the current standard of two sets of exhaust nozzles, one mounted on the craffs bottom and
Glan technology, as we remain almost completely ignorant of their the other ät its rear. Though taking up more space than a simple
methods and manufacturing capabilities. drive, this arrangement alleviates the problem of internal orienta-
tion. Depending on whether or not the craft is in atmosphere and
affected by planetary gravity, it uses different exhaust nozzles for
thrust, allowing the craffs nose to remain "forward" and its rear to
The term DropShip was first used in the 22nd century to remain "aft" ät all times. Aerodynes use their bottom thrusters and
describe the huge, cargo-carrying shuttles transported by the transit drives for transit in space, switching to mäneuver drives and
relatively primitive JumpShips of that era. As JumpShip and aft thrusters for atmospheric operations.
Having a simpler hull design than aerodynes, spheroid
DropShip technology advanced, the nature of both vehicles
changed. By the time the term DropShip became official in the late DropShips are much easier and cheaper to construct. The simplic-
25th century, it designated interplanetär/, non-FTL craft carried on ity and sturdiness of spheroid hull design also allows the construc-
tion of much larger spheroids. The largest spheroid currently in
the hull of a JumpShip, rather than inside its cargo bays. These
DropShips, considerably more versatile and sophisticated vessels production, the Behemoth, masses 100,000 tons, whereas the
largest aerodyne only masses 10,000 tons. Spheroids have only
than the huge cargo shuttles they replaced, would "dröp" f ree of the
one drive system used for both space travel and atmospheric
JumpShip's docking collar upon arrival ät their
__ destination. The term shuttle remained in use, maneuvering. The positioning of the drive ät the ship's bottom, as
well as the shape of the hull, allows spheroids to take off, hover, and
applied to the small craft with cargo capacities of
100 tons or less carried inside both DropShips land vertically. This capability gives the spheroid DropShip enor-
and JumpShips. mous versatility, but also makes it vulnerable. Because the drive
The Terran registry records more than
thrust provides direct lift in atmosphere, steering is accomplished
through a complex system of control thrusters mounted on the
250different DropShip designs, many of which
have long been obsolete. Approximately 100 ship's hull. Any damage to these thrusters can severely impair the
differentmodels remain in service throughout craffs handling. However, its ability to land in almost any type of
terrain makes the spheroid DropShip very populär with the military.
the Inner Sphere, ranging from small attack
The largest 'Mech transport, the Overlord Glass DropShip, can
craft to huge cargo transports. Twenty de-
deposit a battalion of'Mechsdirectlyontoabattlefield underalmost
signs make up the majority of ships in ser-
vice, grouped into the following six classes: any conditions.
troop carriers, BattleMech carriers, fighter
carriers, assault ships, cargo carriers, and DROPSHIP SYSTEMS
passenger liners. Despite differences in outward design, all DropShips have a
Each DropShip design falls into one of number of systems in common. The following pages identify and
two categories: aerodynes and sphe- describe in detail the type and f unctions of these common systems.
roids. Aerodynes resemble AeroSpace
fighters, using wings and lift surfaces Engineering Systems
Engineering systems critical to all DropShips are usually
to operate in atmosphere. Spheroids,
located in the engineering core of spheroid DropShips and on the
so named for their distinctively
bottom deck of aerodynes. Two systems comprise the heart of
rounded hulls, rely on their fusion
every ship's engineering section: an engine core that propels the
drives to provide lift.
ship's drives and a fusion power plant that supplies energy to the
Generally smaller and more
ship's systems. Like the larger fusion core in the drive system, the
maneuverable than spheroids, the
power plant has both physical and magnetic shields that contain its
aerodyne DropShip's winged, air-
power and protect the crew. A closed system, the fusion power
craft-like design makes it ideally suited to
plant reprocesses its own by-products to produce power and
atmospheric operations. However, the craffs de-
requires little additional fuel. If necessary, however, the plant can
pendence on its aerodynamic hull shape to provide
draw upon the liquid standard diatomic hydrogen stored in large
lift limits the size of aerodynes, and drastically
— 18
inks located in the engineering section. This ability to adapt its use engage craft hundreds of kilometers distant, and while traveling ät
fuel to the circumstances ät hand keeps the engine and power high speed. Each bay also has a local control circuit, allowing
ystems ät peak efficiency. In addition to the engine core and individuals in the gunnery stations situated next to each bay to
ower plant, the engineering system has numerous cooling pipes, control the weapons. Because a human gunner cannot easily
ision cables, fuel lines, and plasma ducts. target a unit more than a few kilometers away, or one traveling ät
The invention of the fusion engine allowed spacegoing ves- thousands of kilometers per hour, most local controls only come
els to advance from the small craft of the 20th century to the into use if some emergency has shut down the main fire control
tousand-ton-plus vessels of the 21st and låter centuries. No computer.
mger restricted by the need to use huge tanks full of Chemical
opellants, fusion-powered craft could accelerate steadily for
everal days, drastically reducing the time required to travel
etween worlds. The fusion engine works by expelling plasma—
te by-product of the fusion reaction—through shielded exhaust
ozzles on the rear or bottom of the craft. On the best-designed
ropShips, numerous small exhaust nozzles also döt the crafts'
ull. The pilot uses these to alter his vessel's heading and altitude,
icugh many craft use hardier but inefficient chemical thrusters in
lace of the fragile and expensive fusion jets. A magnetic contain-
lent system channels the main plasma exhaust to the drives and
ut the exhaust nozzles, allowing the pilot to steer the vessel and
otecting the crew from harmful radiation.
Unlike the closed power plant system, the open fusion system
the ship's drive requires a constant supply of fuel. The engine
öre draws liquid diatomic hydrogen (H2) fuel from large storage
inks into its reaction chamber, and the drive expels the reaction
y-productsto produce thrust. All DropShips use ät least one of two
el flow mechanisms to feed the fusion drive.
The most common system, found on all DropShips, is a heat-
Kpansion system that requires little maintenance. Small pumps
end hydrogen into a heated chamber, where the high temperature
Buses it to expand. The resulting increase in pressure forces the
el into the engine core (or the power plant, if required). This
ystem provides a constant fuel supply, ideal for interplanetary
ght but not suited to the rapid changes in fuel demand that occur
combat.
The second fuel system, found most often on military vessels,
ses a system of high-speed pumps to supply the drive system with
e constant pressure required to sustain the fusion reaction
egardless of the fuel demand. This system allows rapid changes Control Systems
thrust, giving military craft the maneuverability required in Each DropShip has a control room, known as a bridge. The
ombat. However, keeping the engine system ät maximum pres- bridge varies in size from ship to ship, from the small, functional
ure wastes a considerable amount of fuel, and so DropShip pilots cockpits of the Leopard and Monarch Class DropShips, to the
ily use it when rapid maneuvering is necessary. DropShips may spacious decks of the Overlordand MammothC\assvesse\s. Each
svert to the heat-expansion system for interplanetary transit; bridge contains stations for a pilot, a navigatör, a Communications
erospace fighters, equipped solely with the fäst-pump system, do officer, and a computer/weapons officer. Larger craft may have
ot have the fuel reserves to accelerate for prolonged periods. more than one station for each position, or additional posts for
specialized crew. For example, some vessels have separate
eapon Systems
weapons and computer officers, and others have bridge stations
Most DropShips, both combat and civilian, carry weapons
for a cargo officer, a docking officer (controlling the KFFC boom
Bys. Each bay contains radar and laser targeting systems, a
and docking collar), a security officer, and a commander. Though
»ling system, and ammunition feeds for any combination of
the main computer performs many of the major tasks of running the
itocannons, missiles, and particle projection cannons. The ship's
ship, crew members man the appropriate stations to supervise the
e-control computer determines the target for each bay, acting
computer's performance and to provide manual backup in case of
nder instructions from the vessel's pilot. This system, linked to the
systems failure. By using backup computers, each station can
ip's main computer and radar array, enables the DropShip to
manually operate most of the ship's systems if necessary.
19 SOURCCBOOK
Generally physically isolated from the rest of the each cubicle may have its own door and'operating mechanisms.
ship, the bridge can also isolate other areas by and the shuttlecraft pilots tend to rely on precision flying for
closing the hatches designed to prevent ship- launching and recovery. Craft designed to carry several fighters : •
wide depressurization in the event of a hull small craft often group the storage/repair cubicles around one :-
breach. The bridge also controls the life sup- more launch/recovery bays. On these vessels, each storage/repa •
port systems for each area of the vessel, and cubicle has facilities similar to a 'Mech bay.
bridge officers may use both of these control These large craft bays each have appropriate launch
mechanisms to great advantage if enemy recovery facilities, and their increased size makes landing mi
forces board the craft. To prevent enemy easierforashuttle pilot. The bays also havecatch-nets, huger
forces from taking advantage of these sys- barriers designed to "catch" badly damaged or out-of-cor
tems in the event of a successful boarding, combat DropShips and fighters and prevent them from impacting on the rear wall of 1
even some civilian vessels position marines or other appropriately bay. The bulkheads around each bay are as thick as the DropShip
trained personnel ät key points throughout the ship: the bridge, the hull, providing added protection in case of accident. In an additic
engineering deck, and near any other control systems. Military craft protective measure, access to the rest of the vessel from the <
also usually place guards ät each airlock and in each cargo bay. bay is restricted by a series of airlocks. The one drawback of i
small craft bays is the inability to launch all of ä DropShip's sn
Cargo/Passenger Areas craft from them ät one time. Though unimportant on civii
All DropShips carry either passengers or cargo of some kind. vessels, this launch restriction can prove critical on military <
Cargo facilities tend to dominate a DropShip, occupying up to 75 ers.
percent of the ship's interiör. DropShips have numerous types of Most fighter bays cannot be used while a DropShip is j
cargo bays; a single DropShip may have any combination of the atmosphere or on the ground. The majority of fighter bays ,
bays listed below. designed so that fighters "dröp away" from a ship moving ät j
Standard cargo bays store bulk freight, usually supplies or constant speed and direction; launching craft under any
equipment. Each bay contains numerous anchor points for secur- circumstances is very difficult, and recovery impossible. A er
ing cargo, as well as the equipment needed to maneuver the cargo must load and unload each small craft from a DropShip oni
both in gravity and zero-G. On most civilian craft a single door in the planefs surface, and each bay has one crane to perform
cargo bay provides access to the outside, while small passage- operations. A DropShip flying in atmosphere may launch figfi
ways lead from the bay into the ship. The larger civilian ships, as ät great risk but will not be able to recover them.
well as many military craft, have an airlock between the cargo bay Many pilots call the launch/recovery bays "flight decks," al
and the external door. Each bay door has a retractable ramp for that goes back to the first seaborne carriers used in the
loading and unloading. century. Technicians and engineers assigned to each bay i
'Mech bays house numerous cubicles for transporting and ref er to themselves as the deck crew, and the officer in charge \
repairing BattleMechs, as well as a large, open area. Each cubicle the formål title of deck officer.
has a miniature gantry that allows technicians to work on the
'Mechs, either during transit or on a planefs surface. Each cubicle JUIVIPSHIPS
also contains hookups for fuel and oxygen that allow personnel to
keep a BattleMech battle-ready ät all times. The open area in each JumpShips are the backbone of interstellar travel. Tr
'Mech bay contains additional repair facilities, as well as a number slender, needle-like craft were first developed in the 22nd cer
of anchor points to which a 'Mech may attach for repair. If the ship following the rediscovery of the works of Kearny and Fuchida,!
is fully loaded, additional BattleMechs may ride out the journey two visionary scientists whose work opened the door to fa
attached to an anchor point instead of in a cubicle. In addition, most than-light space travel. The vessel's long, narrow Kearny-Fuchid
'Mech bays have an airlock sufficiently massive to allow the ship to drive system stretches from one end of the JumpShip to the otl
dröp 'Mechs into combat, either in atmosphere or space. Each bay a small cockpit ät the ship's före houses the command section, <
also has dröp cocoons and storage facilities for spare the station-keeping drive rests in the aft section. The Kean
parts. Like cargo bays, each 'Mech bay has a Fuchida drive gives the craft its ability to "jump" between two poir
retractable ramp for loading and unloading. in space up to a distance of thirty light-years apart, hence the na
While the ship is on a planet, BattleMechs JumpShip.
enter and exit the vessel via these heavily Experiments carried out in the 21st century by Står
reinforced ramps. physics researchers Thomas Kearny and Takayoshi Fuchk
Unlike the comparatively rare 'Mech showed that subatomic particles could, when exposed to a
bays, most DropShips have small craft perspace energy field, jump between two points in space.
bays. Most DropShips carry one or two results suggested that by amplifying this effect, humans
shuttlecraft, and store each in a storage achieve instantaneous interstellar transport by moving large i
cubicle during transit. On these DropShips, jecjs—namely, ships—through these jump points. However,
physicists' theories conflicted with the known laws of Einsteinia
20 SOUKCMBOOK
hysics, and mainstream science disregarded them for many prior to a JumpShip's arrival or just after its departure. Opening a
ears. Ät the beginning of the 22nd century, two independent rift in space ät the arrival point is usually a less controlled process
»search teams vindicated the work of Kearny and Fuchida, and than ät the departure point; the necessary destruction of väst
aved the way for man's travels to the stars. numbers of atomic particles creates a pulse of electromagnetic
In the first decade of the 22nd century, the Terran Alliance radiation that can be detected ät considerable range. Using these
overnment funded the development of what became known as energy traces, hostile forces can track a JumpShip and lie in wait
le Kearny-Fuchida hyperspace drive, the basic principals of to ambush its DropShips or any troops they carry. Only the
tiich näve remained unchanged since then. A field initiator in the unspoken prohibition against destroying the almost irreplaceable
ft end of the drive housing generates the hyperspace field and JumpShips, in force since the end of the brutal Second Succession
»cuses it through the drive's titanium/germanium core, whose War, nas so far saved JumpShips from becoming military targets.
uperconducting capacity boosts the f ield's strength and size. The JumpShips fall into two categories. The first and most numer-
tsulting amplified field encompasses the JumpShip and any ous is the transport JumpShip, such as the Merchantand Invader
ttached DropShips. Once fully expanded, the field pushes the Glass vessels. Both civilian and military organizations use trans-
sraft through the jump point, a "hole" in space. The actual time port JumpShips to convey DropShips between destinations in the
pent in hyperspace depends on the distance traveled, but never stars. The second category, combat JumpShips, also known as
ists longer than 15 seconds. The craft then emerges from the WarShips, were virtually wiped out in the first two Succession
rther end of the hyperspace rift through the second jump point, Wars. Only since the recent technological renaissance sparked by
rriving ät its destination. A malfunction of the K-F drive usually the Gray Death memory core has humankind recovered enough
ssullsinthecraftsimplyarrivingatapointotherthanthatintended, knowledge to build WarShips, and the pressures of the Glan War
ut on rare occasions a JumpShip remains trapped in hyperspace. have encouraged more than a few Successor States to speed up
he fäte of such unlucky vessels remains unknown. WarShip development and production. Because WarShips remain
Opening holes in space takes väst amounts of energy, creat- untested in battle, this report considers them in a separate section
g radiation signatures for both the traveling vessel and the space from the standard transport JumpShip.
ear it. Predominantly infrared, this radiation can be detected just
21
NÅVÄL TECHNOLOGY
JUMPSHIP SYSTEMS The primary means of collecting energy for the K-F drive core
As with DropShips, all JumpShips have the following features is the JumpShip's solar sail array. Also called a jump sail, this high-
in common: engineering systems, weapons, control systems, grav strength polymer sheet and its delicate furling mechanism are
decks, and cargo areas. located atthe aft of the vessel. Measuring from 800 to 1,500 mete-
in diameter, the sail is coated with a photochemical that absorrs
Engineering Systems almost all forms of energy and converts that energy into use".
The heart of the JumpShip is the Kearny-Fuchida hyperspace power. A sail collecting energy with not appear on radar, anc s
drive. Composed of a titanium/germanium alloy suspended in a difficult to detect visually. Despite its massive diameter, the ju-:
tube of liquid helium, the core of the drive acts as a huge supercon- sail is only a few millimeters thick, making it extremely delicate. ~:
ductive capacitor, storing the massive amounts of energy required minimize damage, the sail comprises several panels, each s.
for a hyperspace jump. The largest component of the craft, the rounded with a thicker frame. A JumpShip with its sail deplo>,e:
drive core is also the most fragile. JumpShips use one of two types cannot maneuver; if it attempts to do so, the stresses of even sli: -
of drive core: the standard variety common to transport JumpShips, acceleration will damage the fragile polymer beyond repair.
and the compact cores used in some WarShips. Standard cores Some Inner Sphere JumpShips, mostly those fielded :
take up around 95 percent of the JumpShip's mäss; the compact ComStar and the rare few still in good condition after hundreds :
variety takes up less than 50 percent, allowing such a vessel to years of war, carry lithium-fusion batteries, which enable the s- :
pack more and heavier weapons and armor. However, the com- to store an additional drive charge. This extra charge allows -^
pact cores cost almost one hundred times as much as the standard vessel to make two jumps within a short period of time w r e
variety to build. During the Står League, shipyards could construct avoiding the enormous risks of quick-charging the K-F d- -.
cores as light as 2,500 tons, but the loss of technology and through the fusion reactor. However, activating the hypersparr
knowledge över centuries of warfare shortchanged the shipbuild- drive too many times in rapid succession can damage or des: :
ers of the 31st century. Until the discovery of the Gray Death vital components. Standard practice allows pilots to use the lithiu-
memory core, the smallest drive built massed 35,000 tons. With the fusion charge to make a hyperspace jump every three or four da ;
help of the information provided by the Gray Death core, an imprövement on the average, seven-day wait imposec :
scientists are reapproaching the smaller drive size. jump sail recharging. As with the K-F drive core, both • - ^
Situated ät the aft end of the JumpShip is the field jump sail and the fusion reactor can charge the lithi. -
initiator, the second vital component of the hyperspace fusion battery, but each cnarging system may chs : -
drive. This device generates the hyperspace field and only one device ät a time. For example, if the JL~ :
focuses it through the main drive core, amplifying the sail is charging the drive core, the lithium-fus : -
field to encompass the JumpShip and the DropShips battery must receive its energy from the fus : -
it carries. Generating and expanding this field lakes reactor. According to our observations, the lithi^-
väst amounts of energy; each jump, though it lasts only fusion battery is standard equipment on Clan JumpSr : ~
a few seconds, requires afully charged drive core. Charg- and WarShips. Rumor says that House Kurita is c _
ing the core usually takes anywhere from six to eight days. rently retrofitting every available ship with a lithi^-
In addition to the Kearny-Fuchida drive, each fusion battery.
JumpShip also carries a massive fusion drive. Though
considerably larger than similar systems carried by Weapons Systems
DropShips, this station-keeping drive makes up a small Save for a few large lasers or particle proje
proportion of the JumpShip's mäss and therefore can only cannons used to destroy meteors, most träns
exert a few tenths of a G of acceleration. This low level JumpShips have no weapons. The anti-meteor guns i
makes the station-keeping drive best suited for maintain- rarely powerful enough to damage an armored spä
ing position ät a jump point, or performing minor maneu- craft, though they can kill a pressure-suited hur
vers near it. A huge fuel tank supplies the fusion drive with Among Inner Sphere JumpShips, only the InvaderCk
diatomic hydrogen (H2) and allows the JumpShip to ~| carries lasers and PPCs large enough to function
refuel docked DropShips. offensive weapons. Because the Invadens often usedi
A huge fusion power plant supplies the JumpShip's a military transport, its guns are powerful enough to re
day-to-day electrical power requirements, allowing life boarding attacks, but even an Invadens weapons an
support and computers to function. If necessary, this core cannot destroy an attacking ship. The Clans ha
can also quick-charge the K-F drive in as little as a few equipped a number of reconnaissance craft, such as t
hours. However, because a shorter dharging time in- HunterC\ass ships, with a moderate array of weap
creases the likelihood of jump failure oj- damage to Though ostensibly meant to dissuade attacks l
the delicate K-F drive, such quick-chafging is pirates or other foes, these weapons ens
reserved for emergencies. Clan reconnaissance vessels to fill
offensive role.
SOI/ftCEBOOK
Control Systems Grav Deck
The ship's bridge and crew's quarters are located in the Most large JumpShips (100,000+ tons) carry a grav deck tha;
bulbous nose section of most JumpShips. The bridge contains the provides the crew with an artificial gravity environment. This ring-
ship's control systems, including maneuvering, hyperspace flight, shaped section produces artificial gravity by rotating around the
and navigational systems. The bridge of a JumpShip is roughly axis of the ship and so acts like an enormous centrifuge. As the
twice the size of a DropShip bridge, with stations scattered över all deck spins, the centrifugal force pushes objects outward from the
the available space. It is not unusual for crew members to sit deck's center. The deck wall becomes the "f loor," providing a sense
"upside down" on the ceiling, though alternative stations do exist for of normal planetary gravity. Too small to accommodate living
those few occasions when the craft is accelerating. In marked quarters for the entire crew, the grav deck most often serves as a
contrast to the tense feel of a DropShip bridge, the atmosphere on lounge for off-duty personnel.
23 SOWRCCBOOK
WARS H l PS The next largest ship class, destroyers, occupy a similar niche
but are more heavily armed. In addition to raiding and escort duty,
Though the basic design of a WarShip matches that of a destroyers often guard orbital installations. Most destroyers mäss
JumpShip, the larger WarShip has an additional maneuver drive, between 500,000 and 700,000 tons.
stronger armor, and powerful weapons arrays. In order to accom- Frigates rarely mäss under 700,000 tons, and serve as both
modate the additional hardware, these combat JumpShips use a picket vessels and escorts. Usually equipped with top-notch sen-
compact but more expensive version of the K-F drive. Because the sors, f rigates often stay on the outskirts of a fleet to act as sentries.
K-F drive in a WarShip must move a greater volume, it and most though they also provide additional defense in the fleefs core.
other components are larger than their equivalents on board a Unlike the smaller ship classes, frigates can also operate as
"transport" JumpShip. transports, allowing DropShips to dock ät their hardpoints.
Like its transport counterpart, the WarShip is built around a K- Cruisers constitute a diverse class of ships, and many navies
F drive. WarShip design surrounds the vulnerable drive core with subdivide them into the additional categories of light cruisers
various decks for personnel and equipment, shielding the whole heavy cruisers, and battlecruisers. Cruisers serve as escorts
with massive layers of armor. This extra bulk enables the vessel to raiders, or picket vessels, offering speed comparable to a f rigate c -
resist enormous amounts of damage. The väst maneuver drives destroyer, but with superior armor protection and firepower. Mos:
allow the WarShip to act like a slower version of a DropShip, giving cruisers can operate away from support facilities for extendec
it maneuverability superior to the standard JumpShip. Capable of periods, making them ideal as raiding vessels. Heavy cruisers
one or two Gs of acceleration, a WarShip can travel within a solar carry more armaments than light cruisers, often ät the expense er
system like a DropShip. Such interplanetary flight takes huge speed. The Glans tend to use heavy cruisers as command vessels
amounts of fuel; the designers project that most WarShips will Battlecruisers bristle with weapons and heavy armor, but the
consume close to 40 tons of fuel per burn-day (one day of larger engines provide enough power to give them great speed fe •
acceleration ät 1G). However, the mere presence of one such their size. These swift behemoths often provide the knock-ou'
juggernaut makes most forces think twice about attacking a punch of a fleet. Most cruisers mäss between 700,000 and 1 2
JumpShip or DropShip fleet. million tons, though historical records indicate that the Terra-
The smaller relative mäss of the compact K-F drive in relation Hegemony constructed vessels as large as 1.5 million tons.
to the overall vessel provides väst spaces on WarShips in which to The largest WarShips are battleships, multi-million-ton levia-
fit large weapons weighing thousands of tons. Long-range and thans whose overwhelming armor and firepower have given rise te
deadly, these powerful weapons can do inordinate amounts of
damage to an enemy vessel. However, their large size makes it
difficult to aim quickly and accurately, and so WarShips tend to
use their weapons to engage large, slow-moving targets such
as DropShips or other WarShips. [For more information on
nåväl weapons systems, see Weapon Systems p. 26
of this section.]
The WarShip's ability to accelerate enables it to
produce ship-wide artificial gravity, removing the
need for a grav deck. WarShip decks are ar-
ranged so that the nose of the craft is up, and the
engine section is down. Many larger WarShips
continue to carry two or three grav decks for use
while in orbit or waiting ät a jump point, when
the vessel is not accelerating and therefore has
no gravity.
Like DropShips, WarShips fall into cat-
egories determined by their role. The classifi-
cations used in this report date back more than
a thousand years, to the time when navies
operated on water—the terms have survived
and been modified where necessary to suit the
realities of warfare in space.
Corvettes are the smallest WarShips. Lightly
armored and relatively swift, these small craft usually
mäss less than half a million tons. Designed for ex-
tended operations, they most often see action as raiders
or convoy escorts.
24
much of the mystiquesurrounding combat JumpShips. A vessel of
this class usually serves as the flagship of a f leet, leading assaults
against stubborn opposition and making a breach in enemy de-
fenses for smaller craft to exploit. Contrary to common wisdom, a
battleship's size does not imply a lack of speed. Most can keep
pace with frigates, and can outrun heavy cruisers. The two-million-
ton McKenna Class WarShip, used by the SLDF in the era of the
Står League, remains the largest spacecraft ever built. Observers
have seen a few battleships among Glan fleets, but fortunately,
none have matched the McKenna Class vessels.
25 SOWMCCBOOfC
NÅVÄL TECHNOLOGY
non, but may also fire a "shotgun" shell. The larger, lighter shell weapons, laser weapons exist in both standard and WarSI
increases the likelihood of hitting the target, but does less damage variations.
than the heavier standard projectile. Standard lasers operate exactly as described above, thou J
The fourth class of autocannon, found only on WarShips and some use higher energy charges to boost their effective range. In
space stations, weighs between two and five thousand tons. the high-energy versions, poorly designed energy conversioo
Though the chemical propellants they use limit their range to that systems generate greater heat, increasing the risk of burnout or
of conventional autocannons, nåväl autocannon (NAC) can do explosion.
tremendous damage by virtue of their colossal size. One or two Pulse lasers cycle very rapidly, firing small pulses of energy ät
shells alone may destroy a DropShip. However, like most nåväl the target. Instead of relying on a single beam, these lasers
weapons, their size also prevents them from accurately tracking saturate a target area much as a machine gun does, increasing the
small, swift targets. chances of hitting the target. However, the weapon's fast recharge
and fire cycle requirements actually reduce the strength of the
Gauss Weapons laser. As a result, pulse lasers do less damage than their counter-
Similar in appearance to autocannon, Gauss weapons at- parts.
tempt to overcome the deficiencies of chemical propellants. The The colossal WarShip laser uses technology similar to the
barrel of the Gauss gun is a linear accelerator that propels a nickel- standard laser, but has a very poor damage-to-heat ratio.
ferrous projectile ät great speed, damaging the target with kinetic
energy. These weapons weigh more than autocannons, but run Particle Projection Cannons
cooler and have a longer range. Both standard and nåväl versions These weapons use a magnetic accelerator to fire high-
exist ät various calibers. energy protons and ions ät their target. These particles form a
•yiys^f'
.•.>*ht. •
NÅVÄL TECHNOLOGY
plasma that resembles lightning, causing damage by impact and The interplanetär/ drive that allows a WarShip to maneuver
heat. Despite their grossly inefficient energy conversion process poses a second manufacturing problem. The drives currently used
and exaggerated tendency to overheat, the sheer amount of by JumpShips and DropShips lack the necessary power to provide
damage they do leads many military experts to regard PPCs as the appreciable acceleration foreven the smallest WarShips. Ät present
most effective weapons available. Standard and nåväl versions of only the Rolls-Royce Corporation, based in the British Isles of
the particle cannon exist, including versions that boost range ät the Terra, can produce drives of sufficient power. However, Rolls-
expense of increasing the weapon's already high heat levels. Royce falls under the jurisdiction of ComStar, and the First Circuit
has so far authorized only very limited and carefully vetted sales.
SHIP CONSTRUCTION Badly damaged during the Amaris coup centuries ägo, the
Terran shipyards were once the most sophisticated in the Står
Though less numerous than in the glorious Står League era, League. ComStar restored some of these yards, allowing the order
nåväl construction facilities exist throughout the Inner Sphere. to produce and maintain both JumpShips and DropShips during
Fighters and many DropShips can be assembled on a planefs the destructive years of the Succession Wars. ComStar has
surface, but some DropShips and all JumpShips must be as- produced a limited number of both types of craft, and Com Guard
sembled in orbit. personnel have recently begun researching means of increasing
The following information supplements that found in Objec- output and producing new designs more rapidly. Ät present, none
tive Raids and Technical Readout: 3055. of our Terran facilities can manufacture WarShips.
The James McKenna yards orbiting the planet Kathil in the
FIGHTERS Federated Commonwealth have recently resumed production
Fighter production throughout the Inner Sphere has changed after twenty years of inactivity. This famous facility, used most
little since 3054, with few new designs being produced. However, recently during the Fourth Succession War, suffered a massive
the designs currently in production have benefited from advances systems failure in 3032 which relegated the yard to ship mainte-
in technology, and most use weapons comparable to those of the nance. Considerable reconstruction has taken place över the last
Står League era. two decades; though not as efficient as during their heyday, the
Kathil shipyards produced a new JumpShip in November 3054.
DROPSHIPS Beginning this year, the yard hopes to produce ät least two
Following the lead of the newly established Dynamico Ltd., all Merchant and Invader Glass JumpShips per year.
Inner Sphere DropShip manufacturers have made it common In addition to the Terran and Kathil shipyards, three new yards
practice to outfit DropShips with Står League technology when have recently begun or will soon begin manufacturing spacefaring
possible, especially weapons. Several yards have begun to pro- vessels, including WarShips. Outstripping all its competition in
duce new DropShips, predominantly attack craft (such as the WarShip production are the Federated Boeing Interstellar (FBI)
Claymore being produced by the Shipil Company on the planet shipyards orbiting the Federated Commonwealth world of Galax.
Skye in the Federated Commonwealth, or the Kuan-ti being The Galax yards are the last surviving Står League-era facility
produced jointly by Earthwerks and Kallon Industries, on the belonging to that great Corporation, whose designers produced the
Capellan world of Åres and the Free Worlds League planet famous Lola III WarShip for the Står League navy. The original
Loyalty), or carriers (such as the Okinawa, produced by BBP shipyards of the Galax Megaplex could only produce DropShips,
Industries on the Combine world of Luthien). but in 3037 FBI purchased the derelict Challenge Systems ship-
yards on the world of Panpour, which were destroyed in a Kurita
JUMPSHIPS AND W ARS H l PS raid in 2796. Stripped of its valuable equipment, which had gone to
Production of the standard transport JumpShip remains virtu- repair the Universal Air shipyards ät Delavan some years previ-
ally unchanged from 3054, but in the last two years several yards ously, the Challenge yards were little more than an orbiting
have begun toolingup to produce WarShips. Most JumpShip yards skeleton. For close to twenty years Federated Boeing spent the
are large enough to build the combat behemoths; however, certain bulk of its profits on restoring the Challenge yards, and as its reward
key components of WarShips remain in short supply. the company now boasts one of the most modern shipyards in the
Few factories can produce the compact cores necessary to a Inner Sphere. Reports indicate that FBI is working closely with the
WarShip's functioning. Only loto Galactic Enterprises (Alarion, New Avalon Institute of Science and the Federated Common-
Federated Commonwealth), the recently retooled New Earth Trad- wealth government; the prototype Fox Class corvette is currently
ing Company (New Earth, Federated Commonwealth), and Stellar being assembled ät the Challenge Systems facility.
Trek (Chatham, Draconis Combine) currently have the capability The Draconis Combine löst its Dharma Hyperspace shipyards
to produce compact Kearny-Fuchida drives. The yards of on the world of Schuylerto Glan Smoke Jaguar in the invasion, and
Technicron Manufacturing (Tamarind, Free Worlds League) and the vital Chatham yards face constant risk of capture because of
Universal Air (Delavan, Federated Commonwealth) are in the their proximity to the Clan front. Fearing the total loss of largé
process of modernization, and their new production facilities will shipbuilding capability, the Combine government has embarked
produce both standard and compact Kearny-Fuchida drive cores. upon a crash program to build an orbiting shipyard near the world
27 AOMJtCVBOOMT
TECHNOLOGY
of Dieron. The first stage, construction of a ship assembly facility, initial colonial expansion from Terra during the 22nd and 23rd
was completed in December 3055. Our sources indicate that the centuries, and most served as a "home base" from which to explore
construction of a facility to produce compact Kearny-Fuchida or terraform newly discovered planets. The population of these
drives will begin in September of this year, scheduled for comple- habitats dwindled över the intervening centuries; many were
tion by 3061. In the meantime, the Dieron yards will assemble abandoned, their valuable components salvaged for use aboard
JumpShips using parts produced ät Chatham or purchased from other spacecraft. The few habitats that remain are either in close
yards elsewhere in the Inner Sphere. The Dieron facility currently planetary orbit or ät La Grange points in a planetary system. (These
houses the prototype Kyushufrigate, which is scheduled to begin positions of gravitational stability are scattered throughout a sys-
trials in mid-3057. If the trials prove successful, the DCMS hopes tem, and each planet usually has several La Grange points
to use the yard to produce WarShips on a large scale. associated with it.) According to several ROM reports, the Glans
Captain-General Thomas Marik of the Free Worlds League use orbital habitats as sibkos for aerospace and nåväl bloodlines
and his prospective son-in-law, Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao of the Unlike other orbital craft, a space station's size and lack c ;
Capellan Confederation, have agreed to upgrade the Rashpur- mobility requires that it be assembled ät the station's intendez
Owens (formally Delhi WarShips) facility on the planet Capella. location. A few easily transportable modules built in factories c-
The Free Worlds League has agreed to provide technical advisors orbiting shipyards form the core of each station. Once completec
to oversee the construction, and the Capellan Confederation will the modules are transported by JumpShip to the assembly poir.
supply most of the labor force. The jointly funded project will begin where tugs manipulate them into position. A protective she:
in early 3057, with the first new craft scheduled for production in encases the assembled modules, providingarmorprotectionagair 5~
3062. ComStar has so far failed to glean any information about stray meteors or hostile weapons fire.
proposed ship designs, but because the Free Worlds League Most stations carry standard ballistic and energy weapons.
made great strides in the design and manufacturing of various but the station's lack of thrust limits these weapons to defense
weapons from its position as arms dealer to the Inner Sphere Some of the Inner Sphere's few remaining battle stations have
during the Clan War, we expect the Capellan facility to produce begun to serve as test platforms for nåväl grade weaponry, whicr
WarShips the equal of anything in the Inner Sphere, assuming provides infinitely greater destructive power.
construction goes as planned.
GLAN NAVIES
SPACE STATIONS
As yet, ComStar has no solid information on Clan nav=
Space stations fall into the five following groups, though no construction facilities. We know that they manufacture new fighter s
station fits precisely in one category. Many stations fulfill several and DropShips, but have found only scant evidence of WarShip c -
roles, acting simultaneously as jump stations, cargo/passenger JumpShip facilities. All the Clan WarShips and JumpShips seen s:
terminals, and repair facilities. The most common type of space far date from the Står League era, and may in fäet be remnants c-
station is the cargo/passenger terminal, found in planetary orbit or Kerensky's Exodus fleet. The fäet that many Clan ships sno*
ät a world's zenith or nadir jump point. These stations comprise modifications suggests that the Clans maintain some repair yards.
several modules designed for cargo and passenger transit be- but several military strategists have suggested that the Clans'
tween ship and surface, but carry few weapons. The jump station, sparing use of capital ships has made construction of new vessels
so called because of its energy-collecting sail and storage banks, unnecessary—implying, of course, that the Clans continue to use
provides facilities for recharging JumpShips. Found only ät nadir or only the ships that Kerensky took in the Exodus. Others have
zenith jump points, jump stations consist mostly of power modules, suggested the Inner Sphere simply has not seen the modern Clan
with limited space for crew and passengers. The Olympus Class WarShips, which, together with the majority of the Clan fleet.
space stations, the largest stations operating in the Inner Sphere, remained to guard the Clan worlds against an Inner Sphere
serve as both jump stations and ship repair yards. The standard counterattack.
orbiting factory or shipyard hängs in orbit around a planet and The Remembrance, the Clans' epic poem recording their
consists largely of industrial modules for the manufacture, con- history, describes the destruction of approximately one hundred
struction, and maintenance of DropShips and JumpShips. WarShips in the Exodus Civil Wars. Based on what our own
The final two types of space stations are battle stations and historical records tell us about the size of the Exodus fleet, the
space habitats. These rare space stations usually only exist in the Clans should possess only 300 WarShips, if they do not have
most secure står systems. The larger of the two are battle stations, construction facilities. The seven Clans in the Inner Sphere have
designed primarily to defend a planet. A battle station carries an almost 120 WarShips between them; if the rest of the Clans each
impressive array of heavy weapons, along with launch/recovery possess a similar number, this suggests a fleet size of just över 300
bays and repair facilities for fighters and small craft. The Succes- vessels. The current lack of data prevents ComStar from drawing
sion Wars destroyed most of the battle stations guarding Inner any solid conclusions about the size of the Clan WarShip threat, but
Sphere worlds; the few that remain are located ät jump points or in we hope to remedy this situation in the near future.
planetary orbit. Space habitats wereconstructed during humanity's
28 SOUItCMBOOK
;ra^
29 SOURCEBOOK
These scenarios provide the historical troops involved in and Glans' account of their history. Replaying these battles will give
the outcome of three nåväl conflicts. Two are part of the history of cadets an opportunity to simulate the conditions of a nåväl conflict,
the Inner Sphere, one taking place during the Fourth Succession applyi ng various strategies to a specif ic situation and tropp conf igu-
War and one part of the recent struggle against the Glan invasion. ration to discover the most effective use of resources.
The third is a battle reconstructed from The Remembrance, the
BÄ TTLMSPA CM
30 SOUHCMBOOK
HIDE AND SEEK
SITUATION: ARCADIA, PENTAGON C L U ST ER,
31 moouitcmmooK
SITUATION: N l L E S, FEDERATED SUNS,
24 IVIAY 3O29
DRACONIS STRIKES
Hanse Davion chose the occasion of his wedding to Melissa
Steiner in 3028 to trigger war throughout the Inner Sphere. Smart-
ing from a successful though limited assault by the Lyran Common-
wealth, the Draconis Combine took advantage of the movement of
Federated Suns troops to the Capellan börder and seized several
Federated Suns worlds. One such target was Niles, on the edge of
the Draconis March nearest the Periphery. The invaders met light
opposition, until the planetarymilitia sent foursquadrons of fighters
to meet the Kurita attackers.
GAJVIE SET-UP
Lay out both BattleSpace mapsheets, placed with the two
long edges adjacent as shown.
Katana Squadron
2 S/aye/s
2 Samurai Sai Squadron
2 Shilones 4 Shilones
2 Samurai
Daikyu Squadron
2 Lightnings Deployment
2 Corsaiis The Attacker sets up after the Defender has deployed his last
2 Slayers unit, placing his squadrons in any full hex along the right side of the
map. Attacking forces may choose any orientation and starting
Wakazashi Squadron velocity.
2 Shilones
2 Sabres
2 Sholagars
A TTi.msi»A em
32 SOUftCVBOOff
Deployment
The Defender consists of four aerospace squadrons of the The Defender sets up first, and may place his squadrons in any
Niles planetary militia. full hex along the left side of the map. Defending forces may choose
any orientation and starting velocity.
Blue Squadron
2 Corsairs VICTORY CONDITIONS
4 Sparrowhawks Each side receives 1 point per enemy fighter destroyed (one
line of armor must be completely crossed off on that unifs record
Red Squadron sheet). The side with the most points after 15 turns wins the
2 Sparrowhawks engagement.
2 Seydlitz
2 Corsairs SPECIAL RULES
Any squadron that leaves the map may not re-enter and is no
Green Squadron longer available to the player.
2 Sparrowhawks
2 Sholagars HISTORICAL OUTCOJV1E
2 Corsairs
The battle initially went in favör of the Davion defenders, but
White Squadron moved closer to the planet as losses mounted on both sides.
4 Corsairs Breaking through the defending squadrons, the Kurita DropShips
2 Lucifers landed on Niles and successfully deployed their ground forces.
Though they held off a battalion of the Fourth An Ting Legion for a
week, the last AFFS forces surrendered on June 3, 3029.
r * .%•
/ •
m A TTLMSPA cm
33 souitcmaooif
SITUATIONS RADSTADT, FREE RASA LH ÄG U E REPUBLIC
fWOLF CLAN OGCUPATION ZONE},
31
SUICIDE RUN Valkyrie Squadron
2 Shilones
On October 31, 3050, the leaders of the Clans met in orbit 4 Sparrowhawks
around the world of Radstadt in the Free Rasalhague Republic to
hold a Grand Kurultai. This grand council, intended to decide the Fenir Squadron
next phase of the Glan invasion of the Inner Sphere, would alter the 2 Sparrowhawks
Clan offensive in a way none of them had imagined. Hours before 2 Seydlitz
the meeting, a group of Free Rasalhague JumpShips fleeing the 2 Corsaiis
fighting on the capital world of Rasalhague arrived in the Radstadt
system. Though shocked to see Clan vessels in territory they had Aesir Squadron
believed safe, the Rasalhagian fighters and DropShips immedi- 2 Sparrowhawks
ately attacked. Their furious, unexpected assault delayed the Clan 2 Sholagars
response just long enough for the Rasalhague JumpShips to 2 Corsairs
escape, carrying with them Haakon Magnusson, Elected Prince of
the Republic. The aerospace fighters paid fortheir Prince's escape Nom Squadron
with their lives. 6 Sparrowhawks
Alpha Står
2 Visigoths (1 Primary configuration, 1 Configuration A)
4 Jagatai (All Primary configuration)
2 Bashkir(1 Primary, 1 Configuration A)
2 Jenghiz (1 Configuration A, 1 Configuration B)
Alpha Command
2 Jagatai (1 Primary, 1 Configuration A)
Bravo Command
The Attacker is the Flying Drakons, comprising five combat
2 Jagafa/(Both Configuration A)
DropShips and four squadrons of aerospace fighters.
Charlie Command
DropShips
2 Visigoths (1 Configuration A, 1 Configuration C)
Räven, a Vengeance Class DropShip
2 Union Class DropShips, the Gungnirand the Sleipnlr
Deployment
Karlshefni, a Seeker Class DropShip
The D/re Wolf begins in Hex 1307 of the right-hand mapsheet.
Stöng, a Fury Class DropShip
The DropShips begin the scenario docked with the D/re Wolf, but
may release according to the standard rules given in the
BattleSpace Rulebook.
34
VICTORY CONDITIONS HISTORICAL OUTCOJVIE
Both sides score 1 point for each Armor or Critical box crossed
off an enemy ship's record sheet. Destroying a DropShip or The Drak0 n fighters made several passes scant meters above
WarShip earns a number of points equal to all the craft's Armor and the Dire Wolfs hull, inflicting moderate damage before the Glan
Critical boxes, in addition to any damaged before the vessePs OmniFighters rallied and struck back. However, the Drak0ns owed
destruction. The scenario lasts 10 turns; any Rasalhague forces their ultimate victory to the desperate courage of a singie fighter
remaining on the map ät the end of Turn 10 count as destroyed. pilot. Determined to strike the Glan enemy where it would hurt the
The side with the highest score ät the end of 10 turns wins the most, Kapten Tyra Miraborg flew hercrippled SMonedirectly atthe
engagement. Dire Wolf, ramming the bridge and killing the Glan ilKhan Leo
Showers. This act made Kapten Miraborg a legend among both the
SPECIAL RULES Glans and the Inner Sphere, earning her an unprecedented ten
Rasalhague forces may exit the map along any edge. Any lines in the Glan epic, The Remembrance. Shocked by the death
units exiting may not re-enter the battle, but take no further of their war leader and impressed by the Drakens' bravery, the
damage. Glan units may not exit the map. Glans declined to pursue the escaped JumpShips.
Alpha Fighter Står may launch ät the beginning of Turn 3. The
other Glan fighters launch ät the start of Turn 4. Because the Dire
Wolf s escorts played little part in the battle, they are not included
in the scenario.
A cm
35 SOWMCBBOOJT
SMALL CRAFT
y This section provides the BattleSpace statistics for the base SABRE
Type: Fighter Mäss: 25 tons
configuration or original design of Inner Sphere and Glan aero-
Tech: Standard
space fighters. The value given in parentheses forfuel represents Introduced: 2519 Fuel: 5 tons (75)
the number of Thrust Points available forthe amount of fuel the ship Safe Thrust: 11
is carrying. (Because these craft were constructed using a system Armor Value: 2 Maximum Thrust: 17
otherthan the BattleSpace construction rules, these values do not HeatSinks: 10
correspond to the Thrust Point formula provided in that section.)
Weapons Range Values
LIGHT FIGHTERS Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts
Nose Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
Light fighters are those aerospace craft weighing from 20-45 tons. L W Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
R W Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
SYD Z1 SEYDLITZ Notes: Source: AeroTech.
Type: Fighter Mäss: 20 tons
Tech: Standard
Introduced: 2504 Fuel: 3 tons (45)
SW-606 SWIFT
Safe Thrust: 11 Type: Fighter Mäss: 25 tons
Armor Value:1 Maximum Thrust: 17 Tech: Står League
HeatSinks: 10 Introduced: 2682 Fuel: 3 tons (45)
Safe Thrust: 13
Weapons Range Values Armor Value: 1 Maximum Thrust: 21
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts HeatSinks: 10
Nose Laser 8 1 1 0 0 1
Weapons Range Values
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts
TRN-3T TRIDENT
Nose Laser 4 1 O O O 2
Type: Fighter Mäss: 20 tons
Tech: Står League
Introduced: 2717 Fuel: 3 tons (45) TR-7 THRUSH
Safe Thrust: 12 Type: Fighter Mäss: 25 tons
Armor Value: 1 Maximum Thrust: 18 Tech: Standard
HeatSinks: 10 Introduced: 2632 Fuel: 5 tons (75)
Safe Thrust: 12
Weapons Range Values Armor Value: 1 Maximum Thrust: 18
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts HeatSinks: 10
Nose Laser 3 1 0 0 O
LW Laser 3 1 0 0 O Weapons Range Values
RW Laser 3 1 0 0 O Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts
Aft Laser 1 1 0 0 O Nose Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
LW Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
RW Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
F10- CHEETAH
Type: Fighter Mäss: 25 tons
Tech: Standard CENTURION
Introduced: 2630 Fuel: 4 tons (60) Type: Fighter Mäss: 30 tons
Safe Thrust: 12 Tech: Standard
Armor Value: 1 Maximum Thrust: 18 Introduced: 2562 Fuel: 5 tons (75)
HeatSinks: 10 Safe Thrust: 10
Armor Value: 1 Maximum Thrust: 15
Weapons Range Values HeatSinks: 10
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts
Nose Laser 1 1 0 0 0 1 Weapons Range Values
RW Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1 Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts
LW Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1 Nose Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
LW Pulse 4 1 0 0 0 1 LW Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
RW Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
A
« 36
SMALL CRAFT
^^^^^•••••^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^•••••^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^•^^•MHI^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H^^^^^^^^^^^HM^^^HWWB^^^^^^^B^^^^^B^BBBB^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A TTi.mst»A cm
37
1 SMALL CRAFT
BÄ TTLMSI»A CM
38 SOWMCCBOOfC
SMALL CRAFT
EAGLE
Type: Fighter Mäss: 75 tons
RPR-100 RAPIER
Tech: Standard
Introduced: 2492 Fuel: 5 tons (75) Type: Fighter Mäss: 85 tons
Safe Thrust: 6 Tech: Står League
Armor Value: 6 Maximum Thrust: 9 Introduced: 2596 Fuel: 5 tons (75)
Heat Sinks: 25 Safe Thrust: 6
Weapons Range Values Armor Value: 5 Maximum Thrust: 9
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts Heat Sinks: 24
Nose Laser 11 1 1 0 0 2 Weapons Range Values
LW Laser 11 1 1 0 0 2
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts
RW Laser 11 1 1 0 0 2 Nose Mixed 31 5 3 1 0 4
Aft Laser 3 1 0 0 0 1
AHB-X AHAB
Notes: Source: AeroTech. Type: Fighter Mäss: 90 tons
Tech: Står League
HRM-HD HAMMERHEAD Introduced: 2697 Fuel: 5 tons (75)
Type: Fighter Mäss: 75 tons Safe Thrust: 5
Tech: Star-League Armor Value: 6 Maximum Thrust: 8
Introduced: 2534 Fuel: 5 tons (75) Heat Sinks: 18
Safe Thrust: 7 Weapons Range Values
Armor Value: 5 Maximum Thrust: 1 1 Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts
Heat Sinks: 10 Nose Laser 17 2 1 0 0 4
Weapons Range Values LW Laser 10 2 1 1 0 2
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Mounts RW Laser 10 2 1 1 0 2
Nose AC 7 2 0 0 0 1 Aft Laser 6 il 0 0 0 2
Notes: Original version entered service in 2407. Notes: Prototype of AHD-443 Ahab
TR-13 TRANSGRESSOR
Type: Fighter } Mäss: 75 tons CHP-W5 CHIPPEWA
Tech: Standard Type: Fighter Mäss: 90 tons
Introduced: 2890 Fuel: 5 tons (75) Tech: Standard
Safe Thrust: 6 Introduced: 2780 Fuel: 5 tons (75)
Armor Value: 6 Maximum Thrust: 9 Safe Thrust: 5
Heat Sinks: 25 Armor Value: 3 Maximum Thrust: 8
Heat Sinks: 25
o
SMALL CRAFT 0
A TTLMSPA cm
40 SOUMMBOOJV
l SMALL CKAFT
41
LARGE CRAFT
GAZELLE
This section provides BattleSpace game statistics for Inner The light Gaze//e Glass DropShip cancarry 15 tanks and their technical
Sphere and Glan DropShips, JumpShips, WarShips, and space support crews. The DropShip's small size means that the vehicles must
stations. Cost is as of August 1,3056. The value given in parenthe- be tightly packed, posing problems when unloading inexperienced
ses for f uel represents the number of Thrust Points available for the units. Gazelles frequently operate in conjunction with the smaller Fury
amount of f uel the ship is carrying. (Because all currently operating Class troop transports.
large ships are unique and were constructed using a system other
than the BattleSpace construction rules, these values do not Type: Military Aerodyne Mäss: 1,903 tons
correspond to the Thrust Point formula provided in that section.) Use: Troop carrier Dimensions:
Tech: Standard Length: 79 meters
Introduced: 2531 Width: 73.2 meters
INNER SPHERE DROPSHIPS Height: 28.1 meters
Fuel: 137 tons (1,233)
FURY Tons/Burn-day: 1.84 Armor:
One of the smallest DropShips operated by the armies of the Safe Thrust: 4 Före: 14
Successor States, the Fury Glass DropShip is designed to deliver Maximum Thrust: 6 Side: 12
four platoons of infantry onto the battlefield, along with their Aft: 11
equipment and eight light vehicles. Fury Glass DropShips usually Heat Slnks: 70
operate in conjunction with a Gazelle Glass armor transport, Weapons Range Values
escorted by a Leopard CV. Are Type Heat S M L Extreme
Nose LRM 6 1 1 1 —
Nose AC 1 1 1 — —
Type: Military Aerodyne Mäss: 1,850 tons
Dimensions Nose Laser 3 1
Use: Troop carrier
Tech: Standard Length: 79 meters LW PPC 10 1
Introduced: 2638 LW SRM 4 1
Width: 73.2 meters
Helght: 28.1 meters LW Laser 6 1
Fuel: 140 tons (1,400) Armor: RW PPC 10 1
Tona/Burn-day: 1.65 Före: 13 RW SRM 4 1
Safe Thrust: 4 Side: 12 RW Laser 6 1
Maximum Thrust: 6 Att: 12 Aft Laser 14 2
Heat Sinks: 78
Cargo: 950 tons
Weapons Range Values
Bay 1: Vehicles (14 Heavy)1 Door
Are Type Heat S M Extreme
Bay 2: Cargo 1 Door
Nose Laser 6 1 —
1
Bay 3: Passengers (45) 1 Door
Nose PPC 10 1
LW LRM 6 1 1
Crew: 10
LW Laser 7 2
Troops: 45
RW LRM 6 1 1
—
Marine Points: 5
RW Laser 7 2
Aft Laser 3 1 —
An AC 3 1 1 Cost: 40,000,000 C-bills (new)
Revenue/Mission: 40,000 C-bills
Cargo: 200 tons
Bay 1: Vehicles (8 Light) 1 Door Notes: Armor transport
Bay 2: Infantry (112) 1 Door
Bay 3: Cargo 1 Door SEEKER
The swift See/cer Glass DropShip carries scout battalions inlo hostile
Crew: 8 territory, and its speed enables it to operate independently of support
Troops: 128 vessels. If necessary, the Seekercan reconfigure 16 of its vehicle bays
Marine Points: 5 to transport four BattleMechs.
— 42
Fuel: 215 tons (1,314) Armor: Cargo: 400 tons
Tons/Burn-day: 1.84 Före: 14 Bay 1: Vehicles (20 Light)1 Door ;
Safe Thrust: 5 Side: 12 Bay 2: Infantry (336)1 Door
Maximum Thrust: 8 Att: 11 Bay 3: Cargol Door
Heat Sinks: 88
Weapons Range Values Crew: 24
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Troops: 376
FR PPC 10 1 1 — Marine Points:
FL PPC 10 1 1 —
AL LRM 4 1 1 1 Cost: 300,000,000 C-bills (new)
AL Laser 14 2 1 — Revenue/Mission: 300,000 C-bills
AR LRM 4 1 1 1
AR Laser 14 2 1 —
Notes: Infantry transport.
Aft Laser 14 2 1 —
43 mouitcmmooK
EXCALIBUR L Fuel: 123 tons (1,230 ) Armor:
The largest military vessel still in service, the Excaliburcan transport Tons/Burn-day: 1 .84 Före: 14
a complete combined-arms regiment consisting of a full infantry Safe Thrust: 4 Side: 13
battalion, two battalions of tanks, and a BattleMech company. Maximum Thrust: 6 Aft: 10
44
•eapons Range Values FR AC 1 1 1
- re Type Heat S M Extreme FR LRM 6 1 1
;se PPC 10 1 1 FR Laser 14 2 1
ose AC 2 1 1 AL PPC 10 1 1
ose LRM ^2 2 2 2 — AL Laser 14 2 1
:se Laser 6 1 — AR PPC 10 1 1
'. PPC 10 1 1 AR Laser 14 2 1
AC 2 1 1 Aft AC 2 1 1
LRM 12 2 2 2 — Aft LRM 6 1 1
Laser 14 2 1 Att Laser 22 3 2
-= PPC 10 1 1
T AC 2 1 1 Cargo: 50 tons
-^. LRM 12 2 2 2 — Bay 1: 'Mechs (18) 3 Doors
r
R Laser 14 2 1 Bay 2: 'Mechs (18) 3 Doors
Laser 14 2 1 Bay 3: Fighters (6) 2 Doors
-3 Laser 14 2 1
-i Laser 14 2 1 Crew: 43
Passengers: 63
Bvgo: 25 tons Marine Points: 14
by 1 : 'Mechs (6) 2 Doors
hy 2: 'Mechs (6) 2 Doors Cost: 430,000,000 C-biNs (new)
fy 3: Fighters (2) 2 Doors Revenue/Mission: 400,000 C-bills
Jrew: 14 AVENGER
tassengers: 28 Despite being one of the smallest Inner Sphere DropShips, the
Pwlne Points: 5 Avengercarries unexpectedly big guns and heavy armor. The combi-
nation of heavy weapons and considerable speed make the Avenger
st: 160,000,000 C-bills (new) Class vessel extremely versatile. Most Inner Sphere militaries use it as
venue/Mission: 150,000 C-bills an attack vessel or to secure landing zones, allowing other craft to land
and unload their troops under the protection of its guns.
»VERLORD
t largest 'Mech carrier used by the Successor States, the Overlord Type: Military Aerodyne Mäss: 1,400 tons
ered service just before the Amaris Coup in 2766. Only the Clan Use: Assault ship Dimensions:
ant carries more BattleMechs than the Overlord Class vessel. The Tech: Standard Length: 50.5 meters
dard design carries a complete 'Mech battalion and its full comple- Introduced: 2816 Width: 42 meters
nt of Aerospace support, and usually operates as part of a planetary Height: 11.9 meters
ault force. Fuel: 160 tons (1,600)
Tons/Burn-day: 1..84 Armor:
i: Military Spheroid Mäss: 9,700 tons Safe Thrust: 7 Före: 23
e: 'Mech carrier Dimensions: Maximum Thrust: 11 Side: 20
:h: Standard Length: 99 meters Aft: 18
duced:2762 Width: 99 meters
Height: 131.2 meters Heat Sinks: 70
JFoel: 306 tons (1,224) Weapons Range Values
•ons/Burn-day: 1.84 Armor: Are Type Heat S M L Extreme
Me Thrust: 3 Före: 22 Nose AC 9 3 1 —
•ncimum Thrust: 5 Side: 21 Nose LRM 6 1 1 1
Aft: 15 Nose Laser 22 3 2 —
•teat Sinks: 120 LW PPC 10 1 1 —
•Jnpons Range Values LW AC 2 1 1 —
Type Heat S M L Extreme LW LRM 6 i 1 1
•be PPC 20 2 2 — LW Laser — —
K AC 16 5 1 — RW PPC
6
10
1
1 1 —
E Laser 6 1 — — RW AC 2 1 1 —
f PPC 10 1 1 — RW LRM 6 1 1 1
t
r
AC
LRM
1
6
1
1
1
1
—
1
RW
Aft
Laser
LRM
6
6
1
1
—
1
—
1
'FL Laser 14 2 1 — Aft Laser 6 1 — —
FR PPC 10 1 1 —
moumcmmooif
Cargo: 93 tons Crew: 30
Bay 1: Cargol Door Marines: 90
Bay 2: NA Marine Points: 90
Bay 3: NA
Cost: 200,000,000 C-bills (new)
Crew: 15 Revenue/Mission: 1,000,000 C-bills
Marines: 15
Marine Points: 15 ACHILLES
Designed specifically to engage targets from space, this lethal DropShip
Cost: 70,000,000 C-bills (new) can outmaneuver all other DropShips and most heavy fighters. These
Revenue/Mission: 500,000 C-bills rare craft can prove the decisive factor in a nåväl battle.
»OUJtCVBOOJC
FORTRESS LEOPARD CV
The FortressClass DropShip's lethal weapons and massive armor give This carrier version of the Leopard Class DropShip is the Inner
it a well deserved reputation for deadliness. However, its considerable Sphere's most common Aerospace transport. Save for minor varia-
offensive power also makes it a prime target for enemy forces. As the tions in shape to accomodate its different payload, the Leopard CV
Fortress becomes increasingly scarce, the Inner Sphere militaries strongly resembles its 'Mech-transporting sister ship. Primarily used to
reserve it for battlefield situations where it has strong support from screen the main fleet from enemy crafl, these vessels rarely operate
other vessels. alone. Each Leopard Cl/carries a squadron of fighters.
Type: Military Spheroid Mäss: 6,000 tons Type: Military Aerodyne Mäss: 1,720 tons
Use: Assault ship Dimensions: Use: Fighter carrier Dimensions:
Tech: Standard Length: 112 meters Tech: Standard Length: 70.2 meters
lntroduced:2613 Width: 112 meters Introduced: 2581 Width: 53 meters
Height: 94 meters Height: 19.8 meters
Fuel: 400 tons (2,000) Fuel: 123 tons (1,230)
Tons/Burn-day: 1.84 Armor: Tons/Burn-day: 1. 84 Armor:
Safe Thrust: 3 Före: 22 Safe Thrust: 4 Före : 14
Maximum Thrust: 5 Side: 21 Maximum Thrust: 6 Side : 13
Aft: 15 Att: 10
Heat Slnks: 131
Weapons Range Values Heat Sinks: 80
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Weapons Range Values
Nose PPC 20 2 2 — Are Type Heat S M L Extreme
Nose AC 2 1 1 — Nose PPC 20 2 2 —
Nose Laser 22 3 2 — Nose LRM 6 1 1 1
FL PPC 10 1 1 — Nose Laser 9 2 — —
FL LRM 12 2 2 2 LW LRM 6 1 1 1
FL Laser 25 4 2 — LW Laser 19 2 2 —
FR PPC 10 1 1 — RW LRM 6 1 1 1
FR LRM 12 2 2 2 RW Laser 19 2 2 —
FR Laser 25 4 2 — Aft Laser 14 2 1 —
AL PPC 10 1 1 —
AL AC 8 3 1 — Cargo: See Notes
AL LRM 8 1 1 — Bay 1 : Fighters (2) 2 Doors
AL SRM 8 2 — — Bay 2: Fighters (2) 2 Doors
AL Laser 6 1 — — Bay 3: Fighters (2) 2 Doors
AR PPC 10 1 1 —
AR AC 8 3 1 — Crew: 9
AR LRM 8 1 1 — Passengers: 12
AR SRM 8 2 — — Marine Points: 4
AR Laser 6 1 — —
Aft AC 1 1 1 — Cost: 60,000,000 C-bills (new)
Aft Laser 22 3 2 — Revenue/Mission: 60,000 C-bills
Cargo: 175 tons Notes: Each fighter cubicle removed will provide 150 tons of cårgo
Bay 1: 'Mechs (12) 1 Door space.
Bay 2: Vehicles(12 Heavy) 2 Doors
Bay 3: Cargo 2 Doors VENGEANCE
The largest Inner Sphere fighter carrier everbuilt, the VengeanceClass
Crew: 42 DropShip ranks among the deadliest craft used by the Successor
Troops: 135 + 24 States. It carries förty fighters, virtually guaranteeing aerospace supe-
Marine Points: 15 riority in any engagement. Such a huge fighter complement can lay
waste to most targets in a matter of minutes, including the fearsome
Cost: 800,000,000 C-bills (new) Clan WarShips. Independent VengeanceC\ass vessels can command
Revenue/Mission: 4,000,000 C-bills a fee no less than f ive million C-bills, and f requently the vessePs owner
can demand whatever figure he chooses.
Notes: Equipped with a Long Tom cannon for use when grounded.
»*<» 47
Type: Military Aerodyne Mäss: 10,000 tons Weapons Range Values
Use: Fighter carrier Dimensions: ArcType Heat S M L Extreme
Tech: Standard Length: 234 meters Nose Laser 8 1 1
Introduced: 2782 Width: 96 meters Nose LRM 2 1 1 1
Height: 20 meters LW Laser 6 1 — —
Fuel: 500 tons (2,000) RW Laser 6 1 — —
Tons/Burn-day: 1 .84 Armor: Aft Laser 6 1 — —
Safe Thrust: 4 Före: 14
Maximum Thrust: 6 Side: 15 Cargo: 2,562 tons
Aft: 18 Bay 1: Cargo2 Doors
HeatSinks: 121 Bay 2: NA
Weapons Range Values Bay 3: NA
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme
Nose Laser 14 2 1 — — Crew: 12
LW Laser 14 2 1 — — Passengers: O
RW Laser 14 2 1 — — Marine Points: 2
AL PPC 10 1 1 — —
AL LRM 12 2 2 2 — Cost: 100,000,000 C-bills (new)
AL AC 1 1 1 — — Revenue/Mission: 256,000 C-bills
AL Laser 20 3 1 — —
AR PPC 10 1 1 — — MULE
AR LRM 12 2 2 2 — First constructed during the heyday of the Står League, the large Mule
AR AC 1 1 1 — — Class DropShip remains a widely used civilian vessel within the
AR Laser 20 3 1 — — Successor States. Populär even among the Clans, it enjoys frequent
Aft AC 1 1 1 — — use by their merchant caste.
Att LRM 4 1 1 1 —
Aft Laser 6 1 — — — Type: Civilian Spheroid Mäss: 11,200 tons
Use: Cargo carrier Dimensions:
Cargo: 250 tons Tech: Standard Length: 158 meters
Bay 1: Fighters (20)4 Doors Introduced: 2737 Width: 158 meters
Bay 2: Fighters (20)4 Doors Height: 100.4 meters
Bay 3: Cargo 1 Door Fuel: 319 tons (1,276)
Tons/Burn-day: 4.22 Armor:
Crew: 9 Safe Thrust: 3 Före: 7
Passengers: 100 Maximum Thrust: 5 Side: 8
Marine Points: 14 Aft: 6
Heat Sinks: 58
Cost: 350,000,000 C-bills (new) Weapons Range Values
Revenue/Mission: 5,000,000+ C-bills ArcType Heat S M L Extreme
Nose AC 1 1 1 1
Notes: May not operate in atmosphere. Nose Laser 3 1 — —
Nose Point 2 1 — —
BUCCANEER FL SRM 4 1 — —
Though originally intended for military use, the Buccaneer design FL Laser 6 1 — —
never saw active service. By the 31st century the Buccaneer had FR SRM 4 1 — —
became the Inner Sphere's most common civilian cargo transport. FR Laser 6 1 — —
AL Laser 11 1 1 —
Type: Civilian Aerodyne Mäss: 3,500 tons AR Laser 11 1 1 —
Use: Cargo carrier Dimensions: Aft Laser 11 1 1 —
Tech: Standard Length: 136.5 meters
Introduced: 2708 Wldth: 127.5 meters Cargo: 8,450 tons
Hefght: 30 meters Bay 1: Cargo2 Doors
Fuel: 160 tons (960) Bay 2: Cargo2 Doors
Tons/Burn-day: 2.82 Armor: Bay 3: NA
Safe Thrust: 3 Före: 7
Maximum Thrust: 5 Side: 6 Crew: 20
Aft: 5 Passengers: O
Marine Points: 4
Heat Slnks: 58
Cost: 300,000,000 C-bills (new)
Revenue/Mission: 854,000 C-bills
MAMMOTH Cargo: 84,195 tons
The largest DropShips capable of planetary landings, Mammoth Class Bay 1: Small Craft (4) 2 Doors
vessels serve as the bulk transports of the Inner Sphere. Among their Bay 2: Cargo 10 Doors
other uses, some Mammoth DropShips act as diatomic hydrogen fuel Bay 3: Cargo 10 Doors
tankers. Most Mammoths belong to governments or large corpora-
tions; few captains own them independently. Crew: 50
Passengers: O
Type: Civilian Spheroid Mäss: 52,000 tons Marine Points: 14
Use: Cargo carrier Dimensions:
Tech: Standard Length: 277 meters Cost: 2,000,000,000 C-bills (new)
Introduced: 2808 Width: 277 meters Revenue/Mission: 8,400,000 C-bills
Height: 170.6 meters
Fuel: 420 tons (840) Notes: May not operate in atmosphere.
Tons/Burn-day: 8.37 Armor:
Safe Thrust: 3 Före: 8 MONARCH
Maximum Thrust: 5 Side: 6 The Monarch Class vessel is one of a handful of DropShips built to
Aft: 5 carry passengers. Although Classed as an aérodyne, the Monarch has
HeatSinks: 153 no wings. Instead, it uses ils fuselage to give it aerodynamic lift.
Weapons Range Values
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Type: Civilian Aérodyne Mäss: 5,000 tons
Nose Laser 8 1 1 — Use: Liner Dimensions:
AL Laser 14 2 1 — Tech: Standard Length: 169 meters
AR Laser 14 2 1 — Introduced: 2759 Width: 104 meters
Aft Point 2 1 — — Height: 30 meters
Fuel: 112 tons (560)
Cargo: 40,110 tons Tons/Burn-day: 3.37 Armor:
Bay 1: Small Craft (4)4 Doors Safe Thrust: 3 Före: 5
Bay 2: Cargo3 Doors Maximum Thrust: 5 Side: 4
Bay 3: CargoS Doors Aft: 3
Heat Sinks: 76
Crew: 35 Weapons: None
Passengers: O
Marine Points: 7 Cargo: 900 tons
Bay 1: Passengers
Cost: 1,200,000,000 C-bills (new) Bay 2: Cargo 2 Doors
Revenue/Mission: 4,011,000 C-bills Bay 3: NA
BEHEMOTH Crew: 34
The largest DropShip ever constructed, the Behemoth outweighs Passengers: 266
several JumpShip classes. Its massive size prevents it from engaging Marine Points: 6
in planetary landings or atmospheric operations, and most DropShip
captains even consider gravity-well operations risky. Cost: 200,000,000 C-bills (new)
Revenue/Mission: 228,000 C-bills
Type: Civilian Spheroid Mäss: 100,000 tons
Use: Cargo carrier Dimensions: STÅR LEAGUE DROPSHIPS
Tech: Standard Length: 200 meters
Introduced: 2782 Width: 200 CONFEDERATE j
Height: 275 meters The Confederate served as the Står League Defense Force's standard
Fuel: 600 tons (1,200) BattleMech transport. Many disappeared from the Inner Sphere in the
Tons/Burn-day: 8.83 Armor: Exodus of 2784, but a sizable number remained with the SLDF units {
Safe Thrust: 2 Före: 5 who opted to stay. However, the drive system's sophisticated technol- j
Maximum Thrust: 3 Side: 5 ogy caused numerous maintenance problems that contributed to a l
Aft: 6 steady decline in the number of Confederate vessels. As of 3056, the '
HeatSinks: 158 Inner Sphere militaries between them only field two Confederate
Weapons Range Values DropShips. The number used by the Clans remains unknown. J
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme ^
FL Laser 14 2 1 — — \
FR Laser 14 2 1 — — 1
AL Laser 14 2 1 — —
AR Laser 14 2 1 — —
Aft Laser 6 1 — — —
SOUJtCVBOOfC
Type: Military Spheroid Mäss: 1 ,860 tons Weapons Range Values
Use: 'Mech carrier Dimensions: Are Type Heat S M L Extreme
Tech: Står League Length: 36.4 meters Nose AC 21 6 — — —
Introduced: 2602 Width: 36.4 meters Nose LRM 18 4 4 4 —
Height: 32.6 meters Nose Laser 80 8 8 — —
Fuel: 135 tons (2,700) LW AC 14 4 — — —
Tons/Burn-day: 1.65 Armor: LW LRM 6 1 1 1 —
Safe Thrust: 4 Före: 22 LWLaser 44 5 3 — —
Maximum Thrust: 6 Side: 19 RW AC 14 4 — — _
Att: 13 RW LRM 6 1 1 1 —
Heat Sinks: 92 RW Laser 44 5 3 — —
Weapons Range Values Aft AC 7 2 — — —
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Aft LRM 6 1 1 1 —
Nose Laser 22 3 2 — — Aft Laser 12 o _ ._ —
FL Laser 39 5 3 — —
FR Laser 39 5 3 — — Cargo: 35 tons
AL Laser 25 3 2 — — Bay 1 : Fighters (6) 2 Doors
AB; „., Laser 25 3 2 — — Bay 2: Fighters (6) 2 Doors
AU Laser 22 3 o _ _ Bay 3: Fighters (6) 2 Doors
50
Cargo: 25 tons JUMPSHIPS
Bay 1: 'Mech (2) 2 Doors
Bay 2: 'Mech (2) 2 Doors
Bay 3:'Mech (1) 1 Door SCOUT
The Scout is the smallest JumpShip widely used in the Inner Sphere.
Crew: 5 Designed for extended independent operations, the Scout has com-
Passengers: O fortable quarters and a sizable medical bay. To compensate for the lack
Marine Points: 13 of a grav deck, the Scoutproduces its gravity through the acceleration
method, also known as gravity maneuvering.
CARRIER
Tech: Standard Mäss: 79,000 tons
Because the Clan rules of engagement consider DropShips as non- lntroduced:2712 Length: 273 meters
combatants, Clan DropShips no longer carry their own fighters. the
Sail Diameter: 890 meters
Clans still wished to use fighters in other roles, particularly the often Fuel:46tons(184)
small but fierce skirmishes common to Clan trials, but lacked suitably Tons/Burn-day: 9.77 Armor:
sized transports. In 2882, Clan Snow Räven unveiled the CamerClass Station-keeping Thrust: Före: 6
DropShip. Within a century, this design had found its way into the 0.2G (0.4 Thrust) Fore-Side: 6
fighting arm of every Clan.
Aft-Side: 5
Sail Integrity: 3 Att: 4
Type: Military Aerodyne Mäss: 5,000 tons KF Drive Integrity: 3
Use: Fighter carriér Dimensions:
Tech: Clan Length: 170 meters HeatSinks: 158
Introduced: 2882 Width: 93 meters Weapons: None
Height: 43 meters
Fuel: 337 tons (2,022) Cargo: 450 tons
Tons/Burn-day: 1.84 Armor: Bay 1: Cargo 1 Door
Safe Thrust: 5 Före: 18 Bay 2: Small Craft (1) 1 Door
Maximum Thrust: 8 Side: 15 Bay 3: NA
Aft: 16 DropShip Capacity: O
HeatSinks: 152 Grav Deck: None
Weapons Range Values
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme Crew: 181
Nose SRM 24 7 7 — —6 Passengers: O
Nose Point 6 3 — — —6 Marine Points: 6
Nose Laser 60 5 5 5 55
RW Pulse 30 3 3 3 —3 Cost: 300,000,000 C-bills
RW Point — 2 — — ——
RW Laser 25 4 4 — —5
HUNTER
RW AC 2 3 3 3 —2
Developed by Clan Ghost Bear, the Munter is a scout JumpShip
LW Pulse 30 3 3 3 —3
— — — —— designed to seek out enemy fleets and to explore new står systems.
LW Point 2
LW Laser — The original design did not incorporate a lithium-fusion battery, seri-
25 4 4 —5
LW AC 2 3 3 3 —2
ously impairing its usefulness. In the mid-30th century, the Glans
upgraded most of these vessels to carry the advanced lithium-fusion
RW (Att) AC 8 5 5 3 -4
RW (Att) Laser 2 — — —3
system, distributing the few remaining unmodified craft to freebirth
9
units. The fleet belonging to the mercenary unit Wolfs Dragoons
LW (Att) AC 8 5 5 3 —4
— — contains several Hunters, which may or may not be the upgraded
LW (Att) Laser 9 2 —3
— versions.
Aft AC 28 6 6 —2
Aft Laser 60 5 5 5 55
Tech: Clan Mäss: 95,000 tons
Introduced: 2832 Length: 302 meters
Cargo: 724 tons
Sail Diameter: 852 meters
Bay 1: Fighters (5) 2 Doors
Fuel: 400 tons (800)
Bay 2: Fighters (5) 2 Doors Armor:
Tons/Burn-day: 9.77
Bay 3: Cargo 1 Door Före: 8
Station-keeping Thrust:
0.1 G (0.2 Thrust) Fore-Side: 6
Crew: 17
Aft-Side: 6
Passengers: 20 Aft:8
Marirfe Points: 12 Sail Integrity: 3
KF Drive Integrity: 3
HeatSinks: 186
51
Weapons Range Values INVADER
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme The most common JumpShip in both the Successor States and the
Nose Pulse 10 1 1 1 — Clan occupation zones, the /nvacteraccounts for slightly möre than 45
Nose SRM 3 1 1 — — percent of all registered JumpShips. Designed to carry three DropShips,
Nose Point 1 1 — — — vessels of this class engage in civilian and military operations, though
FL Pulse 20 2 2 2 — state armies and mercenaries between them use roughly 70 percent
FR Pulse 20 2 2 2 — of the existing Invaders.
AL SRM 6 2 2 — —
AR SRM 6 2 2 — — Tech: Standard Mäss: 1 52,000 tons
Introduced: 2631 Length: 505 meters
Cargo: 1,021 tons Sail Diameter: 1 ,024 meters
Bay 1 : Cargo 1 Door Fuel: 50 tons (50)
Bay 2: NA Tons/Burn-day: 19.76 Armor:
Bay 3: NA Station-keeping Thrust: Före: 7
DropShip Capacity: 1 0.1 G (0.2 Thrust) Fore-Side: 7
Grav Deck: None Aft-Side: 6 J
Sail Integrity: 4 Att: 5 1
Crew: 10 KF Drive Integrity: 4 \
Passengers: 10
Marine Points: 8 Heat Sinks: 116
Weapons Range Values
Cost: NA Are Type Heat S M L Extreme
LF PPC 10 1 1 — —
Notes: Clan reconnaissance vessel. Usually carriesa K1 C DropShuttle RF PPC 10 1 1 — —
or a DropShip for planetary landings. Alternate Configuration
LF Laser 8 1 1 — —
MERCHANT RF Laser 8 1 1 — —
As its name implies, this vessel has become the mainstay of trader
fleets throughout known space. The current incarnation of this vener- Cargo: 1 ,000 tons
able design carries half the crew of the original, having converted a Bay 1 : Cargo 1 Door
large section of the old crew quarters into a cargo hold. Bay 2: Small Craft (2) 2 Doors
Bay 3: NA
Tech: Standard Mäss: 120,000 tons DropShip Capacity: 3
Introduced: 2503 Length: 320 meters Grav Deck: 1 (65-meter diameter)
Sail Diameter: 950 meters
Fuel: 85 tons (85) Crew: 24
Tons/Burn-day: 19.75 Armor: Passengers: 0
Station-keeping Thrust: Före: 4 Marine Points: 9
0. 1 G (0.2 Thrust) Fore-Side: 5
Aft-Side: 4 Cost: 500,000,000 C-bills
Sail Integrity: 3 Att: 4
KF Drive Integrity: 3 STÅR LORD
The massive Sfär Lord JumpShip serves almost exclusively as a
Heat Sinks: 98 military vessel. Compared to the tiny quarters aboard most JumpShips
Weapons: None or the six DropShips it carries, the Sfär Lord has luxurious living space.
In addition to its crew quarters, the Sfär Lord carries an additional 50
Cargo: 600 tons large, comfortable staterooms to allow DropShip crews a respite from
Bay 1: Cargo 3 Doors their cramped facilities.
Bay 2: Small Craft (2) 1 Door
Bay 3: NA Tech: Standard Mäss: 274,000 tons
DropShip Capacity: 2 Introduced: 2590 Length: 660 meters
Grav Deck: 1 (40-meter diameter) Sail Diameter: 1,140
Fuel: 100 tons (50) meters
Crew: 20 Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 Armor:
Passengers: O Station-keeping Thrust: Nose: 6
Marine Points: 7 0.1 G (0.2 Thrust) Fore-Side: 6
Aft-Side: 5
Cost: 400,000,000 C-bills Att: 4
Sail Integrity: 4
KF Drive Integrity: 5
52 SOWMCVBOOfC
Heat Sinks: 130 BUG-EYE
Weapons: None The Står League Defense Force developed the Bug-Eye as a recon-
naissance vessel, using techniques eventually löst to the ravages of
Cargo: 3,000 tons war. Smaller than many DropShips, Bug-Eye vessels could easily
Bay1:Cargo 1 Door blend with civilian DropShip traffic. All the WarShips of this class either
Bay 2: Small Craft (4) 2 Doors succumbed in battle during the Amaris Coup or joined General
Bay 3: NA Kerensky's Exodus from the Inner Sphere. Though the Clans possess
DropShip Capacity: 6 Bug-Eye WarShips, their style of honorable warfare does not permrt
GravDeck: 1 (11 O-meter diameter) them to use surveillance vessels. The Clans appear to have included
no Bug-Eyes in the invasion fleet.
Crew: 30
Passengers: 50 Tech: Står League Mäss: 6,100 tons
Marine Points: 12 Introduced: 2620 Length: 129 meters
Number in Class: 170 (estimated) Sail Diameter: 86 meters
Cost: 750,000,000 C-bills
Fuel: 95 tons (1,520) Armor:
MONOLITH Tons/Burn-day: 2.82 Före: 32
The largest craft used by Successor State militaries, Monolith Glass Safe Thrust: 5 Fore-Side: 28
JumpShips are second in size only to Glan WarShips and similar Maximum Thrust: 8 Aft-Side: 28
vessels under construction in the Inner Sphere. Despite the Monolith/s Att: 22
relative rarity, Inner Sphere shipyards have continued to construct Sail Integrity: 3
large numbers of spare parts, enabling this class of JumpShip to KF Drive Integrity: 2
remain in service far longer than other JumpShips.
Heat Sinks: 65
Tech: Standard Mäss: 380,000 tons Weapons Range Values
Introduced: 2776 Length: 750 meters Are Type Heat S M L Extreme FTR
Sail Diameter: 1,270 Nose PPC 10 1 1 — — Y
Fuel: 60 tons (30) meters LW Laser 8 1 1 — — Y
Tons/Burn-day: 39.53 RW Laser 8 1 1 — — Y
Station-keeping Thrust: Armor: Aft AC 7 2 — — — Y
0.1G(0.2Thrust) Före: 11
Fore-Side: 10 Cargo: 10 tons
Sail Integrity: 5 Aft-Side: 11 Bay 1: Cargo 1 Door
KF Drive Integrity: 7 Aft:8 Bay 2: NA
Bay 3: NA
Heat Sinks: 137 DropShip Capacity: O
Weapons: None Grav Deck: None.
Note: FTR = capable of opposing fighters and small craft. Each class Tech: Står League
of WarShip has a Clan version, equipped with the lithium-f usion battery Introduced: 2432 Mäss: 412,000 tons
system. Because Clan WarShips deploy battle-suited elementals as Number in Class: 530 Length: 402 meters
marines,. multiply each Clan vessel's Marine Points by 5. Other Sail Diameter: 1,005
differences between Clan and Inner Sphere WarShips are noted in the Fuel: 2,000 tons (1,000) meters
accompanying text.
53
Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 Armor: Weapons Range Values
Safe Thrust: 4 Före: 16 Are Type Heat S M L Extreme FTR
Maximum Thrust: 6 Fore-Side: 19 Nose NAC 120 40 40 40 —
Aft-Side: 19 FL NAC 180 60 60 60 —
Satt Integrity: 3 Aft:16 FL Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
KFDrivelntegrity: 10 FR NAC 180 60 60 60 —
FR Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
Heat Sinks: 490 LBS NLas 104 7 7 7 —
Weapons Range Values LBS NPPC 270 18 18 18 18
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme FTR RBS NLas 104 7 7 7 —
Nose Bcuda 20 2 2 2 2 Y RBS NPPC 270 18 18 18 18
FL Laser 16 2 o _ _ AL NLas 104 7 7 7 —
FL NAC 30 1— 1— 1— — AL NPPC 270 18 18 18 18
FR Laser 16 2 2 — — AR NLas 104 7 7 7 —
FR NAC 30 1— 1— 1— — AR NPPC 270 18 18 18 18
LBS Laser 16 2 2 — — Aft NAC 120 40 40 40 —
LBS NAC 30 1— •| _ •] _ _ Aft NAC 120 40 40 40 —
RBS Laser 16 2 2 — — Aft Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
RBS NAC 30 1— 1— 1— —
Cargo: 3,200 tons
Cargo: 2,000 tons Bay 1 : Cargo 1 Door
Bay 1 : Cargo 1 Door Bay 2: Fighters (6) 1 Door
Bay 2: Fighters (6) 1 Door Bay 3: Small Craft (4) 1 Door
Bay 3: Small Craft (4) 1 Door DropShip Capacity: 0
DropShip Capacity: 0 Grav Deck: 1 (55-meter diameter)
Grav Deck: 1 (60-meter diameter)
Crew: 208
Crew: 113 Passengers: 20
Passengers: O Marine Points: 70
Marine Points: 40
Cost: NA
Availability: NA
Notes: Fighters may use small-craft bay door.
Notes: Jumpsail is detachable.
LOLA III (DESTROYER)
ESSEX (DESTROYER) Among the most heavily armed and armored destroyers, the relatively
The f irst destroyers to bearthe Essexname saw service with the Terran inexpensive Lo/a Class WarShip was constructed in great numbers.
Hegemony, giving way to the Står League EssexClass destroyers in They served as picket ships in the navy of the Terran Hegemony and
that empire's heyday. During the Reunification War of the late 26th as escorts in various Periphery conflicts during the Står League era. A
century and the Periphery rebellion on New Vandenburg in 2765, this large number survived the campaign to liberate Terra, and ultimately
swift WarShip often served in the thick of the action. After the New left the Inner Sphere in the Exodus of 2784. All Clans save Wolf and
Vandenburg revolt, many EssexClass vessels provided SLDF garri- Nova Cat include these huge vessels in their fleets.
sons with their only link to the Inner Sphere. Currently, vessels of this
class serve in the Steel Viper and Smoke Jaguar fleets. Tech: Står League
Introduced: 2662 Mäss: 678,000 tons
Tech: Står League Number in Class: 470 Length: 653 meters
Introduced: 2711 Sail Diameter: 1,100
Number in Class: 300 Mäss: 612,000 tons Fuel: 1,200 tons (600) meters
Length: 615 meters Tons/Burn-day: 39.52
Fuel: 1,200 tons (600) Sail Diameter: 1,120 Safe Thrust: 4 Armor:
Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 meters Maximum Thrust: 6 Före: 48
Safe Thrust: 3 Fore-Side: 48
Maximum Thrust: 5 Armor: Sail Integrity: 5 Aft-Side: 48
Före: 37 KF Drive Integrity: 20 Aft: 48
Sail Integrity: 4 Fore-Side: 37
KFDrivelntegrity: 15 Aft-Side: 37
Aft: 35 Heat Sinks: 1,485
Heat Sinks: 1,492
54
Weapons Range Values Weapons Range Values
ArcType Heat S M L Extreme FTR ArcType Heat S M L Extreme FTR
Nose Nias 170 11 11 11 11 Nose NAC 240 70 70 — —
FL Nias 255 17 17 17 17 FL NAC 240 70 70 — —
FLShark 15 3 3 3 3 Y FLShark 45 9 9 9 9 Y
FR Nias 255 17 17 17 17 FR NAC 240 70 70 — —
FRShark 15 3 3 3 3 Y FRShark 45 9 9 9 9 Y
LBS NAC 120 40 40 40 — LBS NAC 240 70 70 — —
LBS NLas 70 5 5 5 5 LBS NAC 240 70 70 — —
LBSBcuda 20 4 4 4 4 Y LBS NAC 180 60 60 60 —
RBS NAC 120 40 40 40 — LBS NAC 180 60 60 60 —
RBS NLas 70 5 5 5 5 LBS NLas 255 17 17 17 17
RBSBcuda 20 4 4 4 4 Y LBSBcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
AL NAC 120 40 40 40 — RBS NAC 240 70 70 — —
AL NLas 70 5 5 5 5 RBS NAC 240 70 70 — —
AR NAC 120 40 40 40 — RBS NAC 180 60 60 60 —
AR NLas 70 5 5 5 5 RBS NAC 180 60 60 60 —
Aft NLas 340 22 22 22 22 RBS NLas 255 17 17 17 17
AftBcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y RBSBcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
AL NAC 180 60 60 60 —
Cargo: 4, 100 tons AL NAC 180 60 60 60 —
Bay 1 : Cargo 1 Door AL NLas 255 17 17 17 17
Bay 2: Fighters (6) 1 Door ALBcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
Bay 3: Small Craft (4) 1 Door AR NAC 180 60 60 60 —
DropShip Capaclty: 0 AR NAC 180 60 60 60 —
Grav Deck: None. AR NLas 255 17 17 17 17
ARBcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
Crew: 154 Aft NAC 240 70 70 — —
Passengers: 5 Aft NAC 240 70 70 — —
Marine Points: 50 Aft NLas 280 18 18 18 18
AftShark 30 6 6 6 6 Y
Cost: NA
Cargo: 11,600 tons
Notes: Fighters may use small-craft bay door. Bay 1: Cargo 1 Door
Bay 2: Fighters (6) 1 Door
AEGIS (HEAVY CRUISER) Bay 3: Small Craft (4) 1 Door
An old design even when the sainted Cameron family formed the Står DropShip Capacity: 4
League, the first Aegis Glass cruiser saw service in 2372. These Grav Deck: 2 (Both 90-meter diameter)
vessels served until 2531, when Inner Sphere navies phased them out
in favör of the AvatarC\ass cruiser. Mothballed rather than scrapped, Crew: 180
the retired vessels orbited between Terra and Mars. When the Passengers: 35
Reunification War placed too great a strain on the navy of the nascent Marine Points: 60
SLDF, the Står League's First Lord lan Cameron ordered the Aegis
cruisers ref i tt ed. Surprisingly, many Aegis Class vessels survived the Cost: NA
fall of the Står League and departed with General Kerensky. Currently,
most of these vessels serve with Glan Jade Falcon. Notes: Fighters may use small-craft bay door.
'Originally designed in 2372, all were refitted in 2582. Has lithium-
Tech: Står League fusion battery system.
Introduced: 2372* Mäss: 745,000 tons
Number in Class: Length: 725 meters CONGRESS (FRIGATE)
106 (70 refitted for the SLDF) Sail Diameter: 1,308 Designed as convoy escorts and reconnaissance craft, Congress
meters Class frigates are capable of extended operations. Despite the maxi-
Fuel: 1,000 tons (500) mum use of every cubic centimeter of a Congress Class ship, the
Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 Armor: vessels are surprisingly comfortable and easy to maintain. Their lack
Safe Thrust: 2 Före: 91 of fighter support is their sole weakness, easily remedied by the fighter
Maximum Thrust: 3 Fore-Side: 101 complements of the DropShips they carry. Congress Class vessels
Aft-Side: 101 have appeared in the Glan fleet, and the frigate F/re Rose has seen
Sail Integrity: 5 Aft: 91 action against Inner Sphere forces. The infamous Red Corsair's band
KF Drive Integrity: 20 used Congressfrigates against the Inner Sphere duringtheirsupposed
JLcm SS
pirate campaign. The Glans continue to claim that the renegade group Number in Class: 62 Mäss: 802,000 tons
came from the so-called bandit caste. Length: 772 meters
Fuel: 1,000 tons (500) Sail Diameter: 1,433
Tech: Står League Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 meters
Introduced: 2542 Safe Thrust: 3
Number in Class: 200 Mäss: 760,000 tons Maximum Thrust: 5 Armor:
Length: 703 meters Före: 151
Fuel: 2,000 tons (1,000) Sail Diameter: 1,207 Sail Integrity: 5 Fore-Side: 168
Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 meters KF Drive Integrity: 20 Aft-Side: 168
Safe Thrust: 3 Aft: 151
Maximum Thrust: 5 Armor: Heat Sinks: 3,675
Före: 72 Weapons Range Values
Sail Integrity: 5 Fore-Side: 72 Are Type Heat S M L Extreme FTR
KF Drive Integrity: 20 Aft-Side: 72 Nose NAC 200 60 60 60 —
Aft:75 Nose NAC 200 60 60 60 —
Heat Sinks: 1,208 FL Shark 60 12 12 12 12 Y
Weapons Range Values FL Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
ArcType Heat S M L Extreme FTR FL NAC 200 60 60 60 —
NoseWhale 20 4 4 4 4 Y FL NAC 200 60 60 60 —
R. --- NAC 200 60 60 60 FR Shark 60 12 12 12 12 Y
>R NAC 200 60 60 60 FR Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
LBS NAC 60 20 20 20 FR NAC 200 60 60 60 —
LBSLaser 16 1 1 Y FR NAC 200 60 60 60 —
LBSShark 15 3 3 3 3 Y LBS NAC 180 60 60 60 —
RBS NAC 60 20 20 20 LBS NAC 180 60 60 60 —
RBSLaser 16 1 1 Y LBS NAC 120 40 40 40 —
RBSShark 15 3 3 3 3 Y LBS Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
AL NAC 60 20 20 20 RBS NAC 180 60 60 60 —
AL NAC 100 30 30 30 RBS NAC 180 60 60 60 —
ALLaser 16 1 1 — Y RBS NAC 120 40 40 40 —
AR NAC 60 20 20 20 — RBS Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
AR NAC 100 30 30 30 — AL NAC 180 60 60 60 —
ARLaser 16 1 1 — Y AL NAC 180 60 60 60 —
Aft NAC 200 60 60 60 — AL NAC 120 40 40 40 —
AL Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
Cargo: 23,150 tons AR NAC 180 60 60 60 —
-'._ Bay 1: Cargo 1 Door AR NAC 180 60 60 60 —
Bay 2: Fighters (6) 1 Door AR NAC 120 40 40 40 —
Bay 3: Small Craft (4) 1 Door AR Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y
DropShip Capacity: 2 Aft NAC 200 60 60 60 —
Grav Deck: 1 (90-meter diameter) Aft NAC 200 60 60 60 —
Aft NAC 200 60 60 60 —
Crew: 256
Passengers: 55 Cargo: 11,315 tons
Marine Points: 85 Bay 1 : Cargo 1 Door
Bay 2: Fighters (18) 4 Doors
Cost: NA Bay 3: Small Craft (10) 2 Doors
DropShip Capacity: 4
BLACK LION (BATTLECRUISER) Grav Deck: 2 (65- and 85-meter diameters)
Imposing in appearance, the Black Lion Class WarShip often formed
the core of a Står League battle group. They also engaged in indepen- Crew: 208
dent operations, frequently as convoy escorts where their massive Passengers: 38
armor and armament made them formidable protectors. Vulnerable to Marine Points: 70
fighter attack like most WarShips, many BlackLions did not survive the
various wars in the Periphery. By 2784, less than a dozen Black Lion Cost: NA
WarShips remained to accompany the Exodus fleet.
56 souitemmooK
SOVETSKII SOYUZ (HEAVY CRUISER) Tech: Står League
Many officers consider the Sovetskii Soyuz a battlecruiser because of Introduced: 2668
its devastating weapons array. Its armor protection remains relatively Number in Class: 40 Mäss: 859,000 tons
light, but this weakness does not appear to trouble most commanders. Length: 839 meters
Fuel: 1,000 tons (500) Sail Diameter: 1,450
Tech: Står League Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 meters
Introduced: 2742 Safe Thrust: 2
Number in Class: 400 Mäss: 823,000 tons Maximum Thrust: 3 Armor:
Length: 803 meters Före: 120
Fuel: 1,400 tons (700) Sail Diameter: 1,250 Sail Integrity: 5 Fore-Side: 128
Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 meters KF Drive Integrity: 20 Aft-Side: 128
Safe Thrust: 2 Aft: 118
Maximum Thrust: 3 Armor: Heat Sinks: 4,860
Före: 74 Weapons Range Values
Sail Integrity: 5 Fore-Side: 88 Are Type Heat S M L Extreme FTR
KF Drive Integrity: 25 Aft-Side: 88 Nose NPPC 450 30 30 30 30
Aft: 68 FL AR10 — _ _ _ _ Y
HeatSinks:2,150 FL AR10 — _ _ _ _ Y
Weapons Range Values FL NPPC 450 30 30 30 30
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme FTR FR AR10 — _ _ _ _ Y
Wose Whale 40 8 8 8 8 Y FR AR10 — — — — — Y
LS NLas 210 14 14 14 14 FR NPPC 450 30 30 30 30
LS Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y LBS NAC 170 50 50 50 —
RS NLas 210 14 14 14 14 LBS NAC 170 50 50 50 —
RS Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y LBS NLas 255 17 17 17 17
LBS NAC 180 60 60 60 — RBS NAC 170 50 50 50 —
LBS NPPC 270 18 18 18 18 RBS NAC 170 50 50 50 —
RBS NAC 180 60 60 60 — RBS NLas 255 17 17 17 17
RBS NPPC 270 18 18 18 18 AL NAC 170 50 50 50 —
AL NAC 180 60 60 60 __ AL NAC 170 50 50 50 —
AL NPPC 270 18 18 18 18 AL NLas 170 11 11 11 11
AL Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y AL AR10 — — — — — Y
AR NAC 180 60 60 60 —— AL AR10 — — — — — Y
AR NPPC 270 18 18 18 18 AL NPPC 550 30 30 30 30
AR Bcuda 10 2 2 2 2 Y AR NAC 170 50 50 50 —
AR NAC 170 50 50 50 —
Cargo: 35, 160 tons AR NLas 170 11 11 11 11
Bay 1 : Cargo 1 Door AR AR10 — — — — — Y
Bay2:-Fighters(18) 4 Doors AR AR10 — — — — — Y
Bay 3: Small Craft (8) 2 Doors AR NPPC 550 30 30 30 30
DropShip Capacity: 4 Aft NPPC 550 30 30 30 30
Grav Deck: 2 (55- and 90-meter diameters)
Cargo: 22,730 tons
Crew: 201 Bay 1: Cargo 1 Door
Passengers: 126 Bay 2: Fighters (16) 4 Doors
Marine Points: 67 Bay 3: Small Craft (2) 2 Doors
DropShip Capacity: 2
Cost: NA Grav Deck: 2 (Both 75 meters in diameter)
57
POTEMKIN (TROOP CRUISER) Tech: Står League Mäss: 1,560,000 tons
One of the most unusual WarShip designs ever built, the massive Introduced: 2618 Length: 1,209 meters
Potemkin Class of WarShips could transport an entire SLDF division. Number in Class: 52 Sail Diameter: 1,375
Massively armed and armored, these vessels also carried a squadron meters
of fighters. The huge amounts of fuel required by the craft and its Fuel: 1,400 tons (700)
DropShips constituted its only major weakness. Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 Armor:
Safe Thrust: 3 Före: 234
Tech: Står League Mäss: 1,508,000 tons Maximum Thrust: 5 Fore-Side: 342
Introduced: 2611 Length: 1,508 meters Aft-Side: 342
Number in Class: 106 Sail Diameter: 1,345 Sail Integrity: 5 AU: 234
meters KF Drive Integrity: 30
Fuel: 10,000 tons (5,000)
Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 Armor: Heat Sinks: 7,950
Safe Thrust: 2 Före: 179 Weapons Range Values
Maximum Thrust: 3 Fore-Side: 201 Are Type Heat S M L Extreme FTR
Aft-Side: 201 FL NPPC 900 60 60 60 60
Sail Integrity: 5 Aft: 156 FL Whale 20 4 4 4 4 Y
KF Drive Integrity: 20 FL NAC 135 40 40 — —
FR NPPC 900 60 60 60 60
Heat Sinks: 6,650 FR Whale 20 4 4 4 4 Y
Weapons Range Values FR NAC 135 40 40 — —
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme FTR LBS NLas 840 54 54 54 54
Nose NLas 140 9 9 9 9 LBS AR10 — — — — — Y
FL N Las 210 14 14 14 14 LBS AR10 — — — — — Y
FL Bcuda 20 4 4 4 4 Y RBS NLas 840 54 54 54 54
FR NLas 210 14 14 14 14 RBS AR10 — — — — — Y
FR Bcuda 20 4 4 4 4 Y RBS AR10 — — — — — Y
LBS NPPC 675 45 45 45 45 AL NLas 840 54 54 54 54
LBS NPPC 675 45 45 45 45 AL AR10 — — — — — Y
RBS NPPC 675 45 45 45 45 AL AR10 — — — — — Y
RBS NPPC 675 45 45 45 45 AL NPPC 900 60 60 60 60
AL NPPC 675 45 45 45 45 AR NLas 840 54 54 54 54
AL NPPC 675 45 45 45 45 AR AR10 — — — — — Y
AL NLas 280 18 18 18 18 AR AR10 — — — — — Y
AR NPPC 675 45 45 45 45 AR NPPC 900 60 60 60 60
AR NPPC 675 45 45 45 45
AR NLas 280 18 18 18 18 Cargo: 51,200 tons
Att Bcuda 40 8 8 8 8 Y Bay 1: Small Craft (16) 2 Doors
Bay 2: Fighters (20) 5 Doors
Cargo: 1 02,730 tons Bay 3: Fighters (20) 5 Doors
Bay 1 : Cargo 1 Door DropShip Capacity: 6
Bay 2: Small Craft (5) 1 Door Grav Deck: 3 (55, 65, and 95-meter diameters)
Bay 3: Small Craft (5) 1 Door
DropShip Capacity: 25 Crew: 702
Grav Deck: 1 (95-meter diameter) Passengers: 96
Marine Points: 234
Crew: 256
Passengers: 1,096 Cost: NA
Marine Points: 75
MCKENNA (BATTLESHIP)
Cost: NA The largest jump-capable craft built during the Står League, the
McKenna Class carried an unprecedented array of weapons and
TEXAS (BATTLESHIP) armor second only to the Texas Class battleship. Står League nåväl
Manufacturers of the TexasClass battleship tookadvantage of cutting- officers considered serving on one of these vessels the high point of a
edge technology to create the Står League's most heavily armored nåväl career, and their sterling reputation in combat prompted many
nåväl vessels. Well-armed and maneuverable with six fighter squad- admirals to choose a McKenna as their flagship. In addition to its
rons, the Texas Class remains the most potent of battleship of its era weapons, each McKenna battleship carries eight squadrons of fight-
and possibly for all time. ers.
Tech: Står League Mäss: 1,930,000 tons Crew: 578
Introduced: 2652 Length: 1,405 meters Passengers: 296
Number in Glass: 280 Sail Diameter: 1,560 Marine Points: 205
meters
Fuel: 1,600 tons (800)
Cost: NA
Tons/Burn-day: 39.52 Armor:
Safe Thrust: 3 Före: 200
Maximum Thrust: 5 Fore-Side: 250 Notes: Mas lithium-fusion battery system.
Aft-Side: 250
Sall Integrlty: 6 Aft: 143 SPACE STATIONS
KF Drive Integrity: 35
OLYMPUS
Heat Slnks: 12,650 Olympus Glass space stations serve as a combined cargo way-
Weapons Range V station, recharge station, and repair facility. Though well armed,
Are Type Heat S M L Extreme FTR the station's lack of maneuvering thrusters makes it a minor threat.
Nose NAC 135 40 40
Because all forces find the Olympus useful, few navies willingly
Nose NAC 135 40 40
destroy one.
Nose Nias 170 11 11 11 11
FL NAC 135 40 40 Mäss: 1,000,000 tons
FL NAC 135 40 40 Tech: Standard
Introduced: 2663 Dimensions:
FL NAC 135 40 40
NLas
Length: 660
.FL 255 17 17 17 17
FL AR10 — — — — — Y Fuel: 10,000 tons meters
FL AR10 — — — — — Y Tons/Burn-day: 3.9 Width: 1,500
FR NAC 135 40 40 Energy Banks: 8 meters
FR NAC 135 40 40 Sall Diameter:
FR NAC 135 40 40 Sail Integrity: 4 4,215 meters
FR. NLas 255 17 17 17 17
Armor: (each of six sides) 10
FR AR10 — — — Y
FR AR10 — — — Y
LBS NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 Heat Sinks: 200
LBS NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 Weapons Range Values
LBS NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 (in each of 6 weapons arcs)
RBS NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 Are Type Heat S M Extreme
RBS NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 PPC 20 2 2
RBS NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 LRM 12 2 2
AL NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 AC 9 3 1 —
AL NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 SRM 8 2 —
AL NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 Laser 4
31 2
AR NPPC 900 60 60 60 60 —
Point 6 2
AR NPPC 900 60 60 60 60
AR NPPC 900 60 60 60 60
Aft NAC 135 40 40 Cargo: 159,200 tons
Aft NAC 135 40 40 Bay 1: Small Craft (6) 2 Doors
Aft NAC 135 40 40 Bay 2: Fighters (6) 2 Doors
Aft NAC 135 40 40 Bay 3: Cargo 12 Doors
Aft NLas 340 22 22 22 22 Docking Collars: 4
Aft AR10 — — — — — Y Grav Deck: 2 (1,230 and 150-meter diameters)
Aft AR10 — — — — — Y
Crew: 150
Cargo: 76,350 tons Passengers: 126
Bay 1: Small Craft (16) 2 Doors Marine Points: 50
Bay 2: Fighters (25) 5 Doors
Bay 3: Fighters (25) 5 Doors Cost: NA
DropShip Capacity: 6
Grav Deck: 3 (45, 45, and 75-meter diameters) Notes: Has 2 pressurized repair bays. Each can hold vessels
mässing 50,000 tons or less. A third pressurized bay can
accomodate JumpShips or DropShips mässing up to 150,000
tons.
59 •OWJtCVBOOfC
BASTION ALLIANCE
The Bastion is one of the few remaining planetary defense stations These repair facilities are frequently used to assemble small
left after the depredations of the Succession Wars. Less than two DropShips. Most Alliance Class stations have long lists of craft
dozen still exist, guarding prominent worlds deep in the heart of waiting for repair or maintenance.
each Successor State.
Tech: Standard Mäss: 100,000 tons
Tech: Standard Mäss: 150,000 tons Introduced: 2713 Dimensions:
Introduced: 2584 Dimensions: Length: 975 meters
Length: 345 meters Fuel: 10,000 tons Wldth: 600 meters
Fuel: 2,000 tons Width: 345 meters Tons/Burn-day: 3.95 Sall Diameter: 2,175
Tons/Burn-day: 3.95 Sail Diameter: Energy Banks: O meters
Energy Banks: O None
Sail Integrity: 7
Sall Integrity: O Armor: (each of six sides) 7
Armor: (each of six sides) 20
Heat Slnks: 400
Heat Slnks: 1,000 Weapons Range Values
Weapons Range Values (in each of 6 weapons arcs)
(in each of 6 weapons arcs) ArcType Heat S M L Extreme
Are Type Heat S M Extreme PPC 10 1 1 — —
PPC 30 3 3 LRM 10 2 2 2 —
LRM 16 3 3 AC 1 1 1 — —
AC 4 2 2 — Laser 34 5 2 — —
Laser 46 6 2
Point 12 4 — Cargo: 80,000 tons
Bay 1: Small Craft (8) 1 Door
Cargo: 84,890 tons Bay 2: Cargo 2 Doors
Bay 1: Small Craft (12) 2 Doors Bay 3: NA
Bay 2: Fighters (18) 5 Doors Docking Collars: 2
Bay 3: Fighters (18) 5 Doors Grav Deck: 1 (420-meter diameter)
Docklng Collars: 1
Grav Deck: 1 (250-meter diameter) Crew: 300
Passengers: 150
Crew: 400 Marine Points: 50
Passengers: 25
Marine Points: 170 Cost: NA
Cost: NA Notes: Has 2 unpressurized repair bays that can hold vessels
mässing 50,000 tons or less
Notes: Has 2 pressurized repair bays that can hold vessels
mässing 30,000 tons or less. Can detect approaching craft to a
range of 200,000 kilometers.
THE CONTINUING flDUENTUREJ ?F THE GRRY DEflTH LEGI°N
V/'
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