Radical Heat Sink System

Description[edit]

Introduced by the Federated Suns in 3122, the Reclaimed Coolant Flush Injector, more commonly known as the Radical Heat Sink System, increases the ability of the heat sink to flush excess heat much like Coolant Pods. Radical Heat Sinks, however, can fail through repeated use, especially if used continuously. MechWarriors are advised to use the system sparingly in cases of emergency as one might for a limited use system such as MASC.[1]

Game Rules[edit]

When declared at the beginning of the heat phase, the Radical Heat Sinks dissipate an additional point of heat for each heat sink, regardless of type, once per turn. Each time the system is activated, the player rolls 2d6 to determine if the system fails, with each consecutive turn increasing the chance of failure. Similar to the MASC rules, the target number for each consecutive turn increases: 3+ for first turn, 5 for the second, 7 for the third, 10 for the fourth, 11 for the fifth, and automatic failure on the sixth consecutive turn. While Radical Heat Sinks do not explode due to critical hits like Coolant Pods, they do suffer an additional point of heat for movement and another for firing weapons.[2]

See Also[edit]

  • Coolant Pod: The system that directly inspired the Radical Heat Sink System.
  • Emergency Coolant System: A further evolution of the Radical Heat Sink System, designed to last longer by only activating when the Mech's heat levels exceed a certain threshold.[3]
  • Heat Sink Override Kit: A system developed concurrently with the Emergency Coolant System as a way of bypassing the engine's built-in safeguards, and thereby keeping the equipped unit in operation longer without shutting down, at the risk of causing damage to the engine.[4]

References[edit]

  1. Field Manual: 3145, p. 247, "Radical Heat Sinks"
  2. Tactical Operations, pp. 303-304, "Coolant Pod"
  3. Interstellar Operations, pp. 91-92, "RISC Emergency Coolant System"
  4. Interstellar Operations, pp. 92-93, "RISC Heat Sink Override Kit"

Bibliography[edit]