Difference between revisions of "Fusion engine"
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== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | The '''fusion engine''' is what powers [[BattleMech|BattleMechs]], aerospace fighters and other vehicles (at least one tank, the Von Luckner, is said to have a fusion engine). It functions by harnessing the power of a fusion reaction, | + | The '''fusion engine''' is what powers [[BattleMech|BattleMechs]], aerospace fighters and other vehicles (at least one tank, the Von Luckner, is said to have a fusion engine). It functions by harnessing the power of a fusion reaction, as occurs in the core of the Sun. A BattleMech's fusion engine can usually last for decades on a few kilograms of hydrogen. Unlike the research reactors of the real world, a Battlemech's fusion engine runs on "light" hydrogen, protium, rather than hydrogen's heavier isotopes deuterium and/or tritium. <ref>TechManual, p. 35</ref> |
A great deal of heat is released by the engine, which can negatively affect the vehicles pilot or even the vehicle itself. Simply moving the vehicle creates heat, though this is often a small amount. The greatest source of heat comes from firing the vehicles weapons, especially energy weapons. | A great deal of heat is released by the engine, which can negatively affect the vehicles pilot or even the vehicle itself. Simply moving the vehicle creates heat, though this is often a small amount. The greatest source of heat comes from firing the vehicles weapons, especially energy weapons. | ||
− | In a BattleMech the fusion engine rests in the center torso. It cannot be | + | In a BattleMech the fusion engine rests in the center torso. It cannot be relocated elsewhere in the BattleMech, though certain types of engine may intrude into the side torso bays as well. The weight of the engine is proportionate to the mass of the vehicle and its desired maximum speed. Hence a light Mech can use the same engine as an assault Mech, but move much faster. |
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+ | Fusion engines usually will only shut down if damaged, and they absolutely no risk of being a fusion bomb, as discussed in the "Great Myth" article in the TechManual. <ref>TechManual, p. 36-37</ref> There have been a number of cases of fusion engines being "over revved" and exploding with devestating force, but this is more akin to a boiler explosion than a true nuclear explosion. More often, a destroyed engine will be punctured, allowing air to be sucked into the evacuated reactor (vacuum) chamber that holds the fusion plasma, where the air is superheated and bursts out in a brilliant light display often mistaken for a "nuclear explosion." | ||
Research into fusion engine technology has yielded improvements over the many centuries of BattleMech use. [[Fusion Engine - XL|Extralight Fusion Engines]], [[Fusion Engine - Light|Light Fusion Engines]], and [[Fusion Engine - Compact|Compact Fusion Engines]] are now available in addition to the Standard Military Fusion Engine. | Research into fusion engine technology has yielded improvements over the many centuries of BattleMech use. [[Fusion Engine - XL|Extralight Fusion Engines]], [[Fusion Engine - Light|Light Fusion Engines]], and [[Fusion Engine - Compact|Compact Fusion Engines]] are now available in addition to the Standard Military Fusion Engine. |
Revision as of 11:13, 24 December 2008
Description
The fusion engine is what powers BattleMechs, aerospace fighters and other vehicles (at least one tank, the Von Luckner, is said to have a fusion engine). It functions by harnessing the power of a fusion reaction, as occurs in the core of the Sun. A BattleMech's fusion engine can usually last for decades on a few kilograms of hydrogen. Unlike the research reactors of the real world, a Battlemech's fusion engine runs on "light" hydrogen, protium, rather than hydrogen's heavier isotopes deuterium and/or tritium. [1]
A great deal of heat is released by the engine, which can negatively affect the vehicles pilot or even the vehicle itself. Simply moving the vehicle creates heat, though this is often a small amount. The greatest source of heat comes from firing the vehicles weapons, especially energy weapons.
In a BattleMech the fusion engine rests in the center torso. It cannot be relocated elsewhere in the BattleMech, though certain types of engine may intrude into the side torso bays as well. The weight of the engine is proportionate to the mass of the vehicle and its desired maximum speed. Hence a light Mech can use the same engine as an assault Mech, but move much faster.
Fusion engines usually will only shut down if damaged, and they absolutely no risk of being a fusion bomb, as discussed in the "Great Myth" article in the TechManual. [2] There have been a number of cases of fusion engines being "over revved" and exploding with devestating force, but this is more akin to a boiler explosion than a true nuclear explosion. More often, a destroyed engine will be punctured, allowing air to be sucked into the evacuated reactor (vacuum) chamber that holds the fusion plasma, where the air is superheated and bursts out in a brilliant light display often mistaken for a "nuclear explosion."
Research into fusion engine technology has yielded improvements over the many centuries of BattleMech use. Extralight Fusion Engines, Light Fusion Engines, and Compact Fusion Engines are now available in addition to the Standard Military Fusion Engine.
Models
Fusion Engine is manufactured on the following planets:
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