Difference between revisions of "Monolith"
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| Armor = 150 tons | | Armor = 150 tons | ||
| DropShip Capacity = 9 | | DropShip Capacity = 9 | ||
− | | Crew = 30 | + | | Crew = 30<ref name="BSs53">''BattleSpace'' sourcebook, p. 53</ref> |
+ | * 5 Officers<ref name=TRO3057R>''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 94, "''Monolith'' JumpShip Profile"</ref><br/>(Up to 3 Pilots, Up to 4 Engineers)<ref name="BSr63">''BattleSpace'' rulebook, p. 63</ref> | ||
+ | * 25 Enlisted<ref name=TRO3057R/><br/>(Nine Secondary Engineers)<ref name=BSr63/> | ||
+ | * 30 Bay Personnel<ref name=TRO3057R/> | ||
| Grav Decks = 2 x 105 meters diameter | | Grav Decks = 2 x 105 meters diameter | ||
| Escape Pods/Life Boats = 5 Escape Pods | | Escape Pods/Life Boats = 5 Escape Pods | ||
− | | Heat Sinks = | + | | Heat Sinks = 137 (single) |
| Structural Integrity = 1 | | Structural Integrity = 1 | ||
| BV (1.0) = 1,041<ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 277</ref> | | BV (1.0) = 1,041<ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 277</ref> | ||
Line 41: | Line 44: | ||
==Numbers in existence== | ==Numbers in existence== | ||
− | Prohibitive manufacturing and maintenance costs have kept the number of operating ships down, but their sturdiness and an abundant supply of spare parts | + | Prohibitive manufacturing and maintenance costs have kept the number of operating ships down, but their sturdiness and an abundant supply of spare parts ensure that they remain in service. |
There is a notable discrepancy, however, in reports about how many ''Monolith'' class vessels exist: As of ca. [[3025]] and also [[3057]], the armies of the [[Successor States]] between them supposedly operate less than 50 ''Monoliths'', half of which serve with the [[DCMS]]. At the same time it is demonstrably untrue that only the militaries of the Great Houses would employ the design, as [[mercenary unit]]s as well as mercantile corporations are also known to operate ''Monolith''s.<ref>According to the ''Wolf's Dragoons'' sourcebook, p. 6, Wolf's Dragoons had at least two ''Monolith''s when they first appeared in the Inner Sphere in 3005; as of 3025, [[Synguard Corporation]], a medium-sized mercantile corporation, was mentioned to operate three ''Monolith''s in ''MechWarrior'' (1st Edition), p. 109; ''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 74, lists three ''Monolith''s with the mercenary [[Eridani Light Horse]] as of 3025; and at least two named ''Monolith''s, the ''[[Edinborough Express]]'' and the ''[[Spirit of Edinburgh]]'', serve with the [[Northwind Highlanders]] as of 3067 and have implicitly been with them for a long time.</ref> | There is a notable discrepancy, however, in reports about how many ''Monolith'' class vessels exist: As of ca. [[3025]] and also [[3057]], the armies of the [[Successor States]] between them supposedly operate less than 50 ''Monoliths'', half of which serve with the [[DCMS]]. At the same time it is demonstrably untrue that only the militaries of the Great Houses would employ the design, as [[mercenary unit]]s as well as mercantile corporations are also known to operate ''Monolith''s.<ref>According to the ''Wolf's Dragoons'' sourcebook, p. 6, Wolf's Dragoons had at least two ''Monolith''s when they first appeared in the Inner Sphere in 3005; as of 3025, [[Synguard Corporation]], a medium-sized mercantile corporation, was mentioned to operate three ''Monolith''s in ''MechWarrior'' (1st Edition), p. 109; ''Mercenary Handbook'', p. 74, lists three ''Monolith''s with the mercenary [[Eridani Light Horse]] as of 3025; and at least two named ''Monolith''s, the ''[[Edinborough Express]]'' and the ''[[Spirit of Edinburgh]]'', serve with the [[Northwind Highlanders]] as of 3067 and have implicitly been with them for a long time.</ref> | ||
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The stated number of "a few dozen" or "less than fifty" vessels is also at odds with the known production numbers and the stated sturdiness and longevity of the vessels.<ref>See [[Essay:JumpShip distribution]]</ref> There is evidence that [[ComStar]] operated a large fleet of JumpShips, and a fan theory suggests that the greater part of all existing ''Monolith''s in the Inner Sphere may actually have been ComStar vessels, and were thus omitted from the ComStar reports. | The stated number of "a few dozen" or "less than fifty" vessels is also at odds with the known production numbers and the stated sturdiness and longevity of the vessels.<ref>See [[Essay:JumpShip distribution]]</ref> There is evidence that [[ComStar]] operated a large fleet of JumpShips, and a fan theory suggests that the greater part of all existing ''Monolith''s in the Inner Sphere may actually have been ComStar vessels, and were thus omitted from the ComStar reports. | ||
− | The Clans also operate the ''Monolith'' class, and have upgraded it with their own advanced technologies. It is not known how many Clan ''Monolith''s exist, but it should be noted that the design was only introduced eight years prior to [[Aleksandr Kerensky]]'s [[Operation EXODUS]], suggesting only relatively few ''Monolith''-class vessels would have joined the Exodus fleet. There is insufficient information on production capacities in the Clan homeworlds to estimate how many, if any, were built there since. | + | The Clans also operate the ''Monolith'' class, and have upgraded it with their own advanced technologies. It is not known how many Clan ''Monolith''s exist, but it should be noted that the design was only introduced eight years, and only a dozen ''Monliths'' produced, prior to [[Aleksandr Kerensky]]'s [[Operation EXODUS]], suggesting only relatively few ''Monolith''-class vessels would have joined the Exodus fleet. There is insufficient information on production capacities in the Clan homeworlds to estimate how many, if any, were built there since. |
==Armament== | ==Armament== | ||
− | None, although two of the six [[Small Craft]] bays on a ''Monolith'' | + | None, although two of the six [[Small Craft]] bays on a ''Monolith'' can be used for fighters. |
==Cargo== | ==Cargo== | ||
− | The standard ''Monolith'' has six [[Small Craft]] bays and has historically been described as being able to carry 7000 tons of cargo. However, this capacity is inaccurate under the current construction rules, which leave the ''Monolith'' with only about | + | The standard ''Monolith'' has six [[Small Craft]] bays and has historically been described as being able to carry 7000 tons of cargo. However, this capacity is inaccurate under the current construction rules, which leave the ''Monolith'' with only about 1,457.5 tons of dedicated cargo. |
− | The ''Monolith'' was also described as having extra fuel tanks to fuel [[DropShip]]s or [[aerospace fighter]]s on extended campaigns. However, as equipped under the current ruleset, the ''Monolith'' only has capacity for some 70 tons of fuel, which is barely enough for its own operation. | + | The ''Monolith'' was also described as having extra fuel tanks to fuel [[DropShip]]s or [[aerospace fighter]]s on extended campaigns. However, as equipped under the current ruleset, the ''Monolith'' only has a capacity for some 70 tons of fuel, which is barely enough for its own operation. |
While these discrepancies are legacy errors from earlier rulesets, they were never technically rescinded out and might be interpreted to represent different subvariants of the design; see below. | While these discrepancies are legacy errors from earlier rulesets, they were never technically rescinded out and might be interpreted to represent different subvariants of the design; see below. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The ''Monolith'' maintains a unique system with docking arms and DropShip collars in three rings of three, which can accommodate even the largest of DropShips.<ref name=TRO3057R/> | ||
==Variants and other apocryphal errors== | ==Variants and other apocryphal errors== | ||
− | Although no major variants are known, there are significant differences among the various sources describing the ''Monolith'' owing to inconsistent, contradictory, and often erroneous application of different rulesets at different times. | + | Although no major variants are known, there are significant differences among the various sources describing the ''Monolith'' owing to the inconsistent, contradictory, and often erroneous application of different rulesets at different times. |
Its stated mass was [[retconned]] from originally 380,000 tons to 430,000 tons because of a construction rule that was introduced after the specifications of the ''Monolith'', which limits [[docking hardpoints]] to one per 50,000 tons of mass, rounded up; under that rule, a 380,000 ton vessel would only be allowed to mount a maximum of 8 hardpoints. ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' officially altered the ''Monolith'''s mass, and the [[Master Unit List]] similarly lists it at 430,000 tons. It is thus doubtful whether a 380,000 ton version [[canonical]] existed in the [[BattleTech]] universe; but given the many and long-standing reports, there might conceivably exist a downgraded variant which would, however, only be able to mount 8 docking hardpoints. (The JumpShip ''[[Rubicon]]'', for example, is both expressly described as a ''Monolith'' class vessel and as massing 380,000 tons in canon.) | Its stated mass was [[retconned]] from originally 380,000 tons to 430,000 tons because of a construction rule that was introduced after the specifications of the ''Monolith'', which limits [[docking hardpoints]] to one per 50,000 tons of mass, rounded up; under that rule, a 380,000 ton vessel would only be allowed to mount a maximum of 8 hardpoints. ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' officially altered the ''Monolith'''s mass, and the [[Master Unit List]] similarly lists it at 430,000 tons. It is thus doubtful whether a 380,000 ton version [[canonical]] existed in the [[BattleTech]] universe; but given the many and long-standing reports, there might conceivably exist a downgraded variant which would, however, only be able to mount 8 docking hardpoints. (The JumpShip ''[[Rubicon]]'', for example, is both expressly described as a ''Monolith'' class vessel and as massing 380,000 tons in canon.) |
Revision as of 18:05, 15 December 2023
Monolith-class JumpShip | |
---|---|
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Stellar Trek
|
Use | Military |
Tech Base | Standard |
Cost | 1,000,000,000 C-Bills |
Introduced | 2776 |
Technical specifications | |
Mass | 430,000 tons |
Length | 750 meters |
Sail Diameter | 1270 meters |
Fuel | 68 tons (170) |
Burn Rate | 39.52 |
Top Thrust | 0.1 Gs |
Sail Integrity | 5 |
KF Drive Integrity | 8 |
LF Battery | None |
Armament | None |
Armor | 150 tons |
DropShip Capacity | 9 |
Crew | 30[1] |
Grav Decks | 2 x 105 meters diameter |
Escape Pods/Life Boats | 5 Escape Pods |
Heat Sinks | 137 (single) |
Structural Integrity | 1 |
BV (1.0) | 1,041[4] |
BV (2.0) | ??? |
Contents
Description
The Monolith class is said to be the largest civilian JumpShip class ever built, though it is unclear if that notion refers to overall mass, overall length (with or without jump sail), number of hardpoints, or other factors or combinations thereof.
Monolith class ships often serve as invasion flagships and coordinate operations due to their extensive command center which is equipped with advanced communication, analysis and simulation equipment.
Numbers in existence
Prohibitive manufacturing and maintenance costs have kept the number of operating ships down, but their sturdiness and an abundant supply of spare parts ensure that they remain in service.
There is a notable discrepancy, however, in reports about how many Monolith class vessels exist: As of ca. 3025 and also 3057, the armies of the Successor States between them supposedly operate less than 50 Monoliths, half of which serve with the DCMS. At the same time it is demonstrably untrue that only the militaries of the Great Houses would employ the design, as mercenary units as well as mercantile corporations are also known to operate Monoliths.[5]
The stated number of "a few dozen" or "less than fifty" vessels is also at odds with the known production numbers and the stated sturdiness and longevity of the vessels.[6] There is evidence that ComStar operated a large fleet of JumpShips, and a fan theory suggests that the greater part of all existing Monoliths in the Inner Sphere may actually have been ComStar vessels, and were thus omitted from the ComStar reports.
The Clans also operate the Monolith class, and have upgraded it with their own advanced technologies. It is not known how many Clan Monoliths exist, but it should be noted that the design was only introduced eight years, and only a dozen Monliths produced, prior to Aleksandr Kerensky's Operation EXODUS, suggesting only relatively few Monolith-class vessels would have joined the Exodus fleet. There is insufficient information on production capacities in the Clan homeworlds to estimate how many, if any, were built there since.
Armament
None, although two of the six Small Craft bays on a Monolith can be used for fighters.
Cargo
The standard Monolith has six Small Craft bays and has historically been described as being able to carry 7000 tons of cargo. However, this capacity is inaccurate under the current construction rules, which leave the Monolith with only about 1,457.5 tons of dedicated cargo.
The Monolith was also described as having extra fuel tanks to fuel DropShips or aerospace fighters on extended campaigns. However, as equipped under the current ruleset, the Monolith only has a capacity for some 70 tons of fuel, which is barely enough for its own operation.
While these discrepancies are legacy errors from earlier rulesets, they were never technically rescinded out and might be interpreted to represent different subvariants of the design; see below.
The Monolith maintains a unique system with docking arms and DropShip collars in three rings of three, which can accommodate even the largest of DropShips.[2]
Variants and other apocryphal errors
Although no major variants are known, there are significant differences among the various sources describing the Monolith owing to the inconsistent, contradictory, and often erroneous application of different rulesets at different times.
Its stated mass was retconned from originally 380,000 tons to 430,000 tons because of a construction rule that was introduced after the specifications of the Monolith, which limits docking hardpoints to one per 50,000 tons of mass, rounded up; under that rule, a 380,000 ton vessel would only be allowed to mount a maximum of 8 hardpoints. Technical Readout: 3057 Revised officially altered the Monolith's mass, and the Master Unit List similarly lists it at 430,000 tons. It is thus doubtful whether a 380,000 ton version canonical existed in the BattleTech universe; but given the many and long-standing reports, there might conceivably exist a downgraded variant which would, however, only be able to mount 8 docking hardpoints. (The JumpShip Rubicon, for example, is both expressly described as a Monolith class vessel and as massing 380,000 tons in canon.)
The Technical Readout 3057 mentions the 7000 ton cargo capacity but states a mere 37 tons in the ship's stats table, presumably in error. It also gives the number of heat sinks as 140 as opposed to 137 as per BattleSpace rulebook.
See Also
Gallery
Original Monolith from DropShips and JumpShips
Monolith from TRO:3057
A Monolith in combat from Jihad: Final Reckoning
References
- ↑ BattleSpace sourcebook, p. 53
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Technical Readout: 3057 Revised, p. 94, "Monolith JumpShip Profile"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 BattleSpace rulebook, p. 63
- ↑ AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 277
- ↑ According to the Wolf's Dragoons sourcebook, p. 6, Wolf's Dragoons had at least two Monoliths when they first appeared in the Inner Sphere in 3005; as of 3025, Synguard Corporation, a medium-sized mercantile corporation, was mentioned to operate three Monoliths in MechWarrior (1st Edition), p. 109; Mercenary Handbook, p. 74, lists three Monoliths with the mercenary Eridani Light Horse as of 3025; and at least two named Monoliths, the Edinborough Express and the Spirit of Edinburgh, serve with the Northwind Highlanders as of 3067 and have implicitly been with them for a long time.
- ↑ See Essay:JumpShip distribution