Editing Combat Vehicle

Used in low-intensity conflicts and as support for [[BattleMech]]s, '''Combat Vehicles''' are employed by all major forces of the [[Inner Sphere]] as a way to spare their more valuable 'Mechs as much as possible.  Their method of construction is similar in some regards, and they can take advantage of modular technology in the same way as 'Mechs to create [[OmniVehicle]]s.  Also like 'Mechs, combat vehicles are classified by weight, as well as their method of locomotion.<ref name=TW>''Total Warfare'', pp. 22-23, "Combat Vehicles"</ref>

[[File:Color-vehicle.png |200px|right]]
== BattleMechs vs Combat Vehicles ==
In many cases, combat vehicles can be just as good if not better than their [[BattleMech]] counterparts.  Combat vehicles are structurally weaker and, for some designs, not as maneuverable as 'Mechs; a tracked vehicle for example cannot negotiate dense woodland or deep waterways as well as a 'Mech.  However they do use the same weapons, armor and technology as found on 'Mechs.  Ground vehicles also benefit from the fact that they have a lower center of gravity and larger footprint than 'Mechs, allowing for more stability.<ref>''Techmanual'', p. 43, "BattleMech Tech: A Primer"</ref>  Though most are powered by an [[internal combustion engine]] and limited to ballistic or missile weaponry, this combined with advantages in their design allows them to shed waste heat more efficiently.  [[Power Amplifier]]s allow for ICE-equipped vehicles to use [[laser]]s and other energy weapons; other vehicles are built with their own [[fusion engine]]s, and are still cheaper to produce than 'Mechs.<ref >''TechManual'', p.90-94, "The Mechanized Battlefield"</ref>

== Classification ==
=== By Weight ===
==== Light Vehicles ====
'''Light vehicles''' are used primarily for reconnaissance.  With a maximum weight of 35 tons, their design is based almost exclusively on speed.  This category is dominated by hovercraft, although tracked and wheeled light vehicles do exist.<ref name=TW/>

==== Medium Vehicles ====
'''Medium vehicles''' fill the role of skirmishers within the various armed forces.  Their job is to harass and pin down the enemy until the firepower of heavier units can be brought to bear.  Medium vehicles weigh from 36 to 55 tons.<ref name=TW/>
==== Heavy Vehicles ====
'''Heavy vehicles''' are the workhorse vehicles of the [[Successor States|Successor State]] armies, fulfilling the same role as medium-weight 'Mechs.  Weighing from 56 to 75 tons, heavy vehicles pack serious firepower and protection, making them more dangerous than even some medium 'Mechs.<ref name=TW/>
==== Assault Vehicles ====
'''Assault vehicles''' rely on the sheer volume of firepower they wield to take down even heavy 'Mechs.  Weighing from 76 to 100 tons, their slow speed is their only drawback.<ref name=TW/>
==== Super-Heavy Vehicles ====
'''Super-Heavy Vehicles''' are extremely large combat vehicles, used usually in defense, artillery, and command combat vehicle roles. Other than to their sheer weight and size, they are extremely similar to assault vehicles. Prior to the [[Jihad]] era, super-heavy vehicles were considered [[Experimental Technology|experimental units]], though it soon became [[Total Warfare|readily accessible technology]] with mass-production of this type of vehicle possible by [[3075]].<ref>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 208 Jihad Technology Advancement Table / Construction Options - "Super-Heavy Combat Vehicles rerated from Experimental Technology to Total Warfare / regular rules in 3075."</ref>.  Additionally, the weight class of a super-heavy vehicle depends on its locomotion type: a super-heavy tracked-type vehicle weighs between 101 to 200 tons, while naval types can be as heavy as 555 tons.<ref name=TOSuper>''Tactical Operations'', pp. 70, 378 - Super-Heavy Vehicles - Basic description and rudimentary combat rules.</ref><ref>[http://bg.battletech.com/forums/errata/tactical-operations-4-june-2014-%28v3-3%29/msg1032959/#msg1032959 Combat - Errata noting they can non-naval super-heavy vehicles can enter depth 1 water without being stuck/destroyed, regardless of lacking of environmental sealing, due to their 2 level size.]</ref>

=== By Locomotion ===
==== Hover ====
'''Hovercraft''' are among the fastest ground vehicles, attaining such high speeds by generating lift from powerful fans underneath a flexible skirt, creating a cushion of air it rides on.  By nature a lightweight design, the skirt is also very susceptible to damage from weapons fire and natural hazards.<ref name=TechManual94-95>''TechManual'', pp. 94-95, "Combat Vehicle Basics", </ref>

==== Wheel ====
'''Wheeled vehicles''' produce locomotion by military-grade wheels and transmission system, achieving a middle ground in terms of speed between hover and tracked vehicles.  Despite their off-road capabilities, they are less able to handle difficult terrain than hover vehicles.<ref name=TechManual94-95/>

==== Track ====
'''Tracked vehicles''' use loops of interlocking metal plates known as tracks.  While not as fast as hover or wheeled vehicles, tracked vehicles have a very high weight capacity compared to other ground vehicles, allowing them to mount the heaviest weapons and armor.<ref name=TechManual94-95/>

==== Vertical Takeoff and Landing ====
'''VTOL craft''' use directional jets or rotors to achieve flight, allowing for high speeds and maneuverability over any terrain simply by flying over it. These vehicles are akin to modern helicopters, and can hover in place at altitude. Their light weight, however, allows for limited armoring and their means of locomotion are particularly vulnerable to damage from weapons fire.<ref name=TechManual94-95/>

==== Wing in Ground Effect ====
'''WiGE craft''' are a cross between hovercraft and aircraft, utilizing an aerodynamic principle known as "wing in ground effect" to produce limited lift.  This allows them to achieve the same speed and maneuverability as hovercraft without the vulnerable skirt.  Vehicles of this type are mostly used for transportation purposes.<ref name=TechManual94-95/>

==== Naval Vessels ====
'''Naval vessels''' are restricted entirely to naval operations, and as such are rarely seen except on worlds with large bodies of water.  When operating in this environment, though, they are easily able to outmaneuver 'Mechs whether operating underwater or on the surface.<ref name=TechManual94-95/>

== Notes ==
It should be noted that combat vehicles are referred to as "Armor" forces in earlier publications and also used as the name of regimental/battalion/company formations.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Combat Vehicles by motive type|Combat Vehicles by motive type]]
* [[:Category:Combat Vehicles by weight class|Combat Vehicles by weight class]]

== References ==
<references />

== Bibliography ==
* ''[[TechManual]]''
* ''[[Total Warfare]]''

[[Category: Combat Vehicles]]
[[Category: Technology]]