BMI:Vtols
From BattletechMUX
VTOLs
VTOLs, or Vertical Takeoff and Landing units (such as Helicopters) are a common sight on the world of Frontier. These units can take off and land in tight spaces, manuever at high speeds, and strike a target quickly and withdraw before facing much returned fire. They are often lightly armored and often fall quickly when facing Anti-Aircraft units, such as the famous Rifleman.
VTOLs must takeoff before being allowed to move. The Command Takeoff is a simple one having your VTOL takeoff and hover 1 Z above the hex you are in. You may use the Land command to land safely on the ground at this point should you so wish it.
Normally you will want to travel at this point. The Vertical command allows you to devote some of your engine's power into lifting or lowering the height you are at. A simply Vertical 0 keeps you safely hovering at the level you are at without losing any engine power. You can use Vertical 50 to move upwards at that speed. You can imput a negative number, Vertical -50 for example, to move down. Remember, if you happen to collide with terrain you WILL take heavy damage. Move yourself wisely. If you are moving at Vertical -10 your VTOL will automatically land safely without the use of the land command. Unlike other units, VTOLs are actually Airborn and must think in a full X Y Z terms as to where they wish to go. VTOLs can be at any Z from 0-100.
The VTOLs can also Sideslip, or move Vertically in any direction regardless of their heading. Identical to how a Hover does it, you can Vertical FR, FL, RL, RR to go either Front Right, Front Left, Rear Left, or Rear Right respectively. You will have to make a successful piloting skill roll to move vertically. Failure places you at speed 0 (which is very dangerous in a combat situation).
Unlike other units, VTOLs have Gas which is burned as they move around. While it is rare that you will run out during a short mission, prolonged missions may find your tank running dry. Running out of gas will most likely end your career flying around forcing you to spawn anew.
When fighting in a VTOL remember that Speed is your best ally. VTOLs are fragile, especially the Rotor. You will want to move fast and keep moving. If you have decent VTOL Piloting, the Lateral command will help a great deal in keeping weapons pointed at the enemy no matter which way you are heading. Range is also a good ally to a VTOL as moving in close is a guaranted death in may cases. Try to fly fire support to advancing friendly mechs and you will find yourself in a good position to get nice BTH with little risk of being shot back at in return. It often pays to pick a target that is an easy fight. Chasing after a short ranged HBK is far easier then fighting the radar equiped Aerohunting RFL for example. A Demolisher can be an easy fight while the Partisan is just waiting for you to get in range. Do not be too afraid of Aerospace fighters...a well trained VTOL pilot can toy an aero until his ammo is totally depleted. Constantly change your Z level with vertical and use sideslip to constantly force him to alter his movement. Often you can keep out of his firing arc while easily keeping within your own. VTOL vs VTOL boils down to who has the biggest guns and the most range.
Fighting VTOLs may prove difficult if you are not prepared. Their fast speeds often prevent a decent BTH and many VTOLs will stay at long ranges. Radar-equipped units will find it much easier to engage a VTOL. Also, units with Stinger LRMs will also have it much easier (and a combination of Radar and Stinger is most lovely). If large flights of VTOLs and Aeros are bugging you, consider tweaktarging to A and get even better BTHs VS them. Combining Tweaktarg A, Stinger LRMs, and Radar can almost gurantee a hit against a flying target.
