Editing Drop Pod (section)

== [[BattleTech]] ==

Appearing in the BattleTech universe in 2449, they were developed as a method to rapidly deploy a vanguard of [[BattleMech]]s without exposing vulnerable [[BattleTech Spacecraft|DropShips]] to heavy anti-aircraft fire. The idea was rather than loading and losing entire lances/stars of Mechs by the dozen in the landing metal eggs as they’re shot to hell, it’s better to disperse them individually so at least some of them survive deployment. It consists of an ablative ceramic “Drop Cocoon” with the supporting thrusters, external sensors, navigational computer, and parachute to deploy a BattleMech from orbit to the lower atmosphere. Once there, it falls apart for the BattleMech to use its own thrusters to maneuver to the ground while avoiding anti aircraft fire from fighter craft or ground installations. Used only for elite special operations due to costs, Inner Sphere combat doctrine insists that command elements of a unit be deployed last for situational awareness and coordination while the Clans prefer deploying commanders first to ensure they earn their rank and glory.