View source for Actuator Enhancement System

== Description ==
The '''Actuator Enhancement System''' is a piece of equipment that was first produced by [[Blackwell Corporation]] for [[Wolf's Dragoons]].  Abbreviated '''AES''', the equipment is a mixture of computer interfaces and [[Myomer]] that has been finely tuned to give a pilot operating their [[BattleMech]] more accuracy in their arm mounted weapons or improve piloting when employed in the legs.

Development was started in 3067, but was disrupted by the [[Word of Blake]] invasion of [[Outreach]].<ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', pp. 11-14, "Timeline" - Oct 15 3067-December 26th, Blakist influenced mercenaries attack Dragoons, Blakist Naval forces bombard Outreach. Wolves-In-Exile rescue Dragoons.</ref>  The Dragoons, after their rescue in March [[3068]], shared the AES technology with the [[Kell Hounds]]. The Hounds continued development and were able to employ the technology in limited production.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 279, "Minor fluff about AES"</ref>

== Rules ==
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=== Game Rules ===
The AES can be used for both BattleMechs and IndustrialMechs.  They can be placed in the arms or legs, providing improve handling of those respective [[actuator|actuators]].

=== Game Use ===
When mounted on an arm, they give a -1 to hit for any weapon in that limb. Likewise, when conducting normal (nonphysical attack) piloting rolls with AES mounted in the legs, they receive a -2. However, when doing physical attacks with AES equipped actuators, the pilot only receives -1 bonus, regardless of whether the AES is located in the arms or in the legs.  Also, for arm-mounted physical weapons that require both arm actuators both arms must be equipped with AES to gain any benefit. This includes missile launchers, which also gain -1 to user's gunnery.<ref>[https://bg.battletech.com/forums/tactical-operations/missile-launchers-and-fcs/?topicseen Battletech.com: BattleTech Game Rules Questions, "Missile launchers and FCS"]</ref>

An AES can be destroyed with a critical hit, but this will only result in losing the benefits of the AES with no other ill effects.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 279, "AES"</ref>

=== Construction ===
Bipedal and Quad 'Mechs may mount AES in arms or the legs. When installed in the legs, all leg actuators must equipped with the AES system.  A player may choose to have only one AES in either of a biped 'Mech's arms.

Each AES fills 1 critical slot per 'Mech weight class and weight is calculated per body type (Bipedal / Quad) and tonnage.

*Critical Slots: 1 Light, 2 for Medium, 3 for Heavy, and 4 for Assault 'Mechs. These slots must be in the appropriate location. ''Note that this means Heavy and Assault 'Mechs cannot mount AES in their legs.''
*Weight of the AES equipment:
** Bipedal 'Mechs: 'Mech tonnage divided by 35, rounding up to half ton.
** Quad 'Mechs: 'Mech tonnage divided by 50, rounding up to half ton.

* Restriction: AES cannot be used with [[MASC]], [[Targeting Computer|Targeting Computers]], or any type of [[Triple Strength Myomer]].<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 278, "Construction rules / Actuator Enhancement System" - Construction information regarding AES.</ref>

=== Battle Value ===
To calculate the Battle Value using Tactical Operation rules (Battle Value 2.0), you must multiply 1.5 with unmodified Battle Value 'Mech you are modifying. In calculating Offensive Battle Value of the 'Mech, you must add 10 percent to the total tonnage of the 'mech you are modifying.  This is before adding calculations of other equipment, including TSM.<ref>''Tactical Operations'', p. 380, "Advance Weapons and Equipment" - AES BV rules.</ref>
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== References ==
<references />

== Bibliography ==
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''
* ''[[Tactical Operations]]''

[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Equipment]]