View source for Hover-Drop Maneuver

The '''Hover-Drop Maneuver''' was a special type of method for deploying [[BattleMechs]] and [[battle armor]] from [[DropShips]] during planetary insertions.  Typically, a DropShip will either land and allow forces to deploy while on the ground, or hover above the target location from a high-altitude or low-orbit position and deploy units via [[Drop Pod]].  Landing a DropShip leaves it vulnerable to attack from ground and air attacks, while a high-atmosphere drop is dangerous to both the DropShip and 'Mechs, who can do little to defend themselves from other aerospace threats.<ref>''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary'', pp. 42-43</ref> 

The hover-drop maneuver, practiced by the [[Clans]] and a few [[Inner Sphere]] units, involves the DropShip assuming a hovering position in the lower atmosphere and allowing the embarked units to make a short hop down to the surface below.  Units deploying in this fashion are able to engage the enemy as they make their descent, though only [[Clan Nova Cat]] was particularly adept at this feat.<ref>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 111</ref>

==References==
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==Bibliography==
* ''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]''


[[Category:Strategic and Tactical Doctrines]]