Nanotubes Revolutionize ‘Mech Construction

Possible advantages and limitations of new chassis materials
[July 4th, 3073; FSN]The University of Robinson announced today that their research into nanotube structures had reached a new phase of development. “We are proud to finally step beyond the basic prototypes and move into field testing,” Dr. Josef Honda stated. “A composite structure will allow ‘Mechs to have frames half the weight yet still support their full mass.”
“Neither will you lose legroom to that bulky endo-steel,” Dr. Yuri Stanislov added. “In this time of troubles, we’re going to focus on our armed forces first, to bring stability to our beleaguered nations, then we will seek more consumer-based uses.” This research program was started almost a decade ago and initially included Defiance Industries R&D department as well as the New Avalon Institute of Science.
Recent troubles on New Avalon have hampered NAIS’s ability to collaborate and Defiance dropped out a few years ago, having a different opinion of the usefulness of the project. “Nanotubes are fine for forming a frame,” notes Dr. Ursula Gunn of Defiance. “However, they are fragile under longitudinal stress. So if you have an accident or come under enemy fire, that frame will rapidly approach critical failure. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my loved ones protected by that.”
Dr. Gunn and Defiance have proposed that limited use of nanotubes could reduce weight, but only in a limited role. Robinson officials disagree and claim that Defiance’s withdrawal from the project had more to do with the loss of their Hesperus II factories than philosophical differences. They further add that the decrease in weight will allow greater external protection that will make structure damage less likely that in currently is. Expect field tests to take place this spring, though nanotube structures wouldn’t go into regular production until 3080 at the earliest.
[July 4th, 3073; FSN]The University of Robinson announced today that their research into nanotube structures had reached a new phase of development. “We are proud to finally step beyond the basic prototypes and move into field testing,” Dr. Josef Honda stated. “A composite structure will allow ‘Mechs to have frames half the weight yet still support their full mass.”
“Neither will you lose legroom to that bulky endo-steel,” Dr. Yuri Stanislov added. “In this time of troubles, we’re going to focus on our armed forces first, to bring stability to our beleaguered nations, then we will seek more consumer-based uses.” This research program was started almost a decade ago and initially included Defiance Industries R&D department as well as the New Avalon Institute of Science.
Recent troubles on New Avalon have hampered NAIS’s ability to collaborate and Defiance dropped out a few years ago, having a different opinion of the usefulness of the project. “Nanotubes are fine for forming a frame,” notes Dr. Ursula Gunn of Defiance. “However, they are fragile under longitudinal stress. So if you have an accident or come under enemy fire, that frame will rapidly approach critical failure. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my loved ones protected by that.”
Dr. Gunn and Defiance have proposed that limited use of nanotubes could reduce weight, but only in a limited role. Robinson officials disagree and claim that Defiance’s withdrawal from the project had more to do with the loss of their Hesperus II factories than philosophical differences. They further add that the decrease in weight will allow greater external protection that will make structure damage less likely that in currently is. Expect field tests to take place this spring, though nanotube structures wouldn’t go into regular production until 3080 at the earliest.