Maximum VTOL Height

[Gian]

Hi guys! Need a quick clarification.

What's the maximum height a VTOL can rise?

1) For example, if it has an MV of 26 inches and considering that going up a level requires 2 inches, is the maximum height 13 inches? Or 26 inches? I'm assuming it's 13 inches.

2) If a VTOL rises to its maximum height on Turn 1, can it go up again to its maximum on Turn 2?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[nckestrel]

There is no maximum VTOL elevation.  Elevation does not add to range (except in a very few specific very short range exceptions like physical attacks and area of effect templates).  So there's no need to say a VTOL can't fly over whatever buildings/terrain you have in play.

[Charistoph]

There is no maximum VTOL elevation.  Elevation does not add to range (except in a very few specific very short range exceptions like physical attacks and area of effect templates).  So there's no need to say a VTOL can't fly over whatever buildings/terrain you have in play.

And Aerospace units.

[nckestrel]

And Aerospace units.

Aerospace units do not use elevation.  Altitude is a separate rules mechanic.

[Charistoph]

Aerospace units do not use elevation.  Altitude is a separate rules mechanic.

Merely (poorly) pointing out that their Altitude does affect Range.

[nckestrel]

Merely (poorly) pointing out that their Altitude does affect Range.

No like button here, but yes, that is a major difference between VTOL's elevation and aerospace's altitude!

[psionics313]

There is no maximum VTOL elevation.  Elevation does not add to range (except in a very few specific very short range exceptions like physical attacks and area of effect templates).  So there's no need to say a VTOL can't fly over whatever buildings/terrain you have in play.

Always seemed pointless to bother with elevation if it doesn't affect range. The only purpose of elevation then is "oops I crashed into the tree"

[Weirdo]

The only purpose of elevation then is "oops I crashed into the tree"

This is correct. VTOL elevation serves two purposes:

The first is to avoid hitting ground dangers like trees, hills, and mech fists.

The second is to see/shoot over ground features like trees and hills.

[I am Belch II]

I would assume with Hexes being 30 meters across that going up 6 meters per level about the same. VTOLS cant climb as fast as they move forward.

[NeonKnight]

I would assume with Hexes being 30 meters across that going up 6 meters per level about the same. VTOLS cant climb as fast as they move forward.

well....a hex may be 30m across, but it is not 30m tall, as 1 level=half the height of a Mech, and as per this thread:

https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=5751.0

Mechs are at most maybe 15m tall, so a level is maybe around 7.5 - 8m tall?

Further the service ceiling for an Apache Attack helicopter is around 6,000m, so in BT terms that would be (based on 7.5m per level) 800 elevation. And with a move of 26 (13 in TW rules), it would take a VTOL 61 turns to climb to that height just going straight up.