Why Mecha?
Propulsion
The Weapons of War
Control Systems
Real-world Projects
Back to Introduction
Get your own Free Home Page
Project Mecha
Power Systems
Conventional Power
While normally the mecha of anime use exotic or highly advanced power plants, some of the more realistic mecha universes use very conventional, fuel-guzzling engines that periodically need to be refueled. Gears actually derive power from an internal combustion engine, albeit one that is uniquely designed (called a 'V-engine' due to its unique appearance). It is plausible that a compact battlesuit could be created that uses currently available sources of power, like turbine engines, electric motors or super-efficient batteries (fuel cells, flywheels), which will inevitably be more efficient and compact in the future than they are today.
Unlimited Power
Bigger mecha typically use some form of nearly-unlimited energy. These include most of the super mecha, like nuclear-powered Giant Robo. The Battletech universe uses the fusion engine to allow its aging, hand-me-down 'Mechs to continue running after centuries of warfare. The mecha of Macross are thermonuclear, giving them enough power to run for years.Some mecha universes depend on a newly discovered fuel to explain the existence of unlimited power sources. The nuclear-fusion engines of Gundam run on Minovsky particles, which, incidentally, also renders all forms of radar ineffective. In the Western retelling of Macross, the mecha are powered by a mysterious alien substance (protoculture) from which the mecha are able to run on almost indefinitely (although later Robotech mecha, such as the Alpha Fighter, need a regular recharge). As an additional effect, protoculture interacts with mecha and pilot to create a strong interface between them, making it possible for pilots to fly their mecha as if they were merely extensions of their bodies.