shuttles

Shuttles

Shuttles are small ships that can land on the surface of a planet and take off again. They can fly into orbit around planets, fly between planets and in some cases between stars. Shuttles are the least expensive spaceships to build. Shuttles are used to transport passengers and supplies from starships or space stations to a planet's surface, and from planets to ships in orbit. Shuttles range in size from very small for smaller vessels to vessels capable of transporting hundreds for vessels with very large crews. The are usually streamlined for in atmosphere operations, and may have light armaments. This is particularly true for ships operating in border areas, where they might fill a due role as an ad hoc assault transport.

Name: Earth Class

Type: Aerospace Shuttle

Year entered service: 2450

Crew: 2 + 4

A/DF: 2; MR: 4; DCR: 56

Atmosphere flight speed: Mach 12; Space flight speed: 350 million kph; Max Warp: 1

Length: 7 metres

Weight: 12 tons

Armour: Crystallion
Wings (2): 150 HPs each
Pilot's Cockpit: 200 HPs (in an emergency the cockpit can be used as an escape pod)
Main Body: 280 HPs

Drive:
Manoeuvring Thrusters
Solar Cells Engine
Impulse Drive
Warp Drive I

Defences:
Chaff
Energy Screen

Weapon Systems:
Lasersonic: 2 forward

The Earth class shuttle is so named because it is built in various locations on Earth and Luna. It was the standard issue GFC shuttlecraft based mainly at starbases and aboard larger starships.

Name: Mars Class

Type: Aerospace Shuttle

Year entered service: 2450

Crew: 2 + 8

A/DF: 2; MR: 4; DCR: 96

Atmosphere flight speed: Mach 12; Space flight speed: 350 million kph; Max Warp: 1

Length: 12 metres

Weight: 15 tons

Armour: Crystallion
Wings (2): 225 HPs each
Pilot's Cockpit: 325 HPs (in an emergency the cockpit can be used as an escape pod)
Main Body: 480 HPs

Drive:
Manoeuvring Thrusters
Solar Cells Engine
Impulse Drive
Warp Drive I

Defences:
Chaff
Energy Screen

Weapon Systems:
Lasersonic: 2 forward

The Mars Class shuttle is so named because it is built in various locations on Mars and Phobos.

Name: Jupiter Class

Type: Aerospace Shuttle

Year entered service: 2461

Crew: 2 + 16

A/DF: 2; MR: 4; DCR: 160

Atmosphere flight speed: Mach 12; Space flight speed: 350 million kph; Max Warp: 1

Length: 20 metres

Weight: 25 tons

Armour: Crystallion
Pilot's Cockpit: 575 HPs (in an emergency the cockpit can be used as an escape pod)
Main Body: 800 HPs

Drive:
Manoeuvring Thrusters
Solar Cells Engine
Impulse Drive
Warp Drive I

Defences:
Chaff
Energy Screen

Weapon Systems:
Lasersonic: 2 forward

The Jupiter Class shuttle is so named because it is built in Jupiter's orbit.

Name: Saturn Class

Type: Aerospace Shuttle

Year entered service: 2495

Crew: 2 + 32

A/DF: 2; MR: 4; DCR: 240

Atmosphere flight speed: Mach 12; Space flight speed: 350 million kph; Max Warp: 1

Length: 30 metres

Weight: 18 tons

Armour: Crystallion
Pilot's Cockpit: 800 HPs (in an emergency the cockpit can be used as an escape pod)
Main Body: 1200 HPs

Drive:
Manoeuvring Thrusters
Solar Cells Engine
Impulse Drive
Warp Drive I

Defences:
Chaff
Energy Screen

Weapon Systems:
Beam Cannon: 1 forward
Lasersonic: 1 retractable on top of Shuttle

The Saturn Class shuttle is so named because it is built in various locations on Saturn's moons. Completely modular, the craft are divided into three basic sections: the command module, the passenger module/service pod, and the superstructure (containing the landing gear, access corridor/galley, aft compartment, fuel tanks and main propulsion system). The command module of the Shuttle can detach from the main body enabling it to dock with another compatible craft or for use as an emergency escape capsule. Several types of pods could be used, depending on the mission.
Passenger — The standard passenger module, provides maximum seating space for thirty two people.
Transport/Supply — These are used to transport supplies and equipment rather than passengers. They are designed to carry equipment and have limited seating space for passengers.
Docking — Usually a standard pod fitted with an extendable airlock to enable docking with another craft in space.
Freighter — These specialized pods are used to transport dangerous substances; unlike other Shuttles, they are heavily shielded to protect their crews from radiation and other hazards. The waste canisters are carried in a 'pallet' type pod which links to a conveyor belt at the disposal areas.
Laboratory — A specialized pod which carries equipment of a more scientific nature than the standard Shuttle; they are usually fitted with additional airlocks for decontamination purposes, and have small but well equipped laboratories on board.
Winch — Winch pods can be attached and used for a variety of purposes, primarily lifting and moving.