Content in this article may be unofficial or break with Starflight canon.
This final section on vehicles contains a list of non-canon vehicles that have been contributed by various fans. They may be used in campaign play if a GM decides to allow their use. The vehicles presented herein are all "stock" vehicles. Should the allow one of these vehicles in a campaign, the stats can be vastly different depending upon what equipment the vehicle's user decides with which to outfit the vehicle. In those cases the GMs should follow all the usual restrictions for vehicles.
If you have a vehicle you'd like to contribute to this chapter, contact capi3101 at the
Interstel Comm Center's Starflight RPG and Starflight: Total Brawl forum.
Galilei Shuttle
contributed by capi3101The C-7
Galilei shuttle was the final culmunation of Interstel's first attempt at a medium-range craft capable of making extended excursions away from a parent starship while the ship itself was still in flight. The shuttle's design history began with the rediscovery of super-photonic travel and the construction of Starport in the mid 4610s. A small, oblong capsule was designed for the purpose of sending space-station construction crews into orbit and later returning them safely to the surface of Arth. When Starport became operational and the decision was made to restrict starships landing directly on the planet's surface (due to environmental and economic concerns), the shuttle became the primary means of ferrying personnel and equipment between Starport and the surface (at least until scientists and the construction workers became comfortable with the notion of using teleportation technology, which was re-discovered alongside superluminal flight in the wreck of the Noah Two).
As an extended-range excursion vehicle, the
Galilei was designed to perform many of the same tasks as the standard Interstel Terrain Vehicle (ITV), even though the vehicle's primary function was simply to act as a ship-to-surface transport. The
Galilei keeps many of the oblong-capsule features of its predecessors, though it includes extendable wing-flaps for controlled atmospheric flight as well as extensions for its super-photonic engine nacelles, which are retracted within the hull's surface for sub-luminal flight. The
Galilei can carry six personnel in relative comfort (at least according to the designers; crews using the vehicle often felt the vehicle was quite cramped). While the vehicle has a cargo carrying and salvage capability, the volume of the bay is substantially less than that of the ITV. It's beam weaponry is substantially more powerful than the ITV's and lacks a stun option, making the vehicle a poor choice for surface lifeform collection, though early simulations showed that large numbers of
Galilei shuttles could be an effective defense against hostile space combatants. The vehicle is designed with both sublight and super-photonic engines, enabling it to act as an emergency escape vehicle should the need arise, or to act as a long range system exploration platform.
Despite the apparent advantages afforded by the
Galilei shuttle to exploration, many of the early Interstel crews went without shuttles installed, first because of the high expense involved in placing an extra bay for the vehicle and the launch equipment that had to go with it, and secondly because it became obvious that none of the local species would allow any foreign craft to touch their soil (the logs of the ISS
Selene and their attempt to land on Votiputox were quite compelling), which made the
Galilei an expensive, unnecessary luxury to most space captains. A second attempt to add the
Galilei to Interstel designs came with the first
Intrepid-class prototypes, but ultimately the shuttle was excluded from the design, largely because of the cost (and fuel) requirements of the craft. It has yet to be seen if a shuttle will ultimately be permanently included in any Interstel design as of 4641.
C-7 Galilei FTL Shuttle| Make: Medium Military Capsule | Size Class: 5 |
| SI: 265 | Cost: 49,101 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 75/63/65 | INIT: 12
(Class Ten Engine) | Max Speed: 10,000 kph
(Atmospheric) |
SHP: 65
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 100
(Class Three Armor) | Beam: 100
(Class Ten Laser) | Proj: 0
(None) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/5
(1 aircraft seat, 5 bucket seats) |
| Elements: Titanium (2.5), Promethium (1.2), Tungsten (1.2), Endurium/Shyneum (1.4) | Cargo Capacity: 25 m3
(25 m3 from accessories) |
| Accessories: {Tachyon Radar}, Sublight Engine, Superphotonic Engine (FTL Capable), 25m3 Cargo Module, Industrial Manipulator (grappler), SWACS Module, Beam Weapon Rack x1 (fore), Class One Shields (65 SHP). |
Barn Owl Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Barn Owl UAV.
These light, unmanned fighters are designed to be deployed from the
Old Imperial Transport Variant , which can carry up to four of them. They are primarily designed for over-the-horizon scouting missions above contested worlds, where they can spot hostile emplacements and batteries and relay the information back to fire control operators aboard their mothership. While hard targets require the attention of the heavy mass drivers on the gunship, the
Barn Owls can defend themselves from aerial threats with their laser cannon, and can pick out soft ground targets with their missiles. Their strongest defense is their high maneuverability, as their shields and armor cannot take much punishment. Their engines are powerful enough to reenter orbital space, so once the mission's been accomplished, they can be recovered by their carrier outside the planetary atmosphere.
Barn Owl-class UAV| Make: Superlight Military Fightercraft | Size Class: 6 |
| SI: 124 | Cost: 130,125 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 87/78/83 | INIT: 9
(Class Eight Engines) | Max Speed: 10,000 kph
(Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 21
(Class Two Lasers) | Proj: 24
(Class Two Radar-Guided Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: None |
| Elements: Aluminum (1.0), Titanium (0.5), Gold (0.5), Endurium/Shyneum (2.0) | Cargo Capacity: 0.29 m3
(0.29 m3 from accommodations) |
| Accessories: Sublight Engine, Tachyon Radar, Scout Module, Automation Module, Manuevering Thrusters, ECM Module, AWACS Module, Collapsible Sections, Reactor Intake Air Filter, Beam Weapon Rack x1 (fore), Projectile Weapon Single Turret x1, Eco-Safe Module, Class One Shields (50 SHP). |
Old Imperial Lander ¶
contributed by NCCADOld Imperial Lander| Make: Superheavy Military Capsule | Size Class: 8 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 3,816 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 53/46/53 | INIT: 8
(Class Six Engines) | Max Speed: 700 kph
(Atmospheric) |
SHP: 0
(None) | AHP: 100
(Class Three Armor) | Beam: 0
(None) | Proj: 0
(None) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 2/25
(2 airplane seats, 25 bucket seats) |
| Elements: Titanium (2.0), Tin (2.0), Nickel (1.0), Endurium/Shyneum (1.0) | Cargo Capacity:160.5 m3
(0.2 m3 base, 160 m3 from cargo modules, 0.3 m3 from accomodations) |
| Accessories: Tachyon Radar, 40 m3 Cargo module x4, Industrial Manipulator Module (docking), Ejection Seat, Collapsible Sections. |
Humna Humna Mineral Drone
contributed by capi3101The Mineral Drone was created by the Humna Humna to serve a very important job: to collect mineral resources without necessarily committing the full attention of a manned crew to the job. As one might suspect with the Humna Humna, the impetus was profit. Mineral trading is highly risky in the Delta Sector; most of the worlds have been mined out over millions of years of habitation, and so demand tends to fluctuate wildly. A profit is not guaranteed in their trade, even for a master trader merchant. And yet, without mineral ores there is no raw material available for construction (which ultimately affects the trade of other industries and goods where a reasonable profit is almost always assured). The Humna Humna needed a way to collect minerals while hedging any losses if the minerals they collected couldn't be sold right away, and so the Mineral Drone was designed.
The Mineral Drone is another fine example of Humna Humna ingenuity. It can be stowed and deployed in any vehicle's cargo bay without specialized storage or launch equipment. It folds up to a mere 0.1 cubic meters in size when not in use. When in operation, the vehicle expands to a 40 cubic meter capacity without compromising any of its structural integrity. It can be pre-programmed to search for specific minerals, or it can search in a default "find all' setting. It is extremely fast and maneuverable, making it difficult to hit with weapons fire; this high performance is the only type of "defense" the drone possesses.
The Humna Humna had been planning to release the Mineral Drone for general sale starting in early 4638. Unfortunately for them, the main plant was located on Hooplah (δ101x85, p1), which was destroyed along with the most of the rest of the Humna Humna colony during the Spemin invasion in late 4637. Only the prototype survived the destruction of the Hooplah colony, though it was accidentally left behind in the mass exodus and panic. While the prototype was eventually retrieved by an Interstel crew in 4640, it has yet to be returned (i.e. sold back) to the Humna Humna.
Mineral Drone| Make: Superlight Commercial Gravship | Size Class: 4 |
| SI: 0 | Cost: 20,808 SP | HD/BHD/FHD: 92/81/82 | INIT: 11
(Class Ten Engines) | Max Speed: 3,000 kph |
SHP: 0
(None) | AHP: 0
(None) | Beam: 0
(None) | Proj: 0
(None) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 0/0
(Unmanned) |
| Elements: Aluminum (4.6), Antimony (1.5), Zinc (0.4), Shyneum (0.1) | Cargo Capacity: 40.7 m3
(40.0 m3 from cargo modules, 0.7 m3 from accomodations) |
| Accessories: Modified Chassis (+6 Accessories), 20 m3 Cargo Module x2, Scout Module, Maneuvering Thrusters, Industrial Dozer Module, Industrial Manipulator Module, Automation Module, Airborne Delivery Module, Collapsible Sections x4. |
| Notes: Artifact (see Chapter 5.9). Folds down to 0.1 cubic meters when not in use and typically sells for an even 21,000 SP. |
Arthian Mobile Planetary Defense Missile Launcher ("Cornered Beast")
contributed by NCCADIn response to the first Ultimatum from the Spemin in the 4630's, the High Council of Arth finally authorized the development of a ground-based planetary defense system, a long-shelved proposal dating back to the early 20's. With the demise of the Uhlek coupled with the ineffectiveness of missiles against the Gazurtoid, the project had found itself without sponsors on the Council for almost two decades. However, with intelligence coming in showing an increased, credible threat from the Spemin, the Council at last opened the purse strings for research, development, and procurement of the system, to the tune of 35,000,000 MU's.
A multi-layered, capable system, Arth's planetary defenses utilize satellite-based sensors to detect and track orbital threats, which relay the data to any orbiting starships, Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicles (EKVs), and ground-based launchers, which provide the system with its muscle. The ground-based component (which takes up over a quarter of the entire budget in equipment costs alone) consists of twenty-five of these unique mobile launch vehicles, which have been fitted with special equipment to make use of powerful, starship-scale missile launchers that can usually only be installed on space vehicles. Firing class 4 missiles, each vehicle can launch 25 rounds with its standard fuel source; this highly conservative use of Shyneum was a major factor getting the project authorized, as fuel sources were thin on the ground during that period.
To maximize strategic survivability, the vehicles themselves are designed to be deployed in any Arthian terrain, from the polar to equatorial regions. They carry a crew of 6, which includes a driver, commanding officer, and four launch technicians. Equipped for a month-long deployment (whereupon they return to base for maintenance and crew R&R), they can go from standby to launch-ready within two minutes of receiving a launch order. Dubbed the "Cornered Beasts" by their crews (due to their ruggedness and the likely state of Arthian affairs in the event of their actual use), these solid little powerhouses make up an essential part of the Arthian planetary defenses.
Arthian Mobile Planetary Defense Missile Launcher ("Cornered Beast")| Make: Heavy Military Armored Vehicle | Size Class: 9 |
| SI: 1150 | Cost: 362,000 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 66/60/64 | INIT: 6
(Class Five Engine) | Max Speed: 99 kph |
SHP: 0
(None) | AHP: 150
(Class Five Armor) | Beam: 0
(None) | Proj: 1000
(Class Four Starship Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 6/0
(6 Medium Berths) |
| Elements: Aluminum (1.0), Titanium (1.0), Iron (0.5), Shyneum (2.7) | Cargo Capacity: 5.05 m3
(0.4 m3 base, 4.65 m3 from accomodations) |
| Accessories: Starship Systems Adapter, Eco-safe Module, SAM Module, Projectile Weapon Single Turret, Reactor Intake Air Filter, Low Friction Surface Traction Inducer, Scout Module. |
Arthian Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle
contributed by NCCADA second element of Arth's planetary defenses, the EKVs are automated drones which, when activated, will seek and destroy any enemy vessel found in orbit around the planet. While their exact number is a closely guarded secret, it is believed that the Arthian Council has ordered roughly 300 placed in orbit, with an additional 200 held in secure facilities, ready for emergency deployment. If this is correct, they make up approximately 1/5th of the initial outlay for the Planetary Defense Budget.
One-time-use vehicles, they can remain in orbit up to five years without maintenance, during which time they merely keep out of the way of all traffic- commercial, military, and otherwise. Upon receiving a kill order, they vector in on their target with the aid of the Defense System's sensory satellites, with terminal homing provided by their own on-board scanning equipment. They will attempt to collide with targets, thus adding kenetic energy to that of their warheads, but if they determine they will miss, the EKVs can also proximity detonate, thus ensuring maximum possible damage.
Arthian Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle| Make: Very Light Military Capsule | Size Class: 2 |
| SI: 100* | Cost: 15,121 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 78/65/74 | INIT: 10
(Class Eight Engine) | Max Speed: 4,800 kph
(Atmospheric) |
SHP: 0
(None) | AHP: 100
(Class Three Armor) | Beam: 0
(None) | Proj: 0
(None) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 0/0
(Unmanned) |
| Elements: Aluminum (0.5), Molybdenum (0.25), Plutonium (0.1), Shyneum (0.2) | Cargo Capacity: None
(N/A) |
| Accessories: Tachyon Radar, WMD Delivery System (low-yield nuclear warhead - 1500 points of damage), Automation Module, SWACS Module, Collapsible Sections. |
"Celestial Eagle" Planetary Defense Reconnaissance Satellite
contributed by NCCADThe eyes and ears of Arth's planetary defense network, the PDRS' provide Arth's defense planners with complete sensory coverage of near-Arth space. Nicknamed the "Celestial Eagles", each satellite is capable of tracking hundreds of enemy targets, relaying targeting data to controllers on the ground, and directing counter-attacking EKVs and ground-based missiles. Being obvious targets in the event of an enemy invasion, each PDRS is equipped with the latest in stealth and jamming technology and is relatively heavily armored, though starship-scale weapons would make short work of them. As a defensive measure, each Eagle is fitted with a dedicated EKV; this ensures that one is always immediately available, should the satellite be threatened. While the exact number of Eagles procured is classified, it is known that roughly double the number necessary to maintain minimum surveillance capabilities have been deployed. This added flexibility is likely to allow for numerous PDRS' to be destroyed while still maintaining an enhanced targeting capability for the rest of Arth's defensive systems. Discounting hostile enemy action, the PDRS' can remain in orbit without maintenance for 30 years.
"Celestial Eagle" Planetary Defense Reconnaissance Satellite| Make: Medium Military Capsule | Size Class: 5 |
| SI: 200 | Cost: 36,143.5 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 85/49/81 | INIT: 10
(Class Eight Engine) | Max Speed: 4,000 kph |
SHP: 0
(None) | AHP: 200
(Class Seven Armor) | Beam: 0
(None) | Proj: 0
(None) | X: Cloaking Device | Crew/Passengers: 0/0
(Unmanned) |
| Elements: Titanium (1.0), Aluminum (1.0), Plutonium (0.1), Shyneum (0.1) | Cargo Capacity: None
(N/A) |
| Accessories: Tachyon Radar, Automation Module, Scout Module, ECM Module x2, SWACS Module x3, Vehicle Rack {one EKV}, Standard Cloaking Device. |
GAV-1059 Fawkes Domestic VTOL Aircraft
contributed by deusexmachina and capi3101EDITOR'S NOTE: This craft was originally designed by a playtester for use in a specific campaign GMs and players are welcome to adapt any of the information about this craft to their specific adventures or campaigns. The version of the craft presented here has undergone significant "nerfing" from the original vehicle design.A general aviation tiltwing craft, the GAV-1059
Fawkes is one of the latest aircraft to roll out of Caption Enterprises's Koann III factory at Solms (post-SF2 era). Designed as a light cargo craft, the
Fawkes is primarily used as a means for local companies to haul small amounts of freight between various locations on a planet's surface. The design was specifically created for Koann III's unique, underdeveloped local transportation system, which favors hovercopter traffic over all other forms of travel and cargo hauling. The design is modular and therefore easily modified for the specific needs of individual customers; the statistics listed here represent the "stock" factory model. While mainly used by corporations, there are a few of these vehicles that have been purchased by private individuals (some of the wealthier private owners have been known to make some significant modifications). Common modifications include the replacement of the battery system with a shyneum reactor (to provide more reliable power to the shields and engines), as well as stronger defensive systems.
Caption Enterprises GAV-1059 Fawkes Domestic VTOL Aircraft| Make: Very Light Commercial Hovercopter | Size Class: 5 |
| SI: 150 | Cost: 329.38 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 68/58/68 | INIT: 5
(Class Five Engine) | Max Speed: 400 kph |
SHP: 100
(Class Two Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(None) | Proj: 0
(None) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/1
(2 Aircraft Seats) |
| Elements: Titanium (2.0), Aluminum (0.5) | Cargo Capacity: 25 m3
(25 m3 from Cargo Module) |
| Accessories: AWACS Module, Cargo Module, Ejection Seat, Eco-Safe Module. |
| Notes: The standard version of the Fawkes is equipped with a rechargable Lithium-Ion battery bus, which provides all of the vehicle's power. Recharging the system requires 90 minutes of continuous electrical feed. Each time the system is recharged, the maximum energy available drops by 1%. This system can be swapped out with a regular shyneum fueling system (holds 0.1 m3 at full capacity). |
AH-335 Azure Police Hovercopter
contributed by NCCADRealizing the need to provide planetary defense forces with some muscle, in the early 40's, the Koann III legislature at New Braunfel's voted to fund development of an all-purpose hovercopter. Rather than simply order an existing model from Arth, they instead choose to procure the aircraft from a local company, Caption Enterprises, and thus pour the money back into the planet's economy. The first production
Azure rolled off the assembly line three years later, and has proved to be an outstanding craft, with Caption receiving off-world orders for them as well. The company saved money on the craft in part by building them from the three minerals most common to the planet. Designed for police forces, the
Azures specialize in crowd control, and are used primarily for that purpose. However, they are capable of air to air combat, being highly manueverable and firing seeker missiles, though these are rarely carried in typical police missions.
Caption Enterprises AH-335 Azure – Koann III Police Hovercopter| Make: Light Military Hovercopter | Size Class: 6 |
| SI: 407 | Cost: 3260.25 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 65/56/63 | INIT: 7
(Class Six Engine) | Max Speed: 660 kph |
SHP: 250
(Class Five Shields) | AHP: 125
(Class Four Armor) | Beam: 21
(Class Two Maser) | Proj: 32
(Class Two Seeker Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Aircraft Seat) |
| Elements: Titanium (2.0), Antimony (1.0), Nickel (1.0), Shyneum (1.0) | Cargo Capacity: 2.12 m3
(2.12 m3 from Quarters) |
| Accessories: Scout Module, Maneuvering Thrusters, Eco-Safe Module, Tachyon Radar, Non-Lethal Weapons Delivery System, Reactor Intake Air Filter, Ejection Seat, Countermeasure Pod Dispenser (5 shots), Beam Weapon Single Turret, Projectile Weapon Rack x2 (fore), Class Five Shields (250 SHP). |
Frontier Scooter
contributed by NCCADA popular means of conveyance, the Frontier Scooter is an anti-grav bike designed to cover the vast, empty spaces of newly-settled planets at speed. Being relatively cheap, it sees especially heavy use among ranchers, hunters, and explorers, who use it to access remote locations quickly. However, being designed by Universal Wilderness (a company based on Arth, where the weather is calm and civilization never far away), the Scooter in its stock form has been criticized for providing no protection from the weather or dangerous lifeforms, and for lack of any cargo capacity, forcing its users to carry any needed items on their person. Nonetheless, its extreme speed, high maneuverability, and open seating arrangement make it very popular with thrill-seekers on any planet, and highly customized versions are known to exist.
Universal Wilderness’ "Frontier Scooter"| Make: Medium Civilian Bike | Size Class: 2 |
| SI: 50 | Cost: 112.5 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 70/57/58 | INIT: 5
(Class Six Engine) | Max Speed: 900 kph |
SHP: 0
(No Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Saddle) |
| Elements: Aluminum (0.5), Tin (0.5), Iron (0.25) | Cargo Capacity: None |
| Accessories: Modified Chassis, Repulsor Sled, Maneuvering Thrusters. |
| Notes: The stock version of the Frontier Scooter is equipped with a rechargable Lithium-Ion battery bus, which provides all of the vehicle's power. Recharging the system requires 90 minutes of continuous electrical feed. Each time the system is recharged, the maximum energy available drops by 1%. |
Mark 77 Plasma Bolt Decoy
contributed by NCCADEarly on in the 3400’s, it became readily apparent that the Uhlek’s signature weapon, the plasma bolt, was too powerful for the Empire’s current shielding technology to dissipate. Even the most advanced ship-borne arrays failed after 3-4 hits, turning fleet actions into routs in short order. Until shield technology caught up (the harbinger of this was the
Ares-class), the Empire had to improvise. One way was to design faster, more maneuverable ships; another was to make plasma bolts hit something other than their intended target. The Decoys were the outcome of the second line of thought. The Mk-77 PBD was first deployed in 3402, at a time when it looked as if the invaders were poised to overrun the entire Empire in a matter a months. After a few isolated entanglements proved the concept, they were first used on a massive scale in the Battle of Maltron, which resulted in a decisive Imperial victory and gave the Empire a desperately needed morale boost. While they could be carried aboard any Imperial warship, they were usually deployed en mass from specialized carrier ships. The PBDs served their purpose in one of two ways. If already deployed in large numbers before a battle began, they often were selected as targets outright, due to confusion or haste by the Uhlek. In these cases, once their internal logic determined a bolt had locked on, they would put as much distance between the Imperial fleet and themselves as possible, so that when the bolt impacted, it was safely away from friendly forces. If, however, a bolt was determined to be locked on an actual Imperial vessel, they would insinuate themselves in front of the bolt as far from the target ship as possible. In this way, they would detonate the plasma bolts prematurely.
Mark 77 Plasma Bolt Decoy| Make: Light Military Capsule | Size Class: 3 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 5,441 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 72/60/70 | INIT: 9
(Class Seven Engine) | Max Speed: 2200 kph
(Atmospheric) |
SHP: 0
(No Shields) | AHP: 100
(Class Three Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: N/A
(Automated) |
| Elements: Tungsten (.5), Chromium (.5), Lead (.5), Endurium (0.25) | Cargo Capacity: None |
| Accessories: Automation Module, Sublight Engine, Collapsable Sections. |
Planetary Engineering Gravship and Planetary Engineering Walker¶
contributed by capi3101Any way you look at it, the accomplishments of the Noah 9 expedition could've only been topped had the colonists actually made it to the Heaven colony. Even though the effort to colonize the planet was sabotaged, a remarkable feat of planetary engineering had to take place before the world would even have been habitable to Imperial colonists. At the center of this effort were the Mechan 9, who were given the daunting task of taking a marginally habitable world and terraforming it into a paradise, and to do so in less than a year's time. The terraforming method that the Mechans employed on Heaven is just now being studied by Arth scientists, but apparently it involved the heavy use of two types of terraforming vehicles: the Planetary Engineering Gravship (PEG) and the Planetary Engineering Walker (PEW).
Mechan terraforming vehicles were mainly designed with one task in mind: to deliver Planetary Engineering Drones (PEDs) to pre-calculated points on the planet's surface. These devices essentially consisted of an Environmental Field generator coupled with a Portable Generator, modified for greater effective range and longer operational periods. These devices would be coupled with the EAD modules aboard the vehicles and starships, allowing the EADs to work at a greatly accelerated rate.
The design of both the PEG and PEW is ingenious; three PEWs could be folded up and stored inside a PEG, while at the same time the PEG itself was folded up into its parent starship. Each vehicle carried its full load of PED units while folded up (445 for the PEG and 99 for the PEW). By traveling to Heaven with a full load of PEDs ready to deploy, a substantial amount of time and energy was saved in the process.
Few PEGs and PEWs still exist today. Since they were automated vehicles, neither was designed to carry passengers, and so they fell into disuse once their massive task was complete. Many vehicles were re-cycled into new materials and structures after their task was complete. The Mechans kept a few of these vehicles, dropping new PEDs as necessary to keep the planet at its current level of habitability. Though an enormous cost is involved, Arth is considering making their own versions to perform terraforming work on several nearby possible colony sites.
Planetary Engineering Gravship (PEG)| Make: Heavy Industrial Gravship | Size Class: 9 |
| SI: 75 | Cost: 90312.55 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 41/35/41 | INIT: 5
(Class Five Engine) | Max Speed: 500 kph |
SHP: 0
(No Shields) | AHP: 75
(Class Two Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: N/A
(Automated) |
| Elements: Iron (4.5) Magnesium (2.0), Endurium (2.0) | Cargo Capacity: 59.28 cubic meters
(0.24 base, 45 from cargo module, 14.04 from accomodations) |
| Accessories: Cargo Module, EAD Module, Automation Module, Eco Safe Module, Airborne Delivery Module, Collapsible Sections, Hangar Bay Module x3 |
Planetary Engineering Walker (PEW)| Make: Light Industrial Walker | Size Class: 3 |
| SI: 50 | Cost: 28,927.5 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 75/63/75 | INIT: 4
(Class Four Engine) | Max Speed: 35 kph |
SHP: 0
(No Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: N/A
(Automated) |
| Elements: Iron (1.5) Magnesium (0.5), Endurium (0.4) | Cargo Capacity: 15.4 cubic meters
(0.4 base, 15 from cargo module) |
| Accessories: Cargo Module, EAD Module, Automation Module, Industrial Manipulator, Amphibious Landing Module, Collapsible Sections. |
Workbee
contributed by capi3101When the job calls for construction in space, Interstel relies on these small, one-man craft to get the job done. Workbees are basically an extension of an astronaut's space suit; they have a very cramped cockpit, made all the more worse by the necessity of the operator to wear a pressure suit while the vehicle is in operation (the design does not include its own life-support system). Woekbees carry a diverse array of gear, including a gripper module for hauling objects to a location, sensor modules for surveying an area, and a low-power military grade laser for welding (in a pinch, this laser can also be used as a defensive weapon). Workbees have seen action in the construction of every major orbital platform Interstel has constructed to date, including Starport Central and Outpost One. The recently-constructed Colonial Support Station (a.k.a Starport Earth) has support facilities for a permanent detachment of eight Workbees, which were selected over the larger
Galilei shuttles due to space constraints as a means of surveying Earth's surface. Given that the station is unarmed, they also serve as the station's only permanent means of defending itself.
Workbee| Make: Superlight Industrial Capsule | Size Class: 1 |
| SI: 134 | Cost: 427.75 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 69/55/75 | INIT: 3
(Class Three Engine) | Max Speed: N/A (non-atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 75
(Class Two Armor) | Beam: 9
(Class One Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Bucket Seat) |
| Elements: Titanium (0.4) Aluminum (0.4), Molybdenum (0.4), Shyneum (0.3 m3) | Cargo Capacity: 1 cubic meter
(1 from cargo module) |
| Accessories: 1m3 Cargo Module, Scout Module x2, Industrial Manipulator Module (Gripper), Beam Weapon Rack, Class One Shield, Class One Laser. |
Starport Earth
contributed by capi3101After the rediscovery of the planet Earth during the 4620 Interstel mission, the High Council issued a directive calling for a further study of the planet, in an attempt to determine just how difficult it would be to re-establish a self-sustained colony there. The news received from the survey crews was grim: as a dead zone world, there was no life present, and the planet itself had very few mineral resources remaining (no doubt due to over-exploitation during the recorded seven-and-a-half millenia Humans had lived there). While a basic colony could be established immediately, it would need near constant replenishment from supply vessels; even then, it was unlikely that the colony would be able to sustain an appreciable population. Knowing the politics of the situation (Humankind wasn't going to stay away now that they knew their ancestral homeworld still existed), the survey crews ultimately recommended to the Council that the planet be terraformed and have a new, full biosphere imported in (the first time any Arth scientific group suggested such a radical course of action). They also recommended that in the meantime some kind of permanent outpost be set up in the region (preferably in space) to support future colonization efforts. After a few years of debate, the Council ultimately gave this plan the go-ahead. Arth's populace voted down the funding necessary to build another full-fledged Starport despite the importance what was going on. As a compromise, engineers suggested building a modular structure with only the basics of what would be required to support colonization efforts. Estimates showed the final cost of the new structure would be half of what it would've taken just to construct the chassis of the initially planned design, something which ultimately won the station support from Arth's voters.
The Colonial Support Station (known in the media as "Starport Earth", after the proposed station it replaced) is tasked with the mission of supporting planetary terraforming and colonization efforts. It is composed of 152 individual capsule modules, which by themselves are no larger than fourteen hundred cubic meters (smaller than a Humna Humna scout ship), but in conglomerate have a radius of about 200 meters and an internal bounding volume eight times the volume of an Intrepid-class Scout. The overall shape is best described as a "hyper-dodecagon", consisting of twelve long cylindrical modules (the station's beehive, manufacturing and survey module capsules) connected to each other through speherical connector modules in the shape of a dodecagon, out of which radiate "spokes" of three long cylindrical modules (the EAD modules), which themselves connect to an outer dodecagon-shaped assembly, each side consisting of two long cylinders (colonial embarkation modules) sandwiching a shorter cylinder (which alternate between service and welcome modules). Visiting starships can dock to the station via external docking ports in the service and welcome modules, though due to the station's configuration no more than half of these modules can be in use at the same time. Upon arrival, a request for a new settlement is processed through station personnel, who will conduct a thorough survey of a target area either with the station's survey modules or through a direct flyby by one of the station's workbees. Once a site is selected, settlers are directed to a colonial embarkation module, where colony pods are stored in special insertion pods. The pod and settlers are jettisoned from the station in such a manner as to land at the target site; settlers have the option of riding down with the pod, or in riding down in their own individual insertion pods. Colony pods are delivered by visiting starships and maneuvered into the embarkation bays either via the station's workbees or the station's many gripper arms. They may also be manufactured in one of the station's manufacturing modules, if a starship happens to deliver a large enough amount of materials. Finally, the station does perform active terraforming duties, and is capable of transforming 864 square kilometers of the planet's surface into an inhabited area per day (which at the current rate will take roughly sixteen hundred years to complete; Arth has begun consultations with the Mechan Nine to speed up the process). Emphasis is usually given to terraforming areas settlers will likely colonize. If necessary, the station can be disassembled, its components moved to a new site, and reassembled for use on another planet.
Colonial Support Station (Starport Earth)| Make: Superheavy Commercial Capsule (Conglomerate) | Size Class: 19 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 3,157,702 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 56/49/56 | INIT: 1
(Class One Engine) | N/A (Non-Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 128/24
(152 Large Berths) |
| Elements: Titanium (624.0) Aluminum (624.0), Molybdenum (224.4), Shyneum (116.4) | Cargo Capacity: 4,110 cubic meters
(for details, see individual capsule specifications) |
| Accessories: {72 Connector Modules, 6 Service Modules, 6 Welcome modules, 24 Colonial Embarkation Modules, 36 Environmental Adjustment Drone Modules, 4 Beehive Modules, 4 Survey Modules, 4 Manufacturing Modules}. |
Connector Capsule| Make: Superheavy Commercial Capsule | Size Class: 8 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 1,680 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 56/49/56 | INIT: 1
(Class One Engine) | N/A (Non-Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Large Berth) |
| Elements: Titanium (4.0) Aluminum (4.0), Molybdenum (1.0), Shyneum (0.5) | Cargo Capacity: 5.65 cubic meters
(0.2 base; 5.43 from accommodation space) |
| Accessories: {Tachyon Radar}, External Docking Port x6, Class One Shield. |
Service Capsule| Make: Superheavy Commercial Capsule | Size Class: 8 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 14,930 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 56/49/56 | INIT: 1
(Class One Engine) | N/A (Non-Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Large Berth) |
| Elements: Titanium (4.0) Aluminum (4.0), Molybdenum (1.3), Shyneum (0.7) | Cargo Capacity: 105.65 cubic meters
(0.2 base; 5.43 from accommodation space; 100 from cargo modules) |
| Accessories: {Tachyon Radar}, Modified Chassis +2, External Docking Port x3, Class One Shield, Industrial Manuipulator Module (Gripper), 40m3 Cargo Module x2, 20m3 Cargo Module. |
Welcome Capsule| Make: Superheavy Commercial Capsule | Size Class: 8 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 18,930 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 56/49/56 | INIT: 1
(Class One Engine) | N/A (Non-Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Large Berth) |
| Elements: Titanium (4.0) Aluminum (4.0), Molybdenum (1.3), Shyneum (0.7) | Cargo Capacity: 45.65 cubic meters
(0.2 base; 5.43 from accommodation space; 40 from cargo modules) |
| Accessories: {Tachyon Radar}, Modified Chassis (+2), External Docking Port x3, Class One Shield, Industrial Manuipulator Module (Gripper), 40m3 Cargo Module, Gift Shop Module x2. |
| Notes: Gift Shop Modules have a cost of 20 times the vehicle's size. The key prices for any Merchant conducting any trade while the vehicle is in operation are multiplied by three. |
Colonial Embarkation Capsule| Make: Superheavy Commercial Capsule | Size Class: 8 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 54,680 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 56/49/56 | INIT: 1
(Class One Engine) | N/A (Non-Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Large Berth) |
| Elements: Titanium (4.0) Aluminum (4.0), Molybdenum (1.9), Shyneum (1.0) | Cargo Capacity: 105.65 cubic meters
(0.2 base; 5.43 from accommodation space; 100 from cargo modules) |
| Accessories: {Tachyon Radar}, Modified Chassis (+2), External Docking Port x2, Class One Shield, Industrial Manuipulator Module (Gripper), 40m3 Cargo Module x2, 20m3 Cargo Module x2, Orbital Insertion Module. |
Environmental Adjustment Drone Capsule| Make: Superheavy Commercial Capsule | Size Class: 8 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 33,680 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 56/49/56 | INIT: 1
(Class One Engine) | N/A (Non-Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Large Berth) |
| Elements: Titanium (4.0) Aluminum (4.0), Molybdenum (1.9), Shyneum (1.0) | Cargo Capacity: 5.65 cubic meters
(0.2 base; 5.43 from accommodation space) |
| Accessories: {Tachyon Radar}, External Docking Port x2, Class One Shield, Industrial Manuipulator Module (Gripper), EAD/Terraform Module x3. |
Beehive Capsule| Make: Superheavy Commercial Capsule | Size Class: 8 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 20,835.5 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 56/49/56 | INIT: 1
(Class One Engine) | N/A (Non-Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: N/A
(Automated) |
| Elements: Titanium (4.0) Aluminum (4.0), Molybdenum (1.9), Shyneum (1.0) | Cargo Capacity: 2.9 cubic meters
(0.2 base; 2.7 from accommodation space) |
| Accessories: {Tachyon Radar}, External Docking Port x2, Class One Shield, Industrial Manuipulator Module (Gripper), Carrier Systems, Hangar Bay Module, Automation Module. |
| Notes: Hangar Capacity 20 cubic meters (11 base, 9 from accommodation space). Carries a flight complement of two Workbees. |
Survey Capsule| Make: Superheavy Commercial Capsule | Size Class: 8 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 21,680 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 56/49/56 | INIT: 1
(Class One Engine) | N/A (Non-Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Large Berth) |
| Elements: Titanium (4.0) Aluminum (4.0), Molybdenum (1.9), Shyneum (1.0) | Cargo Capacity: 5.65 cubic meters
(0.2 base; 5.43 from accommodation space) |
| Accessories: {Tachyon Radar}, External Docking Port x2, Class One Shield, Industrial Manuipulator Module (Gripper), SWACS Module x3 (7200). |
Manufacturing Capsule| Make: Superheavy Commercial Capsule | Size Class: 8 |
| SI: 100 | Cost: 34,680 MU | HD/BHD/FHD: 56/49/56 | INIT: 1
(Class One Engine) | N/A (Non-Atmospheric) |
SHP: 50
(Class One Shields) | AHP: 50
(Class One Armor) | Beam: 0
(No Lasers) | Proj: 0
(No Missiles) | X: None | Crew/Passengers: 1/0
(1 Large Berth) |
| Elements: Titanium (4.0) Aluminum (4.0), Molybdenum (1.9), Shyneum (1.0) | Cargo Capacity: 105.65 cubic meters
(0.2 base; 5.43 from accommodation space; 100 from cargo modules) |
| Accessories: {Tachyon Radar}, Modified Chassis (+2), External Docking Port x2, Class One Shield, Industrial Manuipulator Module (Gripper), 40m3 Cargo Module x2, 20m3 Cargo Module, Repair Bay Module. |
NEXT: 7.0 StarshipsPREVIOUS: 6.2.3 Vehicle Systems and EquipmentTOP