Verticant DTTS-22 Dive Transatmospheric Troop Shuttle

Following the massive losses suffered among the Horizont fleet during the First and Second Invid Wars, the REF decided to redesign the transport to make it more effective in its job. Among the changes to the design include the elimination of the onboard troop compartment between the main body and the control pod, the addition of a force shield to aid in re-entry, and point defense weapons to defend against Invid suicide attacks. The additions of a force shield and point defense system has eliminated the capacity to directly service veritech fighters through the internal cargo bay of the Verticant; however, refueling and rearmament is still possible by carrying an inflight service pod. The Verticant is almost 85% parts compatible with the old Horizont, and the switch over has been almost flawless. While there are still some Horizonts in service, they are quickly being refitted to the Verticant standard.

The Verticant is the smallest vessel in the REF fleet. Unlike the larger combat spacecraft, the Verticant is a troop carrier. Its purpose is to transport troops, mecha, and supplies to and from the battlefield. To accomplish these tasks, the shuttle carries two armoured supply bunkers which can be "dropped", detached, at landing. Troops and supplies can be unloaded while the Verticant flies into space to get another load/bunkers. The troop bunkers do not have to be detached for the troops to disembark; however, a "hot" landing zone (LZ) seldom offers the luxury of time to land, wait for the unloading and fly off without the shuttle taking damage. The detachable bunkers enable the Verticant to quickly land/hover, drop its two bunkers and fly to safety before the enemy has time to focus an attack. In many respects, the Verticant can be thought of as the space-age equivalent to the helicopter in the Vietnam War (Earth, circa 1964-70).

The transport shuttle is operated by a pilot, copilot,and three systems engineers. The crew is located in the nose of the spacecraft. If necessary, the nose can detach from the rest of the vessel, functioning as an emergency escape pod. The escape pod can function in space or in an atmosphere and can accommodate up to 5 or 6 additional human-size passengers.

The rear section is all engine except for the force shield systems and the armored point defense missile bays. These systems are especially important when delivering troops or rescuing wounded in a "hot LZ," a landing area under heavy attack. As the shuttle makes its final landing approach, the missiles can be used to clear out hostiles, while the force shield can protect the Verticant until the cargo pods are dropped and it takes off again.

Vehicle Type: Space and atmospheric troop carrier; Verticant Class Transport
Crew: Pilot (1), Co-Pilot (1), Gunners (2), and Engineering Team (3).
Troops: Only those onboard the cargo pods.
Mecha Compliment: Only those onboard the cargo pods.

M.D.C. by Location
Nose Section - 600
Bunker Cargo Compartments (2) - 900 each
Bunker Hatches- 200
Wings (2) – 450 each
Main Body * - 950
Main Engines (2) - 700 each
Force Shield (encircles the ship) - 500
Pulse Laser Blisters (4) - 75 each
Concealed Missile Bays (2) - 200 each
 
* When the M.D.C. of the Main Body is reduced to 0, all systems shut down. If reduced below -200 M.D.C. the ship explodes and all hands are lost.

Statistics:
Speed:
Conventional Space Propulsion: Mach 10.
Atmospheric: Designed for space and planet use. Mach 10 max speed.
 
Maximum Range: Unlimited. Protoculture and fusion engines give it a life of 40 years.
Length: 138 feet.
Height: 60 feet.
Width: 224 feet.
Main Engine: Reflex, heat stock pile, with cold fusion.
Gravity Control System: Internal.
Cargo Compartment: Can hold 500 tons per compartment.
Weight: 2,200 tons

Weapon Systems
1. DS-3 Force Shield System: This is a new shield system based on the DS-2 Force Shield System. This shield is made specifically for the smaller classes of spaceships; shuttles, troop transports, light warships, etc. It recharges 100 MDC an hour, and does not overload when the MDC has been depleted.

2. Pulse Laser Blisters (4): Two of these blisters are located on the nose of the Verticant, while the other two are located on the upper and lower main body facing to the rear.
Primary Purpose: Defense
Mega-Damage: 4D10 MD.
Range: 6000 ft.
Rate of Fire: 4 per melee.

3. Missile Bays (2): The Verticant has two concealed missile bays, one launching from the upper main body, the other from the lower main body.
Primary Purpose: Assault/Defense
Missile Type: Medium Range of any type.
Range: Varies with missile type; 40 to 60 miles.
Mega-Damage: Varies with missile type.
Rate of Fire: 8, 16, or 24 missiles per volley
Payload: 48 missiles each.
 
Special Equipment
1. The Ship’s Bridge: Located in the nose section, this area controls the Verticant and monitors communications, sensory data, and weapon systems. Computer generated graphics, plotting arms, and superimposed holograms, can display a complete visual image, with accompanying data regarding an enemy target(s). Over 200 targets, within an 2,000-mile area, can be identified, tracked, and visually displayed, with an accuracy margin of 94%. An array of computer banks, large screens, and holographic displays protrude from the walls and ceiling.
2. Long Range Video and Communications System: Can send clean, accurate audio-visual transmissions up to 4,000 miles away, as well as pick up and monitor outside transmissions. The range of transmission is doubled in space and can be further extended by bouncing transmissions from one ship to another.
3. Anti-Gravity Systems.
4. Force Field.


Copyright © 2004, Linwood Foster. All rights reserved.


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