USAF Far Ranger

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 Far Ranger Armed Scout

 Technical Specifications

American interests on Mars mainly include trade, research, and exploration. To support these ends, congress identified a need for a long range aerial flyer that could operate on its own for long periods of time far from human support. In 1888, money was allocated for the aquisition of a second aerial flyer on Mars. Unfortunately, the USA lacks the ability to build a modern steel aerial gunboat on Mars.

Due to the success of the American gunboat USAF Ranger (in terms of both cost and performance), the Army Corps of Engineers have tried to duplicate the process. A second Swiftwood class hull was purchased (in Karkarham), sailed to Thymiamata and retrofitted. To save on operating costs and extend range, the kite rigging was kept as the primary motive force. A large engine with a limited coal supply was installed for fast transport and combat maneuvering (the boiler is usually fired a day out from any city).

Armor: 0
Hull: 3 (wood)
Speed: Kite or 6
Engine: 375 HP (ES=3)
Coal: 21 tons
Endurance: 7 days or K
Altitude: Very High
Tonnage: 249
Cargo: 1 ton
Price: $106,360
Crew: 18 + 20 marines

Armament:

Ram
(1) 40-pdr forward (AV1)
(2) 6-pdr HRC wing mounts
(4) 0.5" Gatling

The USAF Far Ranger will be used to support the United States diplomatic corps, perform long range scouting and survey missions, and to transport American scientists, archeologists, and wealthy entrepreneurs on government sanctioned missions around Mars.

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