Ballard Power-Propulsion Replaceables, BPP/R (“Boppers”) are another of Ballard Designs’ successful efforts at standardizing interchangeable space- and star-ship components. Each BPP/R is a 2.5 ton, 6 MCr combination of maneuver drive and power-plant, of ½ an A drive each. The two are joined, and dismountable through rear access to the drive spaces. Battle damage and other major failures can be taken care of through replacement (and subsequent repair) rather than in situ repairs that hold up the ship, typically in zero-G. A type S scout thus has two BPP/R’s, as does a type A free trader and a Ballard modular cutter. A Ballard Raptor class (type CB) mercenary cruiser thus mounts 24 boppers to match the performance of a Broadsword.
The advantage for military, exploratory, or even trading ventures is that in essence spare drives can be carried. Ballard designs also runs a bonded lease service, where Boppers, sealed in standard 4 dton transport containers, can be leased for extended periods for a bond of Cr 20,000, plus Cr 10,000 per month. The bond places a lien on the ship for the price of the Bopper. The shipping container also contains specialized tools, such as jacks and aligning fixtures, which can be turned in with the damaged drive, to recoup the nature of a “core charge,” which will vary based on the extend of the damage suffered.
The advantage for military, exploratory, or even trading ventures is that in essence spare drives can be carried. Ballard designs also runs a bonded lease service, where Boppers, sealed in standard 4 dton transport containers, can be leased for extended periods for a bond of Cr 20,000, plus Cr 10,000 per month. The bond places a lien on the ship for the price of the Bopper. The shipping container also contains specialized tools, such as jacks and aligning fixtures, which can be turned in with the damaged drive, to recoup the nature of a “core charge,” which will vary based on the extend of the damage suffered.
