far-trader
SOC-14 10K
The following is an idea that's been kicking around my brain for some time. I've probably done up the stats somewhere before but don't think I've shared. While I'd label it a CT design, the parameters are sloppy enough to work with LBB2, LBB5, MT and even T20 Modular Cutters.
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30ton TUG-Boat module for 50ton Modular Cutter
The TUG (Towed Under Gravitics) module is a widely used and versatile addition to any starport's Modular Cutter fleet. With a few of these modules available the Cutters can greatly expand their roles in port operations.
Built at TL15(1) the modules are easily shipped to even low tech backwater ports for use and can be inexpensively return shipped for maintenance or service.
The core of the module is a 25ton gravitic tractor/repulsor(2) with an onboard 2.5ton dedicated fusion power supply and fuel for 4 weeks of operations(3).
By approaching a free body(4) and engaging the TUG module when in close proximity the Cutter is made fast with the free body without putting undue stress on either body or making actual physical contact.
Once the Cutter, or Cutters, are connected in this fashion to the free body the total maneuver capability is calculated as for a single body. This allows the Cutter or Cutters to assist in the lift or descent of underpowered craft or even unpowered loads.
A typical employment of this arrangement is in aiding 1G ships in landing and taking off from worlds with more than 1G surface gravity, typically by employing 2 or more TUG-Boats to assist.
Total cost of the module is MCr10 after standard design discounts.
(1) - Based on fudging the TL14 50ton repulsor bay with a USP of 3, cost of MCr6 and power requirement of 5EP.
Stats are: TL15, USP 1 repulsor/tractor, 25dtons, MCr3.0, -2.5EP
(2) - Because imo both technologies are the same.
(3) - Halving the requirement of 5EP.
(4) - To lift a body the TUG module must be able to separate it from it's environment. Generally any body not attached firmly to another is treated as a free body for this purpose.
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30ton TUG-Boat module for 50ton Modular Cutter
The TUG (Towed Under Gravitics) module is a widely used and versatile addition to any starport's Modular Cutter fleet. With a few of these modules available the Cutters can greatly expand their roles in port operations.
Built at TL15(1) the modules are easily shipped to even low tech backwater ports for use and can be inexpensively return shipped for maintenance or service.
The core of the module is a 25ton gravitic tractor/repulsor(2) with an onboard 2.5ton dedicated fusion power supply and fuel for 4 weeks of operations(3).
By approaching a free body(4) and engaging the TUG module when in close proximity the Cutter is made fast with the free body without putting undue stress on either body or making actual physical contact.
Once the Cutter, or Cutters, are connected in this fashion to the free body the total maneuver capability is calculated as for a single body. This allows the Cutter or Cutters to assist in the lift or descent of underpowered craft or even unpowered loads.
A typical employment of this arrangement is in aiding 1G ships in landing and taking off from worlds with more than 1G surface gravity, typically by employing 2 or more TUG-Boats to assist.
Total cost of the module is MCr10 after standard design discounts.
(1) - Based on fudging the TL14 50ton repulsor bay with a USP of 3, cost of MCr6 and power requirement of 5EP.
Stats are: TL15, USP 1 repulsor/tractor, 25dtons, MCr3.0, -2.5EP
(2) - Because imo both technologies are the same.
(3) - Halving the requirement of 5EP.
(4) - To lift a body the TUG module must be able to separate it from it's environment. Generally any body not attached firmly to another is treated as a free body for this purpose.
