THUDDD 9: Spring 1998
Lab Ship

Schedule

  Friday   March 27:   RFP released
  Tuesday  April 14:   Entry deadline
  [2-month hiatus due to unforeseen craziness...]
  Sunday   June  14:   Voting begins
  Sunday   June  28:   Voting ends
  Tuesday  June  30:   Results announced

Specifications

The vessel to be produced is a small science vessel, in concept a "mobile laboratory" for use in Imperium-sponsored research, exploration, and resource management roles. The minimum performance requirements are:

• Jump 2
• Operational independence for long-duration, long-range missions (intrinsic refueling and maintenance)
• Ability to interface with world surfaces (directly or via carried craft)
• Provision of 40 dtons (560 m3) of dedicated laboratory space
• Provision of quarters and other support for 20 researchers (in addition to other crewmembers)
• High-resolution, high-sensitivity sensors

Price is a secondary but important criterion in determining the winner of this competition. Efficient fulfillment of the operational requirements is the primary goal.

Typical roles for this vessel might include (but are by no means limited to):

• Resource evaluation survey of stellar systems
• Sophontological analysis of less technologically developed cultures
• Platform for deep space physics investigations

Contact the ISBA THUDDD Coordinating Office for more information. Long Live the Emperor!

Winners

Entrants

Copernicus class Lab Ship

Statistics
Tons: 325std ( SL Med Disc Hypersonic ) Crew: 6/11
Cargo: 20std (0/1 /Hdl:1x4ton)          Volume: 4550m3
Passengers High/Med: 0/0                Cost: 200.118 MCr
Mass (L/C): 3329t/2783t                 Passengers Low: 0
Maintenance Points: 105                 Dimensions: 30.6m x 30.6m x 6.2m
Troops/Science: 0/20                    Tech Level: 12
Size: 8                                 Frozen Watch: 0 

Electronics
Controls:   Dynamic, Standard automation. 3xFibComp (CM:0.4 CP:2.5). No bridge.
Communications: 1xRadio (500,000km, 0.17MW). 1xLaser (1,000AU, 0MW).
Sensors:    1xPEMS (13 [5mkm] Sci Fld, 0MW). 1xAEMS (11.5 [.5mkm] Sci Fld, 2.5MW).
Survey/Science: 1xDensiometer (7.5 [16km] Sci Fld).                     
ECM:        1xRadio Jammer (50,000km, 0.03MW).
Signatures: Vis:-0.5, IR:-0.5 (-0.5 at 201MW, -0.5 at 34MW), Act:0, Neu:-1, Grav:0

Weaponry
2x128 Mj Light Laser Turret (+0) 1/2-0-0-0 [1,100/28-15-8-4] (LR)

Performance
        2       Jump (32.5std/pc fuel)
        2/2.3   Maneuver (/Thruster:163MW) 3247kph/3545kph      Atmosphere (/Crus:2435kph/2659kph)
        2       Power (/Fus+:272.03MW,2190hr )
        68.4    Fuel (/Scoop:1 /Purif:24,1MW)
0/30/1/0/0      Accommodations 
        403     Life Sup. (/Ty:Ex,Gd /'St)
        2       G-Comp 
        1       Sandcasters ( /AV:40 /Cans:25)
        10 [40] Armor, 14 Structure

Features
3xDecontamination Airlock       1xDocking Umbilical
1xElectronic Shop (6std ea.)    1xMachine Shop (10std ea.)
5xLaboratory (8std ea.)         1xSickbay (8std ea.)
1xShip's locker (0.16std ea.)   1xArmory (0.07std ea.)
1xGym (2.5std ea.)              1xOrdinary Galley (Cap:31)
8xFresher (0.25std ea.)

Small Craft
1xMinHgr (4std, 1 hatches)
5xJetBay (2.75std)

Backups
Drives: 1xHEPlaR 1G/1.1G (158.34MW).
Communications: 1xRadio (50,000km). 1xLaser (500,000km). 
Sensors: 1xPEMS (12.5 [1.6mkm] Sci Fld). 1xAEMS (11 [.16mkm] Sci Fld).
Power & Fuel: 1.1G hrs for HEPlaR drive (42 kl/G hour).

Crew Details
2xMnvr. 2xEngr. 1xMain. 2xGunn. 1xScrn. 1xFlgt. 1xCmnd. 1xMed.

News Release: Sylea (Core/Core 2118) 029-244

The Copernicus meets all of the RFP performance requirements. Jump 2, able to operate without resupply for 13 weeks (with storage to extend that as needed), ability to interface with world surfaces (and deep space!), large 40 ton laboratory space, accommodations for 20 scientists, and high resolution, high sensitivity sensors. All for the minimal cost of 200 MCr!

The Copernicus provides the capability to jump 2 parsecs at a time. She is capable of 2G acceleration in space and she is streamlined to operate in planetary atmospheres at speeds of over 3,500 kph. A hanger is provided for an optional air raft for use on planetary surfaces. A backup HEPlaR drive is provided to allow for true deep space operations well beyond the 2000 AU limit of the normal thruster maneuver drives.

She carries fuel and food to operate for up to three months (13 weeks) at a time. There is a full sickbay to provide medical care for the crew during long duration missions. There are both electronic and mechanical shops to provide for any necessary repairs during long duration missions. Extensive laboratory space is provided, as well as quarters for 20 scientists beyond the basic crew. Provisions have been made, optionally, for a medic, a pilot for the air raft and a maintenance person to make necessary repairs without the ship having to return to port during the mission.

There is a full suite of scientific sensors on board, including a densiometer, and a full set of backup sensors which can be used to study secondary targets when the ship's weapon systems are not in use. The three powerful fiber optic computers provide a massive amount of computing power for the scientists in addition to supporting the ships normal functions.

There is a 20 ton cargo bay to carry any extra equipment needed for experiments or exploration. Optionally, the cargo bay could be used to store additional reactor fuel, food and other supplies if the mission is for a greater duration than three months. A large hatch and automated cargo handling equipment are included. This provides a great deal of flexibility to the mission planner when preparing for special missions.

There are two decks. The crew living space is in the bow of the ship and above the labs, the hanger and the cargo area. The power plant, maneuver engines, fuel purifier and jump drives are located in the stern. The fuel scoops and fuel purifier allow for refueling at gas giants and worlds without starports or refined fuel supplies.

All crew members and scientists have a private stateroom to make life on board the ship more agreeable during long missions. Each stateroom has a personal entertainment center, including a complete suite of audio and holo-vid components and a desk with a docking station for a hand computer which is fully integrated with the ship's data network. The captain's cabin includes a separate office. There is also a gym so that the crew can stay in shape during their free time. The galley is able to feed the entire crew in one sitting. The ship has one fresher shared between each set of four staterooms.

The Copernicus is heavily armored with bonded superdense material to provide protection from hostile, low tech natives. There are also two light laser turrets (128 Mj each) one on either side of the hull and a sandcaster turret on top to provide protection from hostile, higher tech natives and/or pirates. A radio jammer is provided to disrupt native communications when they get restless. There is limited use of stealth, drive and neutrino masking in use to make detection more difficult, beyond the normal chameleon coatings. Other safety features include five 2.75 ton six passenger lifeboats and three decontamination airlocks.

The proposed names for the initial 10 ships of the class are all names of ancient Solomani scientists: Copernicus, Galileo, Hubble, Kepler, Ptolemy, Brahe, Tombaugh, Sagan, Eratosthenes, Battani.

Socrates, Hephaestus class Science Vessel

Statistics
Tons: 600std (SL Thick Disc Hypersonic)   Crew: 9/34 Cargo: 15std (0/1)
Volume: 8400m3  Passengers High/Med: 0/0  Cost: 13679.849 MCr
Mass (L/C): 6752t/6417t                   Passengers Low: 0
Maintenance Points: 290
Dimensions: 50.1m x 37.7m x 7.6m 
Troops/Science: 0/20                      Tech Level: 12
Size: 8                                   Frozen Watch: 0

Electronics
Controls: Dynamic, Standard automation. 3xComp (CM:0.35 CP:2.86). No bridge.
Communications: 1xRadio Rec. (500,000km, 0.02MW). 1xRadio (50,000km,
0.02MW).        2xLaser (1,000AU, 0MW).
Sensors (/Ar: 0 [20]): 1xSci Fld PEMS (14.5 [160mkm] Sci Fld, 1MW).
   1xAEMS (12 [1.6mkm] HP, 30MW).
Survey/Science (/Ar :0 [20]): 1xDensiometer (8.5 [160km] Sci).
   1xNeutrino (9 [500km] Sci, 50MW).    
ECM: not applicable
Signatures: Vis:-0.5, IR:0 (0 at 660MW, 0 at 68MW) Act:0.5, Neu:0, Grav:1

Weaponry:
1xMissile Master Fire Directors (0MW 500,000km)
1xLight Laser Turret
  (+0) 1/1-1-1-1 [1,50/28-28-28-28] (SR)
1xDrone Barbet Auto 1/1 ( /Mag:8)
   w/9 Semi-Ind Drone 1G/6 500,000km 
                                       Performance:
                                        2  Jump (60std/pc fuel)
                                  2.5/2.6  Maneuver (/Thruster:420MW)
                                  1.2/1.3  Contra-grav (143MW)
                          3736kph/3812kph  Atmosphere (/Crus:2802kph/2859kph)
                                        2  Power (/Fus:675.4MW,1yr )
                                        0  Battery
                                    127.3  Fuel (/Scoop:1 /Purif:24,3MW)
                               0/30/4/0/0  Accomodations
                                      816  Life Sup. (/Ty:Ex,Gd /'St)
                                        3  G-Comp
                                        0  ESA
                                        0  Sandcasters
                                        0  Damper Turret
                                        0  Damper Screen
                                        0  Meson Screen
                                        0  Force Field
                                        0  Gravtics
                                  10 [34]  Armor, 15 Structure
Features:
6xAirlock                     1xDecontamination Airlock
1xElectronic Shop (6std ea.)  1xMachine Shop (10std ea.)
5xLaboratory (8std ea.) 
1xSickbay (8std ea.)          5xShip's locker (0.3std ea.)
1xGym (2.5std ea.)            1xConference Room(4std ea.)
1xOrdinary Galley (Cap:34)

Small Craft:
3xSpacHgr (2std, 1 hatches)

Backups
Drives:
Screens:
Communications:
Sensors:
Survey/Science:
ECM:
Power & Fuel:

Crew Details
2xMnvr. 5xEngr. 1xMain. 2xGunn. 1xFlgt. 1xCmnd. 1xStew. 1xMed. 20xSci.

The strength of this vessel is its sensor suite. The passive sensor is a science grade, 160mkm PEMS in a folded array, and the active sensor is a conventional 1.6mkm high-power. Complimenting these are a 160km densiometer and a 500km neutrino sensor. Both of the later are science grade as well. Finally, this mounts nine sensor drones fired from a auto-fed barbette built from Imperial standard components. The drones themselves are built from a standard missile chasis, but replace the warhead with active and passive sensor arrays in the 9 and 13 sensitivities respectively. The drones are expected to augment the inboard sensor suite and extend their range. The master fire director can control three of these at one time, but the drones themselves have semi-independent control systems, so they can be deployed with preset courses and objectives. The drones are however not very agile nor have exceptional longevity as the batteries installed are only rated for thirteen hours. Various alternate power systems are being explored at this time that hopefully will extend the range of these probes.

The long-range nature of this vessel is supported by the inclusion of several features, principally: extended, closed-system life support and consumables for six months. Additionally, an electronic shop, a machine shop, a sickbay, and a gym are all standard features of the design. After consultation with members of the scientific community, the designers added a small, stateroom sized conference room adjacent to the laboratory spaces. This cabin is intended to facilitate long-term planing and interpersonal communication on station.

The conditions onboard are not necessarily luxurious. Only the four senior crew members are berthed in large staterooms; however, thirty small staterooms allow every crew member, whether, science or ship operations is provided with personal space. Neither double occupancy nor 'hot bunking' is necessary with a planned compliment of 34.

A spacious hanger deck to support three, air-raft sized vehicles has been incorporated to extend field trips when on a planet's surface. These grav-powered cars of the standard, sealed variety.

Duuagka class Science Ship

STATISTICS
  Tons:                  300std (SL Sphere Hypersonic)
  Volume:                4200m3
  Mass (L/C nominal):    2980t/2695t
  Dimensions:            20m diameter
  Size:                  8
  Crew:                  2/2
  Passengers High/Med:   0/0
  Passengers Low/Emerg:  0/0
  Troops/Science:        0/20
  Frozen Watch:          0
  Cargo:                 16std
  Base Cost:             190.59MCr + science sensor cost.
                         Base cost includes Khamru science boat (without 
                         sensor upgrade), 5 Igor laboratory robots,
                         1 Bones medical robot, 1 Robby maintenance 
                         robot, 2 Scotty engineering robots,
                         and 4 Sharraan sensor drones.
  Maint Points:          107
  Tech Level:            12 

ELECTRONICS
  Controls:              Dynamic, High automation. 
                         4xComp (CM:0.35 CP:2.86). Bridge.
  Communications:        2xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 2xLaser (1,000AU,
0MW).
  Base Sensors:          1xPEMS (12.5 [1.6mkm], 0MW).
                         1xAEMS (11 [.16mkm], 1MW).
  Science Sensors:       0-1xAEMS Science-Grade (11 [.16mkm], 1MW,
+1MCr).
                         0-1x of the following:
                           PEMS Sci-Grade (14 [50mkm], 0.1MW, +1000MCr).
                           PEMS Sci-Grade (13.5 [16mkm], 0.1MW,
+100MCr).
                           PEMS Sci-Grade (13 [5mkm], 0.1MW, +10MCr).
                           PEMS Sci-Grade (12.5 [1.6mkm], 0.1MW, +1MCr).
                         0-1xDensiometer Sci-Grade (8 [50km], 0MW, +40MCr).
                         0-1xNeutrino Sci-Grade (8 [50km], 1MW, +50MCr).
                         NOTE: The addition of science sensors raises
the
                               base price of the vessel.
  Signatures:            Vis: -0.5, IR: -0.5, Act: 0.5, Neu: -1, Grav:
0.

WEAPONS
  2xEmpty 42m turret (4.24 MW available for weaponry).

PERFORMANCE
  Jump:                  2 (30std/pc fuel).
  Maneuver (L/C):        1/1.1 (/Thruster: 71MW).
  Contra Grav (L/C):     1/1.1 (49MW).
  Atmospheric (L/C):     1926kph/2111kph (/Crus:1445kph/1583kph).
  Power:                 1 (/Fusion:165MW, 1yr).
  Fuel:                  61.8 (/Scoop:5 /Purification: 30hr, 1MW).
  Accomodations:         0/22/0/0/0.
  Life Support:          352 (/Type:Standard,Normal food /Storage).
  G-Compensation:        1G.
  ESA:                   30 (/ROD:1800).
  Armor:                 20 [58]
  Structure:             15

FEATURES
  1xRemote Drone Control Computer (functionally equivalanet to
    a missile MFD, but without the fire control bonus.
    Maximum drones controlled at once: 4).
  3xDecontamination Airlock
  1xElectronic Ship (6std).
  1xMachine Shop (10std).
  5xLaboratory (8std each).
  1xSickbay (8std).
  1xShip's Locker (0.18std).
  1xLounge (10std).
  1xFull Galley (Cap:22).

SMALL CRAFT
  1xDocking Slip (2std air/raft).
  1xDocking Ring (20std Khamru class science boat).
  4xDocking Ring (1std science probes).
  
CREW
  2xManeuver.

Udararuukin is proud to announce the launch of the lead ship of the Duuagka class science ship. At a public ceremony this morning, the Duuagka left the Udararuukin construction yard and executed a power test of her jump grid. After confirming a proper jump pre-charge, the Duuagka opened her front sensor aperature and amazed the scientific observers with the multi-spectral images of the Shasrid pair.

"We are very pleased with this preliminary test." Udararuukin public relations specialist Nasuurar Diudleiish told the press. "The Duuagka should prove to be a powerful asset to any scientific endeavour, and we are confident it will perform admirably in the upcoming ISBA THUDDD trials."

The Duuagka is the newest vessel in the Udararuukin fleet, a multi-role science vessel able to tackle the most difficult scientific challenge, while offering options to keep even the most frugal purchaser happy. With its variable sensor configurations, the Duuagka is sure to please any scientific party, from the small university or corporate team, to the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service.

The Duuagka is also the first craft developed by Udararuukin with assistance of Seraphim Industries Incorporated, a corporation residing within the Taneis Covenant. The Taneis Covenant is a small TL 11 multi-world government outside of the Imperium in the Leonidae sector. The Covenant culture relies heavily on the use of robots, and their technology in robotics is quite advanced (TL 13, or 2 levels above their normal TL). Recently, Udararuukin entered into a trade agreement with SIInc (Seraphim Industries, Inc. Pronounced "Sink") for a technological exchange. SIInc has equipped the Duuagka class ship with highly advanced robots to assist in ship operation, while Udararuukin will export the Duuagka and other vessel classes to the Covenant.

Hull shape for the Duuagka is a simple sphere, chosen to reduce area (and thus hull mass) and lower costs (since science vessels can be quite expensive). The forward sensor aperature and the bridge are mounted at the top of the ship in a small protruding cylinder. Two weapon turrets (normally empty, but capable of mounting 42 cubic meters of weaponry each) are placed on the "waist" of the ship, providing adequate fire arcs. The four shrouded NR-781 thrusters are placed near the bottom, as is the docking well for the science boat. The ship is designed so that the deck floors are perpendicular to the thrust vector, to reduce shear stress on the grav plates. The ship is streamlined, and fully capable of atmospheric refueling and planetside landings (although the science boat well is concealed when the ship is on the ground, preventing the science boat from leaving or entering).

The most important feature of any science vessel are the sensors. Predictably, the sensors tend to be the most expensive feature as well. Thus, the Duuagka is capable of a variety of sensor configurations, to meet any need or any budget.

The basic craft comes without any science grade sensors, but a single AEMS emitter and PEMS array are provided for navigation. It is worth noting that these sensors are integral to the ship, and are supplemented by (not replaced by) the addition of science sensors. Thus, the crew can perform navigational sensor readings without interfering with research. If high- resolution sensors are not required, this configuration is quite economical while still providing the superior laboratory facilities and performance of the Duuagka class.

The forward sensor aperature can mount, however, several additional sensors to improve the "eyes" of the vessel. An additional AEMS, PEMS, Densiometer and Neutrino Detector can all be installed (but only one of each) on the trainable sensor mount.

The Duaggka can carry either a ARQ-89 or the more powerful ARG-91 AEMS emitter system. Both of these systems are rated science-grade.

For passive sensors, the ship can mount either a DRN-16, DRN-23, HRS-4a, or the new QST-68 broad spectrum system. The new QST-68 is the most powerful sensor array mounted on a ship of this class, able to clearly (with a targeting-grade lock) resolve objects out to 50 million kilometers.

If the mission calls for it, the Duuagka can also carry a custom DF-78 densiometer and/or a K-67a2 neutrino detector.

All of these options make the Duuagka a powerful, versatile, and economical vessel.

NOTE: These sensor configurations are NOT swappable, but must be installed in drydock at a class A, B, or C starport. Space and thrust are provided for all sensor configurations, but lost space (if a small package is installed) cannot be used for any other purpose (it counts as waste space).

If the on-board sensors are not enough, the ship also carries 4 Udararuukin Sharraan sensor drones. Each drone displaces 1 displacement ton, and can operate on station for 8 days. Each drone has a 1000AU laser communicator for communicating with the parent ship. For sensors, the Sharraan carries a PEMS science-grade sensor with a sensitivity rating of 12.5. The drone is capable of 12Gs of acceleration, and is streamlined to allow atmospheric operations.

Supplementing the advanced sensor suite, the Duuagka has 520 cubic meters devoted to laboratory space, plus a dedicated sickbay that can be used for biomedical research as well. The lab space is broken up into five separate facilities, each one configurable at construction to fit the purchaser's needs.

The Duuagka has several additions that at first glance may seem a little unusual, but are features designed to enhance its formidible abilities.

The ship is equiped with an advanced emission control system that lowers the ship's heat and neutrino emissions, in much the same fashion as some military vessels do. However, the Duuagka does not use this system for stealth - the system is designed to prevent the emissions from the Duuagka from interfering with its own sensor system.

For computing power, the Duuagka carries four Naasirka GBL-94 massively parallel processor units. The GBL-94 is an extremely powerful CPU, and a single unit would be sufficient to control the entire ship. One processor is used as the primary computer, while another is the system backup. Like many vessels, the Duuagka carries a computer dedicated for maintenance duties - this computer can coordinate the engineering robots and janitorial robot. The final computer is dedicated for scientific pursuits, and is available for the scientists to perform calculations and simulations.

In addition to the four standard computers, the Duuagka has a single modified Naasirka TR-9b master fire controller. The system, normally used on Imperial warships to coordinate missile fire, has been altered to provide autonomous control for the four sensor drones carried on board. Given requests by the scientists, the TR-9b can intelligently task and control a sensor drone (or drones) to handle the request. Thus, a dedicated RCV operator is not neccessary on the crew. In order to comply with Imperial export regulations, the targeting beam pointer and tactical software have been removed from this model.

To handle hostile planetside environments, the ship has two features: an electrostatic hull and decontaminiation airlocks. The electrostatic hull can discharge once every second, more than sufficient to discourage any local wildlife. The hull strength coupled with the ESA are more than capable of protecting the ship from natural lifeforms and primitive weapons. The decontamination airlocks protect the environmental integrity of the ship.

The ship is equipped with two empty weapon turrets which can be fitted with a variety of defencive weaponry is neccessary.

To facilitate long mission times, the ship is capable of storing twenty- four weeks of supplies for the entire crew. For repairs and maintenance, a large workshop and fabrication facility is provided.

The ship is crowded and yet comfortable. Each crewmember and scientist is provided with their own room, complete with bed, drawers, and a work area. Communal freshers are provided on all quarter decks. In addition, the ship is equipped with a full galley and lounge for rest and relaxation. The lounge is well stocked with several antique bookshelves. Many researchers prefer hard copies over computerized versions, so the lounge can be used as a respectable library. Large windows provide a panoramic view of space (although the windows can be shuttered if light from them are interfering with an observation).

A marvel of automation, the Duuagka is completely and safely operated by a crew of two: pilot and copilot/navigator. Versions of the Duuagka shipped to the Taneis Covenant have even replaced these positions with robots, thus creating a fully automated craft for the researchers (current Imperial regulations forbid such craft in Imperial space). The ship is equiped with 9 robots: 5 Igor labbots, 1 Bones medbot, 2 Scotty engbots, and a Robby maintbot.

The Duuagka is serviced by a single Khamru class science boat (although the docking slip can accept a standard 20-ton launch if desired) and a standard air/raft. The Kharmu is designed to complement the Duuagka's formidible science abilities. Although the ship can be used a simple ferry (it can carry a pilot plus 7 passengers), it is also suited to operate as a planetside science base. The ship has a single mini-laboratory (4std in size) with a powerful research computer. The seats can fold down and bunks slide out of the wall. In addition, a galley is provided, and the life support system can support four scientists for four weeks. The ship has a five ton cargo bay. The craft also mounts the same EMM system and ESA generator that the Duuagka carries. Various sensors can be fitted to the craft. Details of the Khamru are given below:

Khamru class science boat

Designed by Udararuukin (Andrew Akins, igor@ames.net)
STATISTICS
  Tons:                  20std (AF Long Rnd Cylinder Hypersonic)
  Volume:                280m3
  Mass (L/C):            268t/198t
  Dimensions:            16.2m x 4.6m x 4.6m
  Size:                  7
  Crew:                  1/1
  Passengers:            7
  Cargo:                 5std
  Cost:                  12.343MCr + science sensor cost
  Maint Points:          16
  Tech Level:            12 

ELECTRONICS
  Controls:              Dynamic, High automation. No Bridge.
                         1xFltComp (CM:0.8 CP:1.25). 
                         1xComp (CM:0.35 CP:2.86). 
  Communications:        1xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 1xLaser (1,000AU,0MW).
  Sensors:               1xAEMS (11 [.16mkm], 1MW).
  Science Sensors:       0-1xAEMS Sci-Grade (11 [.16mkm], 1MW, +1MCr).
                         0-1x of the following:
                           PEMS Sci-Grade (13 [5mkm], 0.1MW, +10MCr).
                           PEMS Sci-Grade (12.5 [1.6mkm], 0.1MW, +1MCr).
  Signatures:            Vis: -1, IR: -1, Act: 0, Neu: -2, Grav: -1.

PERFORMANCE
  Maneuver (L/C):        1.5/2 (/Thruster: 10MW).
  Contra Grav (L/C):     1/1.4 (5MW).
  Atmospheric (L/C):     1050kph/1364kph (/Crus:788kph/1023kph).
  Power:                 2 (/Fusion:20MW, 1yr).
  Fuel:                  0.2.
  Accomodations:         0/0/0/0/0.
  Life Support:          16 (/Type:Standard,Normal food /Storage).
  G-Compensation:        2G
  ESA:                   30 (/ROD:1800).
  Armor:                 20 [58]
  Structure:             2

FEATURES
  1xDecontamination Airlock
  1xMini-Laboratory (4std).
  1xOrdinary Galley (Cap:4).

CREW
  1xPilot

DRONE DETAILS

Sharraan science drone

Designed by Udararuukin (Andrew Akins, igor@ames.net)
STATISTICS
  Tons:                  1std (SL Short Cylinder Simple)
  Volume:                14m3
  Mass (L/C):            33t/32t
  Dimensions:            2.6m x 2.6m x 2.6m
  Size:                  6
  Crew:                  0/0
  Passengers:            0
  Cargo:                 0std
  Cost:                  3.99MCr
  Maint Points:          5
  Tech Level:            12 

ELECTRONICS
  Controls:              Dynamic, High automation. No Bridge.
                         1xComp (CM:0.6 CP:1.67). 
  Communications:        1xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 1xLaser (1,000AU,0MW).
  Sensors:               1xAEMS (9 0.06MW).
                         1xPEMS Sci-Grade (12.5 [1.6mkm], 0.1MW, +1MCr).
  Signatures:            Vis: -1.5, IR: -0.5, Act: 0, Neu: -1, Grav: -1.

PERFORMANCE
  Maneuver (L/C):        12.2/12.5 (/Thruster: 10MW).
  Atmospheric (L/C):     320kph/320kph (/Crus:240kph/240kph).
  Power:                 20 (/Fusion+:10.08MW, 192 hours).
  Fuel:                  0.6
  Armor:                 10 [29]
  Structure:             1

ROBOT DETAILS

Bones           
Designed by Andrew Akins, produced by Seraphim Industries, Inc.         
Medical 'Bot      5230A-L4-MM323-FE73   Cr 258,500   139 kg             
  Fuel=24.8    Duration= 5.2    TL=13   
  20/50 (mesh)  
  2 v. light arms, 2 light arms 
  1 visual sensor ( +tele ), 1 basic sensor package, 
  1 voder, 1 touch sensor       
  1 power interface, 1 brain interface, 1 medical package       
  Medical-3     
  Valet-1       
  Emotion Simulation    
                
Igor            
Designed by Andrew Akins, produced by Seraphim Industries, Inc.         
Laboratory 'Bot      45402-A2-LM323-EB74(5)   Cr328,968   200 kg                
  Fuel=33    Duration= 5.5    TL=13     
  16/40 (mesh)  
  2 light arms  
  1 visual sensor ( +tele ), 1 basic sensor package, 1 voder, 
  1 touch sensor, 1 magnetic sensor, 1 radiation sensor 
  1 power interface, 1 brain interface, 1 program interface     
  1 video recorder (2D) 
  Science-1
  Administration-1
  Valet-1       
  Emotion Simulation    

Robby           
Designed by Andrew Akins, produced by Seraphim Industries.              
Janitorial 'Bot      4420A-02-CC111-E731   Cr64,795   98 kg             
  Fuel=19.5    Duration= 5.4    TL=13   
  16/40 (mesh)  
  2 light arms  
  1 basic sensor package, 1 voder       
  1 janitorial package  
  Steward-1     

Scotty          
Designed by Andrew Akins, produced by Seraphim Industries, Inc.         
Engineering 'Bot      6160A-L4-LM214-PA73   Cr417,284   556 kg          
  Fuel=20    Duration= 2.4    TL=13     
  30/75 (mesh)  
  2 light arms, 2 med arms      
  1 visual sensor ( +tele +PIR ), 1 basic sensor package, 1 voder       
  1 magnetic sensor, 1 radiation sensor, 1 neutrino sensor      
  1 power interface, 1 brain interface, 1 slave unit, 
  1 radio (5km), 1 lt. laser welder, 1 mechanical package, 
  1 electronic package, 1 metalwork package     
  electronic circuit protection 
  Electronic-1
  Mechanical-1
  Engineering-2
  Gravitics-1   

Robert Kanifski class Lab Ship

Statistics
Tons: 400std (AF Med Disc Hypersonic)  Crew: 7/10
Cargo: 10std (1/0)                     Volume: 5600m3
Passengers High/Med: 0/0               Passengers Low: 0
Cost: 1447.328 Mcr                     Mass (L/C): 5230t/5008t
Maintenance Points: 212                Dim: 32.8m x 32.8m x 6.6m
Troops/Science: 0/20                   Tech Level: 12
Size: 8                                Frozen Watch: 0

Electronics
Controls: Dynamic, Standard automation. 3xComp (CM:0.45 CP:2.22)
Terrain following sensors (TF:480, NOE:160).No bridge.

Communications: 1xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 1xLaser (1,000AU, 0MW).

Sensors (/Ar: 10 [30]): 1xSci Fld PEMS (14 [50mkm] Sci Fld, 0.1MW). 1xAEMS
(12 [1.6mkm] HP, 37.5MW). 2xLIDAR (14.5 [500kkm], 0.6MW). 

Survey/Science: (/Ar :10 [30]): 1xNeutrino (8.5 [160km] Sci, 5MW).

ECM: None installed

Signatures: Vis:-0.5, IR:0 (0 at 328MW, 0 at 56MW), Act:0.5, Neu:0, Grav:0

         Weaponry                                Performance
1xLight Laser Turret (+4) 1/3-2-2-2    2     Jump (40std/pc fuel)
  [3,100/24-24-24-24] (SR)             1/1   Maneuver (/Thruster:126MW)
                                       1.1/1.1  Contra-grav (95MW)
                                       1367kph/1420kph  Atmosphere
                                       Cruise:1025kph/1065kph)
                                       2  Power Fus:409MW,1yr
                                       84.4  Fuel Scoop:0 Purif:6,7MW
                                       0/15/0/0/0  Accomodations
                                       60  Life Sup.Ty:St,Nm 'St
                                       1  G-Comp
                                       1  Damper Turrets (Rng:3000km)
                                       10 [29]  Armor, 9 Structure

Features:
4xDecontamination Airlock
1xDocking Umbilical
10xLaboratory (8std ea.)
1xSickbay (8std ea.)1xShip's locker (0.2std ea.)
1xFull Galley (Cap:30)

Small Craft:
1xMinHgr (30std, 1 hatches)

Backups:
Drives: 
Screens: 
Communications: 1xRadio (5,000km)
Sensors: 1xSci PEMS (12.5 [1.6mkm] Sci). 1xLIDAR (14 [200kkm]).
Survey/Science: 
ECM: 
Power & Fuel:

Crew Details:
2xMnvr. 1xElec. 3xEngr. 1xGunn. 2xScrn. 1xCmnd.

Built around a 400 ton standard hull, the Kanif is separated into two decks. The upper deck contains the living quarters, flight deck, engineering, and other highly traveled areas of the vessel. The lower deck is given over to the labs. These areas are sealed of from the rest of the crew, just in case of an unfortunate incident. The ten lab spaces supplied are equipped for anything from archeology to xeno-biology, and can be refitted with ease. Also on the lower deck is the hanger, a snug berth for a thirty ton boat (not included, please see the GT Small Craft category.).

The most basic rule of science is observation, and the Kanif gives the researcher powerful tools towards this end. The main Passive EMS array is accurate out to an astonishing 5 Gigameters with precision readings. Two distinct LIDAR bays provide a powerful tool for planetary mapping through obscuring atmospheres, and a state-of-the-art neutrino sensor has been added to aid in stellar cartography.

The Kanif is capable of maintain a constant 1-G acceleration while loaded, and has Jump-2 engines. The on board fuel scoops and fuel processing plant can completely refuel the entire vessel in six hours. The Fuchida Power systems 409Mw power plant is fueled for a year and a very reliable design.

For self defense, we have mounted a single 95-Mj light laser. As always, we remind potential buyers that this vessel is not a warship, and intentional misuse may void the warranty. For close in work with radioactive sites, a nuclear damper turret is installed on the craft's belly.

The compliment of ten crew and twenty researches live comfortably. Double occupancy is the rule, but the full mess hall more than makes up for any crowding. The mess hall also doubles as a meeting room for mission updates.

Due to it's advanced design, the Kanifski is quite expensive, but GT is working with the Imperium to provide attractive leasing plans to worthy groups.

IT&T Lab Ship

Interstellar Trade and Technology is proud to announce its bid submission for consideration by the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service and the Ministry of Trade and Development. This document contains complete details of the proprietary design IT&T will build if the contract is secured. The prototype is now in orbit for hands on inspection by the public (tickets are available anywhere you can buy IT&T products) and officials of IISS and/or MTD and can be arranged at your convenience.

Like all IT&T designs, the IT&T Lab Ship is fully functional and incorporates standard components where possible to help keep costs down. This design can be constructed at any IT&T yard as they are all FF&S2 rated. It meets or exceeds all specifications quoted in the Imperial Business Daily (028/317).

The IT&T Lab Ship is a small science vessel, designed as a mobile laboratory with operational independence for long-duration, long-range, research, exploration and resource management missions. While not designed to land on any but an airless world, the IT&T Lab Ship comes with a complete complement of surface boats in the form of an IT&T Modular Cutter with a 30 TD Fuel Tank and a 30 TD Cargo Pod. The Tug and Tank configuration allow skimming of raw fuel from any source of hydrogen and the cargo in the Pod remains fully accessible at all times whether the Pod is attached to the ship or the boat. The cargo areas have full environmental conditioning including artificial gravity.

Other than 5 laboratories, science grade sensors and two model 8-12 fib computers, no attempt has been made to incorporate specialized equipment as the scientists at the IT&T Institute have assured us that at best specialized equipment will only limit the design, not enhance it. Instead, we have included 108 stere of unassigned internal (cargo) space that can be fitted with mission specific equipment.

Accommodations have been made for a crew of 7 plus 20 scientists plus up to 5 additional supernumerary personnel. The shared cabins are built to scout specs and allow quadruple occupancy in an emergency. The private cabins have full sized beds and a pullout berth allowing double occupancy.

Safety is an important consideration at IT&T, in addition to the Cutter, we have included an IT&T Inflatable Interplanetary Life Boat-12 giving a total escape capacity for 38 sans pod in the event, the Emperor forbid it, the crew should need to abandon ship. This was also one of the primary reasons that we decided to increase jump capability from the minimum requirement of 2 to 3. For the sake of safety, the external fuel tank and cargo pod are fitted with explosive bolts and quick-disconnect connectors.

Rating the design

General Data
TL: 12
Displacement: 229 Td (3,206 stere) clean
              300 Td (4,200.000 stere) loaded
Configuration: unstreamlined monolith
Dimensions: 43.98 m x 19.55 m x 4.89 m
Mass: 1,815.627 empty/clean
            1,983.544 loaded/clean
            2,649.569 fully loaded
Shipyard: Interstellar Trade and Technology

Engineering Data
Power Plant: 299.218 MW
Excess power: 148.983 in normal space
               24.983 in jump space
Jump Performance: J3 (420 stere of LHyd per parsec)
Maneuver Performance: 1.5 G (66.239 MW/G)
Fuel: 1,260 for Jump drive
          2.992 for Power Plant for one year
Fuel Purification: 15 stere per hour
Maintenance Points: 76.112

Electronics
Computers: 2 model 8-12 fib
Communications: 1,000 AU radio
                               1,000 AU LASER
Passive Sensors: 10 m TL 12 PEMS array
                                Sensitivity: 13.5
                                Ranges: 5Mkm/0.2Mkm
                                Resolution: 7 at 50,000 km
Active Sensors: 0.25 m^2 TL 12 AEMS
                            Sensitivity: 12
                            Typical Range: 1.6 Mkm
ECM/ECCM: none
Sensor signatures: 0/0/0
Visible signature: 0
Infrared signature: 0
Active signature: 0
Controls: Dynamic Linked
Automation: High

Armament
none

Accommodations
Life Support Extended
Crew: 27
       2 Command/Maneuver
       0 Electronics
       2 Engineer
       2 Maintenance
       1 Steward
      20 Researchers
Troops: none
Passengers: 5

Carried Craft
IT&T 14 Td Tug

Other
Cargo: 109.131 tons in internal holds
             420.219 tons in the external pod
Shops and Labs: 1 electronics shop
                1 machine shop
                5 laboratories
Airlocks: 1 standard decontamination
Cargo Hatch: 1 @ 20 square meters

Inquisitor class Research Vessel

Statistics
Tons: 600std (SL M.Cyl Hypersonic)           Crew: 6/9 
Cargo: 20std (1/1 /Hdl:1x10ton)              Volume: 8400m3     
Passengers High/Med: 0/0                     Cost: 515.29 MCr 
Mass (L/C): 6007/5606t                       Maintenance Points: 224
Dimensions: 35.1m x 17.4m x 17.4m            Troops/Science: 0/20    
Tech Level: 12                               Size: 8                  

Electronics
Controls: Dynamic, High automation. 3xComp (CM:0.5 CP:2.0). Terrain
following sensors (TF:480, NOE:160). No bridge.
Communications: 1xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 1xLaser (1,000AU, 0MW). 
Sensors: 1xSci PEMS (13.5 [16mkm] Sci, 0.01MW). 1xSci AEMS (12
[1.6mkm] Sci, 25MW). 1xSci LIDAR (15 [2mkm] Sci, 2MW). 
Survey/Science: 1xDensiometer (8 [50km] Sci). 1xNeutrino (8 [50km] 
Sci, 1MW). 
Signatures: Vis:-1, IR:0 (0 at 36MW), Act:0.5, Neu:0, Grav:0

Weaponry                Performance
None                    2 Jump (60std/pc fuel)
                      1/1 Maneuver (/Thruster:147MW)
                      1/1 Contra-grav (100MW)
          1963kph/2091kph Atmosphere (/Crus:1472kph/1568kph)
                        1 Power (/Fus:317MW,1yr )
                    123.4 Fuel (/Scoop:10 /Purif:13,5MW)
               0/28/1/0/0 Accomodations
                      232 Life Sup. (/Ty:St,Gd /St)
                        1 G-Comp
                        1 Sandcasters (/AV:39 /Cans:30)
                  20 [60] Armor, 28 Structure

Features
        5xLaboratory (8 std each)      2xSickbay (8 std each)
        1xFull Galley (Cap: 20)        1xGym (2.5 std each)
        1xLounge (5 std each)          1xObservation Deck (5 std each)
        1xShip's Locker (0.3 std each) 10xAccess Space(1 std each)
        6xAirlock

Small Craft
        1xSpac.Hanger (50 std, 1 hatch)

Backups
        Sensors: 1xSci PEMS (13 [5mkm] Sci). 1xSci AEMS (11.5 [.5mkm] 
                 Sci). 1xSci LIDAR (14.5 [500kkm] Sci). 

Crew Details
        2xMnvr. 2xEngr. 1xMain. 1xFlgt. 1xCmnd. 1xMed. 1xStew.


FSV class Shuttle (FF&S v2)
Designed by RGNA Inc.

Statistics
Tons: 50std (AF M.Cyl Hyp)         Crew: 1/1   
Cargo: 20std (1/0 /Hdl:1x9ton)     Volume: 700m3      
Passengers: 10                     Cost: 26.148 MCr
Mass (L/C): 1061t/781t             Maintenance Points: 12
Dimensions: 15.3m x 7.6m x 7.6m    Tech Level: 12
Size: 7

Electronics
Controls: Dynamic, Standard automation. 2xComp (CM:1.0 CP:1.0). 
Terrain following sensors (TF:480, NOE:160). No bridge.
Communications: 1xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 1xLaser (1,000AU, 0MW).
Sensors: 1xPEMS (12.5 [1.6mkm], 0MW). 1xAEMS (11 [.16mkm], 0.25MW).
Signatures: Vis:-1.5, IR:-0.5 (-0.5 at 66MW, -0.5 at 7MW), Act:0,
Neu:-1, Grav:0

Performance
                 1.8/2.4 Maneuver (/Thruster:47MW)
                   1/1.3 Contra-grav (18MW)
         2212kph/2943kph Atmosphere (/Crus:1659kph/2207kph)
                       3 Power (/Fus:65.5MW,0.1yr )
                       0 Fuel (/Scoop:0)
                      11 Life Sup. (/Ty:St,Nm /'St)
                       2 G-Comp 
                      30 [120] Armor, 12 Structure

Features
        1xAirlock
        1x20 tons collapsable fuel tanks (1std)

Crew Details                            
        1xMnvr.                         

RGNA expands into civilian spacecraft!

A spokesman was quoted as saying "Well, the boys were thinking 'Should we try and enter the civvy market or not?', and then this latest ISBA/THUDDD competition came up. So the boss said 'Toss a coin for it', and the result, well, I guess you can see that for yourselves".

RGNA's first civilian design is the high quality Inquisitor class Research Vessel, submitted as an entry into the latest ISBA/THUDDD competition announced last week (Imperial Commerce Business Daily, 028/317)

The Inquisitor class Research Vessel is a fully integrated top class research establishment in a mobile package. The high quality laboratory space is complemented by the extensive sensor suite (with backup sensors for multiple simultaneous operations) and the 50 ton Flexible Service Vehicle for field work.

The generous cargo hold is fully configurable to meet any mounting requirements and the internal cargo hatch opens into the spacious hanger for easy transfer of equipment to the FSV.

For the maximum comfort of your research staff, the large galley opens onto both the lounge and the opservation deck (both rooms can be built as either a lounge or an observation deck at no extra charge - just specify when ordering). The lounge has a range of entertainment and education equipment, and the observation deck provides a splendid naked eye viewing facility.

There is a fully equipped medical facility staffed by a ships doctor, and a gym to keep all the crew in top condition.

The ship carries a dedicated maintenance engineer, to work on both the FSV and the ship. To facilitate this continuous program of work, the ship has been provided with additional "access spaces" throughout to allow in-place servicing of vital equipment.

Total price (including FSV and before any discounts): 541.438 MCr

Designers Notes:

Darwin class modular labship

Statistics:                             
        Tons: 600std ( USL Open Frame ) Crew: 6              Cargo: 5std (1/0)
        Volume: 8400m3 (inc. modules)   Passengers: 0        Cost: 463.336 MCr
        Mass (L/C): 7129t(plus modules) Passengers Low: 0    Maintenance Points: 331
        Dimensions: 100.9m x 12.6m x 12.6m  Troops/Science: 0/2 Tech Level: 12
        Size: 8
                                
Electronics                             
        Controls: Dynamic, High automation. 3xComp (CM:0.35 CP:2.86). 
                1xFibComp (CM:0.35 CP:2.86). 
                Bridge (/Ar:20[100]) w. 6 workstations                  
        Communications: 1xRadio (1,000AU, 0.2MW). 2xLaser (1,000AU, 0MW).                       
        Sensors: 1xSci PEMS (13.5 [16mkm] Sci, 0.01MW). 
                 1xSci AEMS (11.5 [.5mkm] Sci, 2.5MW). 
                 1xSci LIDAR (15 [2mkm] Sci, 2MW).                      
        Survey/Science: 1xDensiometer (7.5 [16km] Sci). 
                        1xNeutrino (8 [50km] Sci, 1MW).                         
        ECM: none                       
        Signatures: Vis:-0.5, IR:-0.5 (-0.5 at 144MW, -0.5 at 30MW), 
                    Act:0.5, Neu:-1, Grav:0                     
        (LS-005 covert variant has Vis:-1 IR:-1 Act: -0.5) 

Weapons
        1xMissile Master Fire Directors (0MW 500,000km (/Ar: 20 [100]))         1       
        1xCutting Laser (+0) 1/2-0-0-0 [1,800/21-11-5-3] (LR) (19.4 MW@ROF 200;
               capable of fire up to ROF 800.)
        1xDrone Turret (autoloader, 1 drone + 2 drones in magazine)
               1.5 dTon drones, 11G thrusters, 1000 AU laser, 1000 AU
               radio reciever, 50000 km radio, 10.2 MW fusion+ power,
               Passive Array:13.0, Active Sensor:10, MCR 8
               or
               Independent missile (12G thruster, 500 kT warhead, PEMS 12)
        1xTractor:100kN

                                
Performance     
2       Jump (60std/pc fuel Armour:20 [100])
1       Maneuver (Thruster:210MW Armour:20 [100] HEPlaR:210MW,1.5 G-hours )
0       Contra-Grav
138.2   Fuel (Purify:24 hours,3MW)
n/a     Atmosphere
1       Power (Fusion:300MW,1yr ) (Main systems require 222 MW without laser
                                   or HEPLaR.)
        (Armour: 20 [100])
240     Battery (12 MW * 20 hours)
100     Life Sup. (Extended)
2       G-Comp 
0 [15]  Armor, 12 Structure.
                                
Features
8xSmall Stateroom
4xAirlock                               
1xDecontamination Airlock       
1xShip's locker (0.3std ea.)                     
1xOrdinary Galley (Cap:8, 32 person-weeks food.)                        
8x30 dTon modules in individual grapples.
                                
Small Craft                             
1x30 dTon Ship's Boat (minimal hangar)                   

Backups                         
        Communications: 2xRadio (500,000km). 2xLaser (500,000km).                       
        Sensors: 1xPEMS (13.5 [16mkm]). 1xAEMS (11 [.16mkm]).                   

Crew Details                            
        2xMnvr. 2xEngr. 1xFlgt. 1xMed. 2xScience plus crew in modules.

A "laboratory ship" is an incredibly broad classification - as broad as all of human science. The modular concept allows a single ship to meet needs as diverse as deep-space surveys for free-floating plantary objects to biological and sophontological studies of newly-recontacted worlds, so that sophontologists are not forced to purchase a ship with deep-space sensors while astronomers don't carry biostorage low berths. A single research institution can procure one core ship and a variety of sensor, laboratory, and support modules and acquire the research capabilities of a whole fleet for one moderate price!

The Darwin-class will be BAMTech's first civilian starship design, bringing to this application BAMTech's rich heritage of military and classified sensor and starship work. The core is based on BAMTech's BT-800 modular transport. However, the design has been extensively reworked to match the requirements of scientific research. The open-frame core ship displaces 360 tons, with grapples running the length of its spine for eight 30-ton cylindrical modules and a hanger for a 30-ton ship's boat, for a total of 600 tons fully loaded. The core unit carries the drives, fuel tankage, a spacious bridge with extra workstations for science operations, quarters for the crew and some scientific staff, and provides life support and power for individual modules. The core unit carries a moderate sensor suite optimized for general scientific requirements. More advanced sensors are available in modules.

The Darwin has several innovative features. A 100-kN tractor assembly provides remote manipulation capability. A standard turret socket normally holds a multirole laser turret, operating either as a 20-MW beam laser or as a rapid-pulse 70 MJ laser, to be used for remote sampling or self-defence - including point defence against debris such as planetary ring material. A ten-ton drone bay carries four 1.5 ton remote sensor drones. These highly autonomous, thruster-powered drones can be used for "close-up" observations of multiple objects during a solar system survey, are streamlined for atmospheric work, and can be remotely operated using the Darwin's MFD or operate in an autonomous mode. Variant drones - including sample return units - are also available. Convieniently, the 1.5-ton form factor matches the BAMTech "Starhawk" 12-G T-plate missile proposed for the IN Heavy Autonomous Missile program.

The Darwin carries a 30-ton ship's boat in a fully-enclosed and pressurized hangar. This allows easy access to the boat for maintenance - crucial for extended duration-missions - and for loading/unloading of sensitive cargo. The boat can carry a twenty-ton dismountable fuel tank in its cargo bay and provide field refuelling to the mothership. Additional boats can be carried in the grapples in place of any module.

The Darwin is equipped with a secondary HEPlaR reaction drive, allowing maneuver capbility in deep space (where conventional thrusters are nearly useless), or maneuver while carrying out experiments that would be affected by gravitic radiation from thruster plates. The power plant and hull are equipped with thermal masking, so that the hull can be cooled and power plant waste heat rerouted to not interfere with the most sensitive infrared astronomical observations. For even lower thermal emissions the fusion power plant can be shut down completely and the ship operate on battery power for 24 hours at 10 MW. The hull is constructed out of non-magnetic advanced composites to minimize effects on sensors or experiments. For survival in hostile radiation or debris environments, the Darwin's core systems - bridge, life support, jump drive, and primary electronics - are protected by an additional 8 cm of composite armour, with some fuel tankage and water storage arranged around the bridge for additional protection.

Darwin-class ships will be named after scientist/explorers from the "golden age" of Solomani science (-2800 to -2200), the period of most rapid technological progression in the history of any branch of Humanati. Names will particularly emphasize scientists who were also travellers - from the naturalists who travelled the sailing ships of Earth's wet navies to the scientists who accompanied the warships of the UNSCA. The first ten ships will be named

        LS-001  Charles Darwin
        LS-002  Jack Schmitt
        LS-003  Emily Schulman
        LS-004  Joseph Banks
        LS-005  Stephen Maturin 
        LS-006  Dian Fossey
        LS-007  Sophia Kuiper
        LS-008  Arthur Eddington
        LS-009  Margaret Mead
        LS-010  Josiah Whitney

A fleet of ten Darwins with four sensor modules and assorted laboratory, quarters, XDM, prospector, fuel, and cargo modules would cost approximately MCr 11,000. While this may seem expensive, a fleet of ten non-modular ships with similar capabilities would cost more than MCr 20,000 BAMTech will make specialized modules available for lease, further reducing the cost to the consumer.

The key to the Darwin concept is the modules described below. Most modules are dependent on the core ship for power and life support. Some (such as the quarters module) have independent life support and a small fusion+ power plant capable of supplying their power requirements for three months; these modules can then be deployed by the Darwin as part of a fully-independent space station. Modules that require considerable power (such as the Matter Probe) also have their own power plant.

Figure 1: Darwin layout (not to scale)

  /-----^-|     |-v
  |  O  |    <-- Bridge, crew quarters, life support, sensors
  |     |        turret (bottom), tractor (top), aux. fuel tankage
  |     |
  -------
  /-\|/-  | ||| |    <--  Modules
  | ||| |
  \-/|\-/ 
  /-\| _
  | ||/ \    <--  Boat carried in module grapple
  | ||| |
  \-/|+-+
  /-\|/-  | ||| |
  | ||| |
  \-/|| |    <--  Passive folding array module
  /-\|| |   
  | ||| |
  | ||| |   
  \--+--/
     |      
H  /---\  H<-- Maneuver drive pods
H==|   |==H 
H  |   |  H
H  |   |  H
   |   | <-- Jump drive, fuel tankage, hangar (aft-facing), drone launcher
   |   |     (bottom)
   |   |     
   |   |     
   -----

The base configuration requested in the RFP can be met with two laboratory modules, two quarters modules, a sensor module, an XDM support module, and cargo or fuel modules depending on the mission requirements. Total cost would be MCr 1559, providing 40 tons of lab space, 20 scientists, a PEMS-14, AEMS-12, grav sensor-8, neutrino-sensor 8.5, electronics and machine shops and 6-month endurance.

Other possible configurations include:

Planetary Survey: Quarters x 2, Laboratory, BioLab, Sensor, XDM, 
        Cargo, 2nd ship's boat, and 3rd quarters module (to be landed
        as a base.)

Asteroid/space Survey: Quarters, Laboratory, XDM, Sensor, 
        Prospector, Matter Probe, Fuel x 2

Deep space astronomy: XDM, Folding Array (3 modules), 4 x Fuel Module.

Covert Survey (LS-005): Quarters x 1, XDM, Sensor, ECM, Fuel x 4 (all modules
        fitted with Military Black coating and 2 levels of Stealth 

Module types:

Quarters Module: 117 tonnes, MCr 1.31
Ten small staterooms. Full galley. 40 person-weeks food. Fusion+ power
plant (3.7 MWx100 days) Contra-grav (1.4 G thrust). Passive scanner 12.5. 50000km
radio, 1000 AU laser comm. 1 workstation. 3 tons cargo. 

Laboratory Module: 279 tonnes, MCr 2.12
Twenty tons laboratory space. Three workstations for operating equipment
on other modules. Fusion+ power plant (12.5 MWx100 days)
Independent life support and gravity. 7 dTons cargo.

Fuel Module: 70 tonnes, MCr 0.02
30 tons liquid hydrogen fuel. Two fuel modules support one Jump-1. One 
fuel module provides 3 G-hours of HEPlaR maneuver.

Cargo Module: 40 tonnes empty, MCr 0.02
30 tons of cargo. Sometimes configured with one enclosed air/raft in a minimal
hangar and 26 tons of cargo.

Sensor Module: 672 tonnes, MCr 1550.315
Communications: 1xLaser (1,000AU, 0MW).                 
Sensors: 1xSci PEMS (14 [50mkm] Sci, 0.1MW). 
         1xSci PEMS (13.5 [16mkm] Sci, 0.0MW.)
         1xSci AEMS (12 [1.6mkm] Sci, 25MW).
         1xSci LIDAR (15.5 [5mkm] Sci, 6MW).            
Survey/Science: 1xDensiometer (8 [50km]).
                1xNeutrino (8.5 [160km], 5MW).          
Fusion+ Power Plant (32.2 MW, 2400 hours)

Extended Duration Module (XDM): 330 tonnes, MCr 2.914

One variant replaces the sickbay with 4 small staterooms and the gymnasium with a mini-infirmary.

It is independently powered (7 MW fusion+) and has its own life support.

Folding Passive Array Module (90 tons): 282 tonnes, MCr 10118.0
PEMS-14.5 science-grade folding sensor array. PEMS-13.5 auxilliary 
science-grade array.

Prospector Module: 474 tonnes, MCr 21.7

Matter Probe Module: 641 tonnes, MCr 1064 (264 without densitometer.)

The meson bay is rated 2/2-1-0-0 [1,50/44-22-11-5]. The damper has a range of 30,000 km. The module requires 50 MW of power, all of which is provided by an on-board fusion reactor.

Drone support module: 

ECM Module: 862 tonnes, MCr 795.

Spin Capsule Adapter: 3 displacement tons, 42 tonnes mass, MCr 0.042.

Multirole labship boat:

               
Statistics:                             
        Tons: 30std ( SL Med Rnd Cylinder Hypersonic )  Crew: 2 
        Cargo: 15std (0/1)  Volume: 420m3   Cost: 26.481 MCr
        Mass (L/C): 414t/203t  Passengers: 12 (seats)
        Dimensions: 19m x 5.5m x 5.5m  Tech Level: 12
        Size: 7 
                                
Electronics                             
        Controls: Dynamic, High automation. 2xComp (CM:0.5 CP:2.0). 1xFibComp (CM:0.5 CP:2.0). Terrain following sensors (TF:480, NOE:160). No bridge.                  
        Communications: 1xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 1xLaser (1,000AU, 0MW).                     
        Sensors: 1xSci PEMS (13 [5mkm] Sci, 0MW). 
                 1xAEMS (11 [.16mkm], 0.25MW).                  
        Survey/Science: 1xDensiometer (7.5 [16km]).                     
        Signatures: Vis:-1, IR:-1 (-1 at 4MW), Act:0, Neu:-1, Grav:-1                   
                                
Performance     
0       Jump
2/4.1   Maneuver (Thruster:21MW)
1/2.1   Contra-grav (7MW)
3629kph/4689kph Atmosphere (Crus:2722kph/3517kph)
3       Power (/Fus:29MW,0.3yr Fus+:10MW,24hr )
0       Battery
0.1     Fuel (/Scoop:10 tons/hour)
8       Life Sup. (/Ty:St,Mn)
2       G-Comp 
10 [29] Armor, 2 Structure
                                
Features                                
1xAirlock                       
1xSmall Stateroom
1xOrdinary Galley (capacity: 2)
15-ton demountable fuel tank in cargo hold, connected to fuel scoops.

ConCERN-1, Supercollider class, Laboratory Ship

Tons:          90,000,000std (USL Thin Disc)
Volume:     1,260,000,000m3
Mass (L/C): 2,003,253,400t/1,974,773,499t
Cargo:          1,100,000std (0/100/Hdl:200x80ton)
Dimensions:       2,519.3m x 2,519.3m x 254.6m
Size:                  12
Maint. Points: 65,561,044
Crew:           1,625,871/2,159,970
Passengers High:   10,000
Science:           10,000
Tech Level:            12
Cost:             279,223 GCr

Electronics
Controls: Dynamic, High automation.  Bridge
       1x FltComp (CM:0.35 CP:2.86)
      10x Comp (CM:0.35 CP:2.86)
      20x FibComp (CM:0.35 CP:2.86)
Communications:
      10x TB Radio Rec. (1,000AU, 0.02MW)
      10x Radio (1,000AU, 0.2MW)
     100x Laser (1,000AU, 0MW)
Sensors:
       1x Sci Fld Passive Scanner (16   [5,000Gm] Sci Fld,       750MW)
       1x Sci Fld PEMS            (16   [5,000Gm] Sci Fld,     1,000MW)
       1x Sci Fld AEMS            (14.5   [500Gm] Sci Fld, 2,500,000MW)
     100x Sci LIDAR               (15.5     [5Gm] Sci,             6MW)
Survey/Science:
       5x Densiometer             ( 9.5 [1,600km] Sci Fld)
      10x Neutrino                ( 9.5 [1,600km] Sci,          5000MW)
ECM:
     100x Radio Jammer            (      1,000AU,                0.4MW)
      10x Decptive Jammer         (14,                           390MW)
      50x Pasive Jammer           (16,                          15.6MW)
       1x Decoy Dispencer         (1 units ea.)
       3x Active Decoy Dispencer  (1 units ea.)
       3x LIDAR Decoy Dispencer   (1 units ea.)
Signatures:
          Vis:1, Act:1, Neu:2, Grav:2,
          IR: 2 (2 at 53,237,329MW, 2 at 40,570,488MW)

"Weaponry"
       1x Supercollider  (+4) 2/24-24-24-24 [1,10/8804-8866-8866-8804] (LR)
   1,000x Probe Launcher Auto   4/4 (/Mag:76 /MFD:500,000km)
                                w/80 Command DetLaser 1d6/2 6G12 1000AU
   2,000x Light Laser Turret Battery (+4) 1/12-2-0-0 [10,400/40-20-10-5] (LR)

Performance
           1   Jump            (9,000,000std/pc fuel)
         1/1   Maneuver        (/Thruster:50,400,000MW)
           9   Power           (/Fus:405704883MW,1yr )
  13,346,838   Fuel            (/Purif:144,46714MW)
     315,477   Large Staterooms
   1,854,493   Small Staterooms
  43,199,400   Life Support    (/Ty:St,Mn)
           1   G-Comp 
         200   Sandcasters     (/AV:2000 /Cans:20)
         200   Damper Turrets  (2MW /Rng:3000km)
       2,000   Damper Screen   (25,600MW)
       2,000   Meson Screen    (25,600MW)
  130 [2,000]  Armor, 59 Structure

Features
Electronic Shop (6,000std)       400,000x Airlock
Machine Shop   (10,000std)        10,000x Decontamination Airlock
Ship's locker  (45,000std)         1,000x Laboratory (8std ea.)
Armory             (25std)         4,000x Sickbay (8std ea.)
Gym           (125,000std)           100x Conference Room(100std ea.)
100xOrdinary Galley (Cap:5,000)        2x Lecture Hall(1,000std ea.)
 80xFull Galley     (Cap:5,000)

Small Craft
2x Minimal Hangar  (2,000 craft x50std ea., 1 hatch, 50x Launch Tubes)
2x Spacious Hangar (50 craft x1,000std ea., 1 hatch)
1x Jettison Bay    (8,500 craft x10std ea.)
                     

Backups
Screens:         1x Meson Screen     (/PV:2000)
Communications: 10x Radio Rec.       (1,000AU)
                10x Radio            (1,000AU)
                20x Laser            (1,000AU)
Sensors:        10x Sci Pas. Scanner (15    [500Gm] Sci)
               100x Sci PEMS         (14.5  [160Gm] Sci)
                 6x Sci AEMS         (13.5   [50Gm] Sci)
               100x Sci LIDAR        (15.5    [5Gm] Sci)
Survey/Science:  2x Densiometer      ( 9.5 [1600km] Sci Fld, 0MW)
                 2x Neutrino         ( 9.5 [1600km] Sci)

Crew Details
     27xElec. 1,152,444xEngr.  177,921xMain.  423,425xGunn.   1,046xScrn.
 8,000xFlgt.     10,000xTrps.  295,477xCmnd.   73,621xStew.  18,007xMed. 
     2xMnvr.

A Labship to meet your wildest dreams!

Why more than 1,000std?

The current trend for jump capable lab ships in the sub 1,000std range is pointlessly expensive without actually giving any capability.

Most scientific missions require world surface contact and emphasise long duration on station. Under these circumstances, the jump drive is not required and a non-jump capable boat would be more effective.

If this is required, the Postmark Design Bureau can happliy supply this need with the Exploration Pod, the prototype of which forms part of the Pioneer X Exploratory Trader.

Even this is excessive. The research of our scientific economics department indicates that most teams would find, suitably equipped modules for the obiquitous modular cutter the most cost effective solution. Capable of easy redeployment by any available merchant, they can form ground and space facilities to any requirement.

For more exacting missions, 1,000std is insufficient because it is unable to carry the largest sensors, the resulting ship being little more use than a cheap scout ship.

So Why 280TCr?

If the only purpose of this ship was to be a supercollider, then there would be little point in the manoeuvre and jump drives. The ConCERN-1 allows the particle beam to be focused and used as a probe for distant astronomical phenomena.

With care in setup, an energy density of 624TJ/cm2 can be maintained out to over 2 light hours (16AU). With the ability to repeat the experiment every other minute if required, there are almost no limits to the discoveries awaiting the purchaser of ConCERN-1.

This would be of little use if the results cannot be detected. For this reason, a complete range of the finest sensors available has been fitted. Note that, even with the great size of the ConCERN-1, these massive arrays will only fit as folding arrays, demonstrating once more the futility of smaller vessels. These sensors allow many astrophyical observations to be carried out.

In addition, a large number of supplmentary sensors have been fitted, along with probe launchers and laser batteries with which to conduct surface ablation experiments.

In order to hold all this together, the structure is built to withstand 3G stresses from the operation of the supercollider and it is wrapped in 1m of superdense.

Besides, if 100 ships are ordered, the cost of the ConCERN series will be reduced by 56TCr each by quantity discounts, a saving of 5,600TCr.

The needs of the Scientists

The 100 vessels of up to 1,000std each allow ships such as those from our competitors to be carried as remote sensing targets for the supercollider. In addition the 4,000 50std boats can be used to ferry the crew of over 2 million between ship and planetary installations. These are supplemented by 8,500 lifeboats for use in emergency situations. Of course many alternative types of craft can be carried depending on requirements.

Designers Notes:

On the other hand, you could probably network the unused clock cycles of a couple of million pocket computers to do the jump calculations.

The other thought that I have is that to actually recruit the 1.5 million engineers and technicians, you'd probably have to offer long term family accomodation - if this ever reaches version 2, I'd have over 10 million small stateroom equivalents. Then there is the point that this ship should have the infrastructure of a small city, complete with service industries. The formula that I hear when there are reports of factories closing is that one "core" job supports five to ten service sector jobs. Even allowing for a mixed workforce, that's pointing in the direction of 20-50 million large stateroom equivalents.

URL: http://THUDDD.homepage.com/thuddd9.html
Last modified: Sunday, 01-23-00
Author: Jason Barnabas