[RFC] Starclipper class - Custom Space Partrol Section 6 craft

[Warringer]

Basehull:             custom
Length:               35 m
Width:                22,54 m
Weight:               75,332 kg
Drive Type:           reactionless drives
Drive Rating:         Max Velocity 0.05c
Armament:             4x M61 Vulcan Gattling cannon, retractable
                      1x 20 cell Vertical Launch System
Primary Manufacturer: TBD
Owner:                Space Patrol Section 6
Faction:              interfactional
Purpose:              FESWAT unit delivery and support
Primary Crew:         pilot, comm officer, weapon systems officer, intel officer
                      one FESWAT unit (12 people) + gear
Nr. Launched:         4 (officially)
Operational Status:   Active
Shortly after the foundation of Space Partol, the Agent in charge of Section 6, 'Nanoha', requested four purpose build vessels or the delivery and support of FESWAT units and even provided the basic plans for such a vessel. Based on the 1966 Star Clipper concept the design was quickly finalized. Four Starclippers where build and delivered to Section 6 over the next two years.
Protected by reinforced battlesteel, force shields and a passive stealth system, the Starclipper is able to deliver a 12 man FESWAT unit and their gear to the operational area, support them with intelligence and fire support and extract them safely. Part of their sensory equipment, in this case the surplus Russian phased radar arrays, can be used in an offensive role to destroy delicate electronics in the target area or similar tasks.
They are also equipped with an extensive first aid station and FESWAT members or detainees can be medically treated. A small block of four cells for detainees also exists in the back of the craft.
The Starclippers are noted to be among the 'hardest to kill' vessels in Fenspace. Up until now (2015) only one Starclipper was removed from a fight, but only due to being extensively damaged. It was later recovered and repaired.
Known Units:
FESWAT Martin Riggs (FESWAT Unit 1)
FESWAT Roger Murtaugh (FESWAT Unit 2)
FESWAT Alexander James Murphy (FESWAT Unit 3)
FESWAT John McClane (FESWAT Unit 4)
The not existing Section 9 of Space Partol is not operating a not existing fifth and sixth Starclipper for ops that don't happen.
Class Quirks:
Like a Cockroach: Starclippers are very hard to destroy. Not to mention that its very hard to even damage them.
I want mine with sauerkraut: A crewmember has to throw a frozen hotdog into the beam of the phased radar array to be able to use it in an offensive role.
Like Sardines: Even through the passenger compartment of a Starclipper is rather roomy, every FESWAT member will feel like it is too small, not to mention rather uncomfortable.
Not on my watch!: No one who lands in the first aid station of a Starclipper has died up to date, even of the most grievous injuries. Up to date there was also no need for an emergency biomod on a Starclipper.
Trivia:
Two Starclippers have come under heavy fire during the assault on the Hell-Hole in Space, but have not been damaged.
--------------------
Just an idle thought...

[HRogge]

I feel they might be a little bit light for an armored craft (and not a plane conversion), but otherwise they look very nice and useful for Space Patrol!

[robkelk]

I don't see Section 9 having two of these (sightings of one can be explained away; two... maybe not).

Other than that, why isn't this on the FenWiki yet?
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Warringer]

Well, the Section 9 bit was a last minute addition and can safely be ignore if the needs arises. :p

[robkelk]

No, just cut the number of ships they have in half...
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Black Aeronaut]

Actually, Rob, I can see it. The non-existent Section 9's ships could have enhanced stealth systems that are defendant on copious amounts or RAM (Radar Absorbent Material). On real-life aircraft, the maintenance of the RAM can be a bit of a pain because the air itself can slowly erode the material. I can see the same happening with space dust and whatever else it out there.

Besides, Section 9 (which doesn't really exist strikes me as a group that needs a ship that can move at a moment's notice - they can't afford to wait for the guys in the shop to re-assemble and reinstall that engine they just took out for an overhaul. Hence, two ships.

[robkelk]

Whatever Section 9 can justify on their spacecraft, Section 6 can as well.

I see the Section 9 craft hiding in plain sight, with an IFF transponder that returns the ID of one of the Section 6 craft. You can get away with this if you have one ship doing it; the chances of being caught at it increase dramatically if two ships try that stunt. And this ship is for when their Roadrunner, Epsilon-Blade-class, or SR-71 isn't available or suitable, anyway...
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012