By Steven John Satak

The following starship is a new version of the class “S” Scout/Courier used by remnants of the Scout Service. This article presents the High Guard data and next issue will have the new MegaTraveller starship statistics so that you can better understand the new starship construction rule changes. The MegaTraveller stats were cut from this issue due to insufficient space.

Vega Class Armored Courier

High Guard stats: SA-1223432-E00000-00003-0. MCr74.4. 100 tons. TL=15. Crew=2. Passengers=3. Cargo=3. Fuel=24. Agility=3. Hardpoints=1. Air/Raft=1. One triple missile turret installed.
Tonnage:
100 tons (standard). 1400 cubic meters.
Crew:
2 minimum (pilot/engineer, gunner). 3 additional positions available.
Performance:
Jump-2. 3-G. 4 EP. Agility 3.
Electronics:
Model 3 computer. Various advanced sensor packages.
Hardpoints:
One hardpoint with triple turret installed.
Armament:
Three missle racks.
Defenses:
Armor hull (factor 14).
Craft:
One air/raft in fitted compartment.
Fuel treatment:
Fuel purification plant.
Cost:
MCr74.4. (Class “S” refit costs MCr30).
Construction time:
12 months (refit takes 4 months).
Comments:
Using a heavily armored hull, the Vega class Scout is intended for exploration, high security courier missions, and escort duty with survey ships going into amber/red zones. Also assists in business matters of the Service. Sufficient fuel for 4 weeks of maneuver time. Sensor packages may vary.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

From the outside, the Vega is the same as an ordinary Scout. However, upon closer inspection, one will notice that the engine thrust cones are larger than normal and that the aft doors on the starboard side are separated into three sections, rather than the standard two. The hull appears to be much more robust than is normal for ships of this type. The entry points are similar to the normal Scout also. Naturally, it will be harder to force entry into these access points due to the high armor factor. The turret is also armored and should not be considered a viable alternate entrance, although the pylon interiors are not reinforced and remain vulnerable to conventional cutting methods. It should be noted that the accessing methods for ship security are now a matter of installed hardware and not a computer security system.

Floorplan Descriptions

The numbered items below correspond to the numbers on the starship floorplan.
  • Avionics/Computer Bay.
  • Bridge. Features 360-degree holovision for bridge crew. Turret remote control available.
  • Central corridor.
  • Stateroom. Three-person occupancy with a small wall-safe installed. Otherwise normal.
  • Stateroom. Two-person occupancy. Wall safe and ships armory are inside this cabin. Often reserved for the commander.
  • Environmental life support. Able to maintain four months of support for crew.
  • Food synthesis/storage. Combination deep freeze and food recycling center. 3 months support for crew of five.
  • Common area.
  • Fuel. Reduced enormously from “S” class to allow installation of new equipment.
  • Landing pylon bays. Unarmored.
  • Gallery access.
  • Drive room. Larger to contain the more powerful power plant and maneuver drives. Spare parts for engineering stored here also.
  • Commo bay. Fuel purification and repairs.
  • Air/Raft Bay. Fitted compartment.
  • Ship’s Locker. Expanded in size, but serves the same purpose as the “S” class.
  • Gunner’s position. Turret is equipped with a 360-degree hologram to assist the gunner.
  • Storage. Auto loading 24-missile magazine.
  • Upper gallery.
  • Forward sensor position. Reserved for sensor servicing and storage for spare parts.
  • Forward cargo bay. Five-ton capacity. Electrical switchboard with triple-redundant circuitry uses 2 tons of those 5 tons of space.

Weaponry

A triple missile rack in installed, and is supported by a 24-missile magazine. Ton-for-ton, missiles carry a bigger punch and use less power. Several missile types can also be used, including the Penetrator Mk1, Long Distance Mk3, Cheetah and the Shado decoys. Rocks hold the standard 50kg missiles. Turret installation and placement requires Mechanical-2 skill or better, taking at least one week’s time. Missiles used are TL13 or higher, and are available at most Scout and Naval bases, as well as some class “A” starports.