Difference between revisions of "Mule"
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| image = Mule TRO3057r.png | | image = Mule TRO3057r.png | ||
| name = ''Mule'' | | name = ''Mule'' | ||
| − | | manufacturer = | + | | manufacturer = |
| + | [[Federated-Boeing Interstellar]]<ref>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 181 </ref> | ||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | [[Kathil Shipworks]]<ref>''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 182 </ref> | ||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | [[Tengo Aerospace]]<ref name=DS&JSp15>''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary'', p. 15 </ref> | ||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | [[Tharkad Aerospace Group]]<ref name=DS&JSp15/> | ||
| production year = 2737 | | production year = 2737 | ||
| year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/4684/MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> | | year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/4684/MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> | ||
| Line 18: | Line 25: | ||
| Fuel (tons) = 319 tons | | Fuel (tons) = 319 tons | ||
| Fuel (days) = 75.6 days | | Fuel (days) = 75.6 days | ||
| − | | Armament = 1x [[AC/5]] | + | | Armament = <span></span> |
| + | * 1x [[AC/5]] | ||
| + | * 2x [[SRM-6]] | ||
| + | * 3x [[large laser]] | ||
| + | * 8x [[medium laser]] | ||
| + | * 2x [[small laser]] | ||
| Armor = 16 tons standard <br> Fore: 7 <br> Sides: 8 <br> Aft: 6 | | Armor = 16 tons standard <br> Fore: 7 <br> Sides: 8 <br> Aft: 6 | ||
| − | | Crew = 20 | + | | Crew = 20<ref name=TRO3057r>''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 56</ref> |
| + | *4 Officers | ||
| + | *13 Enlisted | ||
| + | *3 Gunners | ||
| + | ---- | ||
| + | (Crew Types)<ref name="BSr63">''BattleSpace'' rulebook, p. 63</ref><br/> | ||
| + | *2 Pilots <br /> | ||
| + | *4 Engineers <br /> | ||
| + | *12 Secondary Engineers | ||
| Escape Pods/Life Boats = 2/2 | | Escape Pods/Life Boats = 2/2 | ||
| Heat Sinks = 58 | | Heat Sinks = 58 | ||
| Line 29: | Line 49: | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
The ubiquitous '''''Mule''''' class [[DropShip]] is the most commonly encountered merchant craft plying the shipping routes of the [[Inner Sphere]]. Developed during the height of the [[Star League]], the ''Mule'' has survived due to the combination of its practical and uncomplicated design, affordability, ease of maintenance, and spacious crew accommodations. This makes the ''Mule'' highly attractive for independent traders. | The ubiquitous '''''Mule''''' class [[DropShip]] is the most commonly encountered merchant craft plying the shipping routes of the [[Inner Sphere]]. Developed during the height of the [[Star League]], the ''Mule'' has survived due to the combination of its practical and uncomplicated design, affordability, ease of maintenance, and spacious crew accommodations. This makes the ''Mule'' highly attractive for independent traders. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The landing gear, cargo ramps, and engine drive exhaust setup are the major problems with the class. Upon liftoff, the engine drive blast scorches the interior of the landing gear wells, requiring cable assembly replacement every 20 lift-offs. Failure to do so can result in the landing gear locking in an inopportune position. The large cargo ramps also lock or extend only with careful oversight, and with an active engine drive, the bottom of the vessel is bathed in the fusion engine's output. This can lead to major damage to the vessel if proper procedures are not followed.<ref name=DS&JSp58>''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary'', p. 58</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | The command section of the ''Mule'' contains rooms for three uniquely ''Mule'' specific activities: the first overlooks the upper cargo deck, giving a view of the large open area. This can be used for supervision or impressing a customer but is usually used as a lounge. The second is a market viewing room, tied to the vessel's communications system, and broadcasts specific market values of interest to the ship. Exchange rates and prices are tracked by the captain, who often takes this room as their own. The third allows the crew to keep in touch with agents for their cargo goods and is full of communications coordinating equipment for across the current system.<ref name=DS&JSp58/> | ||
==Armament== | ==Armament== | ||
| Line 34: | Line 58: | ||
==Cargo== | ==Cargo== | ||
| − | The ''Mule'' is capable of carrying close to 8,500 tons of cargo, split between a single large 3,000 ton capacity bay in the lower portion of ship, from which four large cargo elevators lead to the upper decks which can handle the remaining 5,000 or so tons. Four cargo ramps are situated next to these lifts to provide easy access | + | The ''Mule'' is capable of carrying close to 8,500 tons of cargo, split between a single large 3,000-ton capacity bay in the lower portion of the ship, from which four large cargo elevators lead to the upper decks which can handle the remaining 5,000 or so tons. Four cargo ramps are situated next to these lifts to provide easy access and are indicative of the problem of the ramps and drive location for the class. If the ramps are not properly secured prior to liftoff, which can occur if takeoff procedures are rushed because the ship is under fire on the ground, the initial engine thrust can tear them free and vent directly into the lower cargo bay, damaging if not destroying the ship if the cargo is volatile enough.<ref name=DS&JSp58/> |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
| + | *;Pocket WarShip (Star League) : Introduced during the [[Star League]] era, this ''Mule'' variant is armed and armored similar to the the [[Word of Blake]]'s Pocket WarShip. The only difference is the lack of AR-10 launchers. Instead, this version carries three White Shark and three Barracuda launchers. These launchers have thirty-nine reloads. It also has space for six aerospace fighters. BV (2.0) = 10,330<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 451</ref> | ||
| + | |||
*;Pocket Warship : While minor variations exist, the most notable major modification is the so-called Q-Ship version of the craft, not seen since the era of the [[Star League]] but making a return during the [[Word of Blake]]'s [[Jihad]]. Relying upon the stealth provided by its civilian form, this hides double the amount of armor and four [[AR-10]] capital missile launchers in the upper cargo bays. The lower cargo bay has been converted to store a score each of [[Killer Whale]], [[White Shark]], and [[Barracuda]] missiles for the AR-10's, and a fighter bay capable of carrying a complete [[aerospace fighter]] [[Level II]].<ref name=TRO:3075p110>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 110</ref> BV (2.0) = 21,307<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 450</ref> | *;Pocket Warship : While minor variations exist, the most notable major modification is the so-called Q-Ship version of the craft, not seen since the era of the [[Star League]] but making a return during the [[Word of Blake]]'s [[Jihad]]. Relying upon the stealth provided by its civilian form, this hides double the amount of armor and four [[AR-10]] capital missile launchers in the upper cargo bays. The lower cargo bay has been converted to store a score each of [[Killer Whale]], [[White Shark]], and [[Barracuda]] missiles for the AR-10's, and a fighter bay capable of carrying a complete [[aerospace fighter]] [[Level II]].<ref name=TRO:3075p110>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 110</ref> BV (2.0) = 21,307<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 450</ref> | ||
*;Q-Ship : This ''Mule'' variant carries four AR-10 launchers equipped with twenty Killer Whale, White Shark, and Barracuda missiles. It also has provisions for six aerospace fighters. Unlike the Pocket WarShip versions, however, it retains the same armor protection as the civilian ''Mule''. BV (2.0) = 20,492<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 449</ref> | *;Q-Ship : This ''Mule'' variant carries four AR-10 launchers equipped with twenty Killer Whale, White Shark, and Barracuda missiles. It also has provisions for six aerospace fighters. Unlike the Pocket WarShip versions, however, it retains the same armor protection as the civilian ''Mule''. BV (2.0) = 20,492<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 449</ref> | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
===''Mule-II''=== | ===''Mule-II''=== | ||
| Line 53: | Line 77: | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | * In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Maultier'''. This creates a potential mix-up with later introduced [[Maultier]] Hover APC. | + | * In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Maultier'''. This creates a potential mix-up with the later introduced [[Maultier]] Hover APC. |
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
| Line 68: | Line 92: | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
* ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' | * ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' | ||
| + | * ''[[BattleSpace]]'' | ||
* ''[[Dark Age: LinkNet Articles (3136)]]'' | * ''[[Dark Age: LinkNet Articles (3136)]]'' | ||
* ''[[DropShips and JumpShips|DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary]]'' | * ''[[DropShips and JumpShips|DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary]]'' | ||
| Line 73: | Line 98: | ||
* ''[[Handbook: House Davion]]'' | * ''[[Handbook: House Davion]]'' | ||
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge]]'' | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge]]'' | ||
| − | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' |
| − | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' |
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]'' | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]'' | ||
Revision as of 13:35, 14 March 2024
| |
| Mule | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Federated-Boeing Interstellar[1]
|
| Production Year | 2737[4] |
| Use | Cargo Carrier |
| Type | Civilian Spheroid |
| Tech Base | Inner Sphere |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 11,200 tons |
| Structural Integrity | 20 |
| Length | 158 meters |
| Width | 158 meters |
| Height | 100.4 meters |
| Drive System | GE 2080 |
| Safe Thrust | 1.5 g |
| Max Thrust | 2.5 g |
| Fuel (tons) | 319 tons |
| Fuel (days) | 75.6 days |
| Armament |
|
| Armor | 16 tons standard Fore: 7 Sides: 8 Aft: 6 |
| Crew | 20[5]
(Crew Types)[6]
|
| Escape Pods/Life Boats | 2/2 |
| Heat Sinks | 58 |
| BV (1.0) | 1,664[7] |
| BV (2.0) | 1,282 |
Contents
Description
The ubiquitous Mule class DropShip is the most commonly encountered merchant craft plying the shipping routes of the Inner Sphere. Developed during the height of the Star League, the Mule has survived due to the combination of its practical and uncomplicated design, affordability, ease of maintenance, and spacious crew accommodations. This makes the Mule highly attractive for independent traders.
The landing gear, cargo ramps, and engine drive exhaust setup are the major problems with the class. Upon liftoff, the engine drive blast scorches the interior of the landing gear wells, requiring cable assembly replacement every 20 lift-offs. Failure to do so can result in the landing gear locking in an inopportune position. The large cargo ramps also lock or extend only with careful oversight, and with an active engine drive, the bottom of the vessel is bathed in the fusion engine's output. This can lead to major damage to the vessel if proper procedures are not followed.[8]
The command section of the Mule contains rooms for three uniquely Mule specific activities: the first overlooks the upper cargo deck, giving a view of the large open area. This can be used for supervision or impressing a customer but is usually used as a lounge. The second is a market viewing room, tied to the vessel's communications system, and broadcasts specific market values of interest to the ship. Exchange rates and prices are tracked by the captain, who often takes this room as their own. The third allows the crew to keep in touch with agents for their cargo goods and is full of communications coordinating equipment for across the current system.[8]
Armament
Because the Mule operates in the "wilds" more so than other civilian cargo carriers, it is moderately armored and carries a small array of defensive weaponry: a nose-mounted AC/5, two SRM-6 launchers on the sides with a smattering of Large, medium, and Small Lasers bolstering the other weapon bays as well as covering the other angles.
Cargo
The Mule is capable of carrying close to 8,500 tons of cargo, split between a single large 3,000-ton capacity bay in the lower portion of the ship, from which four large cargo elevators lead to the upper decks which can handle the remaining 5,000 or so tons. Four cargo ramps are situated next to these lifts to provide easy access and are indicative of the problem of the ramps and drive location for the class. If the ramps are not properly secured prior to liftoff, which can occur if takeoff procedures are rushed because the ship is under fire on the ground, the initial engine thrust can tear them free and vent directly into the lower cargo bay, damaging if not destroying the ship if the cargo is volatile enough.[8]
Variants
- Pocket WarShip (Star League)
- Introduced during the Star League era, this Mule variant is armed and armored similar to the the Word of Blake's Pocket WarShip. The only difference is the lack of AR-10 launchers. Instead, this version carries three White Shark and three Barracuda launchers. These launchers have thirty-nine reloads. It also has space for six aerospace fighters. BV (2.0) = 10,330[9]
- Pocket Warship
- While minor variations exist, the most notable major modification is the so-called Q-Ship version of the craft, not seen since the era of the Star League but making a return during the Word of Blake's Jihad. Relying upon the stealth provided by its civilian form, this hides double the amount of armor and four AR-10 capital missile launchers in the upper cargo bays. The lower cargo bay has been converted to store a score each of Killer Whale, White Shark, and Barracuda missiles for the AR-10's, and a fighter bay capable of carrying a complete aerospace fighter Level II.[10] BV (2.0) = 21,307[11]
- Q-Ship
- This Mule variant carries four AR-10 launchers equipped with twenty Killer Whale, White Shark, and Barracuda missiles. It also has provisions for six aerospace fighters. Unlike the Pocket WarShip versions, however, it retains the same armor protection as the civilian Mule. BV (2.0) = 20,492[12]
Mule-II
As of 3136, the Black Gold was mentioned as a renovated Mule-II class ore carrier DropShip,[13] but its stats are unknown at this time and it remains unclear if this is a variant of the venerable Mule or an entirely new class.
The Master Unit List does not (yet) list the Mule-II class. Given that the vessel was explicitly "renovated", and going by the precedent of the Magellan MkII class, it can be assumed that the Mule-II should be considered a variant of the Mule instead of a new class unto its own, the result of an unspecified but presumably standardized upgrade done during renovation. It may or may not be connected to the role of ore carrier.
See Also
Notes
- In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Maultier. This creates a potential mix-up with the later introduced Maultier Hover APC.
Gallery
Original Mule from DropShips and JumpShips: Comstar Intelligence Summary
Mule from TRO:3057
Mule Q-Ship from JHS:3070
Pocket WarShip variant from TRO:3075
References
- ↑ Handbook: House Davion, p. 181
- ↑ Handbook: House Davion, p. 182
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary, p. 15
- ↑ online date for the Mule
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3057 Revised, p. 56
- ↑ BattleSpace rulebook, p. 63
- ↑ AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 253
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary, p. 58
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 451
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 110
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 450
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 449
- ↑ Dark Age: LinkNet Articles (3136), p. 119, "Major Clash Reported in Augustine System!"
Bibliography
- AeroTech 2 Record Sheets
- BattleSpace
- Dark Age: LinkNet Articles (3136)
- DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary
- DropShips and JumpShips: Operations Manual
- Handbook: House Davion
- Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge
- Technical Readout: 3057
- Technical Readout: 3057 Revised
- Technical Readout: 3075