Aquarius

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Aquarius (Escort)
Production information
Manufacturer	Andurien AeroTech
Use	Surface-to-Orbit Escort
Type (Shape)	Military Aerodyne
Tech Base	Inner Sphere Standard
Cost	???
Introduced	2515
Technical specifications
Mass	200
Structural Integrity
Length	20 Meters
Engine (Type)	Fusion
Safe Thrust
Maximum Thrust
Fuel
Burn Rate
Armament	2 x Large Lasers 2 x LRM 10s 2 x SRM 6 4 x Medium Lasers (2 rear)
Armor
Heat Sinks	32
Crew	6
Passengers
BV (1.0)	1,912
BV (2.0)	2,510

Description

First Introduced into service in 2515, after the success of its older counterpart, the Lyonesse. The Aquarius is a large small craft designed to escort spacecraft from a planet's surface to orbiting WarShips or space stations.

Despite having a limited fuel capacity, the ship has been given good balance firepower and heavy armor that rivals many DropShips and Aerospace fighters. The Aquarius was highly sought out craft for its time.

However, surface-to-orbit escorts were eclipsed by newer Heavy weight Aerospace Fighters and some newer designs of Dropships.

The Aquarius and its sister class, Lyonesse, designs were revisted during the early years of the Jihad. Where were upgraded with new technology for other uses in the conflict.

Armament & Capacities

The ship principle weaponry includes pair of fifteen-tube long Range Missile launchers with 2 tons of ammunition. The launchers are augmented by pair of large laser for medium range targets. The craft has a Six-tube Short-Range Launchers with medium laser in both wing section. To protect the craft's aft, its has been given additional two medium lasers.

The ship's fusion engine has been given maximum thrust of 6, with six tons of fuel.

Variants

• Aquarius-M1 - A Jihad era variant, the Marik variant replaces all its lasers with Extended-Range models. The ship is given larger engine to provide improve craft's speed.

• Aquarius (Blakist Variant) -This is a Word of Blake variant that was produced in early years of the Jihad. The Aquarius is changed from escort craft to mobile artillery battery, using Arrow IV artillery missiles launcher while grounded. The Blakist variant's armor type is changed out for Ferro-Aluminum while still maintaining same armor protection. Also the ship's engine is altered to increase the ship's speed.

Related Aerospace Small Craft

• Lyonesse Escort

• Tigress Gunship

Notes

Originally published in the Technical Readout: 3026 Revised, the Aquarius's maximum thrust was listed as 8 instead of 6 listed in later Technical Readout: 3075. The general rule of Catalyst Game Labs, cites that new publications trumpts older one, this case the older thrust ratio is changed.

Record Sheets for both variants and the republished original craft are not yet in print.

References

• Technical Readout: 3026 Revised
• Technical Readout: 3075