Editing Behemoth (DropShip class)
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Line 1: − {{otheruses|the cargo carrier|other uses|Behemoth}} {{InfoBoxDropShip {{InfoBoxDropShip − | image = Behemoth TRO3057r.png + | image = Behemoth dropship.jpg − | name = ''Behemoth'' + | name = Behemoth − | manufacturer = + | manufacturer = [[Brigadier Corporation]]<br/>[[Galileo Instruments]]<br/>[[TAG-Manufacturing|TAG]] <ref>''Dropships and Jumpships'', p. 17</ref> − [[Brigadier Corporation]]<ref name=DS&JSp15>''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary'', p. 15 </ref> − ------ − [[Galileo Instruments]]<ref name=DS&JSp15/> − ----- − [[Krester's Ship Construction]]<ref name=SL165>''The Star League'', p. 165</ref> − ------ − [[Tharkad Aerospace Group]]<ref name=DS&JSp15/> | production year=2782 | production year=2782 − | year reference= <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3812/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> + | year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3812/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> | Use = Cargo Carrier | Use = Cargo Carrier | Type = Civilian Spheroid | Type = Civilian Spheroid Line 21:
Line 13: | Width = 200 | Width = 200 | Height = 275 | Height = 275 − | Drive System = [[Sunburst M-200L Megadrive]] + | Drive System = Sunburst M-200L Megadrive | Safe Thrust = 1 g | Safe Thrust = 1 g | Maximum Thrust = 1.5 g | Maximum Thrust = 1.5 g | Fuel (tons) = 600 tons | Fuel (tons) = 600 tons | Fuel (days) = 68 days | Fuel (days) = 68 days − | Armament = <span></span> + | Armament = 4x [[Large Laser]]s <br> 10x [[Medium Laser]]s − * 4x [[large laser]]+ | Armor = 210 tons Standard <br> '''Fore:''' 5 <br> '''Sides:''' 5 <br> '''Aft:''' 6 − * 10x [[medium laser]]+ | Crew = 50 − | Armor = 210 tons [[Armor (Capital)|standard]] − | Crew = 53<ref name=TRO3057r>''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 66</ref> − *9 Officers − *41 Enlisted − *3 Gunners − ---- − (Crew Types)<ref name="BSr63">''BattleSpace'' rulebook, p. 63</ref><br/> − *6 Pilots <br /> − *8 Engineers <br /> − *36 Secondary Engineers − ---- − Bay Personnel: 100 | Escape Pods/Life Boats = 5/5 | Escape Pods/Life Boats = 5/5 − | Heat Sinks = 158 single + | Heat Sinks = 158 | BV (1.0) = 1,684<ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 263</ref> | BV (1.0) = 1,684<ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 263</ref> − | BV (2.0) = 1,017{{cn}} + | BV (2.0) = 1,017 }} }} − ==Description== ==Description== − The '''''Behemoth''''' is said to be the largest [[DropShip]] ever constructed,<ref name=D&JCISp64>''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary'', p. 64</ref><ref name=TR3057p68>''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 68</ref><ref name=TR3057Rp66>''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 66</ref> at least when it entered production; other 100,000 ton vessels were created since. + The '''''Behemoth''''' is said to be the largest [[DropShip]] ever constructed,<ref name=all>''DropShips and JumpShips'', p. 64; ''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 68; ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 66</ref> at least when it entered production; other 100,000 ton vessels were created since. − While its finalized design was officially only launched in [[2782]], the ''Behemoth'' class of DropShips apparently had a complicated design history going back as far as [[2650]], with prototypes existing in [[2658]] (see [[Behemoth (DropShip class)#Notes|Notes]] below). The [[Terran Hegemony]] had originally promised the designer, [[Krester's Ship Construction]], in the planning stage that the ''Behemoth'' and ''Mammoth'' designs could be sold outside the Hegemony but [[Mother Doctrine|reneged on the promise]] when the projects were in the prototype phase between 2650 and 2658. Two prototypes were stolen from their moorings above [[Keid]] in 2650 and sold off to the highest bidder, raising concerns that the designs could be re-engineered; this made the Hegemony reconsider their stance and they allowed Krester's to sell the designs abroad after all. Although there was a lingering suspicion that Krester's had somehow been involved in the heist, nothing was ever proven.<ref>''The Star League'', p. 165</ref> Sharing the design with foreign powers ensured that the ''Behemoth'' would stay in production and use even after the demise of Krester's Ship Construction. + While its finalized design was officially only launched in [[2782]], the ''Behemoth'' class of DropShips apparently had a complicated design history going back as far as [[2650]], with prototypes existing in [[2658]] (see [[Behemoth (DropShip)#Notes|Notes]] below). The [[Terran Hegemony]] had originally promised the designer, [[Krester's Ship Construction]], in the planning stage that the ''Behemoth'' and ''Mammoth'' designs could be sold outside the Hegemony but [[Mother Doctrine|reneged on the promise]] when the projects were in the prototype phase between 2650 and 2658. Two prototypes were stolen from their moorings above [[Keid]] in 2650 and sold off to the highest bidder, raising concerns that the designs could be re-engineered; this made the Hegemony reconsider their stance and they allowed Krester's to sell the designs abroad after all. Although there was a lingering suspicion that Krester's had somehow been involved in the heist, nothing was ever proven.<ref>''The Star League'', p. 165</ref> Sharing the design with foreign powers ensured that the ''Behemoth'' would stay in production and use even after the demise Krester's Ship Construction. ==Design== ==Design== − The massive DropShip requires the use of the [[Sunburst M-200L Megadrive]], an interplanetary drive the size of three ''Union''-class vessels. However, despite this tremendous power, the vessel struggles to surpass 1G of acceleration. Because of its sheer size, the ''Behemoth'' suffers from several drawbacks including a relatively weak structure, incapability of atmospheric operations, and occupying (or blocking) a second [[hardpoint]] on [[JumpShip]]s (see [[Behemoth (DropShip class)#Quirks|Quirks]] and [[Behemoth (DropShip class)#Notes|Notes]] below). Most vessels are limited to only 0.8Gs by the potentially expensive and time-consuming fault in the structure that can happen from operating at full thrust.<ref name=D&JCISp64/>+ Because of its sheer size, the ''Behemoth'' suffers from a number of drawbacks including a relatively weak structure, incapability of atmospheric operations, and occupying (or blocking) a second [[hardpoint]] on [[JumpShip]]s (see [[Behemoth (DropShip)#Quirks|Quirks]] and [[Behemoth (DropShip)#Notes|Notes]] below). − Because of the weak structure, most vessels rarely operate above half their maximum thrust to prevent structural damage. It was noted that its low thrust and resulting implied inability to land or take off again (except in low gravity environments; see Notes below) means the ship usually has to dock with cargo stations or use shuttles to load or unload its cargo, markedly increasing operating cost.<ref name=D&JCISp64 /><ref name=TR3057p68 /><ref name=TR3057Rp66 /> + Because of the weak structure, most vessels rarely operate above half their maximum thrust to prevent structural damage.<ref name=all/> It was noted that the inability to land means the ship has to dock with cargo stations or use shuttles to load or unload its cargo, markedly increasing operating costs.<ref name=all/> − The ''Behemoth'' is noted for comfortable individual rooms for its crew of fifty, a medical facility, an exercise room, a lounge, and a relatively spacious mess hall. The lower two of the top four decks contain mainly the crew's rooms, the most comfortable in service in the Inner Sphere, and the vessel's officers can maintain a hydroponic harder on the third. The internal layout of a ''Behemoth'' is such that the bridge deck on the topmost level is self-sufficient, with independent life support and power supply, and can easily be sealed off. Only those with special permission from the vessel's captain can gain access, and seizing control of a ''Behemoth'' is thus nearly impossible.<ref name=D&JCISp64 /><ref name=TR3057p68 /><ref name=TR3057Rp66 />+ The internal layout of a ''Behemoth'' is such that the bridge deck is self-sufficient, with independent life support and power supply, and can easily be sealed off.<ref name=all/> Seizing control of a ''Behemoth'' is thus nearly impossible. The ''Behemoth'' is noted for comfortable individual rooms for its crew of fifty, a large hydroponic garden, a medical facility, an exercise room, a lounge, and a relatively spacious mess hall.<ref name=all/> − Due to its exceptionally poor fighting capabilities, the ''Behemoth'' class rarely partakes in combat. Consequently, few have been lost to combat action and a relatively large number remains in operation.<ref name=D&JCISp65>''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary'', p. 65</ref> The high cost of running a ''Behemoth'' ensures that only the largest trading companies can afford to operate them and they ply only the busiest trade routes, usually far from any conflict. + Due to its exceptionally poor fighting capabilities, the ''Behemoth'' class rarely partakes in combat. Consequently, few have been lost to combat action and a relatively large number remains in operation.<ref>''DropShips and JumpShips'', p. 65</ref> The high cost of running a ''Behemoth'' ensures that only the largest trading companies can afford to operate them and they ply only the busiest trade routes, usually far from any conflict. − In the [[thirty-first century]], [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]] was somewhat famous for being the only person to privately own a ''Behemoth''-class DropShip.<ref>''Handbook: House Liao'', p. 162: "Mówáng-class courier"</ref> + In the 31st century, [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]] was somewhat famous for being the only person to privately own a ''Behemoth''-class DropShip.<ref>''Handbook: House Liao'', p. 162, "Mówáng-class courier"</ref> ==Armament== ==Armament== − As a civilian cargo carrier, the ''Behemoth''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s armament is pitiful at best, consisting of 4 [[Large Laser]]s backed up by ten [[medium laser]]s. Intended as purely defensive, they are arrayed along the bottom/rear of the craft with the nose completely bare. Keeping the craft far away from any need to use these weapons because of the vessels' high cost has protected them far better than the lasers and 15 tons of standard armor. + As a civilian cargo carrier, the ''Behemoth'''s armament is pitiful at best, consisting of 4 [[Large Laser]]s backed up by 10 [[Medium Laser]]s. Intended as purely defensive, they are arrayed along the bottom/rear of the craft with the nose completely bare. Keeping the craft far away from any need to use these weapons because of the vessels' high cost has protected them far better than the lasers and 15 tons of standard armor. ==Cargo== ==Cargo== − The ''Behemoth''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s cargo capacity of 74,972 tons is split into twenty disk-shaped cargo decks linked by a central spire running the length of the vessel, with each capable of holding up to 4,000 tons of cargo. Four heavy-duty cargo lifts allow the transit of cargo within the vessel. Due to the large degree of compartmentalization, the ''Behemoth'' can easily deal with both cargo that can and cannot be exposed to vacuum. Owing to its heavy reliance on shuttles for cargo transfers, the ''Behemoth'' features twenty small craft bays. + The ''Behemoth'''s cargo capacity of 74,972 tons is split into twenty cargo decks linked by a central spire running the length of the vessel. Four heavy duty cargo lifts allow transit of cargo within the vessel. Due to the large degree of compartmentalization, the ''Behemoth'' can easily deal with both cargo that can and cannot be exposed to vacuum. Owing to its heavy reliance on shuttles for cargo transfers, the ''Behemoth'' features twenty small craft bays. − * Bay 1: Small Craft (20) - 4 Doors + *Bay 1: Small Craft (20) - 4 Doors − * Bay 2: Cargo (37,486 tons) - 10 Doors + *Bay 2: Cargo (37,486 tons) - 10 Doors − * Bay 3: Cargo (37,486 tons) - 10 Doors + *Bay 3: Cargo (37,486 tons) - 10 Doors − (The cargo capacity changed slightly across various publications, owing to changes in the spacecraft construction rules: Initially, ''[[DropShips and JumpShips|DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary]]'' gave a cargo capacity of 85,000 tons; ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' later changed it to 75,121 tons and ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' finally gave the definitive stats given above.) + (The cargo capacity changed slightly across various publications, owing to changes in the spacecraft construction rules: Initially, ''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' gave a cargo capacity of 85,000 tons; ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' later changed it to to 75,121 tons and ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' finally gave the definitive stats given above.) ==Variants== ==Variants== No variants of the ''Behemoth'' are known. No variants of the ''Behemoth'' are known. − There is visual evidence of the [[Clans]] using the design as well,<ref>Image captioned as "Clan Behemoth DropShip" on p. 71 of ''Technical Readout: 3057''; compare to visually identical image of a regular Inner Sphere ''Behemoth'' captioned as built by Brigadier Corp. on p. 9 - both images remained unchanged in ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'' with the page numbers updated to page 69</ref> but it is unknown if the vessel in question was built by the Clans (it might have been captured during the [[Clan Invasion]]). The image of said vessel was captioned as "Clan Behemoth DropShip" and highlights several supposedly altered or upgraded features or components, including supposed upgrades of its laser suite to ER models. No further details about its configuration are known, however. + There is visual evidence of the [[Clans]] using the design as well,<ref>Image captioned as "Clan Behemoth DropShip" on p. 71 of ''Technical Readout: 3057''; compare to visually identical image of a regular Inner Sphere ''Behemoth'' captioned as built by Brigadier Corp. on p. 9 - both images remained unchanged in ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'' and the page numbers remained the same too.</ref> but it is unknown if the vessel in question was built by the Clans (it might have been captured during the [[Clan Invasion]]). The image of said vessel was captioned as "Clan Behemoth DropShip" and highlights several supposedly altered or upgraded features or components, including supposed upgrades of its laser suite to ER models. No further details about its configuration are known, however. − − ==Named Vessels== − :''See [[:Category:Individual Behemoth-class DropShips]]'' ==Quirks== ==Quirks== − No [[Design Quirk]]s are expressly mentioned in the write-up for the ''Behemoth'' (neither in the most recent write-up in ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'' nor in any previous publication), as all publications detailing the ''Behemoth'' class predate the introduction of the Quirk rules. The design's consistent descriptions imply that the following quirks should apply: + No [[Design Quirk]]s are expressly mentioned in the writeup for the ''Behemoth'' (neither in the most recent writeup in ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'' nor in any previous publication), as all publications detailing the ''Behemoth'' class predate the introduction of the Quirk rules. The design's consistent descriptions imply that the following quirks should apply: − * [[Design Quirks#Large DropShip|Large DropShip]]; this Quirk's description in ''Strategic Operations'' expressly mentions the ''Behemoth'',<ref>''Strategic Operations'', p. 198: Large DropShip quirk</ref> and is apparently itself rooted in the design's write-up in ''DropShips and JumpShips''<ref name=D&JCISp64 /> (see also Notes below); + *[[Design_Quirks#Large_DropShip_.5BBT.2C_AS.5D|Large DropShip]]; this Quirk's description in ''Strategic Operations'' expressly mentions the ''Behemoth'',<ref>''Strategic Operations'', p. 198 (Large DropShip quirk)</ref> and is apparently itself rooted in the design's writeup in ''DropShips and JumpShips''<ref name=DSJS>''DropShips and JumpShips'', p. 64</ref> (see also Notes below); − * [[Design Quirks#Un-streamlined|Un-streamlined]]; the ''Behemoth'' is explicitly described as "incapable of atmospheric operations or planetary landings"<ref name=TR3057p68 /><ref name=TR3057Rp66 /> and the ship's entry in ''Technical Readout: 3057'' even contained a note saying "May not operate in atmosphere".<ref name=TR3057p68 /> + *[[Design_Quirks#Un-streamlined_.5BBT.2C_AS.2C_SBF.5D|Un-streamlined]]; the ''Behemoth'' is explicitly described as "incapable of atmospheric operations or planetary landings"<ref>''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 68; ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 66</ref> and the ship's entry in ''Technical Readout: 3057'' even contained a note saying "May not operate in atmosphere".<ref>''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 68</ref> − * Weak structure - Operating at maximum thrust of 1.5g (or above 0.8g according to ''DropShips and JumpShips'')<ref name=D&JCISp64/> is said to cause stress cracks in the ship's structure. + *Weak structure - Operating at maximum thrust of 1.5g (or above 0.8g according to ''DropShips and JumpShips''<ref name=DSJS/>) is said to cause stress cracks in the ship's structure. ==Notes== ==Notes== − * There are contradicting dates for the introduction of the ''Behemoth''. Most sources including the [[Master Unit List]] state that it was introduced in [[2782]]. The write-up for Krester's Ship Construction in ''The Star League'' (p. 165) states that the first prototypes of the ''Behemoth'' and the ''[[Mammoth]]'' made their maiden flights in 2658, yet prototypes were stolen in 2650 already, causing fears of the designs being reverse engineered. What was stolen in 2650 were thus presumably unfinished hulls or preliminary design stage prototypes, and not yet complete vessels; the prototypes that made their maiden flights in 2658 may have been later prototypes that were built after the earlier prototypes were stolen. It would appear the design underwent further changes and was only properly finalized in 2782. + * There are contradicting dates for the introduction of the ''Behemoth''. Most sources including the [[Master Unit List]] state that it was introduced in [[2782]]. The writeup for Krester's Ship Construction in ''The Star League'' (p. 165) states that the first prototypes of the ''Behemoth'' and the ''[[Mammoth]]'' made their maiden flights in 2658, yet prototypes were stolen in 2650 already, causing fears of the designs being reverse-engineered. What was stolen in 2650 were thus presumably unfinished hulls or preliminary design stage prototypes, and not yet complete vessels; the prototypes which made their maiden flights in 2658 may have been later prototypes that were built after the earlier prototypes were stolen. It would appear the design underwent further changes and was only properly finalized in 2782. − + *When the ''Behemoth'' was introduced to the [[BattleTech]] universe, the construction/space travel rules postulated that a DropShip required two docking hardpoints for every 60,000 tons (or fraction thereof) of mass to dock with a JumpShip. Consequently, the ''Behemoth'', the only DropShip massing over 60,000 tons, was said to take up the space for two vessels when docked to a JumpShip.<br /> Under current rules (''[[Strategic Operations]]''), a hardpoint can dock DropShips up to 100,000 tons. From the context, it could be argued that the ''Behemoth'' does not actually need two hardpoints (and can thus be carried on a JumpShip with only a single hardpoint, in accordance with the rules), but would block an adjacent hardpoint on some JumpShips due to its sheer size. − * When the ''Behemoth'' was introduced to the [[BattleTech]] universe, the construction/space travel rules postulated that a DropShip required two docking hardpoints for every 60,000 tons (or fraction thereof) of mass to dock with a JumpShip. Consequently, the ''Behemoth'', the only DropShip massing over 60,000 tons, was said to take up the space for two vessels when docked to a JumpShip.<br /> Under current rules (''[[Strategic Operations]]''), a hardpoint can dock DropShips up to 100,000 tons. From the context, it could be argued that the ''Behemoth'' does not actually need two hardpoints (and can thus be carried on a JumpShip with only a single hardpoint, in accordance with the rules), but would block an adjacent hardpoint on some JumpShips due to its sheer size. + * Similarly, the structural weakness of the ''Behemoth'' and the danger of stress cracks is not reflected in any actual game rules but might be represented by the Weak Structure quirk. − + * Though the design cannot operate in a dense atmosphere nor endure high gravity, it is still technically able of landing on low gravity planetoids or installations in (near-)vacuum, and therefore includes landing legs. The deployed legs are clearly visible in the ship's picture on p. 64 of ''DropShips and JumpShips''. − * Similarly, the structural weakness of the ''Behemoth'' and the danger of stress cracks are not reflected in any actual game rules but might be represented by the Weak Structure quirk. + * In German products the unit's proper name was altered to '''Leviathan'''. This creates a potential mix-up with the ''[[Leviathan (WarShip class)|Leviathan]]'' class of [[WarShip]]s that was introduced later. − − * Though the design cannot operate in a dense atmosphere nor endure high gravity, it is still technically capable of landing on low gravity planetoids or installations in near-vacuum and therefore includes landing legs. The deployed legs are clearly visible in the ship's picture on p. 64 of ''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary''. − − * In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to '''Leviathan'''. This creates a potential mix-up with the ''[[Leviathan (WarShip class)|Leviathan]]'' class of [[WarShip]]s that was introduced later. ==Gallery== ==Gallery== <gallery> <gallery> − Behemoth DSJS.png|Original ''Behemoth'' from ''[[DropShips and JumpShips|DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary]]'' + File:Behemoth DSJS.png|Illustration of ''Behemoth'' from ''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' − Behemoth TRO3057r.png|''Behemoth'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3057|TRO:3057]]'' + Image:Behemoth dropship.jpg|Original ''Behemoth'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3057|TRO:3057]]'' </gallery> </gallery> Line 108:
Line 80: ==Bibliography== ==Bibliography== − * ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' + *''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' − * ''[[BattleSpace]]''+ *''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' − * ''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' + *''[[Handbook: House Liao]]'' − * ''[[Handbook: House Liao]]'' + *''[[Strategic Operations]]'' − * ''[[The Star League]]'' + *''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' − * ''[[Strategic Operations]]'' + *''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' − * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' + *''[[The Star League]]'' − * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' − [[Category:DropShip classes]] [[Category:DropShip classes]]
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{{InfoBoxDropShip | {{InfoBoxDropShip | ||
| − | | image = Behemoth | + | | image = Behemoth dropship.jpg |
| − | | name = | + | | name = Behemoth |
| − | | manufacturer = | + | | manufacturer = [[Brigadier Corporation]]<br/>[[Galileo Instruments]]<br/>[[TAG-Manufacturing|TAG]] <ref>''Dropships and Jumpships'', p. 17</ref> |
| − | [[Brigadier Corporation]]< | ||
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| − | [[Galileo Instruments]]< | ||
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| production year=2782 | | production year=2782 | ||
| − | | year reference= <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3812/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> | + | | year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3812/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> |
| Use = Cargo Carrier | | Use = Cargo Carrier | ||
| Type = Civilian Spheroid | | Type = Civilian Spheroid | ||
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| Width = 200 | | Width = 200 | ||
| Height = 275 | | Height = 275 | ||
| − | | Drive System = | + | | Drive System = Sunburst M-200L Megadrive |
| Safe Thrust = 1 g | | Safe Thrust = 1 g | ||
| Maximum Thrust = 1.5 g | | Maximum Thrust = 1.5 g | ||
| Fuel (tons) = 600 tons | | Fuel (tons) = 600 tons | ||
| Fuel (days) = 68 days | | Fuel (days) = 68 days | ||
| − | | Armament = | + | | Armament = 4x [[Large Laser]]s <br> 10x [[Medium Laser]]s |
| − | + | | Armor = 210 tons Standard <br> '''Fore:''' 5 <br> '''Sides:''' 5 <br> '''Aft:''' 6 | |
| − | + | | Crew = 50 | |
| − | | Armor = 210 tons | ||
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| Escape Pods/Life Boats = 5/5 | | Escape Pods/Life Boats = 5/5 | ||
| − | | Heat Sinks = 158 | + | | Heat Sinks = 158 |
| BV (1.0) = 1,684<ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 263</ref> | | BV (1.0) = 1,684<ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 263</ref> | ||
| − | | BV (2.0) = 1,017 | + | | BV (2.0) = 1,017 |
}} | }} | ||
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | The '''''Behemoth''''' is said to be the largest [[DropShip]] ever constructed,<ref name= | + | The '''''Behemoth''''' is said to be the largest [[DropShip]] ever constructed,<ref name=all>''DropShips and JumpShips'', p. 64; ''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 68; ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 66</ref> at least when it entered production; other 100,000 ton vessels were created since. |
| − | While its finalized design was officially only launched in [[2782]], the ''Behemoth'' class of DropShips apparently had a complicated design history going back as far as [[2650]], with prototypes existing in [[2658]] (see [[Behemoth (DropShip | + | While its finalized design was officially only launched in [[2782]], the ''Behemoth'' class of DropShips apparently had a complicated design history going back as far as [[2650]], with prototypes existing in [[2658]] (see [[Behemoth (DropShip)#Notes|Notes]] below). The [[Terran Hegemony]] had originally promised the designer, [[Krester's Ship Construction]], in the planning stage that the ''Behemoth'' and ''Mammoth'' designs could be sold outside the Hegemony but [[Mother Doctrine|reneged on the promise]] when the projects were in the prototype phase between 2650 and 2658. Two prototypes were stolen from their moorings above [[Keid]] in 2650 and sold off to the highest bidder, raising concerns that the designs could be re-engineered; this made the Hegemony reconsider their stance and they allowed Krester's to sell the designs abroad after all. Although there was a lingering suspicion that Krester's had somehow been involved in the heist, nothing was ever proven.<ref>''The Star League'', p. 165</ref> Sharing the design with foreign powers ensured that the ''Behemoth'' would stay in production and use even after the demise Krester's Ship Construction. |
==Design== | ==Design== | ||
| − | + | Because of its sheer size, the ''Behemoth'' suffers from a number of drawbacks including a relatively weak structure, incapability of atmospheric operations, and occupying (or blocking) a second [[hardpoint]] on [[JumpShip]]s (see [[Behemoth (DropShip)#Quirks|Quirks]] and [[Behemoth (DropShip)#Notes|Notes]] below). | |
| − | Because of the weak structure, most vessels rarely operate above half their maximum thrust to prevent structural damage. It was noted that | + | Because of the weak structure, most vessels rarely operate above half their maximum thrust to prevent structural damage.<ref name=all/> It was noted that the inability to land means the ship has to dock with cargo stations or use shuttles to load or unload its cargo, markedly increasing operating costs.<ref name=all/> |
| − | + | The internal layout of a ''Behemoth'' is such that the bridge deck is self-sufficient, with independent life support and power supply, and can easily be sealed off.<ref name=all/> Seizing control of a ''Behemoth'' is thus nearly impossible. The ''Behemoth'' is noted for comfortable individual rooms for its crew of fifty, a large hydroponic garden, a medical facility, an exercise room, a lounge, and a relatively spacious mess hall.<ref name=all/> | |
| − | Due to its exceptionally poor fighting capabilities, the ''Behemoth'' class rarely partakes in combat. Consequently, few have been lost to combat action and a relatively large number remains in operation.<ref | + | Due to its exceptionally poor fighting capabilities, the ''Behemoth'' class rarely partakes in combat. Consequently, few have been lost to combat action and a relatively large number remains in operation.<ref>''DropShips and JumpShips'', p. 65</ref> The high cost of running a ''Behemoth'' ensures that only the largest trading companies can afford to operate them and they ply only the busiest trade routes, usually far from any conflict. |
| − | In the | + | In the 31st century, [[Duke]] [[Hassid Ricol]] of the [[Draconis Combine]] was somewhat famous for being the only person to privately own a ''Behemoth''-class DropShip.<ref>''Handbook: House Liao'', p. 162, "Mówáng-class courier"</ref> |
==Armament== | ==Armament== | ||
| − | As a civilian cargo carrier, the ''Behemoth'' | + | As a civilian cargo carrier, the ''Behemoth'''s armament is pitiful at best, consisting of 4 [[Large Laser]]s backed up by 10 [[Medium Laser]]s. Intended as purely defensive, they are arrayed along the bottom/rear of the craft with the nose completely bare. Keeping the craft far away from any need to use these weapons because of the vessels' high cost has protected them far better than the lasers and 15 tons of standard armor. |
==Cargo== | ==Cargo== | ||
| − | The ''Behemoth'' | + | The ''Behemoth'''s cargo capacity of 74,972 tons is split into twenty cargo decks linked by a central spire running the length of the vessel. Four heavy duty cargo lifts allow transit of cargo within the vessel. Due to the large degree of compartmentalization, the ''Behemoth'' can easily deal with both cargo that can and cannot be exposed to vacuum. Owing to its heavy reliance on shuttles for cargo transfers, the ''Behemoth'' features twenty small craft bays. |
| − | * Bay 1: Small Craft (20) - 4 Doors | + | *Bay 1: Small Craft (20) - 4 Doors |
| − | * Bay 2: Cargo (37,486 tons) - 10 Doors | + | *Bay 2: Cargo (37,486 tons) - 10 Doors |
| − | * Bay 3: Cargo (37,486 tons) - 10 Doors | + | *Bay 3: Cargo (37,486 tons) - 10 Doors |
| − | (The cargo capacity changed slightly across various publications, owing to changes in the spacecraft construction rules: Initially, ''[[DropShips and JumpShips | + | (The cargo capacity changed slightly across various publications, owing to changes in the spacecraft construction rules: Initially, ''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' gave a cargo capacity of 85,000 tons; ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' later changed it to to 75,121 tons and ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' finally gave the definitive stats given above.) |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
No variants of the ''Behemoth'' are known. | No variants of the ''Behemoth'' are known. | ||
| − | There is visual evidence of the [[Clans]] using the design as well,<ref>Image captioned as "Clan Behemoth DropShip" on p. 71 of ''Technical Readout: 3057''; compare to visually identical image of a regular Inner Sphere ''Behemoth'' captioned as built by Brigadier Corp. on p. 9 - both images remained unchanged in ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'' | + | There is visual evidence of the [[Clans]] using the design as well,<ref>Image captioned as "Clan Behemoth DropShip" on p. 71 of ''Technical Readout: 3057''; compare to visually identical image of a regular Inner Sphere ''Behemoth'' captioned as built by Brigadier Corp. on p. 9 - both images remained unchanged in ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'' and the page numbers remained the same too.</ref> but it is unknown if the vessel in question was built by the Clans (it might have been captured during the [[Clan Invasion]]). The image of said vessel was captioned as "Clan Behemoth DropShip" and highlights several supposedly altered or upgraded features or components, including supposed upgrades of its laser suite to ER models. No further details about its configuration are known, however. |
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==Quirks== | ==Quirks== | ||
| − | No [[Design Quirk]]s are expressly mentioned in the | + | No [[Design Quirk]]s are expressly mentioned in the writeup for the ''Behemoth'' (neither in the most recent writeup in ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'' nor in any previous publication), as all publications detailing the ''Behemoth'' class predate the introduction of the Quirk rules. The design's consistent descriptions imply that the following quirks should apply: |
| − | * [[ | + | *[[Design_Quirks#Large_DropShip_.5BBT.2C_AS.5D|Large DropShip]]; this Quirk's description in ''Strategic Operations'' expressly mentions the ''Behemoth'',<ref>''Strategic Operations'', p. 198 (Large DropShip quirk)</ref> and is apparently itself rooted in the design's writeup in ''DropShips and JumpShips''<ref name=DSJS>''DropShips and JumpShips'', p. 64</ref> (see also Notes below); |
| − | * [[ | + | *[[Design_Quirks#Un-streamlined_.5BBT.2C_AS.2C_SBF.5D|Un-streamlined]]; the ''Behemoth'' is explicitly described as "incapable of atmospheric operations or planetary landings"<ref>''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 68; ''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 66</ref> and the ship's entry in ''Technical Readout: 3057'' even contained a note saying "May not operate in atmosphere".<ref>''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 68</ref> |
| − | * Weak structure - Operating at maximum thrust of 1.5g (or above 0.8g according to ''DropShips and JumpShips'' | + | *Weak structure - Operating at maximum thrust of 1.5g (or above 0.8g according to ''DropShips and JumpShips''<ref name=DSJS/>) is said to cause stress cracks in the ship's structure. |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | * There are contradicting dates for the introduction of the ''Behemoth''. Most sources including the [[Master Unit List]] state that it was introduced in [[2782]]. The | + | * There are contradicting dates for the introduction of the ''Behemoth''. Most sources including the [[Master Unit List]] state that it was introduced in [[2782]]. The writeup for Krester's Ship Construction in ''The Star League'' (p. 165) states that the first prototypes of the ''Behemoth'' and the ''[[Mammoth]]'' made their maiden flights in 2658, yet prototypes were stolen in 2650 already, causing fears of the designs being reverse-engineered. What was stolen in 2650 were thus presumably unfinished hulls or preliminary design stage prototypes, and not yet complete vessels; the prototypes which made their maiden flights in 2658 may have been later prototypes that were built after the earlier prototypes were stolen. It would appear the design underwent further changes and was only properly finalized in 2782. |
| − | + | *When the ''Behemoth'' was introduced to the [[BattleTech]] universe, the construction/space travel rules postulated that a DropShip required two docking hardpoints for every 60,000 tons (or fraction thereof) of mass to dock with a JumpShip. Consequently, the ''Behemoth'', the only DropShip massing over 60,000 tons, was said to take up the space for two vessels when docked to a JumpShip.<br /> Under current rules (''[[Strategic Operations]]''), a hardpoint can dock DropShips up to 100,000 tons. From the context, it could be argued that the ''Behemoth'' does not actually need two hardpoints (and can thus be carried on a JumpShip with only a single hardpoint, in accordance with the rules), but would block an adjacent hardpoint on some JumpShips due to its sheer size. | |
| − | * When the ''Behemoth'' was introduced to the [[BattleTech]] universe, the construction/space travel rules postulated that a DropShip required two docking hardpoints for every 60,000 tons (or fraction thereof) of mass to dock with a JumpShip. Consequently, the ''Behemoth'', the only DropShip massing over 60,000 tons, was said to take up the space for two vessels when docked to a JumpShip.<br /> Under current rules (''[[Strategic Operations]]''), a hardpoint can dock DropShips up to 100,000 tons. From the context, it could be argued that the ''Behemoth'' does not actually need two hardpoints (and can thus be carried on a JumpShip with only a single hardpoint, in accordance with the rules), but would block an adjacent hardpoint on some JumpShips due to its sheer size. | + | * Similarly, the structural weakness of the ''Behemoth'' and the danger of stress cracks is not reflected in any actual game rules but might be represented by the Weak Structure quirk. |
| − | + | * Though the design cannot operate in a dense atmosphere nor endure high gravity, it is still technically able of landing on low gravity planetoids or installations in (near-)vacuum, and therefore includes landing legs. The deployed legs are clearly visible in the ship's picture on p. 64 of ''DropShips and JumpShips''. | |
| − | * Similarly, the structural weakness of the ''Behemoth'' and the danger of stress cracks | + | * In German products the unit's proper name was altered to '''Leviathan'''. This creates a potential mix-up with the ''[[Leviathan (WarShip class)|Leviathan]]'' class of [[WarShip]]s that was introduced later. |
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| − | * Though the design cannot operate in a dense atmosphere nor endure high gravity, it is still technically | ||
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| − | * In German products | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| − | Behemoth DSJS.png| | + | File:Behemoth DSJS.png|Illustration of ''Behemoth'' from ''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' |
| − | Behemoth | + | Image:Behemoth dropship.jpg|Original ''Behemoth'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3057|TRO:3057]]'' |
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | * ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets | + | *''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' |
| − | + | *''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' | |
| − | * ''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' | + | *''[[Handbook: House Liao]]'' |
| − | * ''[[Handbook: House Liao]]'' | + | *''[[Strategic Operations]]'' |
| − | * ''[[ | + | *''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' |
| − | * ''[[ | + | *''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]'' |
| − | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' | + | *''[[The Star League]]'' |
| − | * ''[[ | ||
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[[Category:DropShip classes]] | [[Category:DropShip classes]] | ||