Buccaneer (DropShip class)
Sarna News
| 191px | |
| Buccaneer | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Various |
| Use | Cargo Carrier |
| Type | Civilian Aerodyne |
| Tech Base | Inner Sphere |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 3,500 tons |
| Structural Integrity | |
| Length | 136.5 meters meters |
| Width | meters |
| Height | meters |
| Drive System | Magna Corp. VX250B |
| Safe Thrust | |
| Max Thrust | |
| Fuel (tons) | |
| Fuel (days) | |
| Armament | * 1 Large Laser
|
| Armor | 13 tons standard |
| Crew | 12 |
| Heat Sinks | 58 |
| BV (1.0) | 998 |
- This article is about the DropShip. For the Word of Blake 'Mech, see Buccaneer (BattleMech).
Contents
Description
First produced in 2708, the Buccaneer was originally conceived as a replacement for the aging Lion Class, but failed to secure a contract with the SLDF as a BattleMech transport when the superior Union Class appeared. The design was modified into a cargo carrier, proving extremely popular due to it's fuel efficent aerodyne structure, landing gear suitable for even unpaved terrain, and fast unloading and deployment speed by civilian standards. The crew accomidations also contribue, with spacious single occupancy rooms and excellent mess and recreation facilities. While not as efficent as the larger Mule Class, it's versatility and profitabilty has ensured the Buccaneer is an extremely common design.
Armament
The Buccaneer's armament and armor is light for a military vessel, contributing to it's loss against the Union Class, but more than suitable for a merchant craft. The design features a single Large Laser and LRM-5 with 1 ton of ammunition in the nose, backed up by two forward facing Medium Lasers on each wing, with a further two facing aft in the body.
Cargo
The Buccaneer is capable of carrying 2,300 tons in it's three cargo holds, with two main bays running the length of the craft capable of storing 1000 tons each and directly accessable by large cargo doors on either side of the ship, with a third 300 ton bay split into multiple decks located above the transit drive.
Variants
A popular and common design in the Inner Sphere, the Buccaneer has numerous variants. Some split each main cargo bay in two, allowing the craft to carry 38 light combat vehicles, though Buccaneer lacks suitable crew quarters. The most common among mercenaries, the Draconis Combine and Federated Suns reduces the Buccaneer's cargo capacity by 30 tons, exchange for adding six tons of armor, a PPC and LRM-10 to the nose, a Large Laser on each wing, along with two extra tons of LRM ammunition. This modification allows the Bucccaneer increased defense when used in hostile landing zones.