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Difference between revisions of "Scout (JumpShip class)"

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{{otheruses|the JumpShip class|other uses|Scout}}
 
{{InfoBoxJumpShip
 
{{InfoBoxJumpShip
| image = Scout.gif
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| image = Scout JS TRO3057r.png
| Name = Scout Class JumpShip
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| Name = ''Scout''
| Manufacturer = *[[Irian Technologies]],
+
| Manufacturer = [[Alliance Aerospace Group]]<ref name="FM:3145p187">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 187: "Magistracy of Canopus"</ref>
*[[Ioto Galactic Enterprises]],
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----[[Dharma HyperSpace]]<ref name=DS&JSp15>''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary'', p. 15: "JumpShip and DropShip Manufacturers"</ref><br>
*[[Dharma HyperSpace]]
+
----[[Ioto Galactic Enterprises]]<ref name=DS&JSp15/><br>
 +
----[[Irian Naval Systems|Irian Technologies]]<ref name=DS&JSp15/>
 
| Use = Exploration/Military
 
| Use = Exploration/Military
 
| Cost = 300,000,000 C-Bills
 
| Cost = 300,000,000 C-Bills
 
| Introduced = [[2712]]
 
| Introduced = [[2712]]
 
| Tech Base = Star League
 
| Tech Base = Star League
| Mass = between 75,000 and 90,000 tons
+
| Mass = 90,000 tons
 
| Length = 273 meters
 
| Length = 273 meters
 +
| Sail Diameter = 890 meters
 +
| Fuel = 46 tons (460)
 +
| Drive System = K-F Mark IIb
 +
| Burn Rate = 9.77
 
| Top Thrust = 0.2 Gs
 
| Top Thrust = 0.2 Gs
 +
| Sail Integrity = 3
 +
| KF Drive Integrity = 3
 
| LF Battery = None
 
| LF Battery = None
 
| Armament = None
 
| Armament = None
 
| Armor = 40 tons
 
| Armor = 40 tons
 
| DropShip Capacity = 1
 
| DropShip Capacity = 1
| Crew = 17 crew, 1 AeroSpace Pilot
+
| Crew = 18<ref name=TRO3057R>''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 92: "''Scout'' JumpShip Profile"</ref><ref name="BSs51">''BattleSpace'' sourcebook, p. 51</ref><br/>
 +
* 3 Officers
 +
* 15 Enlisted
 +
----
 +
(Crew Types)<ref name="BSr63">''BattleSpace'' rulebook, p. 63</ref><br/>
 +
*1 Pilot <br />
 +
*1 Engineer <br />
 +
*4 Secondary Engineers
 +
* 1 Aerospace / Small Craft pilot<ref name=DS&JSp17>''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary'', p. 17 </ref><br>
 +
----
 +
Bay Personnel: 5<ref name=TRO3057R/>
 
| Grav Decks = None
 
| Grav Decks = None
 
| Escape Pods/Life Boats = None
 
| Escape Pods/Life Boats = None
| Heat Sinks = 0 + 121
+
| Heat Sinks = 158 (single)
| BV (1.0) = ???
+
| Structural Integrity = 1
 +
| BV (1.0) = 560<ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 264</ref>
 +
| BV (2.0) =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
The ''Scout'' class is the smallest [[JumpShip]] class still in common use. Its small carrying capacity (only one [[DropShip]]) means that it is primarily used for military operations or exploration - the maintenance costs are too prohibitive for it to be viable commercially. It does, however, possess up-to-date medical and recreation facilities and the bridge is quite modern by comparison to larger class vessels.
+
The ''Scout'' class is the smallest [[JumpShip]] class still in common use. Its small carrying capacity (only one [[DropShip]]) means that it is primarily used for military operations or exploration. Due to the high cost of Jumpship operation, it is generally not desirable as a commercial hauler. Another notable drawback is the lack of a [[Grav Deck]]; the ''Scout'' can only produce gravity through acceleration, which requires large amounts of fuel.
 +
 
 +
However, there are also numerous benefits to the ''Scout'' design. The first is its tiny emergence signature which is difficult to detect, making the ship ideal for reconnaissance and surprise raids.<ref name=TRO3057R/><ref name=TRO3057>''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 94: "Scout"</ref> The second is that it takes only 80% of the normal time required to quick-charge a ''Scout'' over an average-sized JumpShip. The third is that the [[docking collar]] is reinforced, allowing the ''Scout'' to thrust at 0.1 Gs acceleration even with a DropShip attached, provided that the DropShip is less than 25,000 tons in mass; without a DropShip, the ''Scout'' can accelerate at 0.2 Gs. The fourth is that the [[Jump Sail]] requires only 90% of the time to unfurl/furl compared to a larger sail and is less susceptible to rips and other forms of damage.  
  
There are several benefits to the ''Scout'' design. The first is its tiny emergence signature which is difficult to detect, making the ship ideal for reconnaissance and surprise raids. The second is that it takes only 80% of the normal time required to quick-charge a ''Scout'' over an average-sized JumpShip. The third is that the [[docking collar]] is reinforced, allowing the ''Scout'' to thrust at 0.1 Gs acceleration even with a DropShip attached, provided that the DropShip is less than 25,000 tons in mass; without a DropShip, the Scout can accelerate at 0.2 Gs. And the fourth is that the [[Jump Sail]] (which requires only 90% of the time to unfurl/furl compared to a larger sail) is less susceptible to rips and other forms of damage.  
+
The ''Scout'' features up-to-date medical and recreation facilities and notably comfortable quarters for 17 crew and an additional aerospace pilot. The bridge is quite modern in comparison to larger vessels. Finally, it is equipped with backup generators that can power the life support system for three months if the main fusion power plant fails.
  
 
==Armament==
 
==Armament==
These vessels do not, by default, possess any weapons. There is a small craft bay, however, that can support [[Small Craft]] of up to 150 tons, and it is likely that a ''Scout'' will have a single [[AeroSpace Fighter]] to ward off attackers.
+
This vessel does not feature any weapons. It is totally dependent on its DropShip for protection. Even then, the ''Scout'' is generally better served by the Inner Sphere custom of not attacking JumpShips.
  
 
==Cargo==
 
==Cargo==
Depending on the exact variant and subtype, the ''Scout'' can carry up to 450 tons of cargo in the cargo section. Other sources suggest it typically carries 900 tons of spare parts and has 116.5 tons of regular cargo space.
+
Depending on the source material the stated cargo capacity of the ''Scout'' is wildly inconsistent, ranging from only 26 tons to well over 1000 tons (see Variants below).
 +
 
 +
The ''Scout'' has a [[small craft bay]] that can accommodate one vessel, either a [[small craft]] or alternatively an [[aerospace fighter]].<ref name=DS&JSp17>''DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary'', p. 17 </ref>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
Numerous minor variations of the standard ''Scout'' class are known. Different sources suggest a different mass for the ''Scout'' class, ranging from 75,000 tons ([[AeroTech]] rulebook) through 79,000 tons (most other sources) up to 90,000 ton ([[Technical Readout 3057]]); these might well be different variants.
+
Numerous variations of the ''Scout'' have been described in various sources, with a range of different masses and cargo capacity. Although they all describe the ''Scout'' as a relatively tiny 273-meter long JumpShip with a single docking hardpoint, there are significant differences among these descriptions owing to the inconsistent, contradictory, and often erroneous application of different rulesets at different times; such discrepancies may be viewed as legacy issues from earlier rulesets when JumpShip construction rules were not yet fully fleshed out, if at all.
  
The capabilities of the ''Scout'' changed over time (due to changes in the construction rules for JumpShips, and slight differences in various sources) which could be assumed to represent different subvariants; some or all of there restrictions may or may not be associated with the aforementioned 75,000, 79,000 or 90,000 ton versions or apply to any individual ''Scout'' class ship:
+
*75,000 ton version with 121 heat sinks, unspecified cargo capacity (if any) (''[[AeroTech]]'')
*Some descriptions claim its Hardpoint cannot dock DropShips massing more than 25,000 tons. ''(A point that is not supported by rules.)''
+
*79,000 ton version with 121 heat sinks, cargo capacity 450 tons (''[[DropShips and JumpShips|DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary]]'')  
*One source ''[Page Reference?]'' claims that DropShips require one Hardpoint for every 60,000 tons of mass, which means by extension that very large DropShips are not allowed to dock with the ''Scout'' as it has only a single Hardpoint. ''(This was a [[BattleSpace]] ruling that has been superseded implicitly by Aerotech 2nd Edition, and finally explicitly codified in Tech Manual.)''
+
*79,000 ton version with 158 heat sinks, cargo capacity 450 tons (''[[BattleSpace]]'' rulebook)
*Finally, it has been reported that the ''Scout'' cannot use its maneuvering thrusters when docked with a DropShip exceeding 25,000 tons in mass. ''(Another point not represented in any rules.)''
+
*90,000 ton version with 158 heat sinks, cargo capacity 26 tons (''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'')
(In a similar fashion, there are no game rules for the other advantages associated with the Scout class, namely faster quick-charging and reduced sail deployment time.)
+
*90,000 ton version with 158 heat sinks, cargo capacity 100 (written) or 1,037.5 tons (stats) (''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]''). Under the Total Warfare ruleset this is likely the fully rules-compliant version, since it can be assumed that the 100-ton number is due to most of the 1037.5-ton cargo bay being taken up by spare parts and various supplies. Note that even then, the ''Scout'' is still equipped with 67 tons' worth of extra heat sinks that it absolutely does not need.
 +
 
 +
Earlier rules from ''[[BattleSpace]]'' stated that DropShips required one hardpoint for every 60,000 tons (or fraction thereof) of mass for docking, which meant by extension that very large DropShips were not allowed to dock with the ''Scout'' as it has only a single hardpoint. This rule was omitted in ''[[AeroTech 2]]'', and was finally explicitly made obsolete in the [[TechManual]] rules. The ''Scout'' therefore occupies the unusual position of being one of the few JumpShips that can potentially accommodate a DropShip larger than itself.
  
 
===Quetzalcoatl===
 
===Quetzalcoatl===
[[Image:Quetzalcoatl.jpg|left]]
+
One notable variant of the ''Scout'' class is the ''[[Quetzalcoatl (JumpShip class)|Quetzalcoatl-Scout]]'' refit that was first devised in [[2786]].<ref name=MUL>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/4885/quetzalcoatl-scout-jumpship-standard Master Unit List]: "Quetzalcoatl-Scout JumpShip (Standard)", ("Date Introduced")</ref> It replaces the docking collar with fighter cubicles, thereby enabling the ship to act as a fighter support carrier at the cost of its DropShip carrying capability. The first ship to undergo such a refit was the [[Capellan Confederation]]'s eponymous ''[[Quetzalcoatl (Individual Quetzalcoatl-class JumpShip)|Quetzalcoatl]]'', after it had suffered crippling damage to its docking hardpoint in an enemy boarding attempt. The refit proved successful and several other ships have been refitted in this way. The ''Quetzalcoatl''-subclass of the ''Scout'' is now considered a class unto its own.
'''Quetzalcoatl-Scout'''-class: One notable variant of the ''Scout'' class is a refit that was first made the [[Third Succession War]] era. The refit converts the cargo space and [[Docking collar|Docking collar/Hardpoint]] into 12 fighter cubicles, thereby enabling the ship to act as a fighter support carrier at the cost of its DropShip carrying capability. Operating the fighters in shifts has allowed such ships to maintain a fighter force of up to 20.
 
  
The first ship to undergo such a refit was the [[Capellan Confederation]]'s ''Quetzalcoatl'', after it suffered crippling damage to its Hardpoint in an enemy boarding attempt. Although the original ''Quetzalcoatl'' was destroyed in the [[Fourth Succession War]], the refit proved successful and several other ships have been refitted in this way. They are colloquially known as the ''Quetzalcoatl-Scout''-class.
+
==See Also==
 +
* [[:Category:Individual Scout-class JumpShips]]
 +
 
 +
==Gallery==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Image:Scout.png|Original ''Scout'' from ''[[DropShips and JumpShips|DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary]]''
 +
Image:Scout JS TRO3057r.png|''Scout'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3057|TRO:3057]]''
 +
Image:Quetzalcoatl.jpg|Image of variant ''Quetzalcoatl'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition|TRO:3026 revised]]''
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
* [[DropShips and JumpShips]] - pp 16-17
+
<references />
* [[Technical Readout 3057]] - pp 94-95
+
 
* [[BattleSpace]] rulebook - p. 51
+
==Bibliography==
* [[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]] - p. 23
+
* ''[[AeroTech]]''
* [[AeroTech]] rulebook - p. 60
+
* ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]''
 +
* ''[[BattleSpace]]''
 +
* ''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]''
 +
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
 +
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
 +
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]''
 +
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3057 Revised]]''
 +
 
  
[[Category:JumpShips]]
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[[Category:JumpShip classes|Scout]]

Latest revision as of 03:52, 1 April 2024

This article is about the JumpShip class. For other uses, see Scout.
Scout JS TRO3057r.png
Scout
Production information
Manufacturer Alliance Aerospace Group[1]
Dharma HyperSpace[2]

Ioto Galactic Enterprises[2]

Irian Technologies[2]
Use Exploration/Military
Tech Base Star League
Cost 300,000,000 C-Bills
Introduced 2712
Technical specifications
Mass 90,000 tons
Length 273 meters
Sail Diameter 890 meters
Fuel 46 tons (460)
Burn Rate 9.77
Top Thrust 0.2 Gs
Sail Integrity 3
KF Drive Integrity 3
LF Battery None
Armament None
Armor 40 tons
DropShip Capacity 1
Crew 18[3][4]
  • 3 Officers
  • 15 Enlisted

(Crew Types)[5]

  • 1 Pilot
  • 1 Engineer
  • 4 Secondary Engineers
  • 1 Aerospace / Small Craft pilot[6]

Bay Personnel: 5[3]

Grav Decks None
Escape Pods/Life Boats None
Heat Sinks 158 (single)
Structural Integrity 1
BV (1.0) 560[7]

Description[edit]

The Scout class is the smallest JumpShip class still in common use. Its small carrying capacity (only one DropShip) means that it is primarily used for military operations or exploration. Due to the high cost of Jumpship operation, it is generally not desirable as a commercial hauler. Another notable drawback is the lack of a Grav Deck; the Scout can only produce gravity through acceleration, which requires large amounts of fuel.

However, there are also numerous benefits to the Scout design. The first is its tiny emergence signature which is difficult to detect, making the ship ideal for reconnaissance and surprise raids.[3][8] The second is that it takes only 80% of the normal time required to quick-charge a Scout over an average-sized JumpShip. The third is that the docking collar is reinforced, allowing the Scout to thrust at 0.1 Gs acceleration even with a DropShip attached, provided that the DropShip is less than 25,000 tons in mass; without a DropShip, the Scout can accelerate at 0.2 Gs. The fourth is that the Jump Sail requires only 90% of the time to unfurl/furl compared to a larger sail and is less susceptible to rips and other forms of damage.

The Scout features up-to-date medical and recreation facilities and notably comfortable quarters for 17 crew and an additional aerospace pilot. The bridge is quite modern in comparison to larger vessels. Finally, it is equipped with backup generators that can power the life support system for three months if the main fusion power plant fails.

Armament[edit]

This vessel does not feature any weapons. It is totally dependent on its DropShip for protection. Even then, the Scout is generally better served by the Inner Sphere custom of not attacking JumpShips.

Cargo[edit]

Depending on the source material the stated cargo capacity of the Scout is wildly inconsistent, ranging from only 26 tons to well over 1000 tons (see Variants below).

The Scout has a small craft bay that can accommodate one vessel, either a small craft or alternatively an aerospace fighter.[6]

Variants[edit]

Numerous variations of the Scout have been described in various sources, with a range of different masses and cargo capacity. Although they all describe the Scout as a relatively tiny 273-meter long JumpShip with a single docking hardpoint, there are significant differences among these descriptions owing to the inconsistent, contradictory, and often erroneous application of different rulesets at different times; such discrepancies may be viewed as legacy issues from earlier rulesets when JumpShip construction rules were not yet fully fleshed out, if at all.

  • 75,000 ton version with 121 heat sinks, unspecified cargo capacity (if any) (AeroTech)
  • 79,000 ton version with 121 heat sinks, cargo capacity 450 tons (DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary)
  • 79,000 ton version with 158 heat sinks, cargo capacity 450 tons (BattleSpace rulebook)
  • 90,000 ton version with 158 heat sinks, cargo capacity 26 tons (Technical Readout: 3057)
  • 90,000 ton version with 158 heat sinks, cargo capacity 100 (written) or 1,037.5 tons (stats) (Technical Readout: 3057 Revised). Under the Total Warfare ruleset this is likely the fully rules-compliant version, since it can be assumed that the 100-ton number is due to most of the 1037.5-ton cargo bay being taken up by spare parts and various supplies. Note that even then, the Scout is still equipped with 67 tons' worth of extra heat sinks that it absolutely does not need.

Earlier rules from BattleSpace stated that DropShips required one hardpoint for every 60,000 tons (or fraction thereof) of mass for docking, which meant by extension that very large DropShips were not allowed to dock with the Scout as it has only a single hardpoint. This rule was omitted in AeroTech 2, and was finally explicitly made obsolete in the TechManual rules. The Scout therefore occupies the unusual position of being one of the few JumpShips that can potentially accommodate a DropShip larger than itself.

Quetzalcoatl[edit]

One notable variant of the Scout class is the Quetzalcoatl-Scout refit that was first devised in 2786.[9] It replaces the docking collar with fighter cubicles, thereby enabling the ship to act as a fighter support carrier at the cost of its DropShip carrying capability. The first ship to undergo such a refit was the Capellan Confederation's eponymous Quetzalcoatl, after it had suffered crippling damage to its docking hardpoint in an enemy boarding attempt. The refit proved successful and several other ships have been refitted in this way. The Quetzalcoatl-subclass of the Scout is now considered a class unto its own.

See Also[edit]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Field Manual: 3145, p. 187: "Magistracy of Canopus"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary, p. 15: "JumpShip and DropShip Manufacturers"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Technical Readout: 3057 Revised, p. 92: "Scout JumpShip Profile"
  4. BattleSpace sourcebook, p. 51
  5. BattleSpace rulebook, p. 63
  6. 6.0 6.1 DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary, p. 17
  7. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 264
  8. Technical Readout: 3057, p. 94: "Scout"
  9. Master Unit List: "Quetzalcoatl-Scout JumpShip (Standard)", ("Date Introduced")

Bibliography[edit]