Pocket Empires
Imperial Modular Cutter
Mark Bridgeman

In order to fit so much into such a small yet versatile hull, and to allow it to be used with standard 30 ton modules (available all over the Imperium and beyond) this version of the modular cutter has reduced fuel capacity (3 weeks instead of 4) and a slightly smaller thruster installed (3G instead of 4G), there are a variety of modules available, from the 30 Ton ATV module, the Fuel Module and the Open or customisable module, other common modules are included below.

Class: Small Craft                 Ep Output: 2.0
Tech Level: 9                      Agility: 1
Size: (small 50 Tons)              Initiative: 1
Streamlining: Streamlined.         AC: 12 
Jump Range: None                   Repulsors: None
Acceleration 3G                    Nuclear Dampers: None
Fuel 2.0 Tons (Liquid Hydrogen)    Meson Screens: None
Duration: 3 weeks                  Black Globes: None
Crew: 2                            AR: 0
Staterooms: none                   SI: 85
Small Cabins: 2                    Main Computer: Model 2
Bunks: 0                           Sensor Range: Close (model 1)
Couches: 0                         Comm. Range: Close (model 1)
Low Berths: 0         
Cargo Space: 1 x 30 Ton Module     Cost: Mcr 22.45 (Mcr 17.96 in Quantity)
Atmospheric speeds                 Noe= 275 kph
Cruising = 825 kph                 Maximum = 1100 kph

Other Equipment: 

Design Worksheet.

Installed Component        Tonnage    MCR    Ep      Notes.

Hull                        +50          5.0    ----    Cylinder
Upgrade Streamlining        ----         0.25   ----    Streamlined
Bridge                      10.0         0.25   ----    Crew 2
Computer                     0.2         5.8    ----    Model 2
Avionics                     0.8        (1.8)   ----    Model 2
Sensors                      0.3        (0.6)   ----    Model 1
Commo                        0.2        (0.5)   ----    Model 1
M-Drive                      4.0         2.0    -1.5    3G
Power Plant                  3.0         9.0    +2.0    Fusion Tl-9
Fuel 3 weeks                 1.5        ----    ----    Liquid Hydrogen 
(reactor)
Hardpoint                   ----         0.1    ----    1 Hardpoint
Fuel Scoops                 ----         0.05
Module Space                30.0        ----    ----    Cost Depends on Module
Cargo                        0.0        ----    ----    

Totals                      50.0        22.45     1.5    

Excess Power = 0.5

Original T4 Design: Lewis Roberts.

Design Adapted for T20, by Mark Bridgeman.

(Cost does not include any modules see below)

Other modules

Naval, Gun boat module

Installed Component Tonnage MCR Ep Notes
Cylinder Hull +30 3 ---- module shell
Bridge 6 0.150 ---- Command & Control
Computer 0.6 35.2 2.0 Model 4 fib
Sensors 1.2 (2.4) ---- Long Range model 4
Communications 0.8 (2.0) ---- Long Range model 4
Power Plant 3.0 9.0 +2.0 Fusion Plant
Fuel 2.0 ---- ---- 4 weeks
1 x Triple Turret ---- 1.0 ----
Missile Racks x 3 1.0 2.25 ---- USP=02 (2d6)
Small Cabins x 6 12 3.0 ----
Missile Magazine 3.0 0.300 ---- 120 missiles: 60 Rounds
Cargo 0.4 ---- ----
Totals 30 53.9 2.0
43.12 in quantity

Detail: This module turns the cutter into an effective gun ship, its upgraded sensors and longer range communicator can serve as back ups to the basic systems installed on the cutter itself or supplant them, the module needs a crew of 2 (1 x gunner, 1 x commander). The commander's function is to liase and co-ordinate with the flight crew. Small marine boarding parties can also be carried hence the 6 small staterooms normally double occupied (except for the commander) typical load out is as follows (1 pilot, 1 gunner, 1 commander, up to 8 marines), the small cabins contain a small galley/crew room. The commander in the module forgoes the need to have a commander on the flight deck. Crews of this type of module are famous for their love of boarding inspections (they'll do anything to get out of the cramped conditions aboard).

Marine Assault module

Installed Component Tonnage MCR Ep Notes
Cylinder Hull +30 3 ---- module shell
Acceleration couch x 40 20 0.5 ----
Cargo 10.0 ---- ----
Totals 30 3.5 ----
2.8 in quantity

Detail: The Marine Assault Module is designed to ferry up to 40 fully equipped marines in combat armour or battle dress from an orbiting assault ship to a ground destination, and release them quickly it also has ample room to stow needed equipment and supplies. The acceleration couches can feed air & water into the marine's battledress until they reach the drop zone where their own suit supplies will take over. This is also handy if the module suffers explosive decompression.

Mercantile (cargo) module

Installed Component Tonnage MCR Ep Notes
Cylinder Hull +30 3 ---- module shell
Cargo 30.0 ---- ---- Cargo Hold
Totals 30 3.5 ----
2.8 in quantity

Detail: This module is designed with the merchant in mind, it contains two cargo locks (1 port and 1 starboard) and a floor mounted cargo lift to make loading and unloading relatively easy. Its hold is split into two 15-ton decks an upper and a lower deck.

Ground Command module

Installed Component Tonnage MCR Ep Notes
Cylinder Hull +30 3 ---- module shell
Bridge 6 0.150 ---- Command & Control
Computer 0.6 9.0 1.0- Model 3 fib
Communications 0.6 (1.5) ---- Medium Range model 3
Power Plant 1.5 4.5 +1.0 Fusion Plant
Fuel 1.0 ---- ---- 4 weeks
Small Cabins x 6 12 3.0 ----
Missile Magazine 3.0 0.300 ---- 120 missiles: 60 Rounds
Cargo 5.3 ---- ----
Totals 30 19.5 1.0
15.96 in quantity

Detail: The Ground command module is often used by infantry (marines, army or mercenaries alike) as a forward command unit close to the combat zone, its computer systems have been hardened against radiation damage and its long range communicator is sufficient to gain and send telemetry/data to ships in orbit. The module has no sensors of its own, because it relies on broadcast information from sensors/recon unit close to the front. Its life support is completely sealed rendering the module immune from the effects of a biological or chemical attack. Normal operations call for the module to be dropped at a specific location and left there whilst the cutter returns to orbit for further modules, such as troop garrison modules and any other equipment needed to set up a military camp.

Scout, survey module

Installed Component Tonnage MCR Ep Notes
Cylinder Hull +30 3 ---- module shell
Bridge 6 0.150 ---- Command & Control
Computer 0.6 17.6 2.0 Model 4
Sensors 1.2 (2.4) ---- Long Range model 4
Communications 0.8 (2.0) ---- Long Range model 4
Power Plant 3.0 9.0 +2.0 Fusion Plant
Fuel 2.0 ---- ---- 4 weeks
Small Cabins x 6 12 3.0 ----
Cargo 4.4 ---- ----
Totals 30 32.75 2.0
26.2 in quantity

Detail: This module is normally used by the Imperial Scout Service to turn the cutter into a survey platform, though not as good as a larger dedicated survey cruiser, the improved sensor resolution and longer range communication subsystem are certainly an improvement over the standard scout courier and can be used independently of the modular cutters own sensors, communications and computer systems. These modules are designed to accommodate 4 scout surveyors/2 flight crew in relative luxury (a small cabin each and associated crew lounge) the bridge space is the survey command and control centre through which the scout commander gives instructions to the flight crew. These modules are also fully self-contained and can be dropped at location by the cutter, simply to drift or indeed in an established orbit of the target object/destination world. It is normally packed with supplies, life support and fuel to accommodate a 4-week survey. The increased sensor and commo ranges/resolution (model 4) is possible due to the fact that the commo/sensor array actually unfolds from the hull, thus artificially exaggerating the hull length and hence the distance of any mounted sensors, whilst this increases sensor resolution it has one unfortunate side effect, it makes the hull seem bigger to active sensors that would scan it and return a hull size of 40 tons displacement. Also the folding array cannot be used within atmospheres, unless the module is grounded, as wind resistance would simply rip it off. In circumstances like this the array can still be used (though unfolded but sensor resolution and would fall to model 3 at best)

Further survey modules can be deployed at other locations within range, allowing accurate triangulation of target locations and the sharing of information via the commo links.

Fuel module

Installed Component Tonnage MCR Ep Notes
Cylinder Hull +30 3 ---- module shell
Fuel Hold 30 ---- ----
Totals 30 3 ----
2.4 in quantity

The basic fuel module found throughout imperial space, it is un-powered and relies on the fuel scoops built into the cutters hull for collection of the fuel; it would then need to be purified later aboard the parent vessel.

Fuel refining module

Installed Component Tonnage MCR Ep Notes
Cylinder Hull +30 3 ---- module shell
Fuel processor 6.0 0.32 ---- Purifies
Fuel Hold 24 ---- ---- 24 tons.
Totals 30 3.32 ----
2.656 in quantity

As the basic fuel module, though this one draws power from the parent craft and refines the fuel as it goes, (very quickly) as it has capacity to refine 200 tons in 8 Hours, hence a full load of cutter fuel of 24 tons would take 58 minutes, allowing a fast turnaround in fuelling operations.

ATV module

Installed Component Tonnage MCR Ep Notes
Cylinder Hull +30 3 ---- module shell
ATV Hold 30 1.0 ---- 2 X 15 Ton ATV volume
Totals 30 4.0 ----
3.2 in quantity

This module is designed to accommodate up to 15 tons of ATV in a spacious hanger, to allow easy access for repair and maintenance. The module comes equipped with a grapple (controlled from either the flight deck or the ATV) designed to pick and drop the ATV with the modular cutter hovering above it (within 50 meters). Ideal for un-streamlined military or mercenary vessels the commanders of which need the ability to place a vehicle on the ground on a regular basis, less commonly used by civilians.

Open module

Installed Component Tonnage MCR Ep Notes
Cylinder Hull +30 3 ---- module shell
Customisable Interior 30 1.0 ----
Totals 30 4.0 ----
3.2 in quantity

The standard Open Module, which can be customised to include staterooms plush passenger accommodations, fuel, cargo space or anything else that's desired. This module can also be configured to serve as a troop garrison module in which case it would be nothing more than a large dormitory.

 


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