Triter Zone
The Littlest Space Pirate
- 13-Z Light Freighter -
[ Image Source ]
Affiliation - Open market.
Manufacturer - Nova-Drive.
Modularity - Easily modified by operators.
Production - Mass-produced.
Material - Durasteel hull.
Classification - Light freighter.
Length - 45 meters.
Height - 10 meters.
Width - 30 meters.
Armament -
- 1x dorsal twin autoblaster turret.
- 2x ventral forward-firing autoblaster.
- 1x nose-mounted forward-firing light ion cannon.
- 2x external fuel pod.
- 1x dorsal sensor ring, incorporating a standard commercial grade sensor array.
- 2x freight-handling tractor beam emitter.
- 2x ventral docking ring, with extendable cofferdam and docking clamps.
- 2x 5-being escape pod.
- Many x re-configurable cargo bay/cabin partitions.
Speed Rating - 5.
Hyperdrive Class - 2.
Strengths -
- Aerodynamic hull-form allows for good atmospheric performance.
- Decent stock armament.
- Easily modified.
- Poor systems redundancy in stock configuration.
- Recessed cockpit view-port affords very little peripheral vision.
The Nova-Drive 13-Z is a light freighter designed as an update of the venerable "Z" line of products, which began centuries ago with the 3-Z, itself an update of the discontinued Corellian Engineering Corporation YT-1200 series.
Unlike its early ancestor, the 13-Z is an entirely original effort on the part of Nova-Drive. While it keeps the saucer-shaped profile the majority of light freighters have used since before the Clone Wars, it is notable for its clean, aerodynamic lines, which give it exceptional performance within a planetary atmosphere. The ship can carry 160 tons of cargo, and flies best with a crew of 2, 1 pilot and 1 navigator, though it only truly requires the single pilot. It can carry 8 passengers in stock configuration.
Decently armed, the 13-Z can protect itself with the use of two forward-firing heavy autoblaster cannons in the ventral hull, as well as a dorsal twin autoblaster turret concealed under a retractable dome. There is also a light ion cannon, firing from the nose of the vessel. Enemies and other objects are detected by a flush-mounted dorsal sensor ring, more aerodynamic than a traditional rectenna.
The 13-Z boasts an impressive range as well, made possible by the use of two high-volume external fuel tanks.
The 13-Z does have a number of faults, however. Having been built somewhat on the cheap, its stock systems function well, but lack redundancy; emergency backups, except where required by BoSS regulations, range from poor to nonexistent. One major example of this is the ship's single sublight drive engine; the 13-Z has no backup realspace propulsion of any kind, necessitating either a call for rescue or arduous in-flight repairs should the main engine fail.
The 13-Z also possesses a recessed cockpit view-port, which improves the vessel's aerodynamics, but cuts off the crew's peripheral vision; experienced 13-Z pilots will install monitors and hull cameras to cover blind spots.
As a selling point, the 13-Z is easy to modify, a major plus for many independent freighter operators, who enjoy adding their own personal touch to their ships. Shipboard systems are all easily accessible and highly modular, allowing for simple repairs and modification; many of the ship's internal partitions can also be adjusted or removed, enlarging cargo bays or adding cabin space as needed.
The 13-Z possesses two ventral docking rings, each with an integrated extendable cofferdam and docking clamps. The main ring, located in the center of the lower hull, is typically used to dock with ships of the same size or larger, while the second ring, smaller and located further back, is often used to attach small spacecraft to the vessel for transport, often light shuttles or small starfighters.
Development Thread - N/A.
Intent - To create a generic light freighter to serve as a background element in future RPs, as well as a ship for use by my character.
