Unreviewed Gauntlet Mark III Fighter-Transport

[Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr]

Gauntlet Mark III Fighter-Transport
Small Variant
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OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create another version of the Iconic Mandalorian Gauntlet Class Fighter-Transport optimized for use by the Mandalorian Protectors and Clan Sandyr.
• Image Source: Here, altered with Gemini AI
• Canon Link: Wookiepedia
• Permissions: N/A
• Primary Source: N/A
  • Template inspiration from Aether Systems

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Mando-De'Loren Multi Atmospherics
• Affiliation: Mandalorian Empire, Mandalorian Protectors, Clan Sandyr
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: Gauntlet Mark III Fighter-Transport
• Production: Minor

• Material:

· Hulll Plating: Doonium, Duranium, Durasteel

· Internal Structure: Aluminium, Duralloy, Duraplast

· Additional: Chromalloy, Quadanium, Transparisteel

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Heavy Fighter-Bomber, Assault Fighter, Combat Transport, Drop Ship, Patrol Vessel, Gunboat
• Length: 30 meters
• Width: 26 meters
• Height: 12 meters
• Armament: High
  • 1x MS-2B Twin Laser Cannon, Forward firing in nose
  • 2x Typhon Rotary Cannons, Forward firing on wingtips
  • 2x M.I. Model 76 Ion Cannons, Forward firing on wingtips
  • 1x EM-1919 Paired Repeating Laser Cannon , Rear firing
  • 3x Variable Ordinance Launchers, 2 forward 1 rear, 6 missiles each
• Defenses: High
  • Enhanced Carbon-Durasteel Armor
  • AR-0B Damage Reduction Armor Component
  • Antimissile Octet
  • Kirishima Cap Drains
  • Lock-Threat Warning System
  • 2x Missile Deactivation Transmitters
• Squadron Count: None
• Maneuverability Rating: High
• Speed Rating: High
• Hyperdrive: Yes-Class 1.0 (backup class 10.0)
• Additional Information and Logistics
• Crew: 1-min, 3-optimal, 9 max, 1-Astromech Droid
• Passengers: Up to 24 Drop troopers, 6-Droids
• Cargo Capacity: 15 Metric Tons, 2-speeders
• Consumables: 60 Standard Days

STANDARD FEATURES

General Systems

• Acceleration Compensator
• Antishock Field
• 'Bes'jah'ad'ika' Damage Control System
• 'Btare Ar' Life Support System
• C-N:FA01, Navigation System
• Codebreaker
• Containment Shield
• DPU7 Heat Sink
• M.I. Fire Suppression System
• 'Ori'karbakar' Advanced Hyperdrive-Navicomputer Module
• SF-12 Capacitor Component
• Standard Starship Systems

Shielding and Hull Plating Systems

• Atmospheric-Friction Shield
• Deflector Plates
• 2x GalaxyGuard Mk. VII shield boosters
• Heat Dispersion Vents
• Ramp Entry Security System
• RK-250 Repair System
• Santhe "Aegis" Adaptive Hull System

Sensor & Communication Systems

• STS-84 Artemis Targeting & Sensor System
• Broadcast Relay
• C-3a "Mercury" Class Communications Suite
• Com-Scan
• Holotransmitter
• Hyperwave Transceiver
• M.I. Scan-Jam Package
• OrC-19 Com-Scan Integrator Console
• Telesponder

Engineering & Hyperdrive Systems

• 4x SRB42 Sublight Engines paired in each wing root
• Accu-Accelerator
• K1-RF Workbench Droid
• NZ OS-HD3 Hyperdrive System
• Power Loop Capacitor
• 7085 Ionization Reactor
• Warp Vortex Stabilizer

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• AH 1701 Gyrocomputer
• 2x C5 Tractor Beam Emitter
• Drop-Seat Bay
• 3x Galaxy Guard Mk. VII
• Hyperwave Signal Interceptor
• L-41C Weapon Power Converter
• SE-JA-4 Sensor Jammer
• NZ SLAB-01 SubLight AfterBurner
• NZ AIMS-01 Active Internal Maneuverability System

STRENGTHS

Fast and Maneuverable: Designed with rotating wings and vectored jets, the Gauntlet, while being a heavy fighter is just as agile as many much smaller less well armed fighters and is also blistering fast in both atmosphere and realspace. Internal dampeners and mitigation systems allow the airframe to withstand the stresses of tight and drastic maneuvers and high g acceleration.

Heavily Armed: Unlike its larger brother, the gauntlet does not have to trade offence for defense. The usual compliment of cannons and missiles would be respectable enough but the Gauntlet's armaments are augmented by a pair of rapid fire rotary cannons upping the ante and enabling it to put out a blistering volume of laser and ion firepower that can obliterate fighters and shred aCorvette's shields.

Multi-Role Capable: Designed to carry out multiple functions. This ship can capably serve as a Fighter, Bomber, Gunship, Transport, Dropship or Patrol Craft. Its dual ordinance launchers and laser cannons can provide ground support and its modest cargo capacity can offload support ground equipment to the troops it has landed. With its standard crew it has the endurance for multi day patrols and the capacity to operate unsupported.

Modular Drop-Seat Bay: This bay contains a troop rack that can rapidly deploy up to twenty-four Mandalorians warriors along with their equipment via a ventral hatch for ground assault or extra-atmospheric boarding operations. The bay is also modular and can be converted to accommodate crew, passenger and/or prisoner accommodation, technical space, deployable ordinance, cargo or a combination thereof. Changing configuration will take a few hours at a ground facility and converting the space for cargo will increase cargo capacity by 25 tons.

Advanced SLAM Capability: Is equipped with a SLAB-01 SubLight AfterBurner and AIMS-01 Active Internal Maneuverability System by the N&Z Umbrella Corporation which in tandem will allow the vessel to temporarily increase or decrease its speed rating by one to two ratings at the cost of decreasing or decreasing its maneuverability by the corresponding rating.


WEAKNESSES

Larger Than a Starfighter: The Gauntlet is large for a fighter being roughly twice as long as an ARC-170 making it a large target for a fighter and an easier target to hit during a dogfight.

Rotating Wings: Being able to independently tilt the wings vertically and horizontally as well as rotate them around the circumference of the main hull is a testament to Mandalorian innovativeness but it is by its nature a complicated piece of engineering susceptible to combat damage and increases maintenance. Significant damage to the wings structural components can render the vessel incapable of articulating its wings which could significantly reduce the maneuverability of the craft.

Weak Rear Defensive Coverage: With but a single rearward firing cannon the vessels rear is weakly defended from pursuing hostile craft and if outnumbered its lack of rearward firepower can place it at a distinct disadvantage in a sustained dogfight.

Limited Capacity: Although the Gauntlet is able to carry out the function of a troop and cargo transport it can only carry limited amounts of either. Its troop-carrying capacity limits its ability to small deployment of generally elite strike teams for limited ground or boarding actions and then the troops can only remain boarded for a limited amount of time as there are inadequate facilities for an extended stay as the embarked troops must remain in their seats during transit. Likewise, even when kitted out in full cargo configuration, its capacity is anemic compared to a dedicated transport.

Drop-Seat Bay: Another feat of Mandalorian engineering and like the variable wings the tactical advantages it bestows comes at a cost. The bay door mechanisms add complexity which adds to the maintenance burden and introduces a weak point into the hull. If sufficiently damaged the doors can become inoperable thereby preventing launch and recovery or worse fail entirely and essentially create a breach in the hull.

Restricted Squadron Size: The size of the craft and the design of the articulating wings reduce the logistical size of a squadron of Gauntlet Fighters to one making them unsuited for internal transport by larger vessels.


DESCRIPTION

This model, branded the 'Gauntlet' to differentiate it from its siblings, is the smaller variant of the venerable Kom'rk-Class Fighter-Transport and is sometimes referred to as the Mark III. Like its larger brother and in typical MDL fashion the basic design has been modernized and improved to bring its systems up to current standards and its capabilities have been fine-tuned to better meet the needs of the Mandalorian Protectors and fill a neche where the larger craft would not be optimal. The ships hyperdrive is now state of the art allowing it to rapidly deploy to all sectors of Mandalorian space and to quickly jump into and out of hyperspace enabling the craft to quickly engage in attacks and just as quickly disengage if the odds become unfavorable.

Maintaining all the advantages of its shared design the Gauntlet has been engineered to be more offensively orientated. Rather than classify it as a scaled down Kom'rk it would be more accurate to label it a scaled-up Fang. As quick and agile as its smaller cousin it is considerably better armed. Its placement between the Fang and full sized Kom'rk allows it to assume the role of a fighter while retaining the flexibility of a larger vessel.

It is still of sufficient size for sustained patrols and the modularity of its troop bay allows it to be adapted to best fit the task at hand whether that task is acting alone far from home or operating as a part of a larger unit. Unlike many protectorate vessels that are designed with law enforcement in mind, the Gauntlet is fully capable of battlefield operations. Its low frontal silhouette helps to mitigate its size disadvantage in a dogfight; its firepower is concentrated and overwhelming allowing it to perform the tasks associated with an Assault fighter and its shields are comprehensive and robust. When not required for combat it is fully capable of preforming the myriad mundane logistical tasks necessary to maintain police operations within and along the borders of Mandalorian controlled space.

For logistical simplicity the Gauntlet shares the same engines, hyperdrive, powerplant and many other internal systems with its sibling. Most importantly it has enough internal capacity to equip the Umbrella Corporation's SLAB and AIMS systems to drastically improve its speed or maneuverability, albeit temporarily, to extreme levels thereby enabling the vessel to perform evasive maneuvers matching or even superseding, the nimblest of fighters. Its communication and Sensor suites are comprehensive and capable. And while not luxurious or particularly roomy, the fit and finish and the attention to detail that is the hallmark of MDL, makes this a comfortable ship to serve on and maintain.

As the Gauntlet sits in the sweet spot between a fighter and a corvette, MDl has designed a module insert that transforms the drop bay area into a command suite consisting of VIP and staff quarters and enhanced communications capabilities that will allow this variant, colloquially referred to as the Wardenate Diplomatic Barge to operate as a personal transport or command center for high-ranking Military, Government or Clan officials. This model often has the rotary cannons removed and stronger shields installed reducing its Armaments rating by one and increasing its defensive rating by one.