Unreviewed Maridun-Meteor Class Q Carrier

[Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr]

Maridun-Meteor Class Q Carrier
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OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create an updated model of the old meteor Q-Carrier for the Mandalorian Protectors and Clan Sandyr.
• Image Source: Carth Antilles, re-imagined by me with GemeniAI
• Canon Link: Meteor-Class Q-Carrier
• Permissions: Breshig War Forge
• Primary Source: Meteor-Class Q-Carrier
  • Template inspiration from Aether Systems

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Mando-De'Loren Multi Atmospherics
• Affiliation: Mandalorian Empire, Mandalorian Protectors,
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: MDL Maridun-Meteor Class Q Carrier
• Production: Limited
• Material:
  • Hulll Plating: Beskar Doonium, Duranium, Durasteel
  • Internal Structure: Aluminium, Armorweave Duralloy, Duraplast, Plexalloy
  • Additional Material: Chromalloy, Plastic, Quadanium, Starfighter Components
  • Aesthetic Material: Amberine, Brass, Bronzium, Ebonite, Malachite, Nerf-Leather, Veshok Wood

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Dropship, Transport
• Length: 42.5 meters
• Width: 12.9 meters
• Height: 10 meters
  • Armament: High
  • 2x KV22 Heavy Laser Cannon, Forward Firing in chin turret
  • 2x Me/7 Double Laser Cannons, Rear Side Servo Turrets
  • 2x Variable Ordinance Launcher, Forward Firing
  • 4x F-Web Repeating Blaster, Retractable, Ground use only
• Defenses: Very High
  • Carbon-Durasteel Armor
  • Ballistic Chaff Launchers, 24 tubes
  • MJU-9G Flare Dispenser
  • 2x Missile Deactivation Transmitters
• Squadron Count: Low (8)
• Maneuverability Rating: Average
• Speed Rating: Average
• Hyperdrive: Yes-Class 2.0 (backup class 10.0)
• Additional Information and Logistics
• Crew: 1-Pilot, 1-Co-Pilot, 2-Gunners
• Passengers: Up to 330 (max) Troops standing / 100 seated configuration
• Cargo Capacity: 5 Metric Tons as Dropship, 60 tons as Transport
• Consumables: 1 Galactic Week

STANDARD FEATURES

General Systems

• Acceleration Compensator
• Antishock Field
• 'Bes'jah'ad'ika' Damage Control System
• 'Btare Ar' Life Support System
• Codebreaker
• Containment Shield
• HS-2300 Heat Sink
• HyD Modular Navicomputer
• NH-7 flight Control Avionics Package
• Standard Starship Systems

Shielding and Hull Plating Systems

• AR-0B damage reduction armor component
• Atmospheric-Friction Shield
• De-icing System
• PulseScreen quick-recharge shield
• RK-250 Repair System
• S50C Deflector Shield

Sensor & Communication Systems

• ANs-9.5w Wide Range Sensor System
• Broadband Transceiver
• Broadcast Relay
• Com-Scan
• Holotransmitter
• Hyperwave Transceiver / Transmitter
• OrC-19 Com-Scan Integrator Console
• Telesponder

Engineering & Hyperdrive Systems

• Accu-Accelerator
• 2x X-37 Vandal Engines
• O4-Z Power Generator
• Power Loop Capacitor
• SSP05 Hyperdrive Generator
• Trichambered Repulsorlift Thrust Package
• Warp Vortex Stabilizer

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• Acceleration Compensator
• AR-0B Damage Reduction Armor Component
• 2x Galaxy Guard Mk. VII
• Hyperwave Signal Interceptor
• L-41C Weapon Power Converter
• SE-JA-4 Sensor Jammer
• Targeting Lasers

STRENGTHS

Mandalorian Armor: The hulls, being of older construction, have been armor plated with true Beskar. While not as sophisticated as the Beskar matrix armor currently used, it makes up for any technical shortcomings with raw brute strength. The shields are capable and rapid cycling but any shots that manage to get thru shatter on old fashion Mandalorian steel making this ship well armored indeed.

High Capacity: In drop configuration the Maridun-Meteor is able to carry a full company of troops and deploy them rapidly via a rear boarding ramp and two side doors. Whether signally or in squadrons this represents a significant tactical offensive capability. In troop transport or cargo mode it is able to carry 100 seated passengers or 60 tons of cargo respectively.

High Shock Articulatable Landing Gear: Equipped with four deployable landing pads able to absorb the shock of high-speed landings on a variety of terrain. The legs are also articulated to provide a walking ability that allows the craft, when landed, to move similarly to an ATTE.

Modular Interior: The interior, aside from the flight deck, is once large open box enabling it to be easily configured to preform a variety of roles. Aside from its basic functions, it can be converted to securely hold/transport prisoners, as a Field Aid Station, Mobile Kitchen and/or Disaster Relief Depot, a Command Center for Military or Police operations,

Reentry Dive: During the drop from space to atmosphere the vessel is able to engage a drop mode akin to the SLAM feature whereby the speed class is able to be increased by up to two levels with a corresponding decrease in the maneuverability rating. This enables the craft to rapidly descend into the atmosphere decreasing the time the ship is vulnerable to enemy fire.


WEAKNESSES

Reentry Dive: During the drop from space to atmosphere the vessel is able to engage a drop mode akin to the SLAM feature whereby the speed class is able to be increased by up to two levels with a corresponding decrease in the maneuverability rating. This is not a true SLAM ability as it can only be used during the decent phase. And while it does decrease the speed it also effectively makes the craft unable to doge incoming fire requiring the vessel to plummet like a meteor.

Boxy Profile: In prioritizing internal volume, the Q-Carrier presents a large boxy profile from every aspect both in flight and when on the ground. Making it easier to target.

High Value Strategic Target: Given the Mandalorian reliance on small elite combat units, the loss of a fully manned ship would represent a significant tactical and personnel loss.

Low Squadron Count: Operating in squadrons of four, the Maridun-Meteor is tactically more resource intensive to transport and deploy than other traditional Drop Ships.

Reliance on Escorts: The ships weapons are designed to optimize ground combat and infantry support rather on air-to-air combat. During orbital ingress and egress as well as in atmospheric flight the carrier is vulnerable to starfighter and ground-to-air attacks unless escorted by dedicated fighter support.

DESCRIPTION

The concept of the Q-Carrier dates back to the Mandalorian Wars of circa 3976 BBY and the refined Meteor-Class were made by MandalMotors circa 52 BBY and was even then considered an old design. Now with even the newest models over a thousand years old the old-style Q-Carriers are woefully obsolete. The hulls however, made of Beskar by Mandalorian Metalsmiths at the height of their craft cannot be matched even by the technologically superior smiths of the present day. MDL has managed to obtain about two dozen old derelict hulls, with unsalvageable interiors but hull armor as solid as the day it was forged. Melted down the Beskar alone would be worth many times the value of a new ship but MDL, more concerned with heritage rather than profit, decided to restore the ships with modern systems but with an aesthetic that preserved the values of Mandalorian Warriors of old.

Fitting modern X-37 Vandal sub-light and SSP05 Hyperdrive engines along with an O4-Z Power Generator and a pair of KV22 Heavy Laser Cannon in a casemate were added to the forward chin waddle lengthened the Q-Carrier by a few meters but otherwise it retains the silhouette of the classic craft. Internally the bulk of the vessel is an open box that may be configures for a multitude of purposes. In drop mode the Maridun variant can carry a full company of Guard Troopers standing with the assistance of handheld straps. Rapid egress is provided by a full rear loading ramp and two side loading doors. The Carrier is equipped with a unique landing gear system which is able to absorb the force of a landing allowing the vessel to come in fast and land hard. It then has the ability to articulate and act as an infantry support vehicle akin to an ATTE.

Consistent with the (usually) less than lethal doctrine of the Guard Patrol, the Maridun-Meteor Class Q Carrier's weapons are able to be set to stun settings. The vessel often acts as a utility vessel for the patrol functioning as a troop transport to shuttle Guardsmen to active areas as needed, prisoner transport, logistics support and to act as a barracks or an advance mobile command station for police operations.

The Q-carrier, although it isa military craft capable of death and destruction, when deployed it is often actively welcomed by Mandalorian civilians as a quaint reminder of times past and not the instrument of Mandalorian power projection that it is.