Unreviewed MDL Maxi-Pod Omni Shuttle

[Dral-Kar'ta Saandyr]

MDL Maxi-Pod Omni Shuttle​

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create a small combination boarding/escape shuttle for smaller capital ships
• Image Source: Here, heavily modded in AI
• Canon Link: N/A
• Permissions: N/A
• Primary Source: TIE Boarding Craft, Republic Escape Pod , Imperial Drill Pod Boarding Craft

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Mando-De'Loren Multi Atmospherics
• Affiliation: MDL, Mandalorian Empire, Mandalorian Protectors, PC's Upon Request
• Market Status: Closed Market
• Model: MDL Maxi-Pod Omni Shuttle
• Production: Minor
• Material:
  • Hull Plating: Doonium, Durasteel, Nyix-Alloy
  • Internal Structure: Aluminium, Duralloy, Duraplast
  • Additional: Chromalloy, Plasform, Transparisteel

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Starfighter
• Length: 8.8 meters
• Width: 6.6 meters
• Height: 3.4 meters
• Armament: Low
  • 2x, Paired L-s7.2 Laser Cannons, in chin
  • 2x Ion Missiles, On external rails
• Defenses: Very High
  • Enhanced Carbon-Durasteel Armor
  • Anticoncussion Field
  • Atmospheric-friction Shield
  • Combat de-Ionizer
  • Kirishima Cap Drain
  • 00D-A Charged Plating Shield System
• Squadron Count: Average - (12)
• Maneuverability Rating: Average
• Speed Rating: Average
• Hyperdrive Class: None
• Crew: 1-Pilot (Human or Droid), 10 troopers

STANDARD FEATURES

• Paired P-s4 Twin Ion Engines
• ANv-9q Sensor Array
• 'Btare Ar' Life Support System
• N-s8.6 Navcon Computer System
• SSct Power Generator
• T-s8 Targeting Computer
• Standard Communications Systems
• Standard Starship Components

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• Evasive-13 Field Disruptor
• Hull-Cutting Ring
• Power Harpoon Launcher
• 2x Landing Claw

STRENGTHS
Multi-Functional: The Maxi-Pod is able to fulfil three specific separate tasks making it a valuable addition for vessels that have limited docking space. Its primary function is to act as a boarding shuttle but it can also be used as an auxiliary shuttle as well as an escape pod.

Well Protected: It has thick armor and robust shields that can survive intense fire for a limited amount of time being designed to power thru fire and shields to board its target.

Double Duty: The pod's docking sleeve is compatible with most medium to large escape pod bays enabling vessels to carry and operate a Maxi-Pod when they might not otherwise be able to carry a standard shuttle.


WEAKNESSES

• No Hyperdrive: The maxi-pod is utterly dependent on a mother ship for extended travel thus its deployable unassisted range in practice is limited to a single star system.
• Short Trips Only: The Maxi-Pad is designed to quickly close and board a hostile ship or to undertake short ship to ship or ship to shore errands. Its interior is utilitarian with little provision made for passenger comfort.
• Immobile after a Breach: If it cannot slave to a docking port the pod is capable of breaching the hull but in so doing it is unable to detach without assistance. Thus, it is susceptible to enemy fire wile attached and if the boarding crew is repulsed it is unable to offer a means of escape.
• Weak Armament: The weapons it does carry are geared for defense. The two deployable ion missiles are powerful but as the vessel lacks a comprehensive targeting system, they are designed to be used at short distances to incapacitate its boarding target's systems rather than be used offensively.

DESCRIPTION

The key attribute of the Maxi-Pod is ability to provide smaller capital ships that may not have the space for an internal hanger large enough to operate a regular shuttle to have the capability to operate this small auxiliary shuttle pod. The pod can attach to any standard docking ring or, with minor modifications to the host ship, a flush or recessed external mounting clamp similar to that used on the Gozanti to attach TIE fighters. The Maxi-Pod is also compatible with many medium to large escape pod bays so may be carried in leu of a standard escape pod.

Its primary function is to be operated as a boarding pod. To this end it has robust armor and shields for its size. If it is unable to gain access to a target vessel via a shuttle bay or access hatch it is capable of breaching most hulls. One major drawback of this ability is that the pod, once it breaches a hull, requires mechanical assistance to be separated. The rear of the pod is able to dock with another pod so once a breach is made the initial boarding party may be reinforced.

Aside from its breaching mechanisms and shields, the maxi-pod is a relatively simple craft with rudimentary common systems. It is basically a tube designed to smash into other ships. It is able to carry ten troopers in fold out plasform crash benches but they are reputed to be so uncomfortable that most troopers prefer to stand. 200 kg's of supporting equipment can be embarked with the troops or, if not carrying troops, it can hold up to 2.4 metric tons of cargo. When not required for boarding actions the Maxi-pod is able to function as an auxiliary shuttle but it is not an ideal one as it has no fresher or galley so is limited to shorter ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore missions. It is also able to act as an escape pod.

The Maxi-Pod does not excel in any task and its shortcomings are particularly noticeable when acting a shuttle but with its small size and ability to be fitted to ships that would otherwise not be able to equip such a vessel, it is better than nothing.