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T-23 Interstellar Hauler

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Description

A basic vessel built for low cost markets. The simple hull is easily constructed at a significant savings at smaller shipyards. Usually operated in areas with a low risk for piracy or other criminal attack the ship is unarmed and unarmored, although provisions for retrofitted armor and weapons mounts allow buyers to upgrade the ship at a later date. the simple hull, older fusion powerplant, and limited armor and weapons make the vessel far cheaper than other designs of the same size. while some buyers shun the basic, low budget vessel it is popular enough to keep it in production.


Like other ships by the same design firm the ship is streamlined with a lifting body hull, and aerodynamic controls to allow it to operate far more effectively in atmosphere, usually when attempting a landing on small star-ports, or unimproved clearings. It's hull lacks any landing gear, with the lower portion of the hull being reinforced to allow it to land on it's underside hull without damage. these features give the vessel a secure place in small niche markets where cargo has to be transported to systems near enough to patrolled space to discourage attack, but lacking in advanced landing facilities, or orbital stations, where it's extra agility in atmosphere make it a safer alternative to other designs.

The T-23 also benefits from it's jump-2 drives, and higher than normal maneuver drive acceleration. Matching the far trader series for range and speed, if not armor and ruggedness. combined with it's lower cost the ship is an acceptable alternative for many buyers. Like the more expensive far traders the T-23 has a large cargo bay augmented by a large cargo crane.

The T-23 has two large cargo hatches fore and aft, allowing it to serve as a roll on roll off vessel. containers can be rapidly loaded and then rapidly unloaded by it's internal cargo handling system reducing it's turn around time, and requiring less on site support. when used in a scheduled logistics operation the reduced turn around save valuable time, allowing the ship to quickly depart after refueling.

It is unusual for a low end vessel, but the T-23 like other designs from the company is surprisingly comfortable for it's crew and passengers with a large lounge and common area for relaxing during flight.  This was added as a provision for private owners which would typically live aboard the ship, or passengers that might need to travel to regions not service by passenger liners.

Layout
The lounge, and bridge, of the ship take up space in the hump along the ships dorsal surfaces, along with the hardware for sensors, and any turrets installed. the second level is bade up of staterooms, and ships stores, as well as a small engineering section. The ships drives are installed to either side of the cargo area, with the large hatches taking up most of the rear of the ship. 

The bulk of the ships fuel is stored in the wings, with other tanks being installed under the ships cargo bays. One airlock is positioned  under a streamlined covering on the spine of the ship, the second is built into the port side of the hull, with a light duty sliding panel covering it to maintains streamlining.

the placement of the cockpit does limit it's vision under the nose of the ship, but several cameras, and powerful floodlights are installed for 
Game use
The T-23 is a low end starter vessel, for players who might not have the funds for a more expensive ship, or for a GM to supply the group with at the start of a campaign. It's lack of armor and weapons make it vulnerable to attack, but makes the need to avoid trouble far more important.

as a setting for adventures, T-23s are serviceable ships for scheduled, low risk, routes, and might be a good set piece for adventures. Especially when it where it is not likely that players will need to get directly involved in ship to ship fighting, or lack the skills to pilot a ship themselves...However they may have to repel a hostile force attempting to board the ship.

Ships statistics ( incomplete at this time awaiting new version of Mongoose Traveller, High Guard to be released)
T-23 Drayman class Freighter.
Tl-12  
Hull: 200 ton  budget hull                                                                              Mcr 5                                    36 hullpoints
Streamlined                                                                                                   Mcr2
Aerofins                                                                                10 tons              Mcr1

 
Thrust 2    Drives     TL-10                                                        4tons              Mcr 8
Jump  2     Drives     TL-10                                                      10 tons            Mcr 6.67
power   System TL-8                                                               9.3 tons           Mcr  4.65
required
ships systems 40
m-drive  40
j-drive 40
sensors 1
weapons 12 for triple laser one turret

fuel jump 2                                                                          40 Tons
4 weeks reactor fuel                                                               1 Ton
Bridge                                                                                  10  Tons            Mcr 1
computer:computer /10Bis                                                                            Mcr 0.32
sensors: civilian                                                                      1 Ton              Mcr3                                          -2 DM Sensor use
single hardpoint: no turret installed
airlocks 2
cargo airlocks 2
4 crew staterooms  double occupancy                                  16tons              Mcr4
4 passenger staterooms single occupancy                             16 Tons            Mcr4
3 emergency low berths                                                        3 tons             Mcr 0.3
1 lounge recreational space                                                   4 Tons             Mcr0.4
cargo                                                                              72.2 tons

cargo handling system                                                            2.5Tons        Mcr2.5
Ships Locker

200 tons                                                                                 base cost Mcr 40.54
standard design 10% discount                                                         Mcr 36.486


Notes from artist....

This is a slight rework of the first ship I sent Mongoose a year or two ago. This is the slightly cheaper bargain basement version of the vessel I sent them...The T-21.. which is an older heavily ruggedized cargo ship with a similar look and design...This version is the space going version of a generic Intercity cargo truck, with a nice heated seat/lumbar support for the driver...and not much else.

the model is my own, with a nice paint job added for looks by the company. the colors would be the livery of the shipping company that owns the vessel.
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