Difference between revisions of "Second Sphere Craft Construction Rules"

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 +
==Overview==
 +
Craft represent (with the exception of particularly large transatmospheric craft like dropships, HLVs and the like) aerospace craft of less than ~200 tons, and mostly less than ~100 tons.  Not surprisingly this substantial tonnage difference (a factor of ten at the minimum) results in equally substantial differences in how Craft operate, how they are designed and what roles they fill.
  
−
==Building A Robot==
+
The primary differentiation is that Craft are designed for short-duration missions and are externally supported.  Thus by offloading their support equipment and having limited power and munition reserves they have a much greater performance.  The flipside of this is that they are tied to some other position or vehicle.  In practice this results in the following differences:
−
This could get long.  Some example stats follow.  Anything in '''bold''' has a defined effect but I'm too lazy to write out how it works just yet.  Trust me on this.
 
  
 +
Firstly, a squadron of attack craft can compare in both power and volume of fire to the typical direct-fire weapon arsenal on a warship.  The only exception are heavy antiship cannons which can easily mass as much as an entire attack craft.  The biggest and most fundamental difference and the reason why even for broadly comparable performance ship-mounted weapons tend to be substantially larger is that ship-mounted cannons will have much superior effective range.  The demands of tighter beam collimation, enhanced stabilization and the like can drive mass up substantially.  It's also worth noting that while the slug from a 100mm GIAT railgun possesses similar kinetic energy to a submunition from a TheissenKrupp 175mm turreted railcannon, ''up close'' where the latter can use unitary slugs that impart their entire muzzle energy on the target as opposed to firing a 'sheaf' of subcaliber projectiles, there is little comparison.  This is why warship engagements at short ranges tend to be extremely devastating affairs.
  
 +
This general rule does not apply to missiles however; exoatmospheric missiles are generally cross-compatible.  The problem here is that while a squadron of strike craft might deploy a dozen long-range shipkillers, a warship could launch a ''hundred'' by flushing its racks.  This is why (along with the velocity boost from being fired from a fast-movin and well-defended strike craft) most attack craft carry so-called 'assault missiles' as opposed to long-range shipkillers.  Lacking much of the propellant of long-range missiles they can be carried in greater numbers and thus give strike craft a more substantial punch.
  
−
Interceptor (transatmospheric fighter)
+
Secondary, while ships can and will have heavier defenses by simple virtue of size, attack craft are normally designed with optimised armor/defense schemes; they will attempt to engage from optimal angles and swiftly maneuver to change their facing if at a disadvantage.  Ships massing ten thousand tons or more obviously find this rather more difficult.  As well ships will generally have more open internal volume (crew and cargo, maintenance access, fuel, etc) which further increases the amount of armor required to protect them.  Of course weapon strikes that would disable, destroy or otherwise disrupt a hundred-ton mobile suit might be completely incidental to a fifteen thousand ton cruiser.
−
:A 22nd century aerospace fighter
 
−
::Speed 10, Agility 7, Evasion 5, Armor 0, 4 Hits
 
−
:::Component Space:  8
 
−
:::Hull Growth Factor: 4
 
−
:::External Carriage:  8
 
−
:::External Carriage Growth Factor:  2
 
  
−
Heavy Fighters (space fighter)
+
==Articles==
−
:A a boxy space fighter
+
[[Craft Construction Test Builds]]<br>
−
::Speed 7, Agility 5, Evasion 4, Armor 6, 4 Hits
 
−
:::Component Space:  8
 
−
:::Hull Growth Factor: 4
 
−
:::External Carriage:  8
 
−
:::External Carriage Growth Factor:  2
 
  
−
Combat Frame
+
==Craft Bodies==
−
:The standard mobile suit frame
+
Craft are designed slightly differently from warships; instead of simply having Spaces, they have both Spaces and Power.  This is because Craft are much more size-constrained than ships; having a powerplant with the output of a miniature star doesn't mean you can dual-wield 2000mm hyper mega particle cannons.
−
::Speed 5, Agility 5, Evasion 4, Armor 6, 4 Hits
+
:'''Body Expansions''' physically increase the size of the craft, enabling more ''stuff'' to be fitted inside the frame.  Body expansions will progressively increase the size of the Craft. Each Body Expansion adds +2 Spaces.
−
:::Component Space: 12
+
:'''External Carriage''' is hot-swappable items, normally munitions. On aircraft it generally takes the form of pylon-mounted weapons, whereas mecha usually have one or more hand-carried weapons.
−
:::Hull Growth Factor: 4
+
:'''Power''' is outputted by the Craft's onboard powerplant and is consumed by various items.  Power is routed to any attached item, be it internal or external.  Rules ''may'' exist to de-activate items in order to activate others. (expect this to only be available for 'roleplaying' scenarios)
−
:::External Carriage: 12
 
−
:::External Carriage Growth Factor: 2
 
  
−
Assault Frame
+
===Aircraft===
−
:A slower but more robust mobile suit design
+
====Interceptor====
−
::Speed 4, Agility 4, Evasion 3, Armor 10, 4 Hits
+
:Base Spaces: 4
−
:::Component Space:  12
+
:Base External Carriage: 2
−
:::Hull Growth Factor: 4
+
:Base Power:  2
−
:::External Carriage:  12
+
:Base Size: 3
−
:::External Carriage Growth Factor:  2
+
:Expansion Threshhold:  +1 Size/3 Body expansions
 +
:'''Transatmospheric'''
  
−
Mobile Armor
+
====Space Fighter====
−
:Not very moe at all
+
:Base Spaces: 4
−
::Speed 4, Agility 2, Evasion 2, Armor 7, 8 Hits
+
:Base External Carriage:  4
−
::Batch Size:  Individual
+
:Base Power:  2
−
:::Component Space:  40
+
:Base Size: 4
−
:::Hull Growth Factor: 8
+
:Expansion Threshhold: +1 Size/3 Body expansions
−
:::External Carriage:  10
 
−
:::External Carriage Growth Factor:  2
 
−
::::Every hull expansion reduces Evasion by 1
 
−
::::May add 1 extra level of shielding
 
−
::::May use Ship-list weapons
 
−
::::All Craft-list direct-fire weapons gain ROF 4
 
  
 +
====Interdictors====
 +
:Base Spaces:  4
 +
:Base External Carriage:  2
 +
:Base Power:  2
 +
:Base Size:  4
 +
:Expansion Threshhold:  +1 Size/3 Body expansions
 +
:'''Transatmospheric'''
  
−
Component Space is a holistic measure of how much 'stuff' can be fitted inside of a mobile suit.  Likewise, External Carriage is what's bolted on the outside or held in the machine's hands.
+
====Bomber====
 +
:Base Spaces:  12
 +
:Base External Carriage:  4
 +
:Base Power:  4
 +
:Base Size:  10
 +
:Expansion Threshhold:  +1 Size per Body expansion
 +
:'''Transatmospheric'''
 +
:Gains 2x spaces, 2x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 3x space and cost.
 +
:Bombers can carry large internal payloads and consequently when loading missile/bomb weapons, for every 2 of a specific type loaded, a third may be loaded at no space requirement.   
  
−
Growth Factor is how much additional space you get as you 'level up' your machine; machines with 0 growth levels are generally fairly bargain-basement models, older types that are distinctly inferior, with more sophisticated (or simply larger!) machines having 1, 2 or more expansions.
+
===Mecha===
 +
====Combat Frame====
 +
:Base Spaces:  5
 +
:Base External Carriage:  3
 +
:Base Power:  2
 +
:Base Size:  4
 +
:Expansion Threshhold:  +1 Size/3 Body expansions
  
 +
====Assault Frame====
 +
:Base Spaces:  5
 +
:Base External Carriage:  3
 +
:Base Power:  2
 +
:Base Size:  5
 +
:Expansion Threshhold:  +1 Size/3 Body expansions
  
−
====Weapons====
+
====Giant Frame====
−
Note that all stats below are, ultimately, provisionary.  I can't say for sure that they're properly balanced and aren't over/underpowered, so they might change over time.
+
:Base Spaces:  12
 +
:Base External Carriage:  6
 +
:Base Power:  4
 +
:Base Size:  8
 +
:Expansion Threshhold:  +1 Size per Body expansion
 +
:Gains 2x spaces, 2x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 2x space and cost.
  
−
====Melee Weapons====
+
===Super Aerospace===
−
'''Alpha Edge (sword)'''
+
====Mobile Armor====
−
:Spaces:  2
+
:Base Spaces:  25
−
:Power:  0
+
:Base External Carriage:  10
−
:Parry:  +5
+
:Base Power:  10
−
:Accuracy +4, penetration +4, Strength +0, Parry +5, Brutish
+
:Gains 4x spaces, 5x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 4x space and cost.
 +
::Adapter Hardpoint Size:  1 hardpoint
 +
::Adapter PIP cost:  25
 +
::Adapter CIP cost:  20
 +
 
 +
====Super Robot====
 +
Also usable for smashing things on the ground!
 +
:Base Spaces:  30
 +
:Base External Carriage:  20
 +
:Base Power:  15
 +
:Gains 6x spaces, 6x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 6x space and cost.
 +
::Adapter Hardpoint Size:  2 hardpoints
 +
::Adapter PIP cost:  50
 +
::Adapter CIP cost:  40
 +
 
 +
====Super Mobile Armor====
 +
:Base Spaces:  80
 +
:Base External Carriage:  25
 +
:Base Power:  40
 +
:Gains 10x spaces, 10x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 10x space and cost.
 +
::Adapter Hardpoint Size:  4 hardpoints
 +
::Adapter PIP cost:  100
 +
::Adapter CIP cost:  80
  
−
'''Alpha Edge (pole)'''
+
====Exofortress====
−
:Spaces:  4
+
:Base Spaces:  80
−
:Power:  0
+
:Base External Carriage:  25
−
:Accuracy +6, penetration +5, Strength +1, Parry +7, Brutish
+
:Base Power:  40
 +
:'''Transatmospheric'''
 +
:Gains 10x spaces, 10x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 10x space and cost.
 +
::Adapter Hardpoint Size:  4 hardpoints
 +
::Adapter PIP cost:  100
 +
::Adapter CIP cost:  80
  
−
'''Alpha Edge (Axe)'''
+
====MA Enclosure====
−
:Spaces:  2
+
Super Aerospace can use Mobile Armor Enclosures.  These provide larger stocks of consumables, spare parts etc as well as the ability to perform maintenance and support activities 'under armor'.  An enclosure can support up to two mobile armors/super robots (or one SMA/Exofortress) and requires its own hardpoint, on top of those needed for the supported craft.  Enclosures augment standard adapters, they do not replace them.  Enclosures can also be used to support dropships or parasites, one enclosure per dropship/parasite.
−
:Power:  0
+
:PIP cost:  20
−
:Accuracy +3, penetration +5, Strength +0, Parry 6, Brutish
+
:CIP cost:  40
  
−
'''Alpha Edge (Knife)'''
+
===Equipment===
 +
====Propulsion and Defense====
 +
'''Armor'''
 
:Spaces:  1
 
:Spaces:  1
 
:Power:  0
 
:Power:  0
−
:Accuracy +4, penetration +2, Strength +0, Parry 2, Brutish
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Plasma Knives'''
+
'''Shields'''
 
:Spaces:  1
 
:Spaces:  1
 
:Power:  2
 
:Power:  2
−
:Accuracy +8, penetration -2, Strength +0, Parry +7, Cleave
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Plasma Lance'''
+
'''Thrusters'''
 
:Spaces:  1
 
:Spaces:  1
−
:Power:  2
+
:Power:  1
−
:Accuracy +5, penetration +0, Strength +3, Parry +5, Cleave
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Mega Beam Saber'''
+
'''Verniers'''
−
:Spaces:  2
+
:Spaces:  1
−
:Power:  6
+
:Power:  1
−
:Accuracy +5, penetration +3, Strength +6, Parry +3, Cleave
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
====Ranged Weapons====
+
'''Mobility'''
−
'''Anti-Missile Gatling'''
+
:Spaces:  1
−
:2 Space
+
:Power:  0
 +
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Mecha-SMG'''
+
====Misc====
−
:Spaces:  5
+
'''Electronics'''
 +
:Spaces:  1
 
:Power:  0
 
:Power:  0
−
:Range 4, accuracy +8, penetration +0, Strength -2
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Autogun'''
+
'''Hardpoints'''
−
:Spaces:  8
+
:Spaces:  1
 
:Power:  0
 
:Power:  0
−
:Range 6, accuracy +6, penetration +1, Strength +0
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
 +
:Adds 1 External Carriage
  
−
'''Heavy Gun'''
+
'''Auxilary Generator'''
−
:Spaces:  10
+
:Spaces:  1
 
:Power:  0
 
:Power:  0
−
:Range 10, accuracy +3, penetration +3, Strength +2
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
 +
:Adds +2 Power
  
−
'''Automatic Railgun'''
+
'''Laser AMS'''
−
:Spaces:  8
+
:Spaces:  1
−
:Power:  2
+
:Power:  0
−
:Range 8, accuracy +6, penetration +2, Strength +0
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Heavy Railgun'''
+
====Melee Weapons====
−
:Spaces:  10
+
'''Alpha Edge Blade'''
−
:Power:  3
+
:Spaces:  1
−
:Range 12, accuracy +3, penetration +5, Strength +2
+
:Power:  0
 +
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Tank Railgun'''
+
'''Alpha Edge Pole'''
−
:Spaces:  12
+
:Spaces:  1
−
:Power:  4
+
:Power:  0
−
:Range 16, accuracy +0, penetration +8, Strength +2, AP +3
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Coilgun'''
+
'''Alpha Buster'''
−
:Spaces:  5
+
:Spaces:  2
−
:Power:  5
+
:Power:  0
−
:Range 6, accuracy +8, penetration +0, Strength -2
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Heavy Coilgun'''
+
'''Pilebunker'''
−
:Spaces:  8
+
:Spaces:  1
−
:Power:  10
+
:Power:  0
−
:Range 16, accuracy +0, penetration +6, Strength +0, AP +4
+
:PIP cost:
−
 
+
:CIP cost:
−
'''Shotcannon'''
 
−
:Spaces: 5
 
−
:Power: 2
 
−
:Range 4, accuracy +0, penetration +0, Strength -3, Burst Bonus +9
 
  
−
'''Bazooka'''
+
'''Beam Saber'''
−
:Spaces:  8
+
:Spaces:  0
 
:Power:  0
 
:Power:  0
−
:Range 4, accuracy -2, penetration +8, Strength +6, Damage 3, 3 Shots, ROF 3
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Giant Bazooka'''
+
'''Twin Beam Sabers'''
−
:Spaces:  12
+
:Spaces:  1
 
:Power:  0
 
:Power:  0
−
:Range 4, accuracy -5, penetration +12, Strength +12, Damage 6, 2 Shots, ROF 2
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
 +
'''Beam Saber Array'''
 +
:Spaces:  2
 +
:Power:  1
 +
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
 +
:Requires Multi-Arm option
  
−
'''Pulse Gun'''
+
'''Plasma Lance'''
−
:Spaces:  6
+
:Spaces:  1
−
:Power:  5
+
:Power:  1
−
:Range 8, accuracy +8, penetration +1, Strength +0
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Beam Gun'''
+
====Ranged Weapons====
−
:Spaces:  8
+
'''Huge Gatling'''
−
:Power:  10
+
:Spaces:  4
−
:Range 12, accuracy +4, penetration +5, Strength +2
+
:Power:  0
 +
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Dual Beam Gun'''
+
'''Bazooka/Heavy Rocket Pod'''
−
:Spaces:  12
+
:Spaces:  3
−
:Power:  16
+
:Power:  0
−
:Range 12, accuracy +4, penetration +5, Strength +2, ROF 2
+
:PIP cost:
−
:Fixed weapon
+
:CIP cost:
−
:-1 Evasion
 
  
−
'''Megaparticle Gun'''
+
'''Carbine Rail'''
−
:Spaces:  6
+
:Spaces:  2
−
:Power:  8
+
:Power:  1
−
:Range 8, accuracy +5, penetration +4, Strength +2, AP Bonus +4
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Heavy Megaparticle Gun'''
+
'''Autorail'''
−
:Spaces:  8
+
:Spaces:  3
−
:Power:  12
+
:Power:  1
−
:Range 8, accuracy +1, penetration +6, Strength +4, AP Bonus +6
+
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Plasma Gun'''
+
'''Tank Railgun'''
−
:Spaces:  6
+
:Spaces:  4
−
:Power:  8
+
:Power:  1
−
:Range 4, accuracy -1, penetration +2, Strength +4, AP Bonus +8, Ship Damage 2
+
:PIP cost:
−
 
+
:CIP cost:
−
'''Dual Plasma Gun'''
 
−
:Spaces: 10
 
−
:Power: 14
 
−
:Range 4, accuracy -1, penetration +2, Strength +4, AP Bonus +8, ROF 2, Ship Damage 2
 
−
:Fixed weapon
 
−
:-1 Evasion
 
  
−
'''Cluster Missiles'''
+
'''Frag Gun'''
 
:Spaces:  2
 
:Spaces:  2
−
:Range 8, accuracy +10, penetration +2, Strength +0, Guided +8, 3 Shots
+
:Power:  1
 +
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Anti-Air Missile'''
+
'''Pulse Gun'''
 
:Spaces:  2
 
:Spaces:  2
−
:Range 25, accuracy +10, penetration +3, Strength +0, Guided +13, 1 Shot
+
:Power:  2
 +
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Strike Missile'''
+
'''Beam Gun'''
−
:Spaces:  2
+
:Spaces:  3
−
:Range 25, accuracy +7, penetration +7, Strength +5, Guided +5, 1 Shot
+
:Power:  3
 +
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Assault Missile'''
+
'''Twin Beam Gun'''
−
:Spaces:  2
+
:Spaces:  5
−
:Range 25, accuracy -1, penetration +10, Strength +10, Guided +5, 1 Shot, 2 damage
+
:Power:  6
 +
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
'''Mecha Grenades'''
+
'''Burst Gun'''
−
:Spaces:  1
+
:Spaces:  4
−
:Range 2, accuracy Thrown, penetration +1, Strength +0, Thrown, 3 Shots
+
:Power:  3
 +
:PIP cost:
 +
:CIP cost:
  
−
USASF Mk 16 Remote Drones
+
'''Mega Particle Gun'''
−
:
+
:Spaces:  2
−
::Range 12, accuracy +15, penetration +0, Strength +0, '''No Range Penalty''', '''Remote'''
+
:Power: 4
−
::Space: 4
+
:PIP cost:
−
::Power: 5
+
:CIP cost:
  
−
Transbaal Type-Four Semiautonomous Attack Drone
+
'''Heavy MPG'''
−
:
+
:Spaces:  3
−
::Range 12, accuracy +16, penetration +2, Strength +0, '''No Range Penalty''', '''Remote'''
+
:Power: 6
−
::Space: 4
+
:PIP cost:
−
::Power: 5
+
:CIP cost:
  
−
ACLS Wardens
+
'''Plasma Gun'''
−
:
+
:Spaces:  2
−
::Range 4, accuracy +20, penetration +2, Strength +0, '''No Range Penalty''', '''Remote'''
+
:Power: 2
−
::Space: 3
+
:PIP cost:
−
::Power: 4
+
:CIP cost:
  
−
'Shiranui' Assault Funnels
+
'''Missiles'''
−
:
+
:Spaces: 1
−
::Range 12, accuracy +14, penetration +3, Strength +2, '''No Range Penalty''', '''Remote''', AP +3
+
:Power:  0
−
::Space: 6
+
:PIP cost:
−
::Power: 8
+
:CIP cost:
  
−
====Components====
+
'''Funnel Array'''
−
IOW, everything that's not a weapon.  All Components take up double the amount of space if they're fitted externally in External Carriage.
+
:Spaces:  3
−
 
+
:Power: 2
−
Thrusters
+
:PIP cost:
−
:Fusion thrusters provide linear speed and a small boost to Evasion.
+
:CIP cost:
−
::+1 Speed, +0.5 Agility, +0.5 Evasion
 
−
::Space: 1
 
−
::Power: 1
 
−
 
 
−
Verniers
 
−
:Verniers increase Agility and also provide a small increase to Evasion.
 
−
::+1 Agility, +0.5 Evasion
 
−
::Space: 1
 
−
::Power: 1
 
−
 
 
−
Mercurion Thrusters
 
−
:ZOCU's infamous 'glitterblower' propulsion system.
 
−
::+1 Speed, +1.5 Agility, +1 Evasion, -1 Stealth
 
−
::Space: 1
 
−
::Power: 5
 
−
 
 
−
Microjump Unit
 
−
:In-system FTL
 
−
::Space: 1
 
−
::Power: 1
 
−
 
 
−
Fission Reactor
 
−
:Space: 1
 
−
:Power Output: 2
 
−
 
 
−
Fusion Reactor
 
−
:Space: 1
 
−
:Power Output: 4
 
−
 
 
−
Forced Fusion Reactor
 
−
:Space: 1
 
−
:Power Output: 6
 
−
 
 
−
T-Forced Fusion Reactor
 
−
:Space: 1
 
−
:Power Output: 8
 
−
 
 
−
Armor
 
−
:Provides . . . Armor. Also decreases agility somewhat, due to the intrinsic mass of all that heavy plating.
 
−
::+1 Armor, -0.33 Agility
 
−
::Space:  1
 
−
 
 
−
Scattering Field
 
−
:Bubble-field system.
 
−
::+3 Armor, -1 Evasion (non-stacking), -1 Sensors, +3 AP Protection
 
−
::Space: 1
 
−
::Power: 8
 
−
 
 
−
Flash Field
 
−
:Stutter field system.
 
−
::+2 Armor, +0.5 Evsion, +2 AP Protection
 
−
::Space: 1
 
−
::Power: 8
 

Latest revision as of 00:56, 7 July 2011

Overview

Craft represent (with the exception of particularly large transatmospheric craft like dropships, HLVs and the like) aerospace craft of less than ~200 tons, and mostly less than ~100 tons. Not surprisingly this substantial tonnage difference (a factor of ten at the minimum) results in equally substantial differences in how Craft operate, how they are designed and what roles they fill.

The primary differentiation is that Craft are designed for short-duration missions and are externally supported. Thus by offloading their support equipment and having limited power and munition reserves they have a much greater performance. The flipside of this is that they are tied to some other position or vehicle. In practice this results in the following differences:

Firstly, a squadron of attack craft can compare in both power and volume of fire to the typical direct-fire weapon arsenal on a warship. The only exception are heavy antiship cannons which can easily mass as much as an entire attack craft. The biggest and most fundamental difference and the reason why even for broadly comparable performance ship-mounted weapons tend to be substantially larger is that ship-mounted cannons will have much superior effective range. The demands of tighter beam collimation, enhanced stabilization and the like can drive mass up substantially. It's also worth noting that while the slug from a 100mm GIAT railgun possesses similar kinetic energy to a submunition from a TheissenKrupp 175mm turreted railcannon, up close where the latter can use unitary slugs that impart their entire muzzle energy on the target as opposed to firing a 'sheaf' of subcaliber projectiles, there is little comparison. This is why warship engagements at short ranges tend to be extremely devastating affairs.

This general rule does not apply to missiles however; exoatmospheric missiles are generally cross-compatible. The problem here is that while a squadron of strike craft might deploy a dozen long-range shipkillers, a warship could launch a hundred by flushing its racks. This is why (along with the velocity boost from being fired from a fast-movin and well-defended strike craft) most attack craft carry so-called 'assault missiles' as opposed to long-range shipkillers. Lacking much of the propellant of long-range missiles they can be carried in greater numbers and thus give strike craft a more substantial punch.

Secondary, while ships can and will have heavier defenses by simple virtue of size, attack craft are normally designed with optimised armor/defense schemes; they will attempt to engage from optimal angles and swiftly maneuver to change their facing if at a disadvantage. Ships massing ten thousand tons or more obviously find this rather more difficult. As well ships will generally have more open internal volume (crew and cargo, maintenance access, fuel, etc) which further increases the amount of armor required to protect them. Of course weapon strikes that would disable, destroy or otherwise disrupt a hundred-ton mobile suit might be completely incidental to a fifteen thousand ton cruiser.

Articles

Craft Construction Test Builds

Craft Bodies

Craft are designed slightly differently from warships; instead of simply having Spaces, they have both Spaces and Power. This is because Craft are much more size-constrained than ships; having a powerplant with the output of a miniature star doesn't mean you can dual-wield 2000mm hyper mega particle cannons.

Body Expansions physically increase the size of the craft, enabling more stuff to be fitted inside the frame. Body expansions will progressively increase the size of the Craft. Each Body Expansion adds +2 Spaces.
External Carriage is hot-swappable items, normally munitions. On aircraft it generally takes the form of pylon-mounted weapons, whereas mecha usually have one or more hand-carried weapons.
Power is outputted by the Craft's onboard powerplant and is consumed by various items. Power is routed to any attached item, be it internal or external. Rules may exist to de-activate items in order to activate others. (expect this to only be available for 'roleplaying' scenarios)

Aircraft

Interceptor

Base Spaces: 4
Base External Carriage: 2
Base Power: 2
Base Size: 3
Expansion Threshhold: +1 Size/3 Body expansions
Transatmospheric

Space Fighter

Base Spaces: 4
Base External Carriage: 4
Base Power: 2
Base Size: 4
Expansion Threshhold: +1 Size/3 Body expansions

Interdictors

Base Spaces: 4
Base External Carriage: 2
Base Power: 2
Base Size: 4
Expansion Threshhold: +1 Size/3 Body expansions
Transatmospheric

Bomber

Base Spaces: 12
Base External Carriage: 4
Base Power: 4
Base Size: 10
Expansion Threshhold: +1 Size per Body expansion
Transatmospheric
Gains 2x spaces, 2x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 3x space and cost.
Bombers can carry large internal payloads and consequently when loading missile/bomb weapons, for every 2 of a specific type loaded, a third may be loaded at no space requirement.

Mecha

Combat Frame

Base Spaces: 5
Base External Carriage: 3
Base Power: 2
Base Size: 4
Expansion Threshhold: +1 Size/3 Body expansions

Assault Frame

Base Spaces: 5
Base External Carriage: 3
Base Power: 2
Base Size: 5
Expansion Threshhold: +1 Size/3 Body expansions

Giant Frame

Base Spaces: 12
Base External Carriage: 6
Base Power: 4
Base Size: 8
Expansion Threshhold: +1 Size per Body expansion
Gains 2x spaces, 2x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 2x space and cost.

Super Aerospace

Mobile Armor

Base Spaces: 25
Base External Carriage: 10
Base Power: 10
Gains 4x spaces, 5x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 4x space and cost.
Adapter Hardpoint Size: 1 hardpoint
Adapter PIP cost: 25
Adapter CIP cost: 20

Super Robot

Also usable for smashing things on the ground!

Base Spaces: 30
Base External Carriage: 20
Base Power: 15
Gains 6x spaces, 6x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 6x space and cost.
Adapter Hardpoint Size: 2 hardpoints
Adapter PIP cost: 50
Adapter CIP cost: 40

Super Mobile Armor

Base Spaces: 80
Base External Carriage: 25
Base Power: 40
Gains 10x spaces, 10x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 10x space and cost.
Adapter Hardpoint Size: 4 hardpoints
Adapter PIP cost: 100
Adapter CIP cost: 80

Exofortress

Base Spaces: 80
Base External Carriage: 25
Base Power: 40
Transatmospheric
Gains 10x spaces, 10x power, all propulsion and defenses take up 10x space and cost.
Adapter Hardpoint Size: 4 hardpoints
Adapter PIP cost: 100
Adapter CIP cost: 80

MA Enclosure

Super Aerospace can use Mobile Armor Enclosures. These provide larger stocks of consumables, spare parts etc as well as the ability to perform maintenance and support activities 'under armor'. An enclosure can support up to two mobile armors/super robots (or one SMA/Exofortress) and requires its own hardpoint, on top of those needed for the supported craft. Enclosures augment standard adapters, they do not replace them. Enclosures can also be used to support dropships or parasites, one enclosure per dropship/parasite.

PIP cost: 20
CIP cost: 40

Equipment

Propulsion and Defense

Armor

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Shields

Spaces: 1
Power: 2
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Thrusters

Spaces: 1
Power: 1
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Verniers

Spaces: 1
Power: 1
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Mobility

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Misc

Electronics

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Hardpoints

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:
Adds 1 External Carriage

Auxilary Generator

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:
Adds +2 Power

Laser AMS

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Melee Weapons

Alpha Edge Blade

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Alpha Edge Pole

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Alpha Buster

Spaces: 2
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Pilebunker

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Beam Saber

Spaces: 0
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Twin Beam Sabers

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Beam Saber Array

Spaces: 2
Power: 1
PIP cost:
CIP cost:
Requires Multi-Arm option

Plasma Lance

Spaces: 1
Power: 1
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Ranged Weapons

Huge Gatling

Spaces: 4
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Bazooka/Heavy Rocket Pod

Spaces: 3
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Carbine Rail

Spaces: 2
Power: 1
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Autorail

Spaces: 3
Power: 1
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Tank Railgun

Spaces: 4
Power: 1
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Frag Gun

Spaces: 2
Power: 1
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Pulse Gun

Spaces: 2
Power: 2
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Beam Gun

Spaces: 3
Power: 3
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Twin Beam Gun

Spaces: 5
Power: 6
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Burst Gun

Spaces: 4
Power: 3
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Mega Particle Gun

Spaces: 2
Power: 4
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Heavy MPG

Spaces: 3
Power: 6
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Plasma Gun

Spaces: 2
Power: 2
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Missiles

Spaces: 1
Power: 0
PIP cost:
CIP cost:

Funnel Array

Spaces: 3
Power: 2
PIP cost:
CIP cost:
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