Inthe class Modular Cutter

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Inthe class Modular Cutter
Mod-Cutter-WH-Keith-MT-Imp-Encyclo-Pg-35 03-July-2018a.jpg
Versatile Spaceport Utility Cutter from Inthe
Type: RV Modular Freighter
Category Smallcraft
Size 50 Tons
Hull Configuration Cylinder Hull
Streamlining Streamlined Hull
Tech Level TL–9
Engineering
Computer None
Jump J-0
Maneuver 2 G
Armaments
Hardpoints 1
Accommodations
Staterooms 0
Personnel
Crew 2
High/Mid Passengers 0
Payload
Cargo 0 Tons
Fuel tank 1 Tons
Special features 30 ton module
Construction
Origin Third Imperium
Manufacturer Inthe_(world)
Price
Cost MCr15.64
Statistics
Quick Ship Profile RV-5S60
Images
Blueprint No
Illustration Yes
Source
Canon Unpublished, fan design
Designer Matt Stevens
Design System High Guard
Era 1105
Reference Fan: Mat Stevens

The Inthe class Modular Cutter is a TL–9 noncombatant utility Modular Cutter.

Description[edit]

The Inthe Modular Cutter is a low cost, low tech utility vehicle intended for short duration Spaceport or Starship operations. Reliability is enhanced by Inthe's TL–9 shipyard utilizing TL–8 technologies, this also broadens the potential customer base to 6 out of 10 worlds within the Paya J1 Cluster and reduces maintenance to a minimum. Purchase on the remaining 4 very low tech worlds is aided by extensive maintenance contracts. Carries interchangeable 30tn cargo containers or modified modules.

The concept behind the Modular Cutter is to carry a 30tn pressurized cargo container or a modifiable module from orbit to surface & back. Variations on the theme are widespread throughout Imperial space, taking into account local tech levels, payloads, maintenance needs, endurance and performance.

Manoeuvre is restricted to MD-2 with or without a container or module on board for safety. (Reducing stress on the ships structure when unloaded). Not intended to supplement planetary defenses, the Cutter cannot carry weapon systems.

Most yards use Oberlindes Lines to deliver your new Cutter to your home Spaceport, contact your preferred shipyard for details.

History & Background[edit]

The modular Cutter is a well established concept throughout the Imperium. The origins of the original design are long lost, however each shipyards design and construction makes each variant unique, if sometimes only in the smaller details. Several private concerns on Inthe build Modular Cutters, including high tech (TL9) variants, however the tech 8 variant has been produced for far longer and is still the mainstay.

Users[edit]

TL–8 Modular Cutters are common in the Paya Cluster, mostly imported and occasionally constructed on several worlds despite having no shipyards (Wochiers, Rethe, Treece). Inthe's TL-9 version offers similar performance and more crew/passenger comfort. Where imported, TL-9 maintenance is often performed by Inthe Engineers visiting the home world under on-going maintenance contracts (costing 20% of the purchase price per year).

A TL–14 variant built on Macene (Spinward Marches 2612) costing 10.84MCr or 13.44MCr for a MD3 variant is available but rarely seen in the cluster, they are often old before their time, worn out due to the difficulties of repair & maintenance. Many operating away from Macene fall into disrepair within a decade or so, earning them a reputation of being flashy but lacking in reliability. Intuitive controls are designed to make pilot cross training from TL-8+ to the TL-14 craft relatively straight forward.

A few TL–14 hulls in the cluster have been retro-fitted with TL–8 or TL–9 equipment, which usually involves welding a module permanently to the cutter and re-configuring the internal space to accommodate the older tech drives and equipment.

Belters often take up sold off Cutters, utilizing the module space for extended Belter operations.

Containers & Modules[edit]

Cargo. The most common use for the Cutter is cargo transport, moving cargo containers (open, closed, pressurized or not, refrigerated, grain, liquids, gas, high security, etc) from Oberlindes ships (surface to orbit) or between cities (surface to surface). Cargo containers are usually sealed and not accessible by the cutters flight crew. A cargo module (open or pressurized) is accessible and is used when moving loose cargo.

Passenger Module. Fitted to provide seating for 100 passengers, fresher facilities, a kitchen serving pre-prepared refreshments and meals and 5 in-flight Stewards. Utilized most often in surface to surface (city to city) passenger transport and Highport to Downport where a Highport is present.

Passenger/Cargo Module. Not considered as efficient as specialized modules, but often seen servicing orbiting facilities or remote surface locations (eg: mining or scientific stations).

Belter Module. Highly customised, Belter cutters are as individual as the Belters themselves. Usually incorporating extra fuel, a stateroom, a large cargo bay and a manually operated mining laser.

Numerous other variants exist within the Imperium, within a low tech cluster however it is rare to see other than these four in common use.

Class Naming Practice/s & Peculiarities[edit]

Vessel Peculiarities: Criticisms: Within its intended purposes, the Modular Cutter performs well. Criticisms usually relate to the capability of specific shipyards to deliver a fault free ship. Fortunately competition with the Paya Cluster is strong, encouraging for the most part good quality constructions. Custom builds on planets with little shipyard infrastructure can be troublesome when it comes to maintenance.

Selected Variant Types & Classes[edit]

35 Representative Modular freighter (RV) Classes[edit]

References[edit]

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Classic Traveller This ship was originally designed using one of the Classic Traveller ship design rules:
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