Mk 42 class Recon Drone

Mk 42 class Recon Drone
Tech Level	TL–10
Mass	100
Cost	26,460
Mode	Spacecraft
Type	Spaceship
Speed
Cargo	0
Crew	0
Passengers	0
Armament	None
Reference	Trouble in the Spinward Marches (CT) Play By Email Campaign.
{Additional note}

The Mk 42 class Recon Drone is a TL–10 space capable drone used by the Navy. It is a nonlethal version of a bay-launched Guided Weapon, and is a kind of Ship Equipment.

Description (Specifications)

Operation: They are not front line service units. They are large (2M long x 533MM Dia.) and clunky by modern standards. The drone has a compartment in the nose which can house a variety of sensors and cameras. Even though the navy acquired them as recon drones, the marine gunners managed to adapt a wide array of explosive cargo including nukes to fit within the nose compartment turning the drone into a "poor mans torpedo." Considering the navy attitude for marines, it is hard not to appreciate their utilitarian outlook.

Mk 41 Mod 0 Torpedo

A shipboard heavy missile manufactured at TL-9. It is rated as a 4G4 limited burn, radio and IR sensing, proximity detonator, high explosive focused force warhead missile.

Basic Ship Characteristics

Following the Imperial Navy and IISS Universal Ship Profile and data, additional information is presented in the format shown here. The small craft factor indicates the number of squadrons (...of ten subcraft) carried on the ship. Tonnage on the universal ship profile is shown in kilotons (...thousands of tons) where necessary.

Basic Ordnance Characteristics
No.	Category	Remarks
1.	Tonnage / Hull	The torpedo has an overall length of 2m, a maximum diameter of 0.533m, and a contained internal volume of approximately 0.045 Kiloliters (equivalent to slightly more than 0.003 starship Tons). It is built in a cylinder configuration and is constructed from lightweight alloys and composite materials. It is fully streamlined and has small airfoil surfaces, improving its atmospheric performance. It has a total mass of 100 kg. It is rugged and durable and is able to withstand stresses in excess of 8G.
2.	Performance	The torpedo is fitted with a limited burn Solid Fuel Rocket propulsion system and can achieve a maximum of 4G acceleration. The exhaust outlets can be angled, allowing the vector to be adjusted during spaceflight. The torpedoes acceleration can be increased but it cannot be reduced.
3.	Electronics	The torpedo does not have an independent guidance system: it is controlled directly by the Gunner. It is fitted with radio sensing equipment and an IR Sensor. A small camera is mounted in the nose.
4.	Armament	The normal payload for the torpedo is a 20 kg Focused Force warhead. The warhead is fitted with a proximity detonator.
5.	Defenses	The torpedo is unarmored and is not fitted with defensive systems.
6.	Fuel System	The torpedo carries 64 kg of solid propellant. The fuel is segregated into 4 increments (burns), permitting the motors to be turned off and restarted if desired. For simplicity, each burn is considered to last for approximately 4 minutes and to use approximately 16 kg of fuel. Each burn increases the torpedoes acceleration by 1G.
7.	Cost	The basic cost of the torpedo depends on the Tech Level at which it was manufactured. At TL-8 the torpedo costs Cr44,100. At TL-9 (the design TL), the torpedo costs Cr29,400. At TL-10 the torpedo costs Cr26,460. The torpedo is a standard design. Detailed schematics and architectural plans are widely available and no design fee is chargeable.
8.	Comments	The torpedo is usually contained within a bay launch chamber that has a length of 2.1m and a diameter of 0.54m. The housing includes integral test circuitry and the launch mechanism, consisting of containers of compressed gas that push the torpedo clear as the rocket motor ignites. The torpedo is loaded directly into the bay launch chamber. Specialized equipment, such as a hoist, is required to move a torpedo between storage and the bay. Different manufacturers give their torpedoes distinctive surface finishes, though flat dark gray is typical. Individual components of the torpedo carry serial numbers and markings. Many models bear corporate logos.

History & Background (Dossier)

Representative Examples & Classes: The Mk 42 is a Naval Recon drone which has been used by military for air and space recon.

The Mk 42 has a maximum acceleration of 4G.

Guidance includes an optional add on wire spool enabling a live operator to navigate the drone without interference from jamming and hacking.

Mk 41 Mod 0 Torpedo is a forerunner of the Mk 42 Recon Drone.

References

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