T.N.F. Planetary Dropship 'Ghost' Mk.VI (U)

This utility variant of the Ghost dropship is designed to take on several roles during operations. While the other Ghost variants are limited to their specific equipment, the U-type can attach the module that best meets the mission requirements. This is especially useful on ships and stations that carry only one Ghost. For longer reconnaissance missions, or other planetside operations with limited dropship flight time, the light utility vehicle Stinger can be deployed to provide mobility and basic survival equipment. The drop container module can be used to move resources and equipment. Although not specifically built for combat, the Ghost is equipped with gatling guns and automated gatling turrets, and can be used as an auxiliary combat craft.

Like the other Ghost variants (the multi-mission, cargo transport and search-and-rescue versions) the U-type is capable of planet-to-space transitions without a hydrogen propulsion system. Hangars in all recently built Fleet ships are specifically designed to carry a Ghost of the most relevant variant.

Slowing down during flight:
● The Ghost's design favors downwards thrust at the expense of side- and forward thrust, in order to escape a planet's gravity more easily.
● To effectively slow down or stop, point the dropship's underside in the direction of travel to quickly decelerate.
● When moving sideways, roll and use the downward thrusters to push in the desired direction.

Atmospheric entry:
● When entering a planet’s gravity pull from space, level the Ghost with the planet’s gravity, shut down its inertia dampeners, and let it free fall to the surface.
● When below 1000 m, engage the inertia dampeners and the ship will quickly slow down, and stop completely after around 150-300 m, depending on the planet’s size and gravity. Alternatively, the dropship’s parachute can be used.

Atmospheric launch:
● Turn on ion thrusters, level the dropship with the planet’s gravity, and engage full upward thrust.
● The Ghost will enter a transition phase in the planet’s upper atmosphere, where it will temporarily lose speed. Keep the thrusters at full burn, and the dropship will begin to accelerate again after it reaches around 50 m/s, depending on the planet’s size and gravity.
● At this point the ion thrusters deliver enough thrust, and the dropship can continue to maneuver in orbit, or continue into space.

General characteristics:
● Crew: 1x Pilot
● Length: 13 m
● Width: 10,5 m
● Height: 4,5 m

Armaments:
● 2x 25mm Gatling Turrets
● 6x 25mm Fixed Gatling Guns

Features:
● Capable of atmospheric entry and launch.
● Can carry several modules, including the light utility vehicle Stinger, and the drop container module.
● T.N.F. markings, using the Fleet’s logo converted to monospace by Whiplash141.
● Spare hydrogen and oxygen bottles, tools, weapons and ammo in cockpit.
● Air vent with depressurize on, which renews the cockpits oxygen supply when in atmosphere, or in a hangar.
● Survival ready!

Known issues:
● None at the moment.