Lancer-series
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| Lancer series | |
| Spacecraft Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Base Hull | Rockwell International B1 Lancer |
| Drive Type | 4 x Quad helix ion drives |
| Drive Rating | Atmosphere: Mach 2.2 Vacuum: 0.15C |
| Armament | Varies. 3 internal bays 6 external hardpoints. |
| Owner | Roughriders |
| Flag of Record | Roughriders/Various customers |
| Registry Number | B0N3-## |
| Launched | 2018 |
| Purpose | High speed strike bomber |
| Primary Crew | 6, including 1 AI shipmind |
The Lancer Project began in mid 2016, with the aim of developing a high speed spacecraft capable of combining the carrying capacity of a Peacemaker, with the speed of Blackbird series. The end result was the Lancer, a mouldline copy of the original Rockwell B1-B.
The Lancer was surprisingly heavier than the Peacemaker, despite being externally smaller with three modular equipment bays capable of carrying thirty tonnes of internal stores, along with the ability to transport over twenty tonnes on external pylons, all while cruising at .12C, with a top dash speed of .15C provided no external stores are being carried. Although capable of carrying more mass than a Peacemaker, the internal launch bays are much smaller inside and cannot carry Zig fighters.
To save development time, the Lancer team re-used several components from the OV-200 series shuttles, notably the flight control computers and the sensor arrays. The main engines are based off the cores of the quad-helix ion thrusters fitted to Blackbird-series spacecraft, with modified intakes and a unique continuously variable geometry drive field allowing near 200 tonnes of fully-laden spacecraft to cruise reliably and smoothly at .12c.
As standard the Lancer comes unarmed, but is capable of mounting a mission-dependant combination of coilguns, vulcan cannon, vertical launch systems, point defence, anti-fighter and anti-ship or anti-structural guided missiles. The internal bays can also be re-configured to carry cargo provided it’s not too bulky, reconnaissance drones or power-armoured troopers with certain extensions.
Like their namesakes however, the Lancers are notoriously complex spacecraft, costing at least four times as much as a Peacemaker. Not only this, but they are maintenance dogs, often spending more time under the spanner then in-flight. Quad-helix engines have been known to drive mortal mechanics insane on their own, before the variable geometry drive-field systems were added.
While a capable spacecraft, there is very little they can do that cannot be accomplished better by a Peacemaker with escort, or a squadron of Blackbirds. Still, there are some missions that call for the ability to deliver fifty tonnes of ordinance at twelve percent lightspeed
Lancers have also found themselves taking somewhat unusual roles. With the internal bays equipped for cargo transportation, the Lancer makes a competent exploration craft, with a strong AI and a full sensor suite. While not as outright reliable as a Space Shuttle and requiring more maintenance, the Lancer is faster, slightly cheaper, and can carry more external stores. The Lancers themselves don’t appear to mind. HARDES are working on a number of externally mounted scientific modules.
They’re popular amongst those who require a true do-anything spacecraft, or who need something that can defend itself while carrying valuable cargo, but there is an argument that a Peacemaker and a pair of Blackbirds could fulfill much the same role, while be noticeably cheaper.
Class Quirks:
Zoom to the Moon: Capable of keeping up with Blackbird series aircraft. 4 Quad-helix engines will do that.
Hangar Queen: Maintenance intensive. Extremely maintenance intensive. 4 Quad-helix engines will also do that.
Hole in the Sky: With all primary systems shut down, Lancer-series aircraft are almost impossible to spot, provided the paint is clean and undamaged.
Graceful cousins: Lancers are well aware that they have a shared heritage with the Shuttle orbiters. In general, the enjoy taking exploration and non-combat missions in their downtime and are by nature, more more curious than combative.
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