USS SOUTHERN CROSS NCC-63550

The Pride of the Pacific

Embarked Craft Specifications Manual

USS SOUTHERN CROS S NCC - 6 3 5 5 0

Embarked Craft Specifications Manual

USS Southern Cross NCC 63550 a member of STARFLEET: the International Star Trek Fan Association

www.uss-southerncross.com

Version 1.1/0607

Table of Contents

Shuttlecraft and Other Auxilliary Vessels .................................................................... 1

Type 8 Shuttlecraft…………………………………………………………2

Type 18 Shuttlepod ………….……………………………………………3

Type SC-1 Shuttlecraft……….…………………………………………….4 Type – M2A & MT3D Sphinx workpod …………….……………………… 5

Troop Transport……….. ….……………………………….…………………...6

Argus Class Shuttle Transport……………………...………………………7

Gryphon Class Runabout (Stormcrow)…………………………………….8

Fighters ………………...…..………………………………….………………...9

F-26F Eagle Tactical Fighter . . .…………………………..…………….10

FFX-32MR Orcus Attack Fighter ……………………………………….11

Acknowledgements ...…….... .....…………...………………………………. 12

1111

SHUTTLECRAFT

and other Auxiliary Vessels

This section deals with those vessels used for the transportation of personnel, stores and equipment and the ‘work’ type craft used for repairs and maintenance .

he variation of shuttlecraft on the Southern Cross are designed to complement the specific tasks that the ship has been assigned to carry out. As a Starfleet Marine Corps Akira class battle cruiser, the Southern Cross has been designated to be deployed in a variety of roles – all combined to effectively

provide a ‘first strike/rapid deployment’ role. The shuttlecraft and other vessels assigned, provide the much needed work force and transportation role that is not filled by either the transport vessels or that the ship’s own transporter can provide.

Shuttlecraft /shuttlepods

All shuttlecraft and shuttlepods consigned are of varieties used exclusively for the transportation of personnel, and have been chosen to complement the type of inter planetary or inter-ship/station transfers that would occur during deployment activities. Being warp capable, the shuttlecraft are sometimes used for longer distance ‘special missions’, allowing the Southern Cross to maintain station within any desired quadrant according to deployment or mission orders or requirement.

The shuttlecraft utilized by the Southern Cross, have had in some instances some variations to their standard specifications, to better suit Marine Corps use. This may include shielding, armour plating and navigational aids.

Chapter

1

T

2222

S H U T T L E C R A F T

Type 8 Shuttlecraft

“Tar Heel”

Type: Light long-range warp shuttle. Accommodation: Two flight crew, six passengers. Power Plant: One 150 cochrane warp engine, two 750 millicochrane impulse engines, four RCS thrusters. Dimensions: Length, 6.2 m; beam, 4.5 m; height 2.8 m. Mass: 3.47 metric tones. Performance: Warp 4. Armament: Two Type-V phaser emitters.

Based upon the frame of the Type-6, the Type-8 Shuttlecraft is the most capable follow-up in the realm of personnel shuttles. Only slightly larger, the Type-8 is equipped with a medium-range transporter and has the ability to travel within a planet’s atmosphere. With a large cargo area that can also seat six passengers, the shuttle is a capable transport craft. Slowly replacing its elder parent craft, the Type-8 is now seeing rapid deployment on all medium to large starships, as well as to Starbases and stations throughout the Federation.

The Type 8 has been chosen for its size, armament and capability of transportation of cargo, meaning it can be used as an auxiliary ordnance carrier in support of ground troops in any particular engagement.

The Southern Cross carries four Type 8 vessels.

(“Tar Heel” is the nick name given to soldiers from North Carolina during the American Civil War.)

3333

S H U T T L E C R A F T

Type 18 Shuttlepod

“Te Waka”

Type: Medium short-range sublight shuttle. Accommodation: Two; pilot and system manager. Power Plant: Two 800 millicochrane impulse driver engines, four RCS thrusters, four sarium krellide storage cells. Dimensions: Length, 4.5 m; beam, 3.1 m; height 1.8 m. Mass: 1.12 metric tones. Performance: Maximum delta-v, 16,750 m/sec. Armament: Three Type-V phaser emitters.

Developed in the mid-2360s, the Type-18 Shuttlepod is somewhat of a departure from the traditional layout for ships of its size. In response to the growing threat of conflicts with various galactic powers bordering or near to the Federation, this shuttlepod was designed to handle more vigorous assignments that still fell into the short-range roles of a shuttlepods. Even with her parent vessel under attack, the Type-18 was designed to function in battle situations and could even be used as an escape vehicle should the need arise. Lacking a warp core, the pod is a poor choice for travel beyond several million kilometers. Ships of this type are seeing limited deployment on various border patrol and defensive starship classes, including the Defiant-, Sabre-, and Steamrunner-class.

Chosen for their smaller size and their ability to handle a fair bit of punishment, the Type 18 pod is a useful vessel that easily compliments the larger Type 8 and is used primarily as a ship to station, ship to ship, ship to planet transporter.

(“Te Waka” is Maori for ‘the canoe’ – giving recognition of the shuttle’s role as a small vessel of transportation.)

4444

S H U T T L E C R A F T

Type – SC1 shuttlecraft

“Taniwha”

Type: Medium long-range warp shuttle. Accommodation: Two flight crew, two passengers. Power Plant: One 400 cochrane warp engine, two 800 millicochrane impulse engines, four RCS thrusters. Dimensions: Length, 9.5 m; beam, 4.61 m; height 3.84 m. Mass: 3.14 metric tones. Performance: Warp 6. Armament: Two Type-VI phaser emitters.

The newly designed Type-SC1 Personnel Shuttle is a long-range craft capable of traveling at high warp for extended periods of time due to new advances in variable geometry warp physics. Based on the trusted Type-9 shuttle design, the Type-SC1 made its debut in the last year of the Dominion War. Like the Type-9, this shuttle type is ideal for scouting and recon missions, but is well suited to perform many multi-mission tasks. Equipped with powerful Type-VI phaser emitters, the shuttle is designed to hold its own ground for a longer period of time. Comfortable seating for four and moderate cargo space is still achieved without sacrificing speed and maneuverability. As standard, the shuttle is equipped with a medium-range transporter and is capable of traveling through a planet’s atmosphere. With its ability to travel at high-warp speeds, the Type-SC 1has been equipped with a more pronounced deflector dish that houses a compact long-range sensor that further helps it in its role as a scout. The Type-SC1 is now being deployed throughout the fleet in many cases as a general replacement for Type-9 and is especially aiding deep-space exploratory ships with its impressive abilities.

The ‘Taniwha’ serves as the Captain’s personal shuttle.

(A “Taniwha” is a mythical water creature/monster from Maori legend)

5555

S H U T T L E C R A F T

Type – M2A & MT3D Sphinx workpod

Type: Medium industrial manipulator Accommodation: Pilot (M2A); pilot and cargo specialist (MT3D). Power Plant: One microfusion reactor, four alfinium krellide power storage cells, four RCS thrusters. Dimensions: Length, 6.2 m; beam, 2.6 m; height 2.5 m. Mass: 1.2 metric tones. Performance: Maximum delta-v, 2,000 m/sec. Armament: None

The Sphinx provides a greater user hands-on control of the various functions involved with day-to-day maintenance and repair. Originally designed and more readily found on construction bases, the pods have since found useful employment by their ability to enable improved greater manipulation of hardware while working in deep space. Furthermore, a group of MT3D units can work together to tow larger objects into place, including most starship classes, when large tractor emitters are not an option. All variants utilize the same basic systems, and are small enough to fit inside of a Type-9A Cargo Shuttlecraft. All variants of the Sphinx Workpod are commonly found at Federation Fleet Yards and Starbases, as well as on larger Starfleet vessels such as the Southern Cross.

6666

TROOP TRANSPORT

These vessels are those expressly embarked for the transportation of Marine troops and their equipment.

he Southern Cross has specific needs aligned to the configuration of not only her usual active deployment duties as a military offensive/defensive vessel, but also to her peace-keeping duties performed on behalf of the Federation. These needs have meant that the ranges of vessels thus embarked are selected to

provide the maximum utilisation of the Southern Cross’s unique abilities to support a Rapid Deployment Force, for whatever reason.

Transporters

The transport vessels listed here are in the majority, newer-designed vessels that have the capacity to fulfill a variety of roles.

As the Southern Cross is generally deployed in high military risk quadrants, the ship’s complement of Marines covers a broad spectrum of offensive/defensive capabilities – and thus the transportation needs required to deliver these personnel and the ordnance associated, has to be able to handle the job well.

The likelihood that transportation of troops and equipment will be in adverse and hostile conditions has meant that the development of specific craft has been undertaken.

The transport craft aboard the ‘Cross have been selected specifically to meet those needs.

Chapter

2

T

7777

T R A N S P O R T

Argus Class Transport Shuttle

“Yowie”

Type: Marine Transport shuttle. Accommodation: Two flight crew, up to 15 Marines. Power Plant: One 400 cochrane warp engine, two 800 millicochrane impulse engines, four RCS thrusters. Dimensions: Length, 25 m; beam, 7 m; height 4.5 m. Mass: 3.74 metric tones. Performance: Warp 6. Armament: Three Type-VI phaser emitters.

Taken from the original Argo freight shuttle design, the Argus has been specifically designed to Marine Corps specifications. Equipped with larger thrusters and a more powerful power plant, the Argus is capable of maintaining the same warp speed despite carrying larger loads. This design came of a need to enable the better carriage of troops and ancillary equipment. In this role, the Argus is used to transport a fully equipped ATV vehicle, or up to 15 (light) troops. The Argus is also valuable as an ordnance carrier and can accommodate larger payloads of heavier weapons or material as required.

(“Yowie” is a giant Australian Aboriginal mythical beast that resembles a cross between a lizard and an ant)

8888

T R A N S P O R T

Gryphon Class Runabout – Stormcrow Variant FRX-301T

“Namarrkun”

Type: Marine Tactical Assault Craft. Accommodation: Pilot and Co-Pilot (minimum), 40 Marines (light), or 20 Marines (powered and equipment), or 1 x APC and support troops Power Plant: FNDX-814-H-15 Compact Enhanced Matter/Antimatter Reaction System. IDX–110-HV MkIII Compact Mass Drive System x2 Dimensions: Length, 40.5 m; wingspan 18 m; height 4.5 m. Performance: Max Warp 8.3. Cruising Velocity Warp 6.5 Armament: 8 Type VII Phaser Banks; 2 Type X Pulse Phaser cannons; 4 Type V Micro Torpedo launchers; 8 External Wing Mounts

One of the newest designs in Starfleet, the Gryphon Class Runabout is the development of years of intensive design work, aimed at the development of faster, better armed and more maneuverable runabout-class of vessel, than has been seen previously. Adapted from the original Gryphon Class FRX, the Stormcrow variant is the tactical version of this design with added missile packs carried under wing. With this added firepower, the Stormcrow can more than provide a stable landing platform for Marines and equipment as it is well capable of ensuring clearance of pre-landing opposition, as well as providing tactical airborne support once troops have disembarked.

(“Namarrkun” is an Australian Aboriginal lightning god who speaks with thunder as his voice)

9999

Fighters

The fighter wings carried by the Southern Cross provide roles as either space defense/attack fighters, or ground support/attack aircraft

To support the Marine Infantry Company in their role of a Rapid Deployment Force, the Southern Cross carries two small wings of fighter and attack craft.

These fighters have been specifically selected to assist and support in wide variety of roles – from landing craft/drop ship support; pre-landing offensive; ship-to-ship attack/defense; ship-to-station attack; aerospace defense and attack and as assistance to any ‘black ops’ covert roles in assisting the SpecOps units in performing their missions.

Chapter

3

11110000

F I G H T E R S

F-26F Eagle Tactical Fighter

“Wildu”

Type: Marine Tactical Fighter. Crew: Pilot Primary Function: Aerospace Superiority Fighter Secondary Function: Low Orbital Interdiction Dimensions: Length, 6m;wingspan 3.8 m (2.8 with gear up);height 8.5m. Performance: Max Warp 4; Emergency Speed warp 6 (2.7 mins); Cruising Velocity Warp 2 Armament: 1 x Mk/7 Heavy Beam Phaser, centerline under nose; 2 x Mk/5 Beam Phasers, fuselage mounted on either side of centerline. Internal hardpoints – none. External hardpoints - 2 light rails; 2 medium pylons, 3 heavy pylons

The Eagle is the largest and most heavily armed tactical fighter fielded by the SFMC. Its ability to carry large amounts of stand-off ordnance, coupled with its heavy phaser, make it ideal for long range combat. Another mission the Eagle is well suited for is interdiction of low orbit vessels such as drop ships and scout vessels. Properly equipped, a flight of Eagles is capable of seriously damaging a starship in orbit, even a large one. Against drop ships and shuttles, the Eagle is a deadly aerial predator, like its namesake. The small wing attached to the Southern Cross has proven time and again the value that a few, well piloted craft can produce immense results.

(“Wildu” is the name of an All-Father eagle from the Aboriginal Dream Time.)

11

F I G H T E R S

FFX-32MR Orcus Fighter

“Tumatauenga”

Type: Warp Attack Fighter. Crew: Pilot Primary Function: Aerospace Superiority Fighter Dimensions: Length, 19.2 m; beam 12.5 m; height 3.7m. Performance: Cruise Warp 7.5 ; Maximum Speed warp 9 (controlled M/AM overload) Armament: 2 x Compact Pulse Phaser launchers (wing mounted); 1 x Type VIII Phaser Array; 3 Point Defence Phaser Arrays; 2 x Mini Torpedo launchers; 50 x Mini Torpedo Payload; 8 x B-Type Torpedoes at 4 exterior hard points

With its low profile, high energy output and multitasking abilities, this latest addition to the Marine Corps arsenal has proved to be an invaluable tactical asset to the fleet both in short and long term missions as well as providing alternatives to Starbase defense initiates. This craft can be deployed from nearly any platform and is able to independently operate under most conditions on long and medium range missions. The FFX-32MR is also a major saving on resources over such larger and bulkier models like the Delta Flyer and Danube class support craft, meaning larger numbers can be produced relatively easily and quickly from most fleet or ship yard facilities. With its impressive armament array, the Orcus is a worthy addition to the 377th VMA

(“Tumatauenga” is the Maori God of War)

Acknowledgements

Much of the graphics and specifications details used in this manual has either been taken directly from the work of others, or best adapted to suit our needs.

The writers of this manual acknowledge the skills and accomplishments of the people who have designed these craft and offer our manual as a form of recognition to their talent.

Designs and some specifications have been used from:

Bernd Schneider’s Star trek site - http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org

G.K. Designs http://gkdesigns.blogspot.com/

ACTD -Advanced Starship Design Bureau http://techspecs.acalltoduty.com

All due diligence has been made to try to ascertain the copyright owners of graphics used in this manual. If you believe that one of your graphics has been used un-credited please contact us at co@uss-southercross.com and we will be happy to remedy the situation

This manual is the result of the combined efforts of: