Aquarius
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| Aquarius is ship launching in foreground, the Lyonesse small craft launches in background with it. | |
| Aquarius (Escort) | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Andurien AeroTech |
| Use | Surface-to-Orbit Escort |
| Type (Shape) | Military Aerodyne |
| Tech Base | Inner Sphere Standard |
| Cost | ??? |
| Introduced | 2515 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 200 Tons |
| Structural Integrity | 8 |
| Length | 20 Meters |
| Engine (Type) | Fusion |
| Safe Thrust | 4 |
| Maximum Thrust | 6 |
| Fuel | 6 tons |
| Burn Rate | |
| Armament | 2 x Large Lasers 2 x LRM 10s 2 x SRM 6 4 x Medium Lasers (2 rear) |
| Armor | ???? |
| Heat Sinks | 32 |
| Crew | 6 |
| Passengers | |
| BV (1.0) | 1,912 |
| BV (2.0) | 2,510[1] 2,263[2] |
Contents
Description
The Aquarius was first introduced into service in 2515, after the success of its older counterpart, the Lyonesse. It is a large small craft designed to escort spacecraft from a planet's surface to orbiting WarShips or space stations.[1]
Despite having a limited fuel capacity, the ship has been given balanced firepower and heavy armor that rivals many DropShips and Aerospace fighters. The Aquarius was a highly sought out craft for its time.[1]
However, surface-to-orbit escorts were eclipsed by newer heavy weight Aerospace fighters and some newer designs of DropShips.[1]
The Aquarius and its sister class, Lyonesse, designs were revisited during the early years of the Jihad, where they were upgraded with new technology for other uses in the conflict.[1]
Weapons and Equipment
The ship's principal weaponry includes a pair of Long Range Missile launchers with 2 tons of ammunition. The launchers are augmented by a pair of large lasers for medium range targets. The craft has a Six-tube Short-Range Launcher and medium laser in each wing section. To protect the craft's aft, it has been given an additional two medium lasers.[1]
The ship's fusion engine has been given a maximum thrust of 6, with six tons of fuel.[1]
Variants
- Aquarius-M1
- A Jihad era variant, the Marik variant replaces all its lasers with Extended-Range models. The ship is given a larger engine to improve the craft's speed. BV (2.0) = 2,568[3]
- Aquarius W1
- This is a Word of Blake variant that was produced in the early years of the Jihad. The Aquarius is changed from an escort craft to a mobile artillery battery, using Arrow IV artillery missiles launcher while grounded. The Blakist variant's armor type is changed out for Ferro-Aluminum while still maintaining the same armor protection. Also the ship's engine is altered to increase the ship's speed. BV (2.0) = 2,698[4]
Related Aerospace Small Craft
Notes
Originally published in the Technical Readout: 3026 Revised, the Aquarius' maximum thrust was listed as 8 instead of the 6 listed in later Technical Readout: 3075. The general rule of Catalyst Game Labs cites new publications trumps older one, this case the older thrust ratio is changed.