Escape Pod

Escape Pod TRO3057r.png
Escape Pod
Production information
Manufacturer
Use Escape Pod
Type (Shape) Civilian Aerodyne
Tech Base Inner Sphere
Cost Unknown
Introduced 2647
Technical specifications
Mass 5
Structural Integrity
Length 5.3 meters
Width 2.5 meters
Engine (Type) RSD 1
Safe Thrust 2g
Maximum Thrust 3g
Fuel
Burn Rate
Armament None
Armor 0.25 tons
Heat Sinks None
Crew
Passengers 6
BV (1.0) ???
BV (2.0) ???



An Escape Pod is a small, environmentally sealed craft, ship, compartment, or projectile, mounted on a spacefaring vessel. An escape pod can be used to evacuate a stricken ship in an emergency using a liquid hydrogen-fueled thruster and possesses only limited maneuverability. A number of escape pod designs exist, though the most common is the 5-ton vessel detailed herein.[1]

Description[edit]

Installed aboard many DropShips, JumpShips or WarShips, the escape pod allows crew and passengers to exit such larger vessels in case of an emergency. The main difference between the escape pod and the slightly larger Life Boat is its role, with the pod including maneuvering thrusters for minor course corrections and being capable of making only an unpowered planetary landing. If used with a maximum of 0.5g trust, fuel will last for five minutes as described,[2] though this is clarified in later documents that the vessel is capable of 3gs for up to 90 seconds.[1]

An automatic piloting computer can be used in lieu of a skilled pilot, though these were often scavenged during the low technological points of the Succession Wars, and manual piloting found between the main passenger seats can steer the craft if needed.[2]

While able to survive reentry and equipped with a para-sail to allow some control of its descent, the teardrop-shaped escape pod lacks landing gear and generally makes a rough hard landing. Once launched, older vessels required manual activation, though newer pods automatically broadcast an omnidirectional beacon every five seconds for up to 30 days, and is detectable for a few hundred kilometers. With .48 tons of cargo, the pod is outfitted with food and life support to keep a standard four passengers alive for approximately two weeks. However, six can be wedged inside if needed, although this lowers the number of days would-be rescuers have to find the vessel.[2]

Notes[edit]

The original TRO: 3057 accidentally swapped the name and art between the lifeboat and escape pod, whereas the revised edition corrected this by leaving the names and art alone and swapping the text/fluff to match.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Technical Readout: 3057 Revised, p. 167
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary, p. 66

Bibliography[edit]