Shamira Karuto
Burn the past - Heal the future
Vanguard Heavy Transport
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: To create a heavy transport for Firemane suitable for getting into and out of danger intact. It can do a bit of fighting, cargo or personnel carrying and is tough. On the other hand, it’s not great in naval combat and is quite large for its purpose.
Image Source: Here. Paul Adam's concept art for SWTOR's Thunderclap.
Canon Link: Based on the Thunderclap but extensively reconfigured.
Restricted Missions: N/A
Primary Source: [member="Valiens Nantaris"] completed the production information and technical specifications. I completed special features, strengths, weaknesses, and description.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Firemane Industries and Technology
Model: FM-VM001a
Affiliation: Faction Name(s) (Order of Fire with permission only).
Production: Limited
Material: Standard ship materials.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Assault Transport
Length: 45m
Width: 60m
Height: 20m
Armament: Moderate,
o 2 x dual turbolasers (180 degree arc forward)
o 2 x warhead launcher (180 degree arc forward)(4 warheads each)
o 4 x quad lasers (360 degree arc)
Defenses: High,
Heavy armour plating
Redundant shield generator.
E-war protection.
Hangar: N/A
Maneuverability Rating: Low,
Speed Rating: Average
Hyperdrive Class: 1. Backup 10.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Crew quarters -3 pairs of 2 bunks
Force users quarters – 2 bunks and a mediation area
Captain quarters
Briefing room/small armory
Bridge/control center for ship – 4 stations for on duty bridge crew
Training area/common area – For the common area, a simple couch, pazzack table, holovid system, and a kitchenette for long trips.
Engine room
3 escape pods
Storage area – force cage in case of POW capture or mutiny
Military targeting system
Military sensor system
Encrypted, standard holocomm system
Strengths
Packing a punch: As the ship to transport the Order of Fire’s force users across the galaxy, the Vanguard needs to be able to protect itself in case of an attack. With plenty of firepower, as well as two dedicated gunners, a single Vanguard ship packs plenty of punch to be able defend, and in some cases attack, any opponent ship.
Taking a beating: If the large armament of the ship doesn’t scare away opponents, its ability to take an absolute beating and still fight makes it formidable on its own.
Jack of all trades: Attacking, cargo carrying, personal transport, the Vanguard can do it all, and do it all well. It has all the amenities for a long trip through the stars.
Weaknesses
Needing those defenses: Vanguard ships are slow and not very maneuverable. While they are able to take a beating, it wouldn’t be wise to put them into battle for very long with ships that are faster than it.
Bigger is better: Capital ships have little trouble dispatching this transport. It may be able to survive for a short while, but leaving the area as soon as a ship bigger than it appears is a smart move for any Vanguard crew.
Lacking defensive firepower: A Vanguard’s offensive firepower is a force to be reckoned with, but that can’t be said for its defensive firepower. With only six flak guns, gunners on a Vanguard need to be accurate and quick to keep the ship safe.
Description
It became very evident one day that public transport and capital ships could no longer suffice as transports for the Firemane’s valued assets, Order of Fire force users. They needed to be able to take on any mission in the galaxy quickly, while also keeping contact and be able to defend themselves. Trips would be long and arduous, so day long travels could not be done in a regular starfigher.
So, the Vanguard was born to meet these needs. Cargo shipping, personnel transport, and quick and precision attack missions were all in the ship repertoire. While it need a good sized crew, no longer would the force users have to focus on keeping themselves alive. With a common area and a training area, the crew was also kept happy. A hyperdrive meant the ship didn’t have to be paired with a capital ship to be able to get from point A to point B either.
The Vanguard was the ultimate transport for getting the Order of Fire personnel where they needed to go, safely, efficiently, and quicker than taking a capital ship.
