Approved Vehicle Zephyr Skyhopper

[Casaana]

Spoiler: Cockpit

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: A light and fun aerial vehicle
• Image Source: Henry Fong, Cowboy Bebop
• Canon Link: Skyhopper, T-16
• Permissions: N/A
• Primary Source: N/A

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Outer Rim Resources
• Affiliation: Outer Rim Resources, Open Market
• Market Status: Open-Market
• Model: Zephyr Skyhopper
• Modularity: Yes
• Production: Mass-Produced.
• Material: Druetium Framing, AlloyPlast Paneling, Theadian Viewscreen, Condensed-Matter Composite,
• Polyplast, Standard Airspeeder and Skyhopper components.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Airspeeder, Skyhopper
• Role: Personal Transport, Trainer, Light Scout, Sporter
• Size: Average
• Weight: Light
• Armaments: Average
  • 4 Blaster Cannons
  • -OR- 4 Stunners
  • 1 Gimbaled Heavy Mount
    • Pneumatic Cannon
    • Heavy Ion Cannon
    • Heavy Laser Cannon
    • Heavy Particle Cannon
    • Heavy Beam Cannon
    • Solar Ionization Cannon
• Defenses: Very Low
• Maneuverability Rating: High
• Speed Rating: Very High
• Propulsion: Repulsorlift, Turbothruster
• Minimum Crew: 1
• Optimal Crew: 1
• Passenger Capacity: 0
• Cargo Capacity: Very Small

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Cockpit Escape Pod
• Thrust Vectoring
• Active Maneuverability System
• SubLight AfterBurner
• Atmospheric Control Surfaces
• Folding Wing Storage
• Collision Avoidance System
• Standard Avionics & Comms
• Standard Airspeeder Systems

STRENGTHS

• Low Skill, High Mastery: A great first ship with plenty of room to grow into.
• Trans-Orbital: Fully pressurized, the Zephyr can reach space stations in orbit.
• Thrust Ratio: Powered by an outsized turbothruster and lightweight, the Zephyr boasts exceptional acceleration and climb rates.

WEAKNESSES

• Planet-Locked: Incapable of interstellar flight or even reaching a moon without catching a ride.
• Non-combatant: Lacks heavier shields without upgrading, warning systems, countermeasures, or other standard military features.

DESCRIPTION
Intended as a trainer and bush pilot craft, the Zephyr is easy to pick up as a first flier but fast and nimble enough for more experienced pilots to enjoy. Simple and easy to maintain, with features like folding wings for easy storage in tighter spaces or under a tarpaulin, and a cockpit ejection system for safety, the skyhopper lends itself well to the casual flier. The cockpit sports simple controls and a seat similar to a speeder’s, lending the craft a fast and sporty interior feel as the rider pushes against g-forces with their legs. Assisting this are a cut-down HUD and minimal center console, enough to give information needed to fly without overwhelming a new pilot or separating the rider from the act of flying and keeping their eyes on the sky.

Armament wise, it carries four rapid-firing wingtip blaster cannons for self-defense against frontier troubles like speeder gangs, sandpeople, and womp rats. A ventral mount can hold an optional heavy pneumatic cannon, though mechanically savvy technicians are capable of swapping the gun out for a whole host of heavy weaponry, even a solar ionization cannon. Also upgradable is the light shield installed as standard, capable of absorbing a few glancing cannon hits or small arms fire. In more civilized areas of space where some weapons might be restricted, the wingtip blasters are replaced with stun cannons or left off entirely. This can also be done for younger fliers, or an additional control module can be installed by the seller that restricts the blaster cannon settings to stun and provides remote tracking for a concerned parent, along with preventing high speeds at lower altitudes.

Highly modifiable, bush pilots and wildcatters sometimes add specialized sensors for surveying. Cash-strapped militias picked up the cheap flier for light scouting and air support, and even some local police forces will sometimes pick one up for enforcement duties. Ranchers and farmers might use one to survey the range, yet the largest market for the Zephyr by far are the youth dreaming of being fighter pilots or seeking aerial thrills. With a starting price of just 9,000 credits new and 13,000 for a fully armed skyhopper, even youths having to save on their own can usually afford one off the used market in just a season of work.

 

[MANIAC]

Casaana

Cool sub!

Approved.