When you need it now, but it is inconveniently half-a-system away, the Thunderbolt Shuttle gets it to you in a hurry.
Taking small packages across a star system in less time than you could jump, this craft is the ultimate in raw power. With only a basic life-system, no grav compensation and nearly 7Gs of acceleration it is not for the faint-hearted. Indeed it is often used totally automated as a package delivery system.
There is no dedicated cargo space. Small packages have to be stuffed into the access spaces in the drives and fusion reactor! There is around half a DT of very small maintenance access spaces available.
The military also use such craft as high speed couriers. It is rumoured that they use stealthed versions as very long range ship killing missiles, though this has always been officially denied.
Statistics: Emass 14.8, LMass 14.8, Cost MCr 2.892, HP 900, Hull Size Modifier:+5
Performance: Accel 6.76 Gs (6.76 Gs empty), Jump 0, Air Speed 0 mph
Non-standard options: Short Term Access Thrusters.
Maintenance requirements 8 man hrs per operational day.
| Program | Effect |
|---|---|
| Datalink | Systems interconnect |
| Damage Control | +2 to ship repair |
| Auto-pilot | Skill 12 |
| User Interface | Including range of computer personalities |
| Equipment | Range (miles) |
|---|---|
| Radio comms | 0.5 million |
| Laser comms | 1 million |
| Active sensors | 50,000 |
| Passive sensors | 10,000 |
| Radscanner | 1,000 |
Short Term Access Thrusters (designed using Gurps Vehicles) provide 9 tons of vectored thrust, 91 tons of non-vectored thrust and fusion power. Only short term access spaces are built into the drives, they therefore must be maintained on the ground or in a space dock.