Escape Pod

Escape Capsule

Size (metres, W×H×L)	7 x 6 x 6
Cargo capacity	N/A
Cargo bay extension	N/A
Maximum speed	0.05 LM
Manoeuvrability	Roll: 0.5 Pitch: 0.5
Energy banks	1
Energy recharge rate	Poor (2.0)
Gun mounts	None
Missile slots	None
Shield boosters available	No
Military shields available	No
Hyperspace capable	No
OXP or standard	Standard
Available to player	No
Base price	N/A

Overview

The Escape Pod is a lifeboat. Normally, it is fitted such that it completely encloses the flight deck of the ship on installation, so when the crew needs to get out of Dodge fast, they just hit the button - no inconvenient running around to the escape system when a mere second could mean the difference between life and death.

Unfortunately, survival isn't guaranteed by an escape capsule. Assassins, for example, will see it detach from the stricken spacecraft and will destroy it. Pirates will probably try and pick it up in their fuel scoop and then sell the crew to slavers. Despite these risks, the tiny craft has saved countless lives since its introduction, and generally it is worth carrying one.

Typically, insurance can be purchased with the capsule so a replacement ship can be assured should an unfortunate crew need to bail out of their ship. This insurance almost never covers cargo. Escape capsules have also been used to jetisson inconvenient criminal records - it is trivially easy to fake one's death and make off in the capsule as with the radio shut down it is very difficult to detect.