Boa II Clipper Class
| Boa II Clipper Class | |
|---|---|
| Size (metres, W×H×L) | 65 × 60 × 115 |
| Cargo capacity | 150 TC |
| Cargo bay extension | N/A |
| Maximum speed | 0.362 LM |
| Manoeuvrability | Roll: 2.5 Pitch: 1.0 |
| Energy banks | 8 |
| Energy recharge rate | Medium (3.2) |
| Gun mounts | Fore, Aft Port, Starboard |
| Missile slots | 5 |
| Shield boosters available | Yes |
| Military shields available | Yes |
| Hyperspace capable | Yes |
| OXP or standard | OXP |
| Available to player | Yes |
| Base price | 525000 Cr |
Overview
Inspired by the great Clipper ships of Old Earth's 19th Century the Boa II Clipper was developed by the Gerege Federation Space Works as a result of extensive market research carried out for them by respected pollsters Moori. The research indicated that there was an un-filled niche in the market for a very fast combat-capable transport, a ship capable of covering great distances comfortably, safely, but most of all, quickly.
To keep development time and costs down it was decided to adapt the proven hull of the Boa Class Cruiser, rather than design a new ship from scratch. As the Boa CC was strong, capacious, and very manoeuvrable, little needed to be done other than increase the engine power. And they did this with style! By enlarging the engine room they were able to shoe-horn in a third Stardrive, thus giving the Clipper an immediate 50% power increase over the Class Cruiser, and a top speed of a highly creditable 0.362 LM.
The trade-off is a 25 ton reduction in cargo space, but the remaining 150 tons capacity was considered more than adequate. In keeping with its role as a fast long-distance transport, the Boa II Clipper is equipped as standard with Fuel Scoops and Heat Shielding for Sunskimming, allowing multi-system hops without the need for time-consuming stops at planetary stations to refuel.
Of course all this does not come cheaply, and a factory-issue Boa II Clipper will cost you Cr 525,000, a premium of Cr 30,000 over the equivalent Class Cruiser. The Boa II Clipper also comes with a full list of optional equipment. "If you can buy it, you can install it in your Clipper" according to GFSW's enthusiastic sales people.
Although sharing the same profile as the Boa Class Cruiser, the Boa II Clipper can easily be distinguished by its signature red nosecone, the arrays of (very necessary) heat exchangers on the external hull around the engine room, and of course the three massive thrusters.
