Llama
| Llama | |
|---|---|
| |
| Size (metres, W×H×L) | 69 x 18.5 x 91 |
| Cargo capacity | 20 TC |
| Cargo bay extension | Unknown |
| Maximum speed | 0.35 LM |
| Manoeuvrability | Roll: 2.0 Pitch: 1.0 |
| Energy banks | 4 |
| Energy recharge rate | Unknown |
| Gun mounts | Fore, Aft Port, Starboard |
| Missile slots | Unknown |
| Shield boosters available | Yes |
| Military shields available | Yes |
| Hyperspace capable | Yes |
| OXP or standard | OXP |
| Available to player | Yes |
| Base price | Unknown |
Overview
The Llama is a medium-sized trader vessel, produced as an unlicensed copy of the Griffin Systems ship of the same name (which has never actually entered service with us). It is produced by the Tsierk Letaneya design bureau, within the Communist Hegemony of the Third Gentile Cluster, in the Galileo Sector.
Although never as popular as the older and somewhat more rugged 'Cobra' series from Cowell & MgRath, the Llama offers traders a very reasonable package; with good performance and decent hold-space, packed inside a compact outline.
Design
The Llama's admirable imonsions are, in fact, achieved through the use of a 'catamaran' hull system, which was considered quite radical when first unvieled in 3110.
By placing the crew and cargo in a separate, central, module, away from the twin engine units, Tsierk Letaneya were able to make use of the extremely powerful, but rather 'dirty', TV101 'Energia' engine units, manufactured by Klimov Corporation, of New St Petersburg, Luna (in the Luna/Earth bi-planetary system, of Old Sol).
Specification
Klimov have many centuries of experience in producing high performance, low cost engine units for the Military aerospace industries (as well as the ground-based power units, popular in the tarraforming business).
The Energia features an enhanced version of Prosset's well-established proton-tightening afterburner, using liquid-helium-cooled, super-conducting meson coils to further tighten the propulsive flux. These give off a considerable amount of alpha radiation, and would not be considered suitable for incorporation into a standard hull. By moving them outboard, Tseerk Letaneya have effectively made the radiation "someone else's problem".
The ship also features an extensive array of components sourced from the Communist Hegemony's military surplus budget, including a BARK target recognition system, the 'Monitor' space compass, Serebrany-Lantseer Energy Deflection Shields, and (perhaps unusually) a docking computer based on a Cray laptop from Tadpole Incorporated.
All of these components are standard fittings aboard the Communist Hegemony's 'Herald' class military interceptors, and many within the shipping industry point to this - and other features of the Llama's overall specifications - as evidence that Tsierk Letaneya are operating a subsidised industry. This does not stop many pilots from cashing-in on the Llama's undeniable qualities as a small, agile trader and lightweight fighter craft.
Atmospheric Capabilities
The Llama is quite manouvreable within an atmosphere, having a hull designed to act, in part, as a flying-wing. Assuch, it is capable of landing on any planet with an atmosphere of upto 2000 millibars pressure, and upto 2Gs standard gravity, as long as the local government is either unaware of (or unconcerned by) the risk of pollution. There must also be a substantial-enough area of water (or similar liquid) for the ship to settle upon, as it uses its engine pods as loadbearing floats in order to avoid the need for complicated landing gear.
Summary
Because of it's military antecedents, the Llama is able to maintain a fighter-like profile, while offering decent cargo-carrying capabilities, which has made it a popular choice for Bounty Hunters, Escort Jockeys, and, of course, Pirates.
