more variety in dropships

[ripclaw]

i`ld have a suggestion for a dropship - i even have a wings3d model, which could be the base for that -

the hammerhead is a powerful carrier between the firebird and the stiletto, it consists of two huge engines,
a bay to hold 4-5 people and equipment, 3 equipment slots (yes...), 1 armor slot and two light weapon slots (preferrably the guns).
it has a bit more speed than the firebird, less range (thats why you need 3 slots, add a fuel tank, and we are only slightly
faster than the f-bird, with a loss of crewspace - but we have more versatility) and better accuracy. beeing based on the minimally
enlarged airframe of the stiletto, it might even fit the small hangar. but that is a matter of discussion.

it should be available at the beginning of the game, as an option to save money by acutally risking the crew of four to down a ufo
and go to the crashsite immediately. maybe have it offered as a research option for those who want a bit more tactical flexibility.



an other idea would be a cheap fighter (dragonfly) researchable somewhat
before dragon and stingray but after you have been playing a while.
basically it is a single-hardpoint, short range "throw-away" fighter. it has more range and speed, but at expense of weaponry.
that plus it is cheaper than the saracen. you get 2,5 for the same money, they only need a small hangar.


in game data:

hammerhead
cruise speed         - 1030 km/h
top speed             - 1360 kmh
operational range  - 9000 km
crew                   - 1 pilot, 5 soldiers max
hardpoints            - 2 small hardpoints (nose), 3 equipment bays, 1 armour slot
cost                    - 100 000

dragonfly
cruise speed         - 1870 km/h
top speed             - 2560 kmh
operational range  - 2800 km
crew                   - 1 pilot
hardpoints            - 1 medium hardpoint (nose), 1 equipment bays, 1 armour slot
cost                    - 40 000



comparison:
firebird             speed 7     accuracy   70   fuel 250  soldiers 8   140 000
stiletto              speed 20   accuracy  100   fuel 10   soldiers 1     40 000
hammerhead      speed 11   accuracy   80   fuel 100  soldiers 5   100 000
dragonfly           speed 25   accuracy  100  fuel  14   soldiers 1     40 000
saracen             speed 37   accuracy   70   fuel  17   soldiers 1   100 000

[BTAxis]

The design of the dropship types is already finished. See the wiki page about aircraft.

There will be no additional types.

[ripclaw]

CLASSIFIED LEVEL BLACK
PHALANX Extraterrestrial Response Unit
Technical Document, Sigma Clearance -- Commander's Eyes Only
Filed: 30 December 2026
By: Dr. Richard Strohm, Base Commander, PHALANX, Pacific Operations Command


Overview
Our research team suggests building a troop transport on the design of the Stiletto. I hereby provide you with their research proposal.

The Hammerhead is a combat-dropship/transport based on the highly versatile Stiletto concept, aimed at replacing the old phalanx dropships with something more agile before we run into problems. It is proposed to carry enough weaponry to fit into a gunship/transport role, offer enough euqipment bays to allow installation of a complete electronics suite and a fuel tank for improved range or three fuel tanks for extra long range operations. The agility of the stiletto design will allow for VTOL capabilities and good close range combat maneuvering, increasing survivability above the old dropships.

Beeing built around two huge Volkot-54 engines (known to be fuel-hogs, even for a dropship), the craft allows for a top speed of Mach 1.3 - close to the Stilettos cruise speed, allowing for good team operations with the stiletto. The high versatility of the
design may even allow us to operate groups of Hammerheads on missions without any escorts.

The fighter-like agility allows for quick in, quick out insertions and with the crafts maximum range of 9000km it may even
become the craft of choice for the future - if we get production cost down to Stiletto-Levels.

Recommended Doctrine
The Hammerhead is best used in short-range interceptions of lightly armed craft, where immediate response to capture downed
crews is needed. it is also a excellent choice for small FRIBs (forward recon and interception bases), which only feature the
smallest amount of equipment to fit the situation.
Performance against other craft can only be based on the assumptions of the Stiletto, but by this measure it should perform
extremely well.


Addenda
Addendum, Cdr. Paul Navarre, 21 March 2084:
Commander, we have just evaluated one of the old co-proposals to the Stiletto, it does seem like it was axed in 2026 because it
was too far ahead of its time and too expensive. I think we should be able to build this craft after a bit of research, and it should
make sense for a number of missions, although its small crew capacity seems a bit of a problem to me.
The flight characteristics and payload - however - should argue for it, however.

With the experiences of fixing the Stiletto`s inherent instability problems, this craft looks more than useable today.

=======================================

CLASSIFIED LEVEL BLACK
PHALANX Extraterrestrial Response Unit
Technical Document, Sigma Clearance -- Commander's Eyes Only
Filed: 14 April 2084
By: Cdr. Paul Navarre, R&D: Engineering Division, PHALANX, Atlantic Operations Command


Overview
While the Stiletto is an excellent short range fighter and the Saracen Interceptor is a great asset at long ranges,
both have their deficits when it comes to operational costs. One of our researchers has suggested creating a design
somewhere between a Stiletto and a Saracen - a large engine VSTOL arial interceptor.

The Dragonfly is based on a Airframe closely resembling the old F-14 Tomcat in shape and construction - it is capable of changing
wing angle to improve maneuverability during slow speed operations and has been adapted to make use of the modern
Jaegerschmidt JM-211 twin engines. A lot of it`s materials resemble cheaper versions of the hightech manufacturing used in the
Saracen, saving money and yet still maintaining a decent level of operation. As another cost-cutting measure, the target tracking
unit was completely downgraded to handle only a single weapon system, making the craft even more cost-efficient.

The Dragonfly may not be the toughest or best thing we have to offer, but it should be available in large numbers and at a
moderate price quite soon.

Recommended Doctrine
The Dragonfly is an expendable tactical interceptor, similar in price to the stiletto, but fast enough to deal with some more craft
and at a longer range.it does not be a master in anything, but may as well save you from buying a number of different
specialized interceptors, where you could deal with one.
Regarding the performance - do not expect too much from a cost-saving measure.

Addenda
none.

[ripclaw]

sorry, seems like it is close to the hyperion. maybe you want to adapt below texts to it.
(altough i would really like some 3rd equipment slot for something like that...)

[TrashMan]

You know what would be cool? If that minigun you mounted on the nose of hte Firebird actually did track and shoot an nearby aliens when in ground combat

Speaking of which, all interceptor designs are finalized, right?
Hmm..I was going to offer this, but since the slots are full..

Not to mention I'd have to do some downgrading..

[Winter]

You know what would be cool? If that minigun you mounted on the nose of hte Firebird actually did track and shoot an nearby aliens when in ground combat

Speaking of which, all interceptor designs are finalized, right?
Hmm..I was going to offer this, but since the slots are full..

Not to mention I'd have to do some downgrading..

That's a spacecraft, not an atmosphere-capable jet. We couldn't use it.

Regards,
Winter

[TrashMan]

Slight tweaks to wing length...and voila! 
Alltough it should be able to fly in atmosphere anyway..if it's fast enough, even a rock will fly.

Hehe..No matter, I got a ton of various models.

Feel free to look the galleries on my homepage (link on page 1) and see if anything catches your fancy. Mayhaps you could use something.