Pumpkinseed

Pumpkinseed - Light Courier File:Shipclass light courier.png
{{{sketchfab}}}
Manufacturer	OKB Kaluri
Ship statistics
Price	162000 Cr
Hull Mass	10 t
Capacity	17 t
Cargo capacity	{{{cargo_capacity}}} t
Crew	min. 1	max. 1
Equipment
Hyperdrive mount	yes	Default class: 1
Scoop mounts	{{{max_scoop_mounts}}}
Max cabins	{{{max_cabins}}}
Weapon mounts	{{{max_weapons}}}
Max missiles	{{{max_missiles}}}
DeltaV
Fuel tank capacity	7 t
Exhaust Velocity	empty: 20695km/s full: 8990km/s km/s
deltaV	empty: {{{deltav_empty}}} km/s	full: {{{deltav_full}}} km/s
Acceleration
Forward acceleration	empty: {{{forward_accel_empty}}} G	full: {{{forward_accel_full}}} G
Reverse acceleration	empty: {{{reverse_accel_empty}}} G	full: {{{reverse_accel_full}}} G
Up acceleration	empty: {{{up_accel_empty}}} G	full: {{{up_accel_full}}} G
Down acceleration	empty: {{{down_accel_empty}}} G	full: {{{down_accel_full}}} G
Lateral acceleration	empty: {{{lateral_accel_empty}}} G	full: {{{lateral_accel_full}}} G
Angular acceleration	empty: {{{angular_accel_empty}}}	full: {{{angular_accel_full}}}
Atmospheric characteristics
Atmo. shield mount	{{{atmo_shield}}}
Atmo. pressure limit	{{{atmo_pressure_limit}}} atm
Lift coefficient	{{{lift_coef}}}
Aerodynamic stability	{{{aero_stability}}}
Frontal drag	{{{front_drag}}}
Sideways drag	{{{side_drag}}}
Top drag	{{{top_drag}}}

Description

The Pumpkinseed's design goal was to build a light, very fast and maneuverable craft, mainly for courier purposes. OKB Kaluri achieved this goal by heavy over-engineering. It's eight main thrusters can provide 18G acceleration when empty, which makes it one of the fastest craft money can buy. Comparably high retro thrust and a generous amount of maneuvering thrusters makes it appropriately nimble for its speed.

The curved shape of the hull provides decent atmospheric maneuverability and good structural integrity at the same time. Heat sinks are situated on adjustable fins typical to OKB Kaluri crafts, to give a degree of control for the direction of heath radiation which can dramatically decrease detectability.

The cost of this is the very small cargo hold and uncomfortable cabin. Contrary to OKB Kaluri's reputation, it has a very high maintenance demand – this could be attributed mostly to its high powered (though admittedly very efficient) engines. Usually, the ship needs a throughout status check after any flight longer than a few days, and usually there will be need for readjustment, part replacement and repair. Pumpkinseeds have a very long operating lifetime, but without maintenance their performance will drop quickly and significantly up until an early failure.

It has four light weapon hardpoints that are used only as a last resort due to a lack of capacity – the ship normally relies on its high thrust and nimbleness to avoid encounters.

Currently, this is the beginner ship for pilots who begin their journey at New Hope.

Role

The Pumpkinseed's main role is to provide courier services between inhabited systems. The ship's small cargo hold doesn't allow for heavier delivery, but its speed ensures a fast one. Thanks to the majority of the craft being engines, it can avoid fights easily, which makes it a good choice for both sensitive military operations and for commercial pilots seeking to stay away from conflicts in general.

It can be a formidable fighter if the mechanic crew manages to squeeze in the necessary equipment, but its light hull isn't favorable for a prolonged dogfight.

Racing pilots value it for its thrust ratings and versatility.

One or two cabins could be installed for passenger transport, but won't be very comfortable, nor would it be an effective use of the small space available. Such space might be better used to protect other crucial occupants, like the pilot.

This ship is commonly used by the police forces in the Commonwealth of Independent Worlds.

Notes

The Pumpkinseed is not recommended for beginner pilots due to it's spartan instrumentation, typical to OKB Kaluri ships. It's small crew compartment makes it very uncomfortable for long range travel, if the pilot isn't trained for prolonged flights. In a well trained and disciplined hand it can be a formidable craft for some roles.