Pumpkinseed

Pumpkinseed - Light Courier File:Shipclass light courier.png
{{{sketchfab}}}
Manufacturer	OKB Kaluri
Ship statistics
Price	182000 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	8e7 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 adding more engine systems. Its eight main thrusters can provide 30G acceleration when empty, which makes it 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 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 and repair. Pumpkinseeds have a very long operating lifetime, but without maintenance their performance will drop quickly and significantly.

It has four light weapon hardpoints, for last resort self defence, but usually they are left empty, and the ship relies on its high thrust and nimbleness to avoid encounters.

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.

Notes

It's not recommended for beginner pilots due to it's spartan instrumentation, typical to OKB Kaluri ships. It's small crew comparment 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.