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AAM Boreas-Class Freighter [Blueprint]
   
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Type: Blueprint
File Size
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Nov 11, 2014 @ 11:16pm
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AAM Boreas-Class Freighter [Blueprint]

Description
Boreas-Class Freighter Mk. I

Specifications
Manufacturer: Ardentrall Aerospace Manufacturing
Mass: 815,933 kg
Powerplant: 35 MW [7 Small Reactors]; 32 MW Backup Power [8 Batteries]
Gyroscopes: 6
Time to max velocity: 29 sec
Acceleration: 3.6 m/sec^2
Armament: None
Industrial Equipment: None
Cargo Capacity: 2 Large Cargo Containers
Refinery Facilities: None
Assembler Facilities: Yes [1]
Medical Facilities: Yes [1]
Artificial Gravity: Yes
Small Craft Complement: None
Length: 92.5 meters
Width: 27.5
Height: 22.5

The Boreas is a bit of a departure from normal freighter design. Rather than focusing on cargo capacity, AAM decided to ensure that the vessel was quick enough to get its cargo where it was going on time. It may only have the same capacity as a standard cargo module, but the Boreas can get up to maximum speed in under half a minute.

Its relative paucity of storage might put some buyers off initially. However, the Boreas has a trick up its sleeve. While its port and starboard docking systems are Type A connectors, capable of transferring personnel and cargo, the aft dock is a Type B -- which means that it is capable of a merging lock with other vessels. Including, significantly, a standard cargo module. With a few seconds of docking, the Boreas can double its cargo capacity -- and since SCMs can be chained together indefinitely, the Boreas not infrequently finds itself acting as the locamotive for a small "train" of cargo modules.

Acting in this way does put an additional strain on the Boreas' drive systems. It takes 32 seconds to reach maximum velocity while towing a single SCM, for a loss of three seconds, and each additional container will increase that time even further.

What this means is that the Boreas is capable of acting in two very different roles. On the one hand, it can act as a fast courier, getting cargo where it needs to go on time. On the other hand, it can chose to shed some of the speed and act as a bulk freighter. If the client already has their own SCMs, even better -- you won't need to buy them yourself.
5 Comments
DarkExcalibur42 Dec 11, 2014 @ 7:43am 
I recommended several of your ships for S.E.'s upcoming exploration game feature, but I'm pretty sure they'll need you to submit it if you like the idea of getting it included:
http://forums.keenswh.com/post?id=7202152&trail=15
Dwarf-Lord Pangolin  [author] Dec 11, 2014 @ 12:55am 
Thank you both. :) I'm glad the aesthetics are working with this; I was trying to go for something of the style of the ships from the original Escape Velocity game. And it's a real relief to know that the compatibility is working.

I would like to have a universal docking port system, but the only way to have a system that can do everything without mods -- passengers, connectors, and merging -- and allow vessels to dock at any angle involves a 3x3 cluster of connectors and merge blocks. Since most docking is to top up inventories or move from one ship to another, the Type A is my go-to connector, with the Type B dedicated to hauling stuff around.
Tarka Dec 9, 2014 @ 2:36pm 
Very well thought out, effective design. I hope to be encountering this ship while out exploring the infinite universe. What particularly interests me is that your designs all seem to be made properly intercompatible, with standardised docking ports etc so that they can actually all work together. I now use a standard docking port derived from your design and find it much more compact and user-friendly than any docking part mod.

Do you build your ships from the inside outwards or the outside inwards? Both inside and outside seem interesting and effective, whereas I find that either design approach makes the part done first look good but the part done after rather compromised.
DarkExcalibur42 Nov 12, 2014 @ 4:11am 
Speaking of really impressive cargo ships, you should check this one out if you're ever looking for ideas:

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=331886884

I'm not a fan of all the automated doors (they feel like a luxury), but the look and feel of that ship is unparalleled.
DarkExcalibur42 Nov 12, 2014 @ 4:06am 
As usual, your curious by effective use of asymmetry in your interior corridor designs makes this ship feel somehow more authentic and lived-in. The exterior lines of your ship provide it with a nice look as well that makes it fit right in with Red 1 or Blue 2. I also like that you kept the characteristic blue/white coloration to match it with the official civilian ships.

This, along with its ability to function like a modular cargo ship and pick up a container? Very neat.