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.

The Llama is a common choice with Escort Jockeys

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

Legitimate traders advertise the fact with navigation lights

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

A Llama during take off: any large lake will do

A Llama pilot takes some well-earned planet-leave

The Llama is quite capable of flying in, and 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 pollution. There must also be a substantial-enough area of water (or similar liquid) for the ship to settle upon (it uses its catamaran engine pods as loadbearing structures).

Summary

The Llama has s remarkably small end-profile

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.

Download

Llama OXP