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 dimensions are, in fact, achieved through the use of a 'catamaran' hull system, which was considered quite radical when the ship was first unveiled in 3110.
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).
This also makes the Llama quite manouvreable - as it places the power units outboard, with the main centre of mass just infront of them, in the middle of the ship.
Specification
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, familiar from their use 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, Tsierk 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, however, 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
As its appearance might suggest, the Llama is quite maneuverable within atmospheric conditions, having a hull which is designed to act, in part, as a flying-wing. As such, it would be capable of landing on any planet with an atmosphere of up to 200 kilopascals of atmospheric pressure, and up to 2Gs standard gravity - as long as the local government was either unaware of (or unconcerned by) the risk of pollution, of course!
There must also be a substantial-enough body of water (or similar liquid) for the ship to settle upon, as it uses its engine pods as loadbearing floats in order to avoid the need for complicated landing gear, and to facilitate trading on backward planets without involving the GalCop in the transaction.
Summary
Because of it's military antecedents, the Llama is able to maintain a fighter-like profile, while offering decent cargo-carrying capabilities. This has made it a popular choice for Bounty Hunters, Escort Jockeys, and, of course, Pirates.
Several pirate groups are known to have produced a 'breathed-upon' version of the Llama, unofficially known as the 'Alpaca' - recognisable by the large 'Jolly Roger' emblems it sports. This is produced at the cost of a certain amount of cargo space, as well as the tendency for radioactive leakage to occur into the crew zone. It is popular with Cockroaches, and other pilots who are either radiation-resistant, or who don't mind the occasional mutation.
