Phoenix Aerospacy CT-11C Orbital Dropship - "DRAGONFLY II"
I. Background Information
The CT-11 dropship is a high-powered, transatmospheric, hyperspace-capable craft that is used by the militaries of the Nerimian Defense Initiative and Draconian Alliance for insertions on enemy planets and enemy warships. Roughly three times the size and mass of a Uriko bomber, the Dragonfly II dropships are capable of carrying up to 36 fully-loaded troopers into battle or alternatively, up to 6 light hovercraft or 4 hovertanks.
While the Dragonfly II possesses no serious anti-mecha or starfighter weapons, it wields four 40mm TRC-11 assault cannons, 2 18mm pulse lasers, and a single missile pod in order to blast enemy ground positions, allowing it to serve as a heavy gunship in close-air-support situations.
II. Historical Information
Asthetically, the CT-11 is identical to its predecessor, the CT-4, though its avionics, weapons, and cargo capacity are drastically improved. The Dragonfly II has served with the NDI since the Chaos and Hive Wars, which was the first major ground operation after the First Draconian War. There the Dragonfly II served admirably and since then, the NDI has consistently upgraded its fleet of dropships with the latest computer technologies, allowing it to interface with the SLICS tactical combat network and integrate seamlessly with the infantry squads it carries into battle.
III. Statistical Information
Manufacturer: Phoenix Aerospace Corporation
In use by: Nerimian Galactic Confederation, Draconian Alliance
Unit Type: Orbital Dropship
Designation: CT-11
Nickname: Dragonfly II
Production: In service with all branches of the NDI.
Crew Information: 1 pilot, 1 co-pilot, 2 weapons systems officers
Dimensions (in meters): 15.75 m x 8.55 m x 9.443 m
IV. Performance
Speed (sublight): .99c (can accelerate to this speed in approximately four minutes)
Speed (atmospheric): Mach 7+ supercruise in an Earth-type atmosphere
Speed (hyperspace): ~88,524,663c
The Dragonfly II is fully transatmospheric and is equipped with an anti-gravity propulsion system to provide additional lift in High-G environments.
V. Weapons
TRC-11 40mm Assault Cannons (4): Designed primarily for aerial fire-support, these weapons fire a mixture of high-explosive, armor-piercing, and incendiary rounds at hypersonic velocities (Mach 20+) that are devastatingly effective against most infantry and light armored targets.
Purpose: Assault
Damage: Moderate to heavy against infantry, mecha, and light armor targets. Light to minimal damage against heavier targets.
Range: 1,800 meters
Rate of Fire: 9,000 rounds per minute
Payload: 5,000 rounds per cannon
ARC-7 18mm Pulse Laser Cannons (2): These are dedicated point-defense weapons, one mounted on a dorsal arc and the other on a ventral arc. They are fast-tracking and can track enemy interceptors and missiles and destroy them with incredible precision. The ARC-7 has been rated at 25,000 TW.
Purpose: Point-Defense
Damage: Moderate to heavy against enemy mecha and starfighters.
Range: 500 miles in an atmosphere
Rate of Fire: 2 pulses/second
Missile Pod (1): Designed to deliver heavy ordnance, the Dragonfly II's missile pod carries 24 "Black Arrow" anti-infantry munitions and 12 "Puma" anti-armor munitions. These munitions are considered precision-guided weapons.
Purpose: Assault
Damage: Heavy.
Range: 25 miles in an atmosphere
Rate of Fire: 4 missiles every second
Payload: 24 "Black Arrow", 12 "Puma"; 36 total
Systems: Ion Impulse Drives x 2, Anti-Gravity, Xentronium Armor, Integrated Sensors Suite, Integrated Communications Suite, ECM Suite, Damper Field, Barrier Shields, Chaff & Flare Dispensers, Distortion Field Generator, Emergency Beacon, Cryostasis Pods