- History And Mission Overview
- Structure And Construction
- Science And Remote Sensing Systems
- Warp Propulsion Systems
- Impulse Propulsion Systems
- Tactical Systems
- Utility Systems
- Crew Support Systems
- Technical Specifications
History And Mission Overview
The Armadillo shuttlecraft was developed at Avalon Ship Yards for two reasons.
Firstly, the development of the Pendragon-Class vessels. It was felt that a new shuttlecraft, more suited for the needs of combat vessels, was required.
Secondly, the massive crew reassignments both during and in the aftermath of the Dominion War. With many ships in the field, warp capable shuttle was deemed more suitable for transferring low numbers of crew member.
The Armadillo, named for a species of mammal native to Earth, was designed to fit these needs. It’s primary purpose is as a transport for crew members, both for crew transfers and away teams. It also serves to increase the science capabilities of vessels, especially combat vessels, by effective extending sensor range and providing alternative means by which to examine anomalies. In some situations, it can also be used to transport ground forces to a planet, and subsequently provide air support for said forces, although it isn’t ideal for such a role.
Structure And Construction
The Armadillo has a narrow nose, widening as it approaches the mid-section, at which point it settles down to one width. The overall shape is a curved upper surface, starting at the nose, with comparatively flat underside and a flat rear hull surface. Warp nacelles are attached to the craft’s sides towards the rear of the shuttle.
The shuttle is constructed from standard Tritanium and Duranium alloys. The main space frame is constructed in a single piece, intended to reduce the power required for Structural Integrity Fields.
Overall, the Armadillo measures 3.24m in height, 9.43m in length, and has a beam measurement of 5.72m.
Science And Remote Sensing Systems
The Armadillo’s computer core isolinear rods. User interface is provided by LCARS. Off-the-shelf sensor packages are used on the Armadillo.
Warp Propulsion Systems
The Armadillo is equipped with a 28 Cochrane Warp core. This allows for a sustainable cruise of Warp Factor 1.4. Maximum Warp is warp factor 2.3 for 3 hours.
Impulse Propulsion Systems
Sub-light propulsion is provided by RCS packages designed to provide adequate sub-light speed. These provide a sustainable speed of 0.23c. Although not the fastest craft around, it’s manoeuvring ability is exceeded only by fighter craft.
Tactical Systems
Given the general wartime conditions during development, it would have been foolish not to give the Armadillo some tactical systems. It is important to note that, although present, weaponry on the Armadillo does little more than comfort the crew against anything larger than another shuttle.
The Armadillo was given Shield Generators providing a Maximum Gravitational Load of 27 MW, with a Maximum Energy Dissipation rate of 790 kW.
Offensive systems consist of two Type-IV phaser as standard, upgradeable to Type-V if needed.
Utility Systems
The Armadillo is equipped with a single Transporter Pad, which can transport two people up to 5000 kilometers.
Crew Support Systems
Although extensive crew support facilities are impossible on a shuttlecraft, some are included. A single replicator is found within the craft, limited to a single beverage or small dish at a time, along with two emergency med-kits, should the need to use them arise. Survival rations are stored next to the replicator, should the latter be inoperable.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions and Structure
Length
9.43 meters
Beam (Width)
5.72 meters
Height
3.24 meters
Decks
1
Crew Complement
Officers and Crew
1-3
Total Capacity
10
Maximum Evacuation Limit
17
Computer Systems
Core
Isolinear Rod Based Computer Core
Operating System
Starfleet Library Computer Access and Retrieval System (LCARS)
User Interface
MAJEL
Warp Systems
Power Plant
One 28 Cochrane M/ARA core feeding two nacelles
Cruising Velocity
Warp 1.4
Maximum Sustainable Velocity
Warp 2
Maximum Velocity
Warp 2.3 (12 hours)
Impulse Systems
Full Impulse
0.24c
Accelerate
15 seconds
Decelerate
20 seconds
Defensive Systems
Shield Maximum Graviton Load (Continuous)
27 Megawatts
Shield Maximum Energy Dissipation Rate
790 kilowatts
Offensive Systems
Phasers
1 Type-IV Phaser Emitter (upgradable to Type-V)
Conclusion
Following the development of the Armadillo as an armoured shuttlecraft, the design has been used extensively by Avalon and other Ship Yards, due to its versatile and resistant design. It continues to see service in a variety of situations.