The Desert Ranger is a slow, but hardy, cargo hauler that is found on many desert planets and which is over-powered for its size – however slow it might be. The Ranger hovers a short distance above the surface using a combination of air pushed by turbines and anti-gravity. The Ranger’s excess power (20 PCU) leads to many after-market modifications to boost the engine speed or arm them for piracy. The Dust Pirates of Kier supercharge their engines to T10 and fit front and rear flak cannons in their attacks.
For most the Ranger is a mobile home. Humble and basic though the accommodation might be it is a vital survival tool in some of the most inhospitable climates. The CaraHov’s engine can burn just about any organic material and as a by-product can produce potable water and edible (if unpleasant) ration-bricks. While unpleasant, they do have value, and are often used as a stand-in currency at black markets on back-woods worlds.
Level: 1
Price: 2,000
Huge Land and Water Vehicle (Hover) 10 ft wide, 10 ft tall, 20 ft long.
Speed: 30 ft, Full 550 ft, 65 mph (Hover).
Average Manoeuvrability, +1 Piloting, Turn 2
Base AC: EAC: 7, KAC: 9, TL: 8, Cover: Total Cover
HP: 200, Hardness: 10
Attack (Collision): 5D4 B (DC 8)
Systems: Basic quarters, cargo hold (25 tons), Survival Engine (water and food).
New System: Survival Engine – vehicles only – the vehicle runs on hydrocarbons and organic matter, belching smoke but also producing small quantities of potable water and food. Power Core BP +5% (round up). The engine produces enough water and food for 5 meals per day.
NB: In reconsidering the vehicles, I believe the hardness should be reduced by 5 at each level and have amended the old article etc accordingly.
Postmortem Studios 