SSC15XT2, Express Boat Tender class XT (FF&S v2)
Designed by Greg Svenson, Svenson's Small Craft LIC

The SSC15XT2, often-called Aiti or Mother, is designed to support 40dton express boats. It serves the role of an orbiting spaceport for the express boats so that they do not have to approach the main world of the system. With a jump range of two parsecs (and the fuel capacity for a second jump of one parsec), it is capable of serving as an express boat transport, as well. With two-G acceleration, it is capable of relatively fast in-system movement during express boat retrieval operations. There are hundreds of express boat tenders in service throughout the Imperium and even outside of the Imperium in systems where express boats stop or pass through.

The SSC15XT2 is equipped with a spacious hanger, machine shop and electronics shop to allow repairs in space. For transport purposes, the spacious hanger can hold two express boats during transit (as a double minimal hanger). There are three docking rings, as well. Two are dedicated for use by express boats. The third docking ring normally supports a 50dton-fuel skimmer, but can also be used to support an additional express boat. A docking umbilical is included which can be used by the fuel skimmer and/or a planet bound shuttle.

The SSC15XT2 has a full suite of communications and sensor systems on board to support retrieval of incoming express boats and communicating the in-coming news to the planetary surface without the need to land the main world.

The SSC15XT2 carries a suite of offensive and defensive weapons systems, plus a suite of ECM devices. These allow the ship to hide from larger corsairs and fend off smaller corsairs. A RF laser turret and a missile turret provide offensive firepower. Two sandcaster turrets provide protection from enemy lasers. A nuclear damper turret and a quad VRF PD laser turret provide protection from in-coming missiles. ECM includes masking and several jamming devices.

In addition to the basic crew of nine, there are provisions for two flight crew to handle the fuel shuttle, two maintenance personnel to service and repair express boats, and four express boat pilots when they are between missions. All personnel have a small stateroom, except for the ship's captain. There is a gym and a lounge to allow the crew and express boat pilots to rest and recreate while on board the tender. There are three jettison bays for standard 2.75dton lifeboats, in case there is ever a need to abandon ship.

There are three cargo holds with 16dton capacity each and one with 10dton capacity. These are used to hold spare parts and to store incoming mail that needs to be forwarded to different destinations on the express boat route.

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