Strap-on Cargo Pods

by Sebastian Sylk ( aka Wyzzard5@aol.com)

Throughout the Galaxy, independent freighter pilots, smugglers, and pirates alike all tend to modify their vessels well beyond stock specs. Much attention has been given to weaponry, performance, and other minutia that make the job easier. While the life of a spacer definitely requires these perks, little thought has been devoted to improving the cargo capacity of freighters. This section will cover additions and modifications to cargo space using strap-on pods.

First a few ground rules and limitations regarding the use of strap-ons:

  • The maximum additional cargo space that may be added is four times the stock cargo space, for a total of five times stock max.
  • Unless options are purchased, the container is not environmental, gravitational, or controllable, and is bolted or welded directly to the hull ( the term "strap-on" is a misnomer) and have one exterior hatch.
  • Damage to the vessels hull is first removed from the pods. Unless unusually fragile, contents are not harmed until the pods hull rating is destroyed. Gm discretion on the cargos fate when pods are destroyed. The ships controller decides how to break up damage inflicted to various pods, unless called shots are made.
  • When adding or removing pods, the ships systems must be tuned to account for new mass. This takes a few hours minimum( no roll required), and if not done, the ship suffers a -1D to all control functions.
  • Pods incur the same modifiers whether empty or full, unless extreme situations exist at the GMs discretion.
  • Strap-ons are considered Jury-rigging ( as per RFG) and NO system may be improved by more than 3D by using them.
  • Additional pods used to improve weapons or performance (M, S, W) may never exceed the ships total stock cargo capacity. This is due to power constraints of the ship

Manufacturers

  • Corellian Engineering- Generally, the industry standard in freight pods, CE produces a variety of lines to fit virtually any freighter they make. They tend to have the broadest stock on hand at local dealers, and tend to be the pod of choice when considering used pods.
  • Mon Calamari - Higher end pods with respect to quality and price, MC pods are renown for their quality liquid and gas pods, however their reputation for durability is somewhat lacking. They do specialize in custom pod designs for the discriminating client.
  • Rendill Systems - Due to high amounts of Imperial usage, these pods are nearly as ubiquitous as CE pods in the Galaxy. They tend to run a bit less expensive than most pods, and the quality is reflected in the price as well as the durability. They do have several options which are of a modular design, allowing for easy replacement or addition to any other RS pod
  • Gr'tok Corp. A fraction below the quality and price of CE pods, GC pods are famous for their durability ( with proper care and maintenance), if not for their looks. GC is also the only manufacturer to offer an actual "strap-on" option for every design (the straps are bulky but easily removed). However their list of options is generally limited.
  • Incom Freight - Primarily producing pods for starfighters only, IF pods can be mounted to freighters as well, though not nearly as effectively.

Availability

Most starports of Standard-lass or better are assumed to have some type of pod-sales outlet, if they don't own several varieties themselves. Strap-on pods are almost never rented to pilots due to their tendency to disappear. Generally speaking, most pods purchased will be used, unless several options are purchased from a dealer, and therefore, pods fetch the same price new or used.

Unless severe modifications are made, pods do not require special permits ( the cargo is another matter entirely). and though sensor/radiation resistant pods are not uncommon ( who wants to eat an irradiated KarraBannanna ?) and need no permit, they are a magnet for customs inspectors.

The larger the starport, the better the variety of pods available, and the faster the customization period. The reflected price does not include installation costs, which are usually 10% of the purchase price. This installation will include re-balancing the vessels systems to account for the pod, as well as tying any option systems to the control of the craft.

Manufacturer Cost Size (Mt) Options
CE 1000cr/Mt. 5/ 10 / 25 / 50 / 100 / 200 ABCEGHIP
MC 1500cr/Mt. 5/ 50 / 200 / 400 ABCDEFJHPW
RS 500cr/Mt. 5 / 10 / 50 / 100 BCDEGIMSW
GF

800cr/MT

10 / 20 / 50 / 100 / 400 BCDFHIJMRSW
IF 2000cr/Mt. .01 / .05 / .1 / .5 / 1 / 5 / 10 ACDFHJMPRSW

Options

A) Atmospheric- designed to handle gasses and liquids with pressure up to 5 atmospheres. Cost: 5cr/MT

B) Bulk- Extra- heavy lining allows for more durability when hauling cargo which is hard on pods. Cost: 10 cr/MT ( + 1 pip to hull )

C) Containment - For cargos with special needs, an EM field containment unit allows for more secure or delicate cargo to arrive safely . Cost: 50 cr/MT

D) Detonating(X) - for cargo which simply must not fall into enemy hands,this option allows for remote radio / timed detonation of the pod and it's contents, without harming it's surroundings. This type of pod is generally illegal. Cost: 100 cr/MT

E) Environmental - Full, adjustable control of atmosphere, pressure, gravity, illumination and temperature within the pod. Well suited for carrying life forms better not carried in the ship. Cost: 50cr/MT

F) False/decoy (X)- designed with emitters to give off a fake reading to sensor scans. Most are adjustable to alter the illusory readings depending upon need. Cost: 100 cr/MT

G) Gravitic - maintains a perpetual gravity field regardless of the field the ship is in. Although safety regulations insist these have a max. of +/- 5G, several designs may be increased to +/- 10g. Cost: 50cr/MT

H) Hidden - these pods are carefully crafted to appear as part of the original design of the ship. To the casual observer, they do not stand out as pods, yet upon sensor inspection, they are revealed. This option is usually purchased if the pods are to be a permanent addition to the ship. This aesthetic option works well with the sensor resistant option. Cost: 200 cr/MT (5/1 ratio)

I) Interior Entrance - All pods are assumed to be accessible from the exterior of the craft unless this option is purchased. The expense of this option also includes the installation of an access port in the hull of the ship, allowing entry to the pod from inside the craft. Reduce the price by half if the pod it to be installed over an existing hatchway. Cost: 100 cr/MT

J) Jettison able - Relatively self-explanatory, these pods can eject their contents while remaining attached to the ship. These pods automatically jettison cargo upon destruction of the ship. Cost: 1000 cr/MT

M) Maneuver - This type of pod contains additional jets and thrusters which add to the ships performance. See notes on limits on improvements. Cost: 30% of thruster cost

P) Passenger - Similar to option E, this pod's parameters are adjustable from the interior, and are appointed for the needs of the passenger. Average sized passengers will require one MT of space each. Cost: 150 cr/MT

R) Resistant - This is a typical sensor resistant pod that conforms to the rules for modifying cargo to be sensor resistant.(5/1 ratio) Cost: 1000cr/MT

S) Shielding - This pod is equipped with small shield emitters in order to boost the crafts shield rating. Cost: 10% shield cost/ MT

W) Weapon - Generally legal only with military applications, these pods conform to the size limitations for weaponry listed in TFG. Cost: 50% of weapon cost

 

 

 

This is an original work by Sebastian Sylk ( AKA Wyzzard5@aol.com). Format by Tim "Nealos" Salam.

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