Freelance Traveller

Autonomous Space Mine

designed by Ewan Quibell

This article originally appeared in the March 2014 issue.

CraftID:	Space Mine, TL15, MCr 1.938074
Hull:		1/1, Disp=0.5, Config=9USL, Armour=50, Unloaded=13.3047 tons, Loaded=13.6497 tons
Power:		1/2, Batteries=0.938 Mw, Solar=0.1134 Mw, Duration=20 minutes/unlimited
Loco:		1/2, Low Pw H-Grav=1 ton, MaxAcel=0.075 G
Comm:		Radio=Far Orbit
Sensors:	EM Mask, Magnetic, Pass EMS=Interstellar (1 AU), ActObjScan=Rout
Off:		Missile=xx3 (Fixed Mounting)
		  Batt    1
		  Bear    1
Def:		DefDM=+2
Control:	Computer=0, Panel=Drone×1, HUD×1
Accom:		-
Other:		5 kl of planetoid tunnelled, Cargo=0.345 kl, ObjSize=Small, EmLevel=Faint (None)
Comment:	Construction Time=8 weeks single, 6 weeks multiple, Full Price=MCr 2.4225925

The TL15 autonomous space mine can be left in orbit round planetary bodies or stars and programmed to engage targets of choice given specific parameters.

The mine’s solar panels allow it to run all instruments except the missile tubes, and trickle charge the battery to full charge in 149 hours. The mine has 20 minutes combat duration (one combat round), allowing the missile tubes to fire.

The mine is also fitted with drone control points allowing it to be remotely controlled by friendly space craft. Fire control information can be fed to multiple mines allowing them to fire as a massed battery.