Freelance
TravellerMetzger- and Sintzenich-class Passenger Hovercraft
This article originally appeared in the August 2013 issue.
| CraftID: | Metzger-class Personal Hovercraft, TL7, Cr91,200 |
| Hull: | 1/1, Disp=0.5, Conf=0USL, Armor=1C, Loaded=2.6684 tons, Unloaded=1.8438 tons |
| Power: | 1/2, Gas Turbine=0.36 Mw, Duration=30 hours |
| Loco: | 1/2, AirCushion=3.61 tons, MaxAccel=1.3528G, Cruise=78.75 kph, Top=105 kph, |
| Comm: | Radio=Regional (500 km) |
| Sensors: | Headlight |
| Off: | Hardpoints=1 |
| Def: | DefDM=+2 |
| Control: | Panel=Electronic×16, |
| Accom: | Crew=1 (Driver/Pilot), Seats=Cramped×1, None×1 |
| Other: | Fuel=0.72kl, Cargo=0.1046kl, ObjSize=Small, EmLevel=Faint |
| Comment: | Price listed is for production in quantity |
| CraftID: | Sintzenich-class Passenger Hovercraft, TL7, Cr151,133 |
| Hull: | 1/2, Disp=1, Conf=4USL, Armor=1C, Loaded=3.6689 tons, Unloaded=3.0238 tons |
| Power: | 1/2, Gas Turbine=0.6 Mw, Duration=12 hours |
| Loco: | 1/2, AirCushion=5.16 tons, MaxAccel=1.4064G, Cruise=90 kph, Top=120 kph, |
| Comm: | Radio=Regional (500 km) |
| Sensors: | Headlights×2, Radar=Distant (5km) |
| Off: | Hardpoints=1 |
| Def: | DefDM=+2 |
| Control: | Panel=Electronic×27, |
| Accom: | Crew=1 (Driver/Pilot), Seats=Cramped×4, Env=basic env |
| Other: | Fuel=0.48 klitres, Cargo=0.165 klitres, ObjSize=Small, EmLevel=Faint |
| Comment: | Price is for production in quantity |
The Metzger- and Sintzenich-class hovercraft are passenger transport vehicles intended for short crossings over water, or over marshy or slightly uneven ground; however, they have the ability to operate over a variety of non-rugged terrain.
Built by Hess Motors of Udesh, although vehicles with similar specification can be found across the old Empire, both models are marketed to the more affluent, the Metzger for largely recreational use, and the Sintzenich as a family vehicle.
The Metzger’s minimal cargo capacity allows for small loads to be carried without the need for a rucksack to be worn by the operator, and there is provision for a single passenger (or a single set of golf clubs) to be carried as well. The cargo capacity of the Sintzenich is enough to carry the family groceries or golf clubs, but significant weight is beyond its capacity.
The radio in either model may be used for two-way communication as well as to receive broadcast news and entertainment.
The Sintzenich is completely enclosed allowing considerable protection from the elements. The Metzger is normally sold as an open-top vehicle, but some third-party customizers have sold add-on top enclosures and basic environmental controls to allow it to be used in a wider variety of weather conditions, though it will never be as comfortable as the Sintzenich. Hess Motors does not support such modifications, and use thereof voids all warranties.
Editor’s note: for those who would like to visualize these vehicles, one might imagine the Volkswagen Aqua concept car in convertible form as a stand-in for the Metzger; for the Sintzenich, the hovercar from the movie Spaceballs might do, though its lines are not exactly elegant. Both vehicles have images that can be easily found using major search engines.