Freelance
TravellerRacing Chariot (TL1)
This article originally appeared in the August 2012 issue of Freelance Traveller.
| CraftID: | Racing Chariot, TL1, Cr 141.25 |
| Hull: | 1/1, Disp=0.25, Conf=4USL Open, Armour=1W, Unloaded=0.176 tons, Loaded=1.02 tons |
| Power: | External=0.00298 Mw |
| Loco: | 1/2, Simple Wheels×2, P/W=2.92, Road=20kph*, Offroad=3kph* |
| Comm: | - |
| Sensors: | - |
| Off: | Hardpoints=1 |
| Def: | - |
| Control: | Direct |
| Accom: | Crew=1 (Driver) |
| Other: | Cargo=0.83 klitres*, ObjSize=Small, EmLevel=None |
| Comment: | not intended for cargo$ designed to run at full gallop (Road=56kph, Offroad=16.6kph) for extended periods. |
This TL1 wooden, livestock drawn, racing chariot can be found on almost any low tech planet. The hull is 10cm thick wood in an open configuration with 50% of the vehicle open to the rear and top allowing the driver to step into the chariot from the rear and control the animals over some considerable protection at the front. The driver uses direct controls to the livestock, reins, while standing. There is no brake or any accommodation for cargo. Theoretically, the platform where the driver stands could conceivably carry cargo; however, it is not intended to.
The suspension and transmission are an integral part of the vehicle but with very little heed to comfort. The chariot is designed to be raced around a hippodrome, and is constructed purely for this purpose. Hippodromes have very good surfaces that allow the vehicle to be pulled at full gallop (56kps) for extended periods of time.
The chariot is drawn by 4 animals; in the above case the external power source was calculated using the standard Terran horse thus producing 4hp. The livestock are arranged line abreast each with direct reins thus needing considerable skill from the driver to control them proficiently.