Type: Gun Boat
Class: 'Iwta
The 'Iwta class Gunboat is build for the same purposes like the Danube
class Runabouts, used by Starfleet. It combines cargo transport and combat
capabilities in a small vessel. Due to warp capability and cloaking device
it is well suited for reconnaissance and patrol missions. The Scout
class Bird Of Prey might be used as well, but the Gunboat is less expensive
and needs only a four men crew. It is widely used at the frontier, where
vast areas has to be patrolled with as much units as possible.
The stout and robust vessel has proved his reliability many times and
is by now the backbone of the frontier military forces. The standard crew
consist of one commanding officer, one helmsman, one gunner and one engineer.
But it might be controlled by one man alone. Like the Bird Of Prey it can
manoeuvre in atmosphere. So it is often used in covert operations,
where a minimum of people should be involved.
The armament consist of two medium disrupters and one photon torpedo
tube. At least eight torpedoes can be generated from the warp core, before
warp capability is endangered. The maximum warp speed is warp seven, the
cruising speed is about warp five. So it is better armed but not
as fast as the Danube Runabout. In the cargo bay, below the bridge compartment,
is enough space to carry up to two fully equipped squads or one medium
armoured ground vehicle like a HMMWV. The bay is left by a hatch in the
front. In space the Gunboat may lock on the hull of a vessel or station
by tractor beam. A strong force field will protect the distance between
hull and hatch from space, so a boarding party may enter the other hull
without using a transporter. If the Gunboat has grounded, the bay is left
by a ramp, which lead from the hatch to the ground.
All and all, the 'Iwta Class Gunboat is very popular, so it is not only
used by the military, but by civilian organizations as well. Security reports
mention, that it is highly favoured by criminal and pirate organizations
for much the same reasons.
