ABELARD-class IISS Exploration/Recontact Cruiser
| Tons: | 400 dt | Volume: | 5,600 m3 | Cost: | 433 MCr |
| Crew: | 15 + 6 | Passengers: | 0 | Low: | 5 Emergncy LB |
| Cargo: | 21 dt | Controls: | Survey/AdvCiv Std | TL: | 12 |
| 8 | Size Rating | 2 | Jump Rating |
| 4 | Fire Control Rating | 1.5 | G Rating |
| 1xL | Battery - 2, 0, 0, 0 | 1 | Power Plant |
| 1xL | Battery - 1, 0, 0, 0 | 82/R | Fuel Rating |
| 4A 4P 0J Sensor Rating (10A 6P 0J Unfolded) | |||
| 6 Armor, 11 Structure | |||
| Cutters x 3 (Fuelx2, Surveyx1) | |||
Built within a 400-displacement ton unstreamlined box hull (efficient in terms of both offered surface area and cost), the Abelard class Survey Cruiser obtains great flexibility and savings by its distributed thruster plate system (suggested by our architecture intern from the University of Sylea, Ms. Anni C. Nova). The ship itself holds jump drive and fuel, main power systems (distributed throughout the hull as three 50MW standard Cleon Power units, for maximum survivability and ease in repair), sensors, controls, quarters, and cargo for long-duration voyages. But unlike many vessels undoubtedly under consideration by the Bureau, the Abelard does not pay for redundant thruster systems: its own modular cutters, carried in docking rings open aft, provide motive power in normal space, thus saving a duplication of costs in thruster plates.
Three cutters are included in the costs and capabilities listed above. Two are fitted with fuel scoops and fuel modules: in three hours' skimming each will fill its tank, and three cutter-loads completely replenish the jump-fuel carried aboard the Abelard itself. (It should likewise be noted that the fuel modules themselves contain enough fuel to allow a third parsec's worth of jump travel, no doubt a great benefit in extending new Imperial influence through survey and recontact). Onboard fuel purification systems can process an entire shipload of fuel within 24 hours. The third cutter, using a specially designed survey module, carries both the entire eighteen tons' equipment specified in the recent requirement and four small staterooms to house the survey and recontact specialists while they are on mission.
Absence of a cutter may, of course, increase thruster speed: the Abelard contains internal bracing and micrometeorite protection to allow 2G acceleration. These subordinate craft also provide the ship's weaponry (hopefully never to be used, but included as a safety margin). Two MFD's carried aboard ship allow the cutters' lasers (exposed from the docking rings) to be used with the advantage of the ship sensors: the survey cutter constitutes one battery, while the other comprises the two fuel cutters, since these two groups of small craft are likely to operate independently.
Two redundant sensor suites are included: the new folding sensor suite from Kazmierski Systems, and a standard advanced civilian system for maneuvering while the other is folded or in situations which prohibit antenna deployment. All crew (except the Mission Commander) are housed in double-occupancy standard staterooms, but any overcrowding felt may be easily alleviated if some personnel choose to permanently inhabit quarters aboard the survey module. Emergency low berths are provided, aboard the three cutters, to allow rescue and preservation of 95% of the crew complement in case of disaster befalling the Abelard herself.
As for the name of the class-vessel itself, it is foreseen that the Abelard class of vessels will be named for famous poets and writers of Vilani and Solomani history: those whose writings bridged the gap between individuals and cultures, much as the IISS Recontact missions now seek to do with our kindred, both human and alien, still cloaked within the Long Night.
Complete technical details on the Abelard and subordinate vessels are attached in an Excel spreadsheet and showing SSDS data.
Last updated January 31, 1997, by LTD CFO Joseph L. Lockett. Please send comments.