H.M.S. Danger

Danger was built in 1887 for the Syrtis Major station. Danger is 135 feet long, 35 feet wide and measures 315 tons. Her triple expansion steam engine delivers 500 horsepower to twin wood air screws. It also powers a small dynamo which provides electricity for search and signaling lights. Louver slats of Meepsorian liftwood in the hull, controlled by a complicated arrangement of trim levers, can lift the ship to a high altitude. Though lightly armored, the Dauntless class gunboats are well armed, mounting a four-inch long gun in the bow, another four-inch long gun on a tower amidships, two three-pound Hotchkiss rotating cannon on the wings, and two Nordenfelt machineguns. The normal complement is 33 men.

Click here for a very large scale drawing.

Specifications: Dauntless class aerial gunboat: built by Royal Navy Shipyard, Syrtis Major, Mars
Engine: triple expansion steam engine with 500 horsepower, imported from Earth
Length: 135 feet
Beam: 27 feet, overall width (including gun wings) is 35 feet 5 inches
Height: 25 feet, 9 inches (not counting the mast or funnel)
Weight: 315 tons
Airspeed: 42 knots
Ceiling: 10,500 feet
Endurance: 20 days
Armament: 2 four-inch long guns, 2 three-pound Hotchkiss rotating cannon, two Nordenfelt machineguns
Crew: 33 (three officers, 20 enlisted, 10 marines).

CLICK HERE for references and a description of how the plans for Danger were developed.

The original Danger was destroyed in the raid on Krag Barrovar. Its replacement, also named Danger , was an improved version of the Dauntless design. CLICK HERE for a description and plans for Danger II.

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Space:1889 is Frank Chadwick's registered trademark for his game of Victorian Era space-faring. He has granted permission for the use of the background of Space:1889 for the stories presented here. All text, illustrations, photographs and design are © 2000-2007 Dan Thompson, except where otherwise noted.