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H.M.S. Reliant |
Reliant was built in 1883 for the Syrtis Major station. Reliant is 220 feet long, 82 feet wide and measures 800 tons. Her two triple expansion steam engines deliver 750 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. Reliant was for many years the most powerful aerial gunboat in existence. It is well armed, mounting two six-inch guns in wing sponsons, a four-inch long gun on a stern tower, two six-pound Hotchkiss rotating cannon on the bow, eight Nordenfelt machineguns, and eight Hale Rocket Batteries. The normal complement is 51 men.
Specifications: Reliant class aerial gunboat: built by Royal Navy Shipyard, Syrtis Major, Mars
Engine: two triple expansion steam engines with 375 horsepower each, imported from Earth
Length: 220 feet
Beam: 64 feet, overall width (including gun sponsons) is 82 feet 6 inches
Height: 56 feet, 6 inches (not counting the mast)
Weight: 800 tons
Airspeed: 28 knots
Ceiling: 10,500 feet
Endurance: 20 days
Armament: 2 six-inch guns in wing sponsons, 1 four-inch long gun on a stern tower, 2 six-pound Hotchkiss rotating cannon on the bow, 8 Nordenfelt machineguns, and 8 Hale Rocket Batteries
Crew: 51 (four officers, 35 enlisted, 12 marines).
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.
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