The Iolus Hover Platforms are versatile and advanced vehicles used by the Mining Guild's Engineering Corps for efficient starship construction and maintenance. Introduced in YE 43, the Iolus platforms were designed to enhance the mobility and safety of engineers working on large-scale starship projects, particularly in zero-gravity environments. Later getting a update in YE 46.

The Iolus Hover Platforms are intended to facilitate the safe and efficient construction, maintenance, and repair of starships and space stations by the Mining Guild's Engineering Corps. These platforms are specifically designed to operate in challenging environments, such as zero-gravity or low-gravity areas, where traditional ground-based vehicles and equipment would be ineffective.

The Iolus Hover Platforms were originally developed in YE 43 as part of a coordinated effort by the Mining Guild's Engineering Corps to enhance their starship construction and maintenance capabilities. These platforms were designed in tandem with the Hercules-class Exosuits, recognizing the need for a complementary system that could provide mobility to the engineers who relied on the exosuits for their heavy-duty work.

The Hercules-class Exosuits were robust, powerful tools that allowed engineers to handle heavy machinery, large components, and demanding repair tasks. However, the exosuits lacked the ability to fly or hover, limiting their utility in certain scenarios, especially in the expansive shipyards where starships were being constructed or maintained in zero-gravity or low-gravity environments.

To address this limitation, the Iolus Hover Platforms were conceived. Their primary function was to transport engineers wearing Hercules-class Exosuits to various parts of the starships within the shipyards, especially those located in hard-to-reach areas. The platforms provided the necessary mobility, allowing the engineers to be lifted, positioned, and stabilized as they worked on critical components of the starships. This combination of the exosuits' strength and the hover platforms' mobility formed a highly effective team, greatly enhancing the productivity of the Engineering Corps.

By YE 46, both the Hercules-class Exosuits and the Iolus Hover Platforms were considered outdated. Advances in technology and the increasing complexity of starship designs required more sophisticated equipment. The platforms, though reliable, began to show their age in terms of both performance and capabilities. Engineers faced challenges related to maneuverability, control precision, and integration with newer tools and technologies.

Recognizing the need for modernization, Aeta Kurosaki, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Mining Guild, and Lady Nyx Pine, collaborated on an updated design for the Iolus Hover Platforms. Their goal was to address the shortcomings of the original models while incorporating technology to meet the evolving needs of the Engineering Corps.

The Iolus Hover Platform features a sleek, industrial design that combines functionality with modern aesthetics, reflecting its role in the high-tech environment of the Mining Guild's shipyards.

Main Body: The platform has a sturdy, rectangular base made from a composite of durable alloys, including Ultrite. The base is flat and streamlined, with rounded edges to reduce drag and enhance maneuverability. The surface is coated in a matte, dark metallic finish, providing a sleek appearance while also helping to dissipate heat generated by its thrusters and onboard systems.

Hovering Mechanism: Beneath the base, the platform is equipped with several evenly spaced anti-gravity thrusters. These thrusters are encased in protective housings, with visible vents for heat dissipation. The thrusters emit a soft blue glow when active, signaling that the platform is in operation. The platform’s hover mechanism allows it to float effortlessly above the ground or in zero-gravity environments, maintaining stability even when carrying heavy loads.

Control Interface: The front of the platform features a control panel integrated into the body, with a digital display that provides real-time feedback on the platform’s status, including fuel levels, system diagnostics, and environmental conditions. The controls are designed to be intuitive, with holographic interfaces that can be adjusted based on the user's preferences. The panel also includes manual override controls for emergencies.

Tool Mounts: On either side of the platform, there are modular tool mounts where various attachments can be secured. These mounts are designed to hold a range of tools, from welding torches to repair modules, making the platform highly versatile. The tool mounts are articulated, allowing for precise positioning and easy access to the necessary equipment.

Docking Station: At the rear of the platform is a docking station designed to securely hold a Hercules-class Exosuit. This station features reinforced clamps and magnetic locks that ensure the exosuit remains stable during transport. The docking area is spacious, allowing for easy entry and exit for the engineer, and includes a retractable safety bar that can be deployed when the platform is in motion.

The Iolus Hover Platform has a robust, industrial look that combines practicality with a touch of futuristic elegance. Its design emphasizes functionality, with every component serving a specific purpose, yet it maintains a visually appealing form that reflects the advanced technology used by the Mining Guild. The platform’s dark metallic finish, blue glowing thrusters, and subtle lighting accents give it a formidable and efficient presence, making it an iconic tool within the shipyards.

Brief description about the stats

Air Speed: 60 km/h (37 mph) in atmospheric conditions.

While the Iolus Hover Platform is primarily designed for space environments, it can operate in atmospheric conditions. The platform is not built for high-speed travel but rather for precise maneuvering and stable hovering. Its air speed is sufficient for moving between work sites in shipyards or construction zones but is not comparable to high-speed aerial vehicles.

Range: 500 kilometers (310 miles) with onboard power.

The Iolus Hover Platform is equipped with high-capacity power cells that provide enough energy for extended operations. The 500 km range is more than adequate for traversing large shipyards or construction sites, whether in space or within planetary atmospheres. In zero-gravity environments, the range can be extended further due to reduced energy consumption for propulsion.

Lifespan: 20 years with regular maintenance.

The Iolus Hover Platform is built to be durable and reliable, with a projected lifespan of 20 years under normal operating conditions. This lifespan can be extended with proper maintenance, including regular inspections, system updates, and component replacements. The platform's modular design allows for easy upgrades, which can further enhance its longevity and keep it in service even as technology advances.

DRv3 Tier:Light Anti Personnel

The Iolus Hover Platforms are designed with a focus on maximizing functionality and efficiency, particularly in environments where space is at a premium, such as shipyards and construction sites in space. As such, the platform does not feature a traditional interior compartment for passengers or cargo. Instead, every aspect of its design is dedicated to housing the advanced technology that powers its operations and ensures its performance.

The Hover Platforms Systems are what makes it work.

The platform is equipped with a series of anti-gravity thrusters that allow it to hover and maneuver with precision. These thrusters are housed within the platform’s base and are integrated into its frame, providing lift and directional control. The interior is meticulously arranged to ensure optimal power distribution and cooling for these thrusters, which are critical to the platform's operation in both atmospheric and zero-gravity environments.

The platform's power cells, located within the interior, are high-capacity units designed to store and distribute energy efficiently across the platform. These cells are protected by reinforced shielding to prevent damage from external factors such as debris or radiation. The energy from these cells powers all systems on the platform, including the thrusters, tool mounts, and AI systems.

The heart of the platform’s technology is its CPU, which processes all commands and controls the platform’s various functions. This includes managing the hovering systems, navigating through complex environments, and interfacing with the Hercules-class Exosuits that it transports. The CPU is housed in a secure, temperature-controlled compartment within the platform to ensure optimal performance.

Integrated into the platform’s control systems is an AI designed to assist with navigation, stability control, and safety protocols. The AI processes real-time data from sensors located around the platform, allowing it to make instant adjustments to its hovering and maneuvering systems. This AI also provides assistance to the engineers by managing tool operations and offering diagnostic information.

The platform is equipped with advanced communication systems that allow it to interface with other platforms, the shipyard’s central command, and the engineers’ exosuits. These modules are embedded within the platform's structure, ensuring that communication remains reliable even in challenging environments.

A variety of sensors are also housed within the platform’s interior, including proximity sensors, environmental scanners, and diagnostic tools. These sensors continuously monitor the platform's surroundings and systems, feeding data to the AI to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Since the platform lacks a traditional interior compartment, the engineers who operate it do so from an external control interface or remotely via their Hercules-class Exosuits. This design choice ensures that the platform remains compact and efficient, with no wasted space. The exterior of the platform is streamlined to provide easy access to the docking stations and tool mounts, with all critical systems securely enclosed within the platform's durable frame.

The absence of an interior compartment also makes the Iolus Hover Platform highly resilient and low-maintenance, as there are fewer areas prone to wear and tear from Employee interaction. This design prioritizes the technology and operational capabilities of the platform, ensuring that it can perform its role as a reliable and effective tool for the Mining Guild’s Engineering Corps.

The platform features two dedicated docking stations, each equipped with reinforced clamps and magnetic locks to securely hold a Hercules-class Exosuit in place during transport. These stations are positioned on either side of the platform, allowing for balanced weight distribution.

The platform's thrusters and stabilization systems are calibrated to handle the combined weight of two exosuit-equipped engineers, ensuring smooth and controlled movement. The protective energy shield is also capable of expanding to cover both engineers, providing comprehensive protection during operations.

Charaa created this article on 2024/08/30 15:11.

• Art by Charaa using copilot
• This article was approved by Andrew on 2024/10/12.²⁾