A drop pod capable of being quickly deployed that has many uses including but not limited to: Bases, Personnel Transport, Vehicle Transport, and Cargo Transport.

Drop Pod

The VCDP is transported via the My-M1-1A Variable Configuration Drop Pod.

Given the United Outer Colonies goal as a neutral peacekeeping force, intending to provide relief to war-torn or disaster-struck areas equipment to facilitate the rapid deployment of relief needed to be developed. In addition to a design favoring rapid deployment, the Variable Configuration Drop Pod with proper planning can be completely self-sustaining, though this might not be achievable with a single pod.

The Variable Configuration Pod was developed with the United Outer Colonies goals in mind in YE31, a peacekeeping nation dedicated to providing relief to nations, planets, and peoples devastated by natural disasters, economic failure, and the ravages of war. The VCDP was designed to provide rapid relief to many. This is achieved in two ways, first, the pod can be internally disassembled and reassembled with ease. This allows the pod to be re-tasked, or changed based on the needs of the current task as well as allows starships to minimize the number of pods they need to carry. The second method of achieving this goal is the ability for the pod to be deployed pre-configured. This means that as soon as the pod touches the ground it can begin operating. Of course, anything loose inside the pod (such as computers or vehicles) is either tethered into place or stored before landing so it could take up to an hour for a pod to be fully functioning. This combination of features allows the VCDP to be deployed rather quickly and apply for aid and relief wherever it is needed with minimal notice.

Since the Drop Pod is able to be easily configured for multiple purposes it has a lot of value in military operations as well. The more obvious applications of the pod are to serve as interplanetary troop transport with its shuttle craft and a ship to ship material, personnel, or vehicle transport with 16,000 cubic feet of internal space per pod and 64,000 cubic feet of internal space with 4 pods attached to a Phoenix Dropship. Less logistical uses of the pod involve it serving as a hot drop, potentially dispensing up to 160 Infantry or Power Armors in a single pod, or even a group of them being deployed to be a forward planetary base or command center.

Internal Dimensions

• Height: 20' (6 meters)
• Width: 20' (6 meters)
• Length: 40' (12.19 meters)

External Dimensions

• Height: 25' (7.6 meters)
• Width: 25' (7.6 meters)
• Length: 45' (13.7 meters)

Usually this form of pod deployment is used when the pods must be deployed quickly. The shuttle could be taking enemy fire or have failing systems, or their isn't time for a standard drop procedure. Using this mode a landing site must be chosen, once it is the ships MIKO will calculate when to drop based on ship speed and any other relevant factors. At drop time the shields must be taken off-line and the added wind resistance will assist the pods in not only escaping the ship, but also slowing them down before they hit the ground. As soon as the shields go offline the ship's MIKO will commence drop routine which consists of releasing the docking clamps and allowing the pods to separate from the ship. The ship's computer will manually pilot each pod down to its landing site or as close as is possible.

Using this drop procedure the Phoenix manually sets the bottom two drop pods down at the appropriate coordinates. The pods located above the engine array will be flown using the ships MIKO to pilot input or designated mission coordinates. The Pheonix will need to be in close proximity to these coordinates however, as the drop pods do not have very strong thrusters nor do they have very large plasma stores.

Shouri FSS Armor Series Type 2A Construct

The VCDP features two pairs of plasma thrusters that are designed to allow the pod to maneuver itself to its landing location as well as allow the pod to slow itself down during an aerial deployment. Each thruster is located on the upper 'corners' of the pod and can swivel 180 degrees along the X-axis and 90 degrees along the Y-axis. Additionally, there are another 4 thrusters placed in the base of the pod to assist with landing operations, each thruster is located near a corner of the pod. Unfortunately, in order to maximize available space, the pod cannot sustain the thrust long enough to cover large distances. The thrusters draw their fuel from a plasma storage container located in the roof of the pod, unfortunately, the storage capacity of the container only allows the thrusters to be fired for 10 minutes at maximum thrust before the craft must land. A small amount of plasma will still remain in the storage tank so that the pod doors may still be opened.

Effective operating distance: 1 mile (1.6km) Effective operating time: 10 minutes at maximum thrust

The VCDP possess a Miko [CORE] module. This module has a few more restrictions on it than traditional computing systems. First and foremost the system is slaved to the shuttlecraft's Miko module. This allows for the shuttlecraft to coordinate multiple drops as well as feed its own sensor data to the pods. To minimize on power draw as well as to remove any unnecessary equipment including sensors and logistical software as those functions are managed by the shuttlecraft and in some cases are surpassed by it. Military models may feature more complete Miko modules based on need, in those cases an internal generator powers the more advanced features.

• Default Comm: Radio

The VCDP possesses a plasma generator system similar to Lorath Plasma Gathering and Containment Systems that supplies the plasma for the 8 plasma thrusters as well as the equipment that operates the doors of the pod. An attached generator converts the heat energy from the contained plasma to electricity to power all of the pod's systems. When the system isn't in use a small capacitor array is charged for emergency situations when no plasma is available to provide heat. Unfortunately in an effort to maximize internal space the generator can only contain enough plasma to power the thrusters for 10 minutes as well as open the doors. Furthermore, the equipment can take up to 24 hours to fully restore plasma stores from empty.

Power to any internal equipment and components is not automatically generated by the pod, though solar panels can easily be installed on the roof of the pod. Additionally, any number and type of generators can be used inside the pod to power whatever electronics or other devices are inside so long as space permits. It should be noted that aside from the roof to internal wiring that allows for solar panels to be equipped there is no internal wiring in the pod. This means that any equipment must be wired up manually. Modular cables are included in most pods, these usually come with several types of adapters so that any kind of electronic device can be utilized.

The VCDP is equipped with an Emergency Landing System. If for some reason the thrusters carrying the pod do not work or are damaged 5 groups of parachutes are deployed. There are 3 parachutes per corner with a larger chute coming out of the center of the roof for a total of 13 parachutes carrying the pod gently to the ground.

Ceilings, floors, and the internal walls of the pod are composed of 1' x 1' x 1“ (30.4cm x 30.4m x 2.54cm)reinforced squares with a waffle-like grid on them. Panels exist that can cover the grid. When used as flooring additional support might be needed, in response to that there were multiple solutions. The first was long rods that connected the waffle grids together from wall to wall, these rods can be covered up by the panels that cover the waffle grating. The second was to create pillars out of more panels. Either option is available during assembly, or both may be used simultaneously.

There are several types of panels available to cover the grating. Almost all panels leave about an inch between the grating itself and the back of the panel so that there exists space for wiring, additionally, most panels have slits in the sides so that wiring and ducting can be run through the length of a wall without obstruction. It should be noted that none of the panels are carpeted, but roll-out carpets can be placed on top of them.

Types:

• Type 1
  • Location: Floor, Ceiling, Wall
  • Description: Standard panel, comes in various colors and is composed of a composite plastic. Highly durable and easily replaceable.
• Type 2
  • Location: Floor
  • Description: Same as a Type 1 panel, but is designed with a non-slip surface. This is ideal for a welcome mat or where refugees might be lining up or travelling through to minimize injury.
• Type 3
  • Location: Ceiling, Wall (Rarely)
  • Description: This panel is a lighting panel. Due to actually having a light, the space normally free behind the panel is not free in this case. Wiring and ductwork must be redirected around this panel. It should be noted that this panel is not self-powered and must be wired up to a generator of some kind.
• Type 4
  • Location: Floor, Ceiling, Wall
  • Description: This panel type is an air duct and has slits on the exterior and a hook up that allows it to connect to ductwork. Like the Type 3(Lighting) panel, there is no room for wiring, though ductwork can connect to the sides of the panel to allow hot or cold air to exit into the environment. There exist 2 variations of this panel: Variation A which has no fan and Variation B which has a motorized fan installed behind the grating. Variation B requires power to operate and must be hooked up to some kind of generator.

There are 4 side-doors on the pod and 4 bay doors. The side doors are on the immediate left and right of the forward and rear bay doors. These doors can be locked and sealed, and do not require any power to operate. The bay doors are located on the forward and rear faces of the pod, each pair of doors is a massive 10' x 10' in size and open on vertical hinges. The upper door hinges upwards with the assistance of hydraulics and locks into place (range of motion 100 degrees). The lower door hinges downward and locks into place as well forming a ramp to offload cargo, vehicles, personnel, and supplies. Neither door is required to open for the other to do so.

The doors are actually made of a transparent version of the same armor as the hull and have removable paneling covering them on the inside of the pod. This is so that light can be allowed to pass into the interior of the pod if desired. The paneling comes off in 1'(30.4cm) x 1'(30.4cm) x 1”(2.54cm) sections, as many sections can be removed as desired.

Each pod has a set of 4 legs housed on the bottom and in the sides of the pods. Just before the pod lands these legs are deployed to give it a more stable base.

Here are some samples of the various configurations of the pods. These are not the only configurations available.

Designed to have multiple configurations with an emphasis on relief operations. Most Civilian/Relief configurations can be easily used in military situations.

Configurations

• Supply Drop pod
  • Carries: Food, clothing, water, anything necessary.
  • Internal Configuration
    • Floors: 1-3

• Administration Pod
  • Carries: Offices and office equipment
  • Internal Configuration
    • Floors: 1-3
  • Purpose: This pod configuration is designed to assist with any operations associated with the relief operation. In most cases this is administrative, somewhere where issues like where to hand out food and how much is needed can be dealt with on scene. For larger operations there might be multiple pods configured in this manner to handle the various operations necessary. For instance a pod to coordinate workers and volunteer manpower distributing food, water, and other supplies, a pod coordinating emergency response actions, a pod handling the inventories, and a pod just to coordinate all the different divisions so that they're all on the same page. This pod isn't limited to relief operations however, it can just as easily be used in a civilian setting as necessary, or even as a forward base of operations for Peacekeeper personnel in a military operation.

• Transport Drop Pod
  • Carries: Various Vehicles
  • Internal Configuration
    • Floors: 1-2

• Housing Pod
  • Carries: Beds, Blankets, Bathrooms(*), Showers(*)
  • Internal Configuration
    • Floors: 1-3
    • Rooms: 2-8
  • Purpose: Housing. Housing can be done in multiple styles, the first being a single room per floor with bunks. Depending on who is staying or how much space is needed rooms can be created of any combination of sizes.

• Bathroom/Shower Pod
  • Carries: Bathrooms, Showers, Washers and Driers
  • Internal Configuration
    • Floors: 1-3
  • Purpose: This pod configuration is designed to house Showers and Bathrooms to be used by refugees and or volunteer workers in relief operations, or in some circumstances, Peacekeepers in a barracks or mobile base. 'Attics' are installed in the top of each floor's ceiling containing water for use in the showers, washers, and bathrooms. In addition to these reservoir is machinery designed to purify and reuse water and other wastes for reuse in the system. Unfortunately this lowers the actual height available to occupants of the pod by about a foot per floor.

• Galley Pod
  • Carries: Equipment necessary for food preparation, tables, chairs/benches, equipment for cleaning and sterilization
  • Internal Configuration
    • Floors: 1-3
  • Purpose: This pod configuration is designed to house all prepared food services necessary. Depending on the size of the operation there might be one of these pods handling both preparation and presentation, or there might be several of these pods with some handling preparation while the food is actually consumed at another Galley Pod.

• Communications Pod
  • Carries: Communication equipment
  • Internal Configuration
    • Floors: 1-3
  • Purpose: Though designed with military in mind if a starship will not be present or planetary conditions are unique enough to need stronger communications gear this pod configuration will be deployed. The pod features high strength communications gear, in most cases not classified at all. Military oriented configurations might possess equipment strong enough to pierce interference caused by jamming, though civilian and relief versions do not.

• Medical Pod
  • Carries: Medical Equipment
    • Floors: 1-3
  • Purpose: This configuration is designed to be a field operating room or first aid station. The equipment included is based off of need, but usually includes high power lighting, beds, x-ray, CATscan, and several other things. Additionally, equipment used for the sterilization of other equipment is always included. Usually if an operation is large enough, one of these pods is used in conjunction with a housing pod. The housing pod houses the patients and is either connected to or located nearby.

• Power Plant Pod
  • Carries: Power generators
  • Floors: As needed
• Purpose: This configuration is designed to provide power to other pods. This pod contains multiple power generators within it. The generators can be of any size, quantity, output, and type so long as they fit in the pod and allow enough space for them to be maintained. To distribute the power to other pods this pod utilizes the rooftop wiring traditionally used for solar panels. From the connection points on the roof power lines can be run to any pod necessary. Keep in mind that there are only 4 rooftop connections, though you could theoretically daisy-chain pods together¹⁾. Care should be taken in the planning of the electrical grid to ensure that enough power is supplied where it is needed and that the system isn't overdrawn.

• Infantry Drop Pod
  • Carries: Infantry
• Purpose: During a combat situation infantry might be dropped right into a hot zone. The walls of the pod are composed of many compartments with infantrymen and women securely strapped into place. Once the pod lands the infantryman unstrap and rush out. Optionally the pod can also contain an armory though it will be unable to carry as many troops.
  • Around 160 Infantry can be transported via the VCDF in a typical Infantry configuration. Each infantryman has a space a little smaller than 3' x 3'. There are 3 paths per floor, each path is 2.33' wide and allows the infantry to exit the pod. There are 3 floors to the pod, for loading there is a ladder that infantrymen may climb at the end of each path. For rapid exit ropes may be attached to the upper forward and rear doors to allow the infantrymen to exit without using the ladder. Each floor is broken down to 2 sides, each side holds 28 infantrymen with a total of 56 per floor.

• Power Armor Drop Pod
  • Carries: Power Armors
  • Floors: 1-2 (Armors + racks); 1-3 (Armors, no racks)
• Purpose: Similar to the Infantry pod this pod carries troops directly into a hotzone. The infantry have however been replaced with Power Armors and their service racks. Peacekeepers are deployed in armor so that deployment time is maximized. Should a Peacekeeper need to withdraw for rearm or repair the armor racks and an armory have been included in this design.

• Communications Pod
  • Carries: Communication equipment
  • Internal Configuration
    • Floors: 1-3
  • Purpose: Though designed with military in mind if a starship will not be present or planetary conditions are unique enough to need stronger communications gear this pod configuration will be deployed. The pod features high strength communications gear, in most cases not classified at all. Military oriented configurations might possess equipment strong enough to pierce interference caused by jamming, though civilian and relief versions do not.