The MOLES is a system for locating and extracting ores that was designed and tested by the Scientific Studies Service (SSS) in YE 32.

The MOLES is a mining system developed by the SSS, it can be operated by an on-board crew or remotely. It consists of a Naikei (bore), a collection of Unpan (Carriages), and a cluster of drones to mine and collect the ore.

During Project Kyasshu the SSS explored ways to improve mining to supply their needs for production. The MOLES is the result of their efforts, and after testing the prototype they gave the designs to Ketsurui Fleet Yards for production.

The MOLES primary unit for boring is cylindrical with a tapered nose, and blunt tail end. It rides upon 4 sets of tracks. Two high powered Ultrasonic/Sonic Drillers protrude out the front.

When boring the Naikei is accompanied by 3 or more Unpan. Detritus from the bore is brought in through a impeller and loaded into the Unpans When an Unpan is full it returns to the surface. When all of the Unpan are away from the Naikei it holds position. When one of the Upan returns it resumes boring. At times while boring the Naikei will carve a wider area for use as a pullout so that Unpans leaving can go around ones returning.

Class: Mining System Nomenclature: Ke-K5-1a Type: Automated Designers: Scientific Studies Service (SSS) Manufacturer: Ketsurui Fleet Yards, Scientific Studies Service (SSS)

Length: 19 meters (62.32 feet) Height: 7 meters (22.96 feet) Width: 6 meters (19.68 feet)

• Driving: 60 kph (max)

See Damage Rating (Version 3) for an explanation of the damage system.

• Hull: 12 Armor
• Shields: None

Length: 16.5 meters (54.12 feet) Height: 7 meters (22.96 feet) Width: 6 meters (19.68 feet)

• Driving: 60 kph (max)

See Damage Rating (Version 3) for an explanation of the damage system.

• Hull: 12 Armor
• Shields: None

The Naikei uses two high powered Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller arrays to tunnel through dirt and stone. The Nakei has a cockpit where two operators control the unit. The Naikei can be operated by the on-board Isolated Computer Pads. Normally it is only operated by computer once the site has been initially worked. The Naikei also has a pair of sleeping bunks, a privy and a small kitchen for use by the occupants. The life support system can supply potable water and breathable air for thirty days without refurbishment.

The Naikei uses a Ke-T8-E3103 Computer Array created for the Ke-T8 "Kuma" Multi-role Shuttle as its guidance and control system.

The two Ultrasonic/Sonic Driller arrays are larger and more powerful version of those on the MOGS; they can make a hole up to twice the width of the Naikei. The pulverized stone slurry is taken into the Naikei and some of it is kept to make braces. The rest of the slurry is passed into the Unpan and taken to the surface.

The aft portion of the Naikei has a compact fabrication unit like that found in the Ke-P1-06a - Workshop. The slurry that is kept on the Naikei is processed and turned into a high tensile polymer that is by Extrusion shaped into braces and supports. The polymer is flexible and pliable until exposed to ultraviolet radiation. A bar-code is attached to each support and is read by the MOLES units when navigating the excavation.

The Naikei uses the same sensor package as the MOGS.

• Ground penetrating radar which can be used to image through rock, soil, ice, fresh water. It can detect objects, changes in material, and voids and cracks. Range is 1 kilometer.
• Seismometer to measure and record motions of the ground.
• Seismic reflection the Naikei has two seismic sources that generate controlled seismic energy. A series of receivers along its sides receive the reflected energy.
• Scalar ore scanner uses a scalar transducer to send a Scalar Field out in a 180° arc. The scanner then analyzes the phase shift of the reflected energy to identify ores. Range: 500 meters.

The Naikei is equipped with retractable light bars containing Normal and Ultra-violet lights.

The Shaberu shovel are small automated units that mine the desired ore. They are hexagonal, 1.5 meters wide, and 1 meter tall. They have an assortment of mining tools:

• carbide cutting tool
• sonic drill
• impact hammer
• mining laser.

Once the Shaberu has extracted a piece of ore it moves it behind it for a Kyuu to come and collect it. The Shaberu receives commands from the Naikei. The Shaberu move on six mechanical legs.

The Kyuu gatherer actually perform the ore extraction. These drones gather the mined ore from the Shaberu. Once they are full they return the ore to the Naikei. They consist of a pair of claws, a scoop and a box to contain the ore. The Kyuu also assist with placement of braces and supports. They are two meters long, 1 meter wide and 1 meter high. They move on treads.

The Unpan carriages are used to transfer the ore to the surface. The Unpan collect ore from the Nakei. Once full the Unpan starts making its way along the tunnel. It transfers its cargo to another Unpan, which in turn will pass it to another. The Unpan are autonomous.

The Unpan has a cargo capacity of 4m x 5x x 14m or 280 cubic meters.

Each Unpan can carry the following units inside for deployment when the Naikei reaches the desired site. They bring the units down when empty:

• 2 Kyuu (Gatherers)
• 4 Shaberu (Shovels)

All units in the MOLES use Aether generators for primary power.

Mining is dangerous work, and all MOLES units are built with a Durandium Alloy frame and covered in Durandium Alloy plating.

The MOLES is also capable of being used to bore tunnels for other uses, such as transportation.

Artwork by Nashoba.