OB-043-Torch

**Name:** OB-043-Torch

**Role:** Orbital descent and ascent vehicle.

**Manufacturer:** Oban Industries

**Dimensions:** 46 ft tall, 57 ft diameter.

**Crew:** 1 pilot (minimum), 3 (suggested)

**MS Capacity:** 4.

* **Note:** Torches are modular and can be configured for alternate loads like a mobile armor (if able to fit in them) cargo, and even personnel. Their storage space is roughly 25 ft tall and 50 ft in diameter.

**Armour/Armour Material:** Gundarium Composite, Titanium Alloy Ceramic Composite

**Powerplant:** Minovsky Ultracompact Fusion Reactor

### Description

A “torch” is a relatively small drop ship. It has limited control but contains enough fuel to descend from orbit and then return later. It has a “burn time” of about 15-30 minutes. Its hull is reinforced to survive orbital drops and as such can also take a beating from enemy attacks. It is a natural progression from the HLV (from the UC timeline) in a universe where planetary exploration (and invasion) are increasingly common. They are typically unarmed, though standing below one when it’s landing is a poor choice due to its high output thrusters. Torches have 4 doors that fall down into ramps when it lands. While pressurized an unprotected human will die inside a torch descending or ascending (though small habitation pods can be installed.)

They are very visible on sensors as they shed a lot of heat and expend a lot of energy. They are rather fast but lack maneuverability. Dropping a torch is generally done if the landing zone is at least semi-secure (otherwise the enemy will absolutely see you coming.) While torches require at least a dedicated pilot, they are often one of the pilots of the MS held within them. For best results a crew of 3 should be used (a pilot, co-pilot/navigation, and flight engineer). Torches do not have FTL capability. Larger ships can store torches in them while others will store them externally or store a number on dedicated transport ships.

Oban Industries was originally an Orion Union company but has since gone defunct, the design having gone public. Because of this there are many variants created by the various factions and for various purposes.

## Common Variants

### Armed Torches

An “armed torch” is one armed with defensive weapons to help clear hostile landing zones. These have 4 downward facing beam machine guns (as found on the AMS-119 Geara Doga) that are stored internally while launching. While on the ground they can aim out under the “skirt” of the ship and pivot up to 90 degrees each. These and a bit of extra armor take up about 25% of the available space. (Reducing the MS capacity to 3.) These are often sent into more hostile landing zones with heavily armored MS to help establish a beachhead.

### Spark Torches

A spark torch is a nasty conversion of an armed torch. Inside of it are not mobile suits or cargo but a whole battery of missiles. They can hole up for 40 missiles inside (10 facing each direction) or 80 micro missiles (20 each direction) with a self-guided fire control system. “Sparks” are a bit dumb (even with New Empire’s AI technology) and tend to target “whatever is nearby”. This is because, unlike other torches, it has no crew. It’s safe to assume anything within a few hundred feet of a spark is going to get hit so it should only be employed when no vital or civilian targets are present.

Spark torches are also extremely susceptible to being shot down. While they are armored if a shot makes it inside, the huge battery of missiles (which are generally primed during descent) can detonate relatively easily. Because of this multiple sparks are generally deployed.

### Heavy Lift Torches (HLTs)

These variants are designed to lug extremely heavy loads up. They have a cowling with extra fuel and thrusters. It has a “burn time” of about a minute in this configuration.

“HLTs” as they are called have a second function. In delicate circumstances they can be used as external “descent engines” or “launch engines” for ships (as a sort of “orbital tug”). The process is unique to each ship and often multiple HLTs are required. The process of using them as an “orbital tug” can take days to weeks of careful planning. They can likewise be used in conjunction to lift other heavy objects from the surface of a planet (or descend them safely).

### Torchet

These are smaller torches (about 29 ft tall by 30 ft in diameter) designed for 1 mobile suit (and some basic supplies). They can’t be otherwise modified and are often used with the assumption that they might not be returning to orbit (though they can do both). A torchet is piloted by the person being transported. These are often jokingly referred to as “matchsticks”.

## Faction Variants

### GN Torch (Helios)

The Wings of Helios have a variant of the Torch that employs a GN drive. A GN torch uses a temporary GN Field rather than heavier armor while descending to resist the pressures of reentry/orbital ascent. A GN torch does not use a true GN drive so the barrier is not particularly strong. A GN torch can be combined with other kinds of torch variants. Those with weapons use GN Beam Rifles rather than beam machine guns and GN sparks employ rocket launchers more akin to those found on Enacts. They are armored with E-Carbon.

### Doll Torch (Legion)

The Legion makes use of torches as mobile doll carriers sometimes. These can pack up to 6 mobile dolls (typically Taurus) into the same space. Doll torches can also be armed torches. If they are, they are reduced back down to 4 MS. These ships run on Ultracompact Fusion Reactors, use beam cannons (as described on the Taurus) rather than beam machine guns, and always fire Micro Missiles (as described on the Heavy Arms). They are armored with Titanium Alloy and Gundanium Alloy on its outer hull.

### Nano-Lam Torch (New Empire)

These torches designed by the New Empire are coated in Nanolaminate Armor and possess Ahab Reactors. They are highly protective against beam weapons. They use 130mm Assault Rifle on their armed ones (rather than beam machine guns) and their rockets are the 110mm Rocket Pods of the TK-56 Tekkadan Mobile Workers.