DS-14 Stormrider

2x Side-mount turrets for various weapons:

.50 Triple-barrel rotary HMGs

50mm Grenade launchers

20mm Autocannons

2-4x Interception missiles or Strike ATGMs

RP-30 Rocket Pods

DS-14B

* Troop compartment with seats for 21 personnel or 2 full infantry squads

The DS-14 Stormrider is a Dropship developed by the United Earth Federation as its primary utility transport spacecraft. Developed from the prototypes DS-1 and DS-2 which were originally developed by the United States, the DS-14 is far superior to its predecessors and was designed from the get go to be capable of both in-atmospheric and space operations.

The DS-14 Stormrider saw wide success within the Federation military and remained in service from the late 21st century all the way to the 24th-25th centuries before being retired from both active and reserve service by the new and superior DS-22.

## Description

The DS-14 is very similar to its ancestors that it was developed off of, the DS-1 and DS-2. All three are a tiltjet design, with engines mounted in between the wings and a third engine specifically for forward thrust near the tail. The DS-14 is however, larger than its predecessors. The primary way of exit and entry is the rear ramp door which lowers down, there exist however two other smaller, mechanical slide, doors to each side next to the side-mounted turrets. All doors are vacuum sealed except for the gun turrets which required them to be retracted during or entering spaceflight, this issue was resolved with the C model.

## Variants

* **DS-14A -** Initial production. Designed directly off the DS-1 and DS-2 Dropships it was slightly larger than its predecessors. It lacked any offensive armament except for its side-mounted turrets. All DS-14As were eventually superseded and upgraded to the B model.
* **DS-14B -** Upgraded model. Introduced after the experiences of the 1st Space War. This model enlarged the troop compartment slighty thus increasing capacity from 18 to 24, increased armor plating and replaced all engines with the following newer engines; Orchen OR64 Wing-rotational engines and Orchen TR90 Plasma turbine engines. All were upgraded to C standard.
* **DS-14C -** Upgraded B model with improved avionics, improved pilot-control, improved and vacumm sealed gun turrets allowing for in-orbit/space use. Officially named 'Stormrider II' before the D model which changed it to 'Stormrider IIA'.

* **DS-14D -** Upgraded C model using new PNR182 Wing-rotational engines and PNR202 'Bull' Plasma turbine engine as well as several other improvements. Resolved several issues with the side-mounted gun turrets, further increased armor plating as well as introducing a backup flight control system. Officially named 'Stormrider IIB'. Introduced mid 1st Interstellar war.
	+ **DS-14D1 -** Enhanced model developed from experimental models which introduced a forward mounted 27mm revolver autocannon, mounted to the side of the cockpit. Introduced almost concurrently to the original D model.
* **DS-14E -** Experimental test-bed for various technologies. "Stormrider X"
* **DS-15A -** Specialised variant of the DS-14 with the rear troop compartment removed and refitted with special clamps and mechanical arms to hold large cargo, specifically armored vehicles and the like. The majority of A models were converted to the B model in the later years but some were kept around for training purposes due to its lower maintenance cost and less complex engine compartments. They are commonly referred to as "Stormy-riders" by vehicle crews due to the tendency of carried vehicles being shaked around while in transit. Officially the DS-15s are known as the "Blue Whale" or by pilots as a play on its name "Storm Whale"
	+ **DS-15B -** Introduced shortly after the 1st Space War in 2116 after experience with the DS-15A operating in that conflict. It reworked and reinforced the entire wing section and the VTOL wing engine compartments to hold an additional two engines for extra lift and carry capacity. This type is the most commonly seen in later conflicts.