Pegasus Long-Range Shuttle

## Pegasus

The **Pegasus Long-Range Shuttle** is a shuttlecraft that was used by various factions, including the AUL.

## Background

The Pegasus1 was developed in response to the ongoing Global Civil War and its continued escalation. With conflict already ongoing across the world, many factions were looking at space warfare as a way to augment their forces. A number of shuttle designs and other space vehicles were developed during the period, with the Pegasus being one of the more widely used. The craft was designed to be simple and functional, but also easily customisable by the user to suit their individual needs. Most importantly, it was armed in anticipation of possible spaceborne conflict.

While the Pegasus saw use by several different factions during the conflict, the anticipated wide-scale escalation of space warfare never happened. Instead, they were largely used for comparatively mundane duties, such as the launch of various satellites. However, they did sometimes see combat, mostly in anti-satellite or other asset denial actions. As a result, when the conflict abruptly ended in 1999, the majority of those produced were still in operation.

Many of these fell into the hands of other groups and would continue to be used during the next decade. This included the Anti-Unification League, who used them as a way to make limited operations against the UEDF's space assets. However, with the rapid growth of the UEDF's space force, the Pegasus was often outmatched, limiting its usefulness. In one particularly noteworthy incident in 2005, a Pegasus was used by the Exclusionists, a group thought to have been wiped out, to retrieve a lost bio-weapon. The shuttle was destroyed by Commander Roy Fokker, marking the first time a VF-1 Veritech was used in space combat.

A surprising number of Pegasus survived the Rain of Death, and were pressed into service by a number of different groups. They saw use by scavengers, independent nations and even space pirates to collect salvage from the debris field or even for smuggling operations. A handful of examples are believed to have survived all the way up to the Invid Invasion.

1Not be confused with the Southern Cross' AS-14 Pegasus Assault Shuttle.

## Capabilities

At the most basic level, the Pegasus was what would be considered at the time to be a long-range space shuttle. Its internal fuel reserves were enough to allow it to reach a stable lunar orbit from a terrestrial launch while having some emergency store, but it was rare for the craft to travel that far. Usually they were limited to near-Earth space, instead using their reserves for extended operations. The spacecraft was entirely dependent on a booster to launch it into orbit, although it was compatible with several different extant models. It could also be launched from space, however this option was rarely used.

The Pegasus had a two man crew consisting of a pilot and navigator. The shuttle had a large, configurable internal bay for various payload options, and supported both for launch and retrieval duties. It also mounted a pair of retractable arms that could be used to assist operations, mounted on the underside of the ship. However, it needs to be said that the fit-out of the Pegasus could vary wildly between different ships depending on their user's intent. The avionics fit was straightforward, but could be modified depending on the needs of the individual user. Primary tracking was provided by a long-range search radar. Secondary systems included a a long-range communications suite with multiple options.

While the Pegasus was armed, its weapons were largely intended for self-defence. If confronted, the shuttle's best option was to simply try and flee, using its acceleration and fuel reserves to out-run or out-last a pursuer.

## Weapons and Equipment

* Two bays each containing three missiles for self-defence purposes. Payloads varied, but the **Starchaser** medium-range missile was commonly used.

## Game Statistics

* **Required Rank:** 2

* **Designation:** Pegasus

* **Stats**
	+ **Armour – Mecha:** 1
	+ **Structure – Mecha:** 4
	+ **Hardware Points**: 2
	+ **Speed** – **Space:** 600 kph / 1000 m / 2 Space Units

### Weapons

* **Tactical Missiles:** The Pegasus can carry Tactical Missiles in its fuselage. This weapon can only be used as a part of an Equipment Suite. [H]

* **No Melee:** The Pegasus cannot engage in melee except to make Ramming attacks.

### Features

* **Crew:** The Pegasus has a crew of 2: 1 pilot and 1 co-pilot/navigator. If one crew is missing or injured, then it may still operate but will take penalties to maneuvering and sensor skill rolls.

* **Space Only:** The Pegasus is designed for use in space only. It cannot operate in an atmosphere other than to take off and land.

* **Retrieval Arm:** The Pegasus has two retractable arms that may be used to retrieve objects. [H][H]

### Equipment Suites

* **Tactical Missiles:** The Pegasus carries six missiles inside its fuselage for use against other spacecraft. These weapons can be used up to Long range and inflict Mecha-class damage. [B5]
	+ **Uses:** 2
	+ **Skill:** 4

## Notes

* Design Notes
* Image Gallery