Blazer

MD-76 'Blazer' Dropcraft

Remastered


Crew: 4 (Pilot, Crew Chief, Door Gunner [2x])
Capacity: 50 Seated, 75 Standing. 25 Seated w/ 1x HSLV or 9,000kg Cargo
Length: 35m
Wingspan: 28m
Height: 7.5m
Empty Weight: 24,530kg (52,910lbs)
Loaded Weight: 45,187kg (99,208lbs)
Max. Takeoff Weight: 56,331kg (123,458lbs)
Powerplant: 1x Hatsun Z-771 Fusion Generator w/ Exhaust Torch (2x); 4x Mistral M-66 Ion Electric Vectoring Turbofans
Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 (Under M-66 Propulsion); Mach 27 (Under Z-771 Fusion Torch Propulsion)
Range: 14,050nmi (16,168mi; 26,021km) w/ Full Vespomide Capacity
Combat Radius: 7,047nmi (8,190mi; 13,051km) w/ Full Vespomide Capacity
Ferry Range: 15,100nmi (17,376mi; 27,965km) w/ Full Vespomide Capacity
Service Ceiling: SSTO
Rate of Climb: 9km/s (Under Z-771 Fusion Torch Propulsion); 457m/s (Under M-66 Propulsion)
Armament: 1x Retractable 25mm K-52C Autocannon
Secondary Armament: 2x K-142 Door-Mounted Miniguns


Following the conclusion of the Resource War of 2076 - and the shortcomings of existing SSTO dropcraft throughout that conflict - the Escean government began a contract bid for two new designs. The forerunners of this competition were Escea's own Nexus Aerospace, and the Ingrun-based Zaitso Heavy Industries. The contract would ultimately be awarded to Zaitso for both dropcraft designs, assigned as the MD-76 and the MD-80. The Military Dropcraft - 76 came into service in 2081 as an SSTO (Single-Stage-To-Orbit) troop transport with light cargo carrying capabilities. Nicknamed the 'Blazer', the MD-76 was purchased for the Escean Interstellar Marine Corps, and carried aboard Interstellar Naval vessels for VBSS, ship-to-ship or ship-to station transfer, and planetary transfer/assault.

Unlike the MD-63 it had replaced, the Blazer was more rugged, manoeuvrable, and better equipped for rapid assault missions. Equipped with a ventrally-mounted, retractable 25mm K-52C autocannon allowed the Blazer to engage lightly armoured threats, while two K-142 miniguns in door mountings could be unveiled for fire support during landing or extraction. Troops can be deployed seated or standing, and may exit simultaneously via port or starboard slit-opening doors, and the rear tailgate ramp. 

While the MD-76 has a thermal protection layer applied to its ventral surfaces and nose, it rarely enters atmosphere beyond high supersonic. This reduces the visual thermal signature of penetrating dropcraft, as well as heat stressing of the structure. On SSTO ascent, the MD-76 taps into its onboard Hatsun Z-771 micro fusion reactor in order to provide the necessary thrust to achieve escape velocity. While operating in vacuum or atmosphere, the Blazer utilises its dual mode Mistral M-66 engines, which can switch from 50kw ion propulsion to air-breathing electric plasma jet. The Z-771 relies on Helium-3 for fuel, while the M-66s are powered via refuellable vespomide battery tanks. A split-channel multi-refuelling receptacle is located above and behind the cockpit for tanker access, negating the requirement of an available landing space in order to refuel.  


Although the MD-76 is primarily used by the EIMC, the EIN also employs the Blazer for short-range shuttling operations. Common conversions include: Cargo-Only; Electronic Warfare; Airborne-Warning-and-Control-System (AWACS); and Drone Control. Testing was also undertaken to turn MD-76 platforms into rudimentary bomber and attack aircraft through installation of missile launching rails on the inner surfaces of the side doors. In addition, a modified cargo compartment permitted usage of racks for Small Diameter Bombs and aerial mines, situated above a split door replacing the rear ramp. In such a configuration, the Blazer can deploy enough munitions to saturate a strip 60m wide and 1km in length.