This is my entry to the Space Outlaw Competition I had originally fancied building a replica of Serenity and this was a "proof of concept" for the various building techniques and systems such a build would require. However - having realized that a "proper" Firefly would require more than my iPhone was willing to give, I thought it better to finish up the Minerva and let her loose on the 'verse as she is.

General Details

Manufacturer: Ghost Interplanetary Drive Systems (GIDS)
Type: 01-J32-Scarab Mk.1
Class: Light Transport / Courier (Class S)
Hull Number: M-2081-35
Hull Designation: The Minerva

Crew: 4

Captain
Helmsman
Engineer / Gunner
ECM / RADAR / Nav systems Operator

Power Plant

Interstellar Power plant:
2 X GIDS BMF-2001 reciprocating compression core reactors

Atmospheric engines:
2 X twin linked GIDS "Falcon" BFE 150 Turbo Fans in rotating wing mounts
2 X Blue Sun "Vector" lift / trim assist reactors linked to;
6 X custom trim vents
44 X modified "push me pull you" control nozzles
1 X GIDS B.L.A.S.T.O J-15 heavy lift assist turbo compressor installed in "chin" position


Weapons

Cheek Mounts
2 X Alliance Armory Industries "Vulcan" six barrel rotary cannon
2 X GIDS Defence "Spearfish" Dumb Fire Projectile launchers

Wing Stations
4 X "Inferno" ASM
2 X "Guardian" AAM
2 X "Interceptor" AAM

Description:

The Minerva is a modified J32 Scarab Mk.1 courier vessel. Originally designed for rapidly moving small pieces of cargo around the 'verse faster than larger bulk cargo types could.

These types became very popular with Browncoat blockade runners during the Unification War. Small enough to evade all but the most rigorous detection protocols, fast enough (when going hard burn) to evade pretty much anything the Alliance could throw at it and with space for the finest nastiest weapon systems in the event that running was no longer an option.

The Scarabs were also used alongside Firefly Gunboats on numerous occasions to carry out assaults on Alliance capital ships.

The Minerva is captained by "Jundroo" Jack Biggs - A former Gunboat Captain in the Independent Planets Stellar Navy. Don't ask about the nick name - he doesn't take too kindly to those who do...

Come the armistice, Jundroo and his crew simply took the the Minerva and kept flying rim-ward until the Alliance stopped chasing.

Currently, "Jundroo" Jack is involved in a whole bunch of unsavory, insidious and downright dirty little schemes throughout the rim worlds. Doing what it takes to keep the Minerva topped off with fuel and his crew topped off with food and beverages of their choice.

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IMPORTANT INFO
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The Minerva has been modified a touch , here and there, and so the controls are a trifle more "sporty" than the average Scarab. Here is the gist;

AG1. + VTOL UP - Open Cargo Bay Door. Return VTOL to Neutral to close.
AG2. Activate lift / trim assist
AG3. Activate Main Atmosphere Engines Rotator Assembly (VTOL UP to direct thrust to the rear, VTOL Down to direct thrust forwards)
AG4. Activate J-15 chin mount Lift assist engine
AG5. Activate BMF-2001 Interstellar Drive. NOTE! DONT DO THIS IN ATMOSPHERE! YOU WILL EXPLODE
AG6. + VTOL Rotate cheek weapon mounts
AG7. Activate Lights and Beacons
AG8. Toggle reaction nozzles (leave this on)

Ok, now that the controls are a mite clearer, here is the VTOL take off procedure;

1. AG3 ON
2. Set TRIM to almost full nose up.
3. Full Throttle
4. Control any pitch / roll / yaw deviations with the pitch / roll / yaw controls
5. Gear up
6. Once above 1000 ft, set VTOL full up (rotate main engines to forward flight)
7. AG3 OFF
8. AG2 ON
9. Adjust for hands off level flight with TRIM control.
10. Congratulations! You are a leaf on the wind. Watch how you soar!

Landing Procedure;

1. Put your head between your legs
2. Pucker up
3. Pray to any god which might be listening...

Have fun!