"Shepherd, the endless fruits of wandering await you."

Controls:
Trim for altitude.
Pitch and roll for forward and sideways movement (use for slow movement and landings!).
Yaw for Yaw.
Throttle for cruising jets (use when you want to go fast!).
Activator 1 to activate the REFLEX missile systems.
Activators 2-6 to launch recon pods.

How to use - missiles:
Activate using group 1.
Note that your target must be in front of you, and the maximum range is approximately 1.2 miles.
Click or tap on the target, lock-on, then fire.
For all missiles, there is no lock-on time!


The Mobile Exploration and Science Apparatus (MESA) is a large multipurpose VTOL aircraft designed primarily for exploring unknown worlds. While originally designed for exploration, MESA units also serve as the primary aircraft for colonization. The versatile design is capable of preforming defensive and transport roles for newly-established colonies, and can later serve as a valuable police or security asset when a colony fully develops.
The MESA is from the time of early interstellar warp travel. Massive spacecraft were shot with pinpoint precision over astronomical distances, carrying supplies, colonists, and, of course, a small fleet of MESA units to unexplored planets. MESA units sculpted the history of various colonies, including the now-bustling New Portum colony, and the infamous Badlands.
MESA units were utilized in the formative years of the New Portum colony. Used for reconnaissance, transport, and construction purposes, MESA units were a critical component of the New Portum colonization effort. After fully establishing the colony, New Portum used various design elements of the MESA multipurpose VTOL in an advanced design later released in the commercial market, named the “Lumenidon” multipurpose VTOL.
Decades later, MESA units saw service in the Badlands. MESA aircraft charted the newly discovered Badlands, as well as transported colonists and agricultural supplies to newly emerging settlements. While the Badlands remain extremely rural, and are plagued with frequent skirmishes between outlaws and corporate dictators, the few individuals who remain in the Badlands remember the aircraft from the New Haven Conflict, in which an outlaw versus corporation firefight over the growing city of New Haven demonstrated the defensive (or offensive) capabilities of the MESA, resulting in the destruction of the city. The remaining MESA units in the Badlands were therefore confiscated on grounds of reckless use and violent misconduct.
MESA units continue to be used in current colonies, as no other viable aircraft occupies the niches that MESA occupies so well. The longevity of the design (approx. 100 years since it was first designed) can be attributed to its design process.
The MESA multipurpose VTOL was designed by a prominent firm, SPECorp, via government contract. The design process utilized an assortment of advanced and aging technologies, that when combined, allow for desirable performance in an inexpensive package. Deliberate use of certain technologies ensured that the MESA would serve as an ideal exploratory aircraft, that, if analyzed by possibly hostile extraterrestrial life, wouldn’t provide much insight into human technology.
The airframe was designed under the assumption that the MESA would remain airborne for extended periods of time. A large airframe was necessary, as the aircraft was designed to house a small crew for spans ranging from weeks to months. A wing design very similar to a blended wing was used on the primary wings, as it improved aerodynamics, as well as providing useful storage space. Structural stability was increased as well, and therefore propeller mounts were added to the tips of the wings.
The propulsion system was then designed, and with it, a defining feature of the aircraft; upward thrust originates entirely from four propellers located on the wings. Propellers were used for a variety of reasons. Cost was a major factor, as new forms of propulsion were too expensive, and would raise alarm if in the hands of a potentially hostile extraterrestrial population. Propellers were then used instead of jet engines, as there is little heat associated with them; damage to foliage was therefore avoided. A 2-dimensional VTOL system was then added. A heavy gyroscope facilitated balance and yaw movement. Four thrusters facilitated precise forward movement along with strafing capabilities, which are primarily used for landing or low-speed operations. Finally, 6 large jet engines were added near the tail of the aircraft for a decently fast cruising speed, allowing it to move from point-to-point at an acceptable speed.
MESA was designed with no offensive hardpoints for mounting weaponry. The reasoning behind the decision was that it could present the aircraft as hostile, and could result in conflict between colonists and extraterrestrial populations. However, there are weapons that are designed specifically for defense, that were pre-installed into the main hull of the aircraft. Short range missiles with a 90-degree locking angle, known as REFLEX missiles, were designed alongside the aircraft, allowing it to defend itself against aircraft moving to intercept it. These missiles move fairly slowly, and therefore cannot possibly be used for offensive purposes (notable exceptions being air-to-ground missiles). Additionally, chaff-based countermeasures were added, each with augmented capacity.
A final defining feature of the aircraft is its recon systems. It was designed to equip five recon pods in a front-facing cargo hold, which when activated, travel about 30 miles to a target destination. The lightweight recon pods then report their telemetry, as well as report their surroundings, to the crew of their respective MESA unit.