Source: Technical Readout 3026
Mass: 50 tons
Movement Type: Conventional Aircraft
Power Plant: GM 200 Turbine
Frame: Imstar Type XI
Armament: None
Manufacturer: Imstar Aerospace
Primary Factory: Various
Communications System: IrianUHF
Overview:
The Planetlifter is a typical example of a conventional heavy transport aircraft. These craft are assigned directly to a planetary garrison commander, allowing him to quickly shift his combat assets from one battlefield to another. This strategic mobility functions effectively as a force-multiplier, allowing a garrison to be spread out for population control and as a counter to small unit raids, but still able to concentrate quickly to blunt major assaults.
Capabilities:
The Marik-produced Planetlifter can carry up to 70 tons of cargo. The forward armored section of the aircraft can take up to 20 tons, while another 50 tons can be carried in an unprotected bay. The bulkhead separating the two areas is removable, to allow the aircraft to carry loads that cannot be stored conveniently in one bay or the other.
The loading procedures for a Planetlifter are unique. Vehicles and infantry can load in the normal manner, via cargo ramps in the tail or the nose. 'Mechs can also be quickly and safely loaded onto the Planetlifter because the entire length of the upper fuselage detaches from the lower fuselage. A Planetlifter lowers itself to ground level on its variable landing gear, detaches the lower fuselage, and then rolls away. The �Mech to be transported then lies down on top of the now-exposed cargo bay floor, and is secured by the ground crew. The aircraft then rolls back over the lower fuselage, attaches itself, and is ready to take off. An experienced crew can land, load a Warhammer, and take off again in under 15 minutes.
The Planetlifter is a very rugged machine. With its VSTOL (Very Short Take Off or Landing) capabilities, it needs not operate only from established airfields. This capability endears it to garrison commanders who have continually seen their established airfields captured or destroyed by the first wave of an invading force. Even if all of a commander�s airfields are knocked out, the Planetlifter gives him the ability to move his forces to and from any area that has at least 400 meters of open space.