LTV-Yutani Searcher Class Civilian Explorer Class History LTV-Yutani Heavy Industries of Mars has sought to expand their holdings outside of Earth Alliance held territories for some time, but did not like having to wait in line for gate permits for newly established jump gates built by EA Explorer ships. Using their shipbuilding facilities in Mars orbit, LTV-Yutani began construction of an ambitious (and lucrative if successful) project as a means to their goals. Their goal was to build a small fleet (six ships) of exploration vessels capable of scouting out new systems and staking a claim to any resources they found before anyone else could. If the system found did not have an ancient jump gate, a beacon could be set up so an LTV-Yutani construction ship could jump in after the Searcher had come and gone, and build a jump gate in system. The Searchers were well suited to their role. Equipped with numerous shuttles, cargo bays, and a powerful (for a civilian ship) sensor array, these lightly armed vessels were able to go about their business and were large enough that they could escape with minimal damage when attacked. Extending their range and time away from dock was accomplished by having a small rotating section built into the design. To aid with the exploration of systems, two LCV collars are fit to the underside of the ship to allow for two of the type of Exploration Vessels that IPX likes to use. The Searcher could jump into a system, and launch teams to various moons or planets while the ship itself took a look at something else. The first Searcher to come off the assembly lines, the SS Columbia, went into service in 2258. She immediately went to the Rim with her two Science ships, Eagle 1 and Eagle 2, to begin exploration. One more Searcher (Yankee Clipper with Intrepid 1 and 2) would come off the line before Mars gained independance in late 2261. A call was put out by the newly formed Mars Council for ships to defend Mars. It was preferred that designs be home-grown. As an added bonus, large tax breaks and other governmental concessions were offered to the industries on Mars. LTV-Yutani, knowing a good deal when they see one, jumped at the chance and suspended construction on the next three Searchers so that they could be redesigned. The third hull under construction was so close to completion, however, that it was built to the original specification. It was named Kitty Hawk and had the science vessels Antares 1 and 2 embarked. The other hulls were early enough in their construction taht they could easily be converted to the new design. When the first redesigned unit, the MGSC Blackhawk, finally launched in 2267, it looked radically different from the original Searcher, though some similarities could still be seen. The Searcher line resumed construction in 2267 with the clearing of the slipways. The next Searcher, the Endeavour (with Falcon 1 and 2) launched in 2270, with Searchers Casper and America being laid down immediately after their former selves were launched from the yards. Science vessels were procurred long ago for these ships, and have been used at out-system locations for scientific research, and mobile offices. Casper will receive Orion 1 and 2, whereas America will embark Challenger 1 and 2. There are plans for a further 3 units of this class, though there is some doubt as to whether or not the Odyssey, Pegasus, and Discovery will be built. Searcher Civilian Explore SCS