An A115 Spyder light aerotank/PC.  Don't ask me where the fuel storage is...  Yes, it's burning a lot of fuel to just hover, but in 23rd-century warfare, speed is at a far greater premium than fuel.  The external engines, while allowing for easier venting and access, are also much more vulnerable than similar internal engines.  Note also the Spyder's very low-grade armament: a small gauss cannon in the front, a small missile bay (with only 6 missiles) and only a few anti-personnel laser domes.  Those 'ears' on top of the Spyder are communication/sensor booms, which the vehicle had better not lose, because it's only other external sensor package is a sensor strip down the front and along the dorsal line -- acceptable, but not ideal sensors.  Of course, the pilot could always stick her/his head out of the hatch and look around.  The main personnel access is through the rear doors or a small hatch on the bottom.
 

Back to my main page - Back to my page of drawings and writings - Back to the section on vehicles