Autobot shuttle


 * The Autobot shuttle is a starship.

The Autobot shuttle is a multi-stage transport used by the Autobots since around the 2005. Though they have a tendency to explode if you look at them wrong, the Autobot shuttles enjoy a good reputation due to their excellent safety rating. You can crash them, shoot them, set them on fire, blow them up, but the passengers will almost always walk away uninjured.

The Autobot shuttle can take off horizontally with the aid of retractable thrusters on its belly that lift the ship on a ground-effect cushion before it can get up enough speed to generate lift. The shuttle uses anti-gravity pads for landings. It can also be launched vertically with the aid of a gantry.

Shuttle Sections
The shuttle has a modular design. Adding modules on to the front section expands the shuttle's range and abilities. The addition of a small lifepod means it's possible to detonate 1/2, 3/4 or 4/4 of the ship and still survive.

Rear section
The rear section of the Autobot shuttle contains the Main Stellar Drive for interstellar travel as well as the main propellant engines.

The 'conning tower' of the rear section contains a secondary navigation center.

The rear section also houses a cargo hold.

Middle section
The middle section of the Autobot shuttle houses a set of backup engines partially protected by blast-away armor when connected to the stellar drive. When separated, fold-out ailerons provide a measure of atmospheric maneuverability.

The middle section houses some crew quarters, and a medical repair bay equipped with life support machines to repair simple problems, and a Lifeline Cybernetic Diagnostic Module to work in tandem with a medical technician on more complicated problems. The repair bay is versatile enough to perform anything from a simple tune-up to a complete retrofit procedure.

Forward section
An Autobot Transport Gunship forms the foremost module of the shuttle.

This section's function is to keep the occupants alive in a tight situation; it excels at short-range space combat, but is not designed for traveling interstellar distances.

The Gunship is armed with three cannons on the lower surface, and the 'wings' on either size can house a variety of armaments, such as pop-out guns or sonic warheads.

Lifepod
The Lifepod module is capable of carrying several Transformers a short distance, keeping them alive in time for rescue or putting down on a nearby planet. It lacks a communications system, which is pretty darn weird.

Though airtight, this lifepod has no life support system, leaving humans with just the air trapped inside it to breathe. This defect has been addressed in the Human-Transport version of the Autobot shuttle.

The Lifepod can hold six normal-sized Transformers... if they're friendly.

Shuttles operating out of Autobot City

 * Federation - Autobot/Junkion missions - Orange with white and blue accents.
 * Federation II - Autobot/Junkion missions - Orange with white and blue accents.
 * Ultra Magnus's shuttle - Orange with dark red accents.
 * Prowl's shuttle - Orange with light-gray accents.
 * Kup's shuttle - Orange with dark gray-blue accents.
 * Optimus Prime's shuttle - Blue with red and gold accents.
 * Human-Transport shuttle - White-and-blue colors.
 * Hot Rod's shuttle - Orange with white and light-gray accents.
 * Autobot Transport Gunship - Orange with no accents.
 * Jazz's shuttle - Gunmetal grey