Drop pod

The drop pod is a terran atmospheric insertion craft.

Overview
In use by 2502, the drop pod is shaped somewhat like a rounded cylinder, with two rounded ends: one boasting an orange-yellow engine, and the other equipped to slam into a planetary surface. On the engine end, there are four flaps that extend outwards from the engine and two vanes, one to either side of the engine. Developed by the Terran Dominion, the pod degrades a few seconds after landing in order to prevent its technology from falling into enemy hands.

Drop pods are used to covertly insert ghosts, deploy marines, resupply ground forces, and aid mineral mining operations with MULEs.

Game Unit
In StarCraft II, drop pods are used by the orbital command's abilities to deploy MULEs, and in the usage animation for increasing the supply output of supply depots. The drop animation takes 5-10 seconds. Drop pods may be deployed anywhere within line of sight.

Development
The drop pod started as a ghost ability. This ability was removed because the ghost had too many abilities and there were few uses for it. In addition, the medivac dropship filled their role even better.

The drop pod was used to transport 12 infantry units, including SCVs, anywhere on the battlefield from the shadow ops. The units were loaded at the shadow ops. A ghost was required to target the landing spot.