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{{Quote|The Quantradyne APOD-33 was the [[Confederacy]]'s proof to the stars that anything with a big enough engine would fly -- no matter how badly.|[[Ardo Melnikov]]|StarCraft: Speed of Darkness}} |
{{Quote|The Quantradyne APOD-33 was the [[Confederacy]]'s proof to the stars that anything with a big enough engine would fly -- no matter how badly.|[[Ardo Melnikov]]|StarCraft: Speed of Darkness}} |
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{{VehicleBox |
{{VehicleBox |
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+ | |name=Quantradyne APOD-33 Dropship |
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− | |name= |
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− | |bgcolor= |
+ | |bgcolor={{Silver}} |
− | |fgcolor= |
+ | |fgcolor={{Black}} |
|image=SC Ghost Dropship.jpg |
|image=SC Ghost Dropship.jpg |
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+ | |imgdesc= |
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⚫ | |||
|create= |
|create= |
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|comiss= |
|comiss= |
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|early=[[2480]] |
|early=[[2480]] |
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− | |last=[[ |
+ | |last=[[2511]] |
− | |retired= |
+ | |retired= |
|destroy= |
|destroy= |
||
|race=Terran |
|race=Terran |
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⚫ | |||
|type=Airborne APC |
|type=Airborne APC |
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|propulsion=Twin engines |
|propulsion=Twin engines |
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|height= |
|height= |
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|armaments=*None (standard) |
|armaments=*None (standard) |
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− | *Air-to-ground |
+ | *Air-to-ground ordinance (scrapped) |
*Door mounted weaponry (custom) |
*Door mounted weaponry (custom) |
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|FTL= |
|FTL= |
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⚫ | |||
|job=Transport |
|job=Transport |
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|command= |
|command= |
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|concattop= |
|concattop= |
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}} |
}} |
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− | The '''Quantradyne APOD-33 dropship'''<ref name=" |
+ | The '''Quantradyne APOD-33 dropship'''<ref name="SC:SpDark">Hickman, Tracy (May 21, 2002). ''[[StarCraft: Speed of Darkness]]''. [[Simon & Schuster]] (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0671-04150-2.</ref> is a [[terran]] aerospace transport. |
==Overview== |
==Overview== |
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+ | {{Quote|When the swabbies decided to call these things dropships, they weren't kidding!|Private [[Hank Harnack]] in the midst of evacuating a downed dropship|StarCraft II: Heaven's Devils}} |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | The Quantradyne is a heavily armored tactical transport equipped for both atmospheric and deep space flight,<ref name="SC1Man">Underwood, Peter, [[Bill Roper]], [[Chris Metzen]] and Jeffrey Vaughn. ''[[StarCraft]] (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: [[Blizzard Entertainment]], 1998.</ref> utilizing twin engines fed hypergolic tanks that result in plasma exhaust, said engines being capable of shifting their angles.<ref name="SC:SpDark" /> Dropships are designed to carry anything from troops to [[siege tank]]s in both safety and speed.<ref name="SC:IMengsk">McNeill, Graham (December 30, 2008). ''[[StarCraft: I, Mengsk]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-1-4165-5083-9.</ref> Landings are usually carried out conventionally—easy deployment is allowed through both aft<ref name="SC:SpDark"/><ref name="SC:FrntLn_V4_Orientation">Benjamin, Paul and Dave Shramek (w), Mel joy San Juan (p), Noel Rodriguez ''et al'' (i). "[[StarCraft: Frontline: Orientation|Orientation]]." In ''[[StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 4]]'' (paperback binding), pp. 114-161. [[Tokyopop]], October 1, 2009. ISBN 978-1427-81698-6.</ref> and front ramps and its base can descend from the ship.<ref name="SC:C:Issue7">Furman, Simon (w), Federico Dallocchio, Carlos D'Anda (p, i). "[[StarCraft: Issue 7|StarCraft #7]]" ''[[StarCraft (comic)|StarCraft]]'' '''1''' (7) (January 20, 2009) [[DC Comics]] ([[Wildstorm]]).</ref> However, soldiers can also rappel down using ropes.<ref name="SC:ShadXel">Mesta, Gabriel (July 1, 2001). ''[[StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 0-671-04149-5.</ref> Side doors also exist<ref name="SC:HDevils">Dietz, William C. (April 6, 2010). ''[[StarCraft II: Heaven's Devils]]''. Simon & Schuster (Gallery Books). ISBN 978-1416-55084-6.</ref> and furthermore, dropships are equipped with [[extraction field]]s<ref name="SC:SpDark" /> and maglev lines<ref name="Alt:SCEd">Bill Slavicsek, David Eckelberry, Shawn F. Carnes (March 1, 2000). ''[[Alternity: StarCraft Edition]]''. [[Wizards of the Coast]]. ISBN 978-0786-91618-4</ref> in case the terrain is too difficult to land on. |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | The Quantradyne is a heavily armored tactical transport equipped for both atmospheric and deep space flight,<ref name=" |
||
⚫ | Early experiments to arm dropships (including ordnance packages for an air-to-ground role)<ref name = "Banshee">[http://www.starcraft2.com/features/terran/banshee.xml Banshee]. Accessed on 2008-01-28</ref> were abandoned in favor of maximizing payload capacity.<ref name="SC1Man" /> Still, soldiers can fire from the dropship themselves, such as from its bottom platform.<ref name="SC:C:Issue7" /> Another example of getting around this was used by Captain [[Jack Larimer]], who removed his dropship's side doors to make room for mounted weapons.<ref name="SC:HDevils" /> |
||
⚫ | Dropships possess a number of shortcomings. They are difficult to maneuver and are prone to mechanical failures<ref name="SC:ShadXel" /> and aren't exactly the most comfortable transport craft, the interior's temperatures usually uncomfortably hot, even more so during re-entry. Cooling units are installed to offset this along with air scrubbers. Restraining bars are present for the transport of passengers and overhead racks for the transport of equipment and/or belongings. The dropship's power bus is also compatible with the [[CMC-300]] combat suit. A user can 'jack in' to the power bus and view the dropship's surroundings via a sensor system, the image being transferred to the suit's HUD.<ref name="SC:SpDark" /> Ammunition packs and [[stimulant]] dispensers are also featured.<ref name="SC:IMengsk" /> During the [[Guild Wars]], dropships were apparently bereft of [[gravity accelerator]]s,<ref name="SC:HDevils" /> but this was rectified by the [[Great War]]. Dropship pilots can operate alone, although a nav/comm. console is set behind the pilot's seat.<ref name = "SC:LibCru">Grubb, Jeff (February 27, 2001). ''[[StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0671-04148-9.</ref> |
||
⚫ | Early experiments to arm dropships (including ordnance packages for an air-to-ground role)<ref name="Banshee">[http://www.starcraft2.com/features/terran/banshee.xml Banshee]. Accessed on 2008-01-28</ref> were abandoned in favor of maximizing payload capacity.<ref name=" |
||
+ | Dropships are outfitted with a signal booster, which automatically reroutes the communications of ground forces in range through them in order to allow for better communications range. However, this process is involuntary; if the dropship's signal booster is damaged ground forces in range of the booster will be unable to use long-range communications.<ref name = "SC:Evolution">Zahn, Timothy (November 8, 2016). ''[[StarCraft: Evolution]]''. [[Del Rey Books]]. ISBN 0425284735.</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | Dropships possess a number of shortcomings. They are difficult to maneuver and are prone to mechanical failures<ref name="SC:ShadXel"/> and aren't exactly the most comfortable transport craft, the interior's temperatures usually uncomfortably hot, even more so during re-entry. Cooling units are installed to offset this along with air scrubbers. Restraining bars are present for the transport of passengers and overhead racks for the transport of equipment and/or belongings. The dropship's power bus is also compatible with the [[CMC-300]] combat suit. A user can 'jack in' to the power bus and view the dropship's surroundings via a sensor system, the image being transferred to the suit's HUD.<ref name=" |
||
− | Dropships are frequently attached to capital ships such as [[troopship]]s<ref name="SC:HDevils" |
+ | Dropships are frequently attached to capital ships such as [[troopship]]s<ref name="SC:HDevils" /> and [[battlecruiser]]s.<ref name="SC:LibCru" /> |
===History=== |
===History=== |
||
+ | [[File:Dropship SC2 Art2.jpg|thumb|A dropship in a hanger]] |
||
− | Quantradynes were designed by the [[Terran Confederacy]] and were in use by [[2480]].<ref name="SC:IMengsk" |
+ | Quantradynes were designed by the [[Terran Confederacy]] and were in use by [[2480]].<ref name="SC:IMengsk" /> The [[Colonial Fleet]] maintained high standards for its dropship pilots, the PEB (Preferred Experience Base) requiring an applicant to possess a combat pilot certification and hot-zone certification before being allowed access to a dropship.<ref name="Beta">[http://web.archive.org/web/19980519123229/blizzard.com/star/t-space.htm Star Fleet]. Accessed on 2008-01-28</ref> Police forces on Confederate worlds that were wealthy enough to afford them would use dropships to ferry prisoners.<ref name="SC:PreditionCrossing">Waugh, James. "[[Perdition's Crossing (short story)]]." (Oct. 6, 2015). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/19911025 StarCraft Lore: Perdition's Crossing] Accessed 2015-10-06.</ref> |
− | The [[Terran Dominion]] maintained Quantradynes until at least [[2503]],<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga1">Golden, Christie (May 22, 2007). ''[[StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Firstborn|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #1: Firstborn]] |
+ | The [[Terran Dominion]] maintained Quantradynes until at least [[2503]],<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga1">Golden, Christie (May 22, 2007). ''[[StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Firstborn|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #1: Firstborn]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7125-1.</ref> but most were eventually converted into [[medivac dropship]]s.<ref name="Bnet_SC2_Medic">Blizzard Entertainment Staff. 2010-07-24. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/unit/medivac Medivac]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2010-07-24.</ref> However, some remained in service as late as [[2511]].<ref name="SC:Evolution" /> |
==Game Unit== |
==Game Unit== |
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− | |||
===StarCraft=== |
===StarCraft=== |
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{{UnitBox |
{{UnitBox |
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|name=Dropship |
|name=Dropship |
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+ | |game=SC1 |
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+ | |bgcolor={{Silver}} |
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⚫ | |||
+ | |image=<gallery> |
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+ | Dropship SC1 HeadAnim1.gif|SC1 |
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+ | Dropship SCR HeadAnim.gif|SCR |
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+ | Dropship Cartooned Portrait1.gif|Cartooned |
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+ | </gallery> |
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⚫ | |||
+ | |image2=<gallery> |
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⚫ | |||
+ | F1881ba6d180fc885e5a7fad2b9958b8cc1d1d2a8b7a8d2be203eba486f12418108cbc1063e5584976fa084706a076df6bb70fd49df0c1d00d7c200097e7b8b183dd9deff98e384ac2607b72581b114c.png|SCR |
||
+ | Dropship Cartooned Game1.JPG|Cartooned |
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+ | </gallery> |
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+ | |imgsize2=150px |
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|race=Terran |
|race=Terran |
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+ | |faction= |
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⚫ | |||
− | |imgsize=200px |
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|role=Air Transport |
|role=Air Transport |
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⚫ | |||
|hp=150 |
|hp=150 |
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|shield= |
|shield= |
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|range= |
|range= |
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|sight=8 |
|sight=8 |
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+ | |speed=5.47 |
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|detect= |
|detect= |
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|cooldown= |
|cooldown= |
||
}} |
}} |
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− | Dropships are too slow to outrun aerial hunters like |
+ | Dropships are too slow to outrun aerial hunters like {{link|mutalisk|SC1}}s, {{link|scout|SC1}}s, and {{link|wraith|SC1}}s. If destroyed any units being carried are lost as well. While it has eight slots like the [[shuttle]] and evolved {{link|overlord|SC1}}, the power of [[stimpack]]ed infantry means a dropship can carry substantial firepower. Compared to its zerg and protoss counterparts (overlord and shuttle), the dropship has a faster speed than the overlord despite having a poor acceleration and is less fragile than the shuttle but slower. |
A fleet of dropships is often used to offload units directly on top of or near an enemy base. These "drops" are a key strategy for many terran players. |
A fleet of dropships is often used to offload units directly on top of or near an enemy base. These "drops" are a key strategy for many terran players. |
||
+ | |||
+ | The unit was voiced by [[Lani Minella]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK_0sJNzb7E Phoenix Interviews Lani Minella | Nancy Drew Games | HeR Interactive] Youtube.com, Accessed July 4, 2019</ref> |
||
====Upgrades==== |
====Upgrades==== |
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{{SC1TerrShipArm |
{{SC1TerrShipArm |
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− | |effect1= |
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− | |effect2= |
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− | |effect3= |
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|note= |
|note= |
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}} |
}} |
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⚫ | |||
====Quotations==== |
====Quotations==== |
||
− | :''See: [[StarCraft unit quotations#Dropship|StarCraft Dropship Quotations]]'' |
+ | :''See: [[StarCraft unit quotations/Terran#Dropship|StarCraft Dropship Quotations]]'' |
⚫ | |||
====Development==== |
====Development==== |
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The dropship was once equipped with Vortex shock-bombs.<ref>[http://home.planet.nl/%7Eaggel005/alphabeta/beta/beta50.jpg]</ref> |
The dropship was once equipped with Vortex shock-bombs.<ref>[http://home.planet.nl/%7Eaggel005/alphabeta/beta/beta50.jpg]</ref> |
||
− | |||
{{clear}} |
{{clear}} |
||
===StarCraft: Ghost=== |
===StarCraft: Ghost=== |
||
− | [[ |
+ | [[File:SC Ghost Assault Dropship Concept Art.jpg|thumb|left|Assault dropship concept art]] |
− | {{ |
+ | {{Main|Assault dropship}} |
− | [[StarCraft: Ghost]] concept art depicts "assault dropships". The terrans also used the [[Grizzly]] as an (armed) transport.<ref name="Blizz">2006-02-09. [http://web.archive.org/web/20060209231345/www.blizzard.com/ghost/covertops/vehicles/grizzly.shtml?vehicleName=grizzly Grizzly]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2007-09-06.</ref> |
+ | ''[[StarCraft: Ghost]]'' concept art depicts "assault dropships". The terrans also used the [[Grizzly]] as an (armed) transport.<ref name="Blizz">2006-02-09. [http://web.archive.org/web/20060209231345/www.blizzard.com/ghost/covertops/vehicles/grizzly.shtml?vehicleName=grizzly Grizzly]. ''Blizzard Entertainment.'' Accessed 2007-09-06.</ref> |
{{clear}} |
{{clear}} |
||
===StarCraft II=== |
===StarCraft II=== |
||
− | [[File:Dropship SC2 DevGame1.jpg|thumb|The dropship's early |
+ | [[File:Dropship SC2 DevGame1.jpg|thumb|The dropship's early appearance in StarCraft II]] |
− | {{ |
+ | {{Main|Medivac dropship|Special ops dropship}} |
− | |||
The [[dropship]] used to be very similar to the ''[[StarCraft]]'' version. It has been given a healing ability, transforming it into the [[medivac dropship]]; thus, the dropship can no longer be built in ''[[StarCraft II]]''.<ref>Cavez. 2008-03-11. [http://www.battle.net/forums/thread.aspx?fn=sc2-general&t=637418&p=1&#post637418 Medic is out currently, heal to Dropship?] ''Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forums.'' Accessed 2008-03-11.</ref> |
The [[dropship]] used to be very similar to the ''[[StarCraft]]'' version. It has been given a healing ability, transforming it into the [[medivac dropship]]; thus, the dropship can no longer be built in ''[[StarCraft II]]''.<ref>Cavez. 2008-03-11. [http://www.battle.net/forums/thread.aspx?fn=sc2-general&t=637418&p=1&#post637418 Medic is out currently, heal to Dropship?] ''Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forums.'' Accessed 2008-03-11.</ref> |
||
The dropship touched down to unload units,<ref>Admin. 2007-10-28. [http://www.starcraft2info.net/starcraft-2-terran-units Starcraft 2 Terran Units]. ''StarCraft 2 Info.'' Accessed 2008-04-05.</ref> behavior that was previously seen in the original [[StarCraft alpha]], but not the final edition.<ref name="Alpha">Lord of Ascension. 2007-09-28. [http://www.sclegacy.com/content/starcraft-encyclopedia-4/starcraft-evolution-12/ StarCraft Evolution]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2007-12-02.</ref> |
The dropship touched down to unload units,<ref>Admin. 2007-10-28. [http://www.starcraft2info.net/starcraft-2-terran-units Starcraft 2 Terran Units]. ''StarCraft 2 Info.'' Accessed 2008-04-05.</ref> behavior that was previously seen in the original [[StarCraft alpha]], but not the final edition.<ref name="Alpha">Lord of Ascension. 2007-09-28. [http://www.sclegacy.com/content/starcraft-encyclopedia-4/starcraft-evolution-12/ StarCraft Evolution]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2007-12-02.</ref> |
||
− | There was a one |
+ | There was a one-second delay between every dropped unit.<ref><font color="blue">1) Reapers are much faster for raiding. In dropping units (like Marines), there is a 1 second delay between each unit that is dropped. In that 8 seconds, to drop all 8 Marines, you can do a lot of damage with Reapers.</font> [[Karune]]. 2008-04-07. [http://www.battle.net/forums/thread.aspx?FN=sc2-general&T=647353&P=6 Medic/Reaper/Medevac Compilation:Cavez/Karune]. ''Battle.net StarCraft II General Discussion Forum.'' Accessed 2008-04-07.</ref> |
Blizzard was toying with the possibility of returning the dropship and making the medivac dropship an available upgrade in June 2008.<ref name="Browder Q&A">2008-06-24. [http://www.starcraftwire.net/articles/624/fansite-q-amp-a-with-dustin-browder/page3 Fansite Q & A With Dustin Browder, p3]. ''StarCraft Wire''. Accessed on 2008-06-24.</ref> |
Blizzard was toying with the possibility of returning the dropship and making the medivac dropship an available upgrade in June 2008.<ref name="Browder Q&A">2008-06-24. [http://www.starcraftwire.net/articles/624/fansite-q-amp-a-with-dustin-browder/page3 Fansite Q & A With Dustin Browder, p3]. ''StarCraft Wire''. Accessed on 2008-06-24.</ref> |
||
+ | |||
+ | Rather then medevacs, dropships appear in the commercial and on the doodad model for [[Bubba's Gas & Grub]].<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryTVBubba">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Bubba's Gas & Grub. Commercial after "In Utter Darkness." (in English). 2010.</ref> |
||
Another dropship to feature within the game is the [[Hercules dropship]], which is used to transport [[thor]]s.<ref name="dest_290609_bowderinterview">[http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-starcraft-ii-s-dustin-browder-137841.phtml Destructoid - Destructoid interview: StarCraft II's Dustin Browder]. Destructoid. June 29, 2009. Last accessed: June 29, 2009.</ref> |
Another dropship to feature within the game is the [[Hercules dropship]], which is used to transport [[thor]]s.<ref name="dest_290609_bowderinterview">[http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-interview-starcraft-ii-s-dustin-browder-137841.phtml Destructoid - Destructoid interview: StarCraft II's Dustin Browder]. Destructoid. June 29, 2009. Last accessed: June 29, 2009.</ref> |
||
− | {{ |
+ | {{Clear}} |
==Known Dropships== |
==Known Dropships== |
||
− | [[ |
+ | [[File:Dropship SC1 Game2.png|Dropship wireframe|thumb]] |
+ | *''[[Cap-One]]'' |
||
*''[[Daddy's Girl]]'' |
*''[[Daddy's Girl]]'' |
||
− | *''[[ |
+ | *''[[Fanfare]]'' |
*''[[Fat Girl]]'' |
*''[[Fat Girl]]'' |
||
+ | *''[[Tango]]'' |
||
*''[[Tango Bravo 109]]'' |
*''[[Tango Bravo 109]]'' |
||
+ | *''[[Redemption]]'' |
||
*''[[Sleepwalker]]'' |
*''[[Sleepwalker]]'' |
||
*''[[Sweetie Pie]]'' |
*''[[Sweetie Pie]]'' |
||
+ | *''[[Valkyrie Nine]]'' |
||
*''[[Valkyrie Vixen]]'' |
*''[[Valkyrie Vixen]]'' |
||
==Known Dropship Pilots== |
==Known Dropship Pilots== |
||
⚫ | |||
*Captain [[Julian Byrne]] |
*Captain [[Julian Byrne]] |
||
*Captain [[Tegis Marz]] |
*Captain [[Tegis Marz]] |
||
*Captain [[Morrow]] |
*Captain [[Morrow]] |
||
+ | *Lieutenant [[Hathaway]] |
||
*[[Graham O'Brien]] |
*[[Graham O'Brien]] |
||
+ | *[[Wil Merrick]] |
||
*[[Black Morgan]] |
*[[Black Morgan]] |
||
==Trivia== |
==Trivia== |
||
+ | [[File:Dropship Overwatch Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|The dropship in ''[[Overwatch]]'']] |
||
− | The dropship's design, pilot personality, and unit quotations are heavily modelled or borrowed from the one found in movie ''[ |
+ | The dropship's design, pilot personality, and unit quotations are heavily modelled or borrowed from the one found in the movie ''[[Wikipedia:Aliens (film)|Aliens]]''. |
+ | Dropships appear in concept art for McCree in ''The Art of Overwatch''.<ref>2017-10-17, [https://www.reddit.com/r/starcraft/comments/76w5im/til_mccree_from_overwatch_was_actually_prospector/?utm_content=comments&utm_medium=hot&utm_source=reddit&utm_name=starcraft TIL McCree from Overwatch was actually Prospector Logann from Starcraft]. ''StarCraft Reddit'', accessed on 2017-10-18</ref> The artwork itself dates back to when a [[StarCraft MMO|''StarCraft'' MMO]] was pitched in the aftermath of the cancellation of Project Titan.<ref name = "TitanFailure">2017-05-11, [http://blizzardwatch.com/2017/11/05/blizzcon-2017-overwatch-rose-titans-failure/ BlizzCon 2017: How Overwatch rose from Titan’s failure]. ''Blizzard Watch'', accessed on 2017-11-05</ref> |
||
⚫ | |||
+ | {{Clear}} |
||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
{{Terran}} |
{{Terran}} |
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{{CancelTerran (StarCraft II)}} |
{{CancelTerran (StarCraft II)}} |
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{{Terran Ships}} |
{{Terran Ships}} |
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+ | [[es:Nave de transporte Quantradyne Apod-33]] |
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[[Category:StarCraft: Ghost Terran units]] |
[[Category:StarCraft: Ghost Terran units]] |
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− | [[Category:StarCraft II Terran campaign units]] |
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[[Category:Terran starship classes]] |
[[Category:Terran starship classes]] |
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[[Category:Terran dropships]] |
[[Category:Terran dropships]] |
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[[Category:Transports]] |
[[Category:Transports]] |
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− | [[Category:StarCraft Terran units]] |
Revision as of 19:25, 19 February 2020
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- Ardo Melnikov(src)
The Quantradyne APOD-33 dropship[1] is a terran aerospace transport.
Overview
- Private Hank Harnack in the midst of evacuating a downed dropship(src)
The Quantradyne is a heavily armored tactical transport equipped for both atmospheric and deep space flight,[2] utilizing twin engines fed hypergolic tanks that result in plasma exhaust, said engines being capable of shifting their angles.[1] Dropships are designed to carry anything from troops to siege tanks in both safety and speed.[3] Landings are usually carried out conventionally—easy deployment is allowed through both aft[1][4] and front ramps and its base can descend from the ship.[5] However, soldiers can also rappel down using ropes.[6] Side doors also exist[7] and furthermore, dropships are equipped with extraction fields[1] and maglev lines[8] in case the terrain is too difficult to land on.
Early experiments to arm dropships (including ordnance packages for an air-to-ground role)[9] were abandoned in favor of maximizing payload capacity.[2] Still, soldiers can fire from the dropship themselves, such as from its bottom platform.[5] Another example of getting around this was used by Captain Jack Larimer, who removed his dropship's side doors to make room for mounted weapons.[7]
Dropships possess a number of shortcomings. They are difficult to maneuver and are prone to mechanical failures[6] and aren't exactly the most comfortable transport craft, the interior's temperatures usually uncomfortably hot, even more so during re-entry. Cooling units are installed to offset this along with air scrubbers. Restraining bars are present for the transport of passengers and overhead racks for the transport of equipment and/or belongings. The dropship's power bus is also compatible with the CMC-300 combat suit. A user can 'jack in' to the power bus and view the dropship's surroundings via a sensor system, the image being transferred to the suit's HUD.[1] Ammunition packs and stimulant dispensers are also featured.[3] During the Guild Wars, dropships were apparently bereft of gravity accelerators,[7] but this was rectified by the Great War. Dropship pilots can operate alone, although a nav/comm. console is set behind the pilot's seat.[10]
Dropships are outfitted with a signal booster, which automatically reroutes the communications of ground forces in range through them in order to allow for better communications range. However, this process is involuntary; if the dropship's signal booster is damaged ground forces in range of the booster will be unable to use long-range communications.[11]
Dropships are frequently attached to capital ships such as troopships[7] and battlecruisers.[10]
History
Quantradynes were designed by the Terran Confederacy and were in use by 2480.[3] The Colonial Fleet maintained high standards for its dropship pilots, the PEB (Preferred Experience Base) requiring an applicant to possess a combat pilot certification and hot-zone certification before being allowed access to a dropship.[12] Police forces on Confederate worlds that were wealthy enough to afford them would use dropships to ferry prisoners.[13]
The Terran Dominion maintained Quantradynes until at least 2503,[14] but most were eventually converted into medivac dropships.[15] However, some remained in service as late as 2511.[11]
Game Unit
StarCraft
Dropships are too slow to outrun aerial hunters like mutalisks, scouts, and wraiths. If destroyed any units being carried are lost as well. While it has eight slots like the shuttle and evolved overlord, the power of stimpacked infantry means a dropship can carry substantial firepower. Compared to its zerg and protoss counterparts (overlord and shuttle), the dropship has a faster speed than the overlord despite having a poor acceleration and is less fragile than the shuttle but slower.
A fleet of dropships is often used to offload units directly on top of or near an enemy base. These "drops" are a key strategy for many terran players.
The unit was voiced by Lani Minella.[16]
Upgrades
- +1 armor to Wraith, dropship, battlecruiser, science vessel, Valkyrie per level.
Acquisition | ||||||||||||||
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Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
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Quotations
Development
During the StarCraft alpha, the dropship was much larger and could carry a lot more units inside. Their unit portrait bore great resemblance to what would become the character of Jem in the final product.[17]
The dropship was once equipped with Vortex shock-bombs.[18]
StarCraft: Ghost
StarCraft: Ghost concept art depicts "assault dropships". The terrans also used the Grizzly as an (armed) transport.[19]
StarCraft II
The dropship used to be very similar to the StarCraft version. It has been given a healing ability, transforming it into the medivac dropship; thus, the dropship can no longer be built in StarCraft II.[20]
The dropship touched down to unload units,[21] behavior that was previously seen in the original StarCraft alpha, but not the final edition.[22]
There was a one-second delay between every dropped unit.[23]
Blizzard was toying with the possibility of returning the dropship and making the medivac dropship an available upgrade in June 2008.[24]
Rather then medevacs, dropships appear in the commercial and on the doodad model for Bubba's Gas & Grub.[25]
Another dropship to feature within the game is the Hercules dropship, which is used to transport thors.[26]
Known Dropships
- Cap-One
- Daddy's Girl
- Fanfare
- Fat Girl
- Tango
- Tango Bravo 109
- Redemption
- Sleepwalker
- Sweetie Pie
- Valkyrie Nine
- Valkyrie Vixen
Known Dropship Pilots
- Captain Julian Byrne
- Captain Tegis Marz
- Captain Morrow
- Lieutenant Hathaway
- Graham O'Brien
- Wil Merrick
- Black Morgan
Trivia
The dropship's design, pilot personality, and unit quotations are heavily modelled or borrowed from the one found in the movie Aliens.
Dropships appear in concept art for McCree in The Art of Overwatch.[27] The artwork itself dates back to when a StarCraft MMO was pitched in the aftermath of the cancellation of Project Titan.[28]
References
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