Couvar Duster
A common sight in any Sionian asteroid mining operation, the Duster Mk. 4 is a rugged, powerful utility pod developed and sold by Couvar Astronautical Dynamics. Built off the previous three generations of the design, the Mark 4 fielded many improvements toward its pneumatic systems, electrical components, and the overall integrity of its hull and mining arms. The Mark 4 also marks the end of the Duster line as far as most Sionians are concerned - The recently released redesign designated the Duster Mark 5 was flooded with software faults rendering the pod unusable in the best-case scenario.
The Duster Mark 4 is classified as a short-range utility pod and is therefore used primarily in a localized support class, either as a station-born pod capable of solar traversal or in a compliment aboard larger mining, repair, or prospecting freighters. The craft comes with a versatile attachment system allowing for ease of exchanging gear for utility roles; mining drills and harvesting equipment or welding and riveting tools for repair of larger craft or stationary infrastructure.
Appearance & Design
The Dusters design features a simple habitation pod with room for a single crew member, with minimal plating and armor coming standard, though some models have been modified to support external armor plating for use in dangerous environments. Propulsion comes from four main bore thrusters at the rear of the pod, along with several smaller reaction control thrusters adorning the surface and body of the pod. Extending forward at each corner of the pod are the four-piston or servo motor driven mechanical arms, each tipped with interchangeable tool housings.
The Mark 4 model is distinguished from its earlier models by the usage of Arshan sourced materials in its hull, resulting in the darker red-black color of the Carbide Steel alloy underneath the pod's paint job as well as an orangeish tint to the viewing ports from the gem-like material used for Arshan windows. The shift to these harder, more durable materials has resulted in a hardier craft but also resulted in a less streamlined and more utilitarian, rugged appearance due to the nature of Carbide Steel sheets, known for being difficult to shape.
Modifications
There are many cases of Duster modification, most commonly increased armor plating around the habitation pod, and upgrades to fuel storage and the accompanying thrusters. Often these modifications are done by deep space, long haul crews to decrease the natural wear and tear among the more expensive inner components of the craft. However, other cases among fledgling privateer fleets include extensive armor plating and more verbose and powerful mechanical arms to house larger tools or weaponry. The weaponry itself often consists of weapons taken from scrapped or decommissioned ships or in some desperate cases, taken from stationary firing positions or modified from existing tools (ex. welding tools repurposed to plasma throwers or riveters converted to crude bolt throwers.)
Weapons & Armament
The pod is generally unarmed, and only equipped with four specialized tool heads - One on each of its arms. These tool heads can include lasers, welding torches, lights, collectors, and manipulators for debris or components, drills, clamps, water jets, etc. The aforementioned modifications, however, have been known to include attempts at arming the pod.
Comments
Author's Notes
Written in response to an SFBR prompt on /r/MilitaryWorldbuilding.