Harbinger

While not the world's first aircraft, the Harbinger is the first to do so without wings and rely solely on thrust provided by its four engines. It is heavily armoured on its underside, front and sides, with little armour on top or the rear, where an access ramp occupies the entirety of the space. It serves as the primary troop transport for the Order of the S'Vacian, granting them speed and flexibility not often seen on Tarsis. It can fit twelve S'Vacian mechans and their gear in the cargo hold that makes up the bulk of the craft. The pilot's cabin is mounted squarely in the front of this boxy machine and is isolated from the hold. A specialized Altean Army mechan pilots the Harbinger to free up the valuable S'Vacian soldiers for combat and other action.
There are currently only two in active service, simply designated H000 and H001. More are in development, though the resources and skill needed to build Harbingers is making that slow progress.

Power Generation

A bank of eight Charges, each a meter cubed and made of wood, separate the crew cabin and the passenger hold.

Propulsion

Four experimental vectored thrust engines on vertical swivels provide lift and thrust for the Harbinger with nothing in the way of wings. Smaller jets aimed to the sides provide the ability to make minor adjustments to direction without having to drastically slow the craft.

Armor and defense

Altanite alloy plating covers the front, sides, and underside of the craft, leaving the top and rear relatively unarmoured to help with weight distribution and reduce the already great strain on the engines.

Manufacturer

Altean Army

Owning Organization

Order of the S'Vacian