Launch Shuttle Bays

Launch Shuttle Bays

Auxiliary Craft Launch & Recovery — USS Heimdahl
Location: Dorsal Module — Decks 6 (Upper Bay) and 7 (Lower Bay)
Shared Access Port: Aft Launch Trench, extendable shield aperture

FUNCTION OVERVIEW

Heimdahl’s shuttle operations are vertically stacked within the aft flight trench, allowing tight launch sequencing and compact retrieval geometry. The bays are functionally split but share the same exterior entry/exit aperture, secured by a dual-shield kinetic buffer system and inertial dampening grid.

UPPER SHUTTLE BAY — DECK 6

• Craft Stored:
• 2x Type-10 Chaffee-Class Compact Shuttles
• Agile, short-range, high-sensor craft ideal for recon, personnel insertion, or silent landings
• 2x Workbee "Bumble" MSD
• Utility pods equipped for EVA support, magnetic towing, small-frame construction, and hull maintenance
• Bay Features:
• Magnetic alignment dock rails with automated refueling nozzles
• Holographic docking matrix overlay (Nyx-controlled) for safe shuttle approach and egress in tight quarters
• Vertical platform lift system links this deck with the support area below
• Staggered stowage ceiling arms for workbee overhead parking during shuttle prep

LOWER SHUTTLE BAY — DECK 7

• Craft Stored:
• 2x Type-12 Personnel Shuttles
• Medium-range, full-atmosphere capable transports with tactical shielding and variable passenger/cargo configurations
• Used for field deployment, evac runs, and insertion of engineering or security teams
• Shared Systems:
• Both bays utilize the same aft launch aperture, sequenced by launch traffic control
• Emergency ejection rails in place for rapid evacuations or emergency launch under hostile boarding

LAUNCH BAY SUPPORT / MAINTENANCE HUB

Location: Adjacent to Lower Bay (Deck 7)

• Functionality:
• Mission prep station, shuttle diagnostic interface, resource loadout configuration
• Tool array for atmospheric sealing, micro-warp core tuning, and hull plate rework
• Flight operations desk with dual consoles—1 manned, 1 Nyx-handled (secondary if overridden by SWAI directive)
• Storage for field modules, survival gear, and multi-configure crate harnesses

SUMMARY

Heimdahl’s shuttle bay system doesn’t look like much from the outside—and that’s the point. One port. Two levels. Four ships.
Tight, fast, and quiet. Because when you’re flying under shadows, you don’t need a launch parade.
You need options.