Hello all,

MT Referee's Manual Craft Design Flowchart 10 - Fuel Step 4 page 83: "Drop Tanks: Disposable tanks which provide fuel while reducing ship tonnage. Tanks are mounted only when needed and dropped away prior to jump. They do not affect the routine performance of the ship. Cost is Crl0,000 plus Cr75 per kiloliter of drop tank."

In my opinion a drop tank is a modified exterior dismountable tank. An exterior dismountable fuel tank increases hull volume, weight, and cost when installed. The modification is the installation of an ejection system that replaces the bolts that semi-permanently attach exterior dismountable fuel tank to the hull.

The MT drop tank description states that they reduce ship tonnage and not affect routine performance is at odds with the Disposable/Drop Tank description on CT LBB 5 HG2 1980 12 printing page 27.

"Disposable fuel tanks may be added to the ship to increase its (jump)* range. These L-Hyd tanks are fitted to the outside of the ship, and drop away before jump. The result is more interior space available for cargo and passengers. Such tanks must be replaced each time they are used, so they are practical only on runs to civilized areas, or to increase fuel capacity to allow several jumps. L-Hyd tanks are installed outside the hull, and increases total tonnage on the ship; drives are reduced in their efficiency based on the total tonnage of the ship. With tanks retained, efficiency is decreased, and jump capability is reduced; when the tanks drop away tonnage is reduced, and drive efficiency is increased. L-Hyd Tanks cost Cr10,000, plus Cr1,000 per ton of fuel carried."

Checking MT Consolidated Errata v2.22 is no entry concerning drop tanks.

I believe that the MT Referee's Manual Drop Tank description should be since they do change volume, weight, and price. The change in volume also alters the maneuver drive and jump drive ratings before being jettisoned.

Of course I could have misunderstood the text and be totally out to lunch.

Tom Rux