High Guard "Close Structure"

[locarno24]

I agree with the classification of the USS Enterprise from (any version of) Star Trek - or indeed most starships from any of those shows - as a "Dispersed Structure".

Andromeda Ascendant would be dispersed, as well.


Generally, anything which is a framework of booms/tubes/arms etc with significant open space inside its maximum dimensions is 'dispersed'. Anything which pretty much fills the volume of a skin-tight 'bubble' is 'close'....except there are a load of other other hull shapes as well.

To be honest, I prefer the 'basic' types - standard, streamlined or distributed. I can't think of a shape I can't put in one of these pidgeon-holes, and adding more just confuses matters

 

[Jak Nazryth]

One of the best (and only?) descriptions in any of the Traveller rule books is stated in T20.
Here is the paragraph from page 256 of T20
Closed Structure
"A Close Structure is only partially streamlined. The term is used for vessels that consist of a number of similarly or differently-shaped structures joined without significant projections. Close Structure configurations reduce the cost of the hull by 40% (this is already factored into the costs listed in the Manufactured Hulls Table.)

Technically, a slightly rounded off shoe box in space would be considered a Closed Structure, or the BORG Cube???
Several ships from movies over the years are good examples of Closed Structures.
From "Aliens" in 1986, "The Sulako" is a good example. Also the Star ships from the movie "Starship Troopers" (I lovingly call "Ken and Barbie save the Universe") are good examples.
The ship from "Event Horizon" and "2010" are another examples.

Hope this helps.

 

[F33D]

One of the best (and only?) descriptions in any of the Traveller rule books is stated in T20.
Here is the paragraph from page 256 of T20
Closed Structure ...

Hope this helps.

Yes, thank you!

 

[Jak Nazryth]

For the Mongoose Ship design mechanics you can simply remove “partially streamlined” from the basic description. That way a Close structure can be just about anything, Cube, Shoe box, Ring (like the 400 ton lab ship), or most other designs where the structure is completely enclosed within an air-tight hull/skin. Then you can modify the design by adding “Partial Streamlining” within the Mongoose mechanics which will match the T20 version of Close Structure.

 

[JP42]

Honestly, I'm not sure anyone really knows the dividing line between Close and Dispersed Structures. Going back to the old Fighting Ships supplement from Classic Traveller, I give you some examples.

Close Structure:

Dispersed Structure:

The difference appears to be the structural integrity, or perhaps the space enclosed by, the boom between the forward assembly and the main body of the craft.