Sandhopper
"Avoid the sandhoppers at all costs. The locals call them a traditional form of transportation. I call them a nausea-inducing death ride. I'll say it again. Avoid the sandhoppers."
Purpose
The sandhopper is a land vehicle designed to allow the transportation of individuals or small groups across the deserts of Victor. It was designed to mimic the way in which the Vkan hop across the desert using bursts of propulsion from the back end of the vehicle, creating a push and glide motion. It provides a safe way of travelling between cities and settlements without risking being out in the sun for long periods of time.Capabilities
A sandhopper is able to carry up to five adults and only requires one to pilot or drive the vehicle. They travel up to 90 mph and are capable of running for up to five days without needing to refuel.Technology
The propulsion comes from a chemical reaction in the engine which causes a sudden burst of gas through a mechanism at the back known as the "foot". The gas pushes the metal foot down, propelling the vehicle into the air at a 50-degree angle. It then glides back down the ground and at the point at which it comes within a few centimetres of the ground (distance variable depending on the exact make of vehicle), prompting another drip to fall within the engine and another chemical reaction to take place.History
The sandhopper was developed in collaboration between the Vkan and the other Peacekeeper engineers, particularly those working for Peacekeeper Efficiency. While it wasn't part of the original treaty which brought Victor into the Peacekeeper Alliance, it was developed shortly afterwards as a method for moving between and connecting Vkan settlements. As these vehicles proved very popular, larger, better equipped versions have been created for mass-transit, known as Sandchasers. They were briefly tested for official and military vehicles, but they proved too destabalising for the staff required to ride in them, so the project was scrapped.Impact
Prior to the development of the sandhopper, travelling between some of these settlements was almost impossible due to the sheer heat of the sun. This acted not only as a physical connection between these settlements but also as a social connection to reduce the hostility between the different groups of Vkan.Culture
Sandhoppers are used in various cities for sandhopper races, which have become something of a cultural phenomenon. The major championships are broadcast across the Peacekeeper Alliance, but even local races are known to attract a crowd keen to see how many make it from start to finish.Manufacturing
The vehicles were originally manufactured by Peacekeeper Efficiency, but now there are many small independant manufacturers in each of the major cities on Victor. Not all of these manufacturers are the most reliable, but some say that adds to the experience.Related Articles
| Organisations | Peacekeeper Alliance, Victalis Command |
|---|---|
| Cultures | Vkan |
| Locations | Peacekeeper Territories, The Victalis System, Victor, Rrkar, Capital City of Victor |
Manufacturer
Current location
Complement / Crew
1 pilot
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
max 4 passengers
This was a great article - a simple transport vehicle inspired by nature and with a whole lot of detail on top. I wonder what company builds those primarily? Is there a military version too or a VIP version?
Great questions! I'm really glad you liked it. I've added some answers to the article!
And those were some interesting answers indeed. Thank you for updating it, its gotten even better now than before.