The Heliades–class J Scientific Exploratory Vessel was a type of spacecraft manufactured by Weyland Corp and the first FTL–capable human space vehicle. It entered service in 2031, when the prototypical Heliades was launched. The ship "revolutionized the known galaxy" and at the time the eponymous first ship of the line was launched, under the command of Captain Corin McManna, the Heliades–class represented the newest flagship model for Weyland Corp. The Heliades–class concept eventually served as the basis for the Weyland-Yutani Corporation's Magellan-class J Scientific Exploratory Vessel.
Overview[]
The original Heliades was ICC-certified and featured a medical bay, lab facilities, and over a dozen HES-compatible chambers. The Heliades used dual FTL engines powered by the ship's 2.1 terrawatt RL fusion reactor power source and had a payload capacity of up to 9 megatonnes. The ship had the ability to provide molecularly stable transport for ship components and human crew over light-years of space, enabling Weyland Corp scientists explorers and planetary engineers access to various new unexplored regions of space.
History[]
Early flights[]
On July 9, 2072, the second FTL-capable SEV, the USCSS Prometheus was introduced to the world prior to its mission to LV-223. Heliades pilot, Captain Corin McManna joined the Prometheus test flight crew and was impressed by the ship's performance.
In 2111, the USCSS Cronus was dispatched to investigate the loss of contact with the Far Spinward Colonies. The ship was destroyed after its crew triggered an Engineer device on LV-1113, though its lifeboat the Cheiron survived.
As of 2184, at least six Heliades–class ships including the Epimetheus were undergoing refurbishment at the Hyperdyne Corporation service outpost Transept in the GJ2005 System for use in mapping illicit smuggling routes.
Legacy[]
The basic frame of the Heliades–class vessel was used for the development of the Magellan-class J Scientific Exploratory Vessel. Several Magellan–class ships were used during the United Nations Interstellar Settlement Corps' Great Mother Mission in 2186.
Appearances[]
- Prometheus/novel
- Alien: The Blueprints
- Alien: The Roleplaying Game (mentioned only)
- Chariot of the Gods
- Colonial Marines Operations Manual (mentioned only)
- Aliens: Fireteam Elite (mentioned only)
- Heart of Darkness (mentioned only)
- Building Better Worlds (mentioned only)