The drop pod is a terran atmospheric insertion craft.

OverviewEdit

Developed by the Terran Dominion^[1] and in use within a few months of its founding,^[2] the drop pod is shaped somewhat like a rounded cylinder, with two rounded ends: one boasting an orange-yellow engine, and the other equipped to slam into a planetary surface. On the engine end, there are four flaps that extend outwards from the engine and two vanes, one to either side of the engine.^[3] The pod self-destructs 108 seconds after touchdown,^[4] as part of a protocol to prevent its technology from falling into enemy hands.^[1] However, by 2504, drop pods were in use by various other mercenary and rebel factions as well.^[5]

The pod's interior is cramped. Its occupant is seated, with said seat having neosteel support bars. Pods also feature filtration systems that can take atmospheric samples from the air around them. Communication can be carried out via a comm. unit and viscreen.^[4]

Drop pods are used to covertly insert ghosts,^[1] deploy marines,^[6] resupply ground forces,^[7] and aid mineral mining operations with MULEs.^[8] Its descent can be guided to an extent by its occupant.^[4]

Game UnitEdit

In StarCraft II, drop pods are used by the orbital command's abilities^[8] to deploy MULEs, and in the usage animation for increasing the supply output of supply depots.^[7] The drop animation takes 5-10 seconds.^[9] Drop pods may be deployed anywhere within line of sight.^[10]

Wings of LibertyEdit

In StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, drop pods are used to drop ground units at the merc compound. Several drop pods are seen in the campaign mission "Gates of Hell", where Terran Dominion troops are attacked by the zerg during the invasion of Char.^[11]

AcquisitionEdit

Orbital Strike
Campaign	Wings of Liberty
Cost	25 protoss research points
Researched at	Hyperion laboratory
Notes
New barracks units arrive at the rally point by drop pod.[12]
Edit

DevelopmentEdit

Main article: Drop pod/Development

References Edit