getting this thread back to it's original point ... :p

another addition to the Starhawk (and presumably to B.5 as well)

Sandcasters: These are defensive 'weapons' scattered about the hull in small turrets designed for missile defence. The theory behind them works as follows; an inbound missile's approach vector is analyzed by computer and an intercept is plotted, a capsule is launched from one of the sandcaster turrets at the missile and upon nearing it, blasts out a cone of course sand and/or gravel. The relative velocity should result in the sand shredding the missile. These devices are useless against even small craft as waved hulls and stronger drive fields deflect/ignore the sand/gravel.

also here's a basic lay out of the Starhawk

Upper level:
forward deck        - cockpit
                - crew quarters (3 rooms with bunkbeds)
                - ship's stores
                - stairs to lower level
mid-deck                - kitchen/dining area
                - first aid room
                - washroom
                - access to dorsal turret
aft deck                - upper cargo bay (catwalks and airtight cargo containers)
                - stairs to lower level

Lower level:
forward deck        - passenger cabins (2 rooms with queen-sized beds)
                - rec room (library of books, movies, music and games)
                - forward 'airlocks'/personnel doors
                - washroom
                - Access to ventral turret (and storage of turret when retracted)
                - stairs to upper level
mid-deck                - engine room (most of the section)
aft deck                - lower cargo bay (includes storage bay for APE1)
                - Stairs to upper level
__________________
The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live. - George Carlin.