Caterpillar

Caterpillar

Manufacturer		Drake Interplanetary
Hangar Ready Date		2.6
Flight Ready Date		2.6
Primary Focus		Transport
Secondary Focus		Piracy
Minimum Crew		2
Maximum Crew		4
Standalone Price		$295^[1]
Mass (empty)		84,516.25 Kg^[2]
Cargo Capacity		592 Standard Cargo Units^[3]
Length		111.57 m
Height		14 m
Beam		39 m
Upgrade Capacity [?]		12
Max Power Plant Size [?]		5
Factory Power Plant		Reliance
Top Speed		SCM: 100 m/s AB: 300 m/s
Main Thrusters [?]		4× TR5
Maneuvering Thrusters [?]		28× TR2
Max Shield [?]		5^[4]
Hardpoints		Weapons Systems
0×	Class 1	None
4×	Class 2	4× Behring M2A laser cannon Size 4 Equipped^[4]
2×	Class 3	Size 4 Equipped^[4]
2×	Class 4	2× Behring M5A laser cannon (turret) Size 4 Equipped^[4]
Additional Equipment		1× L-Sys Mark III Tractor Beam

Official Description

First introduced in 2871, Drake Interplanetary’s Caterpillar has long proven to be a reliable, cost-effective multi-role vessel, capable of being outfitted for everything from mercantile operations to combat support. Long hailed as a hard-fought alternative to the ubiquitous Hull series, the Caterpillar is a freighter that doesn’t skimp on weaponry or customization.

Designed for supporting pirate operations, the Caterpillar features a large cargo hold for carrying loot, heavier armor than other freighters in its class and room for five crew able to serve in boarding operations. Despite its heavier armor, the Caterpillar isn't a bulldog... a successful operation will require a fighter escort.^[5]

The ‘Cat is also intended as a platform for boarding operations. Pirates can marshal their shock troops aboard the ship and then force their way onto larger targets like frigates and cruisers!^[6]

Model E Update

The Caterpillar model E^[7] is a straight up, no frills hauler. The sheer number of options you can apply to it is truly staggering and will haul a large variety of cargo from raw minerals to human transport. You can even compartmentalize the ships hold.

The offensive capabilities are a little light, but what it lacks in offense it more than makes up for in defensive options. It can take a beating and ask for seconds depending on the option combinations.

The biggest downside has nothing to do with the ship itself, but rather the reputation associated with it. To every local cop, Advo, merc and Citizen, Drake ships are treated like suspects wherever they go.

The biggest problem with the Caterpillar is the negative attention you’ll receive. Cops will probably scan you more often.