Caterpillar Best In Show Edition

The Caterpillar Best In Show Edition is a distinctive variant of the Caterpillar large cargo ship, manufactured by Drake Interplanetary. This special edition was created especially for the 'Best In Show' event at the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2949 and has a unique white and purple livery. The Caterpillar has gained a reputation as a reliable and cost-effective multi-role vessel, adept for various uses, including commercial operations and combat support. It is acknowledged as a strong alternative to the popular Hull series, providing significant firepower and a wide array of customization possibilities. ^[1]^[2]

Features

Command ship

The Caterpillar has a command ship that can detach from the primary hull and operate independently, transporting multiple Caterpillar hulls or serving as an emergency escape vehicle. Crews of Caterpillar vessels often race command modules while waiting for cargo transfer.

Cargo holds

The vessel's cargo is divided into four compartments, each with elevators on both sides for independent loading and unloading. The forward cargo bay provides extra storage for open-canopy vehicles like the Dragonfly, featuring an airshield for pallet transfer and vehicle deployment without decompression. It also includes a manned turret, cargo lift, and navigation sensors.

Tractor Beam Station

The tractor beam station consists of a terminal that allows the ship to safely guide debris and even errant cargo directly into the side access doors of the cargo modules.

Specifications

Model

Ship profile

Isometric	Above	Port-side	Front	Rear	Below

Isometric	Above	Port-side	Front	Rear

Series variants

Caterpillar

Heavy Freight

Caterpillar Best In Show Edition

Caterpillar Pirate Edition

Caterpillar Pirate Edition

Heavy Freight

Paints

Acquisition

Lore

In the wake of the Cutlass' success in 28th Century, Drake Interplanetary's CEO and lead designer Jan Dredge was looking for a new project to move the company forward. Although the Cutlass enjoyed some success in commercial hauling, it is more known for its combat abilities. Dredge knew that they should take the same design principles and apply it to something much bigger. The Caterpillar prototype is initially unreviled at the 2871 Intergalactic Aerospace Expo. The ship received a lot of critics for its old design, the negativity almost threatened the whole project. It wasn't until the reports of Caterpillar spread through the Empire, that the tide began to turn. People were floored by two things: the ability to mix and match cargo modules and the price.^[2]

On 2903-06-21 SET, a Caterpillar broke out from heavy traffic, and rammed into an eriesium transport using the front sensor array as hooks to latch onto the hull. The front cargo door opened and pirates leapt onto the immobilized transport and cut their way inside while the turret engaged the shocked security detail. Within five minutes, the security detail had been destroyed, the transport breached and the eriesium taken. The Command Module detached from the Caterpillar and the pirates disappeared back into the spacelane with their fighter accomplices. By the time authorities arrived, they found an image that permanently seared itself into the public's consciousness, a Drake Caterpillar attached to the vented husk of a transport. Despite an exhaustive search through all the system, authorities never figured out who was behind the heist. The Caterpillar was forever tied with criminal element to the present after the event.^[2]

Gallery

Development

Trivia

It was the winner of the 'Best In Show' event during Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2949. Caterpillar owners, at the time of the event, received an upgrade to this variant as a reward. The ship was also offered as a stand alone purchase to backers only during the event.^[3]