The Nomad is Consolidated Outland's innovative multi-purpose freighter; packing a variety of novel features into a compact, stylish frame. Featuring a large cargo bay, hover technology, and a comfortable habitation space, the Nomad is the model of self-sufficiency and innovation.[1][2]
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| "Auspicious Red" | "Cherry Blossom" | "Conifer" | "Deck The Hull" | "Foundation Festival" | "IceBreak" | "Jackal" | "Lovestruck" | "Polar" | "Sandstone" |
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Consolidated Outland's most promising pre-Mustang spinoff programs was the MANTA (Multi-crew Accessible New Transport) program which aimed to create an affordable, multi-crew transport ship to compete with industry leaders like Roberts Space Industries and Origin Jumpworks. The ship, designed by Dr. Charlotte Roland, was intended for a rental spacecraft fleet, not for sale on the open market. Dr. Roland's unique vision and lack of aerospace industry ties attracted funding from Silas Koerner, leading to the success of the Mustang and future projects.
By 2944, the MANTA plan involved a large, affordable multi-crew ship resembling a child's block toy. The innovative design utilized off-the-shelf components, reducing costs to 20% of a Constellation. Cargo would be stored exposed to space like an industrial hauler. Though not yet launched, the team believed they had achieved the seemingly impossible.[3]
In 2944, the Mustang revolutionized the galaxy for Consolidated Outland and Silas Koerner. Dr. Roland led the project as Koerner focused on the follow-up. Additional funds went to Project Ranger (Pioneer), while Koerner became more involved in MANTA, taking control of the development himself.
Koerner's divergent vision for the spacecraft conflicted with the initial plans, leading to tensions with Dr. Roland. Initially clashing over the name change from MANTA to Nomad, Koerner's design philosophy reshaped the ship into a single-seater transporter prioritizing cargo capacity. This shift sidelined the original team, prompting Dr. Roland to resign rather than accept a transfer within the company.[3]
The project faced major delays due to a shakeup for Koerner's vision. The focus shifted to Nomad as a follow-up to Mustang, offering private owners a competitive edge. Koerner was driven to make a mark in transport with MISC's success in launching the Reliant.
The final prototype Nomad was a customized design that exceeded initial expectations. While the exterior cargo hold was kept for cost-saving purposes, nearly all other components were modified, leading to higher manufacturing costs. The end result was priced at around one million credits, double the original estimate but still lower than the Constellation. Advanced hover technology was a challenge during development, ultimately resolved with additional resources.[3]
The Nomad debuted at the 2950 Intergalactic Aerospace Expo, introduced by Jax McCleary. Available for purchase the same day it was announced, thousands were secretly distributed for immediate test flights in eleven systems. Koerner unveiled the ship as the Mustang's successor in a speech titled Chasing the Dream.
[3]"When we introduced the Mustang line back in 2944, our aim was to reshape the dream of spaceflight. Since then, much has changed in the way we traverse the stars. The universe itself has expanded, with infinite opportunities waiting out there for all of us brave enough to chase them. The time has come to reshape the dream yet again. To push further than we ever have before. The time has come for the Nomad."
Silas Koerner, 2950
The Nomad launch was a success, with unexpected users outfitting corporate fleets or using it as an introductory spacecraft. Paramilitary forces were drawn to its missile racks and easy small arms deployment. Media criticism of Consolidated Outland targeting this audience faded due to its unsuitability for dogfighting.
Since its launch two years ago, the Nomad spacecraft has gained a loyal following among owners and pilots. Its unique ability to transport small ground vehicles on a planet's surface led to the development of the HoverQuad, which has been well-received. Nomad pilots are known for their daring stunts, including transporting unusual items and taking part in solo crewing challenges in deep space.[3]
A significant contributor to the success of the Nomad is somewhat unexpected. Following her departure from Consolidated Outland, Dr. Roland demonstrated that she bore no resentment towards Koerner by selecting the Nomad as the primary spacecraft for her newly established budget freighter rental enterprise. Within a year of the Nomad's introduction, she acquired two complete production runs, each consisting of 96 Nomads, which she subsequently offered as unbranded rentals across the Empire.[3]
