Caterpillar

Caterpillar
Manufacturer	Drake Interplanetary (DRAK)
Role	Transport
Size	Large
Crew	2 – 4
Cargo capacity	576 SCU
Production state	Flight ready Introduced Alpha 2.6.0
Cost
Buy	4,686,600 aUEC
Rent (1 day)	93,732 aUEC / 46,866 REC
Insurance
Claim time	90:00 min
Expedite	15:00 min
Expedite fee	22,500 aUEC
Pledge
Standalone	US$295
Original	US$225
Availability	Time-limited sales
Specifications
Length	111.5 m
Beam	39 m
Height	12.5 m
Combat speed	100 m/s
Max speed	892 m/s
Mass	1,608,205 kg
Lore
Introduction	2871 CE (2871)

The Drake Caterpillar is an affordable modular cargo ship. It is commonly used for legitimate commerce, extended search, and rescue missions. However, because of the low cost and popularity among civilians, the Caterpillar is known for being used by pirates.

In-game 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.

Specifications

Note: The specification below is a merge of the in-game data as of Alpha 3.11 and the ship matrix. The small size components do not appear in game yet as the command module is not implemented.

Avionics
Radars	1x S2 Chernykh WLOP - WillsOp
	1x S1 S Radar N/A - Unknown manufacturer
Computers	3x S2 M Computer N/A - Unknown manufacturer
	1x S1 S Computer N/A - Unknown manufacturer

Systems
Power plants	2x S3 Ginzel JUST - Juno Starwerk
	2x S1 Endurance JUST - Juno Starwerk
Coolers	2x S3 ThermalCore JUST - Juno Starwerk
	2x S1 Thermax JUST - Juno Starwerk
Shield generators	1x S3 Stronghold BASL - Basilisk
	2x S1 Bulwark BASL - Basilisk

Propulsion
Fuel intakes	2x S3 L Fuel Intake N/A - Unknown manufacturer
	1x S1 S Fuel Intake N/A - Unknown manufacturer
Fuel tanks	1x S3 L Fuel Tank N/A - Unknown manufacturer
	1x S1 S Fuel Tank N/A - Unknown manufacturer
Quantum drives	1x S3 Pontes WETK - Wei-Tek
	1x S1 S Quantum Drive N/A - Unknown manufacturer
Jump drives	1x S3 L Jump Module N/A - Unknown manufacturer
Quantum fuel tanks	1x S3 L Quantum Fuel Tank N/A - Unknown manufacturer
	1x S1 S Quantum Fuel Tank N/A - Unknown manufacturer

Thrusters
Main thrusters	2x S5 Main Thruster N/A - Unknown manufacturer
	2x S5 Aux Thruster N/A - Unknown manufacturer
	2x SX Main Thruster N/A - Unknown manufacturer
Maneuvering thrusters	6x S5 Retro Thruster N/A - Unknown manufacturer
	28x S5 Fixed Maneuvering Thruster N/A - Unknown manufacturer
	2x SX Retro Thruster N/A - Unknown manufacturer
	6x SX Gimbal Maneuvering Thruster N/A - Unknown manufacturer

Weaponry
Weapons	1x S5 Dual Weapon Mount N/A - Unknown manufacturer 2x S3 M5A Cannon BEHR - Behring Applied Technology
	2x S3 VariPuck S3 Gimbal Mount FFSY - Flashfire Systems 2x S2 M4A Cannon BEHR - Behring Applied Technology
Turrets	2x S6 Manned Turret N/A - Unknown manufacturer 4x S4 M6A Cannon BEHR - Behring Applied Technology

Features

• Command Module: The Command Module can be detached from the main hull and use as an independent ship. It can be used to move multiple Caterpillar hulls, or an escape ship, even at some shipping stations, Caterpillar crews have been known to race Command Modules while waiting for their cargo to be transferred. The upper deck contains auxiliary terminals that allow two additional crewmembers to handle comms, running scans, or managaing defenses. The lower deck of the Command Module is outfitted with small crew quarters and an entertainment center in case of extended travel.

• Cargo Module: The Cargo Modules are outfitted with side-access elevator that allows all the sections to act as self-contained units, which allows people to add or remove cargo without disturbing any of the other modules.

• Front Cargo Bay: The Front Cargo Bay can be used for additional storage and housing open canopy vehicles like Dragonfly. It is equipped with an airshield, which allows crew to transfer pallets and launch small vehicles without decompressing. The module is also outfitted with a manned turret, a cargo lift, and multiple sensors to assist in piloting.

• 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.

History

First Introduction

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.

Kesslering Heist

Main article: Kesslering Heist

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.

Ship profile

Isometric	Above	Port-side	Front	Rear	Below

Isometric	Above	Port-side	Front	Rear

Model

Special editions

Image	Name	Description
	"Pirate Edition"	With a red and black pirate livery, it's only available when defeating "Pirate Swarm" in Arena Commander.
	"Best In Show Edition"	Limited white and purple livery to celebrate the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2949.

In-game availability & pricing

Updated: October 22, 2020 (2020-10-22) - Alpha 3.11.0

Buying

New Deal, Lorville	Astro Armada, Area18	Teach's Ship Shop, Levski
Unavailable	Unavailable	4,686,600

Renting

Vantage Rentals, Lorville	Traveller Rentals, Area18	Regal Luxury Rentals, New Babbage
Unavailable	Unavailable	Unavailable

Prices given are per-day. Prices for all rental periods can be found at Ship renting.

Pledge price history

Date	Pledge cost (USD)	Insurance	Availability	Sale
2012-11-18	225	LTI	Limited	Kickstarter final day addon
2013-09-20	225	LTI	Limited	Caterpillar 72 hours flash sale
2013-11-20	245	LTI	Time-limited	2013 anniversary sale
2014-11-22	245	2 years	Time-limited	2014 anniversary sale
2015-11-21	245	3 years	Time-limited	2015 anniversary sale
2016-11-18	295	4 years	Time-limited	2016 anniversary sale
2016-12-16	295	6 months	Time-limited	2016 holiday sale

Gallery

For a full gallery, see Category:Caterpillar Images.