Caterpillar Guide, Specs & Features
What to know
The Drake Caterpillar is a 576-SCU freighter built around five separate cargo bays, broad side loading access, twin tractor-beam stations, and a detachable command module. It is designed for crews who care as much about handling freight at each stop as they do about the...
Caterpillar specifications
Five cargo bays built around the work at the dock
Four 124-SCU bays open on both sides through large cargo doors intended to function as elevators, while the 80-SCU forward bay adds its own front access. Tractor stations cover both sides of the ship, giving the crew a practical way to direct containers into a long hull without relying on one narrow loading route.
A freighter divided into practical working zones
The Caterpillar's five-bay layout lets a crew separate loads by customer, destination, or handling needs. The detachable command module and independent living spaces support the same long-haul, multi-stop working style.
Development note: The Caterpillar is flight ready and entered the live game in Alpha 2.6.0. Because Star Citizen remains in active development, specifications, features, and imagery may change over time.
Beyond the Caterpillar's cargo capacity
Five separate bays organize the load, side doors create several transfer points, and tractor stations on the main hull and command module help the crew work both sides of the ship.
Four 124-SCU compartments open on both sides through large doors intended to double as cargo elevators, creating several places to load or unload along the hull.
The forward compartment carries 80 SCU and adds a front door with an airshield, giving the crew another route for smaller containers and direct loading.
One Size 2 tractor station covers the starboard doors and another on the command module supports the port side, helping the crew guide containers into the ship.
Door width and internal clearance decide which containers can actually fit.
The right loading equipment turns empty cargo space into a secured shipment.
The five-bay cargo deck at the centre of the Caterpillar
Five separate compartments carry 576 SCU in total, letting the crew divide freight by customer, destination, container size, or unloading order.
Five-section cargo deck
Match the load carried by the five-section cargo deck to the container sizes and equipment available at both ends of the Caterpillar's route.
Keep the load carried by the five-section cargo deck restrained, balanced, and clear of the access the crew still needs.
Arrange the load carried by the five-section cargo deck in the order the destination can receive it so unloading stays straightforward.
Five cargo sections in daily use
The Caterpillar turns the five-section cargo deck into dependable freight work when the load is planned around access, balance, and the order it must come off.
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Choose cargo that suits the Caterpillar's destination
The Caterpillar should take freight that fits both its handling equipment and the unloading equipment at the destination.
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Place cargo carried by five-section cargo deck in delivery order
Each container aboard the Caterpillar remains restrained, balanced, and reachable in delivery order.
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Secure the Caterpillar's load without blocking access
On the Caterpillar, a practical loading plan keeps cargo carried by the five-section cargo deck secure, accessible, and ready to unload at the destination.
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Ready the Caterpillar for the next manifest
After unloading, the crew checks access, restraints, and equipment before the Caterpillar accepts more cargo.
Loading, command, defense, and life aboard the Caterpillar
The Caterpillar is a working freighter from end to end. Its cargo sections, tractor stations, detachable command module, defensive turrets, and four-person habitation all support longer routes with several handling stops.
The command section can operate independently as a lookout, local tender, or emergency craft while cargo work continues around the main hull.
Two crewed turrets each mount two Size 4 guns, while the detached command module can bring its own forward and remote weapons into use.
Beds, a bathroom, and a mess area give a crew of four the basic facilities needed for longer routes and repeated cargo stops.
Before accepting a load, the crew should confirm how freight enters the Caterpillar and how the destination will remove it.
Loading the Caterpillar for a clean delivery
Freight stays manageable aboard the Caterpillar when the crew protects access, balance, and the unloading order.
Load the Caterpillar in the order the cargo must leave
The Caterpillar crew plans the five-section cargo deck from the first lift through the final unload, keeping access clear along the way.
The Caterpillar should accept cargo only after both ports can handle its size, weight, and loading route.
Freight aboard the Caterpillar is arranged around weight distribution, secure restraints, and the order in which customers receive it.
The Caterpillar is ready for another contract after the cargo is delivered, restraints are checked, and the working space is clear.
Find your Caterpillar
Explore in-stock Caterpillar ships, upgrades, and game packages available from The Impound.