Terran Confederation "Free Trader" Transport

Name: Free Trader
Craft: Terran Confederation Free Trader Class
Type: Transport
Scale: starfighter
Length: 83 meters
Skill: space transports
Crew: 4
Passengers: 11
Cargo Capacity: 1,431 metric tons
Consumables: 14 weeks
Jump Drive: x1
Nav Computer: yes
Maneuverability: 2D+2
Space: 3
Atmosphere: 260; 750 km/h
Hull: 3D
Shields: 4D
Sensors

• Passive: 5 / 0D
• Scan: 10 / 0D+1
• Search: 15 / 0D+1
• Focus: 1 / 0D+1

Weapons

• Triple Flak Cannon

Fire Arc: 1 Turret
Crew: 1
Scale: speeder
Skill: starship gunnery
Fire Control: 3D+1
Space Range: 1-3/8/15
Atmosphere Range: 10-300/800/1,500
Damage: 3D

• 7 Dual Flak Cannons

Fire Arc: 7 Turrets
Crew: 1
Scale: speeder
Skill: starship gunnery
Fire Control: 3D+1
Space Range: 1-3/8/15
Atmosphere Range: 10-300/800/1,500
Damage: 2D+1

• Electronic Counter Measure Module

Fire Arc: all
Crew: 1
Skill: sensors
Space Range: 1-5/13/25
Atmosphere Range: 10-500/1,300/2,500m
Effects: Enemy Sensors and Fire Control -1 pip

Gear:

• External Docking Port: 2
• Escape Pod: 1 (18 person capacity)

Description: The Free Trader-class Transport was a civilian freighter class used by the Terran Confederation during the Kilrathi War. It is prominently featured in Wing Commander II: Vengeance of the Kilrathi.

The Free Traders were a common sight in the Terran Confederation prior to the year 2669. They were normally civilian vessels, and as such were not very well-armed ships. Like any transport, their main purpose was to ship cargo to and from the frontlines of the Kilrathi War, as well as to civilian depots and colonies. While not military by nature, they could be adapted for a number of military purposes, including top secret reconnaissance missions. Some Free Traders have even been adapted to house a handful of starfighters.

By far the most famous example of this class was the TCS Bonnie Heather, the personal flagship of the distinguished General James Taggart. Taggart rose to fame for his previous services on the ill-fated T.C.S. Tiger's Claw. After retiring from frontline duty, he vanished into the Special Operations Division, where he became one of the Terran Confederation's top spies. He was given command of the TCS Bonnie Heather, which was better armed and better armored than a conventional Free Trader, and was adapted with highly-advanced surveillance equipment, a starfighter hangar, and prison cells. Taggart and the Bonnie Heather were responsible for the rescue of Firekkan hostages in 2656 and the defense of Ghorah Khar. The crew even captured Crown Prince Thrakhath nar Kiranka briefly before he managed to escape the vessel.

It is unknown if the Free Traders remained active after 2669, as the Confederation had begun using the Clarkson-class Transport on a frequent basis.

Source:

• Wing Commander Encyclopedia: Free Trader-class transport
• Wing Commander Information Center: Free Trader-class transport
• The Wing Commander Role Playing Game (page 395)
• thedemonapostle