View source for Merchantman

{{Infobox vehicle
| name                            = Merchantman
| image                           = Merchantman Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
| manufacturer                    = BANU
| size                            = capital
| sizenum                         = 6
| role                            = Heavy Freight
| stowagespace                    = 
| hangar                          = S2
| productionstate                 = In production
| productionstatedesc             = <!-- [[Star Citizen Alpha X.X.X|Alpha X.X.X]] -->
| loanervehicle                   = [[C2 Hercules Starlifter]], [[Defender]]
| mincrew                         = 4
| maxcrew                         = 8
| buycost                         = 
| rentable                        = false
| rentableac                      = false
| rentcostac                      = 
| pledgecost                      = 650
| originalpledgecost              = 250
| warbondcost                     = 600
| originalwarbondcost             = 300
| cargocapacity                   = 2880
| length                          = 237
| width = 203
| height                          = 80
| combatspeed                     = 
| maxspeed                        = 
| mass                            = 9635000
| pledgeavailability              = Time-limited sales
| rsistoreurl                     = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/ships/merchantman/Merchantman
| presentationurl                 = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/14332-Clipper-Ship-Banu-Merchantman
| galactapediaurl                 = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/02BQmpXMYQ-merchantman
}}

The [[Banu]] '''Merchantman''' is a trading ship capable of landing or docking and then inviting locals in to view what its cargo holds have to offer. The ship design, perfected by generations of Banu development, is intended to offer a combination of high speed and durability. While the Merchantman is less configurable than a [[Caterpillar]] or a [[Starfarer]], there's still plenty of room to take the ship in different directions.<ref>{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/14332-Clipper-Ship-Banu-Merchantman|text=Clipper Ship: Banu Merchantman}}</ref>

== Pledge description ==
<blockquote>Banu traders are renowned for their merchant prowess, traveling the spacelanes and trading with everyone from [[human]]s to the [[Vanduul]]! Their sturdy, dedicated trading ships are prized beyond all other transports, sometimes passing from generation to generation of Banu.</blockquote>

== Specifications ==
<tabber>
Avionics & Systems=
{{VehicleAvionics
|           Radar1MFU = TBD
|         Radar1Model = L Radar
| Radar1SizeInstalled = Large
|       Radar1SizeMax = Large
|      Radar1PerMount = 1
|   Radar1TotalMounts = 1
|           Computer1MFU = TBD
|         Computer1Model = M Computer
| Computer1SizeInstalled = Medium
|       Computer1SizeMax = Medium
|      Computer1PerMount = 1
|   Computer1TotalMounts = 4
}}{{VehicleSystems
|           PowerPlant1MFU = TBD
|         PowerPlant1Model = C Power Plant
| PowerPlant1SizeInstalled = Capital
|       PowerPlant1SizeMax = Capital
|      PowerPlant1PerMount = 1
|   PowerPlant1TotalMounts = 2
|           Cooler1MFU = TBD
|         Cooler1Model = C Cooler
| Cooler1SizeInstalled = Capital
|       Cooler1SizeMax = Capital
|      Cooler1PerMount = 1
|   Cooler1TotalMounts = 2
|           ShieldGen1MFU = TBD
|         ShieldGen1Model = C Shield Generator
| ShieldGen1SizeInstalled = Capital
|       ShieldGen1SizeMax = Capital
|      ShieldGen1PerMount = 1
|   ShieldGen1TotalMounts = 2
}}
|-|
Propulsion & Thrusters=
{{VehiclePropulsion
|           FuelIntake1MFU = TBD
|         FuelIntake1Model = C Fuel Intake
| FuelIntake1SizeInstalled = Capital
|       FuelIntake1SizeMax = Capital
|      FuelIntake1PerMount = 1
|   FuelIntake1TotalMounts = 2
|           FuelTank1MFU = TBD
|         FuelTank1Model = C Fuel Tank
| FuelTank1SizeInstalled = Capital
|       FuelTank1SizeMax = Capital
|      FuelTank1PerMount = 1
|   FuelTank1TotalMounts = 2
|           QuantumDrive1MFU = TBD
|         QuantumDrive1Model = C Quantum Drive
| QuantumDrive1SizeInstalled = Capital
|       QuantumDrive1SizeMax = Capital
|      QuantumDrive1PerMount = 1
|   QuantumDrive1TotalMounts = 1
|           JumpModule1MFU = TBD
|         JumpModule1Model = C Jump Module
| JumpModule1SizeInstalled = Capital
|       JumpModule1SizeMax = Capital
|      JumpModule1PerMount = 1
|   JumpModule1TotalMounts = 1
|           QuantumFuelTank1MFU = TBD
|         QuantumFuelTank1Model = C Quantum Fuel Tank
| QuantumFuelTank1SizeInstalled = Capital
|       QuantumFuelTank1SizeMax = Capital
|      QuantumFuelTank1PerMount = 1
|   QuantumFuelTank1TotalMounts = 1
}}{{VehicleThrusters
|           MainThruster1MFU = TBD
|         MainThruster1Model = VTOL Thruster
|          MainThruster1Type = VTOL
|      MainThruster1PerMount = 1
|   MainThruster1TotalMounts = 2
|           MainThruster2MFU = TBD
|         MainThruster2Model = Retro Thruster
|          MainThruster2Type = Retro
|      MainThruster2PerMount = 1
|   MainThruster2TotalMounts = 2
|           MainThruster3MFU = TBD
|         MainThruster3Model = Main Thruster
|          MainThruster3Type = Main
|      MainThruster3PerMount = 1
|   MainThruster3TotalMounts = 3
|           ManeuveringThruster1MFU = TBD
|         ManeuveringThruster1Model = Fixed Maneuvering Thruster
|          ManeuveringThruster1Type = Fixed
|      ManeuveringThruster1PerMount = 1
|   ManeuveringThruster1TotalMounts = 12
}}
|-|
Weaponry=
{{VehicleWeaponry
|           Weapon1MFU = Banu Souli
|         Weapon1Model = Weapon TBC
| Weapon1SizeInstalled = 8
|       Weapon1SizeMax = 8
|      Weapon1PerMount = 1
|   Weapon1TotalMounts = 2
|       Weapon1Details = -
|           Turret1MFU = Banu Souli
|         Turret1Model = Weapon TBC
| Turret1SizeInstalled = 5
|       Turret1SizeMax = 5
|      Turret1PerMount = 2
|   Turret1TotalMounts = 1
|       Turret1Details = Manned
|           Turret2MFU = Banu Souli
|         Turret2Model = Weapon TBC
| Turret2SizeInstalled = 4
|       Turret2SizeMax = 4
|      Turret2PerMount = 2
|   Turret2TotalMounts = 2
|       Turret2Details = Remote
|           Turret3MFU = Banu Souli
|         Turret3Model = Weapon TBC
| Turret3SizeInstalled = 3
|       Turret3SizeMax = 3
|      Turret3PerMount = 1
|   Turret3TotalMounts = 4
|       Turret3Details = Automated PDS
}}
</tabber>

== Features ==
*'''Bazaar:''' Featuring an on-board enclosed marketplace, traders can display their goods and services to be exchanged or sold.
*'''Negotiation Room:''' This is where the Banu does all the negotiating with clients which looks onto the cargo bay so clients can see the cargo.
*'''Craftsmanship:''' When you walk around a Merchantman, you will quickly notice the exquisite craftsmanship with intricate subtle detailing the Banu are well known for. Ideal if you wish to give a good impression to your clients.
*'''Durability:''' They are reliable, sturdy and durable, which makes them valued by their Human owners. Amongst the Banu, a ship can sometimes be passed on from generation to generation.
*'''Defense:''' If there is one thing that these ships are famous for, it is their defensive capabilities. With a hull & armor that can take a pounding, together with a set of fast engines, the Merchantman can easily escape an attack with minimal damage to the ship and internal cargo. 
*'''Concealed Weaponry:''' All the Banu's weapons are concealed because of their need for being low key. But in times of need, the Banu's weaponry can pack a punch, making them ideal in situations like running at pirate blockades.

== Pledge price history ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Date
!Pledge cost (USD)
!Insurance
!Availability
!Sale
|-
|2013-11-20
|250
|LTI
|Time-limited
|2013 anniversary sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/13396-Star-Citizen-Anniversary-Livestream-Sale|text=Star Citizen Anniversary Livestream & Sale!}}</ref>
|-
|2014-11-22
|250
|2 years
|Time-limited
|2014 anniversary sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/14314-Star-Citizen-Anniversary-Sale|text=Star Citizen Anniversary Sale}}</ref>
|-
|2015-11-21
|250
|3 years
|Time-limited
|2015 anniversary sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/15067-AnniVERSEary-Sale-Kickoff|text=AnniVERSEary Sale: Kickoff}}</ref>
|-
|2016-11-25
|250
|4 years
|Time-limited
|2016 anniversary sale <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161125033313/https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Standalone-Ships/Banu-Merchantman-Anniversary-2016 Banu Merchantman - Anniversary 2016.] Archived 2016-11-25.</ref>
|-
|2017-04-22
|350 ([[Warbond]] - 300)
|6 months
|Time-limited
|2017 Defender sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/15862-Banu-Defender|text=Banu Defender}}</ref>
|-
|2019-11-28
|350
|10 years
|Time-limited
|2019 anniversary sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=pledge/Standalone-Ships/Banu-Merchantman-IAE-2949|text=Banu Merchantman IAE 2949}}</ref>
|-
|2020-06-12
|350
|6 months
|Time-limited
|2020 Alien Week<ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/17622-Alien-Week-2950|text=Alien Week 2950|accessdate=}}</ref>
|-
|2020-11-26
|450 (Warbond - 425)
|10 years
|Time-limited
|2020 anniversary sale<ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/iae2950|text=IAE 2950|accessdate=2020-11-26}}</ref>
|-
|2021-06-11
|550 (Warbond - 450)
|6 months
|Time-limited
|2021 Alien Week
|-
|2022-06-16
|600 (Warbond - 550)
|6 months
|Time-limited
|2022 Alien Week
|-
|2022-11-21
|650 (Warbond - 600)
|10 years
|Time-limited
|2022 anniversary sale
|}

==Gallery==
{{for|a full gallery|:Category:Merchantman images}}

<tabber>
 Official=
{{gallery
|Merchantman Cut-Out - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Market Place Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Cargo Hold Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Conference Room Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Hallway Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Engineering Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Docking Halway Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Guest Room Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Walkway Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
}}
|-|
 In-game=
{{gallery
|IAE2951-day4-alien-holosuite-merchantman-top.jpg
|IAE2951-day4-alien-holosuite-merchantman-side.jpg
}}
|-|
 Original concepts=
{{gallery
|Merchantman - Landed on Mya - Close Up.png
|Merchantman - Internal Bazaar.jpg
|Ship-merchantman-negotationroom.jpg
|Banu Merchantman Corridor Habitation-2.jpg
|Ship-merchantman-combat.jpg
|Merchantman_-_forward_weapons.jpg
|Merchantman - model front and back views.jpg
|Merchantman - Cockpit - Close Up.png
|Merchantman - With Defenders - Close Up.png
|Merchantman - Attacked by Blades - Close Up.png
|Ship-merchantman-frontlanding2.jpg
|Ship-merchantman-frontlanding.jpg
|Ship-merchantman-sideconcept.jpg
|Ship-merchantman-cockpit.jpg
|Ship-merchantman-cockpit2.jpg
|Ship-merchantman-map.jpg
|Merchantman at Mya.jpg
|Banu_Merchant_Fleet_Concept.jpg
|BanuMM1.jpg
}}
</tabber>

== Development ==
The Merchantman was part of the 27 million [[stretch goal]] in 2013, aiming to expand the game’s alien cultures. As with the [[Khartu-al]], the Merchantman helped introduce and define the Banu race early on before copious amounts of additional lore were developed for the species.

The initial concept artwork for the Merchantman was developed by [[Emmanuel Shiu]] (Freelance Conceptist) in 2013.<ref>[https://www.artstation.com/artwork/rVyO Banu Merchantman on ArtStation]</ref> The concept was later reworked to reflect the new design styles from the Defender.<ref name="jpvdas">{{Cite Jump Point|title=Visual Dictionary: Alien Ships|volume=8|month=11|startpage=24|endpage=25|accessdate=2020-11-28}}</ref>

In May 5, 2021 it was revealed that the Merchantman was in production and to be implemented in game with an allocated work schedule of 50 weeks.<ref name="RR2105" /> At CitizenCon 2951, additional information was provided on the Merchantman.{{Cite link|url=https://youtu.be/gC7onjXyex0?t=34m29s|label=CitizenCon 2951 Ship Talk|refname=CitizenCon 2951 Ship Talk}}

As of May 2022, the Merchantman is currently in active production.<ref name="RR2105">{{Cite RSI|text=Roadmap Roundup - May 5th, 2021|url=spectrum/community/SC/forum/3/thread/roadmap-roundup-may-5th-2021/262093}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

{{Navplate manufacturers|{{MFUNAME|BANU}}}}{{Navplate vehicles}}
Description	What you type	What you get
Italic	''Italic text''	Italic text
Bold	'''Bold text'''	Bold text
Bold & italic	'''''Bold & italic text'''''	*Bold & italic text*