View source for Vulture

{{for|other uses|Vulture (disambiguation)}} 
{{Vehicle
| uuid = 34077e67-5e2c-4903-a17c-2d0e163751c7
| name                            = Vulture
| image                           = Vulture flying through debris field.jpg
| manufacturer                    = DRAK
| series                          = Vulture
| size                            = small
| productionstate                 = Flight ready
| productionstatedesc             = Since [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.18.0|Alpha 3.18.0]]
| mincrew                         = 1
| maxcrew                         = 1
| pledgecost                      = 175
| originalpledgecost              = 140
| warbondcost                     = 150
| originalwarbondcost             = 120
| pledgeavailability              = Always available
| releasedate                     = 2938
| developedfrom                   = Vertical Landing Test 3
| conceptdate                     = 2017-12-01
| saledate                        = 2018-06-14
| rsistoreurl                     = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/ships/drake-vulture/Vulture
| brochureurl                     = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/media/v9btjo8p89u1nr/source/Drake-Vulture.pdf
| trailerurl                      = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA7E1z8vMQE
| presentationurl1                = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link//16618-Your-Ship-Your-Sky
| qandaurl1                       = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/engineering/16647-Q-A-Drake-Vulture
| galactapediaurl                 = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RPDAMBAOr4-vulture
}}

The [[Drake]] '''Vulture''' is a one-man [[salvage]] starter [[ship]] with plenty of on-board storage to help with salvage operations. It is designed for single-pilot salvage operations. It is even small and nimble enough to sneak into hostile areas unnoticed to recover fresh salvage.<ref name="robertsspaceindustries.com">{{Cite RSI|text=YOU Pick the Next Drake Ship|int=Comm-Link:YOU Pick the Next Drake Ship|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/citizens/16303-YOU-Pick-The-Next-Drake-Ship}}</ref> 

== Features ==
*'''Scraper  Beams:''' Dual  integrated  scraper  beams  use  Drake’s  patented  Tomium  system, developed with professional salvagers for the ultimate in speed and efficiency.
*'''Integrated Tractor Rig:''' The Ripper’s claw is outfitted with an integrated Lariat tractor rig, designed specifically for the Vulture. This industrial grade tractor’s  innovative  proprietary  beam  configuration  makes  it  more powerful than setups three times its size.
*'''Cargo:''' The Vulture’s deceptively spacious interior bay can be anything you need it to be, from extra cargo space to your personal sanctuary of solitude, and all points in between.
*'''Long Haul Capable:''' The Vulture eases the pain of lengthy travel, and the frequent dangers associated therewith, by providing a versatile combination of comfort and convenience. A full-size bunk employs a new composite mattress developed and tested by professional salvager's and haulers right here at Drake. When  the  going  gets  rough,  you’re  never more than a skip and a stumble away  from  the  cockpit  and  command  station.
*'''Central Intuitive Control:''' With maximum visibility and vital ship systems at your fingertips, the Vulture puts you in command of any situation and ensures you’re ready for anything. You’re in complete control of navigation, defense, weapons, and the Vulture’s unique all-in-one utility arrangement

== Specifications ==
{{Vehicle hardpoints}}

== Model ==
=== Ship profile ===
<tabber>
 In-space=
{| class="wikitable"
!Isometric
!Above
!Port-side
!Front
!Rear
!Below
|-
|[[File:Vulture in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture in space - Above.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture in space - Port.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture in space - Front.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture in space - Rear.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture in space - Below.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|}
|-|
 Landed=
{| class="wikitable"
!Isometric
!Above
!Port-side
!Front
!Rear
|-
|[[File:Vulture landed in hangar - Isometric - Cut.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|}
|-|
 Schematic=
{| class="wikitable"
!Isometric
!Above
!Port-side
!Front
!Rear
!Rear Isometric
|-
|[[File:Vulture - Schematic - Isometric.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture - Schematic - Above.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture - Schematic - Port.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture - Schematic - Front.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture - Schematic - Rear.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture - Schematic - Rear Isometric.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|}
</tabber>

===Series variants===
*'''Other possible variants:''' According to lore, the UEE military use a military version of Vulture to clear destroyed spacecrafts after battle with the [[Vanduul]].<ref name="whitley">{{Cite Jump Point|title=Whitley's Guide: The Drake Interplanetary Vulture|volume=7|month=8|startpage=29|endpage=32|accessdate=2023-06-20}}</ref>

=== Paints ===
{{for|more information|:Category:Vulture_series#Paints}}
{| class="wikitable"
!Image
!Paint Name
!Description
!Price (aUEC)
!Price ($USD)
|-
|[[File:Vulture Assembly in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|"Assembly"
|Red in colour with black and silver accents.
|[not available]
|6.00 <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Paint/Vulture-Assembly-Paint|text=Vulture - Assembly Paint|accessdate=2023-03-11}}</ref> 
|-
|[[File:Vulture Carbonide in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|"Carbonide"
|Grey in colour with dark grey and silver accents.
|[not available]
|9.00 <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Paint/Vulture-Carbonide-Paint|text=Vulture - Carbonide Paint|accessdate=2023-03-11}}</ref> 
|-
|[[File:Vulture Carnival in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|"Carnival"
|Pink in colour with dark grey and silver accents.
|[not available]
|9.00 <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Paint/Vulture-Carnival-Paint|text=Vulture Carnival Paint|accessdate=2023-05-27}}</ref>
|-
|[[File:Vulture FF in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|"Foundation Festival"
|Metallic silver in colour with teal & white accents and a Foundation Festival logo.
'''Limited edition. Only available as a reward to backers who took part in the annual [[Foundation Festival]] event.''' <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/19345-Foundation-Festival-Welcome|text=Foundation Festival 2953|accessdate=2023-07-11}}</ref>
|[not available]
|(Reward) 
|-
|[[File:Vulture Ghoulish Green in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|"Ghoulish Green"
|Metallic green colour with dark grey accents.
'''Limited sale. Only available during the [[Day of the Vara]] event.''' <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/18870-Halloween-2022|text=Halloween 2022|accessdate=2023-03-24}}</ref>
|[not available]
|9.00 
|-
|[[File:Vulture Longhorn in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|"Longhorn"
|Orange in colour with grey and brown accents.
|[not available]
|9.00 <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Paint/Vulture-Longhorn-Paint|text=Vulture - Longhorn Paint|accessdate=2023-03-11}}</ref> 
|-
|[[File:Vulture Pyrite in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|"Pyrite"
|Dark grey in colour with silver and yellow accents.
|[not available]
|6.00 <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/Paint/Vulture-Pyrite-Paint|text=Vulture Pyrite Paint|accessdate=2023-05-27}}</ref>
|}

== Universe availability ==
{{Vehicle availability}}

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

<tabber>
 Official=
{{gallery
|Vulture hull scraping Hammerhead.png
|Vulture - Breaking scrap down into smaller bits.png
|Vulture with tractor beam.png
|Vulture hull scraping Hammerhead 2.png
|Vulture flying through debris field.jpg
|Vulture Flying Concept.jpg
|Vulture Salvaging Concept.jpg
|Vulture_-_Crew_Area.jpg
|Vulture - Isometric Rear.jpg
|Vulture - Cockpit - Closeup 2.jpg
|Vulture - Cockpit - Looking out.png
|Vulture - Rear - Cargo door down.jpg
|Vulture - Lone Box beside giant debris.jpg
|Vulture - x2 Flying through station debris.jpg
|Vulture - Cut Process Sell.png
|Vulture - Grinders.png
|Vulture - Salvage comes out and stacks.png
|Vulture - 12 Cargo Units.png
|Vulture - Cockpit - Closeup 1.jpg
|Vulture CargoBay Concept.jpg
|Vulture ExternalCockpit Concept.jpg
|Vulture Landed Concept.jpg
|Vulture Teaser.jpg
}}
|-|
 In-game=
{{gallery
|FitzSteveVultureScreen1.png
|FitzSteveVultureScreen2.png
|FitzSteveVultureScreen3.png
|SparkyVultureScreen1.png
|SparkyVultureScreen2.png
|IAE-2952-day1-vulture.jpg
|Invictus-2952-Drake-Vulture-top.jpg
|Invictus-2952-Drake-Vulture-showfloor.jpg
|Invictus-2952-Drake-Vulture-back.jpg
|Invictus-2952-Drake-Vulture-ramp.jpg
|Invictus-2952-Drake-Vulture-rear-section.jpg
|Invictus-2952-Drake-Vulture-ladder.jpg
|Invictus-2952-Drake-Vulture-living-section.jpg
|Drake-defensecon-hologram-vulture-01.jpg
|Drake-defensecon-hologram-vulture-02.jpg
|Drake-defensecon-hologram-vulture-03.jpg
}}
|-|
 Official paints=
{{gallery
|Vulture Assembly landed - Isometric - Cropped.jpg
|Vulture Assembly - Icon.png
|Vulture Carbonide landed - Isometric - Cropped.jpg
|Vulture Carbonide - Icon.png
|Vulture Carnival landed in hangar - Isometric - Cut.png
|Vulture Carnival - Icon.png
|Vulture FF landed in hangar - Isometric - Cut.png
|Vulture FF - Icon.png
|Vulture Ghoulish Green landed - Isometric - Cut.jpg
|Vulture Ghoulish Green - Icon.png
|Vulture Longhorn landed - Isometric - Cropped.jpg
|Vulture Longhorn - Icon.png
|Vulture Pyrite landed in hangar - Isometric - Cut.png
|Vulture Pyrite - Icon.png
}}
</tabber>

== Lore ==
<tabber>
 Makeshift model for treasure hunt=

On August 9, [[2895]], the [[Terra]]-flagged freighter ''[[Empire Slipper]]'' experienced a series of system failures, leading to incorrect navigation overlays on the bridge terminals. Due to this error, the navigation officer charted a course into a dense asteroid belt near a red giant's corona, resulting in a debris strike that disabled the ship's shield generators and exposed the crew to fatal radiation. The precise location of the drifting ''Empire Slipper'' became unknown.

The freighter carried a significant amount of precious metals and rare artwork, generating intense media interest and prompting a large search and recovery operation. After eight months of searching, the wreckage of the ''Slipper'' was found by a [[United Empire of Earth Navy]] picket ship within an irradiated debris belt, dispelling conspiracy theories of hijacking. Unfortunately, the region was nearly inaccessible to conventional salvage ships capable of withstanding the hazardous conditions.

To address this challenge, [[Drake Interplanetary]], a burgeoning spacecraft manufacturer, offered their assistance. Motivated by both the salvage rights and a ten million credit bounty offered by [[MISC]], the ship's builder, an elite team gathered on Borea to devise a unique solution. They repurposed an [[Cutlass Black|AS-1 Cutlass]] prototype, the [[Vertical Landing Test 3]] (VLT-3), by removing its testing equipment and transforming it into a specialized vessel suitable for navigating the debris field and recovering the ''Slipper's'' cargo.

The modified VLT-3 featured heavy shield generators that replaced much of the prototype's cargo capacity, along with versatile remote manipulator arms attached to its front. This amalgamation was unlike any other existing spacecraft, providing extensive shielding and maneuverability to ensure the safety of its two-person crew. The external arms allowed the VLT-3 to engage in salvage operations without requiring extravehicular activity due to the hazardous radiation levels.

Fourteen months after the ''Empire Slipper's'' disappearance, Drake's test crew initiated salvage operations from a hastily established modular space station positioned outside the danger zone. Over the course of thirty-six perilous expeditions, the VLT-3 repeatedly entered the debris field, recovering the ''Slipper's'' flight recorders and valuable cargo containers. Drake obtained salvage rights for the valuable cargo and delivered the recovered flight recorders to MISC.

However, Drake's executives faced legal action over the bounty when it was discovered that they had copied the flight data before delivering it to MISC. Despite the controversy, the mission brought positive attention to Drake, which was battling piracy accusations.<ref name="whitley"/>
|-|
 Early development=

Following the success of the salvage mission, Drake sent the VLT-3 on a PR tour to aerospace shows and museum exhibits. However, Drake faced further controversy when accused of supporting piracy after a coordinated destruction involving unmarked Cutlasses and a MISC [[Hull-D]]. The company shifted its focus to the [[Caterpillar]] command ship concept, and the VLT-3 was put into storage.

In [[2932]], an [[Aegis Dynamics]] [[Reclaimer]] named ''[[General Dogsbody]]'' had a highly profitable salvage mission, generating significant interest in space salvage. Recognizing the growing demand, Drake's team began developing the VLT-3 concept into a standalone salvage spacecraft called the Vulture. The new design featured Rippers, stand-alone salvage booms supported by a Lariot tractor beam and Tomium scraper rig. The Vulture retained similarities to the VLT-3, with shipboard controls, reduced crew capacity, and a rear living section for long voyages.

Drake introduced the Vulture in [[2938]], capitalizing on public interest in salvage and personal fortune-seeking. Orders quickly exceeded production capacity, leading to the opening of remote factories. The Vultures found success in salvaging high-profile hulls, boosting Drake's reputation and driving continued interest in the spacecraft.<ref name="whitley"/>
|-|
 Present day=

In [[2941]], Drake launched an updated model of the Vulture with added weapons mounts, appealing to pilots exploring unsafe areas. In [[2943]], the United Empire of Earth Navy requisitioned 300 Vultures for battlefield support operations, although they were not intended for combat. These military versions saw service in clearing destroyed spacecraft after battles with the [[Vanduul]].

Drake continues to develop the government version of the Vulture, anticipating increased naval battles. In [[2949]], the civilian model received an update with an extended cab, increasing internal cargo capacity. Drake also offers upgrades for earlier versions to match the capacity and added weapons mounts.<ref name="whitley"/>
</tabber>

== Development ==
<tabber>
 Timeline=
{{Timeline styles}}
{| class="wikitable timeline"
|-
|2017-12-01
|Introduced as an option for the next Drake ship to be developed in the vote "YOU Pick the Next Drake Ship" in 2017 Anniversary Special.<ref name="robertsspaceindustries.com" />
|-
|2017-12-11
|Voted to be the next Drake ship by backers with 44% of 37,696 voters.<ref name="robertsspaceindustries.com" />
|-
|2018-06-14
|Concept sale.<ref name="presentation">{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link//16618-Your-Ship-Your-Sky|text=Your Ship Your Sky|accessdate=2020-04-03}}</ref>
|-
|2020-05-30
|During the 2950 [[Drake Defensecon]], the ship was on display at the [[Riker Memorial Spaceport]] in [[Area18]]. It was represented by a downscaled holographic display of the model.<ref>[[Star Citizen Alpha 3.9.1|Alpha 3.9.1]] in-game survey during [[Drake Defensecon]]</ref>
|-
|2021-05-05
|Revealed that the Vulture was in production and to be implemented in game with an allocated work schedule of 18 weeks.<ref name="rr05052021">{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/spectrum-dispatch/18107-Roadmap-Roundup-May-5th-2021|text=Roadmap Roundup - May 5th, 2021|accessdate=2023-06-16}}</ref>
|-
|2023-03-10
|Flight ready in [[Star Citizen Alpha 3.18.0|Alpha 3.18]], along with the first implementation of the salvage gameplay.<ref name="patch3180">{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link//19126-Star-Citizen-Alpha-3180|text=Star Citizen Alpha 3.18.0 - Patch notes|accessdate=2023-06-16}}</ref>
|}
|-|
 Credits=
{| class="wikitable"
!Role
!Contributors
|-
|Original concept
|[[Toby Lewin]] (first round), [[Alex Akstinas]] (second round)<ref name="wip">{{Cite Jump Point|title=Work in Progress: Drake Vulture|volume=6|month=7|startpage=15|endpage=34|accessdate=2020-04-03}}</ref><ref name="shipshape">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH9qDTKTR7U&t=1295s Ship Shape: Drake Vulture] on YouTube</ref>
|-
|Art
|[[Paul Jones]]<ref name="wip"/><ref name="shipshape"/>
|-
|Technical design
|[[John Crewe]]<ref name="wip"/><ref name="shipshape"/>
|}
|-|
 Design brief=
{{Note|'''Note''': The following design brief is extracted from [[Jump Point (magazine)|Jump Point]] issue 06.07.<ref name="wip"/>}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+Aims & Aesthetic
|-
!Aims
|
* Starter Salvage Ship – The one-man entry into the salvage career.
** Designed for small scale personal salvage via EVA and external processing rather than using the ship to salvage.
** Single utility mount on the front of the ship that houses the “scraper” laser which strips the surface of ships into a resource.
** Uses MultiTool and Salvage charges to break up wrecks and take individual components and loot rather than processing chunks of ship.
* Player can live long term on board with the basic accommodation, when finding wreckage they take their hand held Salvage tools from their internal storage to go recover valuable assets, these can be stored in the rear cargo hold, like a space pickup truck.
|-
!Aesthetic
|
* Similar shape/styling to the other Drake ships, rough and ready Soviet-era style.
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+Specifications
|-
!Length
|33 m
|-
!Width
|16 m
|-
!Height
|9 m
|-
!Mass
|114,591 kg
|-
!Speed
|165 m/s
|-
!Crew
|1
|-
!Powerplants
|1x Small
|-
!Shield
|2x Small
|-
!Armor
|Large
|-
!Weapons
|2x
|-
!Thrusters
|2x Small, 2x VTOL
|-
!Utility items
|Scraper Beam, Tractor Beam
|-
!Cargo capacity
|12 SCU
|}
</tabber>

== Trivia ==
*The Vulture has some resemblance to the Venture ship in ''EVE Online''. On 2018-06-14, shortly after the design of the Vulture was revealed, players and fans of ''EVE Online'' pointed out the similarity between the two ships and accused CI of copying the design on EVE's subreddit,<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/Eve/comments/8r4xsx/behold_the_totally_not_a_copy_drake_vulture/ Behold, the totally not a copy, Drake Vulture on EVE subreddit]</ref> while CI developers said that the ship was inspired by the [[Dragonfly]].<ref>[https://youtu.be/DH9qDTKTR7U?t=1299 Star Citizen: Around the Verse - Vulture Views and Weapons 2 on Youtube]</ref> The rivalry escalated with redditors brigading both the ''EVE Online'' and ''Star Citizen'' subreddits, to the point that even ''EVE'' developer CCP tweeted about it.<ref>[https://twitter.com/EveOnline/status/1007352147426594816 EVE Online tweet on Vulture]</ref><ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-16-eve-online-and-star-citzen-fans-at-war-over-112-copycat-spaceship Eve Online and Star Citzen fans at war over £112 "copycat" spaceship]</ref>

== External links ==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFSvBqSlt9k Inside Star Citizen: Vulture Venture Summer 2022]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH9qDTKTR7U&t=1295s Ship Shape: Drake Vulture]{{trx|url=around-the-verse-vulture-views-and-weapons-2}}

== References ==
<references />

{{Navplate manufacturers|DRAK}}
{{Navplate vehicles}}

{{Short description|Single-seat salvage starter ship manufactured by Drake Interplanetary}}
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*