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Merchantman: Difference between revisions

Large heavy freight ship manufactured by Banu
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{{Vehicle
{{Infobox vehicle
| name = Merchantman
| name = Merchantman
| image = Merchantman Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
| image = Merchantman Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
| manufacturer = BANU
| manufacturer = BANU
| size = Capital
| size = Large
| role = Heavy Freight
| hangar = S2
| stowagespace =
| productionstate = In concept
| productionstate = In production
| productionstatedesc =
| productionstatedesc =
| loanervehicle = [[C2 Hercules Starlifter]], [[Defender]]
| mincrew = 4
| mincrew = 4
| maxcrew = 8
| maxcrew = 8
| buycost =
| pledgecost = 650
| rentcostac =
| pledgecost = 600
| originalpledgecost = 250
| originalpledgecost = 250
| warbondcost = 550
| warbondcost = 600
| originalwarbondcost = 300
| originalwarbondcost = 300
| cargocapacity = 2800
| cargocapacity = 2880
| length = 237
| length = 237
| beam = 203
| width = 203
| height = 80
| height = 80
| combatspeed =
| maxspeed =
| mass = 9635000
| mass = 9635000
| pledgeavailability = Time-limited sales
| pledgeavailability = Time-limited sales
| rsistoreurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/ships/merchantman/Merchantman
| rsistoreurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/ships/merchantman/Merchantman
| presentationurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/14332-Clipper-Ship-Banu-Merchantman
| presentationurl1 = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/14332-Clipper-Ship-Banu-Merchantman
| conceptdate = 2013-11-11
| saledate = 2014-11-28
| galactapediaurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/02BQmpXMYQ-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>
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 name="presentation">{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/14332-Clipper-Ship-Banu-Merchantman|text=Clipper Ship: Banu Merchantman}}</ref>


== Pledge description ==
== Features ==
{{List item
<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>
|Bazaar
|Featuring an on-board enclosed marketplace, traders can display their goods and services to be exchanged or sold.
}}
{{List item
|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.
}}
{{List item
|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.
}}
{{List item
|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.
}}
{{List item
|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.
}}
{{List item
|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.
}}


== Specifications ==
== Specifications ==
{{Note|Disclaimer: The following information comes from the Merchantman's official RSI page, updated with new information from CitCon 2951.<ref name="citcon2951">[https://youtu.be/gC7onjXyex0?t=34m29s CitizenCon2951: Ship Talk] on YouTube</ref>}}
<tabber>
<tabber>
Avionics & Systems=
Avionics & Systems=
{{Vehicle avionics
{{VehicleAvionics
| radarcount = 1
| Radar1MFU = TBD
| computercount = 1
| Radar1Model = L Radar
| radar1quantity = 1
| Radar1SizeInstalled = Large
| radar1size = 3
| Radar1SizeMax = Large
| radar1manufacturer = TBD
| Radar1PerMount = 1
| radar1name = Large Radar
| Radar1TotalMounts = 1
| computer1quantity = 1
| Computer1MFU = TBD
| computer1size = 2
| Computer1Model = M Computer
| computer1manufacturer = TBD
| Computer1SizeInstalled = Medium
| Computer1SizeMax = Medium
| computer1name = Medium Computer
}}{{Vehicle systems
| Computer1PerMount = 1
| powerplantcount = 1
| Computer1TotalMounts = 4
| coolercount = 1
}}{{VehicleSystems
| shieldgeneratorcount = 1
| PowerPlant1MFU = TBD
| powerplant1quantity = 1
| PowerPlant1Model = C Power Plant
| powerplant1size = 3
| PowerPlant1SizeInstalled = Capital
| powerplant1manufacturer = TBD
| PowerPlant1SizeMax = Capital
| powerplant1name = Large Power Plant
| PowerPlant1PerMount = 1
| cooler1quantity = 1
| PowerPlant1TotalMounts = 2
| cooler1size = 3
| Cooler1MFU = TBD
| cooler1manufacturer = TBD
| Cooler1Model = C Cooler
| cooler1name = Large Cooler
| Cooler1SizeInstalled = Capital
| shieldgenerator1quantity = 2
| Cooler1SizeMax = Capital
| shieldgenerator1size = 3
| Cooler1PerMount = 1
| shieldgenerator1manufacturer = TBD
| Cooler1TotalMounts = 2
| shieldgenerator1name = Large Shield Generator
| ShieldGen1MFU = TBD
| ShieldGen1Model = C Shield Generator
| ShieldGen1SizeInstalled = Capital
| ShieldGen1SizeMax = Capital
| ShieldGen1PerMount = 1
| ShieldGen1TotalMounts = 2
}}
}}
|-|
|-|
Propulsion & Thrusters=
Propulsion & Thrusters=
{{Vehicle propulsion
{{VehiclePropulsion
| fuelintakecount = 1
| FuelIntake1MFU = TBD
| fueltankcount = 1
| FuelIntake1Model = C Fuel Intake
| quantumdrivecount = 1
| FuelIntake1SizeInstalled = Capital
| jumpdrivecount = 1
| FuelIntake1SizeMax = Capital
| quantumfueltankcount = 1
| FuelIntake1PerMount = 1
| fuelintake1quantity = 1
| FuelIntake1TotalMounts = 2
| fuelintake1size = 3
| FuelTank1MFU = TBD
| FuelTank1Model = C Fuel Tank
| fuelintake1name = Fuel Intake
| fueltank1quantity = 1
| FuelTank1SizeInstalled = Capital
| fueltank1size = 2
| FuelTank1SizeMax = Capital
| fueltank1name = Fuel Tank
| FuelTank1PerMount = 1
| quantumdrive1quantity = 1
| FuelTank1TotalMounts = 2
| quantumdrive1size = 3
| QuantumDrive1MFU = TBD
| QuantumDrive1Model = C Quantum Drive
| quantumdrive1name = Large Quantum Drive
| jumpdrive1quantity = 1
| QuantumDrive1SizeInstalled = Capital
| jumpdrive1size = 3
| QuantumDrive1SizeMax = Capital
| jumpdrive1name = Jump Drive
| QuantumDrive1PerMount = 1
| quantumfueltank1quantity = 1
| QuantumDrive1TotalMounts = 1
| quantumfueltank1size = 3
| JumpModule1MFU = TBD
| quantumfueltank1name = Quantum Fuel Tank
| JumpModule1Model = C Jump Module
}}{{Vehicle thrusters
| 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=
Weaponry=
{{Vehicle weaponry
{{VehicleWeaponry
| weaponcount = 1
| Weapon1MFU = Banu Souli
| turretcount = 3
| Weapon1Model = Weapon TBC
| missilerackcount = 0
| Weapon1SizeInstalled = 8
| utilityitemcount = 0
| Weapon1SizeMax = 8
| weapon1quantity = 2
| Weapon1PerMount = 1
| weapon1size = 8
| Weapon1TotalMounts = 2
| weapon1name = Size 8 Weapon
| Weapon1Details = -
| turret1quantity = 1
| Turret1MFU = Banu Souli
| turret1size = 6
| Turret1Model = Weapon TBC
| turret1name = Manned Turret (Top)
| Turret1SizeInstalled = 5
| turret1weaponcount = 1
| Turret1SizeMax = 5
| Turret1PerMount = 2
| turret1weapon1quantity = 2
| turret1weapon1size = 5
| Turret1TotalMounts = 1
| turret1weapon1manufacturer = TBD
| Turret1Details = Manned
| turret1weapon1name = Size 5 Weapon
| Turret2MFU = Banu Souli
| turret2quantity = 2
| Turret2Model = Weapon TBC
| turret2size = 5
| Turret2SizeInstalled = 4
| turret2name = Remote Turret (Wing)
| Turret2SizeMax = 4
| turret2weaponcount = 1
| Turret2PerMount = 2
| turret2weapon1quantity = 4
| Turret2TotalMounts = 2
| turret2weapon1size = 4
| Turret2Details = Remote
| turret2weapon1manufacturer = TBD
| Turret3MFU = Banu Souli
| Turret3Model = Weapon TBC
| turret2weapon1name = Size 4 Weapon
| turret3quantity = 4
| Turret3SizeInstalled = 3
| turret3size =
| Turret3SizeMax = 3
| turret3name = Point Defense Turret
| Turret3PerMount = 1
| turret3weaponcount = 1
| Turret3TotalMounts = 4
| turret3weapon1quantity = 4
| Turret3Details = Automated PDS
| turret3weapon1size =
| turret3weapon1manufacturer = TBD
| turret3weapon1name = Weapon
}}
}}
</tabber>
</tabber>


== Features ==
==Pledge price history==
*'''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"
{| class="wikitable"
!Date
!Date
!Pledge cost (USD)
!Pledge cost (USD)
!Insurance
!Insurance
!Availability
!Availability
Line 184: Line 164:
|2014-11-22
|2014-11-22
|250
|250
|2 years
|2 years
|Time-limited
|Time-limited
|2014 anniversary sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/14314-Star-Citizen-Anniversary-Sale|text=Star Citizen Anniversary Sale}}</ref>
|2014 anniversary sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/14314-Star-Citizen-Anniversary-Sale|text=Star Citizen Anniversary Sale}}</ref>
Line 190: Line 170:
|2015-11-21
|2015-11-21
|250
|250
|3 years
|3 years
|Time-limited
|Time-limited
|2015 anniversary sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/15067-AnniVERSEary-Sale-Kickoff|text=AnniVERSEary Sale: Kickoff}}</ref>
|2015 anniversary sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=comm-link/transmission/15067-AnniVERSEary-Sale-Kickoff|text=AnniVERSEary Sale: Kickoff}}</ref>
Line 196: Line 176:
|2016-11-25
|2016-11-25
|250
|250
|4 years
|4 years
|Time-limited
|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>
|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>
Line 208: Line 188:
|2019-11-28
|2019-11-28
|350
|350
|10 years
|10 years
|Time-limited
|Time-limited
|2019 anniversary sale <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=pledge/Standalone-Ships/Banu-Merchantman-IAE-2949|text=Banu Merchantman IAE 2949}}</ref>
|IAE 2949 <ref>{{Cite RSI|url=pledge/Standalone-Ships/Banu-Merchantman-IAE-2949|text=Banu Merchantman IAE 2949}}</ref>
|-
|-
|2020-06-12
|2020-06-12
Line 219: Line 199:
|-
|-
|2020-11-26
|2020-11-26
|450 (Warbond - 425)
|450 (Warbond - 425)
|10 years
|10 years
|Time-limited
|Time-limited
|2020 anniversary sale<ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/iae2950|text=IAE 2950|accessdate=2020-11-26}}</ref>
|IAE 2950<ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/iae2950|text=IAE 2950|accessdate=2020-11-26}}</ref>
|-
|-
|2021-06-11
|2021-06-11
Line 235: Line 215:
|Time-limited
|Time-limited
|2022 Alien Week
|2022 Alien Week
|-
|2022-11-21
|650 (Warbond - 600)
|10 years
|Time-limited
|IAE 2952
|-
|2023-11-17
|650 (Warbond - 600)

|10 years
|Time-limited
|IAE 2953
|}
|}


Line 253: Line 246:
|Merchantman Walkway Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Walkway Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Concept - Citizen Con 2021.png
|Merchantman Cockpit Concept - CitizenCon 2021.png
}}
}}
|-|
|-|
In-game=
In-game=
{{gallery
{{gallery
|IAE2954-day4-holo-merchantman.jpg
|IAE2951-day4-alien-holosuite-merchantman-top.jpg
|IAE2951-day4-alien-holosuite-merchantman-top.jpg
|IAE2951-day4-alien-holosuite-merchantman-side.jpg
|IAE2951-day4-alien-holosuite-merchantman-side.jpg
}}
|-|
Whitebox=
{{gallery
|Merchantman New Vs Old Scale Whitebox Front - CitizenCon 2021.png
|Merchantman New Vs Old Scale Whitebox Top - CitizenCon 2021.png
|Merchantman Bridge Layout Whitebox - CitizenCon 2021.png
|Merchantman Cargo Elevator Whitebox - CitizenCon 2021.png
|Merchantman Ramp Whitebox - CitizenCon 2021.png
|Merchantman Wing Weapon Whitebox - CitizenCon 2021.png
|Merchantman Top Weapons Whitebox - CitizenCon 2021.png
|Merchantman Hangar Door Mechanism Whitebox - Citizen Con 2021.webm
|Merchantman Front Gun Mechanism Whitebox - Citizen Con 2021.webm
|Merchantman Top Turret Mechanism Whitebox - Citizen Con 2021.webm
|Merchantman Flipper Mechanism Whitebox - Citizen Con 2021.webm
|Merchantman Wings Mechanism Whitebox - Citizen Con 2021.webm
}}
}}
|-|
|-|
Original concepts=
Original concepts=
{{gallery
{{gallery
|Merchantman Cockpit Concept Old - CitizenCon 2021.png
|Merchantman - Landed on Mya - Close Up.png
|Merchantman - Landed on Mya - Close Up.png
|Merchantman - Internal Bazaar.jpg
|Merchantman - Internal Bazaar.jpg
Line 285: Line 297:
</tabber>
</tabber>


== Development ==
==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 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.<ref name="cl13368">{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/13368-Letter-From-The-Chairman-27-Million|text=Letter from the Chairman: $27 Million!|accessdate=2023-06-15}}</ref>


<tabber>
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>
Timeline=

{{Timeline styles}}
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}}
{| class="timeline"
|-
|2013-11-11
|Announced as a part of the $27 million [[stretch goal]].<ref name="cl13368"/>
|-
|2013-11-26
|First concept sale <ref name="2013 Anniversary Sale">{{Cite RSI|text=2013 Anniversary Sale|url=comm-link/transmission/13396-Star-Citizen-Anniversary-Livestream-Sale}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|Original concept was reworked to reflect the new styles from the Defender.<ref name="citcon2951"/><ref name="jpvdas">{{Cite Jump Point|title=Visual Dictionary: Alien Ships|volume=8|month=11|startpage=24|endpage=25|accessdate=2020-11-28}}</ref>
|-
|2021-05-05
|Revealed to be in production and to be implemented in game with an allocated work schedule of 50 weeks.<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>
|-
|2021-10-09
|Additional information about the state of reworked Merchantman is provided on [[CitizenCon 2951]].<ref name="citcon2951"/>
|-
|2023-06-26
|Revealed to be demoted into the development backlog to prioritize capital ships such as [[Polaris]] from [[Roberts Space Industries]]. It was due to RSI capital ships costing less resources and more impactful to develop, as it has existing design kits and the created assets can be applied to several other RSI ships. While the Merchantman needs a lot of unique assets and there are less or no Banu vehicles in the pipeline. Due to its long development time, some key people that have worked with that are no longer with the company, with Merchantman having no existing guidelines, it will take significant time to restart the development process.<ref>[https://youtube.com/watch?t=3771&v=LSM8kao5Q6k Star Citizen Live: Invictus All-Vehicles Roundtable]</ref>
|}
|-|
Credits=
{| class="wikitable"
!Role
!Contributors
|-
|Original concept
|[[Emmanuel Shiu]] (2013),<ref name="jpvdas"/><ref>[https://www.artstation.com/artwork/rVyO Banu Merchantman on ArtStation]</ref> [[Michael Oberschneider]]<ref name="citcon2951"/>
|-
|Art
|[[Paul Jones]]<ref name="citcon2951"/>
|-
|System design
|[[Mark Gibson]]<ref name="citcon2951"/>
|}
</tabber>


== Trivia ==
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>
* In an ''[[Inside Star Citizen]]'' episode on 2024-05-16, Vehicle Director [[John Crewe]] stated that "When and where are the Banu Merchantman?" is the top 1 question being asked.<ref>[https://youtu.be/YtbvV8FrtvY?t=405 Inside Star Citizen: Firebird is The Word] on YouTube</ref>


== References ==
==References==
<references />
{{Reflist}}


{{Navplate manufacturers|{{MFUNAME|BANU}}}}{{Navplate vehicles}}
{{Navplate manufacturers|BANU}}{{Navplate vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 19:46, 26 November 2024

Quick facts:
Merchantman
In concept
Merchantman
Banu Souli (BANU)
Role
Heavy Freight
Size
Large
Loaner
Hull C, Defender, C2 Hercules Starlifter
Capacity
Crew
4 – 8
Cargo
2,880 SCU
Cost
Standalone
$ 650.00 ($ 250.00)
Warbond
$ 600.00 ($ 300.00)
Availability
Time-limited sales
Specifications
Height
80 m
Mass
9,635,000 kg
Length
237 m
Width
203 m
Development
Announced
11 November 2013
Other sites
Official sites
Galactapedia
Pledge store
Presentation
Issue council
Community sites
StarShip 42
FleetYards
CCU Game

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.[1]

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.

Specifications

Disclaimer: The following information comes from the Merchantman's official RSI page, updated with new information from CitCon 2951.[2]

Radar
1x
S3
Large Radar
To be determined
Computer
1x
S2
Medium Computer
To be determined
Power plant
1x
S3
Large Power Plant
To be determined
Cooler
1x
S3
Large Cooler
To be determined
Shield generator
2x
S3
Large Shield Generator
To be determined

Quantum drive
1x
S3
Large Quantum Drive
N/A
Jump drive
1x
S3
Jump Drive
N/A
Fuel intake
1x
S3
Fuel Intake
N/A
Fuel tank
1x
S2
Fuel Tank
N/A
Quantum fuel tank
1x
S3
Quantum Fuel Tank
N/A

Pilot weapon
2x
S8
Size 8 Weapon
N/A
Turret
1x
S6
Manned Turret (Top)
N/A
2x
S5
Size 5 Weapon
To be determined
2x
S5
Remote Turret (Wing)
N/A
4x
S4
Size 4 Weapon
To be determined
4x
SX
Point Defense Turret
N/A
4x
SX
Weapon
To be determined

Pledge price history

Date Pledge cost (USD) Insurance Availability Sale
2013-11-20 250 LTI Time-limited 2013 anniversary sale [3]
2014-11-22 250 2 years Time-limited 2014 anniversary sale [4]
2015-11-21 250 3 years Time-limited 2015 anniversary sale [5]
2016-11-25 250 4 years Time-limited 2016 anniversary sale [6]
2017-04-22 350 (Warbond - 300) 6 months Time-limited 2017 Defender sale [7]
2019-11-28 350 10 years Time-limited IAE 2949 [8]
2020-06-12 350 6 months Time-limited 2020 Alien Week[9]
2020-11-26 450 (Warbond - 425) 10 years Time-limited IAE 2950[10]
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 IAE 2952
2023-11-17 650 (Warbond - 600) 10 years Time-limited IAE 2953
For a full gallery, see Category:Merchantman images.

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.[11]

2013-11-11 Announced as a part of the $27 million stretch goal.[11]
2013-11-26 First concept sale [12]
2019 Original concept was reworked to reflect the new styles from the Defender.[2][13]
2021-05-05 Revealed to be in production and to be implemented in game with an allocated work schedule of 50 weeks.[14]
2021-10-09 Additional information about the state of reworked Merchantman is provided on CitizenCon 2951.[2]
2023-06-26 Revealed to be demoted into the development backlog to prioritize capital ships such as Polaris from Roberts Space Industries. It was due to RSI capital ships costing less resources and more impactful to develop, as it has existing design kits and the created assets can be applied to several other RSI ships. While the Merchantman needs a lot of unique assets and there are less or no Banu vehicles in the pipeline. Due to its long development time, some key people that have worked with that are no longer with the company, with Merchantman having no existing guidelines, it will take significant time to restart the development process.[15]

Trivia

  • In an Inside Star Citizen episode on 2024-05-16, Vehicle Director John Crewe stated that "When and where are the Banu Merchantman?" is the top 1 question being asked.[17]

References

  1. ↑ Clipper Ship: Banu Merchantman. Transmission - Comm-Link
  2. ↑ Jump up to: 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 CitizenCon2951: Ship Talk on YouTube
  3. ↑ Star Citizen Anniversary Livestream & Sale!. Transmission - Comm-Link
  4. ↑ Star Citizen Anniversary Sale. Transmission - Comm-Link
  5. ↑ AnniVERSEary Sale: Kickoff. Transmission - Comm-Link
  6. ↑ Banu Merchantman - Anniversary 2016. Archived 2016-11-25.
  7. ↑ Banu Defender. Transmission - Comm-Link
  8. ↑ Banu Merchantman IAE 2949. Pledge Store
  9. ↑ Alien Week 2950. Transmission - Comm-Link
  10. ↑ IAE 2950. Retrieved 2020-11-26
  11. ↑ Jump up to: 11.0 11.1 Letter from the Chairman: $27 Million!. Transmission - Comm-Link. Retrieved 2023-06-15
  12. ↑ 2013 Anniversary Sale. Transmission - Comm-Link
  13. ↑ Jump up to: 13.0 13.1 "Visual Dictionary: Alien Ships". Jump Point. Vol. 8 no. 11. pp.24–25. Retrieved 2020-11-28.
  14. ↑ Roadmap Roundup - May 5th, 2021. Spectrum
  15. ↑ Star Citizen Live: Invictus All-Vehicles Roundtable
  16. ↑ Banu Merchantman on ArtStation
  17. ↑ Inside Star Citizen: Firebird is The Word on YouTube
Products of
Banu Souli
Spacecraft
DefenderMerchantmanTriptaker
Guns
Singe Cannon (S1)Singe Cannon (S2)Singe Cannon (S3)
Gloves
Good Gift Gloves
Outerwear
Good Gift Sweater
List of
Vehicles
Ships
Aegis Dynamics
AEGS
Vanguard HarbingerVulcanIdris-KGladius ValiantIdris-PAvenger StalkerAvenger Titan RenegadeEclipseVanguard HopliteReclaimer Best In Show EditionGladius PirateSabre CometReclaimerSabre FirebirdAvenger TitanRedeemerSabre PeregrineGladiusRetaliatorNautilusSabreVanguard WardenCutter (drone)Avenger WarlockSabre RavenHammerheadJavelinVanguard SentinelIdris-MHammerhead Best In Show Edition
Anvil Aerospace
ANVL
F7C-R Hornet Tracker Mk IT8A GladiatorF7C Hornet Mk IValkyrie LiberatorArrowF8C LightningLegionnaireHawkF7C-S Hornet Ghost Mk ITerrapinCarrackC8R Pisces RescueCrucibleF8A LightningF7C-S Hornet Ghost Mk IILiberatorF7C-M Super Hornet Mk IIDevastatorCarrack ExpeditionC8X Pisces ExpeditionPaladinF7A Hornet Mk IIGladiatorF7C-R Hornet Tracker Mk IIF7C-M Hornet Heartseeker Mk IIF7A Hornet Mk IF7X Hornet Mk IIF7C-M Super Hornet Heartseeker Mk IHurricaneF7C Hornet Wildfire Mk ITerrapin MedicF7C-M Super Hornet Mk IUnidentified F8 Lightning variantF8C Lightning ExecutiveOspreyF7C Hornet Mk IIC8 PiscesValkyrie
Aopoa
XNAA
NoxKuail Kal'tuNox KueVolperKhartu-alSan'tok.yāi
Argo Astronautics
ARGO
MPUV CargoMOLE CarbonOUCMOLE TalusMPUV TractorRAFTMOLESRVMPUV Personnel
Banu Souli
BANU
MerchantmanDefenderTriptaker
Consolidated Outland
CNOU
Mustang Alpha VindicatorMustang GammaMustang BetaNomadPioneerMustang OmegaHoverQuadMustang DeltaMustang Alpha
Crusader Industries
CRUS
Mercury Star RunnerC2 Hercules StarlifterE1 SpiritGenesis StarlinerIntrepidA2 Hercules StarlifterAres Star Fighter InfernoAres Star Fighter IonM2 Hercules StarlifterC1 SpiritA1 Spirit
Drake Interplanetary
DRAK
CaterpillarCutter ScoutCutterCutlass SteelIronclad AssaultDragonfly YellowjacketVultureCutlass BlackBuccaneerCutlass Black Best In Show EditionCutlass RedKrakenCutlass BlueCutter RamblerHeraldCaterpillar Best In Show EditionKraken PrivateerGolemDragonflyCaterpillar Pirate EditionDragonfly Star KittenCorsairIronclad
Esperia
ESPR
TalonGlaive (replica)Scythe (replica)Talon ShrikeBlade (replica)Prowler
Gatac Manufacture
GAMA
SyulenRailen
Greycat Industrial
GRIN
Cydnus
Kruger Intergalactic
KRIG
P-72 Archimedes EmeraldP-72 ArchimedesP-52 Merlin
Mirai
MRAI
Guardian QIPulseFury LXFuryRazor LXPulse LXFury MXRazorGuardianRazor EX
Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern
MISC
Starlancer TACFreelancerReliant TanaEndeavorExpanseFortuneStarlancer BLDOdysseyFreelancer MISHull AHull CFreelancer DURHull DProspectorStarfarer GeminiFreelancer MAXHull EReliant MakoStarfarerReliant KoreStarlancer MAXReliant SenHull B
Origin Jumpworks
ORIG
600i TouringM50325aX1400i600i ExplorerX1 Velocity100iX1 Force350r300i85X125a600i Executive Edition315p135c890 Jump
Roberts Space Industries
RSI
Constellation AquilaAurora MRBengalConstellation Phoenix EmeraldConstellation PhoenixAurora LNGalaxyAurora CLOrionZeus Mk II ESConstellation AndromedaScorpiusApollo TriageArrastraPolarisZeus Mk II CLScorpius AntaresApollo MedivacAurora ESMantisPegasusZeus Mk II MRConstellation TaurusAurora LXPerseus
United Empire of Earth Navy
NVY
Retribution
Vanduul Clans
VNCL
Vanduul BobGlaiveVanduul McTyphoonFaceVoidScytheDrillerLightfireCleaverMaulerStingerHunterBladeKingship
Ground vehicles
Anvil Aerospace
ANVL
SpartanBallistaBallista DunestalkerBallista SnowblindCenturion
Argo Astronautics
ARGO
ATLS GEOATLSCSV-SMCSV-FM
Drake Interplanetary
DRAK
Mule
Greycat Industrial
GRIN
ROCSTVUTVPTVROC-DS
Origin Jumpworks
ORIG
G12G12aG12r
Roberts Space Industries
RSI
Ursa MedivacUrsaUrsa FortunaLynx
Tumbril Land Systems
TMBL
Cyclone MTNovaRanger RCCycloneRanger TRCyclone TRRanger CVCyclone RCCyclone RNStorm AACyclone AAStorm
Vanduul Clans
VNCL
Harvester
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