Toggle search
Toggle menu
10.2K
21K
5.9K
274.5K
Star Citizen Wiki
Toggle preferences menu
Toggle personal menu
Not logged in
Please sign up or log in to edit the wiki.

Vulture: Difference between revisions

Single-seat salvage starter ship manufactured by Drake Interplanetary
More languages
More actions
Browse history interactively
← Older edit
Content deleted Content added
Visual
Ravi (talk | contribs)
Verified
23 edits
m updated warbond price
Tags: Manual revert Visual edit
Weehamster (talk | contribs)
Editors, Trusted, Verified
13,613 edits
Added paints and amended page
Tag: 2017 source edit
 
(16 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 6: Line 6:
| manufacturer = DRAK
| manufacturer = DRAK
| series = Vulture
| series = Vulture
| role =
| size = small
| size = small
| productionstate = Flight ready
| productionstate = Flight ready
Line 11: Line 12:
| mincrew = 1
| mincrew = 1
| maxcrew = 1
| maxcrew = 1
| length =
| width =
| height =
| retractedlength =
| retractedwidth =
| retractedheight =
| pledgecost = 175
| pledgecost = 175
| originalpledgecost = 140
| originalpledgecost = 140
Line 16: Line 23:
| originalwarbondcost = 120
| originalwarbondcost = 120
| pledgeavailability = Always available
| pledgeavailability = Always available
| releasedate = 2938
| developedfrom = Vertical Landing Test 3
| developedfrom = Vertical Landing Test 3
| conceptdate = 2017-12-01
| saledate = 2018-06-14
| rsistoreurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/ships/drake-vulture/Vulture
| rsistoreurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/ships/drake-vulture/Vulture
| presentationurl1 = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link//16618-Your-Ship-Your-Sky
| brochureurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/media/v9btjo8p89u1nr/source/Drake-Vulture.pdf
| brochureurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/media/v9btjo8p89u1nr/source/Drake-Vulture.pdf
| trailerurl = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA7E1z8vMQE
| 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
| qandaurl1 = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/engineering/16647-Q-A-Drake-Vulture
| galactapediaurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RPDAMBAOr4-vulture
| galactapediaurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RPDAMBAOr4-vulture
| whitleysguideurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/spectrum-dispatch/19899-Whitleys-Guide-Vulture
| releasedate = 2938
| conceptdate = 2017-12-01
| saledate = 2018-06-14
| queryimage =
}}
}}


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>
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="YOU-Pick-The-Next-Drake-Ship">{{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> <ref name="Vulture:YourShipYourSky">{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link//16618-Your-Ship-Your-Sky|text=Vulture: Your-Ship-Your-Sky}}</ref>


== Features ==
== Features ==
Line 56: Line 65:


== Model ==
== Model ==

=== Ship profile ===
=== Ship profile ===
<tabber>
<tabber>
Line 84: Line 94:
|-
|-
|[[File:Vulture landed in hangar - Isometric - Cut.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture landed in hangar - Isometric - Cut.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px|link=|class=noviewer]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px|link=|class=noviewer]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px|link=|class=noviewer]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px|link=|class=noviewer]]
|}
|}
|-|
|-|
Line 107: Line 117:
|}
|}
</tabber>
</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 ===
=== Paints ===
{{for|more information|:Category:Vulture_series#Paints}}
{{for|more information|:Vulture series/Paints}}

{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Assembly"|"Assembly"]]
!Image
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Best in Show 2953"|"Best in Show 2953"]]
!Paint Name
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Carbonide"|"Carbonide"]]
!Description
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Carnival"|"Carnival"]]
!Price (aUEC)
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Deck The Hull"|"Deck The Hull"]]
!Price ($USD)
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Dying Star"|"Dying Star"]]
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Foundation Festival"|"Foundation Festival"]]
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Ghoulish Green"|"Ghoulish Green"]]
![[Vulture series/Paints#"IceBreak"|"IceBreak"]]
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Longhorn"|"Longhorn"]]
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Outcast"|"Outcast"]]
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Pyrite"|"Pyrite"]]
![[Vulture series/Paints#"Skullcrusher"|"Skullcrusher"]]
|-
|-
|[[File:Vulture Assembly in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture Assembly in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture BIS2953 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]]
|[[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]]
|[[File:Vulture Carnival in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture Deck The Hull in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|"Carnival"
|[[File:Vulture Dying Star in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|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]]
|[[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]]
|[[File:Vulture Ghoulish Green in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture IceBreak 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]]
|[[File:Vulture Longhorn in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:placeholderv2.png|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]]
|[[File:Vulture Pyrite in space - Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Vulture Skullcrusher 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 ==
== Acquisition ==
{{Vehicle availability|Vulture}}
{{Vehicle availability}}


===Renting===
== Lore ==
<tabber>
''Unavailable''
The "Empire Slipper"=
On the 9th of August, 2895, the freighter "''Empire Slipper''", registered under the [[Terra]] flag, experienced critical system malfunctions that led to erroneous navigation displays. This caused the navigation officer to plot a course through a dense asteroid field near a red giant star, resulting in a collision that disabled the ship's shields and exposed the crew to lethal radiation. The ship's location became unknown while it carried valuable metals and rare artworks, drawing significant media attention and prompting an extensive search. After eight months, the wreckage was found by a [[United Empire of Earth Navy|UEE Navy]] picket ship in a highly irradiated debris field, dispelling conspiracy theories about hijacking. Unfortunately, the area was nearly inaccessible for conventional salvage vessels.<ref name="whitley"/>
|-|
Vertical Landing Test 3=
In response to the challenge, Drake Interplanetary, a new spacecraft manufacturer, offered support. Motivated by potential salvage rights and a ten million credit bounty from [[MISC]], the ship's original builder, a specialized team gathered on [[Borea]] to devise a solution. They modified an [[Cutlass Black|AS-1 Cutlass]] prototype, the [[Vertical Landing Test 3]] (VLT-3), by removing its testing equipment and converting it for debris recovery of the "Slipper." The VLT-3 featured enhanced shield generators that reduced cargo capacity but improved shielding and agility for its two-person crew. Its external manipulator arms allowed for salvage operations without extravehicular activity, minimizing risks from hazardous radiation.<ref name="whitley"/>
|-|
The salvage=
Fourteen months after the "''Empire Slipper''" disappeared, Drake's test crew began salvage operations from a modular space station outside the hazardous zone. Over thirty-six missions, the VLT-3 navigated the debris field, retrieving flight recorders and cargo containers. Drake secured salvage rights and transferred the flight recorders to MISC, but the company faced legal issues after duplicating the flight data before submission. Despite the controversy, the mission improved Drake's reputation amid piracy allegations.<ref name="whitley"/>
|-|
Piracy attack=
After a successful salvage operation, Drake launched a public relations tour for the VLT-3 at aerospace exhibitions. However, controversy arose over allegations of his support for piracy following a coordinated attack with unmarked Cutlasses and a MISC [[Hull-D]]. In response, the company shifted focus to developing the [[Caterpillar]] command ship, putting the VLT-3 in storage.<ref name="whitley"/>
|-|
Early development=
In 2932, the [[Aegis Dynamics]] [[Reclaimer]] "''General Dogsbody''" had a highly profitable salvage mission, increasing interest in the field. Recognizing this demand, Drake's team evolved the VLT-3 into the Vulture, an independent salvage vessel featuring Rippers, salvage booms, and a Tomium scraper rig, while retaining key aspects of the VLT-3.<ref name="whitley"/>
|-|
Launch=
Officially launched in 2938, the Vulture capitalized on public interest in salvage operations, leading to high demand that exceeded production capabilities and the establishment of remote manufacturing facilities. The Vultures successfully recovered high-profile hulls, boosting Drake's reputation and sustaining interest in the spacecraft.<ref name="whitley"/>
|-|
Present day=
In 2941, Drake launched a revised Vulture with improved weapon mounts for hazardous environments. In 2949, the civilian variant received an upgrade with a larger cab for increased cargo capacity, and Drake offers upgrade options for earlier models to enhance capacity and add new weapon mounts.<ref name="whitley"/>
|-|
Military variant=
By 2943, the UEE Navy had requisitioned 300 units for battlefield support, primarily to clear wrecked spacecraft after [[Vanduul]] conflicts. Drake is developing a government-specific version in anticipation of increased naval confrontations.<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>
</tabber>


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
Line 224: Line 234:
|Drake-defensecon-hologram-vulture-03.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>
</tabber>


Line 279: Line 240:
Timeline=
Timeline=
{{Timeline styles}}
{{Timeline styles}}
{| class="wikitable timeline"
{| class="timeline"
|-
|-
|2017-12-01
|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" />
|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="YOU-Pick-The-Next-Drake-Ship" />
|-
|-
|2017-12-11
|2017-12-11
|Voted to be the next Drake ship by backers with 44% of 37,696 voters.<ref name="robertsspaceindustries.com" />
|Voted to be the next Drake ship by backers with 44% of 37,696 voters.<ref name="YOU-Pick-The-Next-Drake-Ship" />
|-
|-
|2018-06-14
|2018-06-14
Line 380: Line 341:


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
*The vessel derives its name from the Vulture, a sizable avian species belonging to the Accipitridae and Cathartidae families. This bird is closely related to hawks, eagles, and falcons, however, it possesses less robust talons and typically features a bare head. Vultures primarily or exclusively feed on carcases, otherwise known as carrion. <ref>https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulture</ref>
*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>
*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 ==
== External links ==
Line 393: Line 355:


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

[[Category:Salvage ships]]

Latest revision as of 15:10, 1 March 2025

For other uses, see Vulture (disambiguation).
Quick facts:
Vulture
Flight ready
Vulture
Drake Interplanetary (DRAK)
Role
Light Salvage
Size
Small (S2/XS)
Series
Vulture
Loaner
Buccaneer
Capacity
Crew
1
Cargo
12 SCU
Stowage
1,140 KµSCU
Cost
Standalone
$ 175.00 ($ 140.00)
Warbond
$ 160.00 ($ 120.00)
Availability
Always available
Claim
10m
Expedite
0s
Expedite fee
3,040 aUEC
Specifications
Height
9 m
Mass
0 kg
Length
34 m
Width
16 m
CS
0%
EM
0%
IR
0%
💪
-58%
⚡
0%
〰️
0%
🔥
0%
☣️
0%
💫
-100%
Health
0 ❤️
Scm speed
200 m/s
0 to scm
0 s
Scm to 0
0 s
Max speed
1,100 m/s
0 to max
0 s
Max to 0
0 s
Roll rate
125 °/s
Pitch rate
55 °/s
Yaw rate
55 °/s
Hydrogen capacity
0 SCU
Hydrogen intake
0.02 SCU/s
Quantum capacity
0 SCU
Lore
Released
2938
Development
Announced
1 December 2017
UUID
34077e67-5e2c-4903-a17c-2d0e163751c7
Class name
DRAK_Vulture
Game build
4.1.0-LIVE.9650658
[1]
Find item in game
Powered by Universal Item Finder
Other sites
Official sites
Galactapedia
Pledge store
Presentation
Whitley's Guide
Brochure
Trailer
Q&A
Issue council
Community sites
Universal Item Finder
#DPSCalculator
SPViewer
StarShip 42
FleetYards
CCU Game
Wiki API

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.[1] [2]

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

Weapons
2x
S1
VariPuck S1 Gimbal Mount
Left, Right
2x
S1
CF-117 Bulldog Repeater
Klaus & Werner
2x
S1
Magazinefaux_magazinemagazine
375/375 Ammunition
Defensive devices
1x
S1
Joker Defcon - Noise Launcher
Right
1x
S1
Magazine
5/5 Ammunition
1x
S1
Aegis Gladius - Decoy Launcher
Left
1x
S1
Magazine
48/48 Ammunition
Utility devices
1x
S1
Salvage armdrak_vulture_salvage_arm
Right
1x
S1
Salvage armdrak_vulture_salvage_arm
Left
2x
S2
Baler Salvage Head
Greycat Industrial
1x
S1
Abrade Scraper Module
Greycat Industrial
1x
S1
ReadyGrip Tractor Module
Greycat Industrial
2x
S1
Cinch Scraper Module
Greycat Industrial

No vehicle parts information found.

Model

Ship profile

Isometric Above Port-side Front Rear Below

Isometric Above Port-side Front Rear

Isometric Above Port-side Front Rear Rear Isometric

Paints

For more information, see Vulture series/Paints.
"Assembly" "Best in Show 2953" "Carbonide" "Carnival" "Deck The Hull" "Dying Star" "Foundation Festival" "Ghoulish Green" "IceBreak" "Longhorn" "Outcast" "Pyrite" "Skullcrusher"

Acquisition

Find item in game
Powered by Universal Item Finder
Purchase and rental data are sourced from UEX
Purchase
SystemTerminalPrice
StantonNew Deal - Teasa Spaceport - Lorville2,646,000
PyroBuy and Fly - Ruin Station2,646,000
PyroBuy and Fly - Checkmate2,646,000
PyroBuy and Fly - Orbituary2,646,000
Vulture is not available for rental

Lore

On the 9th of August, 2895, the freighter "Empire Slipper", registered under the Terra flag, experienced critical system malfunctions that led to erroneous navigation displays. This caused the navigation officer to plot a course through a dense asteroid field near a red giant star, resulting in a collision that disabled the ship's shields and exposed the crew to lethal radiation. The ship's location became unknown while it carried valuable metals and rare artworks, drawing significant media attention and prompting an extensive search. After eight months, the wreckage was found by a UEE Navy picket ship in a highly irradiated debris field, dispelling conspiracy theories about hijacking. Unfortunately, the area was nearly inaccessible for conventional salvage vessels.[3]

In response to the challenge, Drake Interplanetary, a new spacecraft manufacturer, offered support. Motivated by potential salvage rights and a ten million credit bounty from MISC, the ship's original builder, a specialized team gathered on Borea to devise a solution. They modified an AS-1 Cutlass prototype, the Vertical Landing Test 3 (VLT-3), by removing its testing equipment and converting it for debris recovery of the "Slipper." The VLT-3 featured enhanced shield generators that reduced cargo capacity but improved shielding and agility for its two-person crew. Its external manipulator arms allowed for salvage operations without extravehicular activity, minimizing risks from hazardous radiation.[3]

Fourteen months after the "Empire Slipper" disappeared, Drake's test crew began salvage operations from a modular space station outside the hazardous zone. Over thirty-six missions, the VLT-3 navigated the debris field, retrieving flight recorders and cargo containers. Drake secured salvage rights and transferred the flight recorders to MISC, but the company faced legal issues after duplicating the flight data before submission. Despite the controversy, the mission improved Drake's reputation amid piracy allegations.[3]

After a successful salvage operation, Drake launched a public relations tour for the VLT-3 at aerospace exhibitions. However, controversy arose over allegations of his support for piracy following a coordinated attack with unmarked Cutlasses and a MISC Hull-D. In response, the company shifted focus to developing the Caterpillar command ship, putting the VLT-3 in storage.[3]

In 2932, the Aegis Dynamics Reclaimer "General Dogsbody" had a highly profitable salvage mission, increasing interest in the field. Recognizing this demand, Drake's team evolved the VLT-3 into the Vulture, an independent salvage vessel featuring Rippers, salvage booms, and a Tomium scraper rig, while retaining key aspects of the VLT-3.[3]

Officially launched in 2938, the Vulture capitalized on public interest in salvage operations, leading to high demand that exceeded production capabilities and the establishment of remote manufacturing facilities. The Vultures successfully recovered high-profile hulls, boosting Drake's reputation and sustaining interest in the spacecraft.[3]

In 2941, Drake launched a revised Vulture with improved weapon mounts for hazardous environments. In 2949, the civilian variant received an upgrade with a larger cab for increased cargo capacity, and Drake offers upgrade options for earlier models to enhance capacity and add new weapon mounts.[3]

By 2943, the UEE Navy had requisitioned 300 units for battlefield support, primarily to clear wrecked spacecraft after Vanduul conflicts. Drake is developing a government-specific version in anticipation of increased naval confrontations.[3]

For a full gallery, see Category:Vulture images.

Development

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.[1]
2017-12-11 Voted to be the next Drake ship by backers with 44% of 37,696 voters.[1]
2018-06-14 Concept sale.[4]
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.[5]
2021-05-05 Revealed that the Vulture was in production and to be implemented in game with an allocated work schedule of 18 weeks.[6]
2023-03-10 Flight ready in Alpha 3.18.0, along with the first implementation of the salvage gameplay.[7]

Note: The following design brief is extracted from Jump Point issue 06.07.[8]
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.
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

Trivia

  • The vessel derives its name from the Vulture, a sizable avian species belonging to the Accipitridae and Cathartidae families. This bird is closely related to hawks, eagles, and falcons, however, it possesses less robust talons and typically features a bare head. Vultures primarily or exclusively feed on carcases, otherwise known as carrion. [10]
  • 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,[11] while CI developers said that the ship was inspired by the Dragonfly.[12] 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.[13][14]

References

  1. ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 1.2 YOU Pick the Next Drake Ship. Citizens - Comm-Link
  2. ↑ Vulture: Your-Ship-Your-Sky. Comm-Link
  3. ↑ Jump up to: 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 "Whitley's Guide: The Drake Interplanetary Vulture". Jump Point. Vol. 7 no. 8. pp.29–32. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  4. ↑ Your Ship Your Sky. Comm-Link. Retrieved 2020-04-03
  5. ↑ Alpha 3.9.1 in-game survey during Drake Defensecon
  6. ↑ Roadmap Roundup - May 5th, 2021. Spectrum Dispatch - Comm-Link. Retrieved 2023-06-16
  7. ↑ Star Citizen Alpha 3.18.0 - Patch notes. Comm-Link. Retrieved 2023-06-16
  8. ↑ Jump up to: 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "Work in Progress: Drake Vulture". Jump Point. Vol. 6 no. 7. pp.15–34. Retrieved 2020-04-03.
  9. ↑ Jump up to: 9.0 9.1 9.2 Ship Shape: Drake Vulture on YouTube
  10. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vulture
  11. ↑ Behold, the totally not a copy, Drake Vulture on EVE subreddit
  12. ↑ Star Citizen: Around the Verse - Vulture Views and Weapons 2 on YouTube
  13. ↑ EVE Online tweet on Vulture
  14. ↑ Eve Online and Star Citzen fans at war over £112 "copycat" spaceship
Products of
Drake Interplanetary
Spacecraft
BuccaneerCaterpillarCaterpillar Best In Show EditionCaterpillar Pirate EditionCorsairCutlass BlackCutlass Black Best In Show EditionCutlass BlueCutlass RedCutlass SteelCutterCutter RamblerCutter ScoutDragonflyDragonfly Star KittenDragonfly YellowjacketGolemHeraldIroncladIronclad AssaultKrakenKraken PrivateerVulture
Ground vehicles
Mule
Cargo pods
Drake Ore Pod
Weapon mounts
Drake Buccaneer Spinal Mount
Containers
Drake Ore Pod
List of
Vehicles
Ships
Aegis Dynamics
AEGS
SabreVanguard WardenCutter (drone)Avenger WarlockSabre RavenIdris-MHammerheadJavelinVanguard SentinelHammerhead Best In Show EditionIdris-PVanguard HarbingerVulcanIdris-KGladius ValiantAvenger StalkerAvenger Titan RenegadeEclipseVanguard HopliteReclaimer Best In Show EditionGladius PirateSabre CometReclaimerSabre FirebirdAvenger TitanRedeemerSabre PeregrineGladiusRetaliatorNautilus
Anvil Aerospace
ANVL
HurricaneF7A Hornet Mk IF7X Hornet Mk IIF7C-M Super Hornet Heartseeker Mk IF7C Hornet Wildfire Mk ITerrapin MedicOspreyF7C-M Super Hornet Mk IUnidentified F8 Lightning variantF8C Lightning ExecutiveF7C Hornet Mk IIC8 PiscesValkyrieF7C-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 II
Aopoa
XNAA
Nox KueVolperKhartu-alSan'tok.yāiNoxKuail Kal'tu
Argo Astronautics
ARGO
RAFTMOLESRVMPUV PersonnelMPUV CargoMOLE CarbonOUCMOLE TalusMPUV Tractor
Banu Souli
BANU
DefenderTriptakerMerchantman
Consolidated Outland
CNOU
Mustang OmegaHoverQuadMustang DeltaMustang AlphaMustang Alpha VindicatorMustang GammaMustang BetaNomadPioneer
Crusader Industries
CRUS
Ares Star Fighter IonM2 Hercules StarlifterC1 SpiritA1 SpiritMercury Star RunnerC2 Hercules StarlifterE1 SpiritGenesis StarlinerA2 Hercules StarlifterIntrepidAres Star Fighter Inferno
Drake Interplanetary
DRAK
HeraldCaterpillar Best In Show EditionKraken PrivateerGolemDragonflyCaterpillar Pirate EditionDragonfly Star KittenCorsairIroncladCaterpillarCutter ScoutCutterCutlass SteelIronclad AssaultDragonfly YellowjacketVultureCutlass BlackBuccaneerCutlass Black Best In Show EditionCutlass RedKrakenCutlass BlueCutter Rambler
Esperia
ESPR
Blade (replica)ProwlerTalonGlaive (replica)Scythe (replica)Talon Shrike
Gatac Manufacture
GAMA
RailenSyulen
Greycat Industrial
GRIN
Cydnus
Kruger Intergalactic
KRIG
P-72 Archimedes EmeraldP-72 ArchimedesP-52 Merlin
Mirai
MRAI
RazorGuardianRazor EXGuardian QIPulseFury LXFuryRazor LXPulse LXFury MX
Musashi Industrial and Starflight Concern
MISC
Starfarer GeminiFreelancer MAXHull EReliant MakoStarfarerReliant KoreStarlancer MAXReliant SenHull BStarlancer TACFreelancerReliant TanaEndeavorExpanseFortuneStarlancer BLDOdysseyFreelancer MISHull AHull CFreelancer DURHull DProspector
Origin Jumpworks
ORIG
600i Executive Edition315p135c890 Jump600i TouringM50325aX1400i600i ExplorerX1 Velocity100iX1 Force350r300i85X125a
Roberts Space Industries
RSI
PolarisZeus Mk II CLScorpius AntaresApollo MedivacAurora ESMantisPegasusZeus Mk II MRConstellation TaurusAurora LXPerseusConstellation Phoenix EmeraldConstellation AquilaAurora MRBengalAurora LNConstellation PhoenixGalaxyAurora CLOrionZeus Mk II ESConstellation AndromedaScorpiusApollo TriageArrastra
United Empire of Earth Navy
NVY
Retribution
Vanduul Clans
VNCL
CleaverMaulerStingerHunterBladeKingshipVanduul BobGlaiveVanduul McTyphoonFaceVoidScytheDrillerLightfire
Ground vehicles
Anvil Aerospace
ANVL
Ballista SnowblindCenturionSpartanBallistaBallista Dunestalker
Argo Astronautics
ARGO
CSV-FMATLS GEOATLSCSV-SM
Drake Interplanetary
DRAK
Mule
Greycat Industrial
GRIN
PTVROC-DSROCSTVUTV
Origin Jumpworks
ORIG
G12aG12rG12
Roberts Space Industries
RSI
UrsaUrsa FortunaLynxUrsa Medivac
Tumbril Land Systems
TMBL
Cyclone RNStorm AACyclone AAStormCyclone MTNovaRanger RCCycloneRanger TRCyclone TRRanger CVCyclone RC
Vanduul Clans
VNCL
Harvester
Retrieved from "https://starcitizen.tools/index.php?title=Vulture&oldid=272781"