Named after the Ancient Latin word for Eagle, the 2945 Constellation Aquila represents one
of several newer variants of the Robert’s Space Industries Constellation Class Freighter.
The function of the Aquila variant is that of a long-range exploration vessel, trading
out extra cargo space and weaponry for advanced scanning suites, expanded fuel tanks and jump
point navigation sensors.
The Aquila is 60.1 Meters long and 26.6 Meters Wide, with the ship’s modified high-visibility
bridge canopy and probe antennae affording the vessel a small increase in length over
its older counterpart, the Constellation Andromeda.
The Majority of the Aquila’s Spaceframe is almost identical to that of the Andromeda,
with the aforementioned bridge alterations being the only drastic change.
The craft is long and fairly narrow, featuring small personnel airlocks mounted on the port
and starboard of the ship’s hold, a large extendible loading lift for cargo and vehicles,
and a small aft-mounted docking bracket used to house the vessel’s auxiliary escort fighter.
The Aquila’s interior lacks the ostentatious luxury of the Constellation Phoenix, but serves
to provide the small crew with a comfortable living space.
The Bridge of the ship boasts a large curved viewport, granting the captain and bridge
officers an excellent view of the various unexplored regions of space the Aquila was
designed to chart.
Aft of the bridge, though not separated by any bulkhead is a recreation area and small
galley, giving the ship’s crew a place to relax during longer voyages.
One feature that sets the Aquila apart from its counterparts in the constellation line
is the Ursa Class Excursion Rover kept in the ship’s hold.
This durable all-terrain vehicle allows the Aquila’s crew to explore the surface of
uncharted planets, gathering data and samples at a far greater range than could be possible
on foot.
In addition to its exploratory value, the Ursa is well armoured and carries a twin-linked
gun turret, granting the vehicle an effective means of defending itself as well as providing
some limited fire support for friendly personnel.
The Aquila is propelled by four Arc Elite 500 Series Thruster engines mounted on large
pylons at the ship’s aft, these engines are more than adequate for the ship’s purposes,
allowing the vessel to cruise at sublight speeds without issue.
When operating inside an atmosphere, the Aquila makes use of its four Vertical Take-Off and
Landing jet turbines, allowing the ship to gently lower its full 80,550 KG mass unto
a planet’s surface.
Though not designed for combat, the Aquila is quite capable of defending itself should
it come under attack.
The Vessel carries a twin linked laser turret on its ventral hull, and its dorsal science
suite can be swapped out for an additional turret on high-risk missions.
The Aquila also boasts 2 large top-loading missile racks, each carrying ten missiles,
allowing the vessel to engage at much greater ranges.
Perhaps the greatest defensive asset of the Constellation Aquila is the P52 Merlin Snub
fighter stored at the ships aft.
In combat situations the Merlin can be detached to provide the Aquila with an effective fighter
escort against Pirates and other threats.
The Merlin is supremely fast and manoeuvrable, capable of reaching 240m/s in a straight line,
though its tiny frame leaves no space for any cargo or passengers.
The small fighter is armed with a pair of Behring M3A Laser cannons and a larger Ballistic
Gatling Gun, providing a serious threat to most Pirate or Vanduul Spacecraft in a dogfight.
The Constellation Aquila is a welcome addition to RSI’s Fleet, and provides a unique alternative
to the rest of the Constellation line.
Where the Taurus excels at hauling cargo and the Phoenix at travelling in style, the Aquila
excels at pushing the frontier, charting new areas of the galaxy and furthering human knowledge
on the edges of known space.