Name: Python Freighter
Type: Whatt and Pritney Python Freighter
Scale: Starfighter
Length: 130 Meters Long, 80 Meters Wide, 40 Meters High
Skill: Space Transports - Python
Crew: 10
Passengers: 5
Crew Skill: Space Transports 5D, Starship Gunnery 4D+2, Starship Shields 4D
Consumables: 2 Years
Cargo Capacity: 2,000 Tons
Price: 200,000 (used)
Hyperdrive Multiplier: X5
Hyperdrive Backup: N/A
Nav Computer: Yes
Space: 3
Atmosphere: 295;850kmh
Maneuverability: 1D
Hull: 7D
Shields: 2D
Sensors:
            Passive: 20/1D
            Scan: 40/2D
            Search: 60/3D
            Focus: 2/4D

Weapons:
            1 Blaster Cannon
                        Fire Arc: Front
                        Fire Control: 1D
                        Space: 1-3/12/25
                        Atmosphere Range: 100-300/1.2/2.5km
                        Damage: 4D
            1 Concussion Missile Launcher
                        Fire Arc: Front
                        Fire Control: 2D
                        Space: 1/3/7
                        Atmosphere Range: 50-100/300/700m
                        Damage: 7D

Description: Originally built in Inera Orbit Space by Whatt and Pritney, the mighty Python has been in service since 2700. This is an old design which clearly shows its age. However, it is cheap for its size and extremely robust. Many a trader has slogged it out in a Python to afford a more modern and sexy ship. If maintained correctly, a Python will go on forever.

        The vast majority of Pythons still in service are working ships with no frills. The Python is perhaps the antithesis of the Mussurana, which by contrast is fast, lithe and luxuriously appointed (not to mention tremendously expensive). The Python is easy to find, and virtually all shipyards are experienced in their maintenance, making spare parts easy to find and running costs low.

        Pythons have also been popular targets for conversion since they are common and capacious. One of the most famous Python conversions was the total stripping and remaking of one of these large ships into Woodford's Casino and Bar, which was towed into orbit around Zaonce. It was tolerated for about fifteen years by the Zaonce authorities. However, it soon became clear that it was being used as a money laundering facility and was damaged beyond repair during a Police raid on the operators of the casino. The wreck continued to orbit Zaonce for another year before it was finally scrapped.

        A less welcome conversion, is to a customised pirate ship. The ease of maintenance and ease of acquisition has also made this a popular ship for pirates to use to haul away their loot. There is somewhat of a pirate tradition to repaint the rather plain factory scheme with a traditional skull-and-crossbones motif. One particularly dreaded variant of these goes by the name "Blackdog". Pirate operated Pythons seldom roam alone; if you find one, expect fighters to be close at hand.

        Recent developments has seen a more exclusive and expensive model hit the market, namely the Python Eunectes Turbo (ET). It offers considerable improvements to its predecessor in terms of speed and maneuverability at no expense of cargo space, although its hull is slightly less robust than the classic Python. Pirates who can afford these rides should not be lightly dismissed.