The Drake Vulture is a specialized salvage spacecraft that originated from the need to recover valuable cargo from the Empire Slipper, a freighter that drifted in a hazardous asteroid belt. Developed by Drake Interplanetary, the Vulture has evolved over time to meet the demands of both civilian and military operations, gaining popularity for its efficiency and adaptability in space salvage missions.
The Drake Vulture, a spacecraft designed for salvage operations, has a unique origin story that diverges from traditional military or civilian spacecraft development. Its inception began following the incident involving the Empire Slipper, a freighter that suffered catastrophic system failures leading to its drift in a dangerous asteroid belt. The ship was carrying valuable cargo, including precious metals and rare artwork, prompting a massive search and recovery effort. After eight months, the wreck was located, but the hazardous environment made it nearly impossible for dedicated salvage ships to operate in the area.
In response to the challenge, Drake Interplanetary quickly assembled a team to create a makeshift vessel, derived from an existing AS1 Cutlass prototype. This prototype, known as VLT3, was modified to navigate the debris field and conduct salvage operations without requiring extravehicular activity (EVA) due to the high radiation levels. Over the course of 14 months, the VLT3 managed to recover the flight recorders and valuable cargo from the Empire Slipper, although Drake faced legal issues over the bounty promised for the black box data.
Despite the initial success of the salvage operation, Drake Interplanetary found itself embroiled in controversy, which hindered its focus on developing a dedicated salvage ship. However, the growing interest in space salvage, spurred by the success of other salvage missions, prompted Drake to revisit the idea. A team led by designer Sod Perkins began developing a new standalone salvage spacecraft, which would eventually become the Vulture. This new design aimed to streamline operations and reduce crew requirements, allowing a single pilot to effectively manage salvage missions.
The Vulture was officially premiered in 2938, leveraging the public’s fascination with salvage operations to generate interest. Initial orders exceeded production capacity, leading Drake to open additional factories to meet demand. The Vulture quickly gained popularity due to its success in recovering high-profile wrecks, further solidifying its place in the market. In 2941, an updated model was introduced, which included weapon mounts to enhance safety for pilots operating in dangerous areas.
Over the years, the Vulture has continued to evolve, with military versions being requisitioned by the United Empire of Earth Navy for battlefield support. The Vulture’s design has been updated to increase cargo capacity and enhance operational capabilities. As salvage operations become increasingly important in an expanding universe, Drake Interplanetary remains committed to refining the Vulture, ensuring it meets the needs of both civilian and military operators in the years to come.