imported>Braxton2409 at 01:00, 8 February 2026

2026-02-08T01:00:35Z

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{{Vehicle
| uuid = ca888820-a627-4f5e-927b-426f654e9968
| image = Caterpillar Best In Show Edition 2949 - Cut.png
| name = Caterpillar Best In Show Edition
| manufacturer = DRAK
| series = Caterpillar
| career = Transport
| role =
| size = large
| productionstate = Flight ready
| productionstatedesc = [[Update:Star Citizen Alpha 3.7.2|Alpha 3.7.2]]
| mincrew = 2
| maxcrew = 4
| length = 111.5
| width = 39.5
| height = 13.4
| retractedlength =
| retractedwidth =
| retractedheight =
| cargocapacity = 576
| stowage = 3000K µSCU
| mass = 1508063
| pledgecost = 330
| originalpledgecost = 330
| warbondcost =
| originalwarbondcost =
| pledgeavailability = Limited edition (No longer available)
| rsistoreurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/pledge/ships/drake-caterpillar/Caterpillar-Best-In-Show-Edition-2949
| presentationurl1 =
| presentationurl2 =
| trailerurl =
| brochureurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/media/2lxuyk90h9qupr/source/Carterpillar_brochure.pdf
| brochureur2 =
| qandaurl1 =
| qandaurl2 =
| galactapediaurl = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/VY4WmNG9v6-caterpillar
| releasedate = 2949
| conceptdate = 2019-12-02
| saledate =
| queryimage = 
}}

The '''Caterpillar Best In Show Edition''' is a distinctive variant of the [[StarCitizen:Caterpillar]] large cargo ship, manufactured by [[StarCitizen:Drake Interplanetary]]. This special edition was created especially for the 'Best In Show' event at the [[StarCitizen:Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2949]] and has a unique white and purple livery. The Caterpillar has gained a reputation as a reliable and cost-effective multi-role vessel, adept for various uses, including commercial operations and combat support. It is acknowledged as a strong alternative to the popular [[StarCitizen::Category:Hull series|Hull series]], providing significant firepower and a wide array of customization possibilities.<ref name="pledge">{{Cite RSI|url=pledge/ships/drake-caterpillar/Caterpillar|text=Caterpillar - Ship page}}</ref><ref name="brochure">{{Cite RSI|url=media/2lxuyk90h9qupr/source/Carterpillar_brochure.pdf|text=Drake Caterpillar - Ship Brochure}}</ref>

==Features==
{{List item
|Command ship
|The Caterpillar has a command ship that can detach from the primary hull and operate independently, transporting multiple Caterpillar hulls or serving as an emergency escape vehicle. Crews of Caterpillar vessels often race command modules while waiting for cargo transfer.
}}
{{List item
|Cargo holds
|The vessel's cargo is divided into four compartments, each with elevators on both sides for independent loading and unloading. The forward cargo bay provides extra storage for open-canopy vehicles like the Dragonfly, featuring an airshield for pallet transfer and vehicle deployment without decompression. It also includes a manned turret, cargo lift, and navigation sensors.
}}
{{List item
|Tractor Beam Station
|The tractor beam station consists of a terminal that allows the ship to safely guide debris and even errant cargo directly into the side access doors of the cargo modules.
}}
{{Note|'''Note''': Command ship detachment and Cargo Module Elevators are not yet fully implemented as of [[Update:Star Citizen Alpha 4.3.2|Alpha 4.3.2]].}}

==Specifications==
{{Vehicle hardpoints}}

==Model==

===Ship profile===
<tabber>
In space=
{| class="wikitable"
!Isometric
!Above
!Port-side
!Front
!Rear
!Below
|-
|[[File:Caterpillar_BIS_2949_in_space_-_Isometric.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Caterpillar_BIS_2949_in_space_-_Above.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Caterpillar_BIS_2949_in_space_-_Port.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Caterpillar_BIS_2949_in_space_-_Front.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Caterpillar_BIS_2949_in_space_-_Rear.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|[[File:Caterpillar_BIS_2949_in_space_-_Below.jpg|center|frameless|128x72px]]
|}
|-|
Landed=
{| class="wikitable"
!Isometric
!Above
!Port-side
!Front
!Rear
|-
|[[File:Placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px|link=|class=noviewer]]
|[[File:Placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px|link=|class=noviewer]]
|[[File:Placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px|link=|class=noviewer]]
|[[File:Placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px|link=|class=noviewer]]
|[[File:Placeholderv2.png|center|frameless|128x72px|link=|class=noviewer]]
|}
</tabber>

===Series variants===
{{Vehicle variants}}

===Paints===
{{for|more information|:Caterpillar series/Paints}}

==Acquisition==
{{Vehicle availability}}

==Lore==
<tabber>
First Introduction=
{| class="wikitable"
|-
In the wake of the [[StarCitizen:Cutlass|Cutlass']] success in [[StarCitizen:28th Century]], Drake Interplanetary's CEO and lead designer [[StarCitizen:Jan Dredge]] was looking for a new project to move the company forward. Although the Cutlass enjoyed some success in commercial hauling, it is more known for its combat abilities. Dredge knew that they should take the same design principles and apply it to something much bigger. The Caterpillar prototype is initially unreviled at the [[StarCitizen:2871]] [[StarCitizen:Intergalactic Aerospace Expo]]. The ship received a lot of critics for its old design, the negativity almost threatened the whole project. It wasn't until the reports of Caterpillar spread through the [[StarCitizen:UEE|Empire]], that the tide began to turn. People were floored by two things: the ability to mix and match cargo modules and the price.<ref name="brochure"/>
|}
|-|
Kesslering Heist=
{| class="wikitable"
|-
{{Main|Kesslering Heist}}
On [[StarCitizen:2903]]-06-21 SET, a Caterpillar broke out from heavy traffic, and rammed into an [[StarCitizen:eriesium]] transport using the front sensor array as hooks to latch onto the hull. The front cargo door opened and pirates leapt onto the immobilized transport and cut their way inside while the turret engaged the shocked security detail. Within five minutes, the security detail had been destroyed, the transport breached and the eriesium taken. The Command Module detached from the Caterpillar and the pirates disappeared back into the spacelane with their fighter accomplices. By the time [[StarCitizen:Advocacy|authorities]] arrived, they found an image that permanently seared itself into the public's consciousness, a Drake Caterpillar attached to the vented husk of a transport. Despite an exhaustive search through all the system, authorities never figured out who was behind the heist. The Caterpillar was forever tied with criminal element to the present after the event.<ref name="brochure"/>
|}
</tabber>

==Gallery==
{{for|a full gallery|:Category:Caterpillar Best In Show Edition images}}

<tabber>
Official=
{{gallery
|BIS 2949 4 finalist.jpg
|Caterpillar Best In Show Edition 2949.jpg
}}
|-|
In-game=
{{gallery
|IAE2949-caterpillar-champion.jpg
}}
</tabber>

==Development==
{{Timeline styles}}
{| class="timeline"
|-
|2019-11-24
|Caterpillar Best In Show Edition implemented in [[Update:Star Citizen Alpha 3.7.2|Alpha 3.7.2]].
|}

==Trivia==
* It was the winner of the 'Best In Show' event during [[StarCitizen:Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2949]]. [[StarCitizen:Caterpillar]] owners, at the time of the event, received an upgrade to this variant as a reward. The ship was also offered as a stand alone purchase to backers only during the event.<ref>{{Cite RSI|url=https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/17312-IAE-2949|text=IAE 2949|accessdate=2024-11-15}}</ref>

==References==
<references />

{{Navplate manufacturers|DRAK}}
{{Navplate vehicles}}

[[Category:Cargo ships]]
[[Category:Modular]]

StarCitizen:Caterpillar Best In Show Edition - Revision history

imported>Braxton2409 at 01:00, 8 February 2026