AR-37 Paragon-Class Light Transport

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AR-37 Paragon-Class Light Transport Starship data created by Sterling Hershey (source).

The AR-37 Paragon-Class Light Transport is another model in the same line as the Wayfarer-Class Medium Transport from Kuat Systems Engineering. It's an older, less refined, and more complex model, but a favorite for merchants, couriers, and smugglers due to its ability to stand up to extensive customization and an almost ridiculous number of entrance and exit points. It was designed with berthing mechanisms for a wide variety of docking ports, with various hatches above, below, and on either side. Four angled sublight engine banks create directional thrust along a variable center of mass, allowing rapid acceleration and a respectable sustained speed even in thick atmosphere. These engines can generate a lot of heat, however, requiring bulky coolant systems to keep them in prime condition

The cargo module on the port side of a Paragon-Class ship can be swapped out for a passenger suite module or escort hangar, though these are less common. These service modules are twin-decked, like the ship itself, and designed to be hoisted by a heavy crane in any port facility for convenient swapping of modules. A common practice among shipping companies is to deposit a loaded cargo module at the company's holdings in a commercial spaceport without unloading it, and attach an empty or pre-loaded module while the ship is refueled. Thus, the AR-37 is ideal for transportation conglomerates that like to keep their fleets on the move with minimum layover time.

The basic AR-37 comes equipped with a dorsal laser turret for defense, while a starboard-side Ion Cannon is a common upgrade option for clients who like to provide added security reassurance to their passengers. Both weapons are typically operated by a Gunner, but they can be locked in a forward position to operate under Pilot control, at a reduced accuracy. A ventral observation dome below the crew quarters is ostensibly provided for visibility along the belly of the ship, but it is commonly used to mount a quad-laser turret similar to those seen on The Millennium Falcon.

The stock version of the ship features moderate armor, and a light shield system. The standard model includes a pair of 3-person Escape Pods on the upper deck, with quick-access lift chutes below them. Two additional pods can be mounted below those chutes (at an extra cost) for captains who find themselves transporting larger groups of passengers.