Kwai Su Nyao-Class Mid-Bulk Transport

Manufactured by Lu Se Jiang (Green River) Shipping, Kwai Su Nyao literally means "Swift Ox". The ship was designed as a tramp freighter with enough brute force and ignorance to get her across the 'Verse in short order carrying large bulk cargoes.

Pre-dating the Firefly series which she bears similarities to, the Kwai Su Nyao series enjoyed nearly two decades of commercial success until dwindling sales prompted a rethink at production level. Although she operated as a freighter pure and simple, the success of the Firefly series led to the retro-fitting of passenger berths and a grandly titled “Observatory”. These additions were intended to give the craft a “Jack Of All Trades” air which was reflected in the marketing for a grand re-release of the series.

In reality, the passenger berths were poorly located and the “Observatory” proved to be little more than some additional chairs and a basic display nav-chart table which utilized spaced originally intended for air scrubbers.

None can doubt her grunt though. Two oversized reaction drives and a hefty pulse engine means that on full burn a Kwai Su Nyao leaves similar ships in her class standing. These engines also provide a lot of heavy lifting and thrust, sacrificing maneuverability for power.

Despite overheating issues and a reputation for being very fuel hungry, the ship’s reliability and sturdiness have won her a lot of supporters and over 15,000 registered ships are still flying.