Orion

Orion
Type	Mercenary Gunship
Primary User	Mercenaries
General Characteristics
Cargo Capacity	50 units (75 with cargo expansion)
Cost	c75,000
Performance
Maximum Yaw	105 dps
Maximum Pitch	115 dps
Maximum Roll	107 dps
Acceleration	350 k/s2
Velocity
Maximum	350 kps
Afterburner
Maximum Afterburner	800 kps
Armament
Guns
2 Plasma Guns (2)
Turrets
1 (rear) Turreted Lasers (2)
Default Missile Loadout
2 HS Missiles (3)
Defense
Armor
Front	18 cm
Rear	16 cm
Side	14 cm
Orion Target Designation, 2669.
Source	Wing Commander: Privateer

Playguide

Orion

The Orion is perhaps the safest of all the vehicles mentioned here. It can carry the most armor and shields of all ships listed (at the expense of its maneuverability). This is a sturdy ship, designed to last.

Cockpit. Low visibility. The cockpit is dark and somewhat cramped, with less window area than the Tarsus. Dual MFDs are standard and easy to use (see illustration).
Instruments are not as easy to use as in the Centurion, but are simple to get a handle on.

Speed/Maneuverability. Supports up to a Level 5 engine upgrade. Although the Orion has better than average speed, it's difficult to pull through tight turns.

Ordnance/Protection. Supports addition of a rear turret. Even without the turret there is room for two guns and one weapon or tractor beam. With Level 5 engine upgrades, there is no reason not to pick a high quality gun with a high energy drain. Supports up to shield upgrade Level 5.

Overall Performance Rating. Due to its low maneuverability, limited cargo hold, and the expense of outfitting it, I give the Orion a low B. With enough money, though, you can make this ship a high A. I highly recommend the full option package for this ship.

Gallery

Cockpit

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  Orion cockpit, front view

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  Orion cockpit, left view

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  Orion cockpit, right view

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  Orion cockpit, rear view

Behind the Screens

Original Orion model, rendered from the Wing Commander 3D Archive.

The Orion is referred to in the game data files as "TUG".