K-1

Description
The spheroid counterpart to the KR-61 Long Range Shuttle, the K-1-class DropShuttle is technically a small craft and notably also the smallest space vehicle equipped with a Docking Collar for attaching to a JumpShip in the fashion of a DropShip (an unusual feature for a small craft; see Notes below). It should be noted that "DropShuttle" is a misnomer, as the K-1 is not a DropShuttle in the technical sense.

Originally designed in the Star League era when JumpShips were plentiful and passage aboard them frequent and inexpensive, the K-1 was used for "hops" to neighboring star systems. With the increasing rarity of JumpShips and travel aboard them at a premium since the early Succession Wars, the greater passenger and cargo capacity of regular DropShips has seen the K-1 DropShuttle relegated to the role other long range shuttles have. The Clans are noted to still use the K-1 in its intended role.

A tiny booth is mentioned aboard the K-1 DropShuttle Columbus that serves as both the vessel's breakfast table and a mid-day workstation. It is unknown if this is a standard feature on K-1 type craft. Similarly, it is mentioned that the cramped cockpit features three seats.

Weapons and Equipment
Due to the long range of the craft, the K-1 is outfitted with a minimum of defensive weaponry consisting of single LRM-5 and Medium Laser mounted in the nose, another medium laser on each side, and a small and medium laser pointing directly aft.

The ship's hull is protected by 21 tons of standard armor, with a large portion of the armor focused in the bow with a lesser amount of the armor in the sides.

Cargo
The K-1 features sixteen point five tons of cargo capacity and berths for six passengers in steerage compartment.

Variants

 * K-1C : Introduced in 2914, the Clan version of the venerable K-1, while still classified as a "civilian" vessel, carries better armor as well as a weapons array consisting of five Medium Pulse Lasers. It is almost identical in all other respects. BV (1.0) = 1,413, BV (2.0)  = 1,681