The Sigma Shipyards Alpha-class shuttle, often referred to as simply a shuttle, is a light freighter built by Sigma Shipyards and used for in-system transport. Although designed over 200 years ago, the basic design has changed little since its conception. Compared to other vessels, the basic shuttle is extremely weak and underpowered, boasting enough energy for only 3 jumps and a pitiful armament (a single light blaster). Likewise, the shield generator is designed to protect against micrometeoroid collisions and is essentially useless against any military hardware.