from Orion's Book of Deep Knowledge, FASA

Notes - circa 2286:

     Nothing symbolizes Orion space power more than this sleek and powerful vessel, often called "the Orion D-7." A relatively new design, the Wanderer owes much to human starships, particularly in the use of an oval main hull where the bridge, sensors, computer, and most of the crew quarters are located. The engineering section, contained in a swelling 'abdomen', also contains the compact shuttlecraft bay (two eight-man shuttlecraft are carried in snug bays and can be launched simultaneously) and a powerful tractor beam capable of towing vessels up to twice the mass of the Wanderer.
     The most striking feature of this ship is its outrigger weapons pods, carried at the waist of the narrow hull. Not only are these pods convenient for mounting heavy and dangerous weapons, but they are also easier to access for repair or to jettison in case of explosion, fire, or leakage. So far, the heaviest weaponry carried by the Wanderer has been four disruptors and no less than four Federation photon torpedoes. With some modifications (such as reducing the ship's shields), even heavier arms could be carried.
     Although the Wanderer has often been termed nothing more than a pirate's mount, a number of Federation concerns have purchased Wanderers (despite the heavy import duties) because the ship is suitable for certain tasks. As a salvage and rescue vehicle, it has few peers, especially because sensor pods possessing marvelous range and sensitivity can replace the weapons pod. For the same reason, they perform planetary survey work well, particularly in unmapped regions or near uncertain borders where its great speed may ensure the survival of the mission.
     The Wanderer is an example of a good, sturdy, versatile Orion starship. Star Fleet calls every vessel with a high speed and a small payload no larger than Class V a "blockade runner". This term describes a goodly portion of Orion starship designs, regardless of their actual function. For example, notice the differences between the Wanderer and the Lightning, which Star Fleet rates as the same type of ship.