from unknown

Notes - circa 2286:

     The White Rift class of blockade runners have the unusual distinction of being the only known Orion designs vessel that is not sold to Orions. The White Rift was the first build design study by Orinco Shipbuilders in the early 2260’s. The first model’s cargo capacity was so light that Orinco sold the design and began work on what would later be their successful Dwarfstar class.
     Designers at New New Aberdeen felt that the White Rift was still a marketable design and modified the internal layout. In 2264, Rigel Starwork purchased the White Rift design and began production. As was typical of the period, Rigel Starworks first marketed a lightly armed version to appeal to traders who were crossing into Federation space. The sales pitch worked and by year’s end, all eight hulls had been sold, and a further 16 orders were on contract.
     The A-2 model was still surprisingly typical of the light designs used throughout the trade lanes. The OWA-1 drive was efficient and powerful, while the cargo capacity was sufficient to turn a profit on most ventures. At the time of its launch, the A-2 could defend itself again most common pirate attacks and flee attackers it could not readily fend off. But the White Rift also distinguished itself with one onboard system that would rarely be duplicated. The A-2 model had five small cargo transporters. This allowed crews to off load the full cargo in less than two hours and on-load new cargo nearly as fast. With the reliability of the drive system, the White Rifts became very popular with the few established independent haulers within the Orion/Federation sphere of influence.
     It would be the pirate cartel Nightwalkers that would vie for a full fledge production update to the White Rift class. Ordered in 2268, the Nightwalker cartel purchased contracts for five modified White Rifts. The forward cargo bay was removed in favor of a large OD-4 disruptor bank. To handle the new weapon systems, Rigel Starworks installed the larger Mark III computer, as well as the more powerful OWA-2 warp drive. While not as fast as the OWA-1, the new drive would maintain it emergency speed for longer periods of time. When the Nightwalker cartel was absorbed by the Orion syndicate, the A-3 was soon marketed to individuals in the Triangle and Outmarches where it’s popularity grew despite its lighter cargo capacity.
     Order for both the A-2 and A-3 models eventually slacked off in the latter half of 2276, and the last officially produced vessel was commissioned on 2280. Officially, Rigel Starworks lists 105 vessels having been built by the company. Unofficially, estimates place an additional 50 in service in the Triangle and Outmarchs. Current intelligence reports that 4 A-2’s and 1 A-3 have been destroyed in the Triangle. 1 A-3 was captured by Star Fleet, and 2 of unknown design are reported captured by the Klingons. Vulcan intelligence reports that 3 A-2’s have been purchased by the Romulans and operate around the Triangle. No one has yet scanned any of these vessel to know if there have been modifications to the basic design.