The 200 ton Lotus is a civilian spheroid small craft that was specifically designed to transport heavy cargo between space vessels and a planetary surface. At a top acceleration of 2.5 G it can lifz off most inhabited planets, and with 20 tons of fuel it can travel longer distances than most conventional ferries. The single cargo bay can occupy up to 100 tons of cargo, which means that a Lotus can carry a single assault class BattleMech, or two light vehicles. Lacking any wapons, the Lotus is clearly a civilian craft, but nevertheless some mercenary units use them for transporting 'Mechs and supplies when they are not in combat, as the Lotus is far more efficient for transporting than a huge dropship that requires lots of fuel and constant maintenance.