M.V Codex Entry:
McNeil-Legend T.C.222-H Bison

While it was not the first orbital cargo container tug, the McNeil-Legend T.C.222 Series platform was by far the most important and influential of the industry. Known affectionately as 'The Bison' for its reliability and performance in its field. Originally designed in 2125 as a late Gen III platform[?] for orbital maintenance and logistics, it was quickly adapted with more technology as time passed on. Moving quickly to a more aesthetic central body section between the dual engine frame; furthermore, with artificial gravity generators, open view hull viewing sections for crew spotters, and multi-point cable & magnetic tethering system for pulling cargo.

Later, once the standardized 'SL' shipping container had been developed and adopted, an extended cage frame was implemented on the Bison models, specifically designed to pull the container in, and clamp it for secure moving. Quickly an additional towing tether system was developed to attach the standard containers together in a secure chain, much like the days of previous centuries with Locomotive cars. Each towing tether can secure a total of 10 containers in a line, with the ability to attach another set behind the end of the towing tether section: again, like old locomotive trains from before. With a pair of quite powerful engines, an M-L Bison can pull quite a long length of containers if need be.

While geared specifically for logistic and port duties in orbit above planets and moons, there have been Bison sub models that have been adapted for solar systems spanning direct cargo routes over short to medium distances in some systems. Most of these give the first or two container spots for fuel tanks to keep the craft accelerating over longer distances. While there are far larger and more modernized logistic crafts that have been developed, the McNeil-Legend T.222 Series remains as a staple part of most parts, and even the backbone for smaller colonies and systems.

~Sol System Historic Record, (edited 02/17/2445)