Max-7 Rono box freighter

"Fly a Rono?"
"A box freighter? Mmm, it's not really flying, but yeah."

The Max-7 Rono box freighter, also known as the Max-7 Rono, the Rono freighter, or simply a Rono, was a class of box freighter used during the Imperial Era.

Characteristics

Max-7 Rono freighter diagram showing launch rail configuration

The Max-7 Rono was a simple box freighter model that could be used to transport cargo over long distances. It featured an elevated cockpit that was accessible via a ladder in the front of the ship. The ship had a large open cargo space in the back, the sides of which opened outward and could be used as loading ramps. In the rear of the ship were its six engines—three on each side—which included both sublight and hyperdrive units.^[3] It lacked acceleration compensators so cargo had to be secure to prevent damage from loose objects.^[1]

A custom-made Max-7 Rono could be launched from a ramp that had a track and overhead rail. The weight had to be calibrated before launch so the adjusted thrust ratio could be calculated and allow takeoff. The weight could be determined via a load clutch handle that was next to the booster throttle, which would display the weight on a gauge.^[5]

History

The Imperial Max-7 Rono docked on a rail mounting in the cargo bay of the Aldhani dam

One Max-7 Rono was located at the Imperial base on Aldhani in a hangar bay behind the dam's payroll vault. Cassian Andor learned that he would be piloting it during a rebel mission on Aldhani as it would be their escape craft.^[2] During the heist, the infiltrator team indeed reached the hangar as planned but they were attacked by base personnel under Corporal Kimzi mid-loading and suffered a casualty which forced them to retreat inside the freighter. Cassian then proceeded to launch the Rono through the tunnel and fly it directly into the Eye of Aldhani as instructed by Karis Nemik, successfully evading three pursuing TIE fighters and escaping to hyperspace. The rebel team used the freighter to reach their doctor on the moon Frezno, where they split ways with the team leader Vel getting to keep the Rono.^[3]