Star Citizen Apollo Medivac Guide: Medical Beds, Crew, Price & Review

Star Citizen Apollo Medivac Guide: Medical Beds, Crew, Price & Review

The RSI Apollo Medivac is a dedicated medical rescue ship designed to recover injured players, provide onboard treatment, and support operations far from conventional medical facilities. Its defining advantage is a configurable medical bay that allows owners to prioritize treatment capability, patient capacity, or a combination of both.

In Alpha 4.10, the Medivac combines two medical modules, a two-person crew specification, 32 SCU of cargo capacity, and stronger defensive equipment than its sibling, the Apollo Triage. It is particularly relevant to medical organizations, ground-operation teams, and players who want a mobile treatment facility rather than a general-purpose transport.

Its main limitation is operational: medical beds do not retrieve casualties by themselves. A solo pilot must still land, reach the injured player, stabilize them, and get them aboard. Additional crew makes that process considerably easier, particularly in hostile territory.

The Medivac is therefore a specialized support ship with meaningful defensive equipment, not a combat vessel that happens to carry medical beds.

Apollo Medivac Specifications in Alpha 4.10

The following specifications describe the standard Apollo Medivac in Alpha 4.10. Medical capacity depends on the installed modules; the base vehicle record represents the six-Tier-3-bed configuration.

Specification Current Alpha 4.10
Manufacturer Roberts Space Industries
Ship class Size 5 medical support
Status Flight Ready
Crew 2
Length 73 m
Width 54 m
Height 14 m
Cargo capacity 32 SCU
Medical modules 2 configurable modules
Medical capacity Up to 6 Tier 3, 4 Tier 2, or 2 Tier 1 beds
SCM speed 175 m/s
NAV speed 1,000 m/s
Shields 14,400 HP
Missiles 16 × Size 2
Quantum fuel 9.40 SCU
Hydrogen fuel Approximately 19 SCU
Standard RSI pledge reference $290
In-game purchase price 8,295,210 aUEC

Sources: Apollo Medivac — Alpha 4.10 vehicle data and Apollo Medivac — Star Citizen Wiki .

The ship's dimensions make it substantially larger than a starter ambulance. Its size affects landing-site selection, approach planning, and how close a crew can safely position its medical facilities to an active engagement.

The 32 SCU capacity provides useful room for supplies and equipment, but it is not the reason to own the Medivac. Players looking primarily for cargo earnings will find more appropriate ships elsewhere.

Medical Beds and Modular Configuration

The Apollo Medivac's medical bay is its most important feature.

Rather than committing every owner to the same treatment layout, the ship uses two medical modules. Each module can accommodate one Tier 1 bed, two Tier 2 beds, or three Tier 3 beds.

The resulting configuration determines both how many patients can receive treatment simultaneously and which injuries the ship can fully treat.

Understanding the three medical tiers

Tier 1 beds provide the highest level of medical treatment and can address severe injuries that lower-tier beds cannot fully resolve.

Tier 2 beds treat moderate injuries and provide a middle ground between advanced treatment and patient capacity.

Tier 3 beds handle minor injuries and stabilization. They provide the greatest number of treatment positions per module.

Under current medical gameplay, all three tiers can also support regeneration, although their effective regeneration ranges differ.

The current Apollo reference lists regeneration distances of 750 million kilometers for Tier 1, 8,000 kilometers for Tier 2, and 50 kilometers for Tier 3. These distances are gameplay values rather than promises of unrestricted respawning under every circumstance.

A medical bed's regeneration range should not be confused with its treatment capability. Being able to respawn at a Tier 3 bed does not mean that bed provides Tier 1 treatment.

For organizations that expect severe casualties, retaining at least one Tier 1 module provides treatment options unavailable to lower-tier-only configurations.

A six-bed Tier 3 arrangement makes more sense when the priority is handling numerous lightly injured players. Four Tier 2 beds offer a compromise for teams that expect moderate injuries and want several treatment positions.

The important purchasing consideration is not simply the maximum number of beds. It is whether the configured medical bay matches the injuries and patient volume the crew actually expects to handle.

The practical value of a mixed medical bay

Consider a small ground team returning from a dangerous facility. One player has a severe injury, while several others need less intensive care.

An Apollo configured exclusively with Tier 3 beds may have plenty of patient capacity but lack the advanced treatment required by the most seriously injured team member.

A configuration containing Tier 1 and Tier 2 beds sacrifices some total capacity in exchange for a broader range of treatment options.

For an organization using the Medivac as a recurring expedition support ship, that flexibility may be more valuable than maximizing a single bed category.

The modular medical system also makes the Apollo useful beyond emergency pickups. It can serve as a temporary treatment point near an operation, reducing the need to transport every injured player back to a station or hospital.

Medical Rescue Gameplay: What the Apollo Actually Changes

A dedicated medical ship is most valuable when it shortens the distance between a casualty and appropriate treatment.

The Medivac can bring medical facilities closer to remote bunkers, exploration sites, fleet operations, and other locations where immediate access to a hospital is inconvenient.

However, the ship's medical capability begins to matter only after the patient reaches its treatment facilities.

A typical rescue still requires the crew to locate the casualty, assess the surrounding threat, stabilize the patient when necessary, transport them aboard, and select the appropriate medical bed.

This makes the ship part of a rescue operation rather than a complete rescue solution.

Medical drones are not an operational advantage

The Apollo's original concept included Shepherd MediLift medical drones intended to help retrieve patients.

That original concept should not be treated as a current feature.

The Star Citizen Wiki's development history records that, as of August 21, 2025, the drones were no longer a planned feature, although space was being retained for their potential future implementation.

For current gameplay, plan to recover patients manually using available medical and transport equipment.

Do not purchase the Medivac on the assumption that it can automatically retrieve incapacitated players from a battlefield.

That limitation has a particularly large impact on solo operation.

Can You Solo the Apollo Medivac?

Yes. A single player can pilot the Apollo Medivac and use its medical facilities, but solo operation becomes increasingly difficult as the rescue workload grows.

The Alpha 4.10 vehicle data lists a crew of two. That is the ship's crew specification, not a requirement to have two players aboard before it can fly.

A solo owner can use the ship as a mobile medical base for ground missions, bringing treatment facilities closer to dangerous locations and returning to the ship when injured.

Responding to another player's medical emergency is more demanding.

The pilot may need to leave the ship unattended, enter a hostile area, stabilize the casualty, transport them back, and operate the medical bay. If another threat arrives during that process, there is no second player available to manage the ship.

For routine independent medical support, solo ownership is practical. For frequent rescues involving multiple patients or active combat, it is less efficient.

Two-player medical operations

A two-person crew allows a more useful division of responsibilities.

One player can handle piloting, navigation, positioning, and ship security while the second focuses on patient recovery and treatment.

Both players can participate in medical work when the ship is safely landed or positioned away from immediate threats.

CIG's original RSI Apollo Q&A describes the two crew roles as flexible rather than permanently assigning one person to flying and the other to medicine.

In practice, the crew should decide who is responsible for recovering patients before approaching a dangerous location.

A rescue becomes harder to coordinate when both players leave the ship without a plan for extraction.

Is a larger crew useful?

Additional players can assist with ground security, patient transport, and simultaneous rescues, even though the ship's data lists two crew stations.

A larger rescue team does not automatically increase the medical bay's treatment capacity, however. That capacity remains determined by the installed modules.

For a small organization, the Medivac works well as part of a wider operation: the ship's crew maintains the treatment facility while ground personnel bring casualties to it.

Weapons, Armor, and Defensive Capability

The Medivac distinguishes itself from the Apollo Triage through its defensive equipment.

Current Alpha 4.10 data lists a remote turret with two Size 3 ballistic Gatlings, two additional Size 4 laser-repeater turrets, and 16 Size 2 missiles. Its standard shield pool is 14,400 HP.

These systems provide more options for responding to threats than the ship's medical role might suggest.

They do not turn the Apollo into a dedicated fighter.

Weapon layout

Weapon system Alpha 4.10 configuration
Remote turret 2 × Size 3 ballistic Gatlings
Additional turrets 2 × Size 4 laser repeaters
Missiles 16 × Size 2
Shield pool 14,400 HP

Source: Apollo Medivac — Alpha 4.10 vehicle data .

The remote turret's ballistic weapons introduce an ammunition consideration that a medical crew should not ignore. Extended combat can consume ammunition that must subsequently be replenished.

The laser-equipped turrets provide another defensive option, but their effective use still depends on weapon coverage, target positioning, and the ship's control arrangements.

The Medivac's missile capacity can help deter or engage threats during an extraction. Missiles also create a resupply cost if the ship repeatedly enters combat.

For a medical crew, those weapons are most useful for creating opportunities to disengage or protect a recovery operation.

Armor and survivability

The Apollo Medivac's armor is stronger than the Triage's in the current vehicle data.

The Medivac has 116,700 total reported ship HP, compared with 113,700 for the Triage. Both have the same reported 14,400 HP shield pool in the Alpha 4.10 reference data.

These values support the Medivac's more defensive design, but they should not be interpreted as a guarantee that it can survive concentrated fire from specialized combat ships.

Its effectiveness depends on the threat, the crew, available support, and how quickly it can withdraw.

A medical ship that remains exposed after completing a rescue risks losing both the vessel and its patients.

PvE and PvP practicality

In PvE, the Medivac makes sense as a support vessel for dangerous ground missions and group activities. Its medical facilities can help a team recover from injuries without returning to a major medical location after every encounter.

It is less attractive as a dedicated bounty-hunting ship. Its equipment and operating layout are built around medical support, and using it primarily for combat means paying for substantial facilities that do not contribute directly to completing combat objectives.

In PvP, the Medivac has a potentially valuable support role behind a protected frontline.

It can provide treatment and recovery for an organized group, but it should not be expected to function as an independent frontline combat ship.

When deployed near hostile players, escort vessels and secure landing positions are more important than attempting to win prolonged engagements with the Apollo itself.

Interior, Cargo, and Everyday Ownership

The Apollo's interior is designed around medical operations rather than conventional freight transport.

Its two medical modules occupy a central place in the ship's identity. The interior also includes crew accommodations, storage, and access arrangements needed for operating the medical facilities.

The Alpha 4.10 data records eight total beds in its six-Tier-3 medical configuration. Six are medical beds, leaving two other beds in the ship's overall count.

The medical beds should not be treated as additional permanent crew accommodations.

Cargo capacity

The Medivac carries 32 SCU across two separate 16 SCU cargo grids.

The current vehicle data lists a maximum cargo-box size of 2 SCU for each grid.

This arrangement is useful for transporting supplies, replacement equipment, and other smaller cargo items needed during extended operations.

It is less attractive for moving large containers or maximizing cargo profit.

The ship's available storage can also support medical teams carrying additional weapons, armor, and recovery equipment, although owners still need to consider the physical dimensions of what they intend to transport.

A 32 SCU figure does not establish that a particular ground vehicle can fit through the ship's entrances or be operated from its cargo area.

Quantum travel and operating range

The Medivac has 9.40 SCU of quantum fuel in the Alpha 4.10 vehicle data.

Its listed quantum drive is a Size 2 Odyssey, with a maximum quantum travel speed of approximately 238,000 km/s.

That gives the ship meaningful travel capability for operating between rescue locations and major settlements.

Long-distance medical operations still involve more than quantum range. Fuel reserves, treatment supplies, ammunition, repair access, and the availability of safe landing locations all influence how long a crew can remain deployed.

The Medivac is most useful when those considerations are planned before an emergency occurs.

Claim and replacement considerations

The current data lists an approximately 18.2-minute standard insurance claim time, reducible to around 4.6 minutes through expedition. The listed expedite cost is 9,370 aUEC.

These are current in-game replacement figures, not the insurance duration attached to a real-money pledge.

For players who rely on one medical ship to support an entire group, losing the Medivac can interrupt operations while the replacement becomes available.

A second medical-capable ship or access to nearby treatment facilities provides a useful contingency.

Apollo Medivac vs Apollo Triage

The Apollo Triage and Medivac share the same fundamental purpose: delivering medical facilities to locations where players need treatment.

Their main difference is how much emphasis they place on defensive capability.

The Triage offers a lower-cost entry into the Apollo platform, while the Medivac adds armor and missile capacity for operations where hostile encounters are more likely.

Specification Apollo Medivac Apollo Triage
RSI pledge reference $290 $260
Crew 2 2
Cargo 32 SCU 32 SCU
Shields 14,400 HP 14,400 HP
Reported total HP 116,700 113,700
Missiles 16 8
SCM speed 175 m/s 170 m/s
In-game purchase price 8,295,210 aUEC 7,541,100 aUEC

Sources: Apollo Medivac vehicle data and Apollo Triage vehicle data .

When the Medivac makes more sense

Choose the Medivac if your medical operations regularly involve hostile territory, contested landing areas, or situations where the ship might need to defend itself during an evacuation.

Its additional missiles and stronger armor offer greater defensive capability without requiring a substantially different medical workflow.

That makes it particularly relevant to organizations supporting FPS operations, group expeditions, and fleet activities.

The defensive improvements do not eliminate the need for escorts or safe landing procedures.

When the Triage makes more sense

The Triage is the more economical option for players who mainly want the Apollo's medical facilities.

It is worth considering when medical gameplay matters more than additional armor and missile capacity.

A player operating around comparatively secure locations may gain little from paying more for the Medivac's defensive emphasis.

Both ships use the Apollo's configurable medical concept, so the Medivac should not be purchased under the assumption that its higher price automatically provides a higher medical tier.

Apollo Medivac Price and Availability

The Apollo Medivac has an RSI standard pledge reference of $290 in the Alpha 4.10 vehicle database.

That is a pledge reference price, not a guarantee that RSI currently offers the ship for direct purchase at that price. The available records also include historical and special-edition entries, which should not be confused with a current standalone offer.

In-game purchase and rental

Alpha 4.10 purchase records list the Medivac at 8,295,210 aUEC at Teach's Ship Shop in Levski, Nyx.

The listed rental price is 218,295 aUEC, with reported rental locations including Levski, Lorville, Orison, and Area18. Availability and terminal inventories may change with subsequent updates.

Renting the ship can be a useful way to evaluate its interior, handling, and basic medical workflow before committing to ownership.

Players intending to use a particular medical configuration should also confirm that the required modules are available to them.

Buying through LTI Hangar

Players considering a real-money standalone ship can check the dedicated Apollo Medivac standalone ship product page .

The product listing is a separate commercial offer, not an RSI pledge-store price reference. Its current price, stock status, and included insurance must be checked on the individual listing.

Do not assume that every standalone ship package includes lifetime insurance or the same extras as another offer.

For players already holding an eligible pledge ship, a ship upgrade may also be worth comparing with a standalone purchase. Upgrade eligibility and the resulting insurance terms depend on the specific transaction.

Other Medical Ships Worth Considering

The Apollo Medivac is not the only practical way to support medical gameplay.

Its value depends partly on whether the owner needs a dedicated treatment facility, a more flexible everyday ship, or a much larger organization-support platform.

Drake Cutlass Red

Drake Cutlass Red

The Cutlass Red is an alternative for players who want a more compact ambulance for medical rescue and routine independent activities.

Its smaller footprint makes it an option for individual players who do not need the Apollo's modular medical capacity.

The Apollo is more appropriate when treatment flexibility and support for multiple patients are central to the intended role.

Anvil Carrack

Anvil Carrack

The Carrack combines medical facilities with a larger exploration platform and additional facilities for extended operations.

It is relevant to groups that want medical support as part of a broader expedition ship.

The trade-off is substantially greater ship size and crew overhead. Owners interested primarily in medical operations may find the Apollo's dedicated design more appropriate.

For a broader look at expedition support, see the Star Citizen Carrack Guide only if that exact article URL is part of your site's existing navigation.

Is the Apollo Medivac Worth It?

The Apollo Medivac is worth considering for players who intend to use medical gameplay regularly and want a dedicated treatment facility with stronger defensive equipment than the Apollo Triage.

Its configurable medical bay is the strongest reason to own it. Different module combinations allow a crew to prioritize advanced treatment, patient capacity, or a mix of both.

The ship is particularly suitable for medical organizations, group expedition support, and players who frequently respond to injuries away from major settlements.

Its defensive systems make it relevant to dangerous rescue operations, although they do not replace proper escort and extraction planning.

For a solo player who only occasionally needs medical facilities, the Medivac represents a substantial commitment to a specialized role. A more compact medical ship may be easier to justify.

Similarly, players seeking a general-purpose cargo ship or primary combat vessel will gain relatively little from the Apollo's defining features.

The Medivac makes the most sense when medical support is a regular part of your gameplay rather than an occasional convenience. Players who need the Apollo's medical capabilities but expect less combat exposure should also compare the Triage before paying for the Medivac's additional defensive equipment.

Apollo Medivac FAQ

Does the Apollo Medivac have Tier 1 medical beds?

Yes. The Apollo supports configurable medical modules, including Tier 1 beds. Two Tier 1 modules provide two advanced medical beds, while mixed configurations combine Tier 1 treatment with additional Tier 2 or Tier 3 capacity.

The standard vehicle record's six Tier 3 beds represent one configuration, not the maximum treatment tier available to the ship.

Can the Apollo Medivac respawn players?

Yes. Its medical beds can support regeneration under the applicable medical gameplay rules.

Regeneration range depends on the installed bed tier. Players also need the appropriate regeneration imprint and must satisfy the game's current respawn conditions.

Does the Apollo Medivac have working medical drones?

No. The original Shepherd MediLift drone concept is not an operational feature of the ship.

The Apollo's development history records that the drones were no longer a planned feature as of August 2025, although space was retained for their potential future implementation.

Can you buy the Apollo Medivac with aUEC?

Yes. Alpha 4.10 acquisition records list an in-game purchase price of 8,295,210 aUEC at Teach's Ship Shop in Levski.

Is the Apollo Medivac better than the Apollo Triage?

The Medivac provides additional armor and missile capacity, while the Triage has a lower pledge reference and in-game purchase price.

Both belong to the same medical ship family. The choice depends on whether the additional defensive equipment is useful for the owner's expected operations.

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