Ship Idea: Research Liner

[Drake]

So, the recent 'Exploration Vessel' topic gave me an idea for a character (a field scientist from the Cambridge Research Station), and from that character an idea for a new ship which, I believe, is lacking in the Discovery universe. A Research Liner.

I'm thinking Aegira (spelled correctly? probably not...) or Cambridge could have comissioned the design and creation of the new ship, specifically designed for taking scientists and researchers into hostile space (such as the Omicrons and Unknowns), surviving for indefinite periods of time, and hauling back research samples (such as Nomads and artifacts).

It should be in the Liner class of ships (hopefully Igiss will reconsider making all the liners nothing more than oversized transports), combining decent cargo with decent armaments. Since it's designed to travel outside of normal House space, it would need to be significantly smaller and more maneuverable than the current Liners so that it can maneuver through asteroid fields and such things. Maybe the size of a Kusari Destroyer, or something along those lines? Obviously it would sacrifice cargo and weaponry for the size difference... Maybe around 1300 cargo and 7 turrets (3 gunboat, 4 transport... if Igiss would allow it).

So, anyone else like the idea? Any opinions or ideas? Any modders want to volunteer to design it?