The Heron is built around a cylindrical body with drive systems at rear, and living quarters up front. Cargo is stored centrally for easy access, with most of the central body opening for access. The total length is 20m, and it is 9m wide.

Based on a much earlier design from before the Second Imperium, the Heron is simply a box with an engine fitted to the back. Designed for interplanetary travel, it has no aerodynamic properties, and is incapable of landing.

Because of the simplicity of design, modern versions sometimes replace the primitive ion drive with a plasma torch. This is a simple design change, which greatly improves speed and range.