There were several threads for tractor beams. This seems to have been the first, http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/1421.

I think the idea is worth revisiting as a way for players to unstuck NPC ships that get stuck to astroids. I've had this happen several times in my convoys, and I've had to end up aborting the mission because it just seems to stay stuck for such a long time. Bumping the stuck ship gets you a rather harsh response as it is seen as an attack; although I have seen people post on 100 that they successfully "bumped" a stuck ship free, I've never had such luck.

Maybe there is another solution to the stuck NPC, maybe an option to 'abandon' a convoy member once you become the 'owner' of the convoy. Abort shouldn't be your only option.

Instead of ramming at it, approach slowly and stand between the NPC and roid/station (yes, they get stuck in stations too). So, to avoid ramming at you, they detour.

And Tractor beams are not a solution to this. Just imagine a stuck trident, and you in a Hog. Doesn't work.

It was better if you could order the convoy to group around your ship. Like a "Form on me" command to convoys you're escorting.