A Cutter is already very capable at combat. Although maneuverability is a huge factor when it comes to combat, its not as important when it comes to a tank.
Small ships: Will have a very hard time with a Cutter, because of its massive shields/SCB's. Its a lot to go through and if you somehow manage to get those shields down with a Viper, odds are that you wont get through the hull. The reason is two fold. First is because the Cutter has the highest "armor hardness" and small/medium sized hardpoints simply arent very effective. Second reason, the shields are so big, you will need to use mostly energy weapons to get them down, because of this I personally use mirrored bulkheads. So not only would the Vipers small/medium hardpoints not be as effective due to armor hardness, they would be further negated by the mirrored bulkheads, making it potentially more difficult to take the hull down, than it is to take its massive shields down.
Medium ships: Such as FDL/FAS would be the most effective vs a Cutter, because they can field large/huge hardpoints and are also durable and maneuverable. These ships will however be a threat to any ship, including a Corvette, which most would consider to be a pure combat vessel.
Large ships: Will also have a hard time with a Cutter as shields/armor hardness still come into play, but more importantly the Cutters top speed gives it a huge advantage vs the other 2 big ships. You can control the battle and engage your target when you see fit and your target does not have that same option. Also if things get hairy you can always back off, get some distance to let your shield come back up, pop an SCB and get back into combat if the situation is right. Or you can just easily retreat all together.
So I would say a Cutter improvement is very unlikely as it doesnt need one.
Small ships: Will have a very hard time with a Cutter, because of its massive shields/SCB's. Its a lot to go through and if you somehow manage to get those shields down with a Viper, odds are that you wont get through the hull. The reason is two fold. First is because the Cutter has the highest "armor hardness" and small/medium sized hardpoints simply arent very effective. Second reason, the shields are so big, you will need to use mostly energy weapons to get them down, because of this I personally use mirrored bulkheads. So not only would the Vipers small/medium hardpoints not be as effective due to armor hardness, they would be further negated by the mirrored bulkheads, making it potentially more difficult to take the hull down, than it is to take its massive shields down.
Medium ships: Such as FDL/FAS would be the most effective vs a Cutter, because they can field large/huge hardpoints and are also durable and maneuverable. These ships will however be a threat to any ship, including a Corvette, which most would consider to be a pure combat vessel.
Large ships: Will also have a hard time with a Cutter as shields/armor hardness still come into play, but more importantly the Cutters top speed gives it a huge advantage vs the other 2 big ships. You can control the battle and engage your target when you see fit and your target does not have that same option. Also if things get hairy you can always back off, get some distance to let your shield come back up, pop an SCB and get back into combat if the situation is right. Or you can just easily retreat all together.
So I would say a Cutter improvement is very unlikely as it doesnt need one.
Last edited: