I can't find mention of it but ....

MarkSimpson UK · Dec 10, 2017

Has no-one requested a PLANETARY ship, with NO FSD, for transport and haulage within solar systems and as a general construction, colonisation and scientific reserch vessel?

I ask because, after a boring day scanning obscure TV channels, I stumbled across Gerry Anderson's "Space 1999" and was reaquainted with my dream ship, the "Eagle Transporter". What an amazing invention!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_Transporter

The main principle being, a basic space ship able to winch aboard many variants of the "shipping container" we know today. One variant, which I found interesting, was the extra boost engines mounted on the dorsal frame, for extra range, on the scientific research vessel.

eagle_transporter_ortho_3__new__by_unusualsuspex-d7ngncr.jpg

I know the "Eagle Transport" name has been taken, and the actual design might be copyrite protected, but the general principles, such as the dorsal back-bone frame, 4x feet with manouvering thrusters at the extreme corners, ability to wich containers/modules into the frame, and potential to ADD a short range FSD, for LOCAL travel, .....this would make a VERY popular ship to use in COLONIZING planets and BUILDING planetary communities! I would recommend the name "HARRIER", as the ability to carry heavy stuff and fly for long hours, searching and scavenge materials, seems appropriate. (also a mix of "hawk" and "carrier"?)
The principles have been around since the Vietnam war and the varients that led to the development of the Sikorsky S-64 "Skycrane".

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Let me know what you guys think, and if FDevs can acknowledge the idea and provide any feedback, I would be interested to see how our ideas vary?

Daynen · Dec 10, 2017

There's a catch 22 in your request: the FSD provides hyperspace and supercruise functions, making interstellar AND interplanetary travel possible. Without an FSD, you wouldn't get into orbit without some REALLY old-fashioned propulsion. Given the scope and scale of Elite Dangerous, I'm not sure such a system locked vessel would see much use among the playerbase, given how well current ships could fill that theoretical role. Besides, some ships have such short jump ranges *COUGHVULTURECOUGHCOUGH* that they may as well be system locked anyway.

Whatnow · Dec 10, 2017

Id like to see those out there too. Even if they are just npcs working around low grav bases and stations. Sort of as an upgraded skimmer type. Always liked their design.

MarkSimpson UK · Dec 10, 2017

Thanks Daymen! ...I'd forgotten about that FSD issue! Maybe a limited range FSD then? ...lol
As for the NPC ship idea, I was imagining just such a scenario as I was writing the OP! However, the idea of actually acquiring a plot on a planetoid and building my own settlement by collecting modules to actually position MYSELF, on the surface, ....well I find that too alluring! ...lol

The idea also occurs to me that, should a "slow motion" "Command & Conquer" style base builder be included in the immersion side of ED, then there would be a fantastic opportinity to include a more up-to-date version as a "bridge vessel"?

The idea goes something like this. First, use a landing pad to "deliver" modules to the surface. These modules would then be transferred to a marshalling area outside the landing area, where use of the new ship would entail lifting and placing those modules via winch. Plans could be acquuired from structural engineers, allowing surface AND subteranian facilities to be manouvered with maybe a specialist SRV? Sub-terranian facilities could be installed within mines excavated by other specialist SRV's?

This thread could start a whole NEW sub-culture WITHIN ED? "The Colonists"? ...lol

Daynen · Dec 11, 2017

That would be...interesting. Probably waaaaaay outside the scope of Elite Dangerous, but interesting nonetheless.

Jaiotu · Dec 11, 2017

In the original Elite the "Transporter" was described as performing this exact function.

MarkSimpson UK · Dec 11, 2017

I didn't know that Jaiotu! ...but then again, my association with version one was brief and over 30years ago. ....lol

fnberger · Dec 11, 2017

I believe there are residents of the planets and employees on the stations we're frequently visiting, tasked with all the boring sub-light logistics. Presumably at very low wages. Not sure if we'd want to compete here.

varonica · Dec 12, 2017

fnberger said:
I believe there are residents of the planets and employees on the stations we're frequently visiting, tasked with all the boring sub-light logistics. Presumably at very low wages. Not sure if we'd want to compete here.

What I want is the flying equivalent of the SRV. A planetary exploration craft, no FSD but a higher normal space speed, say 700mps due to not having to lump about that FSD stuff, one which will allow me to dismiss the mother ship just like we do with the SRV, more sensors and exploration gear, it doesn't need to carry an SRV, if I need one I just recall the mother ship.

MarkSimpson UK · Dec 12, 2017

varonica said:
What I want is the flying equivalent of the SRV. A planetary exploration craft, no FSD but a higher normal space speed, say 700mps due to not having to lump about that FSD stuff, one which will allow me to dismiss the mother ship just like we do with the SRV, more sensors and exploration gear, it doesn't need to carry an SRV, if I need one I just recall the mother ship.

Hmmmm ....you mean like a fighter, but with mining, lifting, passenger and cargo capabilities? ...that can work planet-side, whilst your main ship goes off into orbit to stand guard?

varonica · Dec 13, 2017

MarkSimpson UK said:
Hmmmm ....you mean like a fighter, but with mining, lifting, passenger and cargo capabilities? ...that can work planet-side, whilst your main ship goes off into orbit to stand guard?

Exactly that sort of thing. Sure you can use the fighter as a mini exploration vessel as well even though it isn't designed for it, but I gave up when I realised the range limit, I kept having to stop and wait for my ship to catch up, then the ship kept bouncing into the ground etc, not very practical. Just like the SRV, we need to be able to dismiss the ship while we explore. Doesn't necessarily need passenger space but I can imagine a crew of two for multi-crew, but mining planetside when that becomes useful yes, cargo for escape pods lifted using a cargo hook maybe. Currently we have a spaceship, and a ground vehicle for exploration, neither ideal for the middle bit, extended surface surveys.

NewBlacksmurf · Dec 13, 2017

I was thinking the other day the simple solution is a hybrid SRV with flying capabilities that fits in the hanger slot

-Keep the srv firing
-get rid of the srv wheel
-keep the 2 slot cargo, maybe offer 4
-allow up to two (with co-op options)
-apply all other srv functions

CMDR IPL Victim · Dec 13, 2017

Space 1999 Eagle, or something like the Space Above and Beyond / Space 2063 Endo-Exo Transatmospheric Interstellar Space Cargo Vehicle?

Yeah, elite has their own versions... just not in ED yet.

Limoncello Lizard · Dec 13, 2017

Jaiotu said:
In the original Elite the "Transporter" was described as performing this exact function.

I think you are meaning the Lifter.

Not so different to the Space 1999 Eagle, not really a surprise.

Justinian Octavius · Dec 13, 2017

Limoncello Lizard said:
I think you are meaning the Lifter.

http://wiki.alioth.net/img_auth.php/4/4f/Lifter.gif

Not so different to the Space 1999 Eagle, not really a surprise.

I always really liked the design of the Lifter & it would be cool to perhaps have a scaled up version for interplanetary transport in ED, it could actually make sense if FDev's mining update makes such a career path profitable enough to compete with the space bus. I suspect though that FDev have other ship priorities & probably rightly so as the Lifter isn't a Panther Clipper & most of the player base would probably prefer that for another ship from Elites past.

CMDR IPL Victim · Dec 13, 2017

Neowave said:
[snip] I suspect though that FDev have other ship priorities & probably rightly so as the Lifter isn't a Panther Clipper & most of the player base would probably prefer that for another ship from Elites past.

I don't know about that. If the thing was a small craft, say, between a fighter and sidewinder, that could be added as a parasite ship to a large ship... that may indeed be of interest and value to a good segment of the player base. At least, those who operate large ships and are prevented from interacting with certain facilities with said ship.

fnberger · Dec 14, 2017

On 2nd thought: Adding a secondary craft for planetary landing, exploration, mining to be carried in a ship's fighter bay shouldn't be too much of a problem. You would need that fighter bay and a crew to care for the ship while you're using the boat. Yes, why not.