I've spent the last two weeks hopping around with the Beluga and agonizing over its build - and every time I am coming to the realization it is outclassed in its own job of ferrying passengers by any of the Big 3 and even the Python.
The only perk the ship has is a ridiculous fuel tank and a fair jump range which realistically isn't enough to justify its use over other ships that can carry the same or more passengers safer.
I would like to argue for two key changes to the Beluga to make it competitive in the area it should be.
First is changing some of the internal slots;
Allow it to fit a Size 7 Powerplant.
One of the major issues with the Beluga is heat, and since the heat generation is tied to its powerplant and power consumption, gaining a larger powerplant would help.
Upgrade the two Size 5 Passenger cabins to Size 6.
The Anaconda and Cutter can easily carry more passengers than the Beluga with very little lost, and this would go a long way in helping the Beluga fit the liner role if it had more space.
Upgrade one of the smaller (Size 3 or 4) slots to Size 5.
There is few precious space for other optional equipment in the Beluga, needing a shield and the ability for a Fighter is hardly justified when it uses one of its two precious Size 6 slots.
This can also allow the option of a smaller Shield to expand passengers further.
The internal changes will give the Beluga the top spot for Passengers with up to 6x Size 6 slots without making it tip over into the trader or multipurpose territory too much.
Second is changing the mass of the ship as it is not in line with other liners;
I would argue cutting the weight of the Beluga in Half like the Orca had received to make it fit in line with it.
This would have the added benefit of buffing shields, allowing smaller shields to be fit and help increase the jump range to distinguish it more with 500 less tonnes of weight.
This will also help beef up its speed which is currently a slow oddity compared to the Dolphin or Orca despite its impressive handling.
If anything the lower weight would allow it to be a competitive explorer with an impressive jump range challenging the Anaconda and make it a good pick for the long distance passengers.
Until the Beluga sees some or preferably all these changes I feel the Beluga is likely to remain parked for most as its not a justifiable ship for the role it should be in.
The only perk the ship has is a ridiculous fuel tank and a fair jump range which realistically isn't enough to justify its use over other ships that can carry the same or more passengers safer.
I would like to argue for two key changes to the Beluga to make it competitive in the area it should be.
First is changing some of the internal slots;
Allow it to fit a Size 7 Powerplant.
One of the major issues with the Beluga is heat, and since the heat generation is tied to its powerplant and power consumption, gaining a larger powerplant would help.
Upgrade the two Size 5 Passenger cabins to Size 6.
The Anaconda and Cutter can easily carry more passengers than the Beluga with very little lost, and this would go a long way in helping the Beluga fit the liner role if it had more space.
Upgrade one of the smaller (Size 3 or 4) slots to Size 5.
There is few precious space for other optional equipment in the Beluga, needing a shield and the ability for a Fighter is hardly justified when it uses one of its two precious Size 6 slots.
This can also allow the option of a smaller Shield to expand passengers further.
The internal changes will give the Beluga the top spot for Passengers with up to 6x Size 6 slots without making it tip over into the trader or multipurpose territory too much.
Second is changing the mass of the ship as it is not in line with other liners;
I would argue cutting the weight of the Beluga in Half like the Orca had received to make it fit in line with it.
This would have the added benefit of buffing shields, allowing smaller shields to be fit and help increase the jump range to distinguish it more with 500 less tonnes of weight.
This will also help beef up its speed which is currently a slow oddity compared to the Dolphin or Orca despite its impressive handling.
If anything the lower weight would allow it to be a competitive explorer with an impressive jump range challenging the Anaconda and make it a good pick for the long distance passengers.
Until the Beluga sees some or preferably all these changes I feel the Beluga is likely to remain parked for most as its not a justifiable ship for the role it should be in.
