Type 9/10 for Exploration?

its surprisingly quick, tough, has great jump range and has the open cockpit. But no fighter bay (useful for certain dangerous NSPs) and needs a large pad.
I once made an explorer out of a Keelback so that I could use the SLF, but the novelty wore off pretty quickly. An SLF is very limited for exploring thanks to that stupid telepresence tether (limited range) and the inability to land. As for a large pad requirement, I never found that an issue when out exploring. Where I go, there are no "pads" except on my fleet carrier.

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Yeah, did a lot of traveling in my Type 6 as my first exploration ship, according to my stats just a little over 230,000ly, it's got a nice view, turns really nicely and can land just about anywhere, if you want a Lakon for an explorer and don't need a huge cargo capacity the Type 6 is the one you want.
Seconded (or thirded, or however many. Type 6 is a gorgeous exploration ship - great view, easy to land, good ground clearance for the SRVs. I'd consider a Keelback though (and not just because I really like them) - all the fun of a T6, plus an SLF if you want to zoom around a bit.
 
I once made an explorer out of a Keelback so that I could use the SLF, but the novelty wore off pretty quickly. An SLF is very limited for exploring thanks to that stupid telepresence tether (limited range) and the inability to land. As for a large pad requirement, I never found that an issue when out exploring. Where I go, there are no "pads" except on my fleet carrier.

I wish FDev would introduce an explorer SLF - landable, and with a data/composition scanner. That'd be a great addition for neglected explorers.

(EDIT - no weapons in an explorer SLF, obviously)
 
I wish FDev would introduce an explorer SLF - landable, and with a data/composition scanner. That'd be a great addition for neglected explorers.

(EDIT - no weapons in an explorer SLF, obviously)
And now that the game supports true multicrew, let us actually climb in and pilot an SLF / SLE rather than remote control it, thus removing the distance limit from the mothership. I would find such an SLE incredibly useful, more useful than the SRV (especially when coupled with Odyssey's space legs).

The only problem I would have is that none of my favorite exploration ships (T7, Dolphin, and Orca) can carry an SLF. Maybe it's time to introduce the T8 - a T7 with a medium hard point and an SLF / SLE bay 🤗
 
The only problem I would have is that none of my favorite exploration ships (T7, Dolphin, and Orca) can carry an SLF. Maybe it's time to introduce the T8 - a T7 with a medium hard point and an SLF / SLE bay 🤗
A 58-Ly Mk II with all bells, whistles and a fighter would be perfectly OK for doing exo scans. I like this idea! :love:
 
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A Krait II will obviously be an easy choice. It is truly a multi-role ship. I will not need any other ship with this one. But........ it is not lakon.
In Krait's defence, I did fly it for a bit. Cant beat the great cockpit lower view, perfect for exploration. Minor details but cant stand the loose wire and duck tape on the deck. With Krait's ability, I can literally fold all of my 3 ships into one and stick with it for rest of my ED life and do everything I like to do. I may sound like why not just pick up a krait then? I never getting rid of my DBX or Crusader. Having a krait just seems redundant. If crusader had just a tad bit more jump range and cargo space, I would not be even looking for a 3rd ship.

As for SLF, there was a time I used my crusader fitted with SLF during an explo session. The 50km limit was a real bummer. It would not have been a problem with formation flying ability, but my crusader kept falling behind as I was zooming over the surface on the SLF. Suffice to say, I dumped the hanger first chance I got. We really need an exploration specific SLF.

I have engineered 4A thrusters in my DBX to go fast and skim the surface or to do canyon run. In my current DBX I have sacrificed guardian fsd booster for a 4G SRV bay and still was able to fit 2 AFMU. Besides the small fuel scoop, it is a good explo ship.

I finally see some serious T7 feedback! I will be ok with not being able to dock at outpost. There are still plenty of stations, planet settlement to trade with. According to ship mock build, it does carry good amount of cargo and pax. I wont be doing any deep core mining but for everything else it is more than doable.

Perhaps i should edit the title and include T7 there :D
 
Again, Type-6 (60 ly jump with the CG size 4 FSD, 55 with the normal one)
But that's an exploration build, no space for fluff like repair limpets or cargo - but you can still fit them if you drop the SCA and ADC and use a size 2 AFMU.

I see that you also mention mining?
Both T6 and T7 are crippled because the lack any medium slots.
Mining is ok in a Type-9, but if you dont fit a SLF you'll not have any defenses (except shields ofc...)
Or in a Type-10, but you'll have crap cargo capacity
 
So.......... my ship dealer was kind enough to work out a financing deal and just delivered a brand new Type-9 with tactical ice paint job as requested!

Took it out for a spin, my first ever a truly Large ship experience. SC is slow no doubt, but definitely something I can live with. I did not replace any of the default factory modules yet. I am sure everything will be just better once engineered with higher classes.

I did a planet landing. It is not DBX obviously, but not bad as I thought it would be. I use VR, so sitting in the cockpit came as a shock. I am used to the confinement of DBX and crusader. But this....... simply massive. I am going to give this a go for few days while do some engineering. I will make my final decision then if I want to keep it for good.

Not to mention I need to haul some biowaste to make money. That 8C fuel scoop is not cheap! Welcome to the club of big spender. :D
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Quite many people used t-9/10s for DW2. And i can say that both ships have very good cockpit view. And with the new CG pre-enginered FSD one can actually boost t-9 to 50+ Lys.
Since I have never done CG and the FSD reward CG is already over, I am assuming it is not an option for me.

It looks like the hope for using SLF for fun is out of question too with T9. The city block could not keep up. Well I knew it was going to have an issue, but wanted to try it anyway since I am kicking the tires of T9. Or is it kicking the landing struts. :D Lets just say I wont be canyon running any time soon in T9.
I must admit, It is big!
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I AM noticing the slowness of T9 more and more as I have been doing bunch of surface landings. Did anybody know that the Advanced Docking computer can auto land on surface too???? I Did not know. It was cool to auto land this thing. Felt it was appropriate for this size ship.

Here are 3 exploration builds I am shooting for. The DBX build is what I currently have and use it. I am debating between Type-9 and 7. Objectively, DBX has everything I need for a long term exploration, really. If I dont mind dropping the FSD booster in DBX, I can even have a 4G SRV hanger. Has the speed for surface running, has the looks and cockpit view not bad either. It is not type 9/7 cockpit view, but still.

Type-9 Explo

Type-7 Explo

DBX Explo

I took the Type 9 to an asteroid field few hours back. Just to try flying in between rocks for mining. I think I destroyed more rocks by hitting into them then I would have with lasers. :D Perhaps an A rated thruster would be helpful? Any thought?
 
Perhaps an A rated thruster would be helpful?
A stock T9 (with the default E class thrusters) can pitch and roll 20 degrees per second, and yaw 8 degrees per second.

With A rated thrusters it becomes 22 degrees per second and 9 degrees per second.

With Grade 5 Dirty Drives and Drag Drives, it becomes 30 degrees per second and 12 degrees per second.

That's in normal space. In Supercruise it will make no difference.
 
Ive taken a T10 to Sag A without an issue, in fact it was a blast.
Yes it handles like an old Jag but i had a modest 43LY jump with over 670 fuel range and an 8A fuel scoop which has removed some stars from the map.
Best thing was the view, easily on par with my explorerluga.

O7
 
Recently I've made this build out of boredom:


2 SRVs, 2 SLFs for remote camera shots and zooming in canyons. And just -5ly jump range less than the max available for the ship of 49ly.

I wouldn't build it, but I know there are special guys loving bricks with spoilers.
 
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