Ships Top 10 Exploration ships!

[CMDRQuainMarln]

So i have a problem

Im sitting out in OOCHORRS GY-D C14-0 waiting for Bob to fly past to get a picky and im thinking 'its been a few months since ive been away from the bubble'.
Ive been re-reading Premonition and ive never seen the Zurara sooooo i suddenly get itchy on the old Gal Map and see its only 11.5k LY away.
Normally its a no brainer, grab the Annie or my beloved Luga but instead i decide to take a smaller craft for a laugh.

Sitting dusty in one of the carrier hangers is what i can only describe as an ex girlfriend, she helped me when i first started by mining Painite to buy a Python (my stepping stone to the Annie) she helped me fend off those pesky sentinels whilst i gathered guardian stufz (©BottomHat) for all those exploration module goodies.
After that my head was turned by a more streamlined, sleeker looking, posher model and shes sat neglected with only the occasional one night stand ever since.

I lobbed in an AFMU and set off in what is still essentially just an armed materials gatherer.
Why Why Why did i dump her?
She has been a joy to fly out here and will get a full upgrade when im back at the carrier, i was going to take the Luga out to SPHIESI next month, ive changed my mind.

Spoiler: Baby Come Back

O7

I never really loved the Asp X first time around due what I found to be the invasive propeller thruster sounds. Then I started a second account and bought an Asp X again, as most would when you don't have the credits for something bigger.
I swear Fdev have toned down the propeller sound to something more subtle. I loved flying the Asp X and I went to Colonia in it, exploring on route, for engineer unlocks.
The Phantom is still my favourite, but I'd never argue with anyone over their preference for the Asp X. The cockpit view cannot be matched by any of the other long jumping options.

 

[angusmadmac1]

No clipper ?? Interesting .
The fin has more than heat it's also good manoeuvrability.
The Annie is a terrible ship yes it has the biggest jump but that's it .
It's all relative , I have a few explorers
Dolphin 60lyr( first trip to beagle 44)
Clipper 52 lyr
Orca 65 lyr
Courier 46 lyr
Asp X 68
Krait phantom 68
These mostly are engineered to run away quickly if required and have decent shields as I crash a lot .
Buts it's personal as I don't even own an Annie..
I look at cockpits and the ones I like I use and then engineer for exploration . Jump range isnt the be all or end all in exploration . It helps out when high or low or at the edges of the arms but even my fin managed to jump to the blue snowball and my clipper got me to admundsens star ... Just my thoughts

 

[Greasetrap42]

I never really loved the Asp X first time around due what I found to be the invasive propeller thruster sounds. Then I started a second account and bought an Asp X again, as most would when you don't have the credits for something bigger.

The propeller sounds always bothered me too. But since I travel & explore with ED sound turned off it doesn't matter.

I listen to my own music or talk shows while exploring.

 

[Helmut Grokenberger]

I have played around with exploration builds recently, and the two anomalies in Oochorrs aund Slegi gave me a chance to test them out for at least a bit of a distance. I have a few explorer(ish) builds: A Beluga and a Dolphin as pure explorers, an iCourier with enhanced performance thrusters that is more for short range and fun, and a Krait Phantom that was outfitted for proper exploration in the past, but has changed more into a science vessel than an explorer.

I had an Anaconda as my "luxury" exploration vessel full with everything you might need and still jumping almost 70 Ly, and I did a few trips in it, but it dismantled it, because its handling being so sluggish... I began hating it. I just can't get along with the Anaconda.

So I stripped the anaconda and put everything (and more) into the Beluga hull I had stored... and I love it! It's the archetype of luxury exploration. The supercruise handling is superb, it jumps 52 Ly, and I can bring everything I might need for exploration including two SRVs, and two fighters for fun, and still have somewhat decent shields and hull (with engineering, of course).

It needed some work, because it tended to overheat while scooping or boosting, but I got that managed (so well I could swap the heat sink for a shield booster). Now I can sit comfortably at maximum scoop rate with the heat never exceeding 66%. With the 128t fuel tank you can jump forever before you need to scoop, but I sized it down to 64t for a bit of jump range and agility. I also have to manage the power a bit, but I tend to turn off everything I don't need anyway. Here is the current version of the build.

My second favorite of the bunch is the Dolphin. Compared to the Beluga it is more bare bones and has paper shields and hull, but it has one amazing advantage, which is speed (in the "Kessel run" sense). Being able to charge the FSD while scooping makes it exellent for traveling large dinstances quickly. My dolphin does 58 Ly at the moment, and the chirping it does when decelerating is just plain funny. And it is cheap. This is the build.

As said, my Phantom is more a science vessel than an explorer. It lacks an AFMU and compromises the jump range for bringing as much gear as possible and being armed. It still does 58 Ly and is fun to fly, but at some point I got tired of the Krait cockpit and flying an explorer "meta", so I built the Saud Krugers and modified the Phantom to be more "science-y". Here is my Phantom build.

With barnard's loop being fairly close, I've made the trip to the first anomaly about half a dozen times, or maybe more; I never bothered taking my carrier out there, because I can jump to the Oochorrs anomaly in less time than it takes three carrier jumps (and it is cheaper) and I can still be back in the bubble for dinner in time. I've done the trips in the Beluga, the Dolphin and the Phantom. I also did the trip from Oochorrs to Slegi to search for the second anomaly in the Beluga.

I have to say, the Beluga is my favorite hands down at the moment. The Phantom is a Phantom, the Dolphin is fun and fast, but the Beluga is just amazing. Very nimble for its size, great range and such an amazing view out of the canopy. It does have the drawback of being tough to get into the mailslot... but there are no mailslots out in the black . My biggest concern was getting interdicted in the Beluga, but so far that wasn't an issue.

(edited for spelling)

 

[Darrack]

My

I have played around with exploration builds recently, and the two anomalies in Oochorrs aund Slegi gave me a chance to test them out for at least a bit of a distance. I have a few explorer(ish) builds: A Beluga and a Dolphin as pure explorers, an iCourier with enhanced performance thrusters that is more for short range and fun, and a Krait Phantom that was outfitted for proper exploration in the past, but has changed more into a science vessel than an explorer.

I had an Anaconda as my "luxury" exploration vessel full with everything you might need and still jumping almost 70 Ly, and I did a few trips in it, but it dismantled it, because its handling being so sluggish... I began hating it. I just can't get along with the Anaconda.

So I stripped the anaconda and put everything (and more) into the Beluga hull I had stored... and I love it! It's the archetype of luxury exploration. The supercruise handling is superb, it jumps 52 Ly, and I can bring everything I might need for exploration including two SRVs, and two fighters for fun, and still have somewhat decent shields and hull (with engineering, of course).

It needed some work, because it tended to overheat while scooping or boosting, but I got that managed (so well I could swap the heat sink for a shield booster). Now I can sit comfortably at maximum scoop rate with the heat never exceeding 66%. With the 128t fuel tank you can jump forever before you need to scoop, but I sized it down to 64t for a bit of jump range and agility. I also have to manage the power a bit, but I tend to turn off everything I don't need anyway. Here is the current version of the build.

My second favorite of the bunch is the Dolphin. Compared to the Beluga it is more bare bones and has paper shields and hull, but it has one amazing advantage, which is speed (in the "Kessel run" sense). Being able to charge the FSD while scooping makes it exellent for traveling large dinstances quickly. My dolphin does 58 Ly at the moment, and the chirping it does when decelerating is just plain funny. And it is cheap. This is the build.

As said, my Phantom is more a science vessel than an explorer. It lacks an AFMU and compromises the jump range for bringing as much gear as possible and being armed. It still does 58 Ly and is fun to fly, but at some point I got tired of the Krait cockpit and flying an explorer "meta", so I built the Saud Krugers and modified the Phantom to be more "science-y". Here is my Phantom build.

With barnard's loop being fairly close, I've made the trip to the first anomaly about half a dozen times, or maybe more; I never bothered taking my carrier out there, because I can jump to the Oochorrs anomaly in less time than it takes three carrier jumps (and it is cheaper) and I can still be back in the bubble for dinner in time. I've done the trips in the Beluga, the Dolphin and the Phantom. I also did the trip from Oochorrs to Slegi to search for the second anomaly in the Beluga.

I have to say, the Beluga is my favorite hands down at the moment. The Phantom is a Phantom, the Dolphin is fun and fast, but the Beluga is just amazing. Very nimble for its size, great range and such an amazing view out of the canopy. It does have the drawback of being tough to get into the mailslot... but there are no mailslots out in the black . My biggest concern was getting interdicted in the Beluga, but so far that wasn't an issue.

(edited for spelling)

Luga has been my main explorer for ages if i am doing any sort of long distance but nothing on it is downgraded, thus it only just jumps a tad over 50LY but has a 5A fuel scoop as i found a 4a took ages to fill that tank

O7

 

[Dragsham]

I just love the krait ll.
It's boost with default pips is fab. Combined with nasty pacifiers and long range rails she's a show stopper.
Armoured powerplant and a fancy fsd.
Reactive hull Armoured too and a hangar for my buggy doing exo.
She's located near the fc. So a small scoop and a few other bits n bobs she's all ready for just about anything.
37ly range too.. with a gfsd booster
Fast charging biweaves and a few g5 boosters.
Atm blitzing settlements for mats.
Last week mapping in the black. Whatever...she's got it nailed.
Best multipurpose vessel ingame.
160t cargo too for smuggling.
Flys fab

 

[Helmut Grokenberger]

Yeah, I have a 6A scoop for exact that reason. I had to go with 7D thrusters instead of 7A because I couldn't power the 7A with a low emission power plant (which it definitely needs). I also downgraded the PD to 5D with engine focused, it gives me permaboost with 3 pips and almost permaboost with 2. Although it saves 32 tons against a 6A it doesn't really matter jump range-wise, but I had it in stock (and no engineered 6A).

 

[Ashnak]

I just love the krait ll.
It's boost with default pips is fab. Combined with nasty pacifiers and long range rails she's a show stopper.

Yes. Krait II with Pacifiers. it almost doesn't matter what you put into the two medium hardpoints, as long as you can take out the small fry with it. Pacs against a Viper or Eagle with fast recharging shields are suboptimal.

 

[Kort]

I took my Asp X on the Distant Worlds II expedition. It carried everything I needed and had an excellent jump range (Pre-Guardian FSD booster). Although when I finished the return trip there was absolutely no paint left on the bow of the ship.

 

[Dragsham]

Pacs against a Viper or Eagle with fast recharging shields are suboptimal.

Ohh thought about this...now these pacifiers are G5 double shot screening shell..that is to say, they hit like a train.
X3 large!
So..as l said the long range super pen rails serve well vs larger ships too.
But as you pointed out against a nipper!! Mmm so.
Suggestions !
I've opted for a temporary fix.
2 G5 double shot screening shell turreted frag cannons.
Just the sheer shower is fab.

 

[Helmut Grokenberger]

Who do you want to shoot with your pacifiers out in the black? Bacteria?

 

[chuckdm]

My only feedback is that I'm happy to see someone who included the Dolphin.

It actually makes for an excellent long haul explorer, though! The combination of a size 4 FSD with a size 5 fuel scoop means it can deep scoop very quickly. The ample internals (for a small pad ship) leave enough room for a size 4 Guardian FSD booster, a size 4 vehicle hangar (so an extra SRV for that moment when you fail to stick the landing), a shield, a small cargo rack, a repair limpet controller, an AFMU, AND a DSS. It's the smallest ship that has room for ALL the things you need for infinite exploration. On top of that, the view is one of the most unobstructed in the game, and the size and shape are perfect for landing on those long narrow mountain ridges the galaxy forge loves to coat every planet with. Last, you can mount size 5 thrusters on a ship that's 90t lighter than a Vulture, so it handles like an absolute dream.

I fly a Challenger these days (as a hybrid combat explorer) but bar none the Dolphin is one of, if not the best exploration ships in the game. I would've put it at #1 or #2, but I'm happy to see it listed at all. It's criminal how often it is ignored entirely.

 

[Northpin]

My only feedback is that I'm happy to see someone who included the Dolphin.

... On top of that, the view is one of the most unobstructed in the game...

Are we talking about the Dolphin? Most unobstructed view? With those thick A pillars?
Dont get me wrong, everything is perfect about the Dolphin as an exploration ship, except the cockpit view, which seriously is ruining it for me.

Type-6 is one of the most overlooked ships for exploration, it has an almost perfect view, really nice internals, almost the same size as the Dolphin (a bit shorter but also a bit wider.) so easi landings everywhere.
The only issue with Type-6 is that it can run really hot so it needs well designed build while the Dolphin was god-modded to run cool no matter what.

 

[CMDRQuainMarln]

My only feedback is that I'm happy to see someone who included the Dolphin.

It actually makes for an excellent long haul explorer, though! The combination of a size 4 FSD with a size 5 fuel scoop means it can deep scoop very quickly. The ample internals (for a small pad ship) leave enough room for a size 4 Guardian FSD booster, a size 4 vehicle hangar (so an extra SRV for that moment when you fail to stick the landing), a shield, a small cargo rack, a repair limpet controller, an AFMU, AND a DSS. It's the smallest ship that has room for ALL the things you need for infinite exploration. On top of that, the view is one of the most unobstructed in the game, and the size and shape are perfect for landing on those long narrow mountain ridges the galaxy forge loves to coat every planet with. Last, you can mount size 5 thrusters on a ship that's 90t lighter than a Vulture, so it handles like an absolute dream.

I fly a Challenger these days (as a hybrid combat explorer) but bar none the Dolphin is one of, if not the best exploration ships in the game. I would've put it at #1 or #2, but I'm happy to see it listed at all. It's criminal how often it is ignored entirely.

Can you get a Dolphin up to 63ly unladen jump range?

Coriolis EDCD Edition

A ship builder, outfitting and comparison tool for Elite Dangerous

s.orbis.zone

It's my benchmark as that is the required jump range to get to one of my favourite exploration locations - Far Oasis in The Abyss.
For me this relegates the Dolphin to in bubble taxi, which the DBX can do quicker due to better jump range and it doesn't need to fuel scoop for those distances.
If I could get the jump range out of a Dolphin, I'd use it. I just can't find a role for it. The Orca jumps further so works better for those long distance passenger missions.

 

[Northpin]

Can you get a Dolphin up to 63ly unladen jump range?

If you put the Colonia Bridge 4A FSD, you can get to 65+

 

[CMDRQuainMarln]

If you put the Colonia Bridge 4A FSD, you can get to 65+

I know, but that won't be an option for most commanders, and the one I have is fitted to a Cobra I transferred to Colonia - where I keep my one Orca.
I don't think we will see other sizes of preengineered FSD at human tech brokers since it would make Felicity and Elvira mostly redundant.

 

[Helmut Grokenberger]

Are we talking about the Dolphin? Most unobstructed view? With those thick A pillars?
Dont get me wrong, everything is perfect about the Dolphin as an exploration ship, except the cockpit view, which seriously is ruining it for me.

Maybe it's a VR thing, but up to your post I didn't even remember those pillars. In VR at least, the view out of the Dolphin (and the Beluga as well) is amazing, and I don't ever notice the pillars.

Can you get a Dolphin up to 63ly unladen jump range?

Coriolis EDCD Edition

A ship builder, outfitting and comparison tool for Elite Dangerous

s.orbis.zone

It's my benchmark as that is the required jump range to get to one of my favourite exploration locations - Far Oasis in The Abyss.
For me this relegates the Dolphin to in bubble taxi, which the DBX can do quicker due to better jump range and it doesn't need to fuel scoop for those distances.
If I could get the jump range out of a Dolphin, I'd use it. I just can't find a role for it. The Orca jumps further so works better for those long distance passenger missions.

If you accept some compromises, of course. My Dolphin linked does 58 Ly, but it has some luxuries like bringing Xeno stuff, a collector limpet controller, A-Rated shields and A-rated long range sensors, and I bring a laser to tickle stuff and a mining laser just in case. If I drop some stuff, D-rate others and downgrade PD and PP I get 63.92 Ly fully fueled. That's with the double engineered FSD, of course. A normal one gets the build to 59.2 Ly. Which is still excellent for that ship.

 

[Northpin]

Maybe it's a VR thing

Maybe, no VR here - and i do find those pillars extremely limiting. That cockpit design basically ruined the ship to me.
I pretty much prefer to use a DBX or a Type-6

 

[Helmut Grokenberger]

oh, I didn't even lightweight the life support. If you add that it gets 64,88 Ly fueled.

 

[Helmut Grokenberger]

Maybe, no VR here - and i do find those pillars extremely limiting. That cockpit design basically ruined the ship to me.
I pretty much prefer to use a DBX or a Type-6

sometimes it's a little single thing that can ruin things for you. That's why, in my tryout phase, I owned the FDL for all of five minutes. Didn't even take it out the hangar. Bought it, sat in it, hated it, sold it.