Advice for a planetary raider build

Rock Hunter

Rock Hunter
I’m looking to build a (preferably) small ship for planetary missions. Small simply because this is for a low budget account that’s trying to remain in small ships rather than drift inevitably into larger, less risky ships.

It‘s role would be to undertake most planetary missions, scanning bases, picking up scavenged cargo and attacking bases. It must also be capable of doing this entirely in Open so I’m looking for some speed, some decent shields (I will have access to Prismatics on this account in a couple of weeks) and in return I’m happy to forego jump range and fuel scoops. So instead of Increased Range on the FSD I’ll be using the Improved Boot time FSD and some shield boosters, chaff and heatsinks.

My first choice was a Cobra MkIII (which would allow me a scoop) but I’m now wondering about a DBS Scout with its extra utility mounts. The only weapon I’m planning to carry will be one dumbfire rocket as I’ll be running from player interaction rather than looking to engage in any battles.

Cobra MkIII rough build

DBS Scout rough build

I‘d be interested to know what you think may be missing, improved upon or what ship you may use in a similar role, particularly if you use it with player evasion in mind.

Cheers.
 

goemon

goemon
courier, yes!
DBS is also great for planetary missions down to it's cockpit and flight model (attack heli), but can#t beat couriers shield and speed with enhanced performance thrusters. (i'm still using a DBS)
 

Rock Hunter

Rock Hunter
I hadn't thought of the Courier as I wasn't planning on allying beyond Outsider ( Hera Tani) with the Empire....but it does hit my requirements. I'm not so sure about the Eagle beyond the small and cheap aspect.

I just don't know if my Cmdr will stand for any kow-towing to the self interests of any Powers. Better open another tab and bring up Coriolis again:geek:
 

Stealthie

Stealthie
With the same idea in mind, I've built a DBS and Cobra for the job.

Both are fine for limited use.
The problems start when you pester the same faction a lot, resulting in them becoming hostile and outposts open fire on you on sight.
Once that happens, there's only one ship that'll still get the job done easily.

O0usscn.png

+EDIT+

For comparison, here's my builds...

Cobra 3: https://s.orbis.zone/cixj
DBS: https://s.orbis.zone/cixk
Vulture: https://s.orbis.zone/cixl

The DBS and Cobra were built especially for doing sneaky surface stuff and I originally built them to run cold and pop HS's to stay hidden but it seems that once you're hostile to a faction they just start shooting at you anyway, which means all your stealthiness is a waste of time.
That means a Vulture, with it's superior potential for shields, is much more capable.
My Vulture is just a RES/CNB toy but surface missions don't even cause it to break a sweat, where I'd have to retreat and wait for my shield to recharge in the DBS or Cobra.
 
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dekot

D
Rock Hunter said:
I’m looking to build a (preferably) small ship for planetary missions. Small simply because this is for a low budget account that’s trying to remain in small ships rather than drift inevitably into larger, less risky ships.

It‘s role would be to undertake most planetary missions, scanning bases, picking up scavenged cargo and attacking bases. It must also be capable of doing this entirely in Open so I’m looking for some speed, some decent shields (I will have access to Prismatics on this account in a couple of weeks) and in return I’m happy to forego jump range and fuel scoops. So instead of Increased Range on the FSD I’ll be using the Improved Boot time FSD and some shield boosters, chaff and heatsinks.

My first choice was a Cobra MkIII (which would allow me a scoop) but I’m now wondering about a DBS Scout with its extra utility mounts. The only weapon I’m planning to carry will be one dumbfire rocket as I’ll be running from player interaction rather than looking to engage in any battles.

Cobra MkIII rough build

DBS Scout rough build

I‘d be interested to know what you think may be missing, improved upon or what ship you may use in a similar role, particularly if you use it with player evasion in mind.

Cheers.
Click to expand...
Sidewinder is the best planetside ship. It can land just about anywhere and with enough engineering can comfortably do all the things you listed. A lot of ships can do what you listed but sidewinder gets the edge because it's the smallest ship and it has an enjoyable flight model and now you can actually use it for something where it's relatively optimal instead of just using it for the sake of using it.

Also, just in case you didn't know, you should use advanced dumbfire racks, I know coriolis doesn't have that mod but it has the same fitting requirements and you get a lot more ammo. I suggest rapid-fire mod, you only need 1 launcher for surface attacks but 2 are symmetrical and look cooler.

And DBS is a popular pick but it's a superior machine that doesn't deserve to be relegated to a niche and support-type role.

Also, you don't need shields. Do get at least 1 MRP though, it's annoying if they damage your missiles.
 
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Mizbehave

M
One thing to berar in mind for planetary missions is that they are almost always illegal in the system in which the settlement is and that the fines get attached to your ship so for me the best choice is whatever is cheap and cheerful, cheap so you can easily afford the rebuys if you get jailed, blown up, or just fluff the landing, cheerful so you can have fun flying it - dekot's suggestion sounds good to me.

Also make sure you know where the nearest agent is so you can pay your fines quickly and easily

and maybe fit a heatsink for stealthy landings
 

Bottom Hat

Bottom Hat
Paul Smith the 3rd said:
I did that. Some missions were quit touch and go as the nose is 98m from the point there the "scanner" is.

The answer like always is 🙏FdL. I use it for the scan, explode generator mission and can run assassination and massacre missions to the same time.
Click to expand...

You're right, I was occupied by the mischief demon when writing my answer above! @OP I suggest the python, jokes aside.
 

Rock Hunter

Rock Hunter
aRJay said:
Viper?
Click to expand...

There’s rarely a question mark when talking about either of the Vipers, but I use them so much across my other two accounts. The MkIII’s speed and the MkIV’s general tankiness make them extremely viable options though.

Stealthie said:
With the same idea in mind, I've built a DBS and Cobra for the job.

Both are fine for limited use.
The problems start when you pester the same faction a lot, resulting in them becoming hostile and outposts open fire on you on sight.
Once that happens, there's only one ship that'll still get the job done easily.

O0usscn.png

+EDIT+

For comparison, here's my builds...

Cobra 3: https://s.orbis.zone/cixj
DBS: https://s.orbis.zone/cixk
Vulture: https://s.orbis.zone/cixl

The DBS and Cobra were built especially for doing sneaky surface stuff and I originally built them to run cold and pop HS's to stay hidden but it seems that once you're hostile to a faction they just start shooting at you anyway, which means all your stealthiness is a waste of time.
That means a Vulture, with it's superior potential for shields, is much more capable.
My Vulture is just a RES/CNB toy but surface missions don't even cause it to break a sweat, where I'd have to retreat and wait for my shield to recharge in the DBS or Cobra.
Click to expand...

My relationship with the Vulture is a tricky one. Such fun to fly, a great fighter but in VR the cockpit just seems so ridiculously big for such a (supposedly) small ship. Every time I get in one I feel like I’m sitting in a Type 7.

dekot said:
Sidewinder is the best planetside ship. It can land just about anywhere and with enough engineering can comfortably do all the things you listed. A lot of ships can do what you listed but sidewinder gets the edge because it's the smallest ship and it has an enjoyable flight model and now you can actually use it for something where it's relatively optimal instead of just using it for the sake of using it.

Also, just in case you didn't know, you should use advanced dumbfire racks, I know coriolis doesn't have that mod but it has the same fitting requirements and you get a lot more ammo. I suggest rapid-fire mod, you only need 1 launcher for surface attacks but 2 are symmetrical and look cooler.

And DBS is a popular pick but it's a superior machine that doesn't deserve to be relegated to a niche and support-type role.

Also, you don't need shields. Do get at least 1 MRP though, it's annoying if they damage your missiles.
Click to expand...

I overlooked this on the basis of shield and hull strength but with enhanced thrusters it’s certainly got speed on its side, along with being hard to hit...and it’s still one of the most fun ships to fly in the entire game....and unlike the Vulture it’s superb in VR (IMO.)

Bottom Hat said:
Anaconda.
Click to expand...

Exactly the kind of ‘on point,’ sage advice I look forward to reading from Mr Bottom Hat.😃


Mizbehave said:
One thing to berar in mind for planetary missions is that they are almost always illegal in the system in which the settlement is and that the fines get attached to your ship so for me the best choice is whatever is cheap and cheerful, cheap so you can easily afford the rebuys if you get jailed, blown up, or just fluff the landing, cheerful so you can have fun flying it - dekot's suggestion sounds good to me.

Also make sure you know where the nearest agent is so you can pay your fines quickly and easily

and maybe fit a heatsink for stealthy landings
Click to expand...

I’ve been a goodie two shoes for too long, always paying off my naughty fees, so I’m looking forward to racking up some serious heat on whichever ship I end up choosing. Previously I’d always have an IF system lined up on my ‘Next System En Route’ button - but those days are over, darkness is falling (well, at least on this account.)

Bottom Hat said:
You're right, I was occupied by the mischief demon when writing my answer above! @OP I suggest the python, jokes aside.
Click to expand...

“Jokes aside” and then you go and suggest the LGV of ED. 😛
6716C2C3-68F9-4150-9D08-3B0C64E0494C.jpeg


in Tactical Ice, of course.

Morbad said:
F63 Condor, because it fits where even the Sidewinder won't.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2RP6hDiUvc


Planetary outpost defenders will never expect to be attacked by ships coming out of the laundry room!
Click to expand...

You‘re crediting me with skills I don’t possess! Cool video though, and I do like the idea of attacking via the service entrance or similar.
 

dekot

D
I wouldn't put enhanced thrusters on sidewinder for surface stuff. You need armor and iirc sidewinder with enhanced thrusters is even harder to build around than a viper3.
 

Agony_Aunt

Agony_Aunt
I'd suggest something with PDTs on the underside of the ship just for when flying over those pesky Goliaths and Surface to Air turrets.

Also something with enough internals to stock at least 2 SRVs, for when you have accidents.

My planetary ship is a Fed Dropship with 8 SRVs, although probably not what you are looking for.
 

Ashnak

Ashnak
aRJay said:
Viper?
Click to expand...
Viper!
Drop some of the weapons, and swap some HRP against SRV and cargo space, if you need them.
And that single DF won't help you that much (unless you get close up, haven't tried that) - the ground defences are pretty good at taking out single missiles. A full salvo from twin packhounds, on the other hand...
 
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