Advice for Future Exploration Trip

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead · Jul 21, 2017

So I've been thinking about going on another trip. My last trip was to Sagittarius A*, back before Engineers in my trusty Python. She only had a 23.5ly range. Lol

This time, I'm going the other way, I'm heading "south" to the outer rim.
Even with engineering, I don't think 36~ly will be comfortable enough, so I'm looking for a ship than can manage a much higher range, above 40ly ideally, without too much engineering.

I can think of a few ships, but I'm looking for your advice.
I know the Asp is the main choice here, but I can't stand flying one of those for too long, so taking one on a long run is a big no no. Lol
Plus, I get real tired of every exploration screenshot having an Asp in it.

I've got a DBX, which is good, but lacks internal and is limited with the scoop (I'd like to take 2 SRVs, just in case).
My Python probably lacks the range (I do plan to explore the sparsely populated areas).
My Anaconda is too big, and unwieldy in supercruise for extended periods. Plus she's set up for missions and would require a complete overhaul and re-engineering to get the range I'd like.

I can afford most other ships, but I can't think of any. I was hoping to take an SLF along for some risk-free funzies, but that comes back around to the Anaconda...

I'm leaning towards the DBX the most. It's 47ly range is excellent for what I want. And I don't mind a slow scoop.

Help?

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead

sidereal6 · Jul 21, 2017

The DBX actually has enough slots now, since the recent update, for all the gear you need. That is to say, you can take an AFMU and an SRV. Previously, you had to forego one of them.

I have a dedicated explorer account who is out in the black in an engineered Asp. And I sometimes take long-range passenger missions in a DBX on my main account.

In my experience, the big difference between the DBX and Asp is exactly what you said - the fuel scoop. With an Asp, I find that I top off the tank after every jump just by steering around the star. With the DBX, I have to take the occasional pause to deliberately top off. I also have to keep an eye on the heat, although neither ship has heat problems.

I've never built an exploraconda, but I'd be willing to bet that in a race to 1000 ly, an Asp would beat it. (Anyone want to meet up and give this theory a test?) The jump range for the Asp would be a little less, so it might have to actually make two or three more jumps over that 1000 light years, but the ability to maneuver around the star and start the next jump faster might make up for it.

But the bottom line is, a DBX is fine and you wont have any problems. An Asp will let you cover a bit more ground, but I understand if you're tired of looking at it.

One last thing, when you say you don't want to do too much engineering, I hope you're making an exception for the obvious thing: FSD range. It's easy to get and well worth it.

Esral Sa Nikto · Jul 21, 2017

As mentioned, the DBX is the ship for exploring, these days. Mine gets over 50lys jump range, and when using the neutron highway that increases to over 200 lys per jump. Not bad.

If you still find the DBX too confining, buy a second Anaconda and fit it solely for exploring. I use mine for mid range passenger missions, 3K-10K Lys. It will get +40ly per jump, and the sluggish handling isn't too bad once you get used to it. Fly safe.

Vikitzo · Jul 21, 2017

After recent buff, Orca has become an interesting option for exploration (if you like flying with style lol).

I, myself, would go in DBX next time. I do recommend you engineer your FSD.

Jethro49 · Jul 21, 2017

An Orca maybe ? You can squeeze it up to the 40ish Ly, it has a good handling in SC, but you have to forget about the fighter bay.

Edit : 43 Ly with a meh G5 FSD roll and G3 rolls on other modules.

Edit 2 : ninja'ed by Vikitzo

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead · Jul 21, 2017

Don't worry all my ships have grade 5 FSD range rolls, all (bar one) above 47%.

I am tempted to sell my second "exploration" Python, and use he money to fund an exploration Anaconda.
Then I get all the tools, and a good jump range. I also have loads of spare modified modules laying around I can use to build one up pretty quickly and cheaply.
Then I can use the SLF as an "I'm bored" canyon runner, and not put my poor DBX at risk of a catastrophic face plant.

Question. Should I bring a crew member?

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead

sidereal6 · Jul 21, 2017

Esral Sa Nikto said:
when using the neutron highway that increases to over 200 lys per jump

I had this idea (a dream really) of stacking passenger missions to colonia and using the neutron highway to complete them in, I don't know, a few days maybe. But now I have trouble finding those missions.

Nutter · Jul 21, 2017

Here is a fun build - Imperial Explorer - 41 ly fast and fun

https://eddp.co/u/o9Vo1uMg

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead · Jul 21, 2017

Well I've been theory crafting a long range exploration Anaconda. Complete with an AMFU, and even a fuel transfer limpet, incase some one nearby needs rescuing. (Unlikely!).

Exploration Anaconda.

Only 42~ly with a full tank, but I don't intend to fly on a full tank until I find myself approaching a non-scoopable zone.

It's not speed demon either. Lol but I do intend to stop by Palin on the way out for a DD5 tune up on those class 5s.
I may throw class 6s on if I have some laying around. Which I think I do.

It doesn't have enough power to run everything, but I can switch between exploration and defence mode fairly easily.

The wake scanner is incase I bump in to a Thargoid. Lol

No weapons, as I will be Brave Sir Robin-ing from combat. Lol

I think I've got most of the bits in storage. So I just need a new Anaconda to put them on.

And she needs name. Hmmmmm.

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead

Nutter · Jul 21, 2017

CMDR_Cosmicspacehead said:
Well I've been theory crafting a long range exploration Anaconda. Complete with an AMFU, and even a fuel transfer limpet, incase some one nearby needs rescuing. (Unlikely!).

Exploration Anaconda.

Only 42~ly with a full tank, but I don't intend to fly on a full tank until I find myself approaching a non-scoopable zone.

It's not speed demon either. Lol but I do intend to stop by Palin on the way out for a DD5 tune up on those class 5s.
I may throw class 6s on if I have some laying around. Which I think I do.

It doesn't have enough power to run everything, but I can switch between exploration and defence mode fairly easily.

The wake scanner is incase I bump in to a Thargoid. Lol

No weapons, as I will be Brave Sir Robin-ing from combat. Lol

I think I've got most of the bits in storage. So I just need a new Anaconda to put them on.

And she needs name. Hmmmmm.

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead

I'm not sure why you need all the point defence and huge shield - but i've upgraded your build to 59 ly - https://eddp.co/u/YwcXC5Uo

Also why the second tank? Do you really need it? - Also fit a second AMFU so they can repair each other

goemon · Jul 21, 2017

i recommend the orca.

good fuelscoop, good jumprange, good sc manouverabilitu, and not as boring as an AspE.

metascrawl · Jul 21, 2017

I'll be using my DBX when I finally take the trip I've been musing about. 50LY range with a class 3 PP and class 3 shields, and that's while fully armed (although the current hardpoints are lightweight modded).

CMDR Cosmic Spacehead · Jul 21, 2017

Nutter said:
I'm not sure why you need all the point defence and huge shield - but i've upgraded your build to 59 ly - https://eddp.co/u/YwcXC5Uo

Also why the second tank? Do you really need it? - Also fit a second AMFU so they can repair each other

Meh, my damn phone won't open coriolis links. Even my own ones.

I generally take good defence, on all ships.
I'm also trying to remember which modules I have ready modified in storage, so I don't need to shop around for them.

The fuel tank is just for endurance. I'm not entirely sure what it's like out there. I like to be prepared.

It'll be mostly empty until I feel I need it.
I also never know where I'll end up, I could swing around to the formadine... Not that I know what that is, but I heard is treacherous to cross.

Last time I took two AFMUs I hardly used either of them. But I suppose it doesn't hurt.

Still trying to open that link...grrr. lol

Drelthar · Jul 21, 2017

My advice is wait until the exploration part of the game gets some more love.

ThriveInDark · Jul 21, 2017

https://eddp.co/u/fqSRgNdJ

That's a Keelback with an SLF, 2 SRVs, 5A Scoop, etc, and all engineering used done from Dweller, Farseer, and Tani. Still only 32LY range though and no AFMU. I'd say either go with the Conda and take the SC hit with the intention of SLF canyon running when you need a flight fix, or that guy's Courier Explorer looks like a damn fun excursion vehicle. Like getting a twin turbo RAZR instead of the Utility model to hit the trails.....

Nutter said:
Here is a fun build - Imperial Explorer - 41 ly fast and fun

https://eddp.co/u/o9Vo1uMg

^rep for you sir

smegunit · Jul 22, 2017

Get a Low Emissions power plant, even if you have to take a bigger powerplant to cover the lost energy.

It'll allow you to fuelscoop without getting hot,
It will also shorten your time between jumps as you can spool up de FSD while still being in scooping range.
It also keeps you from getting heat damage after falling into a (neutron) star and FSDing out. No Heat Sink Launchers required.
If you take secretive passengers, you can stay in silent running mode longer. No heat sink launchers required.

Spacecat · Jul 22, 2017

If the dbx is too small, might take a look at the Type 6. I know it sounds stupid, but it has room to carry everything and a pretty decent jump range (almost as good as AspX).

crisiscore · Jul 22, 2017

Nutter said:
Here is a fun build - Imperial Explorer - 41 ly fast and fun

https://eddp.co/u/o9Vo1uMg

I think I will be grinding for that, really nice build. Thanks.

NW3 · Jul 22, 2017

Unfortunately, you've ruled out my first choice, an AspX. My next pick would be the DBX. The Anaconda is a popular choice for exploring, but personally, I hate it. The Orca would be an interesting choice as well; I really like its cockpit interior, but I've not flown it much. I'd pick it over the Anaconda, though.

These days, you have a number of good choices, if you're willing to do some engineering. My Asp can get up to 56 lyrs per jump, if I really strip it down to the bare essentials.

Partly it depends on your exploration style. I like to get to the destination as quickly as possible, then explore. I especially like a quick return, when I get tired of exploration. I find that's the hardest part of the trip for me. The other great thing about a large jump range is that you use less fuel for smaller jumps and that you can reach areas where the stars are sparse that you can't otherwise reach.