Ship Builds & Load Outs Coming back to the game - are my builds still viable?

[Jole]

I want to get back in the game after not playing for a long time (1.3 or 1.4). I tried to read up on most changes done since then but I guess some help might be in order to make sure that my ships are still somewhat useful.
I used to run a Vulture for RES hunting (https://coriolis.io/outfit/vulture/...9kA==.MwBhEYy6oFjIA===?bn=Vulture Hunter Jole) and an Asp for a bit of Exploration/light Combat (https://coriolis.io/outfit/asp/05A5...2i2f.Iw18WQ==.MwBj4zwFhWyA?bn=Asp Falcon Jole) and I hope that those are still somewhat useful without needing too many changes.
If someone could just take a look and see if those builds are still viable, that would be nice. Combat is limited to PvE, exploration was limited to the odd 2-3k expedition outside the Ubble. Nothing major - I guess once I got my Python up and running that might change, but for now I liked the Multirole approach of the Asp.



In addition I was thinking about setting myself some kind of goal.
Since I still have a Python that I bought on a discount but never really had the Credits to fit her out properly, that aim shall be to raise money to fit her out as a multirole vessel.
I know that I'll have to make some sacrifices in order to make that work, but I'm not a big fan of changing ships too often, so I'd like her to be able to do most things. I was thinking about something along these lines: https://coriolis.io/outfit/python/07C6D5A4D7D6D5C2b1e1e1l1l000j04044f05055i0432v62f2i.Iw18eQ==.MwBhEYy6egWATGIA?bn=Python%20Multirole


Since I don't own Horizons yet, any Vehicle Hangars would just be replaced by Cargo Racks for now, while the Asp would get a hangar once I got Horizons - although I'm unsure if I should ditch the AFMU or the Cargo Rack.


Cheers and thanks in advance!

 

[Ceekay]

The new NPC's are tough so I reckon you're going to have to revise your builds significantly and pick your targets carefully, Eagles with railguns will be a serious threat to practically any ship never mind the bigger stuff and I've just been messing around at nav beacons not HazRES.

On your Vulture I'd suggest A grade thrusters as you may want to leave in a hurry and perhaps heatsinks instead of chaff as some NPC's use heat weapons that actually work, I haven't tried the Vulture in the Beta so I can't be sure how it'll perform but this is my pre 2.1 build and it worked fine at HazRES, thing is with the Vultures power issues there's not a lot of options pre Engineers.

https://coriolis.io/outfit/vulture/...04B203012425.AwRj4zRI.IwBj4zlI?bn=Vulture 5AS

I'm currently building an Asp in the Beta so I'll be able to comment in more detail later but essentially Engineers will upgrade equipment 20 - 25% max (assuming enough power, heat tolerance........etc), my Asp is currently configured as an armed explorer and pre 2.1 worked fine but I might be inclined to build it for speed not combat with the current NPC's so perhaps chaff and a PD might be required.

https://coriolis.io/outfit/asp/05A5...02v6242i2f.AwRj4yvI.Aw19gjNkkA==?bn=Asp Ex 6D

See the Python owners thread for my reply

 

[Jole]

Thanks. I tweaked the Vulture a bit for now and so far she's still holding up. Overheats once I use a SCB, but that's okay, it's only 110% or so.
Engineer stuff will be no go for me for now I guess (until Horizons goes on sale probably), but yours looks fine and seem to be a bit more Exploration minded than mine - guess I'll change it in some way once I've got my Python outfitted in a way that it can take over as a multirole ship.

 

[Ceekay]

An Engineered Asp configured as a lightly armed explorer will exceed 40 LY single jumps and that's with an SRV on board so possibly another LY without it, I've been playing around with a Python in the Beta and even the heavy armour build I'm using will boost to just over 400 m/s, it'd be interesting to see how fast a low mass build would be.

 

[Kaybe]

Take note that shield cell banks now pretty much need to work in tandem with heat sinks as they generate A LOT of heat. That's really the only important thing to note. Other than that, A-rate what you can. Same as always.

 

[Jole]

Okay. Brought her up to C-grade (mostly) and noticed the SCB heat. "only" goes up to about 110% though, so for now it's mangeable. Did notice the sluggish turning rate with C Thrusters (could be because I'm used to flying the Vulture, but the Asp also feels more maneuverable) so I guess I'll upgrade those first, but what would you upgrade afterwards?

 

[Kaybe]

If you're flying an Asp, you absolutely want to get the best FSD you can first as that's the main reason to fly that ship. Thrusters and Power Distributor should also be a priority, with power plant scaling with need. As a general rule, it's always better to have an A-rated power plant of a lower class than a higher class but lesser grade one. A-rated plants have the best heat management.

 

[Jole]

The Asp is fine (well, for my needs and taste), I meant the Python - that's my main interest right now