Maybe, but I don't use rails a lot. The problem you'll run into with a tanked Cobra while flying the DB, is that while you're hoping you shield boosters are enough to get you by (maybe an additional 30MJ to your strength), the Cobra will be able to regenerate his 125MJ shield at your same rate, plus recharge multiple times with his shield banks (as he has 6 slots compared to your 4) and still travel 22+LY. Don't get me wrong, I REALLY, REALLY love this ship, but in combat, that coupling is it's Achilles heel.
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Maybe, but I don't use rails a lot. The problem you'll run into with a tanked Cobra while flying the DB, is that while you're hoping you shield boosters are enough to get you by (maybe an additional 30MJ to your strength), the Cobra will be able to regenerate his 125MJ shield at your same rate, plus recharge multiple times with his shield banks (as he has 6 slots compared to your 4) and still travel 22+LY. Don't get me wrong, I REALLY, REALLY love this ship, but in combat, that coupling is it's Achilles heel.
Its the whole shield bank thing, Unless they're limited to one compartment per ship they're always going to be heavily equipped for a pvp setup which in turn means any ship that has better shields over armour will out tank a similar specced ship that favours armour
One of the things to also consider, while the Diamondback did not turn out as a pure explorer, one can definitely say that as long-range fighter, it will still have merit and a specialist role. I do have both Viper and Vulture and would mostly complain on their respective short ranges. In this niche, the Diamondback will surely fit in, especially if we will have missions where we have to track down our targets and not just drop into RES or combat zones for local combat. The DB may also be a good long range wing support ship for rapid intervention.
I think the long anticipation contributed to expecting some "Uber"-Ships for the upcoming 1.3. Both Diamondback and also the Imperial Courier will effectively bring more variety into the 'Cobra-class' ships. This I consider adding to the overall variety and density of the game world. Based on the slight nerf of modules sales, I think the overall trend in the game evolution is for adding diversity and more specialist ships. Hopefully the game design team will not change their mind based on some of the initial negative feedback given. On the opposite end, there is also the players who may simply have to learn to figure out how to collectively make best use of the ship's unique characteristics (just like setting up a good team in a roleplay scenario). At least I could follow this logic and overall I think the game is progressing very well. It should not always end up being dissected by the statisticians and meta-gamers.
I think the long anticipation contributed to expecting some "Uber"-Ships for the upcoming 1.3. Both Diamondback and also the Imperial Courier will effectively bring more variety into the 'Cobra-class' ships. This I consider adding to the overall variety and density of the game world. Based on the slight nerf of modules sales, I think the overall trend in the game evolution is for adding diversity and more specialist ships. Hopefully the game design team will not change their mind based on some of the initial negative feedback given. On the opposite end, there is also the players who may simply have to learn to figure out how to collectively make best use of the ship's unique characteristics (just like setting up a good team in a roleplay scenario). At least I could follow this logic and overall I think the game is progressing very well. It should not always end up being dissected by the statisticians and meta-gamers.
And that's why I'm totally sold on upgrading the coupling to a level 4 vs adding a single level 4 Module. Giving the DB a level 4 shield basically turns it into another tanking Cobra, but by upgrading the coupling, it makes the DB much more dangerous offensively, as that tight weapons grouping can sustain weapons burst much longer than the Cobra. Now you've created a classic matchup of a nimble offensive fighter against a less nimble defensive tank. Same weight class, they just have to go about winning differently.
The diamondback explorer will use a 4A FSD, which takes 3T per max range jump. If you use an 8T tank, you will only be able to carry fuel for 2 max range jumps, half as much as any other explorer ship, and three times less than the asp. So if you run into a patch of brown dwarves, you are screwed.
But that wouldn't even solve the problem, because the problem is not about capacity, it's about throughput. A class 4A FSD burns fuel at a rate that needs a class 4 scoop to match it, otherwise you will scoop for too long. It doesn't matter what the max size of the tank is.
Also you cannot use the main fuel tank slot for anything other than the fuel tank.
But that wouldn't even solve the problem, because the problem is not about capacity, it's about throughput. A class 4A FSD burns fuel at a rate that needs a class 4 scoop to match it, otherwise you will scoop for too long. It doesn't matter what the max size of the tank is.
Also you cannot use the main fuel tank slot for anything other than the fuel tank.
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What about for those commanders who want to kill pirates or undermine and need jump range to get there. I bought one and outfitted it as a fighter and its still has way more jump range than anything in its price range that can fight. I have not tested it yet but if it fights as good as a Viper and I can get it to the fight quicker...... I have a Python as well but its not that much fun to dog fight in.
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