I bought the FDS a couple of days ago, after I had finished the Core Dynamics CG and I got a decent discount. My first problem was that its jump range out-of-the-box was so bad that I couldn't bring it back to my home port for refitting, and the station where I bought it had only a basic outfitting service. Anyway I went back home in my Python and had the FDS shipped to me so I could upgrade the modules to my liking.
My first encounter with an NPC pirate was another FDS with Novice pilot, the same as me so this was ideal to try the capabilities of my new FDS, the Contents May Vary. After a fairly lengthy battle (mainly due to me fumbling around with unfamiliar weapons and fire groups), the other FDS was satisfyingly deconstructed with minimal damage to mine.
The second encounter was yesterday when I was doodling around a planet looking for a POI when an NPC in a Sidewinder (!) popped up to say hello and demand my cargo. As you can imagine, I was having none of this, especially from a Sidewinder so I went for him with weapons hot. It was then that I discovered that combat 2km from the surface of a planet is very different from combat in space. There is a distinct lack of well, space and the FDS is no Spitfire. Doing an loop around him I ran out of it and crashed the FDS into the planet surface, making another large crater. I really thought I had bought the farm and expected to be back at the nearest star port, calling the insurance company. But no, while I am sure my Python would have been part of the scenery, the FDS just shook the dust off herself and boosted back up to rejoin the fray, with only 40% hull damage.
That's when I said "I like this ship"
So now I'm doing local missions and maybe fit her out to do some mining to see the New Year in, then it's time to visit some Engineers.
The FDS won't win any beauty contests but it's as rugged as it looks and it will be a useful addition to my hangar. So count me as an FDS fan
