Exploration-focused Python-size ship

[Xaintly]

Exploration ships have a large gap in price/feature levels between AspX and Anaconda.
It would be nice to have an exploration-focused medium ship with a good supercruise turning radius and slightly more module slots than the Asp. I would propose something like this:

Ship	AspX	New Scout	New Explorer	Python
Cost	7m	40m	50m	57m
Mass	280	320	340	350
Armor	210	200	250	260
Agility	148	140	130	129
Shield	140	130	150	260
Hardpoints	2M 4S	2S	4S	3L 2M
Utilities	4	4	4	4
Power	5	4	4	7
Thrusters	5	5	5	6
FSD	5	5	6	5
Life Support	4	3	4	4
Distributor	4	4	4	7
Sensors	5	4	5	6
Fuel Tank	5	4	5	5
Module Slots	6533322	64333211	654333211	666554332

With the Size 6 FSD + a little less weight than a python, the jump range would be fairly high (>60ly).
The python can still carry almost twice as much cargo, and the anaconda would still be the swiss-army-knife exploration ship capable of fitting multiple large modules.
Explorers almost always fit 2 size-1 modules (the DSS + Discovery Scanner), so breaking the size 2 module slot into 2x size 1 would be useful.

 

[Orvidius]

Exploration ships have a large gap in price/feature levels between AspX and Anaconda.
It would be nice to have an exploration-focused medium ship with a good supercruise turning radius and slightly more module slots than the Asp.

I've been wanting something like this for a long, long time. I've always resented the fact that after getting my AspX (only about 2 weeks after I started playing), I no longer had an upgrade path, as an explorer. That is, other than the Anaconda, which I don't much personally like.

Thankfully we have the Krait now, which can fill this role to some degree. It just can't jump as far as any of the main three exploration ships. A true dedicated largish "Medium" exploration ship would be very welcome at some point.

 

[Maymo]

Yeah you’re not alone...

I think they had an opportunity with the Orca and the Beluga, these ships deserve higher jump ranges as it’s basically their god given role. Unfortunately, the simple AspX still outplays both of them when it comes to completing a sightseeing tour, for a fraction of the price.

I hate having to tear an Anaconda to bits just to get its range up.

So yes, there’s definitely still room for quite a handful of decent exploration ships in the game. The AspX is currently the games main contender but then what are all those stupid hardpoints for!?

I’d like to to see an affordable medium exploration ship with TERRIBLE hardpoints (like, one medium), an oversized FSD, handling like an Eagle, just 2 utility mounts, stunning looks and poor module flexibility (same as a Vultures for example) to keep it in its intended role.

Oh! This just reminded me of something I wanted to suggest!

 

[Mausi]

You have my support for this. Even if you don't explore, stuffing size 1 modules in big slots seems quite a waste.

 

[Xaintly]

I agree; the DBX is like a compact car, the AspX is like a sedan, and then there's nothing until you get to the 18-wheeler.
I want the Land Rover/Range Rover. =)

I did a few 1000ly in an Asp, then went to Beagle point in an Anaconda, and I really hated the space-cow maneuverability.

A perfect exploration ship for me would be

• High jump range
• Tight supercruise turning rate
• At least 1 size-6 optional slot (for a scoop)
• 1 or 2 more module slots than an Asp
• Protruding cockpit with a great view (like the Asp)
• Able to make at least 4 jumps on 1 tank.

I was trying to fit it between the Python and AspX. Assuming the FSD is bigger, but the overall ship size is similar, what would have to shrink to compensate?
I'd sacrifice thrusters, distributor (I usually have the distributor off when exploring anyway), and I only need a small power plant.
I don't need weapons (or maybe for versatility 1-2 hardpoints for mining lasers or tagging an enemy before they get killed by cops).

If the Asp has Size-2 slots that are twice as big as Size-1 slots, why not split one into 2x Size 1 instead?

If it had the same mass as a python but a Size 6 FSD, it would have the longest jump range in the game.
However, the limited cargo, distributor and hardpoints would mean it's not very versatile.
That seems like a reasonable end-goal for exploration fans.

I proposed 2 new ships so we could keep with the theme of re-using the model for a 2nd ship.
This Scout version might actually be worth flying though. Like the Land Rover offroad vehicle vs the more luxury Range Rover. As-is, it has a decent jump range (equal to Python), but if the Scout's mass was lowered from 320 to 250 (the Asp Scout is 150), it would have a slightly better jump range than a DBX, while still being able to fit a decent scoop.

Fun fact: there is a snake called the 'Sunbeam Snake'. If FDev wants to give the new ship a big downside, they could call it the Sunbeam Scout and Sunbeam Explorer. Then pilots would have to consider whether they want to be ridiculed for 'riding a sunbeam' like a space hippie. Give it a flower-power paint job to play it up.

 

[ron_voxmortem]

My ideal candidate would have the biggest size internal incresead by one and 1 additional internal- compared to DBX. It would be dream come true. Don't mention AspX, it's ugly. Conda is nice, got one for exploration, but it's like cruise ship compared do DBX. I do hope they give us something in Chapter 4 and it won't be some another reskin with additional spolier.

 

[Pendergast]

Krait seems to fit this bill

 

[Le-Betz]

IIRC the Puma Clipper could be outfitted for going very long range. I'd expect an updated version of it could be an excellent explorer.

 

[Chrystoph]

Yet another argument for volume based, standardized physics, ship building.

 

[askavir]

I've been wanting something like this for a long, long time. I've always resented the fact that after getting my AspX (only about 2 weeks after I started playing), I no longer had an upgrade path, as an explorer. That is, other than the Anaconda, which I don't much personally like.

Thankfully we have the Krait now, which can fill this role to some degree. It just can't jump as far as any of the main three exploration ships. A true dedicated largish "Medium" exploration ship would be very welcome at some point.

+1. It's about time we get a new exploration ship, bringing the exploration focused vessels to the staggering amount of three.

I'd like a medium size ship with oversized FSD, a large module slot for fuel scoop, a good fuel tank, and lots of smaller slots. Oh and absolutely not a Lakon ship, I'm dead tired of the infamous Lakon workbench. Weapons and shields / armor can be crap, to keep the intended role.

I'd also prefer the cockpit not to be a floating glass bubble, I'd rather see a normal cockpit but with a very large window screen (like the Imperial Clipper window).

Perhaps in Q4?...

 

[Non Grata]

I'd also prefer the cockpit not to be a floating glass bubble, I'd rather see a normal cockpit but with a very large window screen (like the Imperial Clipper window).

Perhaps in Q4?...

+1 to the Clipper window.

I'd like a second option on the smaller side to facilitate landing on planets.

 

[Xaintly]

Whoa, I was just hoping for FDev to throw explorers a bone, slap some fins on an Asp / Python and tweak the internal modules a bit.

A well-focused exploration ship with Gutamaya or Saud Kruger styling would be a dream come true.

 

[The Mega Doom Bot]

Whoa, I was just hoping for FDev to throw explorers a bone, slap some fins on an Asp / Python and tweak the internal modules a bit.

A well-focused exploration ship with Gutamaya or Saud Kruger styling would be a dream come true.

How about continuing the Alliance series and release another variant of the Chieftain geared for exploration?

Switch around the internals so it can carry more scanning instruments and boost the FSD range. Call the new ship "The Alliance Nomad." It'd be a combat focused exploration vessel that can be used to escort other ships into the unknown.

 

[space voyager]

Krait seems to fit this bill

Has anyone made Krait explorer build? It is a beautiful ship with an SLF and a great view... I wonder what the jump range can be.

 

[C4R1TON]

Krait seems to fit this bill

Actually toyed with this idea the other day. I dropped all the modules down to their lowest and lightest version, then dropped all my weapons and borrowed the grade 5 FSD from my ASPX. I was able to get about a 42 ly jump range. might get more with a little more tweaking and some engineering to lighten the loads.

 

[Cmdr Nemo]

Question, why are there mandated military slots on some ships. As an adult, I should be allowed to insert whatever I'd like into the various size restricted slots available on various ships. I'd suggest getting rid of the mandatory military slots and allowing one to insert what they want. Or at least allow engineering to remodel them. I mean, if one isn't going to do any pew pew, for the most part, they are just wasted slots. If one wants to insert military mods, then they could and more than likely would do so. Being mandated isn't giving one "CHOICE".

 

[space voyager]

Next time I head out I'm taking SRV and SLF. Just too much fun to fly among asteroids and in canyons but far too dangerous. So SLF for the fun of it!

 

[MK Regular]

Overall, I support this idea. However there a few things here that I feel need to be addressed:

• The power plants of the scout and explorer are too small. They will have some serious power issues coupled with heat issues when the power plant is inevitably modded for more power. I would recommend giving them size 5 power plants for more comfortable thermal handling after engineers.
• The hardpoints are diabolically bad. I'm all for limiting the firepower of a new exploration ship, but this is just ridiculous. I would recommend giving the scout 4S and the explorer 2M + 2S.
• The fuel tanks on the scout and explorer are too small for dedicated exploration ships. A 5A FSD uses 5T of fuel per jump, meaning that it will go through a 16T fuel tank in about 3 jumps. The explorer doesn't have it much better, with 4 jumps before having an empty tank. I would recommend increasing the fuel tanks to a size 5 for the scout and a size 6 for the explorer.
• The explorer has an extremely low hull mass for having a size 6 FSD. It will be capable of massively out-jumping the anaconda. It would have something like an 86 LY max jump range when fully stripped down, and ~70 LY laden with a good exploration build. I'm not sure if this was intentional, but I thought it might be worth mentioning that the explorer might need an increase in hull mass.

Other than that, everything here seems pretty good. Hopefully we get something new in Q4

Has anyone made Krait explorer build? It is a beautiful ship with an SLF and a great view... I wonder what the jump range can be.

it appears so. Someone has already gotten a Krait past beagle point.

 

[space voyager]

it appears so. Someone has already gotten a Krait past beagle point.

Already?! Daaaaamn, people have a lot of time...

 

[Xaintly]

Has anyone made Krait explorer build? It is a beautiful ship with an SLF and a great view... I wonder what the jump range can be.

FSD range is based on only 2 things; size/class of the FSD drive + mass of the ship.
The Krait is 30t lighter than the python, but all core internals are the same size. This means you are can't get any additional mass savings from smaller/lighter sensors or life support.
With that mass, the Krait can jump about 3ly further than a similarly-configured python, but it is still at the low-middle end of jump range.

Dolphin, Orca, Courier and Adder can all jump further, though none can fit a decent fuel scoop.
Krait isn't a bad ship, but it's more like a combat-focused python than a better exploration ship.
If they had bumped the FSD up to size 6, it would be an awesome explorer.
If they bumped the FSD up to 6 and made the size-6 slot in the orca unrestricted, it would be a god-tier explorer with un-engineered jump range in the 70s.