Fellow Explorers/Fuel Rats,
.
Based on Horizons 2.0.X and using ED Shipyards, I've assembled a list of all ships in a Googlesheets document. This information can be used for explorers as well. Just replace the fuel limpet controller with a Detailed Surface Scanner.
.
.
BOTTOM LINE: Top-5 ships for fuel ratting are: Asp Explorer, Anaconda, Asp Scout, Hauler, T-6.
.
.
ASSUMPTIONS
Through more testing of supercruise acceleration, it appears that maneuverability and total ship mass contribute to the equation. I can't tell the exact formula (nor does it really matter) but suffice it to say that these factors are included in the new charts. I tested this with different builds on Asp Explorers, Anacondas, Cobras, DiamondBack Scouts, Haulers, and Imp Couriers.
.
To be a good fuel ratting ship, I made the following assumptions:
.
In setting up these ship builds, I made these standardizations:
.
RESULTS
Based on all of this, I've assigned a completely made-up factor ratings for each ship out of 100; 70 for max jump range, 20 for maneuverability, and 10 for fuel scooping time. Using fancy high school maths including (+), (-), and whatever this is (*), I rated each ship on suitability for the task.
.
The Top-5 ships are: Asp Explorer, Anaconda, Asp Scout, Hauler, T-6.
.
BUILDS AND RAW DATA
Found HERE. Take note of the colors in the raw data. While the Imperial Eagle could be used on a rescue, your capability to assist the client will be limited.
.
CONCLUSIONS
There are obviously as many variations as their are preferences. For example, I prefer to run A-rated power distribution to boost as fast as possible away from stations when the Rat Signal goes off. You may also want a more well rounded ship to be doing something else while waiting for a Ratsignal.
.
If you want to be different, please do! I've successfully rescues clients while flying almost every ship on the list so have fun trying things out.
.
This ship analysis is focused on getting to the client quickly, safely, and with maximum capability to assist. Above all, remember that the CLIENT COMES FIRST.
.
Based on Horizons 2.0.X and using ED Shipyards, I've assembled a list of all ships in a Googlesheets document. This information can be used for explorers as well. Just replace the fuel limpet controller with a Detailed Surface Scanner.
.
.
BOTTOM LINE: Top-5 ships for fuel ratting are: Asp Explorer, Anaconda, Asp Scout, Hauler, T-6.
.
.
ASSUMPTIONS
Through more testing of supercruise acceleration, it appears that maneuverability and total ship mass contribute to the equation. I can't tell the exact formula (nor does it really matter) but suffice it to say that these factors are included in the new charts. I tested this with different builds on Asp Explorers, Anacondas, Cobras, DiamondBack Scouts, Haulers, and Imp Couriers.
.
To be a good fuel ratting ship, I made the following assumptions:
1) Max jump range is king but also important to have low fuel scooping times and quick supercruising.
3) It is a good technique to be able to make 4 max range jumps without refueling.
4) For your own safety, carry no more than half your internal fuel in limpets (8t fuel, 4 limpets).
5) The maximum number of limpets a Fuel Rat needs is 8 (unless rescuing someone 3800Ly away with a broken fuel scoop).
6) A-rated power supplies are still preferred for fuel scooping.
3) It is a good technique to be able to make 4 max range jumps without refueling.
4) For your own safety, carry no more than half your internal fuel in limpets (8t fuel, 4 limpets).
5) The maximum number of limpets a Fuel Rat needs is 8 (unless rescuing someone 3800Ly away with a broken fuel scoop).
6) A-rated power supplies are still preferred for fuel scooping.
In setting up these ship builds, I made these standardizations:
1) No weapons or shields, D rated life support and sensors, lightweight alloys, 1D power distro
2) Smallest D-class thrusters available
3) 1D fuel limpet controller
4) Max A-rated FSD
5) Smallest A-rated power supply that will power the ship
6) Advanced Scanner installed (Sidey, Eagles, ViperMk3, and DB Scout don't have room)
7) Cheapest fuel scoop to allow for ~30sec scooping or the best available if not near 30sec
8) No ship or module discounts were applied
2) Smallest D-class thrusters available
3) 1D fuel limpet controller
4) Max A-rated FSD
5) Smallest A-rated power supply that will power the ship
6) Advanced Scanner installed (Sidey, Eagles, ViperMk3, and DB Scout don't have room)
7) Cheapest fuel scoop to allow for ~30sec scooping or the best available if not near 30sec
8) No ship or module discounts were applied
RESULTS
Based on all of this, I've assigned a completely made-up factor ratings for each ship out of 100; 70 for max jump range, 20 for maneuverability, and 10 for fuel scooping time. Using fancy high school maths including (+), (-), and whatever this is (*), I rated each ship on suitability for the task.
.
The Top-5 ships are: Asp Explorer, Anaconda, Asp Scout, Hauler, T-6.
.
BUILDS AND RAW DATA
Found HERE. Take note of the colors in the raw data. While the Imperial Eagle could be used on a rescue, your capability to assist the client will be limited.
.
CONCLUSIONS
There are obviously as many variations as their are preferences. For example, I prefer to run A-rated power distribution to boost as fast as possible away from stations when the Rat Signal goes off. You may also want a more well rounded ship to be doing something else while waiting for a Ratsignal.
.
If you want to be different, please do! I've successfully rescues clients while flying almost every ship on the list so have fun trying things out.
.
This ship analysis is focused on getting to the client quickly, safely, and with maximum capability to assist. Above all, remember that the CLIENT COMES FIRST.
Last edited: