Exploration Ship Recommendations? What's Your Favorite?

andylegate

A
So I've been doing some exploring, some just outside of the Bubble and a couple of deeper trips out to the outer arms (around 2,000+ ly).

So far the two ships I'm keen on has been the Asp Explorer and the Orca. No engineering as I do not have Horizons yet.

I gave the Diamondback Explorer a try.....the sound of it like it's going to fall apart any minute (wheeeze bang) turned me off right away from it.

I can't fault the Asp Explorer with it's 30+ ly jump range, and it's pretty fast. Just not a big fan of the airplane prop sound it makes when not in SC.

I did my last deep space exploration in a Orca. Love the way it looks, and even without engineering, it has an impressive 30+ ly jump range too. About the only fault I had with it was: Two largest fittings are specific (cargo or passenger only), it's pitch control is slow. Other than that, I thought it was pretty good (if you're going to explore, why not do it in style?).

I wish I could get the jump range on the Imperial Courier up. Love that little ship. It's fast and handles like a dream.

I can afford a Anaconda....but I'm not seeing any good reason to spend that kind of money just to go exploring? Am I missing something there?

Anyways - would love to hear what your favorite exploration ship is, or any recommendations.
 

M00ka

M00ka
There is no 'right ship', it is the ship you feel most comfortable in that meets your needs. What works with one Commander, won't necessarily work with another and that could be for just little things like engine sound or cockpit view.
 

Aussiedroid

Aussiedroid
Its going to come down to some personal taste. I tried the DBX & Conda but didn't find them very enjoyable as explorers. I kept going back to my Asp. Does everything I need, good view from the cockpit. Haven't considered the Orca myself.

Extreme jump range still goes to Conda, so if you really want to get as deep/far out as possible that would be the choice, but with FSD boosts & some decent engineer rolls you can get pretty far with the Asp.
 

duckofdeath

duckofdeath
The Orca is indeed a nice exploration ship. Good jump range since the 2.3 update, excellent real space speed. Its heat management could be better, but it's not a dealbreaker. The lack of useful internal slots can be a problem if you want to carry toys around, but that last one is also a problem for the AspX.
I've probably spent most of my exploration time in the Anaconda since we got engineers. Before engineers I spent most of that time in the AspX.
The iClipper is also a nice option. Decent jump range, super fast scoop and plenty of internal space for things.
 
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Ian Skippy

Ian Skippy
'exploration' is a bit of an umbrella term, and what you need depends on what you want. :) Some care for jumprange, strip everything just to get that .1Ly extra. Personally I want:

1) An SRV, because I want to land and explore the surface.
2) A fuel scoop, because I want to not call the fuel rats every few jumps. :p
3) ADS and DDS scanners.
4) A small shield to prevent damage when landing.
5) A small cargo rack on the off-chance I find something.

That means I need a minimum of six internal slots. I also want a ship that is fun to fly, and can jump a minimum of 25LYs. That leaves quite a few options, some (like iCourier) that may not sound as obvious.
 

wrmiller

W
To me, the DBX and AspE both feel like thrown together kit planes instead of spaceships. Took my AspE to Colonia and back, and just recently did a long range sightseeing mission (36K Ly or so) in a conda. Burned the conda as soon as I got back. As I've said before, I hate that cow.

The other night I took my Orca that is set up for medium range sightseeing missions, stripped the cabins out of it, and took it out towards the rim about 1800Ly or so. Mine is engineered, so that makes a huge difference, but it's a pretty safe bet that the next time I head out it will be in my Orca. Love the handling and speed, and the jump range is sufficient for my needs as I have no intention of heading out towards the rim.

This will be my next exploration ship: https://coriolis.edcd.io/outfit/orc...EweloBhBmSQUwIYHMA28QgIwV0A=&bn=Orca Explorer
 

Ozram

Ozram
sleutelbos said:
'exploration' is a bit of an umbrella term, and what you need depends on what you want. :) Some care for jumprange, strip everything just to get that .1Ly extra. Personally I want:

1) An SRV, because I want to land and explore the surface.
2) A fuel scoop, because I want to not call the fuel rats every few jumps. :p
3) ADS and DDS scanners.
4) A small shield to prevent damage when landing.
5) A small cargo rack on the off-chance I find something.

That means I need a minimum of six internal slots. I also want a ship that is fun to fly, and can jump a minimum of 25LYs. That leaves quite a few options, some (like iCourier) that may not sound as obvious.
Click to expand...

Without engineering the best that gets you is sub 25 LY jump.
Edit: Unless you skimp on fuel...
https://coriolis.io/outfit/imperial...18UA==.Aw18UA==..EweloBhAWGQUwIYHMA28QgIwV0A=
 
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HazardousMatt

HazardousMatt
I'm considering exploring in my Imperial Courier, but it's heavily engineered. 30+ ly jump range, 775ms boost, SRV, AFMU, and that's also with weapons.
 

andylegate

A
I understand that there is not "right" ship (though I could argue you wouldn't want to do deep space exploration in a Type 9....at least that's my humble opinion on that).

I was just curious what others like and any recommendations.
 

Gunnet

G
I like my exploration Orca a lot. The Courier and Clipper are also fun explorers when you're looking for something fast and stylish.

Without engineering I'd probably stick to the classics and explore in an AspX or Conda though. The DBX is nice, but I've been to Colonia and back with an undersized scoop once, and while I very much enjoyed that trip I'm not in a hurry to travel far beyond the bubble without a full sized scoop again.

Like Henry said, consider getting Horizons. It's nice to touch down when you come across an interesting landable planet/moon. And FSD mods are easy to get access to even if you never want to touch the rest of engineering.
 
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Spenceuk99

Spenceuk99
Aspx all day long.
I know you can make an Annie jump further, carry more stuff etc. but part of exploring is the view. The Aspx has a great view and really good range, especially when engineered. It will also carry all the stuff you might need on your travels. Seriously, get that and you won't ever regret it.
 

Sylveria

Sylveria
If you're looking for "no frills" and a pure exploration ship that handles well- DBX is the way to go.

If you're looking for "utility" and options, such as hauling, occasional combat, etc. then AspX is a good choice.

Lots of people flock to the AspX- but what they don't tell you is the 7m hull price is just the beginning... once you've sunk 20m or more into a decent internal fit, you've still got a lot more to spend for AFM, Scanners, etc. on top of the hull price. Then factor in your rebuys...

Yeah the DBX is by far the best "bang" for your buck. It may sound like it's going to fall apart, but it'll hold steady :) AspX is for ppl who don't care how much they spend and can afford rebuys without thinking about it.

Now, if you don't care about jump range- and you're OK with short jumps... any other ship will do, too. (Cobra, etc.) Pick something you like and run with it.

Hell, there's people who explore all the way to Sag A* in a Sidewinder.
 

5 Puppis

5
If you like sleek, nimble ships (like the iCourier), you'll probably like the Dolphin. I got mine to a range of 40Ly with just a bit of half engineering.

Plus, if you like the look of the Orca, you'll like the look of the Dolphin.

Oh, and it's cheaper than the DBX too.

It's a really happy little exploration ship!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb8_6-xsdRs
 
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Mrat13

M
Sounds like you hate explorers to be honest, you've just complained about the ones you've flown, so I get the feeling you'll complain about any ship to be honest.

So I'm just going to go left field and say the type 6. 30+ jump range before looking at engineers, and plenty of space for all the things you need, similar to the Asp Explorer, but cheaper, similar to a Diamondback Explorer. But as a trade ship it'll sound hopefully different to what you've complained about, and has the best view from its cockpit, more like a small cathedral than a pilots chair.

Now I'm going to sit back as people tilt their head in bemusement at my suggestion.
 

Factabulous

Factabulous
No dolphins without horizons.

Currently out at beagle point in my dbx. Shame I keep faceplanting planets and finding myself back in colonia, but I'm getting more careful now :)
 
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