Federal Drop Ship - Multi-role capabilites?

[M00ka]

Spent some time playing around with Coriolis as I am thinking of pruning my small fleet even smaller. I am just not the sort of player to have massive fleet of ships sitting around idle, much rather use the ships I have worked for if that makes sense. At present the two ships in question is my Asp Explorer that I am using for armed cargo work and a Keelback I have fitted out for short range exploration, mainly for planet surface work. Reason I picked the Keelback as I wanted to see what the SLF was like, found out I rarely used it lol. Anyway, my aim is to combine these two function into a single airframe (or is that spaceframe?) and I am looking at the Federal Drop Ship.

Now before everyone comments, yes I know the king of mid-sized multi-role is the Python, but I don't have the credits for it (yet) - I repeat, I don't have the credits for it yet!

Some of the criteria I have set for this ship is: medium sized pad, decent offensive capabilities, good cargo capacity and the ability to haul passengers up to and including luxury level. I also know a dedicated ship to a specific task is better than one that attempts to do many things but this is a compromise of sorts. I like the idea that I can change the optional internals easily and only have to run one ship through the mod process (to get all the weapons, core modules and shields done). I also know the FDS isn't renowned for it's awesome jump range but it is well within the limits of my playing style. Here are the three variants of the proposed build:

• Cargo
  Spoiler

  https://coriolis.edcd.io/outfit/fed...EweloBhBGA2ECs8CmBDA5gG2SGF9A===&bn=FDS Cargo
  ​

• Explorer
  Spoiler

  https://coriolis.edcd.io/outfit/fed....EweloBhBGA2EoFMCGBzANokMK6A=&bn=FDS Explorer

• Liner
  Spoiler

  https://coriolis.edcd.io/outfit/fed...EweloBhBGA2EoFMCGBzANokMK6A=&bn=FDS Passenger

So has anyone else got builds similar to this and if so, are they workable?

 

[J3DI]

Do you intend to engineer any of the modules?

 

[M00ka]

Do you intend to engineer any of the modules?

Of course, all the core internals, weapons and whatever else I can organise, hopefully dramatically increasing the jump range in the process

 

[CMDR Zadian Lichtfrost]

No luxury cabins in a FDS.

Other than that. FDS is my main workhorse ship. Really like it. Just fly the ship you like.

Things to mention:
- some cargo missions are made for the Python
- as I wrote, no luxury cabins.
- exploration is possible, but you won't get to your destination fast and some systems will be to far away.
- not sure why you need HRPs for exploration
- not sure why you don't need a Fuel Scoop for exploration (class 4 is ok, class 5 is nice)
- using military armor has almost no negative effect on the ship

Of course, all the core internals, weapons and whatever else I can organise, hopefully dramatically increasing the jump range in the process

You will get to around 20 ly jump range, probably less. Especially with the almost completely useless class A life support and sensors.

 

[Jamesey1981]

If you want to include luxury cabins then the only options are the dolphin, orca and beluga, pretty sure they'll only go on the saud kruger ships.

The payout between first and luxury isn't all that different though, or at least is hasn't been for me so I ditched them, other people might say different.

 

[M00ka]

No luxury cabins in a FDS.

Other than that. FDS is my main workhorse ship. Really like it. Just fly the ship you like.

Things to mention:
- some cargo missions are made for the Python
- as I wrote, no luxury cabins.
- exploration is possible, but you won't get to your destination fast and some systems will be to far away.
- not sure why you need HRPs for exploration
- not sure why you don't need a Fuel Scoop for exploration (class 4 is ok, class 5 is nice)
- using military armor has almost no negative effect on the ship



You will get to around 20 ly jump range, probably less. Especially with the almost completely useless class A life support and sensors.

Thanks for the feedback. Didn't know about the luxury cabins, seems Coriolis can be a little misleading then - I can settle for First Class cabins if need be. Regarding exploration, I don't intend to take it on some 2,000 LY journey, most of my 'exploring' is more planet based or clearing any unexplored systems within my little sphere of space. Also the reason for no fuel scoop, can't envisage I would be too that far away I couldn't find a station/outpost to refuel (I tend to plan any trips quite thoroughly). Hauling wise, the 120T capacity will be better than the 88T limit I have now.

If you want to include luxury cabins then the only options are the dolphin, orca and beluga, pretty sure they'll only go on the saud kruger ships.

The payout between first and luxury isn't all that different though, or at least is hasn't been for me so I ditched them, other people might say different.

Again, thanks for the head's up, trust me for blindly believing Coriolis

 

[The Lawful]

Hm. The explorer build looks questionable IMHO. Except for the Thargoids, there are no enemies out in the black, and the weapons are useless against them. I would drop the weapons, SCB, HRP and utilities except for the heat sink, furthermore drop the additional fuel tank, fit only a weak shield (or even none, the FDS is a hull tanker anyway), but the largest fuel scoop you can afford (currently none?), possibly an AFMU and downsize the rest of the modules to get the lightest build possible. Even then, the FDS will not excel in the explorer role, but it's doable at least. Wouldn't go out with less than 20ly jump range, the more, the better. Going to Colonia on eco mode will be a really long-term task...

HTH,
[noob]

 

[Winter Jasra]

Your cargo and passenger builds are the same btw.

 

[M00ka]

Hm. The explorer build looks questionable IMHO. Except for the Thargoids, there are no enemies out in the black, and the weapons are useless against them. I would drop the weapons, SCB, HRP and utilities except for the heat sink, furthermore drop the additional fuel tank, fit only a weak shield (or even none, the FDS is a hull tanker anyway), but the largest fuel scoop you can afford (currently none?), possibly an AFMU and downsize the rest of the modules to get the lightest build possible. Even then, the FDS will not excel in the explorer role, but it's doable at least. Wouldn't go out with less than 20ly jump range, the more, the better. Going to Colonia on eco mode will be a really long-term task...

HTH,
[noob]

You may have missed my explanation of 'exploration' above:

Regarding exploration, I don't intend to take it on some 2,000 LY journey, most of my 'exploring' is more planet based or clearing any unexplored systems within my little sphere of space. Also the reason for no fuel scoop, can't envisage I would be too that far away I couldn't find a station/outpost to refuel (I tend to plan any trips quite thoroughly).

Hope this makes better sense

Your cargo and passenger builds are the same btw.

Thanks, fat finger trouble here, fixed now (hopefully )

 

[StiTch]

FDS is a perfectly good multirole ship. The only flaw with hull-based MR ships is that your internals are typically not focused on armour, leaving you without a good source of health; without the funds for MGC/reactive bulkheads I'd recommend a shield focus. For example drop the point defense for another modded booster.

If you actually intend to get in fights with it, I'd be careful about what you take on. An unarmoured FDS is very fragile.

 

[Vardaugas]

The FDS makes a decent military transport that can haul a good 140t and still last in a fight at least long enough for security to show up. It also makes an ok miner. Exploration or any long distance activity is not good for it, considering the anemic jump range, though I gues a size 6 fuel scoop can compensate for this somewhat. If you're only going for 56t cargo, you could as well just use a Viper IV or Cobra II, they both can go up to 40t in a more agile package.

 

[M00ka]

FDS is a perfectly good multirole ship. The only flaw with hull-based MR ships is that your internals are typically not focused on armour, leaving you without a good source of health; without the funds for MGC/reactive bulkheads I'd recommend a shield focus; e.g. drop the point defense for another modded booster.

If you actually intend to get in fights with it, I'd be careful about what you take on. An unarmoured FDS is very fragile.

Thanks for the feedback, I do like the multirole aspect although combat capability is a secondary concern, I won't be taking this NPC farming in a RES (have an FdL and Vulture for that fun). The weapon/armour layout is purely for interdictions, and those I can't get out of or run away lol

The FDS makes a decent military transport that can haul a good 140t and still last in a fight at least long enough for security to show up. It also makes an ok miner. Exploration or any long distance activity is not good for it, considering the anemic jump range, though I gues a size 6 fuel scoop can compensate for this somewhat. If you're only going for 56t cargo, you could as well just use a Viper IV or Cobra II, they both can go up to 40t in a more agile package.

You must have read the links wrong, the cargo variant has 120T capability, which is one of the reasons for this little exercise as I wanted an increase on the 88T capacity I have now in the ASP Explorer

 

[Aashenfox]

I can see no reason to outfit an FDS instead of a Python. The Python surpasses the FDS in every way except FA off pitch speed and yaw. Also, the Dropship has poor shields, so any kind of combat role requires some hull tanking between recharges, so some HRPs and MORE importantly on the Dropship, MRPs (the Dropship suffers BADLY from module damage when shields are down, you really want TWO MRPs, a big one and a small one). The Python also has better jump range and more optional slots, and shares a lot of modules with FAS/FGS/FDS. I know people will disagree, but I don't see a space for the Dropship if one has enough credits to have a Python for multi role and an FAS/FGS for combat. Can the Dropship carry a fighter? Even if it can I doubt you'd be able to find module space for it. If I were building an FDS today, I'd probably go shieldless to be able to get enough HRPs and MRPS in. Lastly, there's a reason they call it the Federal DriftShip, the auxiliary thrusters are laughable, but the straight line acceleration is...WOW, so drift you will. A lot.

I know you said you don't have the credits for the python yet (so get busy dude!), so in the meantime, it's not a BAD ship to build instead, as I mentioned many modules are shared so you are already starting investing in your python when you buy and engineer the FDS modules, but since it's ill be replaced when you have funds, why not build something else that you will keep (FGS/FAS, you already got?). If it's cargo you want, buy a cargo ship, not even the python is very good for boom deliveries when it has to do combat as well (unless you like running before the shield is down, not my bag baby).

 

[M00ka]

I can see no reason to outfit an FDS instead of a Python. The Python surpasses the FDS in every way except FA off pitch speed and yaw. Also, the Dropship has poor shields, so any kind of combat role requires some hull tanking between recharges, so some HRPs and MORE importantly on the Dropship, MRPs (the Dropship suffers BADLY from module damage when shields are down, you really want TWO MRPs, a big one and a small one). The Python also has better jump range and more optional slots, and shares a lot of modules with FAS/FGS/FDS. I know people will disagree, but I don't see a space for the Dropship if one has enough credits to have a Python for multi role and an FAS/FGS for combat. Can the Dropship carry a fighter? Even if it can I doubt you'd be able to find module space for it. If I were building an FDS today, I'd probably go shieldless to be able to get enough HRPs and MRPS in. Lastly, there's a reason they call it the Federal DriftShip, the auxiliary thrusters are laughable, but the straight line acceleration is...WOW, so drift you will. A lot.

Sigh, I knew I should have had this statement in flashing neon text in the original post ....

Now before everyone comments, yes I know the king of mid-sized multi-role is the Python, but I don't have the credits for it (yet) - I repeat, I don't have the credits for it yet!

 

[CMDR Zadian Lichtfrost]

I can see no reason to outfit an FDS instead of a Python. …

Because it's possible

The Python is boring, the FDS has style. I could fly an Anaconda, Python or any other ship. I prefer the FDS. More fun.

The FDS has two class5 military slots, enough for two nice HRPs. Sturdy modding here and there and it's a nice ship. Not the best of it's class - that's the magic dust sprinkled Python - but a good ship.

 

[Aashenfox]

Sigh, I knew I should have had this statement in flashing neon text in the original post ....

Now before everyone comments, yes I know the king of mid-sized multi-role is the Python, but I don't have the credits for it (yet) - I repeat, I don't have the credits for it yet!

I had read it, it doesn't change the facts. I added an edit, because I anticipated this response.

 

[Vardaugas]

You must have read the links wrong, the cargo variant has 120T capability, which is one of the reasons for this little exercise as I wanted an increase on the 88T capacity I have now in the ASP Explorer

Yes, I did. I'm not used to the coriolis layout. 120t is decent enough.

 

[Aashenfox]

Because it's possible

The Python is boring, the FDS has style. I could fly an Anaconda, Python or any other ship. I prefer the FDS. More fun.

The FDS has two class5 military slots, enough for two nice HRPs. Sturdy modding here and there and it's a nice ship. Not the best of it's class - that's the magic dust sprinkled Python - but a good ship.

I already fly an FAS and an FGS, I need the python for some variation

 

[cometcruiser]

The only draw backs I ever encountered with the Drop-ship.

Its sounds and feels very cheap and mass produced, and in no way comfortable or snazzy. It feels like your just flying one of many thousands of ex military unwanted craft. Like them grave yards in USA where thousands of Huey's and B52's wait.

Lack of paint jobs.

 

[M00ka]

The only draw backs I ever encountered with the Drop-ship.

Its sounds and feels very cheap and mass produced, and in no way comfortable or snazzy. It feels like your just flying one of many thousands of ex military unwanted craft. Like them grave yards in USA where thousands of Huey's and B52's wait.

Lack of paint jobs.

Hmm I like that idea, having spent 30 years in the military I will feel right at home - god I hope it is as much fun to fly as a Huey

As for the paint job, already checked. All my fleet is outfitted in the same paint job - vibrant red and it's available - yay for me lol