Keelback Exploration - To SLF or not to SLF

Madrax573 · Mar 15, 2017

Hi Guys,

A quick question for those of you who are nuts enough to explore in a KB.

Do you take a SLF with you or not? I know it might be kinda self defeating to not take one seeing as it's really the signature ability of the KB but I find they are decent ship in itself.

Looking for ideas around exploring in a KB.

This is what I'm thinking with some spare engineered mods lying around. Still pretty much loaded for anything with a range of around 29ly. The glaring obvious exclusion is the AFMU but having a similar problem to the DBE if the SLF hanger is fitted.

https://coriolis.edcd.io/outfit/keelback?code=A0pataFal3das8f427270p2l020200frB2v42t2i2f.Iw18UA%3D%3D.Aw18UA%3D%3D.H4sIAAAAAAAAA2P8Z8%2FAwPCXEUhwtP35%2F5%2B%2F7O%2F%2F%2F0J5QK5YHQsDw3%2Bmf2IgeWYgwQ%2BSFzkDJETnsTMwSOwCyitfAEr%2FZ%2F4nBVLEClL05TtQ%2Fxs%2BBgbhE0CuiIIQUKUXG1DRfwClYJJhawAAAA%3D%3D&bn=Explorer%20with%20SLF

goemon · Mar 15, 2017

of course slf! that's the major reason to take a keelback! go canyon racing, scout surfaces ...

otherwise take a t6... an often overlooked explorer, beats the DBE on longrnge races because of its insane fuelscooping speed. also faster.

keelback without slf = slower, less jumping t6 with a very nice thruster animation.

Madrax573 · Mar 15, 2017

goemon said:
of course slf! that's the major reason to take a keelback! go canyon racing, scout surfaces ...

otherwise take a t6... an often overlooked explorer, beats the DBE on longrnge races because of its insane fuelscooping speed. also faster.

keelback without slf = slower, less jumping t6 with a very nice thruster animation.

I thought that would be your response.

Even though the T6 is technically better for exploration I still prefer flying the KB for whatever reason. I even liked flying it before it got the SLF. I know I'm daft but hey.

Any suggestions on the fit outside of D rate everything for more range?

goemon · Mar 16, 2017

Madrax573 said:
Any suggestions on the fit outside of D rate everything for more range?

bi-weave makes no sense for exploration

a bigger fuelscoop makes sense

if you plan to fly above high G surfaces, you'll want clean drive tunin

unpower all moduls you don't need at once (exampel: you'll never have thrusters and srv powered at the same time), and fit the smallest a-cllass powerplant which can power your configurations.

there is no need to bring 2 heatsinks, it is wise to bring one.

test your build at skardee 1 for heat, and at achenar 3 for high G landing.

enjoy!

Madrax573 · Mar 16, 2017

goemon said:
bi-weave makes no sense for exploration

a bigger fuelscoop makes sense

if you plan to fly above high G surfaces, you'll want clean drive tunin

unpower all moduls you don't need at once (exampel: you'll never have thrusters and srv powered at the same time), and fit the smallest a-cllass powerplant which can power your configurations.

there is no need to bring 2 heatsinks, it is wise to bring one.

test your build at skardee 1 for heat, and at achenar 3 for high G landing.

enjoy!

TBH I just modified my BH build

So drop the shields to size 3? and put a nice big fuel scoop in.

I have a nice set of clean drive in storage I just don't have the number which is why I put the DD on there.

What would you recommend instead of the second HS?

Macedonica · Mar 16, 2017

The SLF is a must have for me. My Keelback The Wilderness of Tigers is out in the NG7822 nebula for an extended test flight and I am loving it!

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/310057-Wilderness-of-Tigers-Lakon-Keelback-XE

Kenneth McGrew · Mar 16, 2017

goemon said:
bi-weave makes no sense for exploration

a bigger fuelscoop makes sense

if you plan to fly above high G surfaces, you'll want clean drive tunin

unpower all moduls you don't need at once (exampel: you'll never have thrusters and srv powered at the same time), and fit the smallest a-cllass powerplant which can power your configurations.

there is no need to bring 2 heatsinks, it is wise to bring one.

test your build at skardee 1 for heat, and at achenar 3 for high G landing.

enjoy!

I like skardee 1

its hot!

[VR] optimal_909 · Mar 16, 2017

Don't forget that the Keelback runs super cool, AFAIK much coller than the T6 which is a huge plus on an extended exploration run.
If I would take one out into the black again, I'd certainly take an SLF!

dape · Mar 16, 2017

nice thread. I was thinking about taking the Keelback for some exploration as well. Just played a bit with a configuration in the 2.3 beta. With a Fighter Hanger plus SRV and shields I got a jumoprange of about 35Ly. Looks tempting. Not enough slots for an AFMU though.

Witzo · Mar 16, 2017

The SLF is a good tool for taking pictures of your Keelback In Front Of Things!

verminstar · Mar 17, 2017

Non engneered KB with SLF...23ly range...loved it so much, I bought a paint for it...currently on route to sag a but parked up fer a bit while I look for me mojo. No afmu but I wont be using neutrons this time around, so not a deal breaker. Have SRV and SLF, although has to be said that without the slf, I probably wouldnt have ever owned a KB at all. Not sorry I bought it, just hard getting used to it after so long in the asp.

Good luck in the black cmdr ^