Don't hire it out if you want it back in one piece.
Krait Mk. II, it's now a Python analog
- Thread starter TheGrimCorsair
- Start date
Don't hire it out if you want it back in one piece.
This is what I want too.
I really like to fly iCourier, but it just lacks firepower for something serious.
Except there are no more true smuggling missions. Unless.... they are also bringing them back. That would be great.
Agree that the ship sounds great and is an option to the Python.
I'd like to see a black market where you can buy illegal stuff for your own smuggling.
... (recalled)
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A lot of people are jumping on the Krait as being straight up better than the Python and a rival to the FDL, but I think there's a lot more to it then that. Most importantly, we need to look at what Frontier didn't say about the ship. Frontier has gone at length recently about their ship design processes, and makes it a point to design in weaknesses to the ships, because that gives them texture and character. (though I feel that they must have forgotten about that when they designed the Anaconda, but I digress). Let's see what they said and what they curiously omitted, and what we can observe from screenshots.
After examining all the screenshots we have, which do a pretty good job of showing the ship from all angles, it appears, for one, that there are only two Utility Slots. While the possibility remains that there may be a third hidden between the engines, it looks to me as if the ship is going to, at the very least, have 1-2 less utilities than the Python.
Frontier talked a lot about the versatility of the ship and the speed. That indicates to me that it has fair jump range, generous (though probably not as generous as the Python) internal slots, and quicker straight line speed than the Python; a solid Medium-sized, fighter-carrying multirole ship; kind of the 'civilian' equivalent to the Federal Gunship. However, they were notably quiet about its maneuverability. It probably has a pitch rate and lateral movement rate decidedly inferior to that of the Python (and thus far worse than the FDL), and thus has to use the SLF to counteract some of its sluggishness. While with the SLF it has "more" firepower than the Python, the Python may be able to achieve a higher time-on-target, somewhat balancing them out.
They also emphasized its hull strength. Combined with the relative lack of utilities compared to its rivals, the Krait Mk II probably has lower base and theoretical max shield strength. We we may be looking at a ship primarily intended for hull tanking. This is kind of bad considering the inherent limitations of hull tanking, but at least the cockpit is pretty well "hidden" on the underside of the ship, and isn't an easy target like many other vessels.
In any case, considering the sheer ubiquity of the Python, I highly doubt that they'd make a ship that's outright better in every respect. If my assumptions are correct, we'll end up with a ship that's better than the Python/FDL in some ways and worse in others; a viable alternative, but not overwhelmingly so in any single respect. Probably a subpar PVP ship, due to the maneuverability issues. In short, I expect to see, come later this week, a lot of "Krait sucks!" posts on the forums popping up and then the ship to eventually settle in with the other options in its class, with a small but dedicated group of people that like the ship and everyone else going back to the more clear-cut choices.
As for me, I can't wait to buy mine.
After examining all the screenshots we have, which do a pretty good job of showing the ship from all angles, it appears, for one, that there are only two Utility Slots. While the possibility remains that there may be a third hidden between the engines, it looks to me as if the ship is going to, at the very least, have 1-2 less utilities than the Python.
Frontier talked a lot about the versatility of the ship and the speed. That indicates to me that it has fair jump range, generous (though probably not as generous as the Python) internal slots, and quicker straight line speed than the Python; a solid Medium-sized, fighter-carrying multirole ship; kind of the 'civilian' equivalent to the Federal Gunship. However, they were notably quiet about its maneuverability. It probably has a pitch rate and lateral movement rate decidedly inferior to that of the Python (and thus far worse than the FDL), and thus has to use the SLF to counteract some of its sluggishness. While with the SLF it has "more" firepower than the Python, the Python may be able to achieve a higher time-on-target, somewhat balancing them out.
They also emphasized its hull strength. Combined with the relative lack of utilities compared to its rivals, the Krait Mk II probably has lower base and theoretical max shield strength. We we may be looking at a ship primarily intended for hull tanking. This is kind of bad considering the inherent limitations of hull tanking, but at least the cockpit is pretty well "hidden" on the underside of the ship, and isn't an easy target like many other vessels.
In any case, considering the sheer ubiquity of the Python, I highly doubt that they'd make a ship that's outright better in every respect. If my assumptions are correct, we'll end up with a ship that's better than the Python/FDL in some ways and worse in others; a viable alternative, but not overwhelmingly so in any single respect. Probably a subpar PVP ship, due to the maneuverability issues. In short, I expect to see, come later this week, a lot of "Krait sucks!" posts on the forums popping up and then the ship to eventually settle in with the other options in its class, with a small but dedicated group of people that like the ship and everyone else going back to the more clear-cut choices.
As for me, I can't wait to buy mine.
got me a spine tremor.. time to abandon this thread before it goes too meta.
Accidentally posted this in the wrong thread - now, it's in the correct one.
Of course, it's not me designing the ship, but I think we can make some reasonable assumptions based on the stated purpose for the ship: Smuggling, primarily, also a strong indication of being a Python competitor.
It needs to be fast, and is stated to have high straight-line speed. Size 6 (maybe 7) Thrusters.
It "should" have good jump range to minimize vulnerability, as it were; Size 5 or 6 FSD, maybe they'll surprise us with a Size 7, though that is unlikely. Explorers can hope.
It needs enough to power those guns; size 6 or 7 Power Distributor.
It needs enough to power everything; Minimum Size 5 Power Plant, 6 is more likely.
Shields will probably be thinner than most Combat pilots might prefer, as this should be designed around avoiding detection and escaping, despite the firepower it has. Size 5, I would guess.
Internals will likely cap at a single Size 7, or a pair of 6's. Smuggling isn't an activity that is traditionally done in bulk, but rather smaller, lucrative cargoes. As such, it is unlikely that the internals will put it near the Python in capacity (with or without the SLF bay), but I think it should have the option of carrying the Size 6 SLF bay. I would say that the ship will likely have 7-8 Internals, most of which will be Size 4 and lower, with a 7 (maybe, or a pair of 6's), and a pair of 5's.
I would also venture to say that it will have no more than 4 Utility slots, perhaps as few as 2.
Configured as above, the Krait would be an:
Excellent Smuggler/Pirate.
Decent small-time Miner.
Decent small-time Trader.
Solid Explorer (if the jump range with the SLF bay is around 40 or so and it can mount a Size 6 scoop)
Decent at Combat solo, but pretty wicked as part of a wing.
These are just my opinions, of course, but I don't think they are too far off the mark.
We'll find out on Thursday, in any case.
Did anyone else notice that the engines sound an awful lot like a certain well-known smuggling ship? Not exactly, but reminiscent of. That has me more excited than anything else about it, to be honest.
Riôt
Of course, it's not me designing the ship, but I think we can make some reasonable assumptions based on the stated purpose for the ship: Smuggling, primarily, also a strong indication of being a Python competitor.
It needs to be fast, and is stated to have high straight-line speed. Size 6 (maybe 7) Thrusters.
It "should" have good jump range to minimize vulnerability, as it were; Size 5 or 6 FSD, maybe they'll surprise us with a Size 7, though that is unlikely. Explorers can hope.
It needs enough to power those guns; size 6 or 7 Power Distributor.
It needs enough to power everything; Minimum Size 5 Power Plant, 6 is more likely.
Shields will probably be thinner than most Combat pilots might prefer, as this should be designed around avoiding detection and escaping, despite the firepower it has. Size 5, I would guess.
Internals will likely cap at a single Size 7, or a pair of 6's. Smuggling isn't an activity that is traditionally done in bulk, but rather smaller, lucrative cargoes. As such, it is unlikely that the internals will put it near the Python in capacity (with or without the SLF bay), but I think it should have the option of carrying the Size 6 SLF bay. I would say that the ship will likely have 7-8 Internals, most of which will be Size 4 and lower, with a 7 (maybe, or a pair of 6's), and a pair of 5's.
I would also venture to say that it will have no more than 4 Utility slots, perhaps as few as 2.
Configured as above, the Krait would be an:
Excellent Smuggler/Pirate.
Decent small-time Miner.
Decent small-time Trader.
Solid Explorer (if the jump range with the SLF bay is around 40 or so and it can mount a Size 6 scoop)
Decent at Combat solo, but pretty wicked as part of a wing.
These are just my opinions, of course, but I don't think they are too far off the mark.
We'll find out on Thursday, in any case.
Did anyone else notice that the engines sound an awful lot like a certain well-known smuggling ship? Not exactly, but reminiscent of. That has me more excited than anything else about it, to be honest.
Riôt
If it's got an slf bay, it means low maneuverability. I expect it to fly fast in a straight line, but either be sluggish or drifty.
And just like SC, the ad shows stuff that won't be playable for years.
The Keelback isn't particularly drifty or even that sluggish with the right setup, and for it's size the Corvette has very good vertical/lateral acceleration, so I haven't lost all hope that the Krait will be able to move.
Agreed.
The only way you can really justify bothering with SLF on a ship this size - (when the Python and Clipper don't have it) - is if its manoeuvrability is really awful.
If it has a decent speed, combined with decent turning, why would you bothering using an internal slot for an SLF? For giggles?
The keelback has... other ways to balance the slf.
Unless ...... it's also an exploration ship and they are buffing the distance an SLF can fly from the ship ....... but no, I'm dreaming [knocked out]
I hate how Frontier has in the past built in weak spots to new ships. You don't see Lexus or even Honda building in weaknesses to their newer lines of cars in order to keep their old cars "competitive".
Thought they found a good balance with the Chieftain which felt like an upgrade because it is fun to fly and had competitive offense/defense. I really hope they find a similar balance with the Krait. If it's too sluggish in the turns, or is super drifty, it won't be any fun imo.
Thought they found a good balance with the Chieftain which felt like an upgrade because it is fun to fly and had competitive offense/defense. I really hope they find a similar balance with the Krait. If it's too sluggish in the turns, or is super drifty, it won't be any fun imo.
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I'm expecting it to be worse than a python, which doesn't need an slf, but not as bad as a T9, which needs one but is bigger.
Right, I was thinking about the weaknesses and drawbacks also. Some of the design of the Krait looks kind of "old school" or old-parts design and as mentioned somewhat like the Millenium Falcon ("piece of junk"/"bucket of bolts") style so it could be at a comparatively lower price point while fulfilling a role better as a smuggler/fast light freighter ship. It's bigger size than the original Krait of FFE also reminds me of the Lanner, with the ED Krait kind of like a mix of the Lanner's bigger size and the Krait "antennaes". From the FFE manual:
"This ageing strike craft is still popular today, if for no other reason that it’s use
of oversized laser cannons strapped to the outside edges of it’s thin body so as
to extend the range of any lasers fitted to it — or so the dealers will tell you.
Talking of those laser emplacements, there have been many concerns over the
original Krait’s tendency to fall apart on high G turns — apparently the finger
width of welding that held the weapon systems on just wasn’t up to the job,
and pilots often found themselves on attack runs without any form of offence.
It’s still a very quick ship to play with, even by today’s high standards. Offering
a little more room than most combat ships, the Krait is fine for combat, which
is probably why pirates favour them quite highly — that and the availability of
second hand parts in scrap ship yards."
http://www.wischik.com/lu/senses/ffemanual.pdf#page=239&zoom=auto,-283,61
The Lanner: http://www.wischik.com/lu/senses/ffemanual.pdf#page=240&zoom=auto,-283,83
Except for the Chieftan which had galnet info about it being a new design against the thargoid threat for the alliance, it could very well be in the lore already such as many of the other ships in FFE not in ED could be assumed to already exist in the ED universe just that we as player cmdrs don't see them until the devs have time to implement them. The panther clipper is already evident in the lore as one of the fighter crew pilot descriptions in the lounge mention they used to be a crew in a "panther clipper". Of course, there could also be a new galnet article announcing a new line of krait, but I hope not to stay in old lore continuity.
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I am very interested in the Krait; and I do hope I don't see a class 5 power distributor because the developer has felt a twinge of "is this too much? let's make sure it isn't" and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. My quiet hope is this will be the sleeper hit folks have asked for, since, well, python got nerfed.
It's been a long time, Frontier. I'm counting on you.
It looks like they super-sized a Viper, cut it in half and rammed a giant Condor into it's backside.
Or, it's a guardian tech ship and "balanced" by being put behind a grind wall. Once you've done the time and collected all the guardian doodads, you have a decent ship.