I'd have to say the Cobrak Mk III is probably Elite's closest to the iconic Falcon. With how I play though, I'm finding that the Python fills my need for a "falcon" like ship... But it's on the rather expensive side with how I've fit. (280m)
I've got 64 tons of cargo, a 6A fuel scoop to make up for the poor jump range (and believe me, it's a very worthwhile investment if you are nomadic.), a 4A shield booster and two 3A boosters, advanced discovery scanner, and 6A shields. I also have two 5D hull reinforcements to ensure that if I die, it's because I was disabled.
Frameshift, engines etc etc are all A-Grade. Weapons are running 2x C2 Rails, 2x C3 Beam Turrets, 1x C3 Plasma Accelerator. I change my utility mounts based on my activities.
The only difference for me from a falcon to what I've got is that I have a lot more punch for killing bigger ships. I can take most CMDR's on one on one. I usually have to flee with more than CMDR's engaging me. I can solo most strong single sources I encounter, including the one that spawns several vultures.
I've got 64 tons of cargo, a 6A fuel scoop to make up for the poor jump range (and believe me, it's a very worthwhile investment if you are nomadic.), a 4A shield booster and two 3A boosters, advanced discovery scanner, and 6A shields. I also have two 5D hull reinforcements to ensure that if I die, it's because I was disabled.
Frameshift, engines etc etc are all A-Grade. Weapons are running 2x C2 Rails, 2x C3 Beam Turrets, 1x C3 Plasma Accelerator. I change my utility mounts based on my activities.
The only difference for me from a falcon to what I've got is that I have a lot more punch for killing bigger ships. I can take most CMDR's on one on one. I usually have to flee with more than CMDR's engaging me. I can solo most strong single sources I encounter, including the one that spawns several vultures.
When you look at a Cobra Mk III, is what you think 'this is a piece of junk'?
No, but I don't think the Asp is a piece of junk either.
The type 6 is the piece of junk you are looking for.
Here's the Millenium Cobra:
http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=602,5Rr5Rr7sh7sh,2-6u6u6Q5K5K5K6k,0720727Re
[Cobra Mk III]
M: 2F/G Pulse Laser
M: 2F/G Pulse Laser
S: 1G/G Multi-cannon
S: 1G/G Multi-cannon
BH: 1I Lightweight Alloy
RB: 4D Power Plant
TM: 4D Thrusters
FH: 4A Frame Shift Drive
EC: 3D Life Support
PC: 3D Power Distributor
SS: 3D Sensors
FS: 4C Fuel Tank (Capacity: 16)
4: 4E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 16)
4: 4E Cargo Rack (Capacity: 16)
4: 4D Shield Generator
---
Shield: 101.58 MJ
Power : 7.68 MW retracted (66%)
9.62 MW deployed (82%)
11.70 MW available
Cargo : 32 T
Fuel : 16 T
Mass : 220.0 T empty
268.0 T full
Range : 24.54 LY unladen
21.61 LY laden
Price : 2,247,855 CR
Re-Buy: 112,393 CR @ 95% insurance
This leaves the utility mounts open for whatever you want. Also the three size 2 slots, could be Frameshift Interdictor, scanners, or more cargo. For longer range switch out one of the cargo bays for a fuel scoop.
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"Piece of Junk" is not the defining characteristic of the Falcon. It's a relatively fast, medium/small size, multi-role ship that is iconic for the universe it exists in. That is obviously the Cobra Mk III for Elite. If they had a "shabby chic" paint-job for the Cobra, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.