'k so after flying a bit in the Asp Scout, I thought I'd try the Viper IV. And, overall, it's pretty good as a missions ship. Despite only having a class A3 max power distributor, it copes with 2x 1GG pulse plus 2x 2FG pulse (my favoured loadout, as it doesn't have ammo to run out and is flexible, plus most ships can cope with the thermal load OK). Decent jump range, enough space to 16 cargo if you want (under 16 can limit the cargo based missions).
Downsides - slow yaw rate, and poor maneuverability in general restrict it when it comes to fighting, had a NPC cobra Mk III outflying me at one point. That said, you can usually out-think the NPCs but a good pilot in an eagle or even a sidey would probably take it, simply by staying in the blind spot. Also, and this is a failing it shares with the Asp, the hardpoint position is annoying - even with gimbals you only get all 4 lasers to bear in a very narrow window. Would prefer all the points on the top or bottom of the hull. There's also a lack of utility mounts.
But still, not a bad ship, after all, and more useful for missions than it seemed at first.
Downsides - slow yaw rate, and poor maneuverability in general restrict it when it comes to fighting, had a NPC cobra Mk III outflying me at one point. That said, you can usually out-think the NPCs but a good pilot in an eagle or even a sidey would probably take it, simply by staying in the blind spot. Also, and this is a failing it shares with the Asp, the hardpoint position is annoying - even with gimbals you only get all 4 lasers to bear in a very narrow window. Would prefer all the points on the top or bottom of the hull. There's also a lack of utility mounts.
But still, not a bad ship, after all, and more useful for missions than it seemed at first.
