Python or gunship?

[Stealthie]

All of this! But use a biweave, not a honker. The FGS has the fastest shield recharge of any ship I've flown to date, using a big shield negates that advantage. It;s like a 300hp heal every 45 secs.

Whatever floats your boat. [up]
TBH, I just meant stick a C6 shield (of whatever type) on it rather than going for C5 in the hope of "saving" the bigger slots for something else, in an attempt to create some kind of "multirole" capability.

The biggest dilemma, IMO, is whether to go for a C5 or C6 SLF bay.
I did have a C6 bay on mine, then I downgraded to a C5 bay simply cos I wanted my FGS to "feel" a bit less capable than my Corvette/Anaconda but, if I'm honest, that's just a bit of a "self nerf" because I don't think there's much benefit to freeing up the 2nd C6 slot.

Sure, it means you could bung a C6 SCB or HRP in there, rather than a C5 variant but, frankly, if you're at the stage where that difference becomes critical then it's probably time for a tactical withdrawal anyway.

About the only other thing you might want to bung on an FGS is an FS interdictor and they only go up to C4 so they'll fit in either the C5 slot or the C6 slot.
That being the case, "saving" the C6 slot, by fitting a C5 SLF, is really just wasteful.

Another possibility is that if you're travelling with an FGS, you might consider fitting a big fuel-scoop to minimise faffing around.
Part of the reason I downgraded to the C5 SLF bay was so I could fit a C6 scoop temporarily, while I was doing some missions to gain rank with an Alliance faction.
Probably going to put the C6 SLF bay back in cos, as I say, there's really no reason not to use it.

Decisions, decisions!

 

[Aashenfox]

Wouldn't this require to switch loadouts? Maybe I am missing something, but I can't see how you can use all of these weapons at same time - and that's what I after since it helps dealing fast with shieldcell-using enemies.

Yes, I switch loadouts on the fly based on what I'm fighting minute to minute. The SLF is also pretty decent nowadays and uses the PA Condor, so he does DAMAGE as well. I don't actually mind people using SCBs, just delays the inevitable, but when they do, I pound them with the cascade rails.

If I were to really go all out DPS with one rack, I would go for 1 large and 2 medium long range pulses, 2 medium long range multicannons (corrosive and autoloader) and 2 small long range high yield cannons, or something like that.

 

[ForeverN00b]

Wouldn't this require to switch loadouts? Maybe I am missing something, but I can't see how you can use all of these weapons at same time - and that's what I after since it helps dealing fast with shieldcell-using enemies.

You don't need overwhelming firepower from all hardpoints to defeat SCBs (although it is one way of doing it), that's what feedback rails are for. His mix of weapons makes sense as he has weapons for different opponents and situations.

 

[StiTch]

Whatever floats your boat. [up]
TBH, I just meant stick a C6 shield (of whatever type) on it rather than going for C5 in the hope of "saving" the bigger slots for something else, in an attempt to create some kind of "multirole" capability.

The biggest dilemma, IMO, is whether to go for a C5 or C6 SLF bay.
I did have a C6 bay on mine, then I downgraded to a C5 bay simply cos I wanted my FGS to "feel" a bit less capable than my Corvette/Anaconda but, if I'm honest, that's just a bit of a "self nerf" because I don't think there's much benefit to freeing up the 2nd C6 slot.

Sure, it means you could bung a C6 SCB or HRP in there, rather than a C5 variant but, frankly, if you're at the stage where that difference becomes critical then it's probably time for a tactical withdrawal anyway.

About the only other thing you might want to bung on an FGS is an FS interdictor and they only go up to C4 so they'll fit in either the C5 slot or the C6 slot.
That being the case, "saving" the C6 slot, by fitting a C5 SLF, is really just wasteful.

Another possibility is that if you're travelling with an FGS, you might consider fitting a big fuel-scoop to minimise faffing around.
Part of the reason I downgraded to the C5 SLF bay was so I could fit a C6 scoop temporarily, while I was doing some missions to gain rank with an Alliance faction.
Probably going to put the C6 SLF bay back in cos, as I say, there's really no reason not to use it.

Decisions, decisions!

C6 bay unless you are utilising the slot for something such as an AFMU and have the power. There's not much that needs the C6 slot otherwise.

As interdictor goes, FGS wants as much hull HP as possible. I personally use a C2 interdictor to preserve the bigger hull reinforcement slot.

And as shields go, I will put a recommendation in for C6 bi-weaves and at least one resistant shield booster.

 

[Aashenfox]

I never fit an interdictor. If you don't bother me, I won't bother you. Besides, 2 MRPs are important if you hull tank between biweave charges.

 

[IndigoWyrd]

Fer De Lance maybe? Nothing beats the huge hardpoint on it.

Except the two huge hardpoints of a Corvette, but that's a different class of ship.

 

[dayrth]

Python. If you have the credits.

 

[Redomus]

I edited to say you're right mathematically, but I still don't see how that translates to the game, so I will do a vid.

Do you mind if I don't swap the thrusters? The python has 137% and the FGS 134%, and I still intend to show better agility of the FGS. kk?

I can concur with your findings, owning both and flying both - the FGS isnt as fast but it turns a lot better. If you are purely pitching in the gunship you are flying it wrong (even with counter thrusting). It has some superb yaw and lateral thrusters which can make it turn at quite a good rate, especially with a good DD roll - combine it with FA off and it becomes a 1000T floating turret. (Dont forget about that drift, it looks cool and is useful for closing angles on targets)

The python is very wide, and lateral movements leave something to be desired, it can pitch well, but you arent a small target, and requires a lot of reverse thrusting to get things lined up correctly from what I have found so far.

In combat I would always take the FGS over a python. The python is decent, but its a multi-role so it will only ever be decent and not good at combat over a combat focused ship. I love the python as much as the next person but facts are facts. The damage combined with the SLF is significant, and if you are lucky enough to get a competent SLF multicrew pilot with a double bay its downright scary dps.

Also it gains a +rep on both because they arent an FDL.

 

[mmm]

Python is miserable in combat. It’s huge. It’s hitbox IS the side of a barn. It’s not maneuverable even with FA off, the speed/agility is barely acceptable, and the time on target is lackluster.

Get a Gunship. Load it up with a fighter. Load up with armor and module/Hull Reinforcement and engineer until you have more hitpoints than most large ships in the game. Biweave shields, go for good resists and quick recharge. Then you add seven multicannons, G5 overcharged with one corrosive. When you start a fight, hit the special FGS maneuverability buff (FA OFF). Power drift with boosters, and strafe everything with multis and it all dies. Everything. The FGS does YAW better than PITCH, so learn to roll the ship and yaw to the side instead of climbing or diving.

A python has to be careful in a CZ, watching for too many enemies lest it get overwhelmed and blown up.
A Gunship only has to watch the ammo counter, because you will only die if that hits zero.

That's exactly how I roll my Gunship. I have both, Gunship for serious combat, Python for everything else.