Ship-Launched Shuttles

[Chieftain 101]

Dear Frontier Development Team,

On behalf of the Elite Dangerous Community I would like to give you an Idea or Hint on what we would like to have in the future, and what could be implemented in a future (small) update, like one of the updates which are coming until the new Era of Elite in 2020.

After asking around, we came to the conclusion, that many people would really enjoy having non-combat ship-launched vessels, like a Shuttle similar to the "Marauder" from Dark Matter (see attachment) or "The Maw" from your concept Art.
These Shuttles could be used for mining, equipped with Abrasion blasters or similar. They should have Cargo Capacity and could be used for Player-to-Player cargo transfer and Mining, but not the normal quantity mining. Instead, they should have a lower Yield output but still make for some Profit. As the team has shown, they are able to design good looking ship-launched vessels, so in that regard, I have no doubts that you are going to do a great job.

These "Shuttles" would likely be launched like fighters under the "fighters" tab in the Role Switch Panel and should be able to transfer cargo as an SRV does.
They could be used for additional gameplay with Installations (in Space), like installation trading, exclusive missions etc.

The Main Ship should be Dismissable, like with the SRV. It should travel away from the Shuttle and "Jump" after about 3.5km.

I feel that with the current assets and budget of Frontier Developments, the Idea stated above should be taken into consideration.

 

[Boff'in]

it's called the Adder

 

[Chieftain 101]

Still, the adder is not a Ship-Launched Shuttle

 

[Envisitor]

I support the suggestion of Chieftain 101 and I would appreciate when the Shuttle could land on planets, because so you have not to risk on high-g planets e.g. your Anaconda.

 

[Chieftain 101]

That seems like an Interesting Idea! But I don't think these Shuttles will get an SRV, in my Version, they are Ship Launched non-Fighters.

 

[Azreh Helas]

i support this but there should be no landing on planets unless there is a base with a shuttle bay and sure as no fsd capabilities.

 

[Chieftain 101]

As I mentioned above, I expect additional Gameplay on Installations. These Shuttles should not replace our ordinary ships, however. They should be used for new Small-Scale Gameplay, like Installations. They should also not be FSD-Capable, but the Main Ship should be dismissable, so please, FDev, please get rid of the Telepresence thing, it is ridiculous!

 

[Kotuma]

This would be great even if we can’t change the loadout, but had to select from a few configs like fighters. I’d love to have a large-size ship with a cargo shuttle for ferrying passengers and cargo to outposts, or a couple mining shuttles to zip around resource sites while the mothership sits at a reasonable distance.

 

[Hooplah]

We simply need shuttle craft from an orbiting station down to a planet station and back. No FSD drive but more of a local taxi. This includes the IP Shuttle, Lifter, Orbit Shuttle, Puma Shuttle and Transporter from past games. it could do cargo, passengers and maybe a little smuggling. Versions could be installed on much larger ships than we have now such as the Lynx Bulk Carrier or Long Range Cruiser that have massive cargo capabilities but are too large to dock at an orbiting station. Frontier has not provided any per the previous versions of the Elite games. Maybe they will get around to them when they figure out atmospheric landings. It has been previously discussed per this link.

Ship Launched Shuttle Craft

 

[Skip Rockbounder]

i support this but there should be no landing on planets unless there is a base with a shuttle bay and sure as no fsd capabilities.

I'm all for it regardless of facilities being available, it would be a great addition to an Explorers 'kit' leaving your big ship aloft and dropping planetside for a trot round!

 

[ebbrell]

I remember shuttles in old versions of elite, they would be used to run missions between starports and planetary bases.

 

[fishbait]

i support this but these shuttle should be fsd capable in a very limited manner for example have a max of 5ly jump range that uses up 30% of it fuel, they can supercruise and maybe jump to something interesting nearby, but won't supplant a proper ship

also they should have an srv bay, a 40 ton cargo hold and be limited to the slf capable ships. this way they act as an extension of the ship, add new gameplay, and supplement some of the weaknesses people have been trying to suggest ways around for ages.

edit: ooh and fuel transfer ability it could add to rescue scenarios.
edit2: maybe fuel transfer is pushing it too much :|

 

[Chieftain 101]

Also, they could or should be used along with, or even centred around new salvage gameplay.

And fuel rescue Scenarios are already a thing by the way

 

[Iskariot]

Dear Frontier Development Team,

I am Commander Tictak, and on behalf of the Elite Dangerous Community I would like to give you an Idea or Hint on what we would like to have in the future, and what could be implemented in a future (small) update, like one of the updates which are coming until the new Era of Elite in 2020.

After asking around, we came to the conclusion, that many people would really enjoy having non-combat ship-launched vessels, like a Shuttle similar to the "Marauder" from Dark Matter (see attachment) or "The Maw" from your concept Art.
These Shuttles could be used for mining, equipped with Abrasion blasters or similar. They should have Cargo Capacity and could be used for Player-to-Player cargo transfer and Mining, but not the normal quantity mining. Instead, they should have a lower Yield output but still make for some Profit. As the team has shown, they are able to design good looking ship-launched vessels, so in that regard, I have no doubts that you are going to do a great job.

These "Shuttles" would likely be launched like fighters under the "fighters" tab in the Role Switch Panel and should be able to transfer cargo as an SRV does.
They could be used for additional gameplay with Installations (in Space), like installation trading, exclusive missions etc.

The Main Ship should be Dismissable, like with the SRV. It should travel away from the Shuttle and "Jump" after about 3.5km.

I feel that with the current assets and budget of Frontier Developments, the Idea stated above should be taken into consideration.

Please contact me should you have any questions or concerns, thank you.
- Tictak

Have proposed this several times.
Would love this.

A shuttle should have no jumpdrive. I am very much against shuttles having jump capabilities! In such a small vehicle there should be no room for that.

We might for example use it to deliver a few passengers or packages to stations that are unable to service our main ship.

I would like a separate Ship Launched Miner (SLM). I think an SLM would have to look markedly different compared to a regular shuttle.

 

[Goose4291]

We simply need shuttle craft from an orbiting station down to a planet station and back. No FSD drive but more of a local taxi. This includes the IP Shuttle, Lifter, Orbit Shuttle, Puma Shuttle and Transporter from past games. it could do cargo, passengers and maybe a little smuggling. Versions could be installed on much larger ships than we have now such as the Lynx Bulk Carrier or Long Range Cruiser that have massive cargo capabilities but are too large to dock at an orbiting station. Frontier has not provided any per the previous versions of the Elite games. Maybe they will get around to them when they figure out atmospheric landings. It has been previously discussed per this link.

Ship Launched Shuttle Craft

Real commanders break their lifters drives and replace them with class 1 military drives

 

[Chieftain 101]

The one big thing is, the shuttles should be the size of an SRV, with only one seat. If they are fighter-bay restricted then that's a huge no

 

[Watcher]

I too support more utility vehicles.

A shuttle for cargo/fuel(/passangers?) transfer to/from stations would be handy - possibly ship to ship.

Then again I'd like to see that sidewinder bay on the Anaconda...

I also go with the idea of main ship dismiss like with the SRV. Perhaps play with the idea of different restrictions based on direct versus telepresence piloting... That would complicate things of course (I don't mind ).

In general I like the idea of in system shuttles with a system restricted FSD, no jump capability. I tend to think this might need tying to things like that mythical sidewinder bay though since it feels like a slightly bigger ship thing.

Anyway yes, more utilities and gameplay options

 

[Nitrogue]

Ive thought about this a couple of times, and love the idea.

Could open up one, maybe two new ship sizes.
the first would be tiny/shuttle. bigger than a SLF, but maybe no bigger than a sidewinder or hauler. As previously stated no FSD, minimal shields, weapons, etc but maximise remaining space for cargo. Which would then help with the next size class:
Gigantic. Wouldnt be able to enter standard docks (maybe get some new ones just for them? or add external docking tubes) but could use a shuttle to ferry supplies to and fro (could get tedious)

Just some thoughts.

 

[VR SenseiMatty]

Yes launched shuttles! Especially for planetary exploration. I park my ship in orbit and I land with the shuttle on aggressive atmospheric planets

 

[Chieftain 101]

I like the Idea of the Shuttle being used for Atmospheric Flight rather than using, let's say a 600t Anaconda!