So, the debate I've seen and want advice on...

[Allant Doran]

Those big 150k+ credit missions, against the Elite Anacondas... What are the pros and cons of a Viper vs a Cobra mk III?

I've seen people say they have used both successfully. I know the Viper is more agile but what does the Cobra offer?

For the purposes of discussion, assume that price for fittings is no object. I just want the raw comparisons

 

[ChaseBears]

the viper is superior at killing anacondas. It's more able to maneuver into the sweet spots.

The main advantage of the cobra is it's more forgiving and straightforward. You can carry more shield cells and it's got tougher armor. Also you have the utility advantages of the cobra, such as jump range and cargo space.

 

[Allant Doran]

the viper is superior at killing anacondas. It's more able to maneuver into the sweet spots.

The main advantage of the cobra is it's more forgiving and straightforward. You can carry more shield cells and it's got tougher armor. Also you have the utility advantages of the cobra, such as jump range and cargo space.

Ahh I see. Having never flown the Cobra, that is the side I'm most interested in. Jump Distance and especially Cargo space have never been too much of an issue for me, however, so I'll likely just stick to my Viper

 

[flosculus]

I've completed 3 of those today with a viper. I use 2 class 1 beam lasers for the shields, I have to keep within 3km so I do take fire, But some careful reversing and strafing I can get him down. Then I have a choice to go out of range and nail with fixed multicannons. This takes a while so I sometimes get in close. I don't bother trying to get behind him cos he is very agile and I can spend to much time trying to out manuveur him when I could take a bit of damage to kill him faster. Speed is crucial really, as in u have to kill him fast. I normally run it on 4 SYS 2 WEP once his shields are down. But I also have A3 shield cells

 

[fergal]

Those big 150k+ credit missions, against the Elite Anacondas... What are the pros and cons of a Viper vs a Cobra mk III?

I've seen people say they have used both successfully. I know the Viper is more agile but what does the Cobra offer?

For the purposes of discussion, assume that price for fittings is no object. I just want the raw comparisons

The cobra is more forgiving for adding weight, because its already heavier. You can load it up with all the equipment you want and its performance isn't that bad. A fully loaded viper is a big fat slow pig. Its still a very quick ship but its very different to a light viper.

The vipers shields are stronger and it is a smaller target, so in theory your shields will last longer than a cobras.
Putting some armour on the cobra will make it a tank for when its shields are down.

I'd be interested in seeing someone kill an elite anaconda in a cobra without any shields.

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I've completed 3 of those today with a viper. I use 2 class 1 beam lasers for the shields, I have to keep within 3km so I do take fire, But some careful reversing and strafing I can get him down. Then I have a choice to go out of range and nail with fixed multicannons. This takes a while so I sometimes get in close. I don't bother trying to get behind him cos he is very agile and I can spend to much time trying to out manuveur him when I could take a bit of damage to kill him faster. Speed is crucial really, as in u have to kill him fast. I normally run it on 4 SYS 2 WEP once his shields are down. But I also have A3 shield cells

the damage on the beam lasers trails off at distance, you will do much more damage up close, staying 2.5 - 3km will slow up the kill, I've been there

 

[adoredtv]

Can this be done in an Eagle btw? Obviously will need a Chaff Launcher and best Shield Cell, but will those run out before you can do enough damage?

 

[Allant Doran]

Can this be done in an Eagle btw? Obviously will need a Chaff Launcher and best Shield Cell, but will those run out before you can do enough damage?

It absolutely CAN be done. I've seen several youtube videos on this. HOW it's done, however, I'm not yet good enough to say. I have no idea what fittings they use.

 

[fergal]

Can this be done in an Eagle btw? Obviously will need a Chaff Launcher and best Shield Cell, but will those run out before you can do enough damage?

Certainly could be done in an eagle if the pilot is good enough. I wouldn't be, but I might give it a go for a laugh

The shields on the eagle are much weaker than the viper, and its weapons are much weaker so it will take longer shooting, so you need to make less mistakes for a longer period of time.

 

[CMDR Solarisjock]

I found boom and zoom with beam lasers and chaff to work well in a Viper, the damage fall off is negated, and you can hit boost if you start taking to much damage and pass it quick enough you take little damage. once the shields are gone I generally pull in behind it with dumbfires and more laser