[SUGGESTION] An alternative use for hardpoints

[Iskariot]

Many traders and explorers do not fit weapons in their hardpoints,
Would it perhaps be a nice idea to be able to fit other stuff in there?

This would make ships more specialized, which I think is a good thing.

For example:
Perhaps explorers could fit exploration probe launchers in there, or perhaps special exploration scanners, that need to be deployed like weapons.

Miners already have this: They can fit mining lasers.

It would be awesome if we got more specialized tools like that.
What about special cameras or signal detection devices for spies (military missions). I would love espionage to become a thing in ED.
In the X-wing games you had to approach enemy fleets and take pictures of certain ships. I crave stuff like that in ED.

 

[trollson]

Good idea, reuse and swords into plowsheds and all.

Explorers might benefit from a turreted scanner so they don't have to keep pointed at the target for the duration.

 

[Iskariot]

Good idea, reuse and swords into plowsheds and all.

Explorers might benefit from a turreted scanner so they don't have to keep pointed at the target for the duration.

A turreted scanner is a cool idea.
A great example of a useful alternative use for hard points.

 

[The Mega Doom Bot]

Again for explorers.

How about a long range broadcast antenna? Allowing them to turn in exploration data without having to leave the frontier.

Two possible trade-offs:
1.) Massive power draw for a single hardpoint
2.) Distance determines broadcast time. The further out you are the greater the time it takes to transmit the data. This requires you to spend more time in normal space and therefore more open to attack or other hazards.

 

[The Mega Doom Bot]

Which actually makes me realize something about this thread.

Keep in mind anything you suggest can only be used in normal space, since you can only deploy your hardpoints in normal space. As opposed to utility mounts and internal modules which are constantly deployed and therefore can be used in Supercruise.

That means something like a turreted scanner wouldn't really work because any time you save by not having to turn your ship will be lost to jumping in and out of Supercruise.

 

[trollson]

@TheMegaDoomBot very good point. Hardpoints are not usable in SC limits usefulness of turret scanner for flybys.