Suggestion: Ships larger than mailslot

[Toumal]

So in 2.2 we're getting ship launched fighters, which got me thinking:

We then have all the things needed to let players control even bigger ships, vessels that are too big to fit through the mailslot! Just think about it: You could have giant ships which you then stock with goods and materials by launching, for example, a shuttle or even just smaller cargo ships. You park your big ship alongside a station, launch a transporter to dock and load/offload goods, and then dock with your ship again.

We have all the mechanics in place with the sole exception of the main ship needing to spawn alongside the station should you log off while in the transport ship.

 

[Kicks]

+1, I would love this.

Would work nicely at outposts too.

 

[Cmdr Mnumen]

I like this idea...

 

[Helfar]

Nice idea, and maybe if 2.2 works they can then adapt HUGE ships to have dedicated docking ports with small landing pads

 

[Thunderchief]

I like this Idea, would be great to see some bulk freighters, and even better if you could own and fly one!

 

[flyauburn41]

Wasn't the Beluga supposed to be bigger than the mail slot?

If I remember correctly both DBOBE and Sandro have said this multiple times.

Then it is revealed that it's smaller or same size as a Cutter.

Curious if they just couldn't figure out the "dock outside" mechanic in time for 2.2 and took the easy way out...

If so that really sucks.

 

[Andurol]

Well, they've already got capitol ship docks designed.

[video=youtube;oHKDgIOsRV4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHKDgIOsRV4[/video]

 

[Falcon_D]

Has anyone tried logging off when in your SRV parked next to your ship and then logging back in again, to see if the ship is still there?
When I've had to log off in my SRV it's always after I've sent my ship away.

I think this big ship thing might not be do able due to the instancing mechanic.

 

[D.G.Cerberus]

So in 2.2 we're getting ship launched fighters, which got me thinking:

We then have all the things needed to let players control even bigger ships, vessels that are too big to fit through the mailslot! Just think about it: You could have giant ships which you then stock with goods and materials by launching, for example, a shuttle or even just smaller cargo ships. You park your big ship alongside a station, launch a transporter to dock and load/offload goods, and then dock with your ship again.

We have all the mechanics in place with the sole exception of the main ship needing to spawn alongside the station should you log off while in the transport ship.

We could have these then........

ORBIT SHUTTLES
These unarmed and often unmanned craft are built under license in every planetary system. Based on a prototype developed by Saud-Kruger AstroDesign, they are used for cargo ferrying between planet and space station, but can be modified to hospital ships, or orbiting prisons. Favorite targets for small-time criminals, because of their instantaneous release of cargo canisters, they are often followed by single fighter patrol ships.
	Dimensions - 35/20/20 ft Cargo Capacity - 60 TC Armaments - None Maximum Velocity - 0.08 Inservice Date - 2856 AD (Saud-Kruger AstroDesign) Maneuverability - CF 4 Crew Number - 6 Drive Motors - V & K 20.20 StarMat drive Hull Stress Factor - T Ko 28 Hyperspace Capability - No

TRANSPORTER

The Lakon Spaceways MC15 QuikTransport Shuttle is the most commonly encountered intermediate range shuttle, with a range of 0.1LY and a full HiGrav Loading facility. It can carry up to 100 passengers, and has a cargo capacity of 10 tonnes undefined bulk. Can land on asteroids, space stations, and can skim atmosphere, and touch down on land surfaces and all liquid surfaces except acid

 

[Gramps]

Not sure how you would be able to access the B/board for missions, upgrades, fuel or repairs like broken canopy.

 

[Toumal]

Imagine picking up passengers to ship to your SuperBeluga...

 

[c00ky1970]

I thought the Belugas tail "aerilons" did fold apart upon docking - in the Gamescon streams I thought either DBOBE mentioned this or Sandro did, as its a bit of a mahoosive ship??

 

[Toumal]

Not sure how you would be able to access the B/board for missions, upgrades, fuel or repairs like broken canopy.

That could be *relatively* simple, by adding a "Starport services for main ship" menu selection.

 

[Thunderchief]

Not sure how you would be able to access the B/board for missions, upgrades, fuel or repairs like broken canopy.

You could do it though the smaller ship, (the smaller ship will be tied to the larger, and not a separate entity) when you dock you will just be given a menu relating to the larger ship. ship repairs perhaps can only be completed at large docks like the capital ship ones.

I'm sure a way can be programmed.

 

[Toumal]

I thought the Belugas tail "aerilons" did fold apart upon docking - in the Gamescon streams I thought either DBOBE mentioned this or Sandro did, as its a bit of a mahoosive ship??

The Beluga fits through the slot - my mention of a "SuperBeluga" was just to imply that there could well be some even bigger version that doesn't.

 

[trollson]

Just have the massive ship function like a station with a commodities menu, to load/unload to a slot-sized ship (or sublight shuttle). The smaller ship then trades with the station as normal - it just takes a number of shuttle trips.

Though this doesn't answer refueling or repairs. Tanker shuttles? White vans full of engineers?


I would like to see more "background" ships - not necessarily player accessible ones - to fill in space. The capitol ships are examples of these, so how about some bulk transports... But how would the game model players attacking one?

 

[_trent_]

If they are going to add new ships I can't see any reason why they can't add new types of stations with the ability to accommodate them be it larger slots, docking arms, external pads, or something else.

They also have the option of huge pads on surface stations only. Not sure I want to land a space whale on a high-G world though.

 

[Leo Sagan]

So in 2.2 we're getting ship launched fighters, which got me thinking:

We then have all the things needed to let players control even bigger ships, vessels that are too big to fit through the mailslot! Just think about it: You could have giant ships which you then stock with goods and materials by launching, for example, a shuttle or even just smaller cargo ships. You park your big ship alongside a station, launch a transporter to dock and load/offload goods, and then dock with your ship again.

We have all the mechanics in place with the sole exception of the main ship needing to spawn alongside the station should you log off while in the transport ship.

Useless : in 2.2, you'll teleport your benemoth inside the station without passing through the mail slot. And when you leave, you'll just logoffski your way out. The mail slot is, in effect, completely useless now.

 

[Toumal]

Useless : in 2.2, you'll teleport your benemoth inside the station without passing through the mail slot. And when you leave, you'll just logoffski your way out. The mail slot is, in effect, completely useless now.

You mean because that would be just quicker and more efficient?