T9 for exploration

[CMDR Pugwash]

Greetings Commanders!

I have hear some people espouse the T9 for exploration which surprised me a little. I am intrigued though and fancy taking at look. I am on my way back to the bubble to adjust my loadout after 2.4 lands which presents the ideal opportunity.

Does anyone have an opinion? Is it a viable exploration vessel without Engineers? Can anyone advise me on a suitable loadout for a T9?

 

[verminstar]

Im currently building an explora T9 in colonia...funding needed to transfer an 8b fuel scoop from the bubble so farming neutrons fer a few days. Honestly, Im not gonna get into recommended setups as none of my setups are tried and tested...this literally is the first time Ive tried an exploration setup so if this thread takes off, its one the few I shall follow with interest.

As it stands, Im sold on the cockpit view...nothing Ive flown even comes close. Theres also the ability to pack in a larger 3d printer fer SLF...I tend to crash lots when hitting corners in canyons less than 2 meters from terra firma, so I need a big hangar if going out fer a long time.

And while I dont do multipew, the bridge of the T9 and that cockpit view...well maybe in the future...providing frontier show us some luvin at their expo

Have parts from the bubble shipped to colonia so this little expedition of mine has a good head start considering Im using a non engineered build...sub 20ly range. I reason it out like it feeling the same as bubble to jacques in a non engineered dbx as going from jaques to Sag a in a non engineered T9...itll take more or less the same time and number of jumps...just with slightly better eye candy than faffing around in the suburbs.

 

[rOmiLaYu]

While the cockpit is one of (if not the) best in the game, the abysmal handling and super low jump range make it DOA for me as an exploration ship.

 

[Henkka77]

I was on August Exodus last year with my T-9. Flew to Colonia with full cargo and it was one of the best exploration events i have participated.
Also, the handling isnt abysmal at all, i think its just spot on if you think what you could expect from big trading ship..

 

[Andrew Gaspurr]

I think we had a T-9 on Distant Worlds 3302 with us (Olivia Vespera?). It housed a complete Wasp Radio station if I remember correctly so every ship has its uses

 

[rOmiLaYu]

Also, the handling isnt abysmal at all, i think its just spot on if you think what you could expect from big trading ship..

Compared to an AspEx, sorry, it's abysmal. It's a huge space hauler and handles as such. I suppose there's a "because I can" thrill to it, but after about 20 kylies in it, I think the thrill would be gone.

 

[Goobertech]

I think any ship that can equip a fuel scoop, ADS and DSS can be an exploration ship. The real questions to ask are:

Will you enjoy flying it?
Is the ships jump range acceptable for your needs?

If you answer yes to those questions, then it will be good exploration ship for you. Jump range/efficiency is certainly nice and can get you places that lower jump range ships can't. That being said, if you are not intending to visit the furthest reaches of the galaxy than you should be just fine in a T9. I know a guy who went to Beagle Point in his T9. It took a VERY long time, but he did it. Just fly what you like and put together the best build you can as it makes sense for your needs.

 

[marx]

Compared to an AspEx, sorry, it's abysmal. It's a huge space hauler and handles as such. I suppose there's a "because I can" thrill to it, but after about 20 kylies in it, I think the thrill would be gone.

To be fair, compared to other ships of its size, the Asp Explorer's SC turning is much better. The worst offender in this might be the Clipper, which even outperforms the Courier(!) in this regard. However, the Asp performs so well at everything exploration-related that if you become used to it, it'll probably be difficult to switch to something else.
If memory serves, the Type 9 has an outstandingly slow yaw, but you shouldn't be using that much anyway. Otherwise, yeah, it's bad, but compared to the other big ships, not abysmally so.

 

[rOmiLaYu]

To be fair, compared to other ships of its size, the Asp Explorer's SC turning is much better. The worst offender in this might be the Clipper, which even outperforms the Courier(!) in this regard. However, the Asp performs so well at everything exploration-related that if you become used to it, it'll probably be difficult to switch to something else.
If memory serves, the Type 9 has an outstandingly slow yaw, but you shouldn't be using that much anyway. Otherwise, yeah, it's bad, but compared to the other big ships, not abysmally so.

I ran across a few of your system tags helping out the GMP a few days back. o7

 

[CMDR Pugwash]

To be fair, compared to other ships of its size, the Asp Explorer's SC turning is much better. The worst offender in this might be the Clipper, which even outperforms the Courier(!) in this regard. However, the Asp performs so well at everything exploration-related that if you become used to it, it'll probably be difficult to switch to something else.
If memory serves, the Type 9 has an outstandingly slow yaw, but you shouldn't be using that much anyway. Otherwise, yeah, it's bad, but compared to the other big ships, not abysmally so.

I fly an Asp X just now but I used to fly a T-6 & T-7 and I hated them. However a big ship with an SLF may add some much needed variety to exploration.

Is the T-9 the best of the big ships for exploration?

 

[Henkka77]

Is the T-9 the best of the big ships for exploration?

Being best ship in exploration is quite relative term i would say. General consensus is that Anaconda is the best of the big ships, but personally i think its a bit dull choice. Although im taking it for a year long spin around the galaxy..

 

[CMDR Pugwash]

Hmm, just checked out the T-9 on Corrolis. Just shy of 20 ly jump range. I think that is not enough really. The anaconda gets 33 ish with a similar build.

 

[Henkka77]

Hmm, just checked out the T-9 on Corrolis. Just shy of 20 ly jump range. I think that is not enough really. The anaconda gets 33 ish with a similar build.

Well naturally you would engineer the hell out of FSD at least before exploring in any ship..
My T-9 can jump somewhere around 28Ly when in exploration outfit.

Heres my outfit what i would take if i would choose T-9 for exploring: https://eddp.co/u/STxY8185
All the engineered modules are with best option, so in reality my jump range is somewhere around 28Ly.
And yes, my FSD is really 55.7%..

 

[CMDR Pugwash]

Well naturally you would engineer the hell out of FSD at least before exploring in any ship..
My T-9 can jump somewhere around 28Ly when in exploration outfit.

Heres my outfit what i would take if i would choose T-9 for exploring: https://eddp.co/u/STxY8185
All the engineered modules are with best option, so in reality my jump range is somewhere around 28Ly.
And yes, my FSD is really 55.7%..

Thank you, that is very helpful. However, I am not a fan of the engineers (not that have the time anyway) and will not use them.

 

[verminstar]

I did consider the conda but seems like everyone and their dog is flying condas...I like being different. Hence why Im now 1500ly from colonia on my maiden voyage in an unengineered T9. Ive flown worse ships and the SLF is just too much fun...19ly range is on the low side, but then again, I dont actually have a set destination. Im going to Sag a sure, but Im in no real hurry to get there and Im just enjoying the trip, so its really not a big deal fer me.

If Id wanted an instant 'I win' i would have engineered a conda or a DBE...as it is Ive parked up a 41ly DBE in colonia dream so surely if I was in a hurry, I would have brought that. But Im not in a hurry...ergo range is simply not the issue fer me as it is fer others.

End of the day its down to personal taste...I love the look and the feeling of flying a big ship, even if it turns like its stuck in glue, but ye get used to it. Im happy nuff fer now, still heading in the general direction of the middle slowly but surely although I have found a really promising system which Ill check out later and probably spend a day or two in before moving on.

Similar feeling as in real life I drive something nobody else has because very few were ever made...thats a good feeling especially when strangers ask about the custom paintjob. I dont have that in the game though I do have something very few others have, and that feeling of uniqueness cant be bought.

Who knows...might even keep going to beagle point ^

 

[CMDR Pugwash]

I did consider the conda but seems like everyone and their dog is flying condas...I like being different. Hence why Im now 1500ly from colonia on my maiden voyage in an unengineered T9. Ive flown worse ships and the SLF is just too much fun...19ly range is on the low side, but then again, I dont actually have a set destination. Im going to Sag a sure, but Im in no real hurry to get there and Im just enjoying the trip, so its really not a big deal fer me.

If Id wanted an instant 'I win' i would have engineered a conda or a DBE...as it is Ive parked up a 41ly DBE in colonia dream so surely if I was in a hurry, I would have brought that. But Im not in a hurry...ergo range is simply not the issue fer me as it is fer others.

End of the day its down to personal taste...I love the look and the feeling of flying a big ship, even if it turns like its stuck in glue, but ye get used to it. Im happy nuff fer now, still heading in the general direction of the middle slowly but surely although I have found a really promising system which Ill check out later and probably spend a day or two in before moving on.

Similar feeling as in real life I drive something nobody else has because very few were ever made...thats a good feeling especially when strangers ask about the custom paintjob. I dont have that in the game though I do have something very few others have, and that feeling of uniqueness cant be bought.

Who knows...might even keep going to beagle point ^

I agree 20 Ly isn't an issue when you are not in a hurry, and I rarely am. Usually I'm just wandering about. However, I do need to go in for repairs now and again. I'm hoping that the new repair limpets will enable me to stay out indefinitely meaning that jump range won't be an issue. The only reason I'm considering a bigger ship is so that I can use an SLF to add something to a pretty dull experience.

Could you post your loadout please?

 

[Rudi Raumkraut]

Dont forget the Keelback, which can fit a fighter bay and offer some "uniqueness"

 

[rOmiLaYu]

I agree 20 Ly isn't an issue when you are not in a hurry, and I rarely am. Usually I'm just wandering about. However, I do need to go in for repairs now and again. I'm hoping that the new repair limpets will enable me to stay out indefinitely meaning that jump range won't be an issue. The only reason I'm considering a bigger ship is so that I can use an SLF to add something to a pretty dull experience.

Could you post your loadout please?

If you're just looking to add an SLF, note that you don't need a "large" ship to do that. The Keelback and the Federal Gunship can fit one, as well. Not sure how the FGS would fare as an exploration ship, but the Keelback, being based on the T6, should do OK-ish.

 

[CMDR Pugwash]

Dont forget the Keelback, which can fit a fighter bay and offer some "uniqueness"

If you're just looking to add an SLF, note that you don't need a "large" ship to do that. The Keelback and the Federal Gunship can fit one, as well. Not sure how the FGS would fare as an exploration ship, but the Keelback, being based on the T6, should do OK-ish.

Good shout, I didn't realise. Unfortunately it doesn't have enough slots for hangers, AFMU and the upcoming repair limpet module.

 

[[VR] optimal_909]

Similar feeling as in real life I drive something nobody else has because very few were ever made...thats a good feeling especially when strangers ask about the custom paintjob. I dont have that in the game though I do have something very few others have, and that feeling of uniqueness cant be bought.

Who knows...might even keep going to beagle point ^

I share the same approach...

What are you driving IRL, if I may ask?