to anyone that flies an orca, do they do ANYTHING good?

jmg · May 21, 2015

saw an orca in xihe last night, and got me wondering... I see just about every other ship when I'm in inhabited space, but rarely see the orca. This may have been my first sighting.
I know (at least I think I know) you can buy them ... but does anyone fly them?
.
I get that they're intended for non-implemented passenger missions, but do they do ANYTHING good? some quirk like a really long range, great weapons layout, boost speed?
.
Don't take this as a knock in any way to the orca... I really am just curious.

X2Eliah · May 21, 2015

Well, they look good.

Joe Spivey · May 21, 2015

Great for parties.

jmg · May 21, 2015

X2Eliah said:
Well, they look good.

well, that's subjective.. but I'll just give you that.

As for parties--- that'll be great when they implement POB interactions and the ability to move around the ship, but that 'ain't happening any time soon.
Does it do anything good now, as the game is implemented?
.

I assume not, else I'd see a lot more of them around...

tarks382 · May 21, 2015

jmg said:
saw an orca in xihe last night, and got me wondering... I see just about every other ship when I'm in inhabited space, but rarely see the orca. This may have been my first sighting.
I know (at least I think I know) you can buy them ... but does anyone fly them?
.
I get that they're intended for non-implemented passenger missions, but do they do ANYTHING good? some quirk like a really long range, great weapons layout, boost speed?
.
Don't take this as a knock in any way to the orca... I really am just curious.

"Well, they look good."

"Great for parties."

That's a no then.

HipToss · May 21, 2015

They are OK to fly. Sounds nice, a decent ship for its size. There is no reason to have one ATM. However, as I know how FD is, I bought one and have it all A rated. Just in case it becomes an elusive ship to find and spec out once their usefulness is implemented. So if credits are plentiful, get one, A rate that beauty, and park it. It also has a huge canopy. Not my video, but will give you some insight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGAX4qCQjmk

IICRC: This is my setup:

http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=60p,5wc5Rg5Rg0_g0_g01Q0Wg,2-7_9Y7_9Y7_6Q6k,0AA08c08c7Sk07205U03w03w

Senex VII · May 21, 2015

They're a medium-tonnage reasonably-armored freighter (160 T typically) that can defend itself, either using its large hardpoint or simply by running away*. That makes it a low risk hauler.

* The Orca is as fast as the Clipper. Only the Viper can go faster without boost. Only the Viper and Cobra can boost faster.

And yes it looks great in its default livery and certainly doesn't need a 'vivid' paint job.

However, it's definitely not a ship to have for all purposes. You would want it as part of your fleet, not as your only ship.

If you go to Irkutsk in Alioth, you'll get it at 20% discount.

EUS · May 21, 2015

There's a nice "gong" sound when you boost.

Astronut57 · May 21, 2015

Gankers use them for ramming cmdrs in stations. Beware.

Greyhawk · May 21, 2015

I fly one. Its very fast (320 or so with D6 thrusters and no boost) and I have mine able to shift 176T - could go higher If I take out my shield cells. Downside is the very low FSD range (C5 in mine yields a paltry 11ly or so). It also cant land in outposts (not tried but I doubt it). It has a very small fuel tank (16t) but the upside of that is it takes very little time to fuel scoop.

Its very expensive for what you get but when you are sick of staring at a a jail cell with wings (Lakon 7) the luxury cabin is a breath of fresh air. It should be - you will be in it a long time with the low jump range.

jmg · May 21, 2015

Senex VII said:
They're a medium-tonnage reasonably-armored freighter (160 T typically) that can defend itself, either using its large hardpoint or simply by running away*. That makes it a low risk hauler.

* The Orca is as fast as the Clipper. Only the Viper can go faster without boost. Only the Viper and Cobra can boost faster.

And yes it looks great in its default livery and certainly doesn't need a 'vivid' paint job.

However, it's definitely not a ship to have for all purposes. You would want it as part of your fleet, not as your only ship.

If you go to Irkutsk in Alioth, you'll get it at 20% discount.

so, kinda like a millennium falcon? fast, well armed, with medium capacity?
huh... that's good enough reason for me. I may get one to take a break from exploring and do some trading in high-risk areas like miso (just for the fun of it). The conda is a better ship, but the insurance cost is if destroyed keeps me away from areas like miso.

At work now, can't log in to check, but whats the standard rate for one, and can I get to alioth without a permit?

EUS · May 21, 2015

Is the slot 6, and 5 still "frozen" for specific modules?
Because it look as though size 6 shields would be a welcome addition to the ship, but cannot be fitted, last I heard.

jmg · May 21, 2015

I'll add another question to that -- what ship can mass lock the orca?
with the impressive speed and decent weapons layout, this is looking like an interesting blockade runner.

Greyhawk · May 21, 2015

You need a permit for Alioth (easy to get) and it costs 38m from Irkutsk station there.

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jmg said:
I'll add another question to that -- what ship can mass lock the orca?
with the impressive speed and decent weapons layout, this is looking like an interesting blockade runner.

Since Clippers seem to be OP I wouldn't be surprised if they can. Likely Pythons and Anacondas too.

Archvillain · May 21, 2015

They are good haulers, but not for the price. Unless you want the unique blend of stats they offer, you'll get more bang for your buck on another ship.

If you want that blend of stats, and money is of no concern to you, then the Orca is available.

jmg said:
I'll add another question to that -- what ship can mass lock the orca?

Almost anything medium sized iirc. Orcas are easily mass-locked, despite their size. Some people suspect it's an oversight on par with a bug.

puca · May 21, 2015

Whalesong engine sounds.

Big pimpin' ship for any role!

jmg · May 21, 2015

Greyhawk said:
You need a permit for Alioth (easy to get) and it costs 38m from Irkutsk station there.

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Since Clippers seem to be OP I wouldn't be surprised if they can. Likely Pythons and Anacondas too.

how do I get the alioth permit? If it's too detailed, I'll admit I'm being lazy and will just look it up.

Greyhawk · May 21, 2015

If you are curious about the cockpit - see above - in triple screen glory

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jmg said:
how do I get the alioth permit? If it's too detailed, I'll admit I'm being lazy and will just look it up.

Just do missions for Alioth Independents in 78 Ursa Majoris and systems around there.

jmg · May 21, 2015

Archvillain said:
They are good haulers, but not for the price. Unless you want the unique blend of stats they offer, you'll get more bang for your buck on another ship.

If you want that blend of stats, and money is of no concern to you, then the Orca is available. Almost anything medium sized iirc. Orcas are easily mass-locked, despite their size. Some people suspect it's an oversight on par with a bug.

ugh.. well... if that's still true, kinda wrecks the orca as a blockade runner. the combination of being really fast, no ML and reasonable weps makes it a great boost and cruise ship... but if it can be outrunned AND ML'd, I'll have to have another reason to justify buying one.

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Greyhawk said:
View attachment 37733 View attachment 37734

If you are curious about the cockpit - see above - in triple screen glory

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Just do missions for Alioth Independents in 78 Ursa Majoris and systems around there.

cockpit is nice-- kinda like an anaconda, but with an actual view... and without the Atari 2800 to your left

Pendra · May 21, 2015

It is slightly worse than the Clipper in terms of tonnage and speed. Unfortunately it is 3x the price.