turrets -- worth it on a trade ship?

jmg · May 21, 2015

Back before I went out on a fairly long exploration run, I remember reading decent number of posts on turrets, that they were not worth it.
I was considering either outfitting my conda for armed trade or arming another ship, like an orca (to head off the inevitable "how can you not know this" flames, I've been exporing and trading, and haven't yet fired a shot in anger).

So, apologies in advance for the newbie question.. but for an armed trader... is it worth equipping large, a rated turrets? I'm thinking if I set them for "targeted" or "fire at will," they'll give someone that interdicts me something to worry about while I'm waiting for FSD cool down.

Same question on missles/torpedos ... are they even worth equipping now, or are they so nerfed they're just a nuisance?

Thanks!

49rTbird · May 21, 2015

I have ALL turrets on my Anaconda which is set up for trading and that is for the reason you listed in that I want the ship to fight as I dodge any interdictors.

Morbad · May 21, 2015

All weapons of the same size, type, and mount have the same rating. I don't think there are any A rated turrets, not that rating means anything.

Anyway, turrets do about half the damage of their fixed counterparts, but use slightly less power and make moderately less heat. Some turrets, namely the medium pulse laser turrets, don't work. Pretty much all turrets build up inaccuracy the longer they fire.

Turrets can be useful, but they aren't going to deter a serious attack, and certainly aren't a replacement for speed, shields, and other countermeasures. You are probably better off putting the power and weight into shields, shield boosters, and a decent set of SCBs.

Missiles, torpedoes, and mines are virtually useless against shields. If you cannot knock out shields first, these weapons are dead weight.

EUS · May 21, 2015

Mines are changing in 1.3 to include thermal damage, which may breath some life into that weapon.

snotface · May 21, 2015

The real answer to this question is this:

If you are using a T6/T7 then the best defense is to run. (turn towards attacking pirate and boost works if its an NPC)

T9/Anaconda. On the T9 its best to use turrets on the top and bottom of the ship and 2 gimbled at the front. Anaconda you can use 8 class 1 turrets if you like but just remember nothing except another Anaconda can frame shift lock you. It is much easier to have zero weapons and just shield boosts because you will always be able to jump away as there isn't much point having weapons on a safe trade route.

If you are in Open there is no safe routes and so there is always a need for good shields and weapons, if you want to fight back.

I trade in systems light years away from idiot space so I have no need for weapons and use 8 shield boosts (a rated)

Globusdiablo · May 21, 2015

jmg said:
Back before I went out on a fairly long exploration run, I remember reading decent number of posts on turrets, that they were not worth it.
I was considering either outfitting my conda for armed trade or arming another ship, like an orca (to head off the inevitable "how can you not know this" flames, I've been exporing and trading, and haven't yet fired a shot in anger).

So, apologies in advance for the newbie question.. but for an armed trader... is it worth equipping large, a rated turrets? I'm thinking if I set them for "targeted" or "fire at will," they'll give someone that interdicts me something to worry about while I'm waiting for FSD cool down.

Same question on missles/torpedos ... are they even worth equipping now, or are they so nerfed they're just a nuisance?

Thanks!

If you're playing PvE, then turrets are great fun. I've got pulse turrets on my large ships, plus a few gimballs and fixed just in case. Pulse lasers generate less heat, thus you can keep them going with fewer pips. Watch your heat management though, or turrets will drain out, leaving you powerless.

Missiles are fun as well.

For PvP, I'd run if I was in anything other than a dedicated combat ship.

ChubbyBunneh · May 21, 2015

Put fixed beam lasers for 18M less than the turrets, pocket the difference and destroy whoever interdicted you.

FuzzySpider · May 21, 2015

I put all turreted beams on my Type 9 and I've found them to be very effective. They totally squish smaller ships.

EUS · May 21, 2015

My trading python has 2 size two beam turrets which are great at swatting those pesky small ships.
With a rated distributor, the weapon capacitor actually fills up while both beams are firing.

shadragon · May 21, 2015

snotface said:
The real answer to this question is this:

If you are using a T6/T7 then the best defense is to run. (turn towards attacking pirate and boost works if its an NPC)

Agreed, but I do have beam turrets on my T-7 to discourage pursuit while I am running away. If there's a decent response from security forces I stay in system and can at least weaken my attackers shields while the cops handle the majority of the fight. If I'm the only PC player then I get the bounty as well. Win-Win.

Turrets are perfect for maneuver impared vessels like the T-7. Fixed beams are useless as the target will always be behind you unless you want to fly backwards. If one overheats I just roll the ship to unmask another that is ready to fire. Killed Sideys, Eagles, Adders, Vipers and Cobras by myself. This was before Wings so multiple targets may be problematic.

Four pips to weapons and two to shields, but be prepared to reverse that. Be ready to run if necessary.

jmg · May 21, 2015

thanks for the advice ... I may drop turrets on my conda and fly out to diso just to see how effective they are .
I'm also considering going all out, adding top tier plating, highest rated shields, thrusters, distro, and massive weps, loading up with a small cargo of machinery, and then heading out to diso... and refusing to power down.
.

what are my odds, given that I've fought maybe twice back when I had a cobra, and been exploring ever since ? Am I just asking for an insurance payment

?

HipToss · May 21, 2015

jmg said:
thanks for the advice ... I may drop turrets on my conda and fly out to diso just to see how effective they are .
I'm also considering going all out, adding top tier plating, highest rated shields, thrusters, distro, and massive weps, loading up with a small cargo of machinery, and then heading out to diso....

what are my odds, given that I've fought maybe twice back when I had a cobra, and been exploring ever since ? Am I just asking for an insurance payment ?

This is what I did when preparing for exactly what you are planning. Load out your vessel how you want it for combat. Head to a RES, but plan on not fighting. I followed the SAV to see if I could keep up with them and maneuver to follow as well. Once I was confident with my piloting skills, I opened fire. Then again, with the setup you have planned just DO IT. Just watch the friendly fire. You will be swarmed if you become wanted. I did that once and she SAV was all over my , as well as the wanted Anaconda that I was trying to take down

ChubbyBunneh · May 21, 2015

NPCs almost never interdict Anacondas. You won't come close to getting through another player's shields with turrets.

Krepose Gavayne · May 21, 2015

I've put all HPs but one on my Python as laser turrets. It's configured as a trader so I'll be running if challenged. Unfortunately I'm still waiting for a good interdiction to see how good/bad they are. I see it going one of two ways...

jmg · May 21, 2015

like I said, I'm sorely tempted to deck out my conda in all a-rated turrets top shields and huill plating, load to the max with boosters and head out to miso and just see if they're any good.