So, Q2 of last year, I started playing Elite, on PS4, and worked my way up to a Type-7 as an interim towards getting a Type-9. I really liked the handling of the Type-7, but was extremely frustrated by the loadout options as compared to the Type-6 I'd moved up from and the Python I ended up moving to (once I'd earned enough credits).
in Dec. of last year I moved to PC and while I was able to transfer my credits from PS4 to PC, I had to start over with my ships. 2 nights ago I decided to get a bulk passenger ferry setup in expectation of these missions being restored to their former glory this week (at least somewhat) based on what I've read from Frontier for patch 3.0.3. I immediately went for the Python for this task based on my previous experience and I'm happy enough with my choice because I have the credits to cover the 100,000,000 Credit cost, but today I was looking at Coriolis and comparing my options (should've done this 2 days ago) and I found that the Type-7 now, finally, can excel above the Python for my bulk passenger loadout both in terms of extra cargo capacity (when passenger cabins are matched), in jump range, in hull integrity and cost.
Python Passenger + Cargo Ferry: https://eddp.co/u/dLp7HkLG (104 million Cr.)
Type-7 Passenger + Cargo Ferry: https://eddp.co/u/znHpnlud (41 million Cr.)
I also decided to see how this compares to the Anaconda, using a similar, multipurpose loadout with a primary focus on Bulk Passengers and was happily surprised to see that it only carries an additional 6 business passengers or 8 economy passengers (though the Anaconda retains a significantly higher cargo capacity with this setup).
Anaconda Passenger + Cargo Ferry: https://eddp.co/u/orvbWzzW (288 million Cr.)
TL;DR: the Type-7 being a large ship finally makes sense to me because it can outperform similar ships while retaining it's low cost.
NOTE:
the loadouts used are primarily focused on 1-2 jump passenger transport missions without sacrificing the ability to fight back against NPC interdictions and keeping SRV installed (because I like always having an SRV). In the case of the Anaconda I also equipped a SLF as additional protection when fending off NPC wing interdictions. Additionally, I've retained some cargo capacity to diversify the types of missions I can ferry (so I don't have to board hop to fill up on missions to a single station)
in Dec. of last year I moved to PC and while I was able to transfer my credits from PS4 to PC, I had to start over with my ships. 2 nights ago I decided to get a bulk passenger ferry setup in expectation of these missions being restored to their former glory this week (at least somewhat) based on what I've read from Frontier for patch 3.0.3. I immediately went for the Python for this task based on my previous experience and I'm happy enough with my choice because I have the credits to cover the 100,000,000 Credit cost, but today I was looking at Coriolis and comparing my options (should've done this 2 days ago) and I found that the Type-7 now, finally, can excel above the Python for my bulk passenger loadout both in terms of extra cargo capacity (when passenger cabins are matched), in jump range, in hull integrity and cost.
Python Passenger + Cargo Ferry: https://eddp.co/u/dLp7HkLG (104 million Cr.)
Type-7 Passenger + Cargo Ferry: https://eddp.co/u/znHpnlud (41 million Cr.)
I also decided to see how this compares to the Anaconda, using a similar, multipurpose loadout with a primary focus on Bulk Passengers and was happily surprised to see that it only carries an additional 6 business passengers or 8 economy passengers (though the Anaconda retains a significantly higher cargo capacity with this setup).
Anaconda Passenger + Cargo Ferry: https://eddp.co/u/orvbWzzW (288 million Cr.)
TL;DR: the Type-7 being a large ship finally makes sense to me because it can outperform similar ships while retaining it's low cost.
NOTE:
the loadouts used are primarily focused on 1-2 jump passenger transport missions without sacrificing the ability to fight back against NPC interdictions and keeping SRV installed (because I like always having an SRV). In the case of the Anaconda I also equipped a SLF as additional protection when fending off NPC wing interdictions. Additionally, I've retained some cargo capacity to diversify the types of missions I can ferry (so I don't have to board hop to fill up on missions to a single station)
