Why use class A thrusters?

Morbad

Morbad
Ceekay said:
So upgrading from an 18k thruster to a 500k one increases maximum speed by 17m/s (around 8%) and improves pitch rate by perhaps 10 -12%.

Each thruster grade adds approximately 3 - 4% extra speed and 3-4% better agility, the speed really isn't the big issue
Click to expand...

You can't separate speed an agility in this case. Both speed (and time to get there), as well as rotational performance, influence total agility.

The Viper is not less agile than the Cobra, by most reckonings, despite the Cobra pitching much faster and having better straight line speed.
 

obliterator

O
We should also take the weight into consideration. A very light ship will probably see a bigger difference between thrusters than a very heavy one.
 

DrakeAurum

DrakeAurum
I guess the best way to test it would be to team up with a friend and run a series of competitive tests in identically-kitted ships aside from the thrusters. To account for player skill, do two runs, swapping ship specs in between.
 

QorbeQ

QorbeQ
Lord Lucan Onion Head said:
It is a lot.

So, take the FDL -according to ED shipyard the FDL has a hull mass of 250. But A5 thrusters have an optimal mass of 840. So surely one wants to use thrusters with optimal mass closer to the hull mass?
Click to expand...

The link you posted already explains this. If you fit thrusters with optimal mass matching your ships mass you get the "as designed" flight model (acceleration, maneuverability, top speed, etc).

If you over-spec you get an improved flight model. Under-spec (maximum permitting) you get a worse flight model.
 

sasani

S
Lord Lucan Onion Head said:
It is a lot.

So, take the FDL -according to ED shipyard the FDL has a hull mass of 250. But A5 thrusters have an optimal mass of 840. So surely one wants to use thrusters with optimal mass closer to the hull mass?
Click to expand...

Firstly, unlike shields, thrusters work on total mass not hull mass.. so hull + cargo + upgrades is counted...

Optimal mass is more of a concern if your total mass exceeds the optimal mass. Here you will get pretty steep maneuverability penalties (sorry i dont have numbers).

If your optimal mass is above or way above the total mass you do continue to get benefits, but they are not a steep as the penalties - so the benefits diminish, but nevertheless, they are still there to be had.
 

Morbad

Morbad
Lord Lucan Onion Head said:
It is a lot.

So, take the FDL -according to ED shipyard the FDL has a hull mass of 250. But A5 thrusters have an optimal mass of 840. So surely one wants to use thrusters with optimal mass closer to the hull mass?
Click to expand...

You compare total mass for FSDs and thrusters, hull mass for shields, and you benefit from less total mass vs thruster optimal mass.

Indeed, you won't hit the speed cap of a ship unless your ships total mass is half or less of the thruster's optimal mass, and going even lower can still improve handling.

I try to keep my FDL at or below 420 tons, full load, with an 840 ton optimal mass 5A thruster module.
 

Fatdaddy

F
sasani said:
sorry to repeat myself but you have to include lateral (and vertical) thrusters in with general maneuverability... e.g. using vertical thruster to match speed with an anaconda / python while pointing directly at them from about 300m away to pound their powerplant with cannon fire... Technical diagram below

View attachment 29515
Click to expand...


Utter class, that really made me laugh thank you :)

I hope a DEV sees this and adds it to the tutorials:p
 

Kyokushin

Kyokushin
Lord Lucan Onion Head said:
I don't understand this obsession people have with getting class A thrusters. I always use D class thrusters on all my ships. I tested A class and D class on different ships and the only thing that it seems to do is give increased speed on boost. I don't use boost in RES. ;-)

Do A class thrusters improve general manoeuvrability?
Click to expand...

Yes, speed and rotation rate. And this is enough of arguments why we all have A class thrusters. Difference between having D and A is same betweend be dead or alive.
 
Last edited:

Lord Lucan Onion Head

L
Thanks for all the helpful replies, rep all round.

I didn't know that optimal mass is for overall mass, not just hull mass. Thanks for that.

I did an A/B test with 5D and 5A thrusters on this FDL setup:

http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=60O,7RK5Rr5Rr5Rr5Rr01Q0Wg3wU0_g0_g0_g,2-7_8S6Q6u9Y6Q5A,7Sk7go4-E03w0nE

I flew around a station tagging along with the security vessels. I have to say, manoeuvrability did feel better with the A class. But for what I do (leisurely big game hunting) I'll stay with the D class.

Here's another question:

Given that my FDL loadout comes to around 420T loaded mass, surely 4A thrusters would be fine?

- - - Updated - - -

Kyokushin said:
Yes, speed and rotation rate. And this is enough of arguments why we all have A class thrusters. Difference between having D and A is same betweend be dead or alive.
Click to expand...

Unless speed is not necessary for what you do. Big game hunting in RES for me consists of a slow constant speed of around 90 and NO boosting when in amongst those rocks. ;-)
 

Briarée

Briarée
Lord Lucan Onion Head said:
Sorry, but I've tested general manoeuvrability (yaw, pitch and roll) and A or D class seem to make no difference. As I say, only on boost.
Click to expand...

if you can't spot the difference of agility between A and D grade thruster, something is wrong with you.

i checked on viper / vulture / type 6 and cobra, the difference is huge

- - - Updated - - -

CYB34 said:
Just buy the A thrusters, target that Master Anaconda and start singing "can't touch this".
Click to expand...

i rather sing "you spin me round":)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom