Dora the explorer

[evovi]

Picked the viper as well for survivability, hauler and me is liable to get picked on by npc's "flashback to my type 6"

Submit, Boost, Boost, Jump, Laugh. I was worried when I was coming back as SJA (or Mistress of the Minions) FD AI programmer had toughened up the AI's Still no worries. Even now, Submit, Boost, Boost, Jump.

Just don't be stupid like some people and choose no shields. There is NO reason in todays game to ever do anything without shields unless it's racing, clearing your bounty, sidewinder derby, or something equally mundane.

I'd submitted, boosted, boosted and before I could hit my FSD my shields had gone... So... I was thinking bring the big boys this time

[Flip]

Just don't be stupid like some people and choose no shields. There is NO reason in todays game to ever do anything without shields unless it's racing, clearing your bounty, sidewinder derby, or something equally mundane.

Well, disabling your shields when you’re exploring in the middle of nowhere is useful. Actually, when exploring I disable everything that’s not indispensable (like shields, power distributor, cargo hatch, etc). Spares you some heat and that can make a huge difference if you get stuck between a giant and a neutron star, for example.

[Feldspar]

Bit confused as to why you need all those weapons, dump them as you can outrun virtually anything, and end up with something like this after downgrading power plant and distributor: http://coriolis.io/outfit/viper_mk_iv/02A4D4A2D1A3D4C----02--3240012i2f.Iw1-kA==.Aw1-kA==?bn=Dora

Or better still, go for a Hauler or Adder, you can get 30 LY jumps easily.

[Loriath]

Just don't be stupid like some people and choose no shields. There is NO reason in todays game to ever do anything without shields unless it's racing, clearing your bounty, sidewinder derby, or something equally mundane.

Well, disabling your shields when you’re exploring in the middle of nowhere is useful. Actually, when exploring I disable everything that’s not indispensable (like shields, power distributor, cargo hatch, etc). Spares you some heat and that can make a huge difference if you get stuck between a giant and a neutron star, for example.

I completely agree with this. I dont think they can take damage when disabled, either.

[TorTorden]

Yeah I can't really fathom what you are worried about survivability for.
An explorer won't have to leave supercruise at all until horizons etc.

There's a reason why we call populated space "the bubble", once you are out of it there's nothing just planets, moons and stars.

Nothing to shoot nothing to be shot by, thusly there is only two factors important in an exploration build, how far you can jump and how fast you can scoop fuel.
Many go out completely without shields and thrusters and power systems so under dimensioned that they can't boost cause it honestly doesn't matter.

I would much rather be looking at the asp scout than the viper unless your goal is doing something outside the norm. http://coriolis.io/outfit/asp_scout/02A ... =.Aw19kA==

As mentioned for short trips the hauler is good for at least 30 ly with scanner , decent scoop etc and cost less than 2.5 mil fully fitted.

[Cmdr Ant Kingsmill]

There's a reason why we call populated space "the bubble", once you are out of it there's nothing just planets, moons and stars.

Nothing to shoot nothing to be shot by, thusly there is only two factors important in an exploration build, how far you can jump and how fast you can scoop fuel.

Except for Thargoids maybe?

[evovi]

Never any npc's generated out of the bubble then? But... Lots of populated space to get through before the bubble bursts to the wide desolate black

[Satsuma]

Hahaha!

I do fly a fully armed and shielded Cobra when I'm exploring, which I'll grant is really just an affectation of mine. If I was completely rational about it, I'd keep the shields and just drop the weapons. Both a Viper and a Cobra, especially with an A-rank power distributor, will outrun anything that can interdict them.

The Viper Mk IV is an interesting choice for an explorer. The internals are absolutely sweet for exploration - 6 internal compartments gives you a ton of flexibility. I'd probably personally still take a Cobra Mk III over a Viper Mk IV, mainly because the internals are slightly better and the boost speed is phenomenal.

Here's my take on an explorer Viper Mk IV. In comparison, here's a similar Cobra Mk III loadout that's about the same price while giving you better agility, better boost speed, and a slightly higher jump range.

[Gorf]

Take a look at a Hauler. Yes, its the Transit Van of the fleet....

...or take a look at the eagle. It has just enough bays for the essentials (scoop, ADS, DSS) and... well...

<- Look over there - something shiny!

I completely agree with this. I dont think they can take damage when disabled, either.

I can confirm from exploring in an eagle that disabled components do take damage.

[Flip]

I completely agree with this. I dont think they can take damage when disabled, either.

I can confirm from exploring in an eagle that disabled components do take damage.

Not sure they take as much damage as when they’re enabled, but yeah, they still can take some.