Hello there Mobius community!
So... I have a plan/idea, but I think I need your help (unless of course this plan/idea has already been carried out, in which case I would just like to consolidate information here.)
I know there have been posts about accurate sizing of ships; model, scale, all that jazz. But that discussion prompted this idea:
What I would like to do is collect images and information in regards to hardpoint placement on each ship currently available in E:D, and consolidate that information in this thread as an easy access point for commanders in the market for new ships. I, myself, have wondered where all the hard points are on an Anaconda, or a dropship, or a Fer de Lance--what size they are, where each class is placed on the frame, and how this might effect the firing arc.
What I propose, and what I'd like, is for one volunteer for each ship frame-type to head to the debug camera (or outfitting screen) and snap me a screenshot of each hardpoint deployed, so that I can compile a list of which size hardpoint fits where in each ship. On larger ships it may be beneficial to send an overall, whole-ship picture with hardpoints deployed, as well, just to be able to fit placement into context. I would ask that you please send these screenshots via Private Message, to avoid clutter. Then I can gradually update this post with the frame types and images in spoiler text (again, to avoid clutter) as a sort of hardpoint "cheat sheet". I would also like to add some sort of generalized "convergence rating" to this cheat sheet, to help gauge which type of weapons may excel in which slots-- i.e. the hardship of placing fixed weapons on a Clipper's pylons/pontoons.
If this thread needs to be moved, please let me know, and I'm sorry for cluttering up the wrong board (I just used the word clutter three times in one and a half paragraphs...) I just wanted maximum exposure : )
Thanks all! I hope this project works out and I'm not attempting to re-do something that's already been done.
-Boxcar
Sidewinder► Show Spoiler
Hardpoints: 2x Class 1 (Small)
Placement: Nose
Convergence:
Good. Ship size and hardpoint location does not interfere with weapon convergence. Fixed or gimballed is a matter of preference.
► Show Spoiler
Hardpoints:
2x Class 1 (Small)
2X Class 2 (Medium)
Placement:
Nose (Medium)
Undercarriage, Flanks (Small)
Convergence: Not Tested
This entry is pending debug photograph of underside of ship for exact hardpoint placement► Show Spoiler
Hardpoints: 1x Class 1 (Small)
Placement: Undercarriage, Starboard Front
Convergence:
Excellent. As there is only one hardpoint on this ship, convergence is perfect.
-Volunteer Needed
Eagle-Volunteer Needed
Adder-Volunteer Needed
Vulture► Show Spoiler
Hardpoints: 2x Class 3 (Large)
Placement: Flanks (Behind Cockpit)
Convergence:
Good. The Vulture's size and maneuverability make hardpoint type (mostly) a non issue. Fixed weapons generally seem to be preferred by Vulture commanders because of the ease with which a pilot can bring the nose to bear, as the agility of this ship is currently only surpassed by that of the Eagle.
► Show Spoiler
Hardpoints: 2x Class 1 (Small)
Placement: Undercarriage, Flanks
Convergence: Not Tested. Hardpoints may be far enough back that the ships nose may prove a problem. It is recommended that T6 pilots should generally avoid intense combat situations.
This entry is pending debug photograph due to UI interference-Volunteer Needed
Type 9-Information received and processing
Asp Explorer► Show Spoiler
Hardpoints:
4x Class 1 (Small)
2x Class 2 (Medium)
Placement:
Top, flanking cockpit (2x Small)
Bottom, flanks (2x Small)
Bottom, center mass (2x Medium)
Convergence: Not Tested.
► Show Spoiler
Hardpoints:
4x Class 2 (Medium)
1x Class 4 (Huge)
Placement:
Flanks/Sides (2x Medium)
Foredeck/Top (Nearing Nose)(2x Medium)
Undercarriage, Dead Center (Huge)
Convergence:
Poor. With gimballed weapons it can be quite tricky to ensure that all hardpoints are capable of firing at the same time. Because of the placement of the two flank hardpoints and how far back the huge hardpoint is on the undercarriage of the ship, pilots of the FDL may need to get creative with how they point the nose of their ship, and adapt intercept courses accordingly. This can, of course, lead to some very rewarding and skillful piloting. It is imagined that a FDL fitted with all fixed weapons may prove accurate at long range, yet suffer up close--as with most ships with "unconventional" hardpoint placement.
-Volunteer Needed
Python► Show Spoiler
Hardpoints:
2x Class 2 (Medium)
3x Class 3 (Large)
Placement:
Top, Flank (2x Large)
Top, Flanking Bridge (2x Medium)
Undercarriage, Nose (1x Large)
Convergence:
Excellent. For a ship its size the Python has fantastic hardpoint orientation. Hardpoints are placed close enough to ship center as to make fixed weapons viable at any range. The single large hardpoint under the nose of the ship is also far enough forward as to have relative freedom in aiming for those pilots that use gimballed weapons, though it may be argued that fixed is generally preferred for undercarriage hardpoints by most commanders.
-Volunteer Needed
Orca-Volunteer Needed (Do Orca pilots even exist?)
Anaconda-Information received and processing
. I find it's very difficult to find pictures of most of the undersides of ships with hard points deployed.
