Discovery Freighter Reviews

[Ash]

Discovery Freighter Reviews

[color=#FFFFFF]Introduction

Below are a number of detailed reviews on Freighter class ships designed for trading in the Discovery 4.85 Mod. Any missing freighters are either pending review or are not included as ships designed for Trading and/or Shipping in general. If you would like a specific review made on a particular ship in the Mod feel free to PM me and i'l try and get it done ASAP.

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Post all feedback here. Thanks.

Pending Review Sections

[color=#006600]Rheinland

Kusari

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Bretonia

[color=#FFFFFF]Incomplete Review Sections

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Liberty

Pirate

[color=#FFFFFF]Other

The five star rating system indicates the quality of each value on a particular ship. These values include...

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• Maneuverability
  
• Firepower
  
• Cargo Space
  
• Size
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio
  
• Price
  
• Appearance
  
• Cockpit View
  
• Availability
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates
  
• Capability of Pirating Lawful Traders (P/O)
  
  
• Capability of Destroying Lawful Traders (P/O)
  
  
• Value for Money
  
• Overall Rating
  

Maneuverability

Maneuverability is the efficiency at which the vessel moves. How fast it turns, strafes and can enter cruise speed. Good maneuverability is essential for most ships in sirius as impared maneuverability can be quite inconvenient, wasting both time and money.

Firepower

Firepower refers to two things, the power plant on the vessel and the number of weapons (turrets) you can fit onto the vessel. The five star rating is a mix of these two factors and the value for money of the ship due to how many turrets you can fit on it in comparison to other freighters. More firepower means more stars.

Cargo Space

Cargo space is simply what it says on the box. Most people who have played freelancer in the past should know that cargo space is how many units of commodities you can fit on board the vessel. Simply multiply the profit of a single unit on a trade route by the amount of units you are carrying to find the total profit you will earn. The five star rating of cargo space is based on this and the value for money you get in cargo space for credits.

Cargo Space/Size Ratio

This is the ratio and value for money you get in cargo space. If you have a relativley small ship with a large cargo space then the rating will be alot higher, as smaller ships tend to have better maneuverablity. This in turn means better value for money. More value for money means a better rating.

Price

Simply the higher the cost of the vessel, the lower the rating will be. It takes more time and effort to work up the money to afford a very expensive vessel. The higher the rating is, the lower the price.

Appearance

Basically, how sexy the ship is. How cool it looks. Whatever tickles your tastebuds. The better the view, the higher the rating.

Cockpit View

The view of the cockpit can be a very important factor for some people, who opt to pilot that way. The view from the cockpit can sometimes be quite benificial as there is less in the way to obscure your vision. this rating is based on how much you can see, and how the cockpit design matches the ship. The better the view, the higher the rating.

Availability

This is how availiable the vessel is. The more factions that are capable of flying it with proper RP behind them means a better rating. Available to a single faction of a single house gets one star, to a few factions of a house gets two, to all factions in a house gets three, to most lawful/unlawful factions in sirius gets four, and to all factions gets five.

Capabaility of Escaping Pirates

The name says it all, how easy it is to give those pesky leeches the birdy and get away with it with your tail wagging.

Capability of Defeating Pirates

This value doesn't necessarily mean killing pirates but fending them off. For example, three stars would indicate a good capability of keeping pirates at bay until reinforcements arive or until you escape.

Capability of Pirating Lawful Traders (Pirate Freighters Only)

This value is rated on how intimidating, efficient and threatening the freighter can be. Intimidating being how easily the trader gives in to taxing. Efficient being how fast traders pay and how long it can stay on a mainline lawful trading route. How threatening is a combination of these two as well as the appearance aspect of the ship that emits the 'Big Nasty' factor. This stat is concluded by taking into account it's competance with a medium transport (Mammoth, Percheron, Bumblebee, Behemoth)

Capability of Destroying Lawful Traders (Pirate Freighters Only)
If they don't pay up, how easy is it to blow them to pieces. As simple as the shooting itself. It's basicly how fast one can blow up your average mainline trader. This stat is concluded by taking into account it's competance with a medium transport (Mammoth, Percheron, Bumblebee, Behemoth)

Value for Money

This is the overall value for money, is it a good buy? Is it worth the trouble of paying for compared to other vessels?

Overall Rating

This is my personal overral rating as to how good the ship is. It's a s simple as that, is it a good buy? Is it worth the effort and money? Is it a ship you'l want to keep? This rating should finalise the quality of each vessel.

[color=#FFFFFF]Civilian Freighters

[color=#FFFFFF]CT-49X "Gull" Civilian Transport

• Maneuverability - ***
  
• Firepower - ***
  
• Cargo Space - **
  
• Size - **
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - **
  
• Price - ***
  
• Appearance - ***
  
• Cockpit View - *****
  
• Availability - *****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - **
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - *
  
• Value for Money - **
  

The CT-49X is usually one of the 'go to' vessels when players finally decide to take the step up from the small freighters to the transports. Although its value for money isn't special, the price does make it the cheapest transport class ship available in Sirius today. For just over 6.7 million credits you get a standard five turret mounts and an extremely powerful shield mount that can mount class 7 shields ranging to a maximum capacity of a staggering 100000. However, a few in flight flaws make it a bit of a nuisance when observing at turret view or fending off pirates NPC and player alike. Its long chassis can restrict the camera angle to a certain extent and a large portion of your view tends to disappear behind it. When in a typical situation of pirating (Player) the Gull can make quite a decent getaway car if the person at the wheel is awake, but is almost hopeless in fending off anything bigger than a light fighter.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - ***

[color=#FFFFFF]CT-39X "Albatross" Civilian Transport

• Maneuverability - ***
  
• Firepower - **
  
• Cargo Space - ***
  
• Size - ***
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - ***
  
• Price - ***
  
• Appearance - *
  
• Cockpit View - *****
  
• Availability - *****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - **
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - *
  
• Value for Money - **
  

The CT-39X may seem like the Gull's big brother but you’ll be surprised as to how many things haven't changed from the smaller model. Features such as customizable cargo pods, included Type 4 turrets and a hefty shield outlet are all copied and pasted onto the Albatross. But some disadvantageous features also come along, put aside it's increased size and cargo hold, the firepower of this boat hasn't changed a bit. Only five turret mounts stretched over the chassis really wastes the improved power plant capacity. The price also raises a few eyebrows amongst buyers since ships such as the mammoth; with a larger cargo hold; are sold for less than 11.2 million. However, the albatross is surprisingly nimble for a ship if it's size. Almost no difference in maneuverability from the gull makes it a decent ship for a person who's used to those tight turns and maneuvers. The space that seemed to disappear behind the Gull is now revealed with the Albatross, an extended camera view allows you to see a large portion of the surrounding area. But sadly a star is removed from it's capability to escape pirates as it's increased size just makes it a larger target. The standard starflier windscreen is installed into the cockpit view making it an exceptional and ideal view to pilot from. However, as said in the ship's description, flash was definitely sacrificed for functionality as it's long skeletal structure can give you and ugly and fragile vibe.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - ***

[color=#FFFFFF]Armored Transport

• Maneuverability - ***
  
• Firepower - ****
  
• Cargo Space - **
  
• Size - **
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - ***
  
• Price - ****
  
• Appearance - ***
  
• Cockpit View - *****
  
• Availability - *****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - **
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - **
  
• Value for Money - ****
  

The Armored Transport has earned it's name amongst trading vessels of Sirius as a tough shell to crack, and an arsenal with rockets attached to it. The armored transport truly is a pleasure to fly, it's formal, corporate appearance makes it seem legitimate and alongside with it's reputation; ruthless. Seven turret mounts capable of mounting some of the most advanced transport defense turrets, and two level ten gun mounts are stuffed onto this lump of metal giving it an incredible firepower rating for a ship of its size. Popularly chosen as an armory for some of the player factions in Sirius, it's almost impenetrable shell proves hard to crack. The interior is as impressive and 800 Cargo hold capacity seems to have been squeezed into every inch of this thing. But all this power comes at a price. Potential maneuverability is severely sacrificed with all that added armor and weaponry; bringing it's turning speed to that of an Albatross. A huge flaw is that when hit by a cruise disruptor renders the ship useless if you've got some power thirsty weaponry; leaving you pretty hopeless against anything that mounts a cruise disruptor and a powerful punch. But the attractive price tag of 3.8 million makes it one of the best bargains in the ship dealing market today.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - ****

[color=#FFFFFF]CTE FR-2302-K Civilian Freighter

• Maneuverability - **
  
• Firepower - ****
  
• Cargo Space - *
  
• Size - **
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - ***
  
• Price - *****
  
• Appearance - **
  
• Cockpit View - **
  
• Availability - ****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - **
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - **
  
• Value for Money - ***
  

The Kushan Freighter may seem unremarkable but it does boast a few features that may make it attractive to a buyer wanting to maintain anonymity. But ironically this may not be the case as it can be said that not many people fly this thing. The steering on the Kushan is slightly slow but doesn't seem to be anything too bad. Easily the best thing about it is it's price, for just over 1.7 million you get a 540 cargo hold, six class four turret mounts, two class nine gun outlets, a mine and a countermeasure slot. Being one of the few larger freighters with a mine slot, this definitely is a plus in my books. However, the appearance of the Kushan can be very off putting for most people, its shiny texture but simple shape can seem quite drab. The liberty avenger cockpit view also gives you a rather annoying two lines down each side of your window. It does show compatibility in fending off pirates to a certain extent, and perhaps even winning a battle or two. But put this thing up against a bomber and it's history. It was originally created by liberty firms so it does restrict it's availability to a certain extent if it was checked in detail. But I’m sure pretty much anyone can get away with piloting the Kushan.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - ***

[color=#FFFFFF]Renzu Corp "Anki" Class Civilian Freighter

• Maneuverability - ****
  
• Firepower - ***
  
• Cargo Space - **
  
• Size - *
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - ***
  
• Price - ****
  
• Appearance - **
  
• Cockpit View - **
  
• Availability - ****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - ****
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - ***
  
• Value for Money - ****
  

The Anki has become increasingly popular in the new update (4.85) as a smuggling vessel. Due to it's open and black market dealings it opens certain doors to such factions as the Outcasts to counter the Corsair's Correo with something worthy. This impressive vessel may not look like much but it has one of the best loadouts for a ship of it's class and size in the whole of Sirius. Three class ten gun mounts and additional five class four turret mounts make up the Anki's firepower. This combined with it's generous handling makes it a ship reckoned with when faced with a fair fight. It's not just a walking weapons platform either; the handling also contributes to its ability to weasel away from unfortunate situations. Unfortunately you will be doing more fleeing than fighting when it comes to most encounters as all this comes at great sacrifice of power plant capacity. With advanced and optimum weapons the energy is drained from this thing in less than 10 seconds of refire. Like the Correo it's not a transport class ship either so it doesn’t get the class seven turrets or shields buff. But unlike larger transport class ships it manages to squeeze on all the gadgets you would need in escaping any pursuers. These gadgets including CD, CM and Mine mounts along with enough cargo space to add an armor buff if your feeling a bit vulnerable. Being built in Kusari its availability is also restricted slightly but it can be bought a certain zoner bases around that house. The price tag is also easy on the eyes for all of this and a 500 unit cargo hold. 2.3 million Will get you this and plenty of cheeky grins as you wave at the lawful authorities fading away into your rear view.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - ****

[color=#FFFFFF]DSE-720 "Camara" Heavy Freighter

• Maneuverability - ***
  
• Firepower - ***
  
• Cargo Space - *
  
• Size - *
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - ****
  
• Price - *****
  
• Appearance - ***
  
• Cockpit View - **
  
• Availability - *****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - ***
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - ***
  
• Value for Money - ****
  

The Camara has slowly grown on all of us here at discovery and has finally become known as a good quality freighter for those who have started out in trading for real. Originally built by DSE but luckily released to be bought Sirius wide allows pretty much anyone to fly it. This nifty little hairpin of a ship is everything a small freighter should be. Just under 1.9 million can get you a 630 cargo hold, six level five turrets, an astonishing 13000 armor rating, a counter measure and a useful Cruise Disruptor/Torpedo slot if you ever feel like pulling any punches. The Camara is so good because it's designed like a fighter, people say it's as hard to hit as an arrow in some cases; This due to extremely thin and compact shape. There is one downer though that hasn't been told by the dealer. Even though you are equipped for the fight should it ever arise, the maneuverability of it is still that of a heavy freighter. DSE managed to wave their wands and make the size and loadout change but they sadly they couldn’t change the fact that it's a freighter. The best thing about the Camara though has to be that it is so small that Pirates can't see it, catch it or kill it, but that's only if the pilot can use that to his/her advantage.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - *****

[color=#FFFFFF]Firefly Transport

• Maneuverability - **
  
• Firepower - **
  
• Cargo Space - ****
  
• Size - ***
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - ****
  
• Price - ***
  
• Appearance - **
  
• Cockpit View - ***
  
• Availability - ****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - ***
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - *
  
• Value for Money - ***
  

The Firefly is a decent vessel for those into that TV series or just a trader looking for a stepping stone to higher places. It's a good solid vessel for your average mainline trade routes or smuggling corridors. But sadly in my opinion the firefly has more flaws than pros. Firstly, the Firefly is clearly an import which can be quite annoying for those who don't really agree with importing from other universe'. One of it's most disappointing features is the coverage of it's turrets. It's a transport class ship, so Class seven Turrets and Shield mounts are included. But the firepower pretty much comes to nothing when you find that four of it's eight turrets point in the other direction; giving you only four useful class seven turrets at any point. So really when it says eight turret mounts, what it really means is four when fighting off NPCs or Players. There’s only a tiny issue with blind spots with the firefly, as some of your view does tend to disappear behind it's rather large ass. However on a brighter note, the Firefly does include a Countermeasure and Cruise disruptor for whatever you may need them for. And a 3500 unit cargo hold for just over 39 million is reasonable for a humble trading vessel. The maneuverability is satisfactory and slightly easier than the Border Worlds Transport, which means nadda problemo with Trade Lanes or Jump Gates. Being made and sold in and around Bretonia it's purchase and role-play is restricted, but only by the tiniest margin. The Firefly may seem like a bit of a lesser option but I have seen it escape overwhelming odds and run smuggling routes in no time at all.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - ***

[color=#FFFFFF]Series YX "Dromedary" Border Worlds Freighter

• Maneuverability - ****
  
• Firepower - ***
  
• Cargo Space - *
  
• Size - *
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - ****
  
• Price - ****
  
• Appearance - ****
  
• Cockpit View - *****
  
• Availability - *****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - ***
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - *
  
• Value for Money - ****
  

From the heart of Digital Anvil's inspired minds the Dromedary is truly a symbol of the original Freelancer; and thanks to Discovery has received a buff that's helped the Dromedary to hold a place amongst today’s competing Freighters. For players who like a bit of nostalgia and an essence of the classic freelancer with their discovery experience this is definitely a top option for beginning traders. Its availability makes it almost adaptable to any faction in discovery and a lot of hefty weapon mounts and armor makes it compatible with any NPCs floating around discovery. It doesn't have much to offer in terms of PvP but due to its sheer size and class only the most desperate of pirates would consider taxing it. Its size has more than one advantage in the aspect that it's hard to spot over long distances, buying you time while the pirates look up the wireframe. Then with it's nimble nature you should be able to make a hasty getaway with pirates very unlikely to pursue you in your engine trail. The price is slightly over average for it's stats but is still a decent deal for 2.1 million. A 650 cargo hold, three class eight guns and an additional 5 class 5 turrets come standard. The Dromedary has been reduced as well as buffed in the new mod as its maneuverability is greatly sacrificed with all the extra cargo. The turning on the Dromedary is surprisingly slow compared with the original Freelancer V1 model. However this small blip shouldn't be much of a problem to someone who knows how to avoid threats should the Dromedary ever encounter them.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - ****

[color=#FFFFFF]Series "DL" Border Worlds Transport

• Maneuverability - **
  
• Firepower - ****
  
• Cargo Space - ***
  
• Size - ***
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - ***
  
• Price - ***
  
• Appearance - ***
  
• Cockpit View - *****
  
• Availability - *****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - ***
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - **
  
• Value for Money - *****
  

The Border Worlds Transport is a true legend amongst Discovery traders. It's unlimited availability and reliability is unique and not found in any other ship in the same line. A Generous nine class seven turrets cover the space around the ship from all angles giving away no weak spots for your average pirate to attack. A decent cargo hold of 3600 equally measured with a unique handling that I’ve never seen before in any other ship. The turning on the Border Worlds Transport is slow but it's all expected from a ship of its size, the handling is perfectly measured to match the ship in my opinion. Again the dagger cockpit view is used perfectly matching its nature. A class seven shield outlet and countermeasure slot comes as standard with an up front payment of 42 million. But what truly makes the ship stand out is its astonishing armor rating compared to its size. Any pirate or policeman would take a few bites out of this thing and more before even causing anything near critical damage. A leading ship of its kind in the ship dealing market today, it's still underestimated by even the veterans of Sirius' pilots.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - *****

[color=#FFFFFF]Heavy Tanker

• Maneuverability - **
  
• Firepower - **
  
• Cargo Space - ****
  
• Size - ****
  
• Cargo Space/Size Ratio - ****
  
• Price - ****
  
• Appearance - ****
  
• Cockpit View - *
  
• Availability - ****
  
• Capability of Escaping Pirates - ***
  
• Capability of Defeating Pirates - *
  
• Value for Money - ****
  

The Heavy Tanker is an admirable ship that most can't deny is good value for money. It's very reliable, probably one of the most reliable transports on the market today. It may not stand a chance against most pirates who are armed as you'd expect these days but it can give them a run for their money literally. The rear engines do make it vulnerable to less advanced disruptors but its armor rating is so high that it can withstand a lot more punishment than most other shipping vessels. A disappointing six turrets are enough to fend of some pesky NPCs but it's still more than most ships with a hold of its size. The maneuverability of this brick is surprisingly slow; all that armor has punished it severely with a turning circle of 35-40 seconds. But luckily due to it's reduced size it doesn't get as bad a rating as the Advanced Train for getting caught up in asteroid fields. This thing has no problem docking with trade lanes and Jump Gates alike. However, in the details of the description it does list that this ship was designed by lawful factions for lawful players, so its availability is restricted. If you want to tighten the RP net further then the only factions able to use this ship would be IDF Oil & Manufacturing, Bretonian Mining and Metals, Ageira and House Militaries. This being that it was said to be designed to transport liquids (Oil & Water) and other solid materials such as Capital ship Hull panels (Ship building Factions). But this is very flexible and can be branched out to pretty much every faction except for those unlawful. This ship is the only option 2 if you find yourself not desiring a super transport in particular because of it's reliability, quality and amazing price of 115.5 million.

[color=#FFCC00]Overall Rating - ****

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