"Explorer" class ships?

[Marcus Lindberg]

While I was talking at OSI Chat, I had an idea hit me. I don't know if anyone's ever considered it before, but I personally think it would add a whole new dimension of RP (sort of) if we had a whole new "Class" of ships (like bombers, gunboats etc) called Explorers.

Basically, I think ships like the Spatial would fit nicely in. The one thing that would make this "class" of ship stand out from the rest is that they would be able to equip a unique scanner, preferably one that is able to scan up to 25K-50K (Or have one that can scan 25K, and another ridiculously expensive one which scans up to 50K).

I personally think this would add some more RP, and that we would perhaps be able to see more people flying the Spatial, and probably other Explorer class ships as well. People could probably use this to map out systems that they've never been to for future reference.

The one problem with this though is that your other chars (who made need the mapped out system MORE than your explorer char will) won't probably be able to see it. But I still feel its a useful idea, since it will allow people a chance to note the coordinates of certain jump holes or planets or asteroid fields and basically stuff like that.

I'd also like to thin house military's would like to use technology like this as a kind of 'early warning system'. Basically, you'd be able to spot attack forces coming in earlier, so that your own house military can mobilize for the attack itself. The only problem I see with this is that it may completely ruin the concept of a sneak attack :/.

Also, spy factions like LSF/MND etc could also use this to conduct incursions on enemy territory to gain data and what not. It really adds interesting RP in my opinion.

Comments?