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Group of ships

Ships are the central feature of Elite Dangerous, and are used to traverse space and perform a variety of different tasks. There are a variety of designs to suit various roles. Many ships were inspired by the classic wireframe and polygonal models of previous Elite games.

Evolution-of-the-Cobra-Ship-Elite-Universe

Evolution of the Cobra in the Elite Universe

Each ship has access to a range of different modules which they can fit to help specialize as traders, smugglers, bounty hunters, pirates, etc. All ships have been designed with the ship interiors in mind and for future gameplay opportunities.

As of Elite Dangerous: Beyond Chapter Four (3.3), there are 38 playable ships and 6 playable fighters, each built by one of several manufacturers with their own unique styles. Initially, there was a planned total of 30 playable ships with multiple variants in addition to some non-playable ships.

All commanders begin the game with a Sidewinder MkI. The player may upgrade components or purchase an entirely new ship based upon their needs and available funds. New ships can only be purchased at Stations with the Shipyard service, and modules can only be changed or upgraded at stations with the Outfitting service.

People can join other ships as a hologram with multicrew. Nearly all ships and stations are standard fitted with the GalNet system for market information, galactic news and communication.[1][2]

Available Ships

All ships available to players are presented below. Some ships require attaining a specific rank with the Federal or Imperial navies before they can be purchased.

Small

Small ships are designed to dock with small Landing Pads.

Medium

Medium ships are designed to dock with medium Landing Pads.

Large

Large ships are designed to dock with large Landing Pads.

Other

The following spacecraft can be purchased by players, but are not classified as conventional ships.

Ship-Launched Fighters

Ship-Launched Fighters can only be deployed from Fighter Hangars installed on suitable ships. They cannot be customised in Outfitting apart from their Livery, and they lack their own Frame Shift Drives.

Capital Ships

Capital Ships are large jump-capable ships that cannot be directly piloted by the player. Capital Ship owners can customise their vessels' available services and Livery.

Comparing Ships

Specifications

Default ship specifications as equipped when purchased. Sidewinder can be obtained for free.

Model Type Jump Range
[Laden]
(LY)
Mnvr
Rating
Cargo
[Max]
(T)
Pad Size Speed
[Boost]
(m/s)
Armour Shield
(MJ)
Cost
(CR)
Hull
Mass (T)
Mass Lock
Factor
Optional Modules
(Restricted)
Fighter Hangar Capable Model
Sidewinder MkI Multipurpose 7.56
[6.96]
5 4
[12]
S 220
[321]
108 52 32,000 25 6 4 No Sidewinder MkI
Eagle MkII Combat 8.47
[8.27]
7 2
[16]
S 239
[349]
72 78 44,800 50 6 4 (1) No Eagle MkII
Hauler Freighter 9.87
[8.08]
4 8
[22]
S 206
[309]
180 65 52,720 14 6 4 No Hauler
Adder Multipurpose 9.12
[8.47]
4 6
[26]
S 220
[321]
162 78 87,808 35 7 5 No Adder
Imperial Eagle Combat 8.22
[8.03]
5 2
[16]
S 298
[397]
108 104 110,830 50 6 4 (1) No Imperial Eagle
Viper MkIII Combat 7.67
[7.35]
4 4
[22]
S 315
[394]
126 137 142,931 50 7 4 No Viper MkIII
Cobra MkIII Multipurpose 10.46
[9.78]
5 18
[60]
S 286
[408]
216 92 379,718 180 8 6 No Cobra MkIII
Viper MkIV Combat 10.36
[9.69]
3 18
[50]
S 271
[342]
270 103 426,990 190 7 6 (1) No Viper MkIV
Diamondback Scout Combat Explorer 11.35
[11.35]
5 0
[28]
S 283
[384]
216 92 564,330 170 8 4 No Diamondback Scout
Cobra MkIV Multipurpose 9.37
[8.38]
3 34
[88]
S 200
[299]
216 125 745,610 210 N/A 8 No Cobra MkIV
Type-6 Transporter Freighter 12.39
[10.07]
3 50
[112]
M 223
[355]
324 77 1,045,945 155 8 7 No Type-6 Transporter
Dolphin Passenger 10.67
[10.11]
3 14
[84]
S 258
[361]
198 143 1,337,330 140 9 7 (1) No Dolphin
Diamondback Explorer Combat Explorer 15.61
[15.12]
4 12
[56]
S 251
[328]
270 131 1,894,760 260 10 6 No Diamondback Explorer
Imperial Courier Multipurpose 8.83
[7.69]
4 12
[30]
S 280
[380]
144 230 2,542,931 35 7 6 No Imperial Courier
Keelback Combat Freighter 10.94
[9.48]
2 38
[88]
M 202
[303]
486 80 3,048,000 180 8 6 Yes Keelback
Asp Scout Combat Explorer 11.69
[10.84]
5 16
[72]
M 223
[304]
324 105 3,862,130 150 8 6 No Asp Scout
Vulture Combat 7.93
[7.75]
5 8
[56]
S 215
[348]
288 293 4,925,615 230 10 5 (1) No Vulture
Asp Explorer Multipurpose 13.12
[12.07]
4 38
[128]
M 254
[345]
378 152 6,661,153 280 11 7 No Asp Explorer
Federal Dropship Multipurpose 7.25
[6.77]
3 56
[164]
M 183
[304]
540 104 14,314,210 580 14 7 (2) No Federal Dropship
Type-7 Transporter Freighter 10.68
[8.63]
1 128
[304]
L 181
[301]
612 78 17,472,252 420 10 8 No Type-7 Transporter
Alliance Chieftain Combat 9.59
[-]
4 40
[120]
M 235
[338]
504 162 19,382,250 400 13 5 (3) No Alliance Chieftain
Federal Assault Ship Combat 8.33
[7.69]
4 32
[96]
M 214
[357]
540 133 19,814,205 480 14 6 (2) No Federal Assault Ship
Imperial Clipper Multipurpose 8.98
[8.05]
5 74
[248]
L 306
[388]
486 186 22,295,860 400 12 8 No Imperial Clipper
Alliance Crusader Combat 8.21
[-]
3 40
[122]
M 183
[305]
540 126 25,367,279 500 13 6 (3) Yes Alliance Crusader
Alliance Challenger Combat 8.58
[-]
4 40
[152]
M 204
[316]
540 208 30,472,265 450 13 6 (3) No Alliance Challenger
Federal Gunship Combat 6.66
[6.54]
1 16
[168]
M 171
[282]
630 186 35,814,210 580 14 5 (3) Yes Federal Gunship
Krait Phantom Multipurpose 9.78
[-]
3 82
[190]
M 256
[358]
324 260 37,472,254 270 17 8 No Krait Phantom
Krait MkII Multipurpose 8.99
[-]
3 82
[228]
M 245
[337]
396 262 45,814,205 320 17 8 Yes Krait MkII
Orca Passenger 10.48
[10.04]
1 72
[192]
L 308
[390]
396 233 48,539,887 290 15 8 (2) No Orca
Fer-de-Lance Combat 7.00
[6.59]
4 24
[70]
M 265
[357]
405 271 51,567,040 250 12 5 No Fer-de-Lance
Mamba Combat 6.79
[-]
3 20
[66]
M 316
[387]
414 244 55,867,041 250 12 5 No Mamba
Python Multipurpose 8.23
[7.36]
2 82
[292]
M 234
[305]
468 294 56,978,179 350 17 9 No Python
Type-9 Heavy Freighter 8.68
[6.62]
0 348
[788]
L 151
[232]
864 110 76,555,842 850 16 9 Yes Type-9 Heavy
Beluga Liner Passenger 9.83
[9.58]
2 44
[368]
L 197
[276]
504 92 84,532,780 950 18 11 (4) Yes Beluga Liner
Type-10 Defender Combat Freighter 6.97
[6.07]
0 220
[532]
L 179
[219]
1044 99 124,755,342 1200 26 9 (2) Yes Type-10 Defender
Anaconda Multipurpose 9.41
[8.52]
1 114
[468]
L 183
[244]
945 362 146,969,451 400 23 11 (1) Yes Anaconda
Federal Corvette Combat 6.31
[6.03]
2 76
[616]
L 198
[257]
666 516 180,327,022 900 24 10 (2) Yes Federal Corvette
Imperial Cutter Multipurpose 8.21
[7.57]
0 164
[792]
L 202
[323]
720 705 203,745,220 1100 27 9 (2) Yes Imperial Cutter
Model Type Jump Range
[Laden]
(LY)
Mnvr
Rating
Cargo
[Max]
(T)
Pad Size Speed
[Boost]
(m/s)
Armour Shield
(MJ)
Cost
(CR)
Hull
Mass (T)
Mass Lock
Factor
Optional Modules
(Restricted)
Model

A-Class Frame Shift Drive, Thrusters and Power Distributor and lowest mass on everything else except Fuel Tank. All Internal Compartments are Cargo Racks. Power Plant is the lightest available with sufficient power.

Model Unladen Jump Range
(LY)
Laden Jump Range
(LY)
Manoeuvrability Max Cargo
(T)
Speed
[Boost]
Armour Cost
(CR)
Sidewinder MkI 22.08 16.48 5 16 255
[372]
108 371,520
Eagle MkII 22.36 18.15 7 20 271
[395]
72 1,113,210
Hauler 29.64 16.14 4 26 232
[348]
180 408,060
Adder 26.14 18.15 4 30 255
[372]
162 1,165,400
Imperial Eagle 22.36 18.15 5 20 338
[451]
108 1,174,950
Viper MkIII 18.58 14.69 4 26 346
[433]
126 1,318,850
Cobra MkIII 25.59 20.23 5 64 320
[457]
216 3,759,820
Viper MkIV 24.61 20.30 3 54 306
[386]
270 3,831,710
Diamondback Scout 27.06 23.93 5 32 327
[440]
216 3,912,660
Cobra MkIV 22.59 16.82 3 92 223
[334]
216 4,209,960
Type-6 Transporter 29.10 18.62 3 114 255
[406]
324 4,591,040
Dolphin 28.46 20.14 3 88 290
[406]
190 8,312,300
Diamondback Explorer 36.09 31.00 4 60 263
[344]
270 9,021,900
Imperial Courier 25.50 17.04 4 34 325
[440]
144 3,705,470
Keelback 25.91 18.59 2 98 229
[344]
486 6,616,000
Asp Scout 27.93 20.73 5 74 240
[327]
324 7,882,100
Vulture 19.61 16.48 5 60 244
[395]
288 13,001,920
Type-7 Transporter 24.17 15.14 1 306 201
[334]
612 17,472,252
Asp Explorer 32.82 24.47 4 130 290
[395]
378 17,665,010
Alliance Chieftain 23.15 20.06 4 120 267
[383]
504 19,382,250
Alliance Crusader 19.01 16.00 3 122 209
[348]
540 22,087,940
Alliance Challenger 20.95 16.60 4 152 232
[360]
540 30,472,265
Krait Phantom 26.43 18.83 3 190 290
[406]
396 35,732,880
Federal Dropship 17.34 14.08 2 166 209
[348]
540 39,514,040
Federal Assault Ship 20.17 17.43 4 98 244
[406]
540 44,746,150
Krait MkII 23.87 16.51 3 230 278
[383]
220 45,814,205
Imperial Clipper 23.04 15.74 5 250 348
[441]
486 48,165,760
Federal Gunship 16.32 13.35 1 170 196
[322]
630 67,324,970
Orca 28.74 19.85 1 194 348
[441]
396 71,924,940
Fer-de-Lance 17.17 14.22 4 72 302
[406]
405 61,830,450
Python 22.62 14.72 2 294 267
[348]
468 88,412,870
Type-9 Heavy 20.12 11.68 0 790 151
[232]
864 154,485,880
Beluga Liner 25.08 19.73 2 370 221
[309]
504 192,677,380
Type-10 Defender 23.77 17.34 0 534 195
[238]
1044 235,147,912
Anaconda 27.82 17.46 1 470 209
[279]
945 241,415,150
Federal Corvette 17.03 11.52 2 618 224
[291]
666 283,970,450
Imperial Cutter 21.94 14.53 0 794 232
[372]
720 435,747,300
Model Unladen Jump Range
(LY)
Laden Jump Range
(LY)
Manoeuvrability Max Cargo
(T)
Speed
[Boost]
Armour Cost
(CR)

A-Class Frame Shift Drive and lowest mass on everything else except Fuel Tank. Internal Compartments contain biggest size A-Class Fuel Scoop, and a Detailed Surface Scanner. Power Plant is the lightest available with sufficient power.

Model Jump Range
(LY)
Manoeuvrability Cost
(CR)
Relative Cost
(CR per LY)
Sidewinder MkI 21.47 5 2,269,702 105,715
Eagle MkII 23.27 7 3,238,135 139,154
Hauler 28.55 4 2,907,482 101,838
Adder 27.40 4 3,277,509 119,617
Imperial Eagle 23.27 5 3,299,850 141,807
Viper MkIII 19.70 4 3,344,740 169,784
Cobra MkIII 26.41 5 6,587,410 249,429
Viper MkIV 25.37 3 6,685,320 263,513
Diamondback Scout 27.93 5 4,870,520 173,383
Cobra MkIV 23.23 3 6,985,350 300,704
Type-6 Transporter 30.11 3 13,445,710 446,553
Dolphin 30.38 3 7,809,790 257,070
Diamondback Explorer 37.03 4 11,767,640 317,786
Imperial Courier 27.64 4 5,714,860 206,760
Keelback 26.71 2 15,528,770 581,384
Asp Scout 30.11 5 10,224,600 339,575
Vulture 21.75 5 17,307,900 795,766
Asp Explorer 34.76 4 42,079,470 1,210,572
Federal Dropship 18.99 3 49,693,790 2,616,840
Type-7 Transporter 25.00 1 52,796,290 2,111,852
Alliance Chieftain - 4 - -
Federal Assault Ship 22.45 4 35,605,880 1,586,008
Imperial Clipper - 4 - -
Alliance Challenger 26.28 5 119,497,850 4,547,102
Federal Gunship 18.87 1 71,049,660 3,765,218
Krait MkII 32.95 3 78,487,395 2,382,015
Orca 31.12 1 64,851,300 2,083,910
Fer-de-Lance 19.81 4 63,919,800 3,226,643
Python 27.58 2 91,482,370 3,316,982
Type-9 Heavy 19.16 0 381,456,730 19,909,015
Beluga Liner 26.46 2 167,740,990 6,339,417
Type-10 Defender 25.01 0 466,665,142 18,659,142
Anaconda 38.06 1 254,556,830 6,688,303
Federal Corvette 20.21 2 295,562,890 14,624,586
Imperial Cutter 25.32 0 544,970,390 21,523,317
Model Jump Range
(LY)
Manoeuvrability Cost
(CR)
Relative Cost
(CR per LY)

A-Class everything, Bulkheads as Reactive Surface Composite which is the most expensive part of a ship. Hardpoints, utility mounts and internal compartments empty except Shield Generator which is highest possible size.

Model Jump Range
(LY)
Manoeuvrability Speed
[Boost]
Armour Shield Cost
(CR)
Sidewinder MkI 17.84 5 245
[357]
210 68
[2A]
854,770
Eagle MkII 18.23 7 259
[377]
140 102
[3A]
1,981,830
Hauler 22.14 4 232
[348]
350 85
[3A]
1,365,130
Adder 20.76 4 244
[355]
315 102
[3A]
2,520,740
Imperial Eagle 17.98 5 322
[430]
210 136
[3A]
2,612,910
Viper MkIII 14.98 4 330
[413]
245 179
[3A]
2,841,390
Cobra MkIII 21.21 5 307
[439]
420 124
[4A]
8,040,840
Viper MkIV 22.06 3 299
[376]
525 226
[4A]
8,181,690
Diamondback Scout 22.98 5 316
[425]
420 139
[4A]
7,425,750
Cobra MkIV 19.11 3 214
[322]
420 173
[4A]
9,346,220
Type-6 Transporter 23.49 3 247
[393]
630 153
[5A]
12,459,260
Dolphin 20.39 3 290
[406]
385 187
[4A]
14,986,320
Diamondback Explorer 30.49 4 262
[343]
525 191
[4A]
16,893,590
Imperial Courier 19.33 4 306
[415]
280 335
[3A]
11,851,200
Keelback 21.23 2 220
[329]
945 187
[5A]
20,513,520
Asp Scout 21.61 5 242
[331]
630 200
[4A]
20,664,720
Vulture 15.95 5 244
[395]
560 387
[5A]
31,577,410
Asp Explorer 25.45 4 282
[383]
735 234
[6A]
55,553,110
Federal Dropship 14.11 3 201
[334]
1050 228
[6A]
106,036,180
Type-7 Transporter 19.87 1 192
[320]
1190 217
[6A]
86,817,860
Alliance Chieftain 17.99 4 267
[383]
980 286.8
[6A]
119,907,010
Federal Assault Ship 16.36 4 242
[403]
1050 213
{5A]
113,526,110
Imperial Clipper 17.20 5 348
[441]
945 306
[7A]
168,364,300
Alliance Challenger 16.76 4 231
[358]
1,050 295.8
[6A]
125,268,030
Alliance Crusader 15.69 3 205
[342]
1,050 252.3
[6A]
131,603,090
Federal Gunship 13.34 1 187
[308]
1225 286
[6A]
185,070,720
Krait MkII 17.88 3 278
[383]
770 350
[6A]
266,831,006
Orca 21.65 1 348
[441]
770 321
[5A]
198,948,560
Fer-de-Lance 13.59 4 301
[405]
788 468
[5A]
205,142,660
Python 17.47 2 267
[348]
910 397
[6A]
291,969,770
Type-9 Heavy 13.86 0 139
[214]
1680 390
[8A]
505,433,850
Beluga Liner 20.25 2 211
[295]
980 204
[6A]
447,582,930
Type-10 Defender 18.59 0 185
[226]
2030 483
[8A]
848,756,112
Anaconda 19.74 1 208
[277]
1838 595
[7A]
825,479,020
Federal Corvette 13.62 2 213
[277]
1295 741
[7A]
962,815,660
Imperial Cutter 17.53 0 225
[360]
1400 947
[8A]
1,261,053,840
Model Jump Range
(LY)
Manoeuvrability Speed
[Boost]
Armour Shield Cost
(CR)

Outfitting

External Hardpoints and Utility Mounts.

Model Small Medium Large Huge Utility
Mount
Sidewinder MkI 2 - - - 2
Eagle MkII 3 - - - 1
Hauler 1 - - - 2
Adder 2 1 - - 2
Imperial Eagle 2 1 - - 1
Viper MkIII 2 2 - - 2
Cobra MkIII 2 2 - - 2
Viper MkIV 2 2 - - 2
Diamondback Scout 2 2 - - 4
Cobra MkIV 3 2 - - 2
Type-6 Transporter 2 - - - 3
Dolphin 2 - - - 3
Diamondback Explorer - 2 1 - 4
Imperial Courier - 3 - - 4
Keelback 2 2 - - 3
Asp Scout 2 2 - - 2
Vulture - - 2 - 4
Asp Explorer 4 2 - - 4
Federal Dropship - 4 1 - 4
Type-7 Transporter 4 - - - 4
Alliance Chieftain 3 1 2 - 4
Federal Assault Ship - 2 2 - 4
Imperial Clipper - 2 2 - 4
Alliance Crusader 3 2 1 - 4
Alliance Challenger 3 3 1 - 4
Federal Gunship 2 4 1 - 4
Krait Phantom - 2 2 - 4
Krait MkII - 2 3 - 4
Orca - 2 1 - 4
Fer-de-Lance - 4 - 1 6
Mamba 2 - 2 1 6
Python - 2 3 - 4
Type-9 Heavy 2 3 - - 4
Beluga Liner - 5 - - 6
Type-10 Defender 2 3 4 - 8
Anaconda 2 2 3 1 8
Federal Corvette 2 2 1 2 8
Imperial Cutter - 4 2 1 8
Model Small Medium Large Huge Utility
Mount

Core Internal Compartments.

Model Power Plant Thrusters FSD Life Support Power Distributor Sensors Fuel Tank
Sidewinder MkI 2 2 2 1 1 1 1
Eagle MkII 2 3 3 1 2 2 2
Hauler 2 2 2 1 1 1 2
Adder 3 3 3 1 2 3 3
Imperial Eagle 3 3 3 1 2 2 2
Viper MkIII 3 3 3 2 3 3 2
Cobra MkIII 4 4 4 3 3 3 4
Viper MkIV 4 4 4 2 3 3 4
Diamondback Scout 4 4 4 2 3 2 4
Cobra MkIV 4 4 4 3 3 3 4
Type-6 Transporter 3 4 4 2 3 2 4
Dolphin 4 5 4 4 3 3 4
Diamondback Explorer 4 4 5 3 4 3 5
Imperial Courier 4 3 3 1 3 2 3
Keelback 4 4 4 1 3 2 4
Asp Scout 4 4 4 3 4 4 4
Vulture 4 5 4 3 5 4 3
Asp Explorer 5 5 5 4 4 5 5
Federal Dropship 6 6 5 5 6 4 4
Type-7 Transporter 4 5 5 4 3 3 5
Alliance Chieftain 6 6 5 5 6 4 4
Federal Assault Ship 6 6 5 5 6 4 4
Imperial Clipper 6 6 5 5 6 5 4
Alliance Crusader 6 6 5 5 6 4 4
Alliance Challenger 6 6 5 5 6 4 4
Federal Gunship 6 6 5 5 7 5 4
Krait Phantom 7 6 5 4 7 6 5
Krait MkII 7 6 5 4 7 6 5
Orca 5 6 5 6 5 4 4
Fer-de-Lance 5 5 4 4 6 4 3
Mamba 6 5 4 4 6 4 3
Python 7 6 5 4 7 6 5
Type-9 Heavy 6 7 6 5 6 4 6
Beluga Liner 6 7 7 8 6 5 7
Type-10 Defender 8 7 7 5 7 4 6
Anaconda 8 7 6 5 8 8 5
Federal Corvette 8 7 6 5 8 8 5
Imperial Cutter 8 8 7 7 7 7 6
Model Power Plant Thrusters FSD Life Support Power Distributor Sensors Fuel Tank
* Note: All ships currently have a max Bulkhead class of 8.

Optional Internal Compartments.

Model Class
1
Class
2
Class
3
Class
4
Class
5
Class
6
Class
7
Class
8
Total
Sidewinder MkI 4 2 - - - - - - 6
Eagle MkII 3 1+1[m] 1 - - - - - 6
Hauler 3 1 2 - - - - - 6
Adder 3 2 2 - - - - - 7
Imperial Eagle 4 1+1[m] 1 - - - - - 7
Viper MkIII 3 1 2+1[m] - - - - - 7
Cobra MkIII 2 3 - 3 - - - - 8
Viper MkIV 3 2 1+1[m] 2 - - - - 9
Diamondback Scout 2 1 3 - - - - - 6
Cobra MkIV 2 2 2 4 - - - - 10
Type-6 Transporter 1 2 1 2 2 - - - 8
Dolphin 2 3 1 2 1 - - - 9
Diamondback Explorer 2 2 2 2 - - - - 8
Imperial Courier 3 3 2 - - - - - 8
Keelback 1 2 1 1 2 - - - 7
Asp Scout 1 2 2 1 1 - - - 7
Vulture 4 1 - 1 1+1[m] - - - 8
Asp Explorer 1 2 3 - 1 1 - - 8
Federal Dropship 1 1 2 1+2[m] 2 1 - - 10
Type-7 Transporter 1 - 2 - 3 3 - - 9
Alliance Chieftain 1 2 - 1+3[m] 1 1 - - 9
Federal Assault Ship 1 2 1 1+2[m] 2 - - - 9
Imperial Clipper 1 2 2 2 - 1 1 - 9
Alliance Crusader 1 2 2 3[m] 1 1 - - 10
Alliance Challenger 1 2 2 3[m] - 2 - - 10
Federal Gunship 1 2 0 3[m] 1 2 - - 9
Krait Phantom 1 1 3 - 3 1 - - 9
Krait MkII 1 1 2 1 2 2 - - 9
Orca 1 2 1 1 3 1 - - 9
Fer-de-Lance 2 1 - 2 1 - - - 6
Mamba 1 2 1 1 1 - - - 6
Python 1 1 2 1 2 3 - - 10
Type-9 Heavy 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 11
Beluga Liner 1 - 4 1 2 4 - - 12
Type-10 Defender 1 1 2 2 1+2[m] 1 1 1 12
Anaconda 1 1 - 3 3+1[m] 3 1 - 13
Federal Corvette 1 - 1 2 2+2[m] 2 3 - 13
Imperial Cutter 1 - 1 1 2+2[m] 3 - 2 12
Model Class
1
Class
2
Class
3
Class
4
Class
5
Class
6
Class
7
Class
8
Total
[m] = Military Compartment, reserved for Hull Reinforcement Package, Module Reinforcement Package, or Shield Cell Bank.

Ship Roles

Multipurpose

Multipurpose ships are a jack-of-all-trades in that they can easily be fitted for whatever role the player needs; whether it be hauling cargo, ship-to-ship combat, or exploring the stars, multipurpose ships can do it all. Multipurpose ships usually can do most jobs just as well if not better than comparable ships targeted towards those jobs. They, while considered multipurpose, sometimes lean into a more specialized role. The Imperial Courier, for example, is called multipurpose while ending up being a superb combat and exploration vessel, as it isn't very good at trading/mining.

Combat

Combat ships are usually faster, more agile and more heavily armed than other ships of the same size. The exception to this would be gun boats, which have more weapon mounts designed for turrets, but sacrifice their agility for them.

Freighter

Freighters are typically slow, cumbersome and lightly armed, but provide extreme hauling capabilities. Useful for traders and smugglers alike.

Explorer

Exploration ships typically come with large default jump ranges, large Fuel Tanks for ships of their size, and should be fitted with lots of low class Internal Compartments for scanners to optimize jump distance. These ships are designed to be able to equip the multitude of scanning equipment needed for an expedition, then fly long distances into the void without the need for regular refuelling through the use of Fuel Scoops.

Passenger

Couriers who fly passengers and valuable items with small storage requirements have a special class of ships available to them. These ships are elegant and fast, designed to quickly and comfortably get from one system to the next. You can think of them as giant space-limousines.

Ship Interiors

We're designing all the ships with the interiors in mind. How the cargo is unloaded all of that sort of thing, how damage occurs. That's because another thing we are doing is, again down the line, is that you will be able to walk around inside your ship. You'll be able to get out of your ship, walk around inside space stations, other vehicles. All of that sort of thing. We've shown the damage on the ship, the damage models. Imagine looking at that from inside the ship outwards seeing your cargo fly out into space, seeing the flames trying to fight them. All of those things that we plan with time, they won't be at the first release, because we want to do them right, we want to do them well. All of these will be done as updates. The game has to be structured in a way to allow it from the start. So we're designing the ships so that they work that way and so that when we come to do it, it's not a problem.

David Braben, December 2012[3]

Elite-Dangerous-Ship-Interior-Concept

Ship Interior concept art

Elite Dangerous Atmospheric Escape

EVA ship repair concept art

All playable ships in Elite Dangerous were designed to include interior - as well as exterior - features, most notably in the distinct placement of various internal modules and the ways in which they take damage. During the very early stages of development for the game, David Braben expressed a desire to eventually implement walkable ship interiors in order to add more complex gameplay opportunities such as internal cargo loading/unloading or repairs.[3]

Frontier released the video ''Cockpit Interiors'' on July 18, 2014: "Spaceship interiors from Elite: Dangerous, a look at some of the work-in-progress. Getting up out of your seat and walking around your ship will be just the beginning for plans to expand Elite: Dangerous after the initial product. Imagine landing on planets or boarding other ships..."[4]

As of June 8, 2021, shortly after the PC launch of Elite Dangerous: Odyssey, ship interiors were not in active development, and Frontier Developments was focusing on improvements to Odyssey and preparing for its launch on consoles. Frontier community manager Arthur Tolmie (CM Arf) said on Lave Radio, "I can relay the message as best I can. If players are saying ship interiors are an absolute must, obviously we'll assess it, but at the moment it's a case of where do we put our resources, and at the moment it's not ship interiors."[5][6]

NPC-only Ship Types

Capital Ships

There are currently two types of Capital Ships in-game: the Federation's Farragut-Class Battle Cruiser and the Empire's Majestic-Class Interdictor. Both vessels are Battlecruisers. They are heavily armed, can launch several fighter squadrons, and are piloted by NPCs. However, Frontier said in their roadmap that they intend to add the "availability of giant ‘executive control’ ships to players" in a future content update.[7]

In The Commanders Livestream, a viewer asked, "Any chance of playing capital ships in the future?", David Braben answered, "It's on the list, but a long way down it, because there's a lot of gameplay to make it work. The issue is what we call the difference between direct control and executive control. Where rather than flying by the seat of your pants you're giving orders to a giant ship. Because you can't expect it to change course very rapidly and that sort of thing. So it's certainly a long-term possibility, but it's long-term."[8]

Megaships

Naphtha Class

Naphtha Class Tanker in Okinura

A Megaship is a class of massive ships that travel through the galaxy, and are utilized in a wide variety of roles.[9] Comparable in size to most stations, and in some cases much longer, a number of Megaships are also equipped with docking facilities for small, medium, and large vessels. All services normally available at stations are on offer, with the exception of the Shipyard. Currently, only NPCs can directly control Megaships, but certain Player Groups can petition for Community Goals to construct new Megaships, and those with docking facilities are usually placed under the control of the sponsoring Group's Player Minor Faction. Even more rarely, a Player Group may be permitted to relocate their Megaship to a different location, as with The Gnosis.

There are various types of Megaships:[9]

Thargoid Ships

The Thargoids have at least 4 ship types in their arsenal: Thargoid Hunters, Thargoid Interceptors, Thargoid Scouts and Thargoid Titans. Old logs retrieved from the Intergalactic Naval Reserve Arm's Carmichael Point base attested to the existence of Titans. These capital ships were discovered inside Thargoid Maelstroms in 3309.

Thargoid vessels employ radically different technologies from human ships. Such as the ability to interdict ships during hyperspace transit and hyperspace jump without leaving an identifiable wake signature. Their powerful offensive and defensive capabilities make them deadly opponents in combat.

Development Notes: Fleet Hierarchy

The fleet-class ships that are available to the game's major factions follow a hierarchy.[11]

Cruisers (Battlecruisers, Battleships, Interdictors)

Farragut-Battle-Cruiser-Surface

Farragut-Class Battle Cruiser and a Vulture

Interdictor-cho-highRES

Majestic-Class Interdictor

Long range, independent ships that are capable of controlling entire systems. Heavily armed and capable of deploying large fighter squadrons. The capital ships already shown are an example of this class. In the Empire they are usually known as “Interdictors” – named after the first successful class of cruisers. Currently the most common and most successful Imperial Cruiser is the Majestic-Class – generally referred to as a “Majestic-Class Interdictor”. As ships that can also carry out ambassadorial missions they can be used for ‘soft’ power projection, as well as hard, the same goes for the Federation's most common and successful Cruiser, named the Farragut-Class Battle Cruiser.

Frigates

These are large ships designed for escort duties. The actual vessels vary greatly between navies, but are all designed to engage multiple small, fast enemies (typically fighters and missile swarms) and are loaded with point defence batteries. They will also have some anti-ship capability, but are not designed to go up against other warships.

Destroyers

These are anti-warship vessels, but are generally no longer used in the front line, though some are still in service.

Carriers

ED-Drake-Class-Carrier

A Drake-Class Carrier

Carriers are designed for the deployment of fighter squadrons. They have been considered obsolete and phased out of the fleets of the major factions due to the popularity of Cruisers, but small navies still make use of them and some have even been converted into transporters.

The 34th century saw the resurgence of Carriers with the introduction of the Drake-Class Carrier, a product of Brewer Corporation.

Transporters (Couriers)

Federal-Dropship-Planetary-Ring

Federal Dropship in a planetary ring

Armoured warships designed specifically for transporting valuable assets and cargo quickly and safely.

Corvettes (Cutters)

Fed corvette

Federal Corvette

Light multi-role warships, capable of reconnaissance, incursions and escort missions. These small warships are also popular with smaller factions, organizations and even wealthy individuals due to their adaptability. The Federal Corvette is a slower Corvette-class Ship with more maneuverability and firepower, while The Imperial Cutter is a lighter and faster Corvette-class ship, players will be able to get their hands on these ships in the game (assuming they can make the right contacts).

Fighters

Imperial Fighter landed

Imperial Fighter landed

Small short-range craft that generally cannot operate independently due to having no jump capability. Their main roles include the defence of stations and the large warships that they are deployed from. Commercial fighters are typically jump-capable and are therefore much more flexible than their faction-specific counterparts.

Drones

Small automated ships that have largely been phased out due to the existence of effective counter-measures. The closest setting-modern analogue would be Limpets, which are used almost purely for logistical/support tasks such as field repairs rather than direct combat, though some can be used for sabotage.

Companies

These are important ship building companies.

Name Description Type Logo
Brewer Corporation Independent manufacturer of Stations, weapons platforms, and ships. Drake-Class Carrier ED-Brewer-Corp-Logo
Core Dynamics Federal manufacturer of ships, skimmers, and ship modules based in Sol. Eagle MkII, F63 Condor, Farragut-Class Battle Cruiser, Federal Assault Ship, Federal Corvette, Federal Dropship, Federal Gunship, Vulture Coredynamics
Faulcon DeLacy Independent manufacturer of ships and equipment that is based in Reorte. Anaconda, Cobra MkIII, Cobra MkIV, Krait MkII, Krait Phantom, Python, Sidewinder MkI, Taipan, Viper MkIII, Viper MkIV Delacy
Gutamaya Imperial manufacturer of ships and various equipment. Gu-97, Imperial Clipper, Imperial Courier, Imperial Cutter, Imperial Eagle, Majestic-Class Interdictor Gutamaya
Lakon Spaceways Allied manufacturer of ships and equipment based in Alioth. Alliance Challenger, Alliance Chieftain, Alliance Crusader, Asp Explorer, Asp Scout, Diamondback Explorer, Diamondback Scout, Keelback, Type-6 Transporter, Type-7 Transporter, Type-9 Heavy, Type-10 Defender Lakon
Saud Kruger Independent corporation based in Bedaho that manufactures luxury passenger ships and equipment. Beluga Liner, Dolphin, Narwhal Liner, Orca Saudkruger
Zorgon Peterson Independent manufacturer of ships and equipment, subsidiary of Faulcon DeLacy. Adder, Fer-de-Lance, Hauler, Mamba Zorgonpeterson

On Foot Gestures

  • If you stand outside, aim at a ship or SRV and use the clap gesture it will turn on the exterior lights.[12]
  • If you use the goodbye wave the ship will depart.[12]

Videos

Gallery

References

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