RSI - Aquila (Constellation)

[VoA]

We currently have many Connie threads posted under various Forum Sections but we don't have one Specifically for the RSI - Aquila (Constellation) under the Ship Threads so I am adding this one.  I created the in the ship threads and it has become very large of late rolling in all the news and chat about ALL the new Connie Variants - but each of these Variants deserves their own Thread now under the Ship Section (so we can have more targeted posts).

 

 

Higher Definition Video here ---->>>>RSI Constellation Commercial - Without YouTube Compression

 

 

There are many other questions people have about the Aquila and what it is used for and how it differs from the other Connie Variants (the items below are based on what we know or are speculation -- like most everything is - since the game is in development).

• The Aquila is a specialized exploration ship that gives up the top turret for a sensor array.
• It also has a dedicated science station
• The Bridge has been modified from the standard Connie glass enclosure
• It comes standard with an exploration Rover (the Ursa)
• It doesn't come standard with a short range fighter (though a P52 Merlin can be added as an upgrade)
• Some other items quoted from the brochure:

 

A first-in-class sensor array will allow you to probe deeper into the unknown, while the climate-controlled storage units enable in-depth lab work without having to return to known space. Once the auxiliary fuel cells take you the extra distance across the vast expanse of uncharted space to a new world, the deluxe panoramic bridge will provide your first breathtaking view.

 

The Constellation Aquila replaces the upper turret system with an advanced complement of scanning and comm technology including a Nav-E7 long-range scanner.

 

The WillsOp jump point navigation sensors feature cutting edge detection algorithms to assist in locating jump points that until a few years ago would have be considered invisible to all previous scanning technology. With the combination of the Aquila and WillsOp, the universe is opening up like never before.

 

Ursa is a civilian-cleared all-terrain vehicle built for the planetside explorer. Tackle planetary terrain with confidence with six Hastelin tires and a proprietary engine and power plant system from RSI.

 

+++ Listed from the Brochure Spec Section:

Additional equipment

 

 

RSI jump engine

 

Dock for optional P-52 Merlin

RSI Ursa (land rover)

Nav-E7 fuel tank expansion

Nav-E7 long range scanner

WillsOp jump point navigation sensors

New features for the 2945 Constellation Aquila

Panoramic unobstructed bridge array

Angled top shielding flaps

Lighting array below cockpit Plexi

Deep space transmitter dish

Science station in top turret, including two radar rotodomes and probe antenna

Auxiliary fuel cells for extended space flight

Easily accessible cargo hold, with additional climate-controlled sample storage units

Side missile racks replaced with additional WillsOp jump point navigation sensors

Maneuvering thrusters added for optimal maneuverability

Merlin launch bay has been adjusted for easy deployment.

Custom bay is adapted to deploy the RSI Ursa manned terrestrial exploration vehicle.

Prefitted for expansion station

 

[Wyvyrias]

Can't you just make 1 thread called "Constallation Line/Series"? Oo

[novastorm]

Can't you just make 1 thread called "Constallation Line/Series"? Oo

 

There is:

 

also started by VoA........

[Wyvyrias]

There is:

 

also started by VoA........

So he made 5 threads for 1 topic?

GGthxbb.

Btw for sure someone will say "but that's all totally different ships, we need a thread for every one!"

[VoA]

So he made 5 threads for 1 topic?GGthxbb.Btw for sure someone will say "but that's all totally different ships, we need a thread for every one!"

See OP in the first paragraph as to "why" it is needed   The Connies are all the Rage since their reveal at Gamescom 2014 and it is generating a lot of post with questions and good information all over the place... these targeted posts for each ship (like there are for every other ship in our  ship thread) - is more useful for people to review and post on.  As I mentioned - the one Variant thread was getting way too big and cumbersome.

[Wyvyrias]

See OP in the first paragraph as to "why" it is needed   The Connies are all the Rage since their reveal at Gamescom 2014 and it is generating a lot of post with questions and good information all over the place... these targeted posts for each ship (like there are for every other ship in our  ship thread) - is more useful for people to review and post on.  As I mentioned - the one Variant thread was getting way too big and cumbersome.

But huge threads are awesome!

[VoA]

To go along with your Aquila ... land vehicle Ursa Rover.... in Reverse the Verse about 16:30m into the Vid.. .a fan brings up the idea of a Motorcycle Land Vehicle (2 wheels) ----- Ben loved the idea..... Time to "Make it So"   

 

Here is a new article about the Aquila:  Star Citizen: Who’s Going To Melt Their Phoenix For A Constellation Aquila?  <<<-- Good article but my favorite Connie still is the Phoenix with the larger power plant, command / control, better command displays, P72 Archimedies, Lynx, etc.... but I love the Aquila too (and the Taurus and Andromeda) + have them all - another plug for the Combo Pack   See anyone considers melting their Phoenix.

[Gallitin]

Can't you just make 1 thread called "Constallation Line/Series"? Oo

Nah there will be so many posts in 1, I like it split out.

[Wyvyrias]

Nah there will be so many posts in 1, I like it split out.

My argument is invalid.

Blame the parrot.

[DASKOMMTDAWEG]

Is it just me or feels anyone else reminded of Dr. Simon Tam from the Firefly series if he sees the captain of the Aquila?

[Leonn]

Anyone notice that the metal visors on the Aquila are hinged

I am hoping that we will be able to raise/open them with the touch of a button.

[Bambaataa]

I hope we can control cargo and bulkhead doors from the bridge.  It'd be a pain to have to run back n forth to manually operate cargo doors etc. every single time.  It seems so obvious, but I haven't seen any mention of this from CIG.  Just something I thought of after watching so many Connie videos and threads.  

[Jozi]

My favorite connie variant

[Danakar Endeel]

I still wonder why everything has to be a tradeoff. I mean for +50$ you get some science sensors and a rover; but at the expense of a turret, 4 (!!) missile launchers and the Merlin.

 

If the Merlin was still part of the package I might have upgraded my Andromeda to the Aquila, but personally the tradeoff is too steep when I have to pay an additional $50 while basically not getting the additional $50 worth of stuff. I would even hazard a guess that the value of the science gear in total is worth less than a Class-5 Size-4 double turret and 4 Class-3 launchers and a Merlin fighter.

 

So I guess I'll just have to pick up an Ursa rover ingame and put it in my Andromeda. A shame I can't get that rounded cockpit though; unless CIG would offer a cockpit bodykit (like with the F7C>F7A bodykit)

[Deltoran]

I don't mind losing the turret or missiles for the sensors but losing the P-52 was annoying since there was no real justification for taking it out - especially since they're leaving the dock.  However, it's still in the hangar so maybe they'll let me keep it too...one can always hope.

[DASKOMMTDAWEG]

You`re not really loosing the P-52.....you can have Rover AND Merlin.

 

Ist just an upgrade.

 

Me, personally was never a great fan of the snubfighter because in my experience combat usually

is to fast to deploy or retrieve it in an dire situation.
 

So I´m quite happy with the Aquila, there will be much work on the interior but it is certainly my favourite.
 

 

[VoA]

Just added this to OP ---- MUST SEE ---->>>  Higher Definition Video here ---->>>>RSI Constellation Commercial - Without YouTube Compression

[Jozi]

Star Citizen - Aquila Constellation Exterior + Animations (Original/Dirty)

 

Star Citizen - Aquila constellation Exterior + Animations (Clean)

[VoA]

Thanks @Jozi = everyone loves Anything FPS vids - adding to OP.

 

I noticed while watching this that the "Science Station" on the Aquila isn't on the Bridge like the Connie Commercial Suggests but it is up in the Upper Turret location

[Fintz]

Yes it actually works like a turret

[Fintz]

And an interior video

 

[VoA]

Thanks for posting this @JamesFV  I have an Aquila sitting in my hangar and "assumed" that I couldn't get up in the upper turret (that they didn't have the animation ready) --- now I have to go explore all my Connies again

 

Confirmed - On Geekdomo's StarCast Podcast -  he also goes into upgrade clarifications.

• Aquila comes with a TR5 Main Thrusters
• Phoenix comes with a TR5 Main Thruster but can be upgraded to a TR6 Main Thruster (and ONLY TR6's are available on the Phoenix - not available on any other Connie Variant - 1:26 into Vid).
• Phoenix comes with a Class 9 Weapon - and No other Connie has this Hardpoint so no other Connie Variant can have this.
• Ben Confirms that you can not take a another Connie Variant and upgrade it to what is Specific to the Phoenix.
• The Rovers in The Phoenix and Aquila do count as cargo (FU's) but how much hasn't been defined.  The Rovers also have their own capacity to carry Cargo themselves.  Taurus and Andromeda owners can get an Ursa (not Lynx) Rover as an upgrade.
• A question was asked ("how do you stack cargo high up in the cargo hold of a Connie if you can't fit it between the dropped cargo door and the bottom of the ship hull" - Ben's response was is that they will have interior loaders for stacking up high cargo "inside the ship".
• There was a Question about the M50 fitting inside a Constellation.  Ben replied by saying that they had a recent meeting on this... and thinks that I can fit in the Connie (since it is so small).  This means they intend to have the possibility of Hauling smaller ships inside of Larger ships (if it fits in their cargo hold).  There was NO DISCUSSION about the M50 being able to "Launch or Land" in the Connie ----- so it will "probably" be treated as Cargo ONLY and you'll probably need a Carrier type of Ship like the Idris to launch and land ships.

[NuclearWoo]

Cleaned up version of aquila looks so much better.

[Sassem]

You`re not really loosing the P-52.....you can have Rover AND Merlin.

 

Ist just an upgrade.

 

Me, personally was never a great fan of the snubfighter because in my experience combat usually

is to fast to deploy or retrieve it in an dire situation.

 

So I´m quite happy with the Aquila, there will be much work on the interior but it is certainly my favourite.

 

 

 

I would use the snubfighter more as a recon plane then as a fighter

[BMichaelG]

Should I get this ship? the 275 ship not the package...