Anyone Else with the F7C-R?

[Dumajin]

Just wondering if anyone else is using the F7C-R and I was just wondering is it worth it to keep this for a Forward Recon type of play style or should I switch to something with more firepower or a more Exploration type ship with cargo and whatnot?

[GeraldEvans]

I'd say wait until we actually get it's abilities in the game.  If that style of play works for you keep it.  They will make it work for its intended role.

The only other suggestion I would give is upgrade to the Super Hornet, and get the Tracker module when it comes available.  That way you can swap it out for the ball turret and either you, or you and a friend can man the turret or the recon pod.

[The_Great_Gazoo]

The F7C-R is a sick looking ride, but I have to second what Gerald said, as that's what I did a year or so ago ...before losing my mind and buying a couple more ships.  I figured I could buy the Tracker module later and then enjoy the benefits of both ships.

With regards to firepower, exploration and cargo, it all boils down to what role you see yourself playing in the 'Verse.

[Juntau]

The answer is simple, only you can answer that question. I personally dig the ship and own one, but then again I own a lot of ship so I don't face the issue. If you're not sure what you want to do in game then it's probably better to do nothing at this point.

[Dumajin]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the input

[GeraldEvans]

It's what we're here for.

[WarWulf]

The purpose of the F7C-R Hornet Tracker is simple:

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If the Ghost is made to hide, the Tracker is made to seek. The F7C-R Tracker boasts an advanced radar suite making it ideal for deep-space explorers who require depth and accuracy in their scan packages. Local militia and larger merc units will also repurpose Trackers to act as mobile C&C ships for their squadrons.

Looking at it physically it achieves this with the WillsOp Long Look Radar package integrated at it's core.

The F7C Brochure (linked here) states:

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WillsOp Long Look Radar

When the UEEN came to Anvil needing a ship to handle mobile C&C, Anvil turned to WIllsOp, one of the most trusted names in scanning and deepspace radar. Together they developed the Long Look Radar (LLR) system as a way to upgrade the modern Hornets rather than developing an entirely new ship. Fully loaded with WillsOp’s suite of scan systems, the LLR now brings its raw analytical power to the civilian market, turning an already dependable vessel into a perfect scanning fighter.

 

And from the LongLook catalogue entry:

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WillsOp Long Look Radar. The Long Look Radar array from WillsOp exponentially increases your active and passive scanning capabilities for use as a mobile C&C or exploration needs.

So in theory, this is going to be a powerful and manoeuvrable recon vessel.

Now let me go a little further.

Having had a little sneak peek at the radar system used in SC at this time it's obvious that it has a lot of room for improvement. The stealth/radar system is largely composed of "If it's in line of sight, you can detect it" which while true of basic radar, isn't true of more advanced radar systems, and definitely not military systems of larger and more developed nations.

I don't think this will be the place to pick apart and critique the current game mechanism, and I'm also bearing in mind that it's still developing. However if we're going to use the flavour text and in-fiction media then it's going to be an advantage for any scout patrol. 

[FoxChard]

To me, the true advantage of a ship like this is if it could broadcast and share what it detects with its systems.  

[Rook]

Forward Recon is what I'm planning on doing with my Tracker.  I'd hold on to yours if that's what you are wanting to do.  Of course now that the Terrapin has been revealed it should be far more effective in that role of forward recon but it won't be a fighter.  In addition to adding a Tracker package to a Super Hornet you could put a flashfire or a ball turret on the Tracker.  It's not stated but I think  there will be an advantage to having the WillsOp on the Tracker versus other Hornet variants.