View source for Talk:Ships/@comment-162.25.24.153-20160316141726/@comment-26810344-20160319200100

Usually Multipurpose ships have more internals so that can fulfil more tasks, so could be a trader/fighter, trader/explorer or explorer/fighter.
So let's compare ships, you mentioned the Fed Assault and Drop. The Fed Drop has more and bigger internals so can be an OK trading vessel which has good combat options but has sluggish agility, OK against slower less agile ships but smaller ships can run rings around. The Fed Assault has a smaller fuel tank and less cargo carrying opinions but it does has a higher agility then the Drop making it a great fighter. The Fed Assault can be a multipurpose but it is more geared at being a combat ship, it can carry a nice amount of cargo but other ships can multi better. I have a Fed Assault Ship and I love it. I may only have 4 ports but it wrecks things pretty quickly.

One of the best Multipurpose ships is the Asp Explorer, yes it's a ugly ship but can carry a good amount of cargo and its 6 weapon ports (2 med and 4 small) make it a good fighter, when fitted with the best Thrusters its agility is not to bad too. It also has the/one of the best jump ranges. It's ability to fit a 64T cargo rack gives it a good cargo carrying facility leaving other internals for mining gear, hull reinforcements, shield rechargers, exploration gear etc etc. Yes a Python is better but the Asp is cheaper and a good stepping stone after say a Cobra III. I had my Asp with a cargo capacity of 80T making it good for trading and missions.

But with Elite being a game in which you have a good amount of choice you can run your ship/ships as you want.