Caspian Explorer: Difference between revisions
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{{ShipInfobox | {{ShipInfobox | ||
|manufacturer=Zorgon Peterson | |manufacturer=Zorgon Peterson | ||
|yearsproduced=3311-Present | |yearsproduced=3311-Present | ||
|image=Caspian Explorer | |image=Caspian Explorer and Neutron Star.jpg | ||
|type=Explorer | |type=Explorer | ||
|expansionreq=Odyssey | |expansionreq=Odyssey | ||
| Line 10: | Line 8: | ||
|seats=4 | |seats=4 | ||
|multicrew=Yes | |multicrew=Yes | ||
|scooptimised=Yes|medium=6|large=1|size1=3|size2=1|size3=1|size4=2|size5=4|size6=2|size7=1}} | |scooptimised=Yes|medium=6|large=1|size1=3|size2=1|size3=1|size4=2|size5=4|size6=2|size7=1|dimensions=126.7m x 104.5m x 27.6m|fighterhangar=Yes|hullmass=950|armour=621|shields=196|manoeuvrability=2|topspeed=205|boostspeed=283|jumprange=21.83|maxjumprange=44.68|cargocapacity=96|arx=19,020|cost=194,861,290|utility=6|fuelcapacity=128|armourhardness=60|maxcargocapacity=434|maxtopspeed=237|maxboostspeed=326}} | ||
{{Quote| | {{Quote|With cutting-edge modular compatibility, the Caspian Explorer is an attractive choice for pilots with dreams of exploring the galaxy in style. It offers full integration with several Mk II modules to provide an expansive hyperjump range, optimised orbital glides, expert thruster control and a remarkable FSD supercharge capacity. Zorgon Peterson have also packed the Caspian Explorer with plenty of internal module slots to accommodate one’s personal loadout needs.|In-Game Description}} | ||
The '''Caspian Explorer''' is a large [[Explorer|exploration]] ship produced by [[Zorgon Peterson]]. The ship was announced on 4 November 2025 and | The '''Caspian Explorer''' is a large [[Explorer|exploration]] ship produced by [[Zorgon Peterson]]. The ship was announced on 4 November 2025 and early access for [[ARX]] began on 2 December 2025.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">[https://www.elitedangerous.com/news/november-dev-blog November Dev Blog] - 25 Nov 2025 - Elite Dangerous website</ref> The ship became available for purchase with credits on 23 March 2026. | ||
== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
The Caspian Explorer's hull design | [[File:Convergence caspian.png|thumb|250px|Caspian hardpoints convergence]] The Caspian Explorer's hull design is saucer-shaped, low profile with 6 main engine exhausts, 4 of which are on 2 movable nacelles on either side of the ship that retract and extend laterally.<ref name=":0" /> The ship's cockpit canopy sits flush against the hull, giving all crew members a panoramic vertical view at the expense of considerable external side views. | ||
The Caspian Explorer is the first ship that can be fitted with a Class 8 [[hyperdrive]]. Two types of Class 8 [[Frame Shift Drive]] were introduced at the same time as the ship: | |||
* the [[Frame Shift Drive (SCO)]] (which already existed in Classes 2 to 7), and | |||
* the [[Mk II Supercharge Optimised Frame Shift Drive (SCO)]], which increases the multiplier effect of [[Fuel Scoop]]ing from the jet cones of white dwarfs and neutron stars to 200% and 500%, respectively.<ref>[https://www.elitedangerous.com/news/galnet/zorgon-peterson-unveils-caspian-explorer-vessel Zorgon Peterson Unveils Caspian Explorer Vessel] - 02 Dec 2025 - Elite Dangerous website</ref> | |||
The Caspian Explorer is also the first ship that, at the time of its paid ARX early access introduction, has exclusive access to [[Internal Compartment#Core Internal|core internal modules]] that are not available to any other ship. Three such modules were introduced along with the ship: | |||
* [[Frame Shift Drive]] - the Mk II Supercharge Optimised Frame Shift Drive (SCO) mentioned above; | |||
* [[Bulkheads]] - new [[Bulkheads#Mk II Ablative|Mk II Ablative]] versions of all existing bulkhead armour types, which support planetary entry descents of up to 75 degrees and features glide speeds of up to 3500 m/s; | |||
* [[Thrusters]] - [[Mk II Gravity Optimised Thrusters]], which are tuned for flight within gravity wells and provide a more powerful thrust when the equipped ship is near a planetary surface.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
* Gravity Optimised Thrusters, which are tuned for flight within gravity wells and provide a more powerful thrust when the equipped ship is near a planetary surface<ref name=":1" /> | |||
== Outfitting == | == Outfitting == | ||
| Line 36: | Line 40: | ||
| rowspan="6" |[[Hardpoint|Medium Hardpoint]] | | rowspan="6" |[[Hardpoint|Medium Hardpoint]] | ||
|[[Pulse Laser]] | |[[Pulse Laser]] | ||
| | | F | ||
| | | 1 | ||
|2 | |2 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[Pulse Laser]] | |[[Pulse Laser]] | ||
| | | F | ||
| | | 1 | ||
|2 | |2 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 150: | Line 154: | ||
|7 | |7 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan=" | | rowspan="16" | | ||
|[[Cargo Rack]] [ | |[[Cargo Rack]] [x64] | ||
|E | |E | ||
| | |6 | ||
|7 | |7 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 161: | Line 165: | ||
|6 | |6 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[[Cargo Rack]] [x32] | ||
| | | E | ||
| | | 5 | ||
|6 | |6 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |''Empty'' | ||
| -- | | -- | ||
| -- | | -- | ||
|5 | |5 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |''Empty'' | ||
| -- | | -- | ||
| -- | | -- | ||
| Line 177: | Line 181: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|''Empty'' | |''Empty'' | ||
| | | -- | ||
| | | -- | ||
|5 | |5 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|''Empty'' | |''Empty'' | ||
| | | -- | ||
| | | -- | ||
|5 | |5 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 206: | Line 210: | ||
|2 | |2 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[ | |Empty | ||
| -- | |||
| -- | |||
|1 | |||
|- | |||
|[[Supercruise Assist]] | |||
|E | |E | ||
|1 | |1 | ||
|1 | |1 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[[Supercruise Assist]] | |[[Supercruise Assist|Advanced Docking Computer]] | ||
|E | |E | ||
|1 | |1 | ||
| Line 226: | Line 235: | ||
== Development == | == Development == | ||
The '''Caspian Explorer''' was revealed in a Developer Log Video on YouTube on 4 November 2025, | The '''Caspian Explorer''' was revealed in a Developer Log Video on YouTube on 4 November 2025, and released via early access for [[ARX]] on 2 December 2025.<ref name=":0">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6kQYtfz1sk Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 4 November 2025] - YouTube</ref><ref name=":1" /> The ship became available for purchase with credits on 23 March 2026. | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
* The ship design has similarities with the USS Voyager (NCC-74656) | * The ship design has numerous similarities with many starships of the science fiction franchise [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek Star Trek], (1965–present), including the [[startrekwiki:Enterprise_(NX-01)|Enterprise]] (NX-01) and its sister ships of the [[startrekwiki:NX_class#Ships_in_class|NX-Class]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Voyager_(Star_Trek) USS Voyager] (NCC-74656, Intrepid-Class), the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Defiant USS Defiant] (NX-74205, Defiant-Class), the [[startrekwiki:Centaur_type|Centaur-Class frigates]], and the [[startrekwiki:Akira_class|Akira-Class heavy cruisers]]. | ||
* CMDR Steve Falken did a speedrun with the Caspian from [[Sol]] to [[Colonia]] with 49 jumps in 39 min and 55 sec.<ref name=":02">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b9-0LWYzlg Sol to Colonia Caspian Speed Run (39m 55s)] - CMDR Steve Falken - YouTube - 5 Dec 2025</ref> A max single jump of 544 ly with 310 tonnes of fuel and a 1E fuel scoop for supercharging).<ref name=":02" /> | |||
* The [[Mk II Supercharge Optimised Frame Shift Drive (SCO)]] allows engineered Caspian Explorers to achieve jump ranges exceeding 500 ly, reaching up to 556 ly. It is therefore possible to reach systems inaccessible to any other ship and fleet carriers in the game. If the destination system does not contain a neutron star, this jump will permanently strand the Caspian Explorer used. One such system is HD 20611. | |||
== Videos == | == Videos == | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:Elite Dangerous - Developer Log - 4 November 2025 | File:Elite Dangerous - Developer Log - 4 November 2025 | ||
File:Elite Dangerous- Caspian Explorer - Available Now | |||
File:The Caspian Is HERE — Elite Dangerous’ New Exploration Ship (Early Access Preview) | |||
File:Elite Dangerous - New gameplay awaits ALL commanders with the CASPIAN | |||
File:Elite Dangerous - Voyage | |||
File:Caspian Explorer Standard vs Stellar vs Galactic - Elite Dangerous | |||
File:Elite Dangerous - Caspian Explorer- comparison to Anaconda. Jump, speed, shield, sco, combat tests | |||
File:Elite Dangerous - Distant Worlds (cinematic) -unofficial- | |||
File:Sol to Colonia Speed Record (36m 48s) | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
| Line 254: | Line 273: | ||
File:Caspian Explorer Landing Brain Tree.jpg|Caspian Explorer landing and a brain tree | File:Caspian Explorer Landing Brain Tree.jpg|Caspian Explorer landing and a brain tree | ||
File:Caspian Explorer in Lagrange Cloud.jpg|Caspian Explorer in Lagrange Cloud | File:Caspian Explorer in Lagrange Cloud.jpg|Caspian Explorer in Lagrange Cloud | ||
File:Caspian Explorer Cockpit Sideview.jpg|Caspian Explorer Cockpit Sideview | |||
File:Caspian Explorer and Neutron Star.jpg|Caspian Explorer and Neutron Star | |||
File:Caspian Explorer in Hangar.jpeg|Caspian Explorer in Hangar | |||
File:Caspian Explorer Sideview.jpg|Caspian Explorer sideview | |||
File:Caspian Explorer Hull Underside.jpg|Caspian Explorer Hull Underside | |||
File:Lagrange Cloud and Caspian Explorer.jpg|Lagrange Cloud and Caspian Explorer | |||
File:Caspian and Galaxy 1500 ly below Colonia.jpg|Caspian and Galaxy 1500 ly below Colonia | |||
File:Caspian Explorer and Umbrella Mollusc.jpg|Caspian Explorer and Umbrella Mollusc | |||
File:Caspian Explorer and Star Rise.jpg|Caspian Explorer and Star Rise | |||
File:Caspian Explorer Departure from Planet.jpg|Caspian Explorer departure from planet | |||
File:Caspian and Nomad at Settlement.jpg|Caspian and Nomad at a settlement | |||
File:Sagittarius A and Caspian 3312.jpg|Sagittarius A and Caspian in 3312 | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
| Line 262: | Line 293: | ||
[[ru:Caspian Explorer]] | [[ru:Caspian Explorer]] | ||
[[zh:Caspian Explorer]] | |||
[[Category:Ships]] | [[Category:Ships]] | ||
[[Category:Zorgon Peterson]] | [[Category:Zorgon Peterson]] | ||
[[Category:Explorers]] | [[Category:Explorers]] | ||
Latest revision as of 07:10, 21 October 2026
With cutting-edge modular compatibility, the Caspian Explorer is an attractive choice for pilots with dreams of exploring the galaxy in style. It offers full integration with several Mk II modules to provide an expansive hyperjump range, optimised orbital glides, expert thruster control and a remarkable FSD supercharge capacity. Zorgon Peterson have also packed the Caspian Explorer with plenty of internal module slots to accommodate one’s personal loadout needs.
— In-Game Description
The Caspian Explorer is a large exploration ship produced by Zorgon Peterson. The ship was announced on 4 November 2025 and early access for ARX began on 2 December 2025.[1][2] The ship became available for purchase with credits on 23 March 2026.
Overview
The Caspian Explorer's hull design is saucer-shaped, low profile with 6 main engine exhausts, 4 of which are on 2 movable nacelles on either side of the ship that retract and extend laterally.[1] The ship's cockpit canopy sits flush against the hull, giving all crew members a panoramic vertical view at the expense of considerable external side views.
The Caspian Explorer is the first ship that can be fitted with a Class 8 hyperdrive. Two types of Class 8 Frame Shift Drive were introduced at the same time as the ship:
- the Frame Shift Drive (SCO) (which already existed in Classes 2 to 7), and
- the Mk II Supercharge Optimised Frame Shift Drive (SCO), which increases the multiplier effect of Fuel Scooping from the jet cones of white dwarfs and neutron stars to 200% and 500%, respectively.[3]
The Caspian Explorer is also the first ship that, at the time of its paid ARX early access introduction, has exclusive access to core internal modules that are not available to any other ship. Three such modules were introduced along with the ship:
- Frame Shift Drive - the Mk II Supercharge Optimised Frame Shift Drive (SCO) mentioned above;
- Bulkheads - new Mk II Ablative versions of all existing bulkhead armour types, which support planetary entry descents of up to 75 degrees and features glide speeds of up to 3500 m/s;
- Thrusters - Mk II Gravity Optimised Thrusters, which are tuned for flight within gravity wells and provide a more powerful thrust when the equipped ship is near a planetary surface.[2]
Outfitting
- Main article: Outfitting
All ships are highly customizable through the Outfitting menu of Station Services. Listed below is the default load-out for the Caspian Explorer.
| Category | Default System | Default Rating | Default Class | Max Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Hardpoint | Pulse Laser | F | 1 | 2 |
| Pulse Laser | F | 1 | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Large Hardpoint | Empty | -- | -- | 3 |
| Utility Mount | Empty | -- | -- | -- |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Empty | -- | -- | -- | |
| Bulkheads | Lightweight Alloys | I | C | 1 |
| Reactor Bay | Power Plant | E | 8 | 8 |
| Thrusters Mounting | Thrusters | E | 7 | 7 |
| Frame Shift Drive Housing | Frame Shift Drive (SCO) | E | 8 | 8 |
| Environment Control | Life Support | E | 5 | 5 |
| Power Coupling | Power Distributor | E | 7 | 7 |
| Sensor Suite | Sensors | E | 8 | 8 |
| Fuel Store | Fuel Tank [x128] | C | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo Rack [x64] | E | 6 | 7 | |
| Shield Generator | E | 6 | 6 | |
| Cargo Rack [x32] | E | 5 | 6 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 5 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 5 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 5 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 5 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 4 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 4 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 3 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 1 | |
| Supercruise Assist | E | 1 | 1 | |
| Advanced Docking Computer | E | 1 | 1 | |
| (PAS) | I | 1 | 1 |
- (L) = Loaned Module
- [x#] = Capacity
- (PAS) = Reserved solely for the Planetary Approach Suite or Advanced Planetary Approach Suite
Development
The Caspian Explorer was revealed in a Developer Log Video on YouTube on 4 November 2025, and released via early access for ARX on 2 December 2025.[1][2] The ship became available for purchase with credits on 23 March 2026.
Notes
- The ship design has numerous similarities with many starships of the science fiction franchise Star Trek, (1965–present), including the Enterprise (NX-01) and its sister ships of the NX-Class, the USS Voyager (NCC-74656, Intrepid-Class), the USS Defiant (NX-74205, Defiant-Class), the Centaur-Class frigates, and the Akira-Class heavy cruisers.
- CMDR Steve Falken did a speedrun with the Caspian from Sol to Colonia with 49 jumps in 39 min and 55 sec.[4] A max single jump of 544 ly with 310 tonnes of fuel and a 1E fuel scoop for supercharging).[4]
- The Mk II Supercharge Optimised Frame Shift Drive (SCO) allows engineered Caspian Explorers to achieve jump ranges exceeding 500 ly, reaching up to 556 ly. It is therefore possible to reach systems inaccessible to any other ship and fleet carriers in the game. If the destination system does not contain a neutron star, this jump will permanently strand the Caspian Explorer used. One such system is HD 20611.
Videos
Gallery
-
Caspian Explorer concept art 1 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 2 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 3 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 4 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 5 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 6 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 7 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 8 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 9 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 10 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 11 -
Caspian Explorer concept art 12 -
Caspian Explorer and Neutron Stars -
Caspian Explorer landing and a brain tree -
Caspian Explorer in Lagrange Cloud -
Caspian Explorer Cockpit Sideview -
Caspian Explorer and Neutron Star -
Caspian Explorer in Hangar -
Caspian Explorer sideview -
Caspian Explorer Hull Underside -
Lagrange Cloud and Caspian Explorer -
Caspian and Galaxy 1500 ly below Colonia -
Caspian Explorer and Umbrella Mollusc -
Caspian Explorer and Star Rise -
Caspian Explorer departure from planet -
Caspian and Nomad at a settlement -
Sagittarius A and Caspian in 3312
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Elite Dangerous | Developer Log - 4 November 2025 - YouTube
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 November Dev Blog - 25 Nov 2025 - Elite Dangerous website
- ↑ Zorgon Peterson Unveils Caspian Explorer Vessel - 02 Dec 2025 - Elite Dangerous website
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Sol to Colonia Caspian Speed Run (39m 55s) - CMDR Steve Falken - YouTube - 5 Dec 2025
<verbatim>wk-style-navbox</verbatim>
<verbatim>wk-style-divclose</verbatim>