Viper Mk IV: Difference between revisions

By default, the MkIV has weaker shields than the MkIII due to its higher hull mass. However, the MkIV is capable of fitting a larger Class 4 [[Shield Generator|shield generator]], whereas the Viper MkIII is limited to a Class 3. This results in the Viper MkIV potentially having much stronger shields than the MkIII. Stronger shields combined with a higher base hull and more space for [[Hull Reinforcement Package]]s can make the Viper MkIV substantially more resilient than the MkIII. These improvements come with the drawbacks of slightly reduced turn rate and speed. This makes it vulnerable to attacks from more nimble ships like [[Eagle MkII]] and [[Cobra MkIII]], and can be a disadvantage in a direct firefight against a Viper MkIII. Worthy of note is that the Viper MkIV suffers from [[heat]] dissipation issues similar to that of its predecessor, though it does run slightly cooler. Additionally, with a Class 4 Power Plant, it can more easily power weapons with high power draw such as [[Railgun]]s, as well as better defenses such as [[Shield Booster]]s. Though it is one of the least agile small ships, it is also one of the toughest. It is far more resilient than any other ship in its price range and can hold its own in a pure combat role. Additionally, a fair cargo capacity makes it a viable option for a [[Pirate]].

The Viper MkIV can be useful as a multi-role. With a maximum cargo capacity of 54T it is a surprisingly effective trader for a fighter class and an above average jump range lets the ship take on an explorer role. Compared to the Cobra MkIII, a similarly priced ship, the Viper MkIV is slower with a worse turn rate, but faster acceleration in all directions. It has a lower cargo capacity (54 compared to 64) and a slightly worse jump rate than the Cobra MkIII. What sets the Viper MkIV apart from the Cobra MkIII, however, is its substantially stronger shields. Even with a Class 3 shield generator the Viper MkIV has almost 2x the shield strength of a Cobra MkIII. With a Class 4 it has even stronger shields than that. This means that the Viper MkIV can sacrifice hull reinforcement for cargo space without making as large as a sacrifice in terms of defensive capabilities compared to the Cobra MkIII. Commanders looking for a ship that can deliver similar multirole performance to that of the Cobra MkIII and still be able to take a few hits may appreciate the Viper MkIV.

All ships are customisable through the Outfitting menu of Station Services. Listed below is the default load-out for the Viper MkIV.

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== Trivia ==

* The Viper MkIV was added to [[Elite Dangerous]] in the 1.5 Update.