Asp Explorer: Difference between revisions

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{{quote|Manufactured by Lakon Spaceways, the Asp Explorer is often marketed at pilots seeking their first multi-crew vessel. Its high jump range and wide, unobstructed cockpit canopy make it popular with explorers, but its versatility also makes it a viable choice for traders and combat pilots.|In-Game Description}}

The '''Asp Explorer''' is a [[Ships|ship]] manufactured by [[Lakon Spaceways]]. Agile, well-armed for its size, and capable of achieving high jump ranges, the Asp Explorer is a popular and affordable multipurpose vessel seen in ports across the galaxy that has earned a solid reputation for both long-range missions and those requiring some discretion. It is a civilian version of the military-spec [[Asp MkII]], which first saw service in 2878. After obtaining the model's manufacturing license, Lakon Spaceways marketed them heavily at customers looking for their first multi-crewed ships. The vessel has become a mainstay among [[explorer]]s due to its versatility in [[outfitting]] and an open, unobstructed [[Ship Canopy|cockpit canopy]] that allows for some dramatic views. Even with its emphasis on exploration, the Asp Explorer's multipurpose capabilities also allow it to serve as an effective freighter or bounty hunting ship.

While the Asp Explorer packs a decent amount of firepower in the form of two Class 2 hardpoints and four Class 1 hardpoints, it lacks optimal heat dissipation, noticeably suffering in combat situations when equipped with thermal weaponry. This also can present difficulties during fuel scooping, especially when using a small [[Fuel Scoop]]. These heat issues can present a problem both in combat and in exploration.

The Asp Explorer's six weapon [[hardpoint]]s are located as follows: 1 medium hardpoint on the dorsal surface and 1 small hardpoint on the ventral surface on both sides of the cockpit, and 2 small hardpoints located directly beneath the cockpit. Due to the shape of the ship and the hardpoint locations, the medium hardpoints and small hardpoints share a small field of fire directly ahead. Pilots should be aware that turreted weapons in both medium hardpoints will have firing arcs above the cockpit where the pilot can generally see the target and the turrets' line of fire. However, turrets in all four small hardpoints will have firing arcs below the cockpit, where the target will tend to be obscured from the pilot's vision by the flight console and the floor.