Hauler: Difference between revisions

The Hauler, as its name suggests, was designed to haul cargo for a cheap price and is the trader's equivalent to the [[Eagle MkII]] with a capacity of 26T. While this is much better than the [[Sidewinder MkI]] and Eagle, it is still a very low amount and makes it difficult to earn. anything more than a small profit from trading runs with regular commodities.

Surprisingly, the Hauler is a standout [[Explorer|exploration]] ship for pilots with very low budgets. With potential jump ranges reaching around 40 ly with engineering, it can easily become an explorer's best friend until they can trade up for something better. Attempting long-term expeditions with the Hauler make its shortcomings all too apparent, however: low compartment space means the largest [[Fuel Scoop]] it can equip is only Class 3, and combined with its small [[Fuel Tank]], pilots can expect frequent long waits while refueling and may be unable to explore areas where fuel stars are few and far between. Furthermore, because the ship is so light, adding even a single ton will drastically reduce its jump range; engineering all internals to be low weight is a must.

The Hauler can be a decent [[Miner|mining]] ship, as it can carry more materials than a Sidewinder or Eagle; but it will mine very slowly due to the single [[hardpoint]]. It is generally advised to wait until the Adder becomes an option before mining is attempted, as the Hauler will be forced to make constant runs back to [[station]]s and is a very easy target for pirates.

 

In [[combat]], the Hauler is arguably the least viable option among all ships and [[Ship Launched Fighters]] on the market. With only a single hardpoint, two utility mounts, terrible shielding, and low armor, the Hauler is incapable of defending against even a stock Sidewinder. Combined with its low [[Mass Lock]], dodging [[Interdiction]]s becomes a matter of life and death. Despite this, [[Pirates]] will occasionally fly the Hauler, but these are generally easy pickings for even beginner pilots.

The pilots seat is situated at the front of the ship with a standard view. A single Class 1 [[hardpoint]] is located at the bottom of the nose while 2 utility slots are situated atop the rear of the ship.

The Hauler's most notable drawback is that it is only slightly less expensive than the Adder, which can carry more cargo than the Hauler while also being capable of defending itself and maintaining more varied capability. While the Adder has less jump-range, it can fit a larger Fuel Scoop and Fuel Tank as well as not losing as much range with extra weight. It is generally more profitable and viable for traders to simply take a few extra jobs in their Sidewinder and buy an Adder instead, but explorers should pick up the Hauler as soon as possible, and combat pilots should steer clear of both and pick up the Eagle.