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.

The Viper MkIV's [[hardpoint]] options are identical to those of the Viper MkIII. It has two small hardpoints located on either side of the cockpit and two medium hardpoints located beneath it. However, unlike the Viper MkIII (which has underside-mounted Class 2 medium hardpoints on a horizontally flat plane), the Class 2 medium hardpoints of the MkIV are on a slightly angled part of the hull. The hardpoint placement on the Viper MkIV gives it excellent convergence with fixed weapons but a narrow field of fire when using gimballed or turreted guns. 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]].