Sidewinder

Built by Faulcon DeLacy, the Sidewinder Mk. I is a superb multi-use ship suitable for any role. It is inexpensive - free, in fact - and can be used for light transport and combat duties.

Its maneuverability makes it an excellent choice for both green and experienced pilots. The Sidewinder is a dependable vessel that will get you where you need to go, safe and sound.

Uses the DeLacy Spin Ionic MV.

Overview

The Sidewinder is the default craft offered throughout the game. The player starts in one, and if at any time their ship is destroyed they can get a free Sidewinder if they can't or don't want to replace their previous ship. New players who still struggle with learning the game, may find themselves flying in a Sidewinder for a longer time or going back to it often.

Although the Sidewinder is cheap, it is not harmless; it is very maneuverable compared to any other available ship, save the Eagle. In particular, it can out-turn a Cobra or Anaconda, stay aimed at subsystems, and still keep enough range to lay down fire. Combined with heavy weaponry like missile pods, the Sidewinder can punch far above its weight. The major disadvantages of the Sidewinder is that it isn't very quick, being outclassed by Eagles, Vipers, and Cobras, and that it isn't well armored, being far outclassed by Pythons and Anacondas.

The Sidewinder is thus a master of the knife-fight, but a little weak at a distance. When flying one, using its excellent turning to lock opponents into circling matches, and burning away opposite of the enemy to escape are advised tactics. When fighting a Sidewinder, keep it at range and lay down heavy fire if the current ship can't outmaneuver it, and it should be destroyed quickly; with a ship that has can keep up with its turning, close in and blast away, making sure to stay away from its front.

Specifications

Cost:	32,000 CR or Free
Insurance:	1,600 CR or Free
Type:	Light Multipurpose
Crew:	1
Cargo Capacity:	4 (Max 10)
Dimensions:	21m x 14m x 5m

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 Sidewinder.

Category	Default System	Default Rating	Default Class	Max Class
Small Hardpoint	Pulse Laser (L)	F	1	1
	Pulse Laser (L)	F	1	1
Utility Mount	Empty	--	--	0
	Empty	--	--	0
Bulkheads	Lightweight Alloys	I	1	8
Reactor Bay	Power Plant (L)	E	2	2
Thrusters Mounting	Thrusters (L)	E	2	2
Frame Shift Drive Housing	Frame Shift Drive (L)	E	2	2
Environment Control	Life Support (L)	E	1	1
Power Coupling	Power Distributor (L)	E	1	1
Sensor Suite	Sensors (L)	E	1	1
Fuel Store	Fuel Tank [x2]	C	1	1
Internal Compartments	Shield Generator (L)	E	2	2
	Cargo Rack [x4] (L)	E	2	2
	BDS (L)	E	1	1

• (L) = Loaned
• [x#] = Capacity
• BDS = Basic Discovery Scanner

Gallery

• File:Sidewinder Schematic.jpg
• File:Sidewinder.png
• File:Construction Sidewinder.png
• File:Construction Sidewinder front.png
• File:Construction Sidewinder back.png
• File:Construction Sidewinder bottom.png
• File:Sidewinder Mk I.png
• Cockpit
  Cockpit
• File:Sidewinder Mining.png