Sidewinder: Difference between revisions

The '''Sidewinder MkI''' is a [[Ships|ship]] manufactured by [[Faulcon DeLacy]] that utilizes the [[DeLacy Spin Ionic MV]]. The Sidewinder was originally released in 2982 as a light support ship and lacked any jump capability until the advent of the [[Frame Shift Drive]], which was compact enough to allow jump-capable versions to be produced. As a small, inexpensive vessel designed to tackle a variety of roles, including [[Trader|light transport]] and [[combat]], the Sidewinder is often the first ship that a newly-registered [[Pilots Federation]] pilot will fly and own. Its dependability, versatility, and agility combine to make it a useful all-rounder and an excellent choice for green and experienced pilots alike. Some [[independent]] navies still use the Sidewinder as fighters and patrol craft, and it is also one of the four vessels permitted in the [[CQC Championship]].<ref>[http://elite-dangerous.wikia.com/wiki/File:Sidewinder_MkI_Blueprint.png Sidewinder MkI Blueprint]</ref><ref>[https://external-preview.redd.it/2-788XSoonvLU02erelKNABO5i4fQVSSHa4a9EIK-50.jpg?auto=webp&s=44bbd82aebd607fe30f9d91135c2550e88c51483 Sidewinder MkI In-Game Description (pre-September Update)]</ref>

The Sidewinder MkI is a low-cost starter craft given to newly-licensed pilots. At any time that a pilot loses their current ship, they can elect to accept a Sidewinder on loan from the [[Pilots Federation]] if they are unable to afford a replacement for the destroyed ship or do not want a replacement.

Although the Sidewinder is cheap, it is not harmless; it is among the top when it comes to manoeuvrability compared to other [[ships]]. In particular, it can out-turn most other ships, being topped in that category only by the [[Eagle MkII]], [[Vulture]], and [[Imperial Courier]], and has solid lateral thrust. It is, however, one of the slowest-moving and weakest-hulled ships available. Only the [[Anaconda]] and certain dedicated trading ships have slower maximum speeds, and only the Eagle MkII has a weaker hull.

The Sidewinder is therefore an acceptable ship in [[combat]], but lacks firepower. 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 outmanoeuvre it, and it should be destroyed quickly; with a ship that can keep up with its turning, close in and blast away, making sure to stay away from its front. While it has terrible damage output, it still beats out Hauler for damage and is better than [[Type-6 Transporter]] and [[Dolphin]] in combat, due to superior mobility and cheaper price.

As a Trader the Sidewinder is the least useful ship in the role. With a cargo capacity of only 12T its rare to find missions that even allow such small cargo transfer. Therefore it is advisable to make profit with data delivery missions instead until either [[Hauler]] or [[Adder]] become options. The same applies to its role as a [[miner]].

With 24.5Ly of potential jump range without engineering the Sidewinder is not a terrible option for exploration and can be a good introduction to the role before Hauler becomes an option. It surprisingly beats out several high tier ships like the [[Fer-de-Lance]] and [[Type-9 Heavy]] because of this.

The weapon hardpoints are located as follows: 2 small hardpoints in front of cockpit on upper surface of ship.

The Sidewinder can be purchased at the vast majority of shipyards, and is the only ship available at [[Detention Centre]]s.

*The Sidewinder MkI has an available 16 piece cosmetic [[Livery|ship kit]] that can be purchased from the [https://www.frontierstore.net Frontier Store]. The ship kit does not affect gameplay.