Orca: Difference between revisions

The '''Orca''' is a [[Ships|ship]] manufactured by [[Saud Kruger]]. One of the galaxy's most popular passenger liners, the Orca combines Saud Kruger's signature sleek aesthetics and luxury accommodations into a relatively affordable package in the large-size ship range. As with other Saud Kruger vessels, it is capable of equipping Luxury-class [[Passenger Cabin]]s, a manufacturer-exclusive feature. Although the Orca's initial specifications are not especially impressive given its heavy focus on [[Passenger Carrier|passenger transport]], with the right modules and [[Engineers|engineering]] it can be transformed into a surprisingly manoeuvrable ship with above-average jump range and firepower. While not the most effective ship for a given discipline, the Orca can get the job done in style.

Where officially its maneuverability is slightly better than an [[Anaconda]] and worse than a [[Beluga Liner]], in practice the Orca handles far better than this rating suggests. It has a remarkably high turn, especially yaw rate, high acceleration and max speed, and it is very good at strafing and ramming. However, its relatively small power plant and limited hardpoint capacity prevent it from becoming a great combat ship. Its large size makes it an easy target, and its shield is mediocre at best for a ship of its size and class. Its armor, on the other hand, can reach values on par with medium combat ships such as the [[Federal Assault Ship]]. For this reason, when outfitting for combat, many Commanders choose to fly the Orca shieldless, filling the largest [[Internal Compartment|internal compartments]] with [[Hull Reinforcement Package|hull reinforcement packages]], and at least 2 [[Module Reinforcement Package|module reinforcements]]. One of the biggest downsides to the ship for combat is the hardpoint placement; all of which are on the underside of the ship making it easy for enemy ships to stay out of the Orca's firing range, making fixed weapons favorable. This hasn't stopped a handful of Commanders setting up groups dedicated to combat in Orcas, and like any ship, it is still formidable with engineering and skilled pilots. The relatively high hull maximum makes the Orca a ''viable'' ship for Anti-[[Thargoid]] combat. Though there are much better options such as the [[Krait MkII]], many AX combat records have been set using Orcas.  

The Jump range can reach a rather impressive average of 36lys making it a very good explorer at a fraction of the price of the [[Anaconda]]. This makes the Orca a better ship for long distance passenger hauling than most others and contributes heavily to its role as a cruise ship, allowing Commanders to take high-paying VIPs many light-years. Its range is still less than that of a [[Diamondback Explorer|Diamondback]]/[[Asp Explorer]], which are both a fraction of the price.

The Orca's hardpoints are placed as follows: all 3 hardpoints are located on the underside of the ship, with the single Class 3 hardpoint positioned in front of the front landing gear, and the two Class 2 hardpoints behind it and side by side. This placement makes [[Fixed|fixed weapons]] highly favorable on a [[combat]] Orca for increased time-on-target. The cockpit is located on the bottom of massive window in the front of the ship, with the pilot seat on the left side. From there the pilot enjoys excellent viewing angles in all directions but down. The Orca also has a second pilot seat and is compatible with [[Multicrew]].

The Orca's [[heat]] dispersion capabilities are relatively poor, so caution must be taken when adding or engineering modules with a high thermal load. The ship is especially prone to overheat when scooping fuel. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as when paired with [[Silent Running]] (with the previously mentioned shieldless build), and heat-based effects such as [[Thermal Conduit]], it can deal massive amounts of damage.