Beluga Liner: Difference between revisions

The Beluga Liner makes for an interesting option as an [[Explorer|Exploration]] vessel. With proper [[Engineers|Engineering]] and a [[Guardian Frame Shift Drive Booster]], its jump range tops out at 40-50 ly depending on what other modules it is carrying, but there are cheaper, less unwieldy ships to choose from that can achieve higher jump ranges. What makes the Beluga a decent contender as an explorer is its internal space and ability to equip a [[Fighter Hangar]], it can carry every essential exploration module, a number of non-essential ones, and still have room for modules that have less usefulness out in the black, such as [[Cargo Rack]]s. Not to be overlooked is the Beluga's open cockpit layout, which provides a wide, unobstructed view.

As a dedicated, high-capacity passenger liner the Beluga Liner suffers from a number of shortcomings that restrict its ability to adequately serve other roles. The Beluga cannot hold a [[Shield Generator]] larger than Class 6, making it the only ship unable to fit a shield generator that is optimized for its mass. The Beluga also has issues with heat management, which can exceed safe levels during and immediately after a [[Hyperspace]] jump due the heat build-up from the charging FSD; this can be partially mitigated by installing a higher-rated [[Power Plant]], but the added mass will hinder the ship's jump range. It also has a worse jump range than the [[Orca]], only marginally better combat potential, and a frustratingly large size that complicates docking. The Beluga is unsurpassed in its capacity for bulk VIP passenger missions, but with its various flaws, the Beluga is in essence cripplingly over-specialized.