Mandalay
The Mandalay is a medium explorer ship by Zorgon Peterson. It is touted as the next-generation of exploration ships.[1] Early access started on 31 October 2024.[2]
Overview
According to Frontier, the Mandalay outperforms the Anaconda in terms of jump range.[1] The ship is optimized for SCO-capable frame shift drives—however, it has a lower overall top speed in SCO than the Python Mk II and Type-8, but far better fuel economy and ease of control.[1] Its maneuverability is comparable to the Diamondback Explorer.[1] The Mandalay comes with a 32 t fuel tank and can equip a size 6 fuel scoop, much like other popular explorer ships such as the Asp Explorer and Krait Phantom.[1]
The boarding ramp is under the cockpit which makes it easier to line up the landing for exobiological scanning. The cockpit floor is transparent for a clear view of planetary terrain.
Outfitting
- Main article: Outfitting
All ships are highly customisable through the Outfitting menu of Station Services. Listed below is the default loadout for the Mandalay.
| Category | Default System | Default Rating | Default Class | Max Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| Medium Hardpoint | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| Utility Mount | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| Bulkheads | Lightweight Alloys | -- | -- | -- |
| Reactor Bay | Power Plant | -- | 5 | -- |
| Thrusters Mounting | Thrusters | -- | 5 | -- |
| Frame Shift Drive Housing | Frame Shift Drive (SCO) | -- | 5 | -- |
| Environment Control | Life Support | -- | 4 | -- |
| Power Coupling | Power Distributor | -- | 5 | -- |
| Sensor Suite | Sensors | -- | 5 | -- |
| Fuel Store | Fuel Tank [x32] | C | 5 | 5 |
| Internal Compartments | -- | -- | -- | 6 |
| -- | -- | -- | 5 | |
| -- | -- | -- | 4 | |
| -- | -- | -- | 4 | |
| -- | -- | -- | 3 | |
| -- | -- | -- | 3 | |
| -- | -- | -- | 2 | |
| -- | -- | -- | 1 | |
| -- | -- | -- | 1 | |
| -- | -- | -- | 1 | |
| (PAS) | I | 1 | 1 |
* (L) = Loaned Module
- [x#] = Capacity
- (PAS) = Reserved solely for the Planetary Approach Suite or Advanced Planetary Approach Suite
Development
A concept artwork of this ship was first shown on X (Twitter) on 10 August 2024.[3] The design is influenced by the English Electric Lightning interceptor aircraft from 1960 which has stacked engines.[4] The Mandalay became available in early access with the Ascendancy update on 31 October 2024.[2]
Trivia
The Mandalay is named after a species of spitting cobra native to the country of Myanmar.[5]
Videos
Gallery
- Mandalay artwork
- Mandalay in space
- Mandalay ship
- Mandalay ship, angle 2
- Mandalay ship, angle 3
- Mandalay ship, angle 4
- Mandalay ship, angle 5
- Mandalay ship, angle 6
- Mandalay ship, angle 7
- Mandalay ship, angle 8
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Elite Dangerous | Frontier Unlocked Highlight | Mandalay Gameplay - Elite Dangerous on YouTube - 26 September 2024
- 1 2 Elite Dangerous | Mandalay - Release Trailer - YouTube - 31 October 2024
- ↑ "Oh...er...you weren't meant to see that..." Elite Dangerous - X - 10 August 2024 (archive-url)
- ↑ Frontier Unlocked (28 August 2024) https://www.youtube.com/live/qmYQKPxwO9U?si=ZKRfVII2iEioKfEv&t=3775
- ↑ Mandalay spitting cobra https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandalay_spitting_cobra
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