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Asp Explorer

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Revision as of 02:35, 11 April 2025 by Fandom>Univero (multirole)

Template:Quote The Asp Explorer is a medium ship produced by Lakon Spaceways. Agile, well-armed for its size, and capable of achieving high jump ranges, the Asp Explorer is a popular and affordable multirole vessel seen in ports across the galaxy that has earned a solid reputation for both long-range missions and those requiring some discretion. It is a civilian version of the military-spec Asp Mk II, which first saw service in 2878. After obtaining the model's manufacturing license, Lakon Spaceways marketed them heavily at customers looking for their first multi-crewed ships. The vessel has become a mainstay among explorers due to its versatility in outfitting and an open, unobstructed cockpit canopy that allows for some dramatic views. Even with its emphasis on exploration, the Asp Explorer's multirole capabilities also allow it to serve as an effective freighter or bounty hunting ship.

Overview

Although the Asp Explorer's name contains the word "Explorer", it is one of the most flexible ship models available in terms of outfitting potential, and an extremely popular choice for pilots who want to dabble in various activities. For a low-cost medium ship, it has a decent cargo capacity of 130 tonnes, surpassing the Type-6 Transporter, and a surprisingly low hull mass for its size that allows it to achieve higher speeds than most dedicated trading vessels. With its six weapon hardpoints, it can be built into a well-armed freighter or a pure fighter suitable for light or moderate combat, but its combat ability is somewhat hampered by thinner armour and a prominent, damage-prone cockpit canopy. The Asp Explorer's best-known role is exploration, however, due to its considerable jump range, enough internal compartments to equip essential exploration modules, and the unobstructed views of the cosmos afforded by its canopy.

While the Asp Explorer packs a decent amount of firepower in the form of two Class 2 hardpoints and four Class 1 hardpoints, it lacks optimal heat dissipation, noticeably suffering in combat situations when equipped with thermal weaponry. This can also present difficulties during fuel scooping, especially when using a smaller Fuel Scoop.

File:Convergence aspx.png
ASP Explorer hardpoints convergence

The Asp Explorer's six weapon hardpoints are located as follows: 2 medium hardpoints on the dorsal surface, 2 small hardpoints on the ventral surface on both sides of the cockpit, and 2 small hardpoints located directly beneath the cockpit. Due to the shape of the ship and the hardpoint locations, the medium hardpoints and small hardpoints share a small field of fire directly ahead. Pilots should be aware that turreted weapons in both medium hardpoints will have firing arcs above the cockpit where the pilot can generally see the target and the turrets' line of fire. However, turrets in all four small hardpoints will have firing arcs below the cockpit, where the target will tend to be obscured from the pilot's vision by the flight console and the floor.

The primary pilot seat is located along the centerline of the ship on the bridge. A secondary pilot seat for Multicrew is located along the centerline of the ship below the bridge which is directly underneath the pilot's station. The Asp Explorer's Heat Vents are located on its central spine, in the area between its two fins.

Purchase Locations

System Station Date Seen Discount
Shinrarta Dezhra Jameson Memorial Always available 10% discount
Brestla i Sola Prospect Always available 20% surcharge
Akkadia Calvin Lawrence 15 Oct 2020 15% discount
G 35-15 Cugnot Terminal 15 Oct 2020 15% discount
Lalande 4268 Lowry Ring 15 Oct 2020 15% discount
Dinda Ravenclan's Astro Lab 15 Oct 2020 15% discount
Kokary Gidzenko Terminal 15 Oct 2020
EQ Pegasi Merbold Ring 15 Oct 2020
Exioce Miller Terminal 15 Oct 2020
Avalon Noctilux 15 Oct 2020
LP 131-66 Vasilyev Vision 15 Oct 2020
LHS 2764A Low Orbital 15 Oct 2020
Sungai Willis Station 25 Nov 2020

Outfitting

Main article: Outfitting

All ships are highly customisable through the Outfitting menu of Station Services. Listed below is the default load-out for the Asp Explorer.

Category Default System Default Rating Default Class Max Class
Small Hardpoint Pulse Laser (L) F 1 1
Pulse Laser (L) F 1 1
Empty -- -- 1
Empty -- -- 1
Medium Hardpoint Empty -- -- 2
Empty -- -- 2
Utility Mount Empty -- -- 0
Empty -- -- 0
Empty -- -- 0
Empty -- -- 0
Bulkheads Lightweight Alloys I 1 8
Reactor Bay Power Plant E 5 5
Thrusters Mounting Thrusters E 5 5
Frame Shift Drive Housing Frame Shift Drive E 5 5
Environment Control Life Support E 4 4
Power Coupling Power Distributor E 4 4
Sensor Suite Sensors E 5 5
Fuel Store Fuel Tank [x32] C 5 5
Internal Compartments Cargo Rack [x32] E 5 6
Shield Generator E 5 5
Cargo Rack [x4] E 2 3
Empty -- -- 3
Empty -- -- 3
Cargo Rack [x2] E 1 2
Empty -- -- 2
Supercruise Assist E 1 1
(PAS) I 1 1

Notes

  • The Asp Explorer was first revealed for Elite Dangerous in Newsletter #6.[1] It was first added to the game in beta version 2.0 on 30 September 2014.

Trivia

  • As of 16 December 2019, the Asp Explorer was one of the three most popular ships in Elite Dangerous, the other two being the Cobra Mk III and the Python.[2]

Videos

References

  1. ↑ Newsletter #6
  2. ↑ Frontier Forums: Celebrating 5 years of Elite Dangerous!

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