Sidewinder
The Sidewinder MkI, built by Faulcon DeLacy, is a superb multipurpose ship suitable for any role. It is inexpensive - free, in fact - and can be used for light transport and combat duties.
Its manoeuvrability makes it an excellent choice for both green and experienced pilots. The Sidewinder is a dependable vessel that will get you where you need to go, safe and sound.
Uses the DeLacy Spin Ionic MV.
Overview
The Sidewinder is the default craft offered throughout the game. The player starts in one, and if at any time their ship is destroyed they can get a free Sidewinder if they can't or don't want to replace their previous ship. New players who still struggle with learning the game, may find themselves flying in a Sidewinder for a longer time or going back to it often.
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, Vulture, and Imperial Courier, and has solid lateral thrust.
It is, however, one of the slowest-moving and weakest-hulled ships in the game; only the Anaconda and certain pure trade ships have slower maximum speeds, and only the Eagle has a weaker hull (but makes up for it with stronger shields.)
The Sidewinder is therefore an acceptable ship in a (figurative) knife-fight, 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.
The weapon hardpoints are located as follows: 2 small hardpoints in front of cockpit on upper surface of ship.
The Sidewinder MkI has an available 16 piece cosmetic ship kit that can be purchased from the Frontier store which allows you to "remodel your ship in your personal style". The ship kit does not affect gameplay.
Lore
The origin of the loaned Sidewinder and the beginning of every Commander is explained in the official Elite Dangerous Players Guide.[1]
SECURE FEED AUTHENTICATED...DECRYPTING SECURE TRANSMISSION
SOURCE AUTHENTICATED...
Sue, Cripple & Sneer, Solicitors
Windrush Tower, Olympus Village, Mars, Sol System 0/0SO4 OL1
SOURCE AUTHENTICATED...
Reference: JAS 161200/42
Date: 16.12.3300
PRIMARY TRANSMISSION BEGINS...
To whom it may concern,
It is our solemn duty to deliver to you a package left with us, from a benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous at this time. The package was placed in our care with instructions to be delivered in the event – and only in the event – of your successful membership of the Pilot’s Federation.
We have been so notified of said acceptance, following your grading in the recruitment aptitude exams, and so are carrying out this transaction in the manner as specified by our client’s wishes.
The package is two-fold. Encoded into this transmission is the first part: a secure code. Use this code to access a starship account, pre-configured with your credentials, including a fully paid, indefinite lease, and comprehensive insurance cover. The second part of the package is a credit transfer to your personal account, which I can confirm was successfully completed at the time this transmission was dispatched.
The attached message was also to be delivered to you upon receipt of the access code. We feel this matter has now been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. The normal fees of one thousand two hundred credits (1200 CR) per hour (plus Federal Service Tax) apply, plus a one off initial contact fee of five thousand credits (5000 CR).
Yours sincerely
J. Sneer
ATTACHMENT-01
You may be puzzled right now as to why you’ve just received this little windfall. Nothing wrong with that – I’d be worried if you weren’t.
But now get ready for lesson number one. When a golden opportunity comes your way – and trust me, they’re few and far between, my friend – reach out and grab it with both hands. Sometimes it’s clever to ask questions, and sometimes it’s not. This time it’s not.
All you need to know is that my organisation has a very specific remit: to seek out those who have the potential to become real movers and shakers, those precious few with the talent to mould and shape the galaxy around them, to create change on a grand scale.
We find them, and then we test them. Consider this your test.
Take the ship. Take the money. No strings, no hidden clauses. Do with them what you will.
Blaze your own trail.
Impress me, perhaps you’ll learn more.
A Friend
Purchase Locations
The Sidewinder can be purchased at nearly any shipyard.
Outfitting
- Main article: Outfitting
All ships are highly customizable through the Outfitting menu of Station Services. Listed below is the default load-out for the Sidewinder MkI.
| Category | Default System | Default Rating | Default Class | Max Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Hardpoint | Pulse Laser (L) | G | 1 | 1 |
| Pulse Laser (L) | G | 1 | 1 | |
| Utility Mount | Empty | -- | -- | 0 |
| Empty | -- | -- | 0 | |
| Bulkheads | Lightweight Alloys | I | 1 | 8 |
| Reactor Bay | Power Plant (L) | E | 2 | 2 |
| Thrusters Mounting | Thrusters (L) | E | 2 | 2 |
| Frame Shift Drive Housing | Frame Shift Drive (L) | E | 2 | 2 |
| Environment Control | Life Support (L) | E | 1 | 1 |
| Power Coupling | Power Distributor (L) | E | 1 | 1 |
| Sensor Suite | Sensors (L) | E | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Store | Fuel Tank [x2] | C | 1 | 1 |
| Internal Compartments | Shield Generator (L) | E | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo Rack [x4] (L) | E | 2 | 2 | |
| Empty | -- | -- | 1 | |
| BDS (L) | E | 1 | 1 |
- (L) = Loaned
- [x#] = Capacity
- BDS = Basic Discovery Scanner
Gallery
- Cockpit
- Over heating sidewinder
- What a view
- Sidewinder MK I - Profile
- A Sidewinder found adrift in a signal source debris field
- A Sidewinder MkI with ship kit
- Faulcon DeLacy Sidewinder Blueprint
