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Hatapo [Reforged]

SV, Basic CPU (98% efficiency), Unlock Level 12, Class 1


The Hatapo is a warp-capable starter SV designed primarily to carry a small HV or SV to a nearby moon or another planet. It is intended to fill a similar role to Momo's Faltak AX10 starter, though in a package that is more survivable for Reforged mechanics.

The ship was designed with 1.4 explosion mechanics in mind. Most major components are separated by steel blocks to minimize chain explosions. The warp drive itself is entirely encased in armor, so if you have a bad run-in with some interceptors and they drill into that part of your ship its detonation shouldn't take out any critical systems or cargo. All generators are accessible for repair if required. One generator is located in the cabin behind the detector. The other two are accessible along with the pentaxid tank through a maintenance hatch under the left wing. The hatch is controllable through a switch on the control panel, and a cockpit indicator will tell you if you left it open.

When not piloting the ship you can access a small interior hallway that gives you access to a constructor, 10k cargo storage, and the typical survival devices you would expect. The drone hatch can be used without jumping by just standing at the switch when you deploy your drone. The hatch is also wired to a sensor on the roof, so when you exit the cockpit and find yourself on top of the ship you can simply walk onto the top deck and drop into the interior space. From the interior you can access the cockpit directly at the front of the hallway.

The top deck is intended as a docking pad for small HVs or SVs. The wings and nose are sloped so that they can be used as ramps. Most of the thrust is prioritized towards lift and forward movement so you can carry a fairly large HV and some decent cargo off of a planet and still hit warp speed.

For defense I decided to include two minigun turrets instead of providing the typical fixed gatlings. This is so that the Hatapo can defend itself from passing drones while you are looting POIs or mining. The miniguns turrets are also very effective at taking out interceptors in orbit, as you can concentrate on avoiding their fire while the guns track and do all the precision work.

Upgrades

The Hatapo is upgradable with one or two improved extenders. The first fits in the slot labeled "CPU" in the cove behind the cockpit. The rest of the space in that cove is for a shield generator (just remove the yellow-striped block behind the generator to make room). The second extender goes where the truss blocks are just to the right of the wifi node. Upgrade options include your choice of shield generator, thruster upgrades, and two fixed weapons where the antennas are in the wings. There is also a spot on the top to add a long-range radar or 3rd turret if you desire. The three stock generators should suffice for most needs, but when fully upgraded you may find the generators peaking if the shield is charging while performing avoidance maneuvers. If you remove the lighted vent block behind the wing maintenance hatch you can re-organize the generators to place an advanced small generator for better power / CPU balance.

Dealing with space drones

I just want to mention my strategy for dealing with interceptors and similar drones with this ship. Typically you will find yourself loaded down with your loot and a docked ship as you are trying to warp to a new system. Under this load you have zero chance of outrunning drones, so don't even try. Your best bet is always to avoid them in the first place. If they do engage you though you should fly into their swarm, dodging and changing direction to avoid their incoming fire. Once you are in the middle of them they can't shoot well because of their slow turn speeds. At this point you can start following a drone, changing directions often and allowing the minigun turrets to track and stun the ships. Never stop moving! If another drone starts to shoot at you, break off and attack that one. The Hatapo won't be that maneuverable under load, but the minigun turrets should track just fine as long as you keep the top of the ship pointed roughly towards the drone. Trust me, you'll take far fewer hits with this strategy than trying to outrun them in a straight line. Just make sure you bring plenty of ammo.

I do recommend upgrading the cockpit to armored before engaging in any combat if you have the resources. Of course, adding a CPU extender and a shield will also help immensely, but you should have enough armor to survive a few knocks.

Requires at least a 7-block-wide door for hangar access, unless you get creative with some diagonal flying.

Uses modified LCDs from sulusdacor

Construction

• Steel & container extensions

Offense / Defense

• 2x Minigun turrets

Storage:

• 1x 10k Cargo
  
• 1x 1k Ammo
  
• 1x Storage Pack
  
• Fridge

Equipment:

• Warp Drive
  
• Constructor
  
• 1x Passenger Seat
  
• Detector
  
• Trauma Station
  
• O2 Station
  
• Armor Locker
  
• Wifi
  
• Spotlights