Ramblings on Heat and Cold
22 May 2021Arthur McLeod
Three of my ships, Hera modified a bit unconventionally: the Ataraxis, the Architeuthis and the Skia. I imagine most CMDRs who dock at her workshop come for an armored power plant. And, of course, these Commanders have made the right decision. An armored power plant has a higher power output and a better heat efficiency than an unmodified one - on top of a much greater durability.However, my three favourites now carry low emissions power plants, severly reducing their output and making them vulnerable to anything able to penetrate the ships hull. And I am highly content with my choice.
The Ataraxis is a Python. Naturally, one may ask why anyone would fly a Python in the first place, as anyone seems to have an opinion on that matter - and I have mine, and I fly a Python. She is well suited for low emissions, as her class seven plant produces an excess of power anyway. So, fitted with the right weapons and not going too hard on the shield boosters, she will not run dry. Additionally, her thrusters are clean-tuned. The Python is not a fast ship anyway, she will not be able to disengage at will or win a turning match with anything smaller than an asteroid. So, maxing out her speed seems like doping a dead horse - it might be dead with a little more enthusiasm, but in the end it won't change the fact.
So, why low emissions, why low heat?
First, and perhaps most pragmatic, a cold ship can scoop an O-class star at maximum rate without overheating and charge the FSD right next to the colder classes, making travelling a joy of its own. Especially for an exploration vessel like the Skia this is most convinient. Second, extremely cold ships are a pain to get a lock on. One would need to get as close as 500m to the Skia to find her on the Radar. Quite close, given the fact that the Black is not an especially cramped place...furthermore, she may jump right in between two suns, drop out of supercruise - and simply charge up again without even lauching one of her many Heat Sinks, well, nonetheless one Heatsink will stop that nasty smoking...and a Python that can do basically the same while holding 128 tons of cargo is very convinient.
However, the Ataraxis has another trait I really value. She carries a class 6 SCB which she can fire without even deploying a Heatsink - which leaves more room for Boosters. Furthermore, a cold ship really helps when it comes to Packhounds...
But my favorite ship for a low emissions power plant is also the most controversial - the Architeuthis. Traditionally, Mambas tend to have a heat problem, which is unfortunate. Additionally, their rather low class power plants are barely able to sustain those monumental thrusters, let alone that class 4 hardpoint, which does not really help, either. At least they are natural shield tanks which is generally a good thing if you plan to intentionally weaken some internals. And last but not least - once again a ship that seems to be the everlasting second choice. In this case, as long as there is an FDL available. But she is fast - not only regarding speed but her heat dissipation is remarkable. Of all my ships, she is the one scooping most comfortably, and no matter how much heat her overcharged class 4 plasma accererator may create, she sheds it within the blink of an eye. Sure, when her shields fall there is nothing that may keep this power plant alive for more than a minute - but making them fall requires it to catch and get a lock on her...
There is more to consider here than "more power, more laser" and "harder plant, longer live". Both things are true, but being a cold bastard has its traits.