Hathor Gunboat - Zoner design but only Order build it?

[reavengitair]

I was always of the impression that the order was the one who edited the zoner one...

Looks like im wrong :S

[El Nino]

dont put order Turrets on it then?

It has order powerplant, order gunmounts, and is basicly far better in combat then zoner gb, It was built so for a reason, becouse order needs high tech to combat nomad tech that is also superior, but zoners should not be that combat specialised....

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[Clarkie]

It has order powerplant, order gunmounts, and is basicly far better in combat then zoner gb, It was built so for a reason, becouse order needs high tech to combat nomad tech that is also superior, but zoners should not be that combat specialised....

...And all designed by Zoner engineers and scientists apparently.

Besides, thats not really the point. It's clear that the Zoners and The Order have a well organised technological partnership as well as a formal alliance. That being the case I can't think of any good reason for people to moan about some Zoners preferring to use the Hathor over the Conference.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Conference; it turns well, the reactor recharges quickly and the twin mine launchers are a nice gimmick. Unfortunately its firepower is just not up to the job in a lot of cases, especially in the Omicrons.

Fact is, Zoners wouldn't go ahead and design a ship like the Hathor and then elect not to use it, that would just be foolish. A lot of the threats Zoners face nowadays demand that kind of firepower. Hopefully not to be used, but its value as a deterrent cannot be overstated and it helps to keep the peace in systems that they have a stake in.

Hence my argument that the Conference needs a boosted cargo size, perhaps to around 1000-1200 or thereabouts. Nobody is ever going to use it for serious trading so it wont be abused, but this would greatly help to set it apart in its more civilian/trader role, and also as the more widely available alternative to the Hathor.

[Heartless]

Fact is, Zoners wouldn't go ahead and design a ship like the Hathor and then elect not to use it.

Ah, but the thing is, that's exactly what they did! (In Rp naturally). As far as we know, the Zoner's don't even have the plans anymore, nor the need for such a vessel.

As for the Zoner GB, I've only flown it in testing before the Order GB was put in so I can't say much, but from the sounds of it a cargo boost sounds fine to it. Besides, Zoners don't need mass-killing war ships, they have their bunch and they do their job well.

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SwissScorch --> Heartless

[DAnvilFan]

yes - the cargo... as you see, ( and since you can read the dev board, too.... err.. can you? i forgot who s on that board anyway ) - the reasons for NOT having 1k cargo are rather mundane. - if we just break the chain of logic and give it more cargo than the fearless despite its smaller size - fine by me.

imo - having 1k cargo would suit its role - and would still not make it a powertrading vessel.

A larger ship does not equal more cargo space. Destroyers are logically larger because they have to carry more crew members, bigger guns, and so forth. I agree with you on the 1000 cargo unit hold for the Conference. As it stands, it is not only an unpleasent looking ship, it is also not worth using.

[reavengitair]

it is not only an unpleasent looking ship, it is also not worth using.

Once again, a point of view. I have seen so many people who can use this gunboat effectivley - and I have met even more who say that they adore it. Some people also say that it is quite good looking (however, I disagree).

If there is any reason at all for the zoners to have a gunboat, it would just be for trading and warding off pirates. Im supporting an even larger cargo space at the moment. It just makes sense.

[reisiger_duke]

Hum... now why would Zoner scientists who "share" the plans with the Order destroy the originals? :unsure:
Nah, makes no sense... :nono:

The 'Conference' really could do with a boost in cargo-space so it would become an alternative to the armoured transport and a heavy escort for trade convoys. But as is, it is usable to get away from combat, not win a fight.

But that then means Zoners still don't have a gunboat fit for that class's intended role (as Nomads, Keepers and Wilde like to use small crafts to be able to move against Zoner cap ships... or any other enemy who likes capital ships).

Now it is clear that anyone who has seen the Hathor being used by the Order for so long would be more than just surprised why Zoners would suddenly fly it, hence my original suggestion to limit Zoner use to the Zoner Guard.

I for one love the idea of a Conference capable of escorting Zoner trade convoys from the Border Worlds into house space (of course inform them before coming) and at the same time have enough cargohold to contribute to trade... I'd consider that to be as Zoner RP-ish as one can get.

But if it's just about not sharing the exact same design, then why not have the Zoner engineers make an in-between compromise of the Hathor and Conference that emphasises keeping some of the agility but with more fire-power (+2 turrets? -1 mine) while the cargo-hold gets seriousely reduced to fit in the needed equipment?

[Elsdragon]

So........

How is THis thing going to work, if at all?

Im sure most people just want a civilian GS they can use on anyone. Thats the ulrerior motive i detect anyway

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No longer a slave to the man!

[Lunaphase]

The original idea was to make a more combat oriented version or use of the hathor for zoner guard only.... so it wouldent be a problem

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[Clarkie]

Well, as stated above, a possible solution would be for Zoners as a whole to come to an agreement with the Order factions, to allow sale of the Hathor to only those Zoners who have guard ID's and IFF's.

This way it should only be getting used for things like freeport & base defence and general patrolling in our more interesting systems. That combined with a cargo boost for the conference, would allow the conference to be used effectively in its intended role;
as a light trader and convoy escort.

Any argument that zoner ships should be poorly armed is plainly ridiculous anyway. Just look at the Juggernaught, it's a beast.

And the fearless, while certainly falling into the lighter end of the cruiser spectrum, is still a nippy, compact and challenging opponent in the right hands.

**Oh and is it just me or do the turret firing arcs on the conference seem a little restrictive? Mainly to the front? Allowing them more freedom of movement might make it appeal more.