Starfarer Q&A - Part 2

Concept Art - Fuel transport blueprint

“Welcome, new pilots and crewmen! Many of you likely dreamed about flying fighters and taking the battle to the enemy, stenciling your first Vanduul silhouette to the side of your ship. I’m here to remind you that you have an even more important job: keeping our boys and girls in the fight. Because of the fuel and support you provide, men who would otherwise perish in the cold of space will live to fight another day. No one here will judge your dedication to the Empire because of the ship you fly; you are an essential part of the process. I remind and encourage all pilots, crew and boom operators to familiarize themselves with the electrostatic hazards guide. Around here, killer aliens are the least of your worries.”

- General Danis Kutler, Space Refueling Command

“The weirdest thing anyone ever transported in a Starfarer? One word: spiders. Exploratory services has these three old Starfarer [Gemini]s that are slotted for supporting scientific runs but spend most of their time rotting on base. I had this idea to see how Terran spiders acclimatize on an artificial biosphere, so we kitted out a couple of their fuel pods with environmentals and we filled the tanks with a hell of a lot of spiders. Anyway, somebody [expletive deleted] up and they were all exposed to vacuum. So I guess the strangest cargo was dead spiders.”

- Dr. Clyde Burroughs, Noted Exoarachnologist

Greetings Citizens,

Last month, we ran a collection of Hull series Q&A posts during the concept sale. The idea went over so well that we’ve decided to make it a tradition. All future concept sales will include at least one ‘post launch’ Q&A post. This week, for the Starfarer and Starfarer Gemini sale, we’re answering the questions backers have posted to this thread. We will have additional Q&A posts on Friday, so if your question didn’t show up today, keep watching! Today’s post also includes questions selected from the Star Citizen subreddit!

Question & Answer

How does CIG intend the Starfarer to perform in flight? 3x TR4 main thrusters and 14x TR3 mavThrusters means it will turn quite well but accelerate very very slowly. Is that intentional?

To quote an earlier Chris Roberts game, the Starfarer will “maneuver like a pregnant yacht.” The standard model will maneuver more cleanly than the Gemini, but it will still be significantly slower than anything like a Hornet or even a Constellation. (Often times, the number of thrusters is defined by a ship’s shape, not because you can bring all of them to bear at once.)

Do either of the Starfarer models come pre-fitted with a refinery? Also does the Gemini come with the means to collect fuel or does it come as stock with the missile system?

Both variants come with limited fuel processing tools. The Gemini comes with both the external nozzle and the missile pack (in the fiction, Geminis typically mount the nozzle rather than the missiles.)

Will the Starfarer Gemini suffer a reduced modularity, because of bigger engines, weapons, shields and less cargo space?

This will limit some of the internal customization, as there will not be as much room as the standard model. The room system is still in the works, though, so the degree to which this is applicable is unknown at this time.

Will there be any other Starfarer variants?

There aren’t any in the works at the moment. Never say never, but we typically only add variants later if we have a compelling idea that we think will improve the game. But don’t plan for a ‘Super Starfarer’ any time soon!

Will both versions able to have the same upgrades, or will there be some limitations due to how each is designed?

The only limitations will be those introduced by equipment sizing; the Gemini can mount larger guns, shields and engines which can’t transfer back to the standard model. Everywhere else, parts should be interchangeable!

EVA required to operate boom?

No, the refueling equipment can be operated internally. We are playing with a mechanic in which it is faster or more efficient if operated from the external point.

Which component(s) is/are responsible for the loss of cargo capacity? And can it/they be removed as well? (StarG)

The primary reduction in cargo capacity is because of internal armored bulkheads which can not be removed. The larger powerplant also plays a role (and it can be reduced in size.)

How many ships can one full Starfarer(G) refuel ? Like 6 Hornets , 2 Connies or even something much larger like Idris ?

We don’t have an exact number yet, as it may change for game balancing, but the general thought is that it can refuel about a squadron of fighters (roughly a dozen) or a couple of larger ships.

How will Starfarer Gemini be more of an Aegis design? Besides the ship interface?

You will ultimately see some Aegis styling in the larger, Gemini-unique components (such as the main engine) and the internals (which are finished completely by Aegis.)

Will the Gemini be available for purchase in the PU, or will it only be attainable through capture?

The Gemini will be available in the persistent universe; while it’s flown by the military, it isn’t a particularly classified piece of technology. Geminis are sold not only to the UEE government, but to other powers and organizations.

Will “official” fuel stations buy fuel from you while in the Starfarer?

Yes.

Can we refuel Alien ships like the Banu Merchantman or the Xi’An Scout with the Starfarer, or are there multiple fuel types?

At the moment we’re envisioning only one type of fuel. If that changes, the Starfarer would be able to support multiple types.

Can the Starfarer’s carry cargo & fuel at the same time i.e. Left side fuel, Right Side cargo!

Yes! This would be accessed by the cargo management system we recently detailed during the Hull series release.

Can the tanks explode? Can they be used as tactical weapons mid-flight?

Under certain circumstances, the tanks can certainly explode. We intend to work out the actual physics, so it won’t be a direct ‘exploding barrel’ situation (hydrogen doesn’t explode in a vacuum in the way you may be imagining.) As for tactical weapons… well, that’s up to you! (There’s a potential Starfarer variant: an armored minelayer.)

Can you go into any detail regarding the difference in the variants internals? (I want my Gemini to have that fish tank very badly)

We can’t offer too many additional details, but rest assured your fish will have a home In both the Gemini and standard Starfarer (unless you swap out the captain’s quarters for another room!)

Will the source of natural fuel that Starfarers collect fuel from (i.e gas giants) be relatively close to safe space? Also, will the amount of Starfarers collecting at these sources affect the output/production? Will these resources ever run out for a particular location?

There will be gas giants throughout the galaxy; roughly 75% of the star systems we have built to date include at least one. The number of Starfarers shouldn’t really deplete them: gas giants are very, very big!

The cargo capacity of the Starfarer changed from the Hull B Q&A (4043.52 SCU) to the Starfarer Design Update (3321 SCU). What changed over the week? Is it a difference in container efficiency of using cube shaped boxes vs round barrels in the exterior hold?

This change occurred when we received the new, more detailed model to measure. You will likely see similar fluctuations with cargo on many ships as they come online, although they should all stay in a similar range.

Other than fuel, what other liquid or gaseous cargo will the Starfarer be the primary choice to carry.

We haven’t finished the cargo registry yet, but the options are endless. Water will be a big deal (imagine being called to help with a drought after a solar flare) as will all sorts of typical commodities: crude oil, space milk, liquid oxygen, nitrogen, melted cheese (okay, maybe not that last one.)

Where will the refueling ports be on other ships?

This will differ depending on the ship; though they will typically be forward of any given canopy to allow for ease of docking.

Will the Starfarer be able to refuel itself?

A Starfarer can refuel itself by processing fuel from its tanks. (That is to say, no need for a second Starfarer.)

How many stars could a Starfarer fare if a Starfarer could fare stars?

42!

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