Ship Review - Ophidian

[Ophidian pic]

It is debatable whether or not to buy this ship. The cargo space is only marginally better than the Iguana (then again, it only costs 15500cr more), and the weaponry is poor. There are only two missile pods and one laser mount. The lasers themselves are sub-standard anyway, whatever the ship info says. Its combat potential is mostly down to its high speed and manoeuvrability. It is possible to outrun an enemy missile, if it's one of those that try to spiral towards you. The 7 ly range is adequate, although hardly spectacular. Equipment is cheap. The Ophidian is, however, manufactured by Outworld Workshops, a company of dubious legality and even more dubious ability (after all, they designed the Adder).

Sidenote - The Ophidian in Elite-A seems (to me) to fit in with the Ophidian in the Dark Wheel novella (it was the ship Alex and Jason Ryder were in at the start of the story). Full marks to Angus Duggan for his research for Elite-A!

[Rotating Ophidian] 
Price      Space  Range Speed    Manvre Lasers Missiles
147000 cr  24     7 ly  0.34 LM  CF 8   1      2

IFF  ECM  Pulse Beam Military Scoops Escape Hyper Energy Dock GalHyp
150  300  350   700  1900     450    250    450   700    700  3000
Recommended equipment:
Front Military Laser, ECM System, IFF System, Energy Unit, Fuel Scoops

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