Python (Oolite)

Python
Size (W×H×L)	80m×40m×130m
Cargo capacity	100 TC
Cargo bay extension	15 TC
Maximum speed	0.20 LM
Manoeuvrability	Roll: 2.0 Pitch: 0.8
Energy banks	7
Energy recharge rate	Medium (2.5)
Gun mounts	Fore, Aft Port, Starboard
Missile slots	2
Shield boosters available	Yes
Military shields available	No
Hyperspace capable	Yes
OXP or standard	Standard
Available to player	Yes
Base price	200,000₢

Overview

An outnumbered Blackdog chose to eject

Originally built in Inera Orbit Space by Whatt and Pritney, the mighty Python has been in service since 2700. This is an old design which clearly shows its age. However, it is cheap for its size and extremely robust. Many a trader has slogged it out in a Python to afford a more modern and sexy ship. If maintained correctly, a Python will go on forever.

Notable features

The vast majority of Pythons still in service are working ships with no frills. The Python is perhaps the antithesis of the Mussurana, which by contrast is fast, lithe and luxuriously appointed (not to mention tremendously expensive). A Python in good condition will fetch around Cr.200,000 on the open market, which is remarkably good value for money considering that it can (slowly) shift 100 TC, or 115 TC with the optional cargo bay extension. The Python is easy to find, and virtually all shipyards are experienced in their maintenance, making spare parts easy to find and running costs low.

Description

The first thing one noticed when entering the bridge was how run-down it looked. Frankly, this ship had seen better days. What little paint was left was mostly old and mottled. The bridge was now a scuffed steel plated floor, with hull plating making up the sides and ceiling. Broken illumination panels flickered, and a lone dented locker sat to the rear next to the entry door. Three consoles made up the area all of which looked in various states of disrepair. The front left was for damage control and combat. A single screen showed ship schematics and various gauges, showing the overall health of the ship and her components. (with most parts of the ship in a discouraging yellow, and a few in a rather alarming red.) The front right, where Orin was sitting, contained a condensed version of this on the viewscreens. Front and aft shields, all seven of the energy bank bars, the IFF scanner, and fuel, cabin temperature, and laser temp. readings gave a wealth of information to the pilot. The final console, in the middle rear, was for the captain, and gave a read-out of cargo, licenses, system information, trade route plans, and other much needed trading information.

(Herald's End by OneOfTheLost)

Variations

Pythons have also been popular targets for conversion since they are common and capacious. One of the most famous Python conversions was the total stripping and remaking of one of these large ships into Woodford's Casino and Bar, which was towed into orbit around Zaonce. It was tolerated for about fifteen years by the Zaonce authorities. However, it soon became clear that it was being used as a money laundering facility and was damaged beyond repair during a Police raid on the operators of the casino. The wreck continued to orbit Zaonce for another year before it was finally scrapped.

Python Blackdog

A less welcome conversion, is to a customised pirate ship. The ease of maintenance and ease of acquisition has also made this a popular ship for pirates to use to haul away their loot. There is somewhat of a pirate tradition to repaint the rather plain factory scheme with a traditional skull-and-crossbones motif. One particularly dreaded variant of these goes by the name "Blackdog". Pirate operated Pythons seldom roam alone; if you find one, expect fighters to be close at hand.

Deviating from the stock Python, the Blackdog can fit a Passenger Berth, Fuel Scoops, comes with a Beam Laser, and can add the Military Shield Enhancement.

Python Eunectes Turbo (ET) Special

Recent developments has seen a more exclusive and expensive model hit the market, namely the Python ET Special. It offers considerable improvements to its predecessor in terms of speed and maneuverability at no expense of cargo space, although its hull is slightly less robust than the classic Python. Pirates who can afford these rides should not be lightly dismissed.

Python Class Cruiser

The Python Class Cruiser was a larger and faster sister ship to the Python, rolling off the production lines at Inera Orbit Space along with the Python, production beginning in 2720, production ceasing at around the same time as Python production ended.

Python Clipper

Bringing the Python right up to date, the Gerege Federation SpaceWorks have recently announced the Python Clipper to complement the popular Boa Clipper. The clippers are long-legged fighting transports, with a trade-off between reduced cargo space and better handling and speed. They come as standard with Fuel Scoops, Heat Shielding and supplementary external fuel tanks containing 4LY of fuel.

Python Courier

The Python Courier is faster, has more missile slots, comes with fuel scoops fitted, and at the same time retains the shape and sturdiness of the original design.

Custom paintjobs

• 

  Classic Python

• 

  Classic Python Trader

• 

  Classic Python Blackdog

• 

  Deepspace Python

• 

  Griff's Python

• 

  Griff's Python - Alternative

• 

  Neolite Python

• 

  Sung's Python

• 

  Iron Ass Python

• 

  Iron Ass "Black Dog"

Links

• Python (Rough Guide)
• Python (Classic): Classic Elite
• Python: Frontier

OXPs

• Python Class Cruiser
• Python ET Special
• Z-ships Python Courier
• Python Clipper Class