Classic X-ships

Overview

This OXZ updates some of Aegidian's early OXP ships from the 'Aegidian's X_Ships' expansion.

They now have updated high resolution graphics and will look best with shaders enabled although this is not essential.

The spec's have largely been carried over from the earlier OXP, although some re-balancing of the Cobra2 has been carried out. This expansion is intended for Oolite v1.80 or above.

The Ships

Some 25 years ago Her Imperial Majesty's Space Navy decided to sponsor a design competition to stimulate development and to give shipyards a platform to showcase what they could do.

Known as the 'X-ships Challenge', the brief was to design either a light, medium or heavy Interceptor. The winning entry in each class would then be realised and prototyped by The Naval Shipyards. Unsurprisingly the winners were all based upon current or prototype models.

In the belief that a well-armed civilian population was the best defence against the Thargoids, HIMSN offered the plans on an open licence to any shipyard that wanted to build these ships for general sale. GalCop was initially very concerned about this, having serious misgivings about military ships being made available on the civilian market, but as similar ships to these already existed, and these X-ships did not use any classified equipment, they decided to agree to the release of the plans.

Although quite rare due to their niche nature, civilian X-ships will be seen from time to time, often piloted by Bounty Hunters and Assassins, with the Cobra2-C variant being quite popular with couriers and taxi pilots. A few of these vessels have also fallen into pirate hands.

Asp-X

Asp-X
Size (W×H×L)	138 m×32 m×127 m
Cargo capacity	N/A
Cargo bay extension	N/A
Maximum speed	0.42 LM
Manoeuvrability	Pitch: 1.00 Roll: 2.00 Yaw: 1.00 Thrust: 50
Energy banks	6
Energy recharge rate	Good (4.00)
Gun mounts	Fore: 1x
Missile slots	2
Shield boosters available	Yes
Military shields available	Yes
Hyperspace capable	Yes
OXP or standard	OXP
Available to player	Yes
Base price	425,000 Cr

Overview

A strong and powerful heavy interceptor, based on the design of the first generation of the Asp Mark II Special. Substantially larger than the standard Asp Mark II, with a higher maximum speed, more energy banks and 2 pylons. It is purely a fighting ship, having no cargo capacity.

The Asp-X was licensed for civilian use and, although a rare sight, these ships could be encountered occasionally. They are favored by hunters and assassins and, inevitably, also by pirates and brigands.

History

Some 25 years ago, Her Imperial Majesty's Space Navy decided to sponsor a design competition to stimulate development and to give shipyards a platform to showcase what they could do. Known as the 'X-ships Challenge', the brief was to design either a light, medium or heavy Interceptor. Zorgon Petterson Group used the blueprints of the first generation Asp Mark II Special to create the Asp-X and won in the category heavy Interceptor.

The Navy Asp-X

In the belief that a well-armed civilian population was the best defense against the Thargoids, HIMSN offered the plans to build these ships for general sale. GalCop was initially very concerned about this, having serious misgivings about military ships being made available on the civilian market, but as similar ships to these already existed they decided to agree to the release of the plans.

Variants

During the second major reorganization of the Galactic Navy it was decided to commission Asp-X once again. Using the latest technology, the Navy Asp-X was designed, a major upgrade with a very deadly ship as result.

The Asp-X is larger than most people expect, here is a comparison of an Asp Mark II, an Asp-X and an Anaconda

Download

• The original Asp-X, from Aegidian's X-Ships (2005)
• The Classic X-ships OXZ (2015)

Credits

• Aegidian (original OXP and that Oolite actually exists)
• Smivs (Classic X-ships remake)

Requirements

A graphic card supporting shaders will enhance the quality although this is not essential.

License

This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0). To view a copy of this license visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0.

Links

• Zorgon Petterson Group (manufacturer)
• Asp Mark II (The standard model, a fearsome fighting ship.)
• Asp Explorer (A scout ship with some cargo space. Originally produced by Zorgon Petterson Group this craft is today offered under license from SoloTek Industries.)
• Asp Mark II Special (2 generations had been build. The first was later used to design the Asp-X, the second is a smaller but still deadly Asp Mark II.)
• Navy Asp Mark II (An Asp specially designed for the Galactic Navy. While the first generation wasn't able to live up to the expectations, the second (based on the Asp Mark II Special) is still serving in several navies.)

Cobra2

Developed as a light Interceptor for Her Imperial Majesty's Space Navy the Cobra2-X is a development of the (later abandoned) Cobra Mk II prototype. It is an effective light fighter/interceptor popular with Assassins and Hunters. The Cobra2-C derivative is intended as a courier ship (hence the 'C' designation) and its small hold also allows fitment of a Passenger Berth making it ideal for use as a taxi. The Cobra2-C is slower than the X-ship version but has up-graded equipment options and a Hyperdrive.

Sidewinder-X

Sidewinder-X
Size (metres, W×H×L)	138 x 32 x 125
Cargo capacity	0 TC
Cargo bay extension	N/A
Maximum speed	0.370 LM
Manoeuvrability	Roll: 3.0 Pitch: 1.65
Energy banks	3
Energy recharge rate	Poor (2.0)
Gun mounts	Fore
Missile slots	None
Shield boosters available	Yes
Military shields available	No
Hyperspace capable	Yes
OXP or standard	OXP
Available to player	Yes
Base price	105,000₢

The Sidewinder-X was developed as a medium Interceptor for Her Imperial Majesty's Space Navy and it is an evolution of the Sidewinder Scout Ship, similar in specification and performance.

It is however considerably larger than its predecessor, and the increase in size means that it has slightly increased maximum speed and improved maneuverability over the scoutship. The Sidewinder-X also has upgraded equipment options and a hyperdrive.

Downloads

The ship is featured in three OXPs:

• Aegidian's X-Ships OXP by Aegidian (2005)
• Classic X-ships OXZ by Smivs (2015)
• Iron Ass Vol.3, dark metal retro version (2022)

Gallery

• 

  Smivs' Sidewinder-X

• 

  Iron Ass Sidewinder X

See also

• Sidewinder (Oolite)

Features

The Classic X-ships share all the same features as the other expansions in the Classic Ships suite.

Enhanced graphics with improved detailing and normal, emission and specular mapping. The designs and colours are based on Aegidian's original work.

If an NPC is severely damaged in battle and the pilot ejects the ship will progressively become derelict. The ship loses power and the navigation strobes will stop, the lights fade, followed by the engine glow, and finally the derelict is left gently tumbling in space.

Compatibility

Although a part of the Classic Ships suite of expansions this OXP is fully self-contained, and is compatible with and should work well with the default ships and all other shipsets/ship OXPs.

Author

OXP by Smivs

Credits

Aegidian, for the models, design specifications and the original textures from which I took my inspiration. Also Paradox, whose updated Cobra Mk II model is used here.

Licence

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA.

Version History

Version 1.0 Released 29th September, 2015.

Download and Installation

The Classic X-ships is available via the in-game expansions manager, or an be downloaded from the link below. Download Classic X-ships OXZ (downloaded 1774 times).

To install the OXP version, unzip the download and place the .oxp folder in your Oolite AddOns folder.

Oolite Forum thread

Any questions, problems or bug reports should be posted on this OXP's BB thread here

Gameplay and Balance indicator

NPCs are robust, but in keeping with the default ships.