Python Class Cruiser

Python Class Cruiser
Size (metres, W×H×L)	80 x 90 x 160
Cargo capacity	145 TC
Cargo bay extension	15 TC
Maximum speed	0.35 LM
Manoeuvrability	Roll: 2.0 Pitch: 0.8
Energy banks	7
Energy recharge rate	3.5
Gun mounts	Fore, Aft Port, Starboard
Missile slots	4
Shield boosters available	No
Military shields available	Yes
Hyperspace capable	Yes
OXP or standard	OXP
Available to player	Yes
Base price	360000

Overview

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. Most traders see the Python's successor, the Boa, as a retrograde step when compared to the Python Class Cruiser, and most commentators are of the opinion that the Boa should never have been constructed - instead, the PCC should have been updated. The market seems to agree too; the company has never regained the kinds of sales figures that they had in the 2800s when Python and Python Class Cruiser production was at its peak. On the other hand, the Python Class Cruiser was a much more expensive ship to build (and to buy when new) than the Boa.

Notable features

An artist's rendition

The Python Class Cruiser these days is typically favoured by pirates. It can hold its own in battle, it's fast for its size and it is built very strong. The shark's teeth design was a standard paintwork option, and it gives the ship a fearsome posture. Many honest traders choose this ship too - typically, a standard model can be had on the open market for Cr.360,000 - much less than a brand new Boa. But unlike the brand new Boa, any PCC on the market will be old and will need looking after. It's unquestionable that it is a lot of ship for the money, though.

A 15 TC cargo bay extension is available, although many owners don't bother with it, finding 145 TC more than adequate for the small stock market (which typically can only just fill a Python Class Cruiser) - but with the extension, the ship is still slightly too small for most carrier jobs - most of which really require ships on the scale of the Anaconda.

Probably the most unusual feature of the ship is the ram-augmented engines. The highly visible ram scoop can utilize charged particles from the solar wind as extra reaction mass leading to the relatively speedy performance of the ship. On the other hand, the ram scoop and associated supercharging system is often found to be a tiresome maintenance item.

OXP download

Python Class Cruiser OXP from Oosat

Python Class Cruiser 2.6 (with shader effects for Oolite test releases)