Zephyr

Zephyr

Zephyr The Zephyr is a unique starship design, relying almost entirely on solar winds for sublight propulsion. Super-light sails allow it to ride the torrents of photons streaming through space, and its barebones construction gives it a tiny sensor footprint and almost negligible mass.

Originally conceived by the ascetic Intaki polymath Valsas en Dilat as a demonstration of minimalist starship design, it was never intended as a commercial venture. The recent discovery of the uncharted Sleeper Territories and their myriad wormholes has brought the Zephyr new attention - its mass makes it an ideal exploration vessel.

Valsas remains adamant that the Zephyr never sees mass production, but at the close of YC111 he authorized the Intaki Syndicate to distribute a single hull to every registered capsuleer.

Note: Can fit Prototype Iris Probe Launcher; will not be targeted by Sleeper drones.

Structure

Structure HitpointsStructure Hitpoints
200 HP
Max VelocityMax Velocity
300 m/sec
Inertia ModifierInertia Modifier
1000
MassMass
5,000 kg
VolumeVolume
5000 m3
CapacityCapacity
10 m3

Fitting

High SlotsHigh Slots
1
Launcher hardpointsLauncher hardpoints
0
Turret hardpointsTurret hardpoints
0
CalibrationCalibration
1 points

Capacitor

Recharge timeRecharge time
375 s
Capacitor CapacityCapacitor Capacity
250 GJ

Targeting

Maximum Targeting RangeMaximum Targeting Range
35 km
Max  Locked TargetsMax Locked Targets
2
Magnetometric Sensor StrengthMagnetometric Sensor Strength
6 points
Signature RadiusSignature Radius
25 m

Shield

Shield CapacityShield Capacity
100 HP
Shield Em Damage ResistanceShield Em Damage Resistance
0 %
Shield Explosive Damage ResistanceShield Explosive Damage Resistance
50 %
Shield Kinetic Damage ResistanceShield Kinetic Damage Resistance
40 %
Shield Thermal Damage ResistanceShield Thermal Damage Resistance
20 %
Shield recharge timeShield recharge time
260 s

Armor

Armor HitpointsArmor Hitpoints
150 HP
Armor Em Damage ResistanceArmor Em Damage Resistance
50 %
Armor Explosive Damage ResistanceArmor Explosive Damage Resistance
10 %
Armor Kinetic Damage ResistanceArmor Kinetic Damage Resistance
35 %
Armor Thermal Damage ResistanceArmor Thermal Damage Resistance
35 %
 

Required skills

Primary Skill required
Spaceship Command Spaceship Command I

It can be noted that the Zephyr has a signature radius comparable to other shuttles, registering a minuscule 25m, making it a good ship for wormhole exploration. A T1 Frigate, such as a Heron, might still be more versatile for the following reasons :

  • Can fit a cloak and a MWD/Afterburner
  • Offer ship bonus to probing signal strength
  • Can add Gravity Capacitor rigs to increase the signal strength furthermore
  • The Zephyr is unique, so you definitely don't want to lose it

It can be noted that while the Zephyr's main strength is invisibility to Sleeper drones, they do not attack capsules either (as any non-capsuleer). If you want to do quick recon of a Sleeper site, you can simply use a capsule.

The exact reason for the Zephyr's apparent invisibility to Sleeper drones is unconfirmed. Valsas en Dilat has yet to respond to inquiries from Arek'Jaalan personnel regarding the specifics of its design and behaviour.

Unique Starships

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