Fri May 02, 2003 7:33 pm
Humpback
The Humpback is a unique ship in FL, made to be flown in Turret Mode only.
Average turn speeds:
HF: 70
VHF: 60
FR: 50
Humpback: 25
As you see, no dogfighting in a Humpback! It should be in it's own category: HFR
Despite this, the Humper thrives in any system civilized enough for Trade Lanes.
The one exception is Dublin. Kill a lotta Mollys there and your Corsairs rep
should go neutral, which is essential if you intend to trade in the Humper for
an Eagle directly. Turret Mode is fun and challenging; sometimes it's like a
shooting gallery, and sometimes an intense firefight. IMHO, there are only
three usable freighters in the game: Anubis, Dromedary, and Humpback.
If after the SP game you need a break from dogfighting, consider a Humpback.
Outfitting the Humpback
Hardpoints 1 & 2 Front Class 7
Nothing fits here better than Eraser &/or Sweeper EMP Missiles. Made for it.
When you see the bogies coming head-on to you, pop a couple EMP's and they
arrive sans shields. They can't countermeasure them. Missiles have great
range, but this is the only use I've ever found for them. I had both EMP
launchers mounted, but fire them via Hardpoint keys ( 1, 2 ) only.
Missiles traveling at the same speed can and do run into each other!
Hardpoint 3 Turret Rear Class 6 Top
Hardpoint 4 Turret Front Class 6 Top
Hardpoint 5 Turret Front Class 6 Bottom
It helps to plan ahead to be a Humper Captain. In the SP Storyline, before
you launch from Osiris for that last mission, purchase a dozen turrets.
Class 5 almost free. Six of the 700m/s flavor and six of the 650m/s flavor.
With Turrets it's more vital than ever to pay attention to projectile speed.
Dogfighting kills are mostly at 12:00 and 6:00 position, Turret kills are any.
Hardpoint 6 Turret Rear Class 7 Bottom
Hardpoint 7 Turret Left Class 7
Hardpoint 8 Turret Right Class 7
Hardpoint 6 is your most important turret, put your best one here.
Kusari has class 7 turrets in both 650m/s and 700m/s, pick your fav.
Mine dropper:
An important weapon for any lone ship, crucial for freighters.
Homing mines did seem to work better against nimble fighters, they go 80m/s
I used Razor, about the right cost/effectiveness.
Obviously, only the best Adv. Countermeasure & Adv. Thruster.
Turret Mode Hints:
The HUD can get in your way, minimize the weapon list lower right.
The worst place to shoot is up & down, HUD badly in the way there;
always keep a little afterburner in reserve for such cases.
"Got anything for me?" - Trent, A.K.A. 'Mr. Eloquent'
Average turn speeds:
HF: 70
VHF: 60
FR: 50
Humpback: 25
As you see, no dogfighting in a Humpback! It should be in it's own category: HFR
Despite this, the Humper thrives in any system civilized enough for Trade Lanes.
The one exception is Dublin. Kill a lotta Mollys there and your Corsairs rep
should go neutral, which is essential if you intend to trade in the Humper for
an Eagle directly. Turret Mode is fun and challenging; sometimes it's like a
shooting gallery, and sometimes an intense firefight. IMHO, there are only
three usable freighters in the game: Anubis, Dromedary, and Humpback.
If after the SP game you need a break from dogfighting, consider a Humpback.
Outfitting the Humpback
Hardpoints 1 & 2 Front Class 7
Nothing fits here better than Eraser &/or Sweeper EMP Missiles. Made for it.
When you see the bogies coming head-on to you, pop a couple EMP's and they
arrive sans shields. They can't countermeasure them. Missiles have great
range, but this is the only use I've ever found for them. I had both EMP
launchers mounted, but fire them via Hardpoint keys ( 1, 2 ) only.
Missiles traveling at the same speed can and do run into each other!
Hardpoint 3 Turret Rear Class 6 Top
Hardpoint 4 Turret Front Class 6 Top
Hardpoint 5 Turret Front Class 6 Bottom
It helps to plan ahead to be a Humper Captain. In the SP Storyline, before
you launch from Osiris for that last mission, purchase a dozen turrets.
Class 5 almost free. Six of the 700m/s flavor and six of the 650m/s flavor.
With Turrets it's more vital than ever to pay attention to projectile speed.
Dogfighting kills are mostly at 12:00 and 6:00 position, Turret kills are any.
Hardpoint 6 Turret Rear Class 7 Bottom
Hardpoint 7 Turret Left Class 7
Hardpoint 8 Turret Right Class 7
Hardpoint 6 is your most important turret, put your best one here.
Kusari has class 7 turrets in both 650m/s and 700m/s, pick your fav.
Mine dropper:
An important weapon for any lone ship, crucial for freighters.
Homing mines did seem to work better against nimble fighters, they go 80m/s
I used Razor, about the right cost/effectiveness.
Obviously, only the best Adv. Countermeasure & Adv. Thruster.
Turret Mode Hints:
The HUD can get in your way, minimize the weapon list lower right.
The worst place to shoot is up & down, HUD badly in the way there;
always keep a little afterburner in reserve for such cases.
"Got anything for me?" - Trent, A.K.A. 'Mr. Eloquent'
