Why Exobiologists should get a Sidewinder
Exobiologists should have one Sidewinder, the only ship that lands in a space the size of a handkerchief. The little Sidewinder is, in fact, more than a useful all-rounder, it is fast and fun… and the most ecological.
It is the spaceship everybody starts with and the one most forget as soon as they get something else. It’s a pity, because the Sidewinder is not just fun, it’s the most ecological choice, even for Elite: Dangerous. If you’re worried about climate change, then get a Sidewinder. For jumping around in the Bubble, it is great and for exploration, if you’ve the support of a Fleet Cruiser, the Sidewinder is a good option, as a second ship, because it can land almost anywhere.
I say second ship because I’ve decided to not have a SRV in this build. While others might want to have “wheels on the ground” on all their spaceships, I opted not to install a buggy, as I needed the space for all the other essential modules. The Sidewinder was designed with one thing in mind: in exploration — based on a Fleet Carrier -, it’s the logical choice for exobiology, as it allows me to land close to the specimens to study. When I need an SRV, I can get another ship, one with a buggy…
Exobiologists will love the Sidewinder, because it is the only ship that can land on a handkerchief. A Cobra MK III has been my regular ship for exploration, combat and travel the galaxy. Recently, I invested in a Krait Phantom, which needs more space to land but is a joy to use. While I love the Phantom with its inside space and 70ly space jump, I’ve had trouble, sometimes, landing close to some exobiology findings.
It’s like having a classic or an old sports car
With the Sidewinder, which is the same one my Commander Brick Bradford flew for the first time, I can land almost everywhere, meaning there is no need to use a SRV to reach locations. The spaceship was, for a long time, parked at the starting station for new pilots, but I finally decided to ask for it to be delivered to my new home station. I am glad I did, because I rediscovered the joy of flying a nimble ship that is great to travel inside the Bubble, and even to more distant locations, if needed.
My Sidewinder is engineered and has a Guardian FSD boost that helps it to reach almost 40Ly. I also installed an extra fuel tank, so I don’t need to scoop every star. While this is not much, it’s enough for my needs and allows me to do the round of Material Traders and check Unidentified Signal Sources at a very good pace, fully aware that I am doing my part in terms of climate change and pollution reduction. The Sidewinder is the most ecological spaceship around.
With a size like a classic from the “old days”, the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon (15.06 m), the Sidewinder is like having a classic or an old sports car. The rediscovered Sidewinder has a new paint: the yellow livery is in homage of Yellow, the deceased calico cat of Commander Jeff Hawke — my other alt in EDO. With some extra investment in spoilers and lights, this Sidewinder marks the difference, everywhere it goes.
First big test: The Six Nebula Tour
The newly painted and equipped ship was ready in time for its first long distance adventure, The Six Nebula Tour, with support from The Stellar Cartographers Guild. I was so excited with the idea that I started collecting images for a comic eBook style document that praises the Sidewinder. The comic eBook now published, and which you can download, continues a series I’ve started with A Dangerous Journey — An Elite Dangerous Adventure, created in memory of my calico cat Yellow.
The comic eBook The MIGHTY Sidewinder mixes images from the test phase and from the start of the journey The Six Nebula Tour. The first results are very encouraging. And I’ve not touched my other ships yet, a sign that the Sidewinder is just what I needed.
Follow the link to read online this FREE comic book, The MIGHTY Sidewinder created using in-game graphics from Elite: Dangerous Odyssey.
