Ship Builder¶

Active

Combat

Overview¶

Design and optimize ship loadouts for any role in Elite Dangerous. Plan combat builds, exploration vessels, trading ships, and multi-purpose configurations with detailed performance analysis and cost calculations.

Key Features¶

🚀 Ship Database¶

Complete ship specifications and statistics
Price and availability information
Role-based recommendations and comparisons

⚙️ Module Configuration¶

Interactive module fitting interface
Real-time performance calculations
Engineering modification integration

📊 Performance Analysis¶

Combat effectiveness ratings
Jump range and fuel efficiency
Cargo capacity and specialized metrics

💰 Cost Planning¶

Total build cost calculations
Insurance and rebuy estimates
Budget optimization suggestions

Ship Categories¶

Combat Vessels¶

Fighters¶

Vulture: Dedicated small combat ship
Excellent maneuverability and firepower
Limited internal space, power challenges
Ideal for: PvP combat, bounty hunting
Fer-de-Lance: Premium medium fighter
Exceptional combat performance
High speed and agility
Ideal for: Elite combat, assassination missions

Multi-Role Combat¶

Python: Versatile medium ship
Balanced combat and utility capabilities
Large hardpoint configuration
Ideal for: Combat trading, mission running
Krait Mk II: Modern multi-role fighter
Fighter bay capability
Strong combat performance
Ideal for: Wing combat, exploration combat

Heavy Combat¶

Anaconda: Large multi-role battleship
Massive firepower potential
Excellent jump range when configured
Ideal for: PvE combat, exploration, trading
Federal Corvette: Dedicated combat capital ship
Highest combat effectiveness
Restricted to Federal Navy ranks
Ideal for: Conflict zones, anti-Thargoid combat

Exploration Ships¶

Dedicated Explorers¶

Asp Explorer: Classic exploration vessel
Excellent jump range and heat management
Good module space for exploration equipment
Ideal for: Long-range exploration, neutron jumping
Krait Phantom: Modern exploration ship
Superior jump range and fuel efficiency
Streamlined for exploration builds
Ideal for: Deep space exploration, speed runs

Luxury Explorers¶

Anaconda: Long-range exploration flagship
Maximum jump range potential
Complete exploration outfit capability
Ideal for: Extended expeditions, research

Trading Vessels¶

Dedicated Traders¶

Type-9 Heavy: Maximum cargo capacity
Largest cargo hold available
Slow and vulnerable but profitable
Ideal for: Bulk commodity trading
Cutter: Imperial luxury trader
High cargo capacity with combat ability
Restricted to Imperial Navy ranks
Ideal for: Defended trading, rare goods

Fast Traders¶

Python: Medium cargo with station access
Balanced cargo and defensive capability
Large pad accessibility for all stations
Ideal for: Lucrative trading routes

Build Planning Process¶

1. Define Role & Requirements¶

Primary Activity: Combat, exploration, trading, mining
Secondary Functions: Multi-role capabilities needed
Budget Constraints: Total investment limits
Progression Path: Starter to endgame builds

2. Ship Selection¶

Size Requirements: Station compatibility needs
Performance Priorities: Speed, firepower, range, cargo
Unlock Requirements: Navy ranks, engineer access
Personal Preferences: Flying characteristics, aesthetics

3. Core Module Configuration¶

Power Plant¶

Rating: A-rated for performance, lower for budget
Engineering: Overcharged for power, Armored for survivability

Thrusters¶

Rating: A-rated for combat, D-rated for exploration
Engineering: Dirty Drive for speed, Clean for efficiency

Frame Shift Drive¶

Rating: A-rated for range, lower for combat focus
Engineering: Increased Range mandatory for exploration

4. Defensive Systems¶

Shield Configuration¶

Generator Size: Largest possible for combat builds
Booster Setup: Resistance-focused or raw strength
Engineering: Reinforced, Thermal/Kinetic Resistant

Hull Protection¶

Hull Reinforcement: Military grade composite
Module Reinforcement: Critical system protection
Engineering: Heavy Duty, resistance-focused

5. Offensive Systems¶

Weapon Selection¶

Energy Weapons: Lasers for shield damage
Kinetic Weapons: Multi-cannons for hull damage
Specialized: Rails, plasma, Guardian weapons

Weapon Engineering¶

Damage Focus: Overcharged modifications
Utility Focus: Long Range, Efficient modifications
Special Effects: Corrosive, Thermal Vent, etc.

Loadout Optimization¶

Combat Builds¶

PvE Combat Optimization¶

Shield Tank: Maximum shield strength and boosters
Hull Tank: Heavy armor with hull reinforcement
Balanced: Moderate shields with hull backup

PvP Combat Optimization¶

Meta Builds: Current competitive configurations
Counter Builds: Specific anti-meta strategies
Specialized: Rail builds, silent running, etc.

Exploration Builds¶

Jump Range Optimization¶

Maximum Range: Stripped-down for distance
Balanced Range: Comfort with reasonable range
Luxury Explorer: Full amenities with good range

Essential Equipment¶

Advanced Discovery Scanner: System mapping
Detailed Surface Scanner: Planetary exploration
Auto Field-Maintenance Unit: Repair capability
Guardian FSD Booster: Range enhancement

Trading Builds¶

Cargo Optimization¶

Maximum Cargo: Every ton counts configuration
Defended Trader: Balance cargo with protection
Fast Trader: Speed over maximum capacity

Safety Equipment¶

Shield Generators: Minimum viable protection
Point Defense: Anti-missile protection
Chaff Launchers: Evasion assistance

Engineering Integration¶

Priority Engineering¶

FSD: Increased Range (mandatory for most builds)
Power Plant: Overcharged or Armored
Thrusters: Dirty Drive or Clean Drive
Weapons: Overcharged or specialized modifications
Shields: Reinforced or resistance-focused

Advanced Engineering¶

Experimental Effects: Specialized weapon enhancements
Guardian Technology: FSD Boosters, Guardian weapons
PowerPlay Modules: Faction-specific equipment

Performance Metrics¶

Combat Effectiveness¶

DPS (Damage Per Second): Raw firepower output
Alpha Damage: Single-volley damage potential
Shield Strength: Total megajoules of protection
Hull Integrity: Structural damage resistance

Utility Metrics¶

Jump Range: Laden and unladen distances
Fuel Efficiency: Light-years per ton of fuel
Cargo Capacity: Trading and mission capability
Heat Management: Thermal efficiency ratings

Build Evolution

Start with budget builds and gradually upgrade modules as your credits and engineering progress.

Power Management

Always verify power requirements. Use power priorities for optional modules in combat builds.

Insurance Costs

Factor in 5% rebuy costs when planning expensive builds. Never fly without rebuy credits.