New flag ship M2

[Free Trade Inn]

I have a python and am thinking about a pteranadon.
What can I expect from this upgrade in terms of M2 performance?

Most of the time I fly my Tiger and sometimes have my python as a support platform. Sometimes I fly the other way around.
Would you guys recommend I add the pteradonon to the group or sub with the python?

I am interested in your views inS and OOS as well as personal/support ship role.

Cheers

FTI

[GCU Grey Area]

Been flying one recently in an unending quest to rid the universe of Boron & Paranid RRF ships (in the hope their replacements might contain jump beacons). Pteranodon has performed exceptionally well in that task. Not normally a fan of flying anything bigger than an M6 but my experience in the Pteranodon has been tolerable.

It is at least the fastest M2 around (still stuffed a few Pandora crates in mine to get it running at 110m/s). Also really like having PPC compatible main guns instead of a front turret - my trigger finger gets rapidly bored in any other M2. In many respects the ship could be considered as a Split upgrade to the Thresher, though with fewer drawbacks - much narrower profile from the front & you get far more than just a shot or 2 from the main guns (don't think I've ever depleted energy reserves below 90%).

The PALC turrets can only be described as exceptional - both side turrets can fire forwards within a limited arc & they've also proved incredibly good at shooting down missiles. A vital consideration in my situation when a ship's primary targets include numerous RRF M8s & M7Ms (which are both well stocked with missiles & show no hesitation in launching them in huge quantities) - it's comparatively rare for any missile to get close enough to trigger MDM.

EDIT: It also has a 16 ship hanger, if that's an important consideration for you. However I haven't got round to filling it with any ships yet myself, so can't comment on whether there are any issues in that regard.

[werewolves?]

I still find the Python is a quicker killer than the Pterandadon.

agree about the PALC providing the best missile defence, the beam life seems to destroy barrages - have faced down RRF M7Ms in it and come out laughing

[GCU Grey Area]

I still find the Python is a quicker killer than the Pterandadon.

That is indeed true. Main guns on the Pteranodon are equivalent to a single turret on a conventional M2 & they can generally bring at least 1 side turret to bear as well on the same target, potentially doubling the number of capital grade guns shooting at the target compared to Pteranodon. However I feel that it's a fair trade off for a couple of reasons which at least partially mitigate the loss in overall anti-capital firepower:
(1) Pteranodon's main guns can be charged without losing control of the ship's manoeuvering thrusters.
(2) It takes almost 20 seconds for a PPC shot to travel to max range. Turrets only start shooting after the target has reached max range. With main guns I can start shooting early so as soon as the target arrives in range there's already a volley of charged PPC shots waiting for it, with several more on their way to the target behind that first volley. During those 20 seconds I find I can generally get off at least 4 volleys of charged shots. This is effectively extra damage inflicted on the target before a turret would even start turning to point at the target, let alone start shooting.

[gbjbaanb]

If you press F1 (IIRC) you can change your view to the turrets, and fire off those PPCs while the poor AI targeting computer wakes up.

[Free Trade Inn]

Cheers guys I might buy one this week.

FTI