Shuttles so far have not had an important part within the game. Only the Runabout is playable at this time, and there isn't anything useful you can do with it. The devs have mentioned the possibility of Runabout only PvP, but this is just one step in the right direction IMO. Here is my suggestion for a detailed shuttle system.
Goal
A system with multiple shuttle types that you can fly on shuttle exclusive missions.
Shuttle Tiers
Tier 1
Class F shuttlecraftType-15 shuttlepod
Suggested Stats
HP: 2500
Boff Slots: 1 Universal Ensign
Weapons Slots: 1 Fore
Tier 2
Type-18 ShuttlepodType-6 shuttlecraftType-7 Shuttlecraft
Suggested Stats
HP: 3500
Boff Slots: 2 Universal Ensign
Weapons Slots: 2 Fore
Tier 3
Type-8 shuttlecraftType 9 ShuttlecraftType-10 Shuttlecraft
Suggested Stats
HP: 4250
Boff Slots: 3 Universal Ensign
Weapons Slots: 2 Fore
Tier 4
Danube ClassAeroshuttle
Suggested Stats
HP: 5000
Boff Slots: 2 Universal Ensign, 1 Universal Lieutenant
Weapons Slots: 3 Fore
Tier 5
Type-11 ShuttlecraftDelta FlyerFederation Mission ScoutshipFederation Attack Fighter
Suggested Stats
HP: 7500
Boff Slots: 3 Universal Lieutenant
Weapons Slots: 3 Fore
Shuttle Missions
Shuttles were a crucial part of Star Trek. They were seen in many episodes, doing surveys, gathering fuel, and they were of course used as landing craft. However, shuttles have no function in STO. That is why I propose shuttle based missions. These missions would work like normal missions, except you would pilot a shuttle and fight similarly powered enemies (shuttles and fighters).
Shuttlebay
In order to easily switch to shuttles without traveling to space dock (like you currently have to for the Runabout), a shuttlebay interior would need to be added. Different sized shuttlebay variants would need to be made, based on the type of ship you are flying. A small bay for Escorts, a medium bay for Science Vessels, and a large bay for Cruisers. You would only be able to carry a certain number of types of shuttles on your ship, dependent upon the size of the shuttlebay. For instance:
- Small Escort (Defiant, Saber, etc.) = 1 shuttles
- Large Escort (Akira, Prometheus, etc.)= 2 shuttles
- Small Science Vessel (Nova. etc.) = 2 shuttles
- Medium Science (Intrepid, Olympic, etc.) = 3 shuttles
- Large Science (Destiny, Luna, etc.) = 4 shuttles
- Small Cruiser (Constitution, etc.) = 3 shuttles
- Medium Cruiser (Cheyenne, etc.) = 4 shuttles
- Large Cruiser (Galaxy, Sovereign) = 5 shuttles
You could switch out your shuttle load out at spacedock.
Comments
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sometime the large ship can't get thrue the debree or they cant beam down to the planet, thats where the shuttle comes in.
Example:
My ship is exploring the Arucanis Arm. For whatever reason, I decide I want to go to the Starbase at Sol. I launch my shuttle, and fly to Sol (possibly using Transwarp?). I do my business there and then relaunch. Now, instead of flying all the way back to the Arucanis Arm, I can warp directly to my ship.
Just an idea....
would be cool to see things from a shuttle perspective, and make all the enemy models ten times larger than they are now
it could be a story mission were you are trying to board a neg'var cruiser or plant bombs along a dominion battleship from your tiny shuttle and you get to see the enemy ships looking as massive as they really are
From a Canon point of view (well from the designers view really), I'm sure the Akira could of held more then that, its got a straight though Shuttlebay deck, always found it weird that the Akira is only a Tier 3 ship yet its on the same league in power as the Defiant (Referances: Akira, Defiant)
Sorry something thats bugged me in the game and I know game mechanics come first, but anyways I think its a great idea, would be something interesting if added.
PS I have a Del Taco Shuttle, but how the heck to I even deploy it?
You put in in an Equipment Slot. It's just an aesthetic Pet that takes up an Equipment Slot. We need REAL shuttles Cryptic!!!!!!
I agree, the Del Taco shuttle is cool, but it just makes me wish I had a use for my runabout. And it really makes me wish I could pilot a federation fighter for some missions.
Also, often in the episodes it was necessary to use a shuttle to get to planet surfaces as atmospheric interference caused problems with the transporters. Shuttle Exploration missions are a must. Make it so.
:cool:
That would be awesome. I also think Cryptic could implement a shuttle minigame of sorts.
Love your work, can I get you to check your PMs please. I would like to speak with you.
The class 2/Type 9 may be newer than the Runabout, but the Runabout is actually a ship class called the Danube. It is faster, larger, and better equipped than the Type 9. For instance:
Danube: Warp 5
Type 9: Warp 4
Danube: 4 phasers and a torpedo launcher
Type 9: Unspecified number of phaser arrays and no stock launcher (though it could be modified to have one)
I was just thinking about doing that actually. Let's have at it.
Yeah, definitely need some missions that involve using a shuttlecraft in a location with too high a pressure for larger ships.
Obviously, they could be used as landing craft for some missions where you can't use transporters due to interference, plasma storms, etc.
Maybe use it in a personal mission where you take some time off to do something and get attacked.