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{{quote|Most pilots start their careers in the Sidewinder. It is a classic ship design that has been in use (in various configurations) since 2982. Its original design was as a light support ship and it lacked jump capability. Modern compact drives have enabled jump-capable versions to be created, making this a useful all rounder. Some navies still use these ships as fighters and patrol craft.|In-Game Description}}
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{{quote|The Sidewinder is a multipurpose ship manufactured by Faulcon DeLacy. Its versatility and comparatively low price point have made it popular with novice pilots, but the Sidewinder's reputation as an entry-level vessel should not be seen as a sign of inferiority - it is one of the most manoeuvrable ships on the market. |In-Game Description}}
The '''Sidewinder MkI''' is a [[Ships|ship]] manufactured by [[Faulcon DeLacy]] that utilizes the [[DeLacy Spin Ionic MV]]. A small, inexpensive ship designed to tackle a variety of roles, such as [[Trader|light transport]] and [[combat]], the Sidewinder is often the first ship that a newly-registered [[Pilots Federation]] pilot will fly and own. Its dependability, manoeuvrability, and versatility combine to make it an excellent choice for both green and experienced pilots alike.<ref>http://elite-dangerous.wikia.com/wiki/File:Sidewinder_MkI_Blueprint.png</ref>
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The '''Sidewinder MkI''' is a [[Ships|ship]] manufactured by [[Faulcon DeLacy]]. The Sidewinder was originally released in 2982 as a light support ship and lacked any jump capability until the advent of the [[Frame Shift Drive]], which was compact enough to allow jump-capable versions to be produced. As a small, inexpensive vessel designed to tackle a variety of roles, including [[Trader|light transport]] and [[combat]], the Sidewinder is often the first ship that a newly-registered [[Pilots Federation]] pilot will fly and own. Its dependability, versatility, and agility combine to make it a useful all-rounder and an excellent choice for green and experienced pilots alike. Some [[independent]] navies still use the Sidewinder as fighters and patrol craft, and it is also one of the four vessels permitted in the [[CQC Championship]].<ref>[http://elite-dangerous.wikia.com/wiki/File:Sidewinder_MkI_Blueprint.png Sidewinder MkI Blueprint]</ref><ref>[https://external-preview.redd.it/2-788XSoonvLU02erelKNABO5i4fQVSSHa4a9EIK-50.jpg?auto=webp&s=44bbd82aebd607fe30f9d91135c2550e88c51483 Sidewinder MkI In-Game Description (pre-September Update)]</ref>
   
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
The Sidewinder MkI is a low-cost starter craft given to newly-licensed pilots. At any time that a pilot loses their current ship, they can elect to accept a Sidewinder on loan from the [[Pilots Federation]] if they are unable to afford a replacement for the destroyed ship or do not want a replacement.
+
The Sidewinder MkI is a low-cost starter craft given to newly-licensed pilots. In the event that a pilot loses their current ship, they can elect to accept a Sidewinder on loan from the [[Pilots Federation]] if they are unable to afford a replacement for the destroyed ship or do not want a replacement.
   
Although the Sidewinder is cheap, it is not harmless; it is among the top when it comes to manoeuvrability compared to other [[ships]]. In particular, it can out-turn most other ships, being topped in that category only by the [[Eagle MkII]], [[Vulture]], and [[Imperial Courier]], and has solid lateral thrust. It is, however, one of the slowest-moving and weakest-hulled ships available. Only the [[Anaconda]] and certain dedicated trading ships have slower maximum speeds, and only the Eagle MkII has a weaker hull.
+
Although the Sidewinder is cheap, it is not harmless, and is one of the most agile ships available. In particular, it can out-turn most other ships, being topped in that category only by the [[Eagle MkII]], [[Vulture]], and [[Imperial Courier]], and has solid lateral thrust. It is, however, one of the slowest-moving and weakest-hulled ships available. Only the [[Anaconda]] and certain dedicated trading ships have slower maximum speeds, and only the Eagle MkII has a weaker hull.
   
The Sidewinder is therefore an acceptable ship in combat, but lacks firepower. When flying one, using its excellent turning to lock opponents into circling matches, and burning away opposite of the enemy to escape are advised tactics. When fighting a Sidewinder, keep it at range and lay down heavy fire if the current ship can't outmanoeuvre it, and it should be destroyed quickly; with a ship that can keep up with its turning, close in and blast away, making sure to stay away from its front. While it has terrible damage output, it still beats out Hauler for damage and is better than [[Type-6 Transporter]] and [[Dolphin]] in combat, due to superior mobility and cheaper price.
+
The Sidewinder is therefore an acceptable ship in [[combat]], but lacks firepower. When flying one, using its excellent turning to lock opponents into circling matches, and burning away opposite of the enemy to escape are advised tactics. When fighting a Sidewinder, keep it at range and lay down heavy fire if the current ship cannot outmanoeuvre it, and it should be destroyed quickly; with a ship that can keep up with its turning, close in and blast away, making sure to stay away from its front. While it has terrible damage output, it still beats out Hauler for damage and is better than [[Type-6 Transporter]] and [[Dolphin]] in combat, due to superior mobility and cheaper price.
   
As a Trader the Sidewinder is the least useful ship in the role. With a cargo capacity of only 12T its rare to find missions that even allow such small cargo transfer. Therefore it is advisable to make profit with data delivery missions instead until either [[Hauler]] or [[Adder]] become options. The same applies to its role as a [[miner]].
+
As a [[trader]], the Sidewinder is has the worst performance of all ships. With a cargo capacity of only 12T its rare to find missions that even allow such small cargo transfer. Therefore it is advisable to make profit with data delivery missions instead until either [[Hauler]] or [[Adder]] become options. The same applies to its role as a [[miner]].
   
With 24.5Ly of potential jump range without engineering the Sidewinder is not a terrible option for exploration and can be a good introduction to the role before [[Hauler]] becomes an option. It surprisingly beats out several high tier ships like [[Fer-de-Lance]] and [[Type-9]] because of this.
+
With approximately 24ly of potential jump range before engineering, the Sidewinder is not a terrible option for exploration and can be a good introduction to the role before the Hauler becomes an option. It surpasses several high-tier ships such as the [[Fer-de-Lance]] and [[Type-9 Heavy]] in the role because of this, but as pilots earn more credits, they should look to better ships than the Sidewinder to serve as a dedicated exploration vessel.
   
Overall the Sidewinder is the very first ship pilots fly and it fits that role perfectly; it is functional in most roles but is one of the worst ships usable in each individual role. The Sidewinder lets pilots come to grips with what exactly they want to do to earn credits, then whether to buy [[Eagle]] or [[Hauler]] (or whether to skip the [[Hauler]] and go straight to the [[Adder]]) being the first decision most pilots take. In late game the Sidewinder really only has one practical application as a kamikaze ship where you aren't expecting or wanting to escape something alive due to its very cheap rebuy, and was commonly used to clear bounties prior to changes in Beyond Chapter 1. It is also commonly used for griefing purposes near starports.
+
Overall, the Sidewinder fulfills its purpose as a starter ship perfectly. It is capable in most roles, but is one of the worst choices in each individual role, even when specialised for them. The Sidewinder lets pilots come to grips with what exactly they want to do to earn credits before upgrading to something better, though experienced and wealthy pilots may enjoy keeping one on hand for joyriding.
   
  +
[[File:Convergence sidewinder.png|thumb|250px|Sidewinder hardpoint convergence]]
The weapon hardpoints are located as follows: 2 small hardpoints in front of cockpit on upper surface of ship.
 
  +
The Sidewinder's two Class 1 hardpoints are located in front of and just below the cockpit, on the ship's frontal surface. The cockpit itself has only a single pilot seat, and the Sidewinder cannot utilise [[Multicrew]].
 
The Sidewinder MkI has an available 16 piece cosmetic ship kit that can be purchased from the [https://www.frontierstore.net Frontier store] which allows you to "remodel your ship in your personal style". The ship kit does not affect gameplay.
 
 
== Lore ==
 
The official [https://d1wv0x2frmpnh.cloudfront.net/elite/website/assets/English-PlayersGuide_v2.20-TheGuardians.pdf Elite Dangerous Player's Guide] explains the lore behind why players start with a loaned Sidewinder:
 
 
Every player starts as a new member of the [[Pilots Federation]]. After being notified of your successful membership a secret benefactor has a transmission delivered to you with a secure code. It gives you access to a starship account that's preconfigured with your credentials. This is how you gain an indefinitely loaned and insured Sidewinder.<ref>https://d1wv0x2frmpnh.cloudfront.net/elite/website/assets/English-PlayersGuide_v2.20-TheGuardians.pdf</ref>
 
 
Behind this windfall is a secret organisation which seeks those with the potential to become real movers and shakers who can mould and shape the [[galaxy]]. This gift is a test so they can see whether you have those qualities.
 
   
 
== Purchase Locations ==
 
== Purchase Locations ==
The Sidewinder can be purchased at nearly any shipyard.
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The Sidewinder is the cheapest and most common ship on the market. It can be purchased at the vast majority of shipyards, and is the only ship available at [[Detention Centre]]s.
   
 
==Outfitting==
 
==Outfitting==
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*''[x#] = Capacity''
 
*''[x#] = Capacity''
 
*''(H) = Requires [[Elite Dangerous: Horizons]], reserved solely for [[Planetary Approach Suite]]''
 
*''(H) = Requires [[Elite Dangerous: Horizons]], reserved solely for [[Planetary Approach Suite]]''
  +
 
== Notes ==
  +
*The Sidewinder MkI is equipped with a [[DeLacy Spin Ionic MV]].
 
*The official [https://d1wv0x2frmpnh.cloudfront.net/elite/website/assets/English-PlayersGuide_v2.20-TheGuardians.pdf Elite Dangerous Player's Guide] explains the lore behind why players start with a loaned Sidewinder: ''"Every player starts as a new member of the [[Pilots Federation]]. After being notified of your successful membership a secret benefactor has a transmission delivered to you with a secure code. It gives you access to a starship account that's preconfigured with your credentials. This is how you gain an indefinitely loaned and insured Sidewinder. Behind this windfall is a secret organisation which seeks those with the potential to become real movers and shakers who can mould and shape the [[galaxy]]. This gift is a test so they can see whether you have those qualities."''<ref>[https://d1wv0x2frmpnh.cloudfront.net/elite/website/assets/English-PlayersGuide_v2.20-TheGuardians.pdf Elite Dangerous Player's Guide (2.2 - The Guardians)]</ref>
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
* The Sidewinder MkI length (14.9 m) is similar to a General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon (15.06 m).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nDYYYqrhp4 Elite ship scale 3.0]</ref>
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*The Sidewinder MkI length (14.9 m) is similar to a General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon (15.06 m).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nDYYYqrhp4 Elite ship scale 3.0]</ref>
* Larger ships such as Anaconda are capable of carrying a Sidewinder in-universe but this is currently not possible in-game.
+
*Larger ships such as Anaconda are capable of carrying a Sidewinder in-universe but this is currently not possible in-game.
  +
*On December 16, 2019, it was reported that the longest total distance travelled by a single Sidewinder was 167,277 LY, a feat accomplished by CMDR RinceWindCymru.<ref name="5th">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/celebrating-5-years-of-elite-dangerous.533151/ Frontier Forums: Celebrating 5 years of Elite Dangerous!]</ref>
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
   
 
==Videos==
 
==Videos==
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File:Introducing_Sidewinder_in_%22Need_for_Speed%22_style_-_Elite_Dangerous_Short_cinematic
 
File:Introducing_Sidewinder_in_%22Need_for_Speed%22_style_-_Elite_Dangerous_Short_cinematic
 
File:Elite_Dangerous_Sidewinder_Mk1_-_Spacedock
 
File:Elite_Dangerous_Sidewinder_Mk1_-_Spacedock
File:Elite_Dangerous_-_Sidewinder_Interiors_Boxed_Edition
 
File:Modularity_ED_Sidewinder_Edition
 
 
File:Day_One_An_Elite_Dangerous_Story_-_CTRL_%2B_ALT_%2B_SPACE
 
File:Day_One_An_Elite_Dangerous_Story_-_CTRL_%2B_ALT_%2B_SPACE
 
File:The Sidewinder Elite Dangerous
 
File:The Sidewinder Elite Dangerous
  +
File:Elite_Dangerous_-_MechanicMan%27s_ship_inspections_and_maintenance_-_Sidewinder
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
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Sidewinder-MkI-mining.png|Sidewinder MkI mining
 
Sidewinder-MkI-mining.png|Sidewinder MkI mining
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  +
 
== References ==
 
<references />
   
 
{{ShipNavbox}}
 
{{ShipNavbox}}
  +
{{ShipTypeNavbox}}
 
 
[[ru:Sidewinder MkI]]
 
[[ru:Sidewinder MkI]]
[[Category:Multipurpose]]
 
 
[[Category:Faulcon DeLacy]]
 
[[Category:Faulcon DeLacy]]
[[Category:Pilotable]]
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[[Category:Multipurpose Ships]]

Revision as of 03:17, 2 June 2020

The Sidewinder is a multipurpose ship manufactured by Faulcon DeLacy. Its versatility and comparatively low price point have made it popular with novice pilots, but the Sidewinder's reputation as an entry-level vessel should not be seen as a sign of inferiority - it is one of the most manoeuvrable ships on the market.

— In-Game Description

The Sidewinder MkI is a ship manufactured by Faulcon DeLacy. The Sidewinder was originally released in 2982 as a light support ship and lacked any jump capability until the advent of the Frame Shift Drive, which was compact enough to allow jump-capable versions to be produced. As a small, inexpensive vessel designed to tackle a variety of roles, including light transport and combat, the Sidewinder is often the first ship that a newly-registered Pilots Federation pilot will fly and own. Its dependability, versatility, and agility combine to make it a useful all-rounder and an excellent choice for green and experienced pilots alike. Some independent navies still use the Sidewinder as fighters and patrol craft, and it is also one of the four vessels permitted in the CQC Championship.[1][2]

Overview

The Sidewinder MkI is a low-cost starter craft given to newly-licensed pilots. In the event that a pilot loses their current ship, they can elect to accept a Sidewinder on loan from the Pilots Federation if they are unable to afford a replacement for the destroyed ship or do not want a replacement.

Although the Sidewinder is cheap, it is not harmless, and is one of the most agile ships available. In particular, it can out-turn most other ships, being topped in that category only by the Eagle MkII, Vulture, and Imperial Courier, and has solid lateral thrust. It is, however, one of the slowest-moving and weakest-hulled ships available. Only the Anaconda and certain dedicated trading ships have slower maximum speeds, and only the Eagle MkII has a weaker hull.

The Sidewinder is therefore an acceptable ship in combat, but lacks firepower. When flying one, using its excellent turning to lock opponents into circling matches, and burning away opposite of the enemy to escape are advised tactics. When fighting a Sidewinder, keep it at range and lay down heavy fire if the current ship cannot outmanoeuvre it, and it should be destroyed quickly; with a ship that can keep up with its turning, close in and blast away, making sure to stay away from its front. While it has terrible damage output, it still beats out Hauler for damage and is better than Type-6 Transporter and Dolphin in combat, due to superior mobility and cheaper price.

As a trader, the Sidewinder is has the worst performance of all ships. With a cargo capacity of only 12T its rare to find missions that even allow such small cargo transfer. Therefore it is advisable to make profit with data delivery missions instead until either Hauler or Adder become options. The same applies to its role as a miner.

With approximately 24ly of potential jump range before engineering, the Sidewinder is not a terrible option for exploration and can be a good introduction to the role before the Hauler becomes an option. It surpasses several high-tier ships such as the Fer-de-Lance and Type-9 Heavy in the role because of this, but as pilots earn more credits, they should look to better ships than the Sidewinder to serve as a dedicated exploration vessel.

Overall, the Sidewinder fulfills its purpose as a starter ship perfectly. It is capable in most roles, but is one of the worst choices in each individual role, even when specialised for them. The Sidewinder lets pilots come to grips with what exactly they want to do to earn credits before upgrading to something better, though experienced and wealthy pilots may enjoy keeping one on hand for joyriding.

Convergence sidewinder

Sidewinder hardpoint convergence

The Sidewinder's two Class 1 hardpoints are located in front of and just below the cockpit, on the ship's frontal surface. The cockpit itself has only a single pilot seat, and the Sidewinder cannot utilise Multicrew.

Purchase Locations

The Sidewinder is the cheapest and most common ship on the market. It can be purchased at the vast majority of shipyards, and is the only ship available at Detention Centres.

Outfitting

Main article: Outfitting

All ships are highly customisable through the Outfitting menu of Station Services. Listed below is the default load-out for the Sidewinder MkI.

Category Default System Default Rating Default Class Max Class
Small Hardpoint Pulse Laser (L) G 1 1
Pulse Laser (L) G 1 1
Utility Mount Empty -- -- 0
Empty -- -- 0
Bulkheads Lightweight Alloys I 1 8
Reactor Bay Power Plant (L) E 2 2
Thrusters Mounting Thrusters (L) E 2 2
Frame Shift Drive Housing Frame Shift Drive (L) E 2 2
Environment Control Life Support (L) E 1 1
Power Coupling Power Distributor (L) E 1 1
Sensor Suite Sensors (L) E 1 1
Fuel Store Fuel Tank [x2] C 1 1
Internal Compartments Shield Generator (L) E 2 2
Cargo Rack [x4] (L) E 2 2
Empty -- -- 1
Empty -- -- 1
Advanced Docking Computer E 1 1
Supercruise Assist E 1 1
Planetary Approach Suite (H) I 1 1

Notes

  • The Sidewinder MkI is equipped with a DeLacy Spin Ionic MV.
  • The official Elite Dangerous Player's Guide explains the lore behind why players start with a loaned Sidewinder: "Every player starts as a new member of the Pilots Federation. After being notified of your successful membership a secret benefactor has a transmission delivered to you with a secure code. It gives you access to a starship account that's preconfigured with your credentials. This is how you gain an indefinitely loaned and insured Sidewinder. Behind this windfall is a secret organisation which seeks those with the potential to become real movers and shakers who can mould and shape the galaxy. This gift is a test so they can see whether you have those qualities."[3]

Trivia

  • The Sidewinder MkI length (14.9 m) is similar to a General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon (15.06 m).[4]
  • Larger ships such as Anaconda are capable of carrying a Sidewinder in-universe but this is currently not possible in-game.
  • On December 16, 2019, it was reported that the longest total distance travelled by a single Sidewinder was 167,277 LY, a feat accomplished by CMDR RinceWindCymru.[5]

Videos

Gallery

References