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 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
The Sidewinder MkI, built by Faulcon DeLacy, is a superb multipurpose ship suitable for any role. It is inexpensive and can be used for light transport and combat duties. Most pilots begin their career in a Sidewinder.
Its manoeuvrability makes it an excellent choice for both green and experienced pilots. The Sidewinder is a dependable vessel that will get you where you need to go, safe and sound.[1]
Uses the DeLacy Spin Ionic MV.
Overview
The Sidewinder is the default craft offered throughout the game. The player starts in one, and if at any time their ship is destroyed they can get a free Sidewinder (lended by Pilots Federation) if they can't or don't want to replace their previous ship. New players who still struggle with learning the game, may find themselves flying in a Sidewinder for a longer time or going back to it often.
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, Vulture, and Imperial Courier, and has solid lateral thrust.
It is, however, one of the slowest-moving and weakest-hulled ships in the game; only the Anaconda and certain pure trade ships have slower maximum speeds, and only the Eagle has a weaker hull (but makes up for it with stronger shields.)
The Sidewinder is therefore an acceptable ship in a (figurative) knife-fight, 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.
The weapon hardpoints are located as follows: 2 small hardpoints in front of cockpit on upper surface of ship.
The Sidewinder MkI has an available 16 piece cosmetic ship kit that can be purchased from the Frontier store which allows you to "remodel your ship in your personal style". The ship kit does not affect gameplay.
Lore
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.[2]
Behind this windfall is a secret organization which seeks those with the potential to become real movers and shakers who can mold and shape the galaxy. This gift is a test so they can see whether you have those qualities.
Purchase Locations
The Sidewinder can be purchased at nearly any shipyard.
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 | |
| BDS (L) | E | 1 | 1 |
- (L) = Loaned
- [x#] = Capacity
- BDS = Basic Discovery Scanner
References
Gallery
| Playable |
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| NPC-only |
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| Lore & Concepts |
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| Ships marked with H can only be purchased and operated by players who pre-ordered Horizons. | |||||||||||||||||||||