I'm curious about the YV-560. It is categorized as a "medium-sized long-range exploration ship", but I have not run a campaign with galactic exploration as a defining feature (though this may change), and I am a little uncertain about how such a theme would play out in a ship-based setting (as I presume any exploration campaign would).

By fluff alone, the 560 sounds like an ideal candidate for such a venture:

• structurally reinforced hulls and defined compartmentalization (no material benefit but sounds neat)
• sturdy hulls (reflected in the 3 armor)
• "two powerful sensor booms" (presumably shown in the "Long" sensor range)
• "contains a powerful scientific computer designed to aid explorers in scientific pursuits"
• "equipped with a powerful, high-definition, precision planetary-scanning array that allows it to survey a new planet from orbit"
• Eight months of consumables

The drawback, as a freighter, is obvious:

• Encumbrance Capacity: 80

The ship also gets a nice (though not spectacular) System Strain rating of 20, and a 0 (zero) handling score, which isn't bad for a ship of its type.

Now, I'm struggling to figure out, from a mechanical perspective, the benefits to such a ship. It's got a pretty bad encumbrance capacity -- basically, a half-dozen crates of something-or-other. While the scanning range is long, there's little material benefit other than the raw range of "Scan the Enemy" (which is an additional action) -- which, while nice, I have never seen anybody take.

I'm wondering if it isn't reasonable to house-rule some changes to this vessel to make it more attractive, should it become available. I'm thinking specifically about turning the 560 into a kind of makeshift EWAR/surveillance vehicle, in line with the descriptions of the equipment above.

• All "Scan the Enemy" Perception checks (3P) in a YV-560 receive an additional, single boost die
• All "Slice Enemy's Systems" Computers checks (3P) in a YV-560 receive an additional, single boost die
• All Planetary scans using this ship, up to Long range, receive an additional, single boost die. Furthermore, with successful checks, such scans are able to provide real-time, high-definition and multi-spectrum imaging of planetary surfaces/phenomena, including objects no smaller than half a metre in length.

Along these lines, I'd also suggest that the perfect hardpoint upgrade to the ship would be the Electronic Countermeasures Suite.

I'd considered adding "Jamming" to the list as well, but figured I'd stick with the Scanning and Computers focus of the ship as described. I also wanted to leave Astrogation out of this, as that seems to be a separate matter from the "scanning/sensor" focus of the ship. I'd also avoided suggestions to boost targeting, because this is emphatically NOT a frontline combat ship.

What do people think? Am I totally off-base here or does this sound reasonable?

The YV-560 is probably my favorite ship in all the RPG line! I love the look and fluff about it! My party grabbed it while I was running, and honestly, we didn't really utilize it. But I love the little extras!

If I wanted an exploration ship I would go for the E-9 Explorer from Enter the Unknown. A gorgeous, unique ship that's well-armed (Armor 4 and 2 medium dual laser turrets) and designed for crew comfort. And it gives bonuses to Mechanics checks. It has even less encumbrance but if you're looking for something to haul cargo around in, this is the wrong class of ship for you.

If I wanted an exploration ship I would go for the E-9 Explorer from Enter the Unknown. A gorgeous, unique ship that's well-armed (Armor 4 and 2 medium dual laser turrets) and designed for crew comfort. And it gives bonuses to Mechanics checks. It has even less encumbrance but if you're looking for something to haul cargo around in, this is the wrong class of ship for you.

This is a good suggestion. It still begs the question about why either boat is good at exploration. But this is a good option.

This is a good suggestion. It still begs the question about why either boat is good at exploration. But this is a good option.

It has a Class 1 Hyperdrive, so it moves around the galaxy quickly. It is designed to be comfortable (roomy cabins, good amenities) so a crew can stay in it for long periods of time without begging to get out somewhere (having lots of consumables helps too). In theory, longer range scanners can pick up an interesting item from farther away in passive mode, and in active scanning mode you don't have to come too close to get info on it. Being well-armed is good when you're far from anyone who can respond to a distress signal. I think that's how they justify calling it an "exploration" craft. The YV-560 has many of those same advantages.

When our original ship was stolen and we made enough to buy a new ship I really wanted an Explorer, because to be honest our crew doesn't really haul much cargo and having a comfy, well-armed ship made more sense. But we got our original ship back (a YT-2000) so instead that money will go toward upgrades and probably retrofitting some cargo space into a medical bay and workshop. Ultimately I'm glad we have our old ship because it's our home and it has sentimental value.

(Also I got a YT-2000 mini done by Shapeways and I painted it as a visual aid for our game, so I'm committed to it now!)

I believe the entire sensors/comms explanations are broken in RAW. To clarify, they work, but it leads to some very unrealistic stuff that I personally can't suspend by disbelief about. House ruling a new sensors and comms system (see Signals Intel in my signature) allows for more realistic exploration vessels. If someone is actually going to do an exploration themed game the sensors and comms must be house ruled, imho.

I believe the entire sensors/comms explanations are broken in RAW. To clarify, they work, but it leads to some very unrealistic stuff that I personally can't suspend by disbelief about. House ruling a new sensors and comms system (see Signals Intel in my signature) allows for more realistic exploration vessels. If someone is actually going to do an exploration themed game the sensors and comms must be house ruled, imho.

Just the sensors and comms?

I believe the entire sensors/comms explanations are broken in RAW. To clarify, they work, but it leads to some very unrealistic stuff that I personally can't suspend by disbelief about. House ruling a new sensors and comms system (see Signals Intel in my signature) allows for more realistic exploration vessels. If someone is actually going to do an exploration themed game the sensors and comms must be house ruled, imho.

Just the sensors and comms?

Yes.

If I wanted an exploration ship I would go for the E-9 Explorer from Enter the Unknown. A gorgeous, unique ship that's well-armed (Armor 4 and 2 medium dual laser turrets) and designed for crew comfort. And it gives bonuses to Mechanics checks. It has even less encumbrance but if you're looking for something to haul cargo around in, this is the wrong class of ship for you.

FYI, I updated the graphic used for the page at http://swrpg.viluppo.net/transportation/starships/469/

This should look a lot better now.

If you don't mind using a ® ship, the Skywatcher-class Scout is a even more attractive than the E-9 Explorer. It might be a good alternative to a Lambda shuttle in an AoR game as the ship for a SpecOps team.

If you don't mind using a ® ship, the Skywatcher-class Scout is a even more attractive than the E-9 Explorer. It might be a good alternative to a Lambda shuttle in an AoR game as the ship for a SpecOps team.

Interesting suggestion -- hadn't even considered that one. That's the one from BtR, yes?

If you don't mind using a ® ship, the Skywatcher-class Scout is a even more attractive than the E-9 Explorer. It might be a good alternative to a Lambda shuttle in an AoR game as the ship for a SpecOps team.

Interesting suggestion -- hadn't even considered that one. That's the one from BtR, yes?

Yep. Pretty much the E-9 but it can carry far more people (and a dozen droids) but only 50 EC (compared to 60). Handling is better (0 instead of -1), it has twice the Consumables (one full year between resupplying!), and starting SST is 18 (compared to 14). Sure, you lose one hard point to get all this, but I think it's well worth it. My players used one of these for a short-lived bounty hunting campaign and they loved it.

My PCs had an E-9 before it got blown up on Tallan (Tapani Freeworlds region)... by czerka, now they are flying a consular class cruiser