The video reviews the Drake Herald in the Star Citizen 4.1.1 PTU update, highlighting its transformation into a missile boat with an increased capacity of eighteen size two missiles while maintaining its original data runner functionality. Despite its speed and missile capabilities, the ship’s fragility and high infrared signature make it vulnerable in combat, necessitating strategic play and support during engagements.
In the video, the presenter introduces the Drake Herald ship in the 4.1.1 PTU update of Star Citizen, highlighting its transformation into a formidable missile boat. The missile count has significantly increased from six size one missiles to an impressive eighteen size two missiles, making it the fastest missile boat in the game. Despite this enhancement, the ship retains its core function as a data runner, with its computer systems remaining intact while only the missile ports have been upgraded.
The Drake Herald is described as a small, armored ship measuring 23.5 meters in length, 12.5 meters in width, and 9 meters in height, weighing 62,250 kg. However, it is noted for its fragility, possessing a total health of only 6,500 hit points, with critical components located in the body and tail. The ship’s speed is a key feature, with a standard cruise speed of 240 m/s, a boosted speed of up to 600 m/s, and a maximum navigation speed of 1,400 m/s. Despite not being the fastest ship in the game, its speed helps to mitigate its vulnerability in combat.
The video also discusses the ship’s stealth capabilities, revealing that while it has low cross-section signatures, its infrared signature remains high, making it less effective as a stealth vessel. The Herald is equipped with various stealth components, including size one stealth shields, coolers, and a power plant, but these do not significantly lower its IR signature. The ship has three weapon hard points and a total of eighteen size two missiles, strategically positioned for accurate targeting.
The presenter provides a walkthrough of the ship’s interior, showcasing the cockpit, weapon rack, and living quarters, including a small bathroom and storage space. The Drake Herald can fit into larger ships like the A90 Jump, Polaris, and Idris, although its height poses some challenges in terms of clearance. The video emphasizes the Herald’s design for data running, while also highlighting its new capabilities as a missile platform.
Finally, the video features testing of the missiles in combat scenarios against various targets, including an Arrow and a Hornet. The presenter demonstrates the effectiveness of the missiles, successfully destroying targets but also facing challenges due to the ship’s fragility in dogfighting situations. Despite its impressive missile capabilities, the Drake Herald struggles in direct combat, emphasizing the need for strategic play and support during engagements.