The B980 Hauler is a compact, versatile ship designed for interplanetary flight and hauling tasks within the Space Engineers Economy 2 update. It features a large cargo container, multiple connectors, and a survival kit, making it suitable for carrying small vehicles and often adapted for mining purposes. Priced at around 16 million space credits, the B980 is a large grid vessel capable of navigating various planetary environments with a hybrid thrust system and basic life support for one or two engineers. This updated model is a direct replacement of the legacy B980, now enhanced with DLC blocks and a modernized design while retaining a similar layout and functionality.
The ship’s interior is surprisingly spacious for its size, measuring 40 meters long, 27.5 meters wide, and 13.75 meters tall, with a weight of 245 tons. It includes an airlock with a pressurization system, an armory, a cryopod, a toilet, a survival kit, a living area with natural lighting, and a bridge offering a 180-degree view. The B980’s design focuses on practicality, with all essential systems arranged along a long corridor and multiple control panels to manage airlocks and vents. Its propulsion setup includes a mix of hydrogen and atmospheric thrusters, allowing it to operate efficiently in different environments, including atmospheric flight without hydrogen thrusters.
Performance-wise, the B980 handles well but is somewhat sluggish except when moving upward and forward, which is typical for a hauler. It can carry around 200 tons from planetary surfaces to space if piloted carefully, especially using atmospheric thrusters. The ship excels in short-range hauling missions, particularly between atmospheric bodies, where its large atmospheric thrusters are most effective. However, it lacks long-range capability, bulk freighter capacity, and defensive systems, making it unsuitable for combat or extended missions in hostile areas.
Comparing the Economy 1 and Economy 2 versions, the newer B980 has received a visual and functional refresh with embedded flat atmospheric thrusters, a reduced hydrogen tank capacity, and the removal of certain features like the gravity generator, oxygen tanks, and parachute hatch. While these changes result in a roughly 25% lower price, the update is considered by the presenter as somewhat of a downgrade in terms of capability. The Economy 2 model benefits from DLC-enhanced interiors and atmospheric-only flight capability but loses some useful blocks and features present in the original.
The B980’s flexible design allows for extensive modifications, demonstrated by custom variants including a heavier space hauler with increased cargo and added turrets for defense, and a personnel transport variant with expanded interior space and extended range. Despite its limitations in range, defense, and capacity, the B980 is praised as a reliable, cost-effective short-range hauler ideal for frequent trips between planetary surfaces and orbital stations. It is recommended for players seeking a practical and visually appealing vessel for hauling basic cargo and components within friendly territories.
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