The MISC Hull B in Star Citizen is poised to become the leading medium-scale freighter by bridging the gap between small and large haulers with its substantial cargo capacity and unique external loading capabilities. While current design challenges exist, such as the top cargo arm’s practicality, proposed modifications could enhance its efficiency and solidify its role as the premier medium cargo ship in the game.
The MISC Hull series in Star Citizen is a range of modular freighters designed to cater to various scales of cargo hauling, from small solo traders to industrial-scale logistics operations. The smallest, the Hull A, is already flyable and serves as an entry-level hauler, while the larger Hull D and Hull E are still in development and aimed at heavy industrial use. The Hull B, currently entering pre-production, is set to bridge the gap between the small-scale Hull A and the larger freighters, offering medium-scale hauling capabilities that could make it the best medium hauler in the game if developed well.
The video highlights the Hull B’s potential by comparing it to its closest competitor, the Argo Raft, which is a popular medium hauler known for its external cargo grid that allows quick loading and unloading. Like the Raft, the Hull B is designed to carry cargo externally and can land with its cargo arms extended, a feature unique to the smaller Hull A and B in the series. This external loading capability provides efficiency advantages over ships that require docking at stations for cargo handling.
Originally, the Hull B was concepted with a cargo capacity of 385 SCU, which would significantly surpass the Raft’s 192 SCU, positioning it as a dominant medium hauler. However, the current design presents some challenges, particularly with the top cargo arm, which may be difficult to load without specialized equipment like a ship-mounted tractor beam. This setup might require a two-person crew for efficient operation, with one managing the tractor beam and the other handling cargo placement.
To address these issues, the video suggests a possible reconcept of the Hull B, including extending its length and relocating cargo arms from the top and bottom to the port and starboard sides. This redesign could increase cargo capacity and simplify loading operations by allowing cargo to be loaded from both sides without additional equipment. The potential size increase to around 90 meters would place it neatly between the Hull A and the larger Hull C, enhancing its role as a versatile medium hauler.
In conclusion, the Hull B holds great promise as a key medium freighter in Star Citizen’s cargo ecosystem, offering a unique niche between small and large-scale hauling. While there are design challenges to overcome, such as the practicality of the top cargo arm, thoughtful modifications could make it a highly effective and popular choice for traders. As it moves through pre-production, the community eagerly awaits how the final design will shape up and whether it will fulfill its potential as the king of medium cargo hauling in the verse.