The Drake Cutlass Red is a versatile and affordable medium-sized medical rescue ship in Star Citizen patch 4.3.1, offering solid healing capabilities with tier 3 medical beds, moderate firepower, and functional design features like easy patient loading and EVA airlocks. While not the fastest or most heavily armed, it provides reliable performance and value for players seeking an effective medical ship without the premium price, earning a 90/100 rating from the reviewer.
The video presents a detailed review of the Drake Cutlass Red, a medium-sized medical rescue ship in Star Citizen, focusing on its current features and performance as of patch 4.3.1. The host, Even Lee, highlights that the ship serves primarily as a rescue vessel equipped with medical beds capable of healing tier three injuries and allowing respawns within a 50 km radius. Priced at $135 on the pledge store or approximately 2.85 million AUBC in-game, the Cutlass Red is positioned as an affordable and practical medical ship option compared to more expensive alternatives like the Trauma Turtle or Apollo.
The Cutlass Red’s firepower consists of two size 3 Mantis GT220 ballistic guns and two size 3 CS37 Panther energy weapons, delivering a combined burst damage of 215 DPS. The reviewer suggests replacing the ballistic weapons with more Panthers for consistent damage output. Notably, the ship lacks missile armaments and turret firepower, placing the burden of defense solely on the pilot. Its single size 2 shield generator provides a modest 5,760 shield strength, which, combined with a total hull HP of 34,520 and critical component vulnerabilities, makes the ship somewhat fragile in combat situations.
In terms of maneuverability and speed, the Cutlass Red is average but not competitive against faster light or medium fighters. It has a top SCM speed of 212 m/s with a 460 m/s forward boost and a top quantum travel speed of 1,125 m/s. The handling characteristics show relatively low pitch, yaw, and roll rates, indicating limited agility. Defensive countermeasures include 48 flares and five decoys, which are standard but limited, meaning once these are depleted, the ship becomes vulnerable to missile attacks.
The ship’s interior design is functional and user-friendly, with a rear ramp serving as the primary ground entrance that facilitates easy loading and unloading of medical gurneys. It offers 12 SCU of cargo space and features two tier 3 medical beds for patient treatment, along with additional beds for crew members. The presence of two EVA airlocks allows for flexible ingress and egress, and the ship includes amenities like a bathroom, which is somewhat unique for Drake ships. The cockpit provides decent visibility despite some obstructive A-pillars, with multiple MFDs and a radar screen to assist in navigation and situational awareness.
Overall, the Drake Cutlass Red is praised as a solid, versatile medical ship that balances healing capability, moderate firepower, and reasonable maneuverability at an accessible price point. While it is not the best in any single category, it performs reliably within its role as a rescue vessel, making it a great option for players seeking an effective medical ship without the high cost of premium models. The reviewer rates it 90 out of 100, emphasizing its value and utility in typical operational scenarios where medical support is needed.