The Drake Ironclad and Ironclad Assault are new armored freighters from Drake in Star Citizen, with the former being a heavily armored deep space freighter with 1,536 SCU of cargo space and strong defensive capabilities, while the latter is a military combat variant designed for carrying heavy vehicles and infantry, featuring a full-service garage and multiple turrets for offensive capabilities. Both ships offer players the choice between secure cargo transport and military support roles, catering to different playstyles and providing unique gameplay opportunities in the game.
The Drake Ironclad and Ironclad Assault are new armored freighters from Drake, currently in concept with no release date confirmed yet. The Ironclad is described as the ultimate deep space freighter, heavily armored and built to safeguard valuable assets across the dangerous expanse of the verse. It features 1,536 SCU of cargo space, heavy armor, state-of-the-art installations, and a retractable roof for easy loading and unloading. The ship also includes a habitation area, engineering section, and a command bridge overlooking the cargo area. Additionally, it has quad missile launchers, six turrets, and three tractor beams for operational needs.
Comparing the Ironclad to other cargo ships, it stands out as a significant step up from basic cargo ships like the Hull A or Hull B, offering more cargo space and better defense capabilities. The Ironclad is suitable for players looking to operate in dangerous areas or needing a more secure transport option. On the other hand, the Ironclad Assault is a military combat variant designed for carrying heavy vehicles and infantry. It features a full-service garage for vehicle maintenance and fabrication, as well as additional turrets for air support and offensive capabilities.
The Ironclad Assault can transport up to four full-sized armored vehicles and is equipped with multiple turrets, including a size five man turret, two size three remote turrets, and more. It has a fortified ramp for vehicle deployment, jump seats for Marines, and a service area for refueling, rearming, and component fabrication. The ship offers a self-sufficient solution for ground operations and can be compared to other drop ships and carriers like the Anvil Liberator. With its large size and robust features, the Ironclad Assault is a versatile option for players interested in military operations.
Both the Ironclad and Ironclad Assault have a central control tower for overseeing cargo or vehicle operations, though the specific control breakdown is not fully detailed. The Ironclad Assault sacrifices some cargo space compared to the standard Ironclad but gains additional offensive capabilities and a focus on ground vehicle deployment. The ships are expected to offer players a choice between secure cargo transport and military support roles, depending on their gameplay preferences. Overall, the Ironclad series presents an exciting addition to Star Citizen’s ship lineup, catering to different playstyles and offering unique gameplay opportunities.
