Drake Ironclad and Ironclad Assault Sale - Are they for YOU? Star Citizen ILW

[@RedJay]

Currently it appears that Drake Ironclad Assault does NOT have tractor beams and may not have retractable roof. On Spectrum right now there are a few threads asking about this so ideally CIG will respond on these. Reminder that early concepts can change, and I agree with discussion here in comments that at least a single tractor beam is critical to this ship doing its role effectively. My recommendation is only grab CCU for now and don't apply it until you see how this concept shapes up.

[@steak-a-potamus6231]

The assault looks cool, but no tractor beams or retracting roof would be enough to make me prefer the standard version.

[@jedi_drifter2988]

The thing I don't like about the Assault version is as far as I know, there are no bunks for the ground Assault players which is not good for long hauls and the manufacturing/refuel/repair is for ground vehicles.

[@artsolano6762]

The rearm/repair/refuel is just too important for me to pass up even if it doesn’t have tractors or open top. If it doesn’t have tractors and MPUV tractor can sit inside it.

[@Grimfanden]

If the roof cant open and no tractorbeam... Its honestly still a ship i would use planetside for personal roc mining withe a team. The extra turrets makes it a heavy defence platform. Edit: Add some ballista withe npc or blade in the turret and surround the Ironclad ... Tada you have a base.

[@RedJay]

@@Grimfanden That is true, and there are relatively affordable CCU paths to exit into to leave unapplied that offer an exit path if you try the ship out and decide its final limitations are not working out.

[@SociallyConfused]

I would like the command bridge to be the "backup" bridge, like the 890J. The backup bridge could be deactivated when the command module detaches. I think it would be a great way to balance having two bridges.

[@RedJay]

Would love to see that happen. Its a weird choice to have the detachable system from Cat be the only control point for this larger ship and its off to side.

[@The01Director]

Remember though drake is a “cheap” brand. Smart decisions like this are unlikely.

[@Christine-shield]

What everyone is missing is the crew dependency. The C2 can be fully crewed with 2 people. It will run away much easier and fly better. The Ironclad requires a lot more people to crew it properly and is likely to want to fight vs run away. BOTH ships are great. those saying the C2 is now not useful dont understand the impact eng will have and how hard its going to be to have 3-5 people all the time.

[@RedJay]

Well put on crew and yes C2 in particular being 2 crew shows the most extreme difference in crew needs (M2 ideally has an extra crew member). I do think all of the involved ships have a place yes but do want to note the base Ironclad is developed post many lessons learned by CIG on how a ship is supposed to run.

[@vik12D]

The Assault sacrifices utility slots, tractor beams, cargo space, and it seems a top opening cargo bay. The dimensions are the same, the Ironclad can load tanks if needed. Making size 0 components isn't worth it.

[@RedJay]

I made an update video covering the Q&A hoping to iron out some of these missing parts and Price Bump: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4C0e2Vtnqh-fNU

[@Leptospirosi]

It is just 2 caterpillar cargo bay side by side: take out the living quarter and here you get the Cargo total. Keep in mind how long it takes to load 1500SCU by hand, even with tractor beams. Another concept that will take forever to deliver: if you can't take the itch, buy a CCU from a Prowler and then melt it tomorrow. You will have all the time in the world to create a decent CCU chain that will give you the ship for less then a warbond purchase (I have a Hull C that I paid 189$)

[@RedJay]

Always good advice to grab a reasonably priced hold CCU like that and just leave it unapplied until down the road see how the ship works out. Can even be done between two ships you don't own using "All Ships" button (not geared toward you but just reminder for readers!

[@SpaceDad42]

Not a good idea to melt CCUs. When the ship value increases, often with no notice, you will have to pay the difference to buy it back. Better to keep the CCU in your hangar, unapplied.

[@AlbertoMartinez765]

This is NOT going to "Take forever" its a fairly simple ship ( a Box w Engines slapped on the back) its using already made DRAKE Parts and its the test bed for Building the Kraken and its already Grey/Whiteboxed out its also surprisingly inexpensive for what it does I was expecting it to start at $600+. I was heavily tempted But MY HULL C carries more cargo and needs less crew so that closer to the gameplay i want to do. NO ORG should not have several of these.

[@FoxVelox222]

This thing is def not grey/white boxed yet. It's got a blender model to sell it. They do this with all ships they concept.

[@Lu-Ta]

NO tractor beams on the assault!!

[@RedJay]

Yes - just pinned a comment covering this. Hoping CIG steps in on this one and gives it a single tractor beam.

[@artsolano6762]

Why is CIG so fixated on jump seats? These ships have gravity generators. Most importantly why can’t everyone just get in their ships and vehicles for seating? I’m good with foldable jump seats in the cargo area. But rooms dedicated for jump seats - I would rather these rooms have bunk beds in them

[@RedJay]

At some point in the design work CIG decided that some gravitational effects would impact crew on ships, especially during evasive manuvers. CIG may pull back on this again, but its part of the jump seat fixation, that armored marines would have proper seats to accomidate their armor and 2 hand weapon storage right there so they could land and grab and go fight, in case of this ship grab gear and mount up in Spartans and other crewed vehicles quickly. I have no idea just how much of this will be the vision by time this ship is released.

[@artsolano6762]

@@RedJay I'm reminded of the brilliant design of the Dropship from Aliens. Instead of jump seats, the squad just strapped in their seats in the APC while the pilots did their thing flying the ship. Thats a better use of space. I wish we had a drop ship like that in Star Citizen.

[@seraphuziel]

May want to mention the loaner ship while this JPG is being realized. Additionally, I thought CIG said pricing guarantee is no longer a thing. So, if you paid 16, then melt the paint and its now 40 (arbitrary number) you owe the difference when repurchasing, provided the price went up.

[@RedJay]

Fair point, loaner for both the Ironclad and Ironclad Assault is the Cat. I mention it in the video but it bears repeating as I know folks jump chapters in videos this long. Yes if CIG raised the price on a paint then you would have to rebuy at higher price but two thoughts: I have not seen this happen to any of my paints and also if the paint is a priceless limited paint which never was sold again even if price doubles you will still gladly pay it in the future. For those reading ship loaner matrix is handy to hold onto in case it gets updated: support.robertsspaceindustries.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003093114-Loaner-Ship-Matrix

[@Wh1terider]

The standard variant will be great for raiding larger haulers. The assault will be great for attacking base builders and encampments.

[@RedJay]

And Assault will be good on the defense reinforcing such positions between waves.

[@Wh1terider]

@@RedJay Agreed. If you're looking for surgical ground strikes "touch and go", this isn't the ship. It's meant for sticking around afar and supporting / repairing the push. Ps- I am curious if this has a docking collar somewhere. Any news there? The standard Clad if you're raiding larger haulers. We may need a Liberator to pop out for assistance. That said, it doesn't take up too much room if it fits. The cells could be put to use for ransoming purposes.

[@RedJay]

@@Wh1terider Docking collar is on ship and has an airlock, it is on "opposite side of ship" Ben Curtis stated in ISC at 4:43 so that puts docking color on right side of ship.

[@Wh1terider]

@@RedJay Copy that and thanks. I'm curious about the defensive positioning from the catwalks. Having the high ground is great, but should be capitalized. Internally they appear open without any kind of plating. I feel that's an oversight. Also, the ship can be boarded in multiple manners. It appears it has a few overhanging platforms. One perhaps with a ladder system. I am curious about the internal turret and how well the person operating it will be protected.

[@robertcaie8157]

yo ho yo ho a pirate's life for meee

[@littlefoot2869]

It Is a no for me been waiting 5 years on two ship and not giving then more money until I have those ship I shelled out for

[@RedJay]

Fair enough

[@akalaification]

Welp, i knew they would get me with something. I further upgraded my galaxy for this one. Wasnt sure about which to get, so procured the base and just in case , got the $5 ccu for the assault model. Was going to have the Galaxy as a support vehicle for my Polaris, but the Ironclad seemed more suited. Esp the Assault.

[@RedJay]

Do note the pinned comment on topics about assault variant. But yes its going to be an amazing ship - and hey 5 USD spent to hold the option to CCU it whenever you want ain't bad.

[@phillipnunya6793]

I think the main bridge should be the one in the center, and the secondary should be the shuttle. In combat, you can just use the shuttle pod to operate the ship so you can quickly disconnect if needed. Also, if the shuttle departs, the main bridge can still fly the main ship or be disabled from the shuttle if needed.

[@RedJay]

I agree the bridge should have been in the center. Its off to the side to fit the Cat Command Mini-Ship into the idea and just feels literally bolted on. Fuel load is very small on the small command mini-ship and of course its abandoning the rest of the vessel to be uncontrolable right now so any change to that would be better.

[@blodrush25]

you dont have tractor beams on the Assalut so it going to be hell to fill it manuel the transport one with 1536 scu have options of ships inside you can fly out of the top of the ship or land a vulture otherwise be a stationary ship that sit in a spot vile a reclaimer can emtry its cargo right in to the ship or you can be a stationery ship for a mining op it can it all. this ship is 3 years out in the future so dont worry to much

[@RedJay]

Assault loses about 3rd of the SCU in cargo but that is still a ton of cargo to need to move when maxed out without a tractor beam. I am hoping CIG clarifies as we are still in concept and things can be moved. I believe this ship is about 1 1/2 to 2 years out as it is a kitbash of Kraken development parts and Cat gold pass parts it looks like.

[@uss_04]

If NURSA still allowes respawn, then you technically can have furies and respawnable pilots

[@RedJay]

Indeed!

[@briangueringer3673]

I got the M2 to Assault and will just sit on it. I have my Liberator lined up already and as a solo I think the Lib is going to be as good as it gets for being able to head out and do whatever. We shall see though.... Who knows how the Lib is going to actually turn out as far as features.

[@RedJay]

Best move is to grab CCU like that and wait and see how the ship works out.

[@briangueringer3673]

@RedJay Yeah I am very curious about this and the Liberator. It really seams like the Lib should have repair function. The Iron Assault is a better multi role cargo for sure.

[@briangueringer3673]

The M2 is going to be a better fighter and direct support too... Player controlled guns are huge between the two.

[@RedJay]

Great point, M2 certainly has its roles

[@Xyerious]

I'm going to solo it. I plan to carry my sentinel and my vulture. Kill things and salvage them, store salvage material on the ironclad. I do understand that by time this is released, the game will be a different game.

[@RedJay]

I wish you luck with the endeavor! My hope is NPC gunner crew are added by time this ship is in to help with this and many other ships that badly need them.

[@jedi_drifter2988]

Ironclad is probably the best all-rounder ship, Cargo, pocket carrier, Salvage/Mining mothership, search rescue repair and so much more. The secure cargo room looks like an armory/brig to me . This is one of the most flexible ships, as far as gameplay loops. It's a Liberator on steroids and I just pulled the trigger on the Ironclad standard ed. w/1536 SCU ... That's a lot of Furys. I had a Galaxy W/Cargo mod. CCU from my Caterpillar that was the exact amount needed. I figured Armored and 1,500ish SCU, if I do several lucrative runs, Galaxy in no time. It's the same size as the Liberator or Galaxy, give or take a couple meters.

[@RedJay]

Base model is truly amazing jn capabilities, yes even makeshift brig and Assault model has some question marks we need ironed out but shows a lot of promise.

[@asideoftoastgames]

feel like the ironclad may be my stop gap to the kraken. anything that feels like a personal station I'm all for! Not sure if its me but can you not buy the paints separately? Im not seeing them in the store

[@RedJay]

You need to be logged in and have concierge - will chat about that remind me!

[@maxvonkrieger5043]

We don't know if the roof can open on the Assault variant. It would be able to repair fighters as well.

[@RedJay]

There are a few threads on Spectrum already asking for CIG to weigh in on the roof and tractor beam status on the Assault.

[@darrenganz1]

The info doesn’t show a utility mount on the assault version

[@stephenmiles2269]

Love your analysis, have a sub!

[@RedJay]

Welcome and thank you!

[@cicio7777]

Do we know when the FAQ and Q&A will be available for the Drake Ironclad?

[@RedJay]

No, but it should be very soon. I made an update video covering the Q&A hoping to iron out some of these missing parts and Price Bump: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4C0e2Vtnqh-fNU

[@dogbump]

In the assult i wish they will remove the front ramp and insted do the center area as elevator that go down and all the tanks are ready to go in the same moment

[@RedJay]

That's a fantastic solution honestly.

[@ksl-988]

The paint might not be available after the concept sale ends though. They did that with ships like the Scorpius and Galaxy, etc. The Carrack also has a dedicated bridge but also a captain's control deck that allows you to pilot the ship. It would be cool if you could use both locations in the Ironclad.

[@RedJay]

You can buy it and then melt it storing it in buyback.

[@joshuaraffensperger9113]

If the support facilities can support fury or merlin it would great for a light carrier that could help less its own landing area

[@RedJay]

Absolutely, still working on confirming open roof and if it will get a tractor beam

[@JDJ1213]

Go whales go, lol

[@Wh1terider]

Purchased two.

[@Endymion.]

@@Wh1teriderdam u

[@Brian-us2xz]

@Whalesongnoise

[@alexanderisjesus5358]

How mutch money do you need to spent to be called whale?

[@griffinmckenzie7203]

​@@alexanderisjesus5358 More than 50 bucks, i guess. Lmfao

[@igamewhenimbored7696]

Is the ironclad assault's roof retractable ??? If we don't know, when does Q&A release?

[@RedJay]

No, but it should be very soon. I made an update video covering the Q&A hoping to iron out some of these missing parts and Price Bump: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4C0e2Vtnqh-fNU

[@FN1980a]

As all the other data mined ILW paints turned up as expected, i'm a bit surprised they choosed to not sell the Drake Dying Star paints.

[@RedJay]

It is a bit light on paints this year's DefenseCon! Hope to see them turn up.

[@SpaceDad42]

They are holding that for Pyro release at 4.0

[@FN1980a]

@@SpaceDad42 Ah yeah that makes sense i guess. Intersting, i would've expect them to add it in a 4.0 PTU or something to not spoil it too early.

[@mortenhumble6063]

I think you are missing that the assault doesn't seem to have tractor beams

[@Rgraceful1]

Non are listed .

[@RedJay]

Relooking at concept art, spec sheet, and sale page I think you are right. This is a big mistake as it makes it harder to make use of the 1152 SCU on board when not hauling a stack of vehicles and the supplies for said ground vehicles need to go deep into the ship. Hoping this is a addressed in a Q&A or update.

[@vonrosphe3098]

@@RedJay Just get the Argo MPUV Tractor. Park it in the Ironclad. Problem solved.

[@Wh1terider]

I am also curious about the bridge cranes and if they'll have look down cameras for precision placing.

[@RedJay]

Sure hope so! There are cameras like that on the Reliant Mako and Sen models, but they are not attached to tractor beams. Closest we have is the C1 which also has a rail system to move the tractor beam to both top and back of ship.

[@Wh1terider]

@@RedJay it would have been slick for the assault variant to have their bridge cranes actually manned while looking down. I'm sure folks would really enjoy that.

[@KotDT]

This thing is looking really awesome for lots of jobs in the verse! I can't wait for it!

[@RedJay]

Absolutely!

[@cicio7777]

Do we know if both Ironclads can hold ground vehicles AND ships? Do we know if the rearm, repair function of Ironclad Assault can work on BOTH ground vehicles and ships that will fit?

[@RedJay]

So far CIG is only committing to repairing ground vehicles of all sizes. Storage of ships should be OK if you can fit them inside, so the base model thats easy with full retractable roof even tractor beams to pull in shields down ships. On the Assault variant is a murky story - concept images show the same folding roof tiles as the base version... but they are smaller and in the spec sheet and sale page there is no mention of if it opens nor tractor beams. There are threads asking CIG about these topics. I would get CCUs and just no apply until you are happy with what you are getting.

[@SauloMogi]

I bought the regular one thinking it would have rearming and refuelling and crafting, turns out the assault is the one who has all of it.

[@RedJay]

Regular one is still a solid ship due to its cargo and vehicle capabilities. You can CCU between both ships and still keep the paint if you got the dauntless paint with your purchase (works on both ships) as well as your insurance transfers as well.

[@SauloMogi]

@@RedJay Right. Good point Red

[@artsolano6762]

First! How many beds ? 1 to 6 crew seems light in crew. Is the repair facility good for small ships like Furys?

[@RedJay]

If CIG puts out 6 Crew then likely the ship will be set to 6 beds - highlights the issue of no ground vehicles with bunk beds. Curious if a small craft with beds is stored inside and then players use bed(s) to log off inside that ship how will that work...

[@vonrosphe3098]

This also interests me. If the repair facility can repair Furys or maybe even Buccaneers, the Assault would be a very good little carrier.

[@AlbertoMartinez765]

6 Is the MIN crew..remember that.

[@artsolano6762]

If the liberator had more beds and a buff to its size 2 point defense turret and rearm/refuel I wouldn’t even think about the IronClad

[@artsolano6762]

@@RedJayGood point about not having a ground vehicle with beds. Amazing we don’t have one yet with so many ground vehicles.

[@Jamie-666]

Assault's hold doesn't open above.

[@RedJay]

Multiple threads are hounding CIG for clarification on that.

[@Jamie-666]

@@RedJay K thanks!

[@deltanine1591]

So if the Hercules is 20-30 mill in game then the fatapiller will ba like what 40 ??

[@RedJay]

Easily, then the Ironclad Assault would be around 43-44 Mil UEC if the standard comes in at 40 Mil UEC.

[@frogger2011ify]

They already upped the cost of the assault

[@RedJay]

Yes 10 USD mid sale, which is not a lot but I believe was a bad move. I made an update video covering that and also the Question Q&A Submissions coming in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4C0e2Vtnqh-fNU

[@rolinthor]

CIG: Nice jpeg you got there. Pity if something happened to it…

[@RedJay]

Concepts are subject to change after all XD

[@Rgraceful1]

We melted for two assaults .

[@RedJay]

Not a bad move depending on your upgrade paths.

[@AlbertoMartinez765]

Totally Worth it such a Versatile ship.

[@njasicko]

Why not keep 1 tractor beam for the Assault...

[@RedJay]

I'm hoping CIG clarifies things and does this.

[@njasicko]

@@RedJay Or that they dont even talk about the top opening up on the assault version. Am I missing that?

[@vonrosphe3098]

@@njasicko No top opening would be bad. Missing tractor you can compensate with a MPUV Tractor. But if the roof would be closes you can't abuse the assault as a light carrier.

[@Wh1terider]

@@RedJay I'm sure they will. That's the Clads party trick more or less.

[@njasicko]

@@vonrosphe3098 I agree. Just silly we have to wait for Q&A for the answer of something that clearly should have been talked about or shown in the literature.

[@vik12D]

Coming soon, Fatterpillar Privateer.

[@danny1988221]

Aka Kraken

[@vik12D]

@@danny1988221 I'm betting a variant, not the Kraken.

[@RedJay]

Could see it honestly, deploy the right side wall open and front and its like a walk up market. Interior turret and the tractor beam will help with that idea too.

[@vik12D]

@RedJay I suspect a variant will come out as a Pledge to further develop the Kracken Privateer. Basically, they'd be able to get more funding, it would have a good role, and people would pledge for it in a heartbeat.

[@odopaisen2998]

could have bee a carrier on top with landing pads .. but > reaszonz ;(

[@RedJay]

I think CIG did not want to make a true Lib copy

[@Harry_potter_the_1st]

Second

[@PantherKen]

I had planned for a current CCU chain to get a C2, but I was able to get a $50 CCU from C2 to Ironclad with store credit! Interesting if a warbond CCU will be possible later in this even during the finale. Thanks for you content @RedJay! * gives a sharp salute * 💯⚡🫡

[@RedJay]

o7 you have perfect lineup for this ship - glad to help. I would be curious as well if there will be a WB upgrade offer tomorrow for the base Ironclad.

[@PantherKen]

@@RedJay I'm grateful to someone informing me that the C2 does not have tractor beams. Tho the C2 has pilot guns, where the Fatterpillar gives missile control to the pilot, it seems just too good to pass up. (just as CIG had planned 😅)