As you all know from my previous posts, I've been arguing for a long time that we need to see an upgrade in the Polaris's armament. (See the doc here : https://robertsspaceindustries.com/spectrum/community/SC/forum/65300/thread/the-polaris-thesis-update-smile ) Of course, the recent data has made us react because we've been waiting for this ship for a long time. But my basic scenario remains that the current weapons/turrets are placeholders. Did we just get nerfed ? Sides turrets went from 4 x S4 to 4xS3... Missiles went from 32 x S3 to 16 x S2 + 16 x S3 (not reloadable like with a VLS) Weaponry range got worse Weaponry coverage got worse I've made several posts explaining why a Polaris weapons upgrade is necessary: - update its armament in relation to the year it was designed (for example, the Javelins and Idris had S5s, which have since been converted to S7s) - Match the power creep - The ship gets bigger, making it a bigger and more vulnerable target. - Consistency... How can we justify the fact that the Navy's new ultra-modern war frigate, designed to fight the Vanduuls, engage in counter piracy, and be autonomous in Deep Space, has inferior armament to : - The A2 Crusader, a bomber / gunship, has 8 size 5 weapons (not to mention the other turrets and bombs). - The Odyssey, a civilian ship dedicated to exploration, has 3 turrets in 2 x S5 configuration. - The Nautilus, a minelayer designed to operate with the support of a fleet, has 2 x S7 turrets at the front. - The Taurus, a civilian cargo ship, has 4 x S5 (managed by the pilot) - The Galaxy, a non-combat civilian ship, has 3 turrets in 2 x S5 configuration - Reclaimer, an autonomous salvage vessel with 2 x S5s - the 600i, a luxury 'exploration' vessel, carries 3 x S5 - The Corsair, a medium exploration/piracy ship, has 4 x S5... - The Starfarer Gemini, a logistics/fuel ship, takes 2 x S5... In each case, I'm ignoring the additional turrets and missiles. I'm taking the placeholder route because the photo below gives the impression that the turrets are not exactly in the right place. My opinion is that the side turrets cannot be modified, or only very slightly (because there isn't really room). a 4 x S4 would be preferable to a 4xS3, because the missiles in the rear will probably be of little use, and the 4 x S3 in the rear will not be enough to protect the ship (which isn't a bad thing, it creates a point of weakness). But then, I think the Polaris's side anti-fighter defences should be buffed. https://www.youtube.com/live/T4Z3cn9yIlQ?si=6R61Ysr-g19GXd17&t=3792 In my opinion, a balanced loadout on the Polaris could consist of : - Nose turret 2xS6 - The two upper turrets at the front 2xS5 - 4 x S4 for the side turrets - The rear turret as 4 x S3 - 2 or 3 automated PDS with 1 x S2 for anti-torpedo/missile defence The missile turrets are interesting if the feature that allows a ship to be locked anywhere is applied to the Polaris as originally planned. “As of the latest EPTU build, we've added a new feature to the Antares, which allows the co-pilot to now control the Remote Turret Camera. More importantly, the co-pilot will also now have primary control over missiles when the seat is occupied (when flying solo, these will remain with the pilot). When entering the co-pilot seat's remote turret, you'll find a new option to enter Missile Operator Mode, granting you the ability to both lock on and fire missiles, even if they are outside of the pilot's initial cone of fire. This is a significant new addition to the ship. Looking to the future, this is the same functionality that will be set up on the RSI Polaris when it becomes flight ready.” https://robertsspaceindustries.com/spectrum/community/SC/forum/3/thread/alpha-3-22-patch-watch-antares-arsenal-boom/6502877 The 2 x S6 is a compromise with the 2 x S7. Technically, the Polaris should benefit from a 2xS7 (because the S5s were converted to S7s for capital ships, as in the case of the Javelin and Idris). The 2 x S7 is more powerful and has more penetration. But in return, a 2xS6 can perhaps apply more pressure, be faster and more reactive, provider more burst. The combination of 2 x S6 + 4 x S5 pointing forward should be enough to worry the sub-capital (hammerhead type) for example that a Polaris may encounter, and which do not deserve an S10 torpedo. a S10 will be suitable for large ships, Idris, Javelin etc. A hammerhead is slimmer, faster, and his many turrets will make firing a salvo of torpedoes totally useless. Aside from the weaponry, I'm pleasantly surprised by the rendering of the ship. Seeing it in-game is quite something, it's impressive, threatening, they've worked really hard (and well) on it imo. Yes, I know, I can see the argument about the capabilities of the Polaris, its fittings, its onboard fighter... But given its role, its designation, the fact that it should eventually be a less costly replacement for the Idris, capable of operating autonomously.... I don't know how he could do that with a 2 x S5 and 4 x S4 facing forward Love u guys, love u polaris captain's, love u Devs :heart: