Fer-de-Lance (Oolite)

Fer de Lance
Size (metres, W×H×L)	45 x 20 x 85
Cargo capacity	2 TC
Cargo bay extension	Unknown
Maximum speed	0.30 LM
Manoeuvrability	Roll: 3.6 Pitch: 1.0
Energy banks	3
Energy recharge rate	Unknown
Gun mounts	Fore, Aft Port, Starboard
Missile slots	Unknown
Shield boosters available	Yes
Military shields available	Yes
Hyperspace capable	Yes
OXP or standard	Standard
Available to player	Yes
Base price	Unknown

Overview

Introduced in 3100 by Zorgon Petterson Group, this is the ship that brought ZPG from being an unknown ship modifier to the household name in luxury but capable ships. Designed as an executive transport for company officials who preferred to fly themselves, the ship is moderately fast, well appointed and can be equipped with fearsome weaponry and defences to keep the assassins away.

Notable features

ZPG's now famous well designed and understated luxurious interior is the hallmark of this ship, and it's what keeps the ship selling year after year - even though the ship itself is decidedly average (or below average) in many other areas. Looking at the utility value of the ship as either a fighter or light trader (the cargo bay can be extended to 12 TC), it is extremely poor value for money at a base price of Cr.485,000 when you consider the base price of the Cobra Mk.III, which is a much more capable trade or fighting ship, with the base model coming in at only Cr.150,000.

But buyers of the Fer de Lance are not interested in low end economy ships. The Fer de Lance buyer is looking at a different kind of value - engineering with no expense spared (inspect the equipment bays of a Fer de Lance and note how thoughtfully it has been laid out, and how the factory has gone to extra attention to de-burr all the parts leaving no sharp edges behind which catch your clothing) combined with a cabin that has been tastefully and luxuriously designed. They are not after showy 'bling' like the ratted out Cobra Mk.3 with chrome exhaust covers and 'Type R' stickers slapped on the back. Enter the bridge of the Fer de Lance and notice how well laid out the controls are. Dock a Fer de Lance and notice how the fuel scoop retraction system remains powered up for a few minutes in case you forgot to close it: do that in a Cobra and you'll have to go through a complete power on sequence to get the scoop shut again. To the buyer of a Fer de Lance, the value is not being the fastest or the showiest; the value is a ship that's not seemingly built to cause the captain annoyance. A Fer de Lance owner is not a chav; a Fer de Lance owner has class.

Much to ZPG's chagrin (at least in public), the ship has become a favorite amongst assassins. It is also occasionally seen in pirate hands.