Q&A: MISC Hull B – Cargo, Hangars, Flight, and Features

MISC’s Hull B sits in a very specific sweet spot in the hauling ladder: big enough to open up more serious freight work, but still built to operate planetside while fully loaded. In this latest developer Q&A, CIG’s Vehicle and Gameplay teams outline how the long-awaited cargo hauler handles its distinctive spindle design, where it fits in a pilot’s career progression, and what compromises come with carrying your livelihood on the outside of the ship. It is, in true Hull fashion, a machine that wears its job description in plain sight.

What follows is the full rundown, keeping to the order and substance of the developers’ answers. If you’ve been waiting to see how the Hull B bridges the gap between starter hauling and bigger commercial contracts, this is the manifest.

Planetfall with the spindle extended

Q: The Hull B is the largest ship in the Hull series capable of properly landing planetside while fully loaded. How does the new spindle design affect the experience of landing, loading, and unloading cargo on the ground?

A: Like the rest of the Hull line, the spindle gives the ship two very different working profiles: compact when not carrying cargo, and far more capable once extended for freight operations. When deployed, it is built to support fast loading and unloading whether you’re working in EVA or on the ground. Compared with the original concept, CIG chose an X-form spindle arrangement so the landing gear could remain reasonably sized while still letting the Hull B land planetside fully loaded.

Where it sits in the hauling career

Q: Where does the Hull B sit in terms of the cargo career journey the team envisions for players?

A: CIG describes the Hull B as a strong progression ship for players moving up from the earliest hauling contracts into larger jobs. With up to 512 SCU available per run, it opens access to a much wider range of missions.

Flight behavior, retracted versus extended

Q: Are there differences in the flight characteristics when the Hull B’s spindle is retracted compared to when it’s extended?

A: Yes. Extending the ship changes where the thrusters sit relative to the center of mass, which in turn changes angular rotational rates. Cargo also affects handling, with flight characteristics influenced by how much is loaded, where it is positioned, and what type of cargo is being carried.

Crew control: tractor beams and turret duties

Q: How are the external tractor beams and turret controls assigned between the pilot and co-pilot seats?

A: The tractor beam is intended to be controllable from both the pilot and co-pilot seats, with the co-pilot taking priority. At the moment, CIG notes there is a bug preventing the pilot from having that control, and the team is working on a fix; the same issue also affects the Hermes. The co-pilot has exclusive control of the remote turret, while the pilot retains control of the ship’s main weapons and missiles.

Hangar assignment

Q: As the Hull B can change its footprint pretty dramatically, which hangar size will its owners be assigned?

A: Owners are assigned a medium hangar. CIG says this ensures the ship fits comfortably in any state, with enough room around it for cargo handling. Although the retracted Hull B technically fits within the small hangar metric, the practical experience of loading the ship and its cargo in a smaller hangar was not considered workable.

Docking port status

Q: Does the Hull B have a docking port, and will it have optional access to the cargo ATC?

A: The Hull B does have a docking port, but it is disabled for the initial release. CIG says that is because players currently cannot manually choose between a docking collar and a hangar at locations offering both. The plan is to re-enable the docking port in a future update.

Life aboard for long-haul work

Q: What does the Hull B's interior offer for haulers?

A: The interior is equipped for extended stays aboard the ship, including full habitation, a mess hall, and toilet facilities. Core components are also accessible from inside, making management and repairs easier during longer operations.

What sets it apart

Q: What are the key advantages that set the Hull B apart from other medium cargo haulers?

A: Its main edge is the external cargo arrangement, which favors loading and unloading speed over cargo protection. CIG also highlights a larger-than-average quantum fuel tank for a ship of this size, giving the Hull B stronger endurance for longer trips. In other words: less warehouse, more freight spear.

Maximum container size

Q: What is the maximum container size you can fit onto the external cargo blades?

A: The largest supported container size is 32 SCU.

Source: Roberts Space Industries