Aegis Sabre Raven EX and Argo ATLS IKTI Akuma Q&A

CIG’s Vehicle team has answered questions on the two vehicles arriving with Alpha 4.10.1: Orison Relief Support: the Aegis Sabre Raven EX and the Argo ATLS IKTI Akuma.

The answers cover quantum interdiction, how the new Raven EX compares with the existing Sabre family, paint compatibility, and what separates the Nine Tails-flavored Akuma from the in-game Argo ATLS GEO IKTI. Very tidy. Slightly menacing. Exactly the sort of thing that makes customs officers nervous.

What is a "Quantum Dampener" and how is it different than a "Quantum Snare?"

These are related technologies, but they do different jobs. A Quantum Dampener, or QDMP, stops ships within range from entering quantum travel, which makes it useful when you need to keep a target from leaving the fight. A Quantum Snare can pull ships out of quantum travel. On ships that carry both systems, the combined setup is referred to as a Quantum Enforcement Device, or QED.

What other ships have a "Quantum Dampener?"

As of Alpha 4.10.1, only four other flyable ships have a Quantum Dampener: the RSI Mantis, the Drake Cutlass Blue, the RSI Scorpius Antares, and the Mirai Guardian QI. Of those, only the Antares and QI are considered fighters, and only the Guardian QI can be operated solo. That puts the Aegis Sabre Raven EX in fairly limited company.

How does the performance and capabilities of the Raven EX compare to that of the Sabre and Sabre Raven?

The Sabre Raven EX is designed as a balance between the Sabre and the original Sabre Raven. For weapons, it matches the Sabre with four S3 hardpoints, which is an improvement over the original Raven. For speed and maneuverability, it sits between the two: it has greater speed than the Sabre and more armor than the Raven, but less stealth emission reduction than the Raven and less agility than the Sabre.

Does this share paints with the other Sabres?

Yes. As the sixth variant in the Aegis Sabre lineup, the Sabre Raven EX can use a host of existing Sabre paints. The new paints offered with this release will also be usable on every previous Sabre.

What does this mean for the original Sabre Raven?

The original Sabre Raven remains a rare and unique offering in the Star Citizen universe. The Sabre Raven EX is being offered with a different flight role and mission purpose, giving pilots who like the Sabre line and the Raven’s appearance a new way to fly that visual style.

How does the Argo ATLS IKTI Akuma differ from the Argo ATLS GEO IKTI we can earn in game?

The Argo ATLS IKTI Akuma differs visually with a unique Nine Tails-inspired default livery. In gameplay, the Nine Tails have further customized its mounted weapons, giving it plasma repeaters with splash damage. Its jump pack also trades a modest amount of jump height for increased distance and fuel capacity.

Are paints compatible between these variants?

Yes. As with the Raven EX and the Sabre line, all power suits in the ATLS line share the same paint capability. The unique Nine-Tails livery is exclusive to the new Akuma, but all available ATLS paints, past and future, can be used on it.

Why is this being offered by pledge and not in-game?

When the Argo ATLS GEO IKTI was added in Alpha 4.2, it was made earnable exclusively in game. CIG says it is important that this remains a uniquely available offering, while also recognizing that some players prefer the comfort of knowing during Alpha that they have secured their vehicles permanently. CIG’s stated intention is to keep the original IKTI as it currently is, and the Akuma variant was added into an existing armor, weapon, and paint store bundle as an opportunity to try something new.

Source: Roberts Space Industries