Alexandra Stormwing
Blood Money Inc.
   |
Posted - 2010.08.09 16:24:00 -
[1]
 Originally by: Lana Torrin
try and include an actual description of how it is to be flown [...] What would you take on? What wouldn't you take on? How would you stop yourself getting blobbed? Would you only stay in lowsec or would you take your fit out to 0.0?
I have been having a lot of fun with the Sentinel recently and it has been a very viable solo craft for me. Here's how I fit it (though I'm still experimenting a bit with rig choice - suggestions welcome):
[Sentinel, Triple Neut]
Damage Control II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Catalyzed Cold-Gas I Arcjet Thrusters
Tracking Disruptor II, Optimal Range Disruption
Warp Disruptor II
Small Capacitor Booster II, Cap Booster 150
Small Energy Neutralizer II
Small Energy Neutralizer II
Small Energy Neutralizer II
Small Low Friction Nozzle Joints I
Small Egress Port Maximizer I
Drones to taste. I usually carry 6 hobbies and 6 warriors. I don't bother with EC-300s because if I'm in a situation where I would need them it's already too late.
Viable Targets: Most turret-based frigates, destroyers, some cruisers. Be wary of anything with light drones. Don't engage anything with bonused drones or missiles. Dramiels are the devil.
Before You Fly: If you can't use T2 drones, don't bother. You also need great navigation skills since you're going to be speed tanking, EAS 5 for the bonus to neut range and amount, and Energy Emissions 5 to help save a bit of cap. You can get by with mediocre tracking disruption skills.
How to Engage: It's a miniature version of the nano Curse, sans the missile capability and should be flown similarly. Warp in at range and kite. With EAS at 5 you can neut out to 18.9km away (22km with the super expensive faction neuts). I go in with all 3 neuts hot, let them run for two cycles to cap out the target, then drop down to 1 neut because the booster can't keep up with any more than that.
The tracking disruptor will drop damage from turret ships down to zero. Keep your distance (about 16km), neut them to turn off their tank and speed, don't get hit.
If the target puts out light drones, target them immediately and take them out. You might be able to survive long enough for your drones to take them out. If not, just leave.
Once that is settled, you just need to wait a bit for your drones to do their thing. Admittedly, this is a problem with the Sentinel. The damage output is not great. If you don't like the triple neut, consider replacing one or two with some guns.
The ship is fast and agile enough that, if you need to GTFO, you can do so without too much trouble. It's also pretty good at escaping gate camps in low sec. Small signature radius, fairly fast align, not a big issue aside from remote sensor boosted style camps.
This setup is also not bad for gangs, though in a gang situation I would swap the point for a second tracking disruptor and fly it that way. Let someone else get point and web, disrupt speed AND range, and everyone (except the target) is happy.
I would be hesitant to take this out into nullsec because of the bubble camp issue. It isn't quite as fast as an interceptor so you won't be able to burn out of the bubble the way those ships can.
|