The Internal Fuel Tank Capacity In Elite Explained

how big is the internal fuel tank in elite

In the game Elite Dangerous, players can choose to downsize their fuel tanks to increase their jump range. The default setting for all ships is to have the biggest fuel tank possible. However, players can choose to downgrade their fuel tanks to increase their jump range, although this is not recommended. The game also offers the option to buy full tanks or refill tanks at any Main Station. Players can also purchase extra fuel tanks to avoid having to refuel every few jumps.

Characteristics Values
Fuel tank capacity Varies depending on the ship; one user mentions having 64 tons of fuel in their Conda, while another mentions having 16 tons in their AspX. The largest fuel tank capacity mentioned is 96 tons.
Refueling options Players can purchase a full tank (10,000₢ for Reserve, 50,000₢ for Auxiliary) from TL10+ stations and refill them at any main station.
Fuel tank upgrades Players can upgrade their Reserve Tank to an Auxiliary Tank for 40,000₢. They can also install additional fuel tanks, such as a size 3 or size 4 tank, to increase their jump range.
Fuel tank strategies Some players recommend keeping the tank half full to balance fuel flexibility with jump range. Others suggest focusing on upgrading the fuel scoop instead of adding extra fuel tanks.
Fuel consumption Fuel is consumed by the ship's power plant, which is a nuclear fusion reactor that uses hydrogen as fuel.

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Fuel tank size

All ships in Elite come standard with the biggest fuel tank they can fit. While it is possible to downgrade the fuel tank to increase jump range, it is generally not recommended, as a smaller fuel tank carries more risk and requires careful attention to fuel management. Players who opt for smaller tanks need to be mindful of their routes and fuel levels, ensuring they have enough fuel to reach their destinations.

Some players choose to downsize their fuel tanks to a size 4 and add an additional size 3 fuel tank as an optional internal, which provides a balance between fuel capacity and jump range. Others opt for larger fuel tanks, such as the 96T or 48T tanks, to avoid the need for frequent refuelling during exploration.

Extra fuel tanks are also available for purchase in Elite. These include the Reserve Fuel Tank and the Auxiliary Fuel Tank, which can be bought at any TL10+ station. The fuel from these tanks can only be moved to the main tank when it is empty, and they can be refilled at any main station. Additionally, the game offers one-time-use fuel tanks, such as the Internal Fuel Tank, which provides 5ly of fuel and takes up 5t of storage space.

Overall, the decision on fuel tank size depends on individual preferences and exploration goals. While larger fuel tanks provide more fuel capacity, smaller tanks increase jump range and reduce weight, allowing for faster travel between locations. Players need to carefully consider their exploration needs and fuel management strategies when deciding on the fuel tank size that best suits their gameplay style.

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The impact of fuel tank size on jump range

The fuel tank size in Elite can impact jump range in various ways. Firstly, a larger fuel tank can increase the weight of the ship, reducing its jump range. This is because the total mass of the ship, including fuel, affects its maximum jump distance. Therefore, keeping the fuel tank half-full can improve jump range while still providing flexibility for longer trips.

Additionally, the number of jumps possible with a full tank is a crucial consideration. For example, if a ship can make 5 or more jumps with a full tank, an extra fuel tank may not be necessary. In this case, a larger fuel tank may only increase the weight without providing any additional benefit to jump range.

However, in certain situations, extra fuel tanks can be advantageous. For instance, when travelling long distances between scoopable stars, having additional fuel can reduce the need to stop and refuel frequently. This can be beneficial when exploring areas with many unscoopable stars, as it provides the flexibility to wander without the constant worry of refuelling.

Moreover, the specific ship type and its base jump range also play a role in the decision. Ships with mediocre or terrible base jump ranges may benefit more from additional fuel tanks than ships with good base ranges. This is because the extra fuel can extend their range to make them more comfortable for exploration.

Lastly, personal preference and playstyle should be considered. Some players prefer the peace of mind that comes with a larger fuel tank, even if it means sacrificing some jump range. Others may prefer the challenge of managing fuel efficiently and optimising their jump range by keeping their tanks half-full or planning routes carefully.

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The convenience of extra fuel tanks

Extra fuel tanks in Elite Dangerous can provide players with added flexibility and peace of mind during their space adventures. While the game offers the option to downgrade the default fuel tank to increase jump range, some players prefer the security of having additional fuel reserves. This is especially useful for long-haul trips or when exploring areas with limited access to scoopable stars.

One of the key benefits of extra fuel tanks is the ability to stay in one location for extended periods without worrying about refuelling. For example, a player exploring a Neutron Star cluster may prefer to bring a larger fuel tank to avoid the inconvenience of frequent refuelling. In such cases, the slight decrease in jump range is a trade-off worth making for the convenience and peace of mind that extra fuel provides.

Extra fuel tanks can also be beneficial when navigating through sequences of unscoopable stars. While some players opt for smaller fuel tanks to increase jump range, this strategy carries the risk of running out of fuel mid-journey. By carrying extra fuel, players can avoid this risk and have the freedom to explore without constantly worrying about their fuel levels.

Additionally, extra fuel tanks can be advantageous when travelling in ships with mediocre or poor-range fuel tanks. For ships with a good range, the extra weight of an additional fuel tank may cancel out any benefits. However, for ships with less impressive ranges, an extra fuel tank can significantly extend their capabilities, making them much more comfortable for exploration.

It's worth noting that extra fuel tanks come with certain limitations. They can only be refilled when the main tank is empty, and transferring fuel between tanks must be carefully managed. Additionally, the cost of purchasing, upgrading, and refuelling extra tanks can add up, especially for larger vessels.

In conclusion, while extra fuel tanks in Elite Dangerous may not always be necessary, they offer added convenience and security for players who want to explore the vast galaxy without constantly worrying about their fuel levels. By carrying extra fuel, players can focus more on their adventures and less on the constant need to locate scoopable stars. Ultimately, the decision to use extra fuel tanks depends on each player's preferences, exploration goals, and in-game strategy.

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The cost of refuelling

Firstly, it is important to note that ships in Elite come standard with the biggest fuel tank they can fit, and the fuel tanks themselves have zero mass, so only the mass of the fuel is considered. This means that keeping your tank half full gives the same effect as having a full tank of half the size, while still allowing for the flexibility to fill the tank for longer trips.

There are three main methods of refuelling a ship in Elite:

  • Refuelling at ports: Pilots can pay to refuel their ships at orbital or surface ports that offer the "Refuel" service. The average price of fuel is roughly 50 CR per metric ton, but prices can vary based on location, as well as the supply and demand of hydrogen fuel at that location. It is worth noting that not all ports offer the refuelling service, so pilots should check the port's list of services via the System Map before heading there.
  • Fuel scooping: Ships can be refuelled in flight by installing a Fuel Scoop and skimming a Main Sequence star (class O, B, A, F, G, K, and M). While fuel scooping is free, the most efficient Fuel Scoops for larger ships can be expensive.
  • Contacting another ship: If a pilot becomes stranded due to low fuel, they can contact another ship equipped to transfer fuel and request assistance. This can be done through groups such as the Fuel Rats.

In addition to the above methods, there are also options for purchasing extra fuel tanks, such as the one-use Internal Fuel Tank (5ly) for 100 ₢ or the reusable Duplex Fuel Tank (3ly) for 62,000 ₢. These tanks mount in the Cargo Bay, taking up storage space, and can only be used when the main fuel tank is empty.

When deciding on a refuelling strategy, it is important to consider the trade-off between jump range and fuel efficiency. Smaller fuel tanks can increase jump range but carry more risk and require careful attention to gameplay. Additionally, performing multiple shorter jumps consumes less total fuel than one long jump to the same destination. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your route accordingly and only fill up the tank as needed to reduce the weight carried.

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The need for fuel tanks in the future

In the game Elite Dangerous, players can choose to downgrade their fuel tank to increase jump range. However, this is not recommended as it can lead to more frequent refuelling stops. The game features a recreation of the entire Milky Way galaxy, where players can explore and impact battles, governments, and humanity’s frontier.

Self-bunded tanks have emerged as a popular option for fuel storage, offering safety, reliability, and efficiency. Their double-wall construction provides a robust containment system that minimizes the risk of leaks and spills, and they can withstand extreme weather conditions. By investing in self-bunded tanks, businesses can future-proof their fuel storage operations, reduce environmental impact, and optimize operational efficiency.

Additionally, the development of new fuel types and technologies may influence the need for fuel tanks in the future. For example, researchers are working on a technique to store hydrogen gas without having to compress it to dangerously high pressures. This could enable the use of hydrogen gas in fuel cells to power various devices and vehicles.

Overall, the need for fuel tanks in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including the availability of alternative fuels, advancements in fuel storage technologies, and the specific requirements of different industries and vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

The size of the internal fuel tank in Elite depends on the type of ship you have. For example, the Type 10 ship has a small fuel tank, so some players choose to downgrade the tank to increase jump range.

A smaller fuel tank can increase your jump range, which is beneficial if you are trying to get between the arms of the Milky Way or get to the end of the arms.

A smaller fuel tank carries more risk, as you will need to refuel more often.

It depends on your playstyle. If you want to wander around unscoopable areas without worrying about fuel, a bigger tank is better. If you want to increase your jump range and don't mind refueling more often, a smaller tank is better.

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