Katerina Swanson
In the open-world adventure game Elite Dangerous, players can upgrade their fuel tanks to increase their ship's range. While some players claim that fuel tanks cannot be upgraded, others argue that additional tanks can be purchased and fitted into internal compartments, albeit at the cost of cargo space. The 4A Fuel Scoop is one such option that players can consider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank type | 4A |
| Fuel tank function | Storage container for fuel used by the ship's power plant |
| Fuel tank placement | Fuel tanks can be fitted in the Fuel Store compartment or as an Internal Compartment |
| Fuel tank size | Ships come standard with the biggest fuel tank they can fit; fuel tanks can be downgraded to increase jump range, but it is not recommended |
| Fuel tank refill | Fuel tanks can be refueled using a fuel-scoop or by fitting additional tanks in internal compartments |
| Fuel tank upgrade | It is not possible to upgrade the main fuel tank, but additional tanks can be added |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Fuel tank capacity and ship size
In Elite Dangerous, fuel tank capacity is an important consideration when optimizing your ship's jump range and overall performance. The weight of the fuel in your tanks directly affects your ship's jump range, with heavier fuel loads reducing the distance you can travel. This relationship has led to a common strategy among players to downgrade their fuel tanks to increase jump range.
While all ships in Elite Dangerous come standard with the biggest fuel tank they can fit, players can opt for smaller fuel tanks to reduce the overall weight of their ship. This strategy is based on the principle that carrying unnecessary fuel is just extra weight, which negatively impacts jump range. By installing a smaller fuel tank, players can reduce the total mass of their ship, allowing for longer jumps and faster movement.
However, it is important to note that downgrading your fuel tank should be done carefully. While it can provide a significant boost in jump range, you must still carry enough fuel to complete your desired jumps. Additionally, the process of burning off excess fuel scooped from a star can be time-consuming and cumbersome, as there is no "fuel dump" function in the game.
To manage fuel efficiently, players can utilize their ship's reservoir and main fuel tank system. The reservoir has a capacity of exactly 1 ton of fuel and is used during normal flight or supercruise. Once depleted, it automatically refills from the main fuel tank, which has a larger capacity. This allows players to carefully manage their fuel usage and plan for longer journeys.
Additionally, players can extend their ship's range by refuelling their tank with a fuel scoop or fitting additional tanks in their internal compartments. This flexibility ensures that players can adapt their fuel strategy to suit their exploration needs, whether it's venturing into uncharted systems or participating in battles and expanding humanity's frontier.
In summary, fuel tank capacity and ship size are closely related in Elite Dangerous. By understanding the impact of fuel weight on jump range, players can make informed decisions about fuel tank size and fuel management strategies. While smaller fuel tanks can increase jump range, it's crucial to balance this with the fuel requirements of your intended journeys to ensure a smooth and efficient exploration experience.
Snowblower Fuel Tank Size: 21-Inch Capacity Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$129.99
Upgrading fuel tanks
It is worth noting that fuel tanks in Elite Dangerous serve as storage containers for fuel used by the ship's power plant. These fuel tanks can be fitted in the Fuel Store compartment or as an Internal Compartment. While downgrading fuel tanks can increase jump range, it is generally not recommended due to the tank's zero-mass property. Instead, keeping your tank half full can provide the same effect as having a full tank of half the size, while still allowing for flexibility during longer trips.
However, some players have discovered that it is possible to add additional fuel tanks to increase their overall fuel capacity. These extra tanks can be installed in the internal compartments, as mentioned by one player who equipped their Anaconda with a 128-tonne tank in an optional slot. Another player shared a similar experience, upgrading their Adder ship's fuel tank and later seeking a similar upgrade for their Viper ship.
To extend your ship's range, you can also opt for refuelling your tank with a fuel scoop. This method, favoured by some players, offers a quicker and safer alternative to traditional refuelling, especially when navigating through dangerous anarchy systems.
While upgrading fuel tanks in Elite Dangerous may not be a straightforward process, players have found creative ways to enhance their fuel capacity by adding additional tanks and utilising fuel scoops for quicker refuelling. These strategies ensure that players can explore the vast Milky Way galaxy without frequent fuel stops hindering their progress.
The 747's Fuel Center Wing Tank: An Original Feature?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$154.95
$201.95
Buying additional tanks
While it is true that ships in Elite Dangerous come standard with the biggest fuel tank they can fit, it is possible to buy and install additional tanks. These extra tanks can be fitted in the internal compartments of your ship, increasing your overall fuel capacity at the cost of cargo space.
One player on the Elite Dangerous subreddit reported that their Anaconda had its main tank, plus an additional 128-tonne tank in an optional slot. Another player with a Dolphin ship mentioned that it had three extra tanks, ensuring it had enough fuel to reach its destinations.
It is worth noting that while you can add extra tanks, you cannot upgrade your ship's main fuel tank. This means that the size of the main tank is fixed and cannot be increased. However, it is possible to downgrade the main tank to increase jump range, although this is not recommended as it may limit your flexibility for longer trips.
When considering whether to purchase additional fuel tanks, it is important to balance the benefits of increased fuel capacity with the trade-off of reduced cargo space. Additionally, keep in mind that there are alternative methods to extend your ship's range, such as refuelling your tank with a fuel scoop.
By carefully weighing your options and understanding the trade-offs, you can make informed decisions about whether to purchase additional fuel tanks or explore other range-extending strategies in Elite Dangerous.
Fuel Surge Tanks: Ensuring Consistent Fuel Supply
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Internal compartments
In Elite Dangerous, fuel tanks can be fitted in the Fuel Store compartment or as an Internal Compartment. By default, all ships come with the biggest fuel tank they can fit.
It is possible to downgrade your fuel tank to increase jump range, but this is not recommended. Tanks have 0 mass, so only the mass of the fuel is considered. Keeping your tank half full will give the same effect as having a full tank of half of your current size, while still giving you the flexibility to fill your tank for longer trips.
Overfilling Your Gas Tank: Potential Risks and Damages
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$168.95
Refuelling with a fuel scoop
A Fuel Scoop is an essential device for any explorer in Elite Dangerous, as it allows a ship to refuel without docking at a station. It can also be used to refuel your ship's tank.
Not all stars are suitable for fuel scooping. Generally, any star that isn't a dwarf star or a neutron star is suitable. The acronym "KGB FOAM" can be used to remember the valid star types for fuel scooping.
When fuel scooping, a notification will appear on the HUD, listing the current heat level, the rate at which fuel is being scooped, and a progress bar for the amount of fuel in the main tank. Great care must be taken when using Fuel Scoops, as it requires a ship to be in supercruise inside the corona of a stellar mass, which subjects the vessel to intense heat from the star. Flying too close can easily overheat a ship, inflicting hull and module damage.
The size of the Fuel Scoop in relation to the size of the Fuel Tank will impact the speed of refuelling. For example, an undersized scoop (Size 4 feeding a Size 5 tank) will be slow, whereas an oversized scoop (Size 6 feeding a Size 5 tank) will be much quicker.
Some ships, such as the DBX, have undersized scoops, which take longer to refuel than ships with oversized scoops, such as the Phantom or AspX.
Draining a 2001 Concorde: Step-by-Step Guide to Emptying Fuel Tank
You may want to see also
