Dram

Up to date for latest version, 0.97a.

Dram-class Tanker
Frigate
Logistical data
CR per deployment	20%
CR per deployment	20%
Recovery rate (per day)	8%
Recovery rate (per day)	8%
Recovery cost (supplies)	2
Recovery cost (supplies)	2
Deployment points	2
Deployment points	2
Peak performance (sec)	180
Peak performance (sec)	180
Ordnance points	30
Ordnance points	30
Maintenance (supplies/month)	2.0
Maintenance (supplies/month)	2.0
Cargo capacity	15
Cargo capacity	15
Maximum crew	10
Maximum crew	10
Skeleton crew required	5
Skeleton crew required	5
Fuel capacity	300
Fuel capacity	300
Maximum burn	9
Maximum burn	9
Fuel per light year	1
Fuel per light year	1
Combat performance
Hull integrity	750
Armor rating	200
Flux capacity	1,500
Flux dissipation	100
Top speed	120
Systems
System	Flare Launcher
Defense	Omni Shield
Shield arc	90
Shield upkeep/sec	50
Shield flux/damage	1.2
Flight decks	0
Mounts	1x Small Missile 2x Small Ballistic
Hullmods	Civilian-grade Hull

	A light tanker with enough fuel capacity to more than double the effective range of a small task force or convoy.
–In-Game Description

A simple frigate designed to carry fuel. The Dram is commonly seen in Independent and Pirate fleets, and also commonly seen fleeing from battle.

Tips

The following section contains user-submitted suggestions, these may be inaccurate or outdated.

A single Dram can often boost the fuel capacity of a small fleet considerably. For this reason it is a common early pickup for small fleets looking to perform high fuel consumption activities far from core world supply lines, such as exploration or surveying.

Drams can achieve a burn speed of 14 with the Civilian-grade Hull intact by taking the Bulk Transport industry skill (+2), the Navigation technology skill (+1) and installing the Augmented Drive Field mod (+2) for a total of +5 to the base 9 speed. This allows Drams to accompany ultra-fast fleets that might not otherwise seem like appropriate places for a fuel tanker ship.

A single Dram makes for the perfect scout "fleet" for exploring (but not surveying) systems for potential colony sites. One possible example Scout Dram build would start with the 14-burn speed skill and mod combination in the paragraph above, with the optional inclusion of one or more of Efficiency Overhaul, Insulated Engine Assembly and Unstable Injector (note: all can be included with the use of a story point, if desired). The end product is a fast, relatively low-profile fleet with extraordinary range, especially if the player tags the Industry skills Containment Procedures and Makeshift Equipment, which will reduce supply and fuel consumption by 50%. If by accident your Scout Dram fleet does get caught your speed will be such (especially with Unstable Injectors) that you should be able to escape the battle without issue.

Beyond a lone scout, the Dram is an excellent tanker to accompany a small exploration fleet, such as a Venture and a few Buffalos or Tarsuses. It is a combination which makes for a high-speed, high-endurance, long-range exploration fleet capable of surveying huge areas of the sector in one expedition. It is also a great fleet composition for finding artifacts, habitable worlds, and [REDACTED].

Drams, with their generous Ordnance Point capacity and small missile mount, can be outfitted to fight reasonably well from the back line in an emergency. A skilled pilot can even do interesting things against weak targets (lowest-threat [REDACTED] fleets etc.), if they are so inclined, such as during a moment of boredom while scouting following the above paragraph's advice.

Change History

Patch 0.9a: Adjusted OP for most civilian ships, generally slight to moderate increases. Adjusted Dram OP from 22 to 30