Shepherd

Up to date for latest version, 0.97a.

Shepherd-class Drone Tender
Low Tech Frigate
10,000c
Logistical data
CR per deployment	20%
CR per deployment	20%
Recovery rate (per day)	8%
Recovery rate (per day)	8%
Recovery cost (supplies)	3
Recovery cost (supplies)	3
Deployment points	3
Deployment points	3
Peak performance (sec)	240
Peak performance (sec)	240
Ordnance points	23
Ordnance points	23
Maintenance (supplies/month)	3
Maintenance (supplies/month)	3
Cargo capacity	100
Cargo capacity	100
Maximum crew	30
Maximum crew	30
Skeleton crew required	15
Skeleton crew required	15
Fuel capacity	40
Fuel capacity	40
Maximum burn	9
Maximum burn	9
Fuel per LY / Jump cost	1
Fuel per LY / Jump cost	1
Combat performance
Hull integrity	1200
Armor rating	200
Flux capacity	1500
Flux dissipation	100
Top speed	90
Systems
Defense	Omni Shield
Shield arc	90
Shield upkeep/sec	50
Shield flux/damage	1.2
System	Maneuvering Jets
Fighter bays	1
Mounts	1x Small Ballistic 1x Small Universal
Built-in weapons	1x Borer Drone Wing
Hullmods	Civilian-grade Hull Surveying Equipment Salvage Gantry

	The Ko Combine r450 "Shepherd" sets the standard for civilian drone tenders with unmatched reliability, low cost, and internal volume given to crew comfort. A wildly popular combat modification package has been assembled by various survivalist and pirate groups, the "HK" mod, which consists of specifications to up-armor the hull for combat and supercharge factory-spec systems for greater burst speed and weapon function. Even modified, the Shepherd is fragile, so as in civilian life it relies on a swarm of ﾓBorerﾔ utility drones to do its work. The "Borer" is built on a hardy, maneuverable semi-autonomous drone chassis with shielding suitable for hazardous operations in which high radiation or physical impacts may be expected. Commonly used in mining applications, they have also found use in salvage, ordnance disposal, and even fission meltdown clean-up. The HK mod package gives specifications for altering the primary cutting beam's focus and patches the rudimentary AI with crude tactical algorithms pirated from obsolete Domain Colonial Garrison drone software. Appendices of the mod package recommend caution when employing HK-modified drones in non-combat situations.
–In-game description

A low tech frigate with in-built drone wings, the Shepard's Salvage Gantry hullmod boosts the amount of salvage from debris and wrecks.  

Overview

A low tech, Drone Tender class Frigate, the Shepard frequently acts as a semi-reliable, early game carrier, logistical support ship, having a respectable cargo capacity for a frigate, alongside a built in Salvage Gantry hullmod that boosts the amount of salvage gained by 10%.

Strategy and tips

The Shepherd is a popular early game choice for players looking to do some exploration or salvaging.

As a Frigate sized class the Shepherd receives a 10% salvage bonus from its Salvage Gantry compared to the 25% salvage bonus on the Destroyer sized class Salvage Rig.

To check how this bonus stacks mouse over the Salvage Gantry hullmod on the Refit screen. See the articles for details about how salvaging bonuses stack.

In combat, its Borer Drones can act as point defense and distractions, keeping enemy weapons pointed away from less disposable targets

Changelog

Patch 0.8a:  Added Salvage Gantry as built-in hullmod; +10% potential salvage Increased fuel capacity Venture, Shepherd, Apogee: added built-in "Surveying Equipment" hullmod "Borer" drones now handled as built-in fighter wing; stats the same but now 6 instead of 5 and replacements aren't limited Ship system is now "Maneuvering Jets"