Crusader C2 Hercules Starlifter

What this build is for

Cargo for everything the Hull B can't survive. 1,434 SCU at ~3× Hull B capacity, 180,000 shield HP, built for routes you can't quantum out of on first ping.

• Pyro routes, contested-space trades, long multi-stop hauls
• The "I'm tired of running from contested-space pirates" upgrade
• The unlock when 1,434 SCU starts paying back the cost of survivability

The build

• Wing weapons: 2× amrs_lasercannon_s5 Omnisky XV in the empty top S5 mounts. Energy — no ammo refills mid-Pyro.
• Turrets: 2 stock remote turrets stay (bottom + rear, pilot-slaved). Other hardpoints are crew positions; leave empty if solo.
• Systems: all stock and capital-grade — 2× Ginzel S3 PPs, 2× Thermalcore S3 coolers, 2× Stronghold S3 shields (same model as the Paladin), Kama S3 QDrive, Surveyor S2 radar.

Why C2 over Hull-C

• 4.7 hit Hull-C with a −58% HP nerf (Erkul live-differences)
• Hull-C still wins SCU/aUEC on safe Stanton loops
• For every other threat profile, the C2 is now both safer and more capable

Stats at a glance

Cargo1,434SCU SCU, Shield HP180,000, EM signature49,629, SCM speed160m/s. Enormous, slow, loud — and shielded like two Paladins. Pirates clocking you at radar range usually pass.

When not to use this build

• Stanton-internal short-hop trade. Hull B is the more efficient pick.
• Anything combat. It fights back if cornered, but it's not a combat platform — fly a Paladin if combat is the goal.
• Solo Pyro at maximum cargo load. Can survive Pyro, but full-load + alone + hostile-zone is still a bad bet. Half-load and bring an escort.

What patches this is good for

Authored against build 4.7.2-LIVE.11674325. The Hull-C HP nerf is the meta-defining 4.7 cargo change that elevated the C2 to default high-end pick.