How are the 600i w/ Exploration Module capabilities compared to those of the Carrack or Aquila?

The 600i exploration module features two manned scanning stations, a deployable ramp for an exploratory ground vehicle, an Origin-created Rover and SCU storage for any artifacts needing to be stored once discovered, so it is a solid option for explorers looking to purchase a stylish alternative to the Aquila, while the Carrack should provide a much longer term exploration base and facilities.

Is the 600i w/ Exploration Module’s 36 SCU of cargo space when carrying the rover or when not carrying the rover?

The figures are based on the ship cargo capacity while not including the Rover. The exploration module not only has the lift for the rover, but also space for the additional SCUs.

Will there be more modules and if so, which can we expect?

No further modules are currently in the pipeline, but the beauty of a modular ship means that nothing is off the table in terms of expanding the 600i’s options down the line.

Why are there no Point Defense Systems similar to other high-end luxury ships like the Phoenix and 890 Jump?

The simplest reason is variety. We wanted to explore different defensive options for this particular luxury ship. For this reason, instead of a PDS the 600i features two remote turrets, so in the instance that the ship is fully crewed, and your gunners are up to it, they will be able to ensure your ship stays protected from threats. If automation is your bag, you will be able to equip them with an AI module, which will help defend your ship if your crew are unable or unavailable to assist.

Can the Touring and Explorer modules be swapped in and out of a single 600i?

That is indeed the eventual plan, yes. Modules will be purchasable separately and will be swappable in game after that functionality exists.

The 600i is a supremely expensive ship for its size and role, especially against the larger Carrack and cheaper Constellation. Why is this? What benefits are worth the increased expense?

We are building a universe, and part of that means we can consider aspects that a standard game does not, such as value and desirability. When we look at vehicles in the real world, its apparent that more functionality does not always mean something is more expensive, and vice versa. In the Star Citizen universe, a sleek, luxury ship created by Origin will bring certain connotations with it, in the same way most people would find a sports coupé more desirable than a family sedan, despite the fact it has less seats and cup-holders.

How does the range of the 600i compare to the other exploration ships?

As stated above, the extra scanning stations and rover storage mean the 600i is a fully capable exploration ship with that module in that size range. The Carrack should provide more robust and longer term exploration option.

Can the 600i be flown effectively solo?

The 600i is, fundamentally, a multi-crew ship. However, for its size is probably one of the most solo-friendly ships out of the box. By utilizing unmanned remote turrets and capable shields, a skilled pilot should be able to effectively pilot the 600i solo in most regards.

The Origin Rover is listed as a separate item in the standalone versions of the 600i Explorer but is the rover also going to be included if you upgrade ( CCU ) another ship to a 600i Explorer?

Yes, upgrading to the 600i Explorer Edition will indeed grant you an included Rover.

What agility can we expect from this ship versus the Constellations considering that the 600i has more than twice the mass of RSI ’s ship? This is especially important since the 600i comes with fixed guns and no gimbals.

Whilst the 600i may be faster than the Constellation in a straight line (more on Thruster ratings in a later answer) it will suffer in its maneuvering due its bulk and size. The fixed weapons that come default can be swapped out to gimbals like other ships.

Will it have room enough to carry an 85x instead of the Origin-branded rover?

Until the ship is fully built and implemented this is difficult to say with complete certainty, but the 85x has a much larger footprint than a Rover so we consider this unlikely to fit. While ships smaller than the Rover may technically “fit,” the lift is designed purely for a ground vehicle, so maneuvering a ship in there might prove risky in terms of causing damage to both vessels.

How many beds, toilets and save seats for passengers does a 600i Touring have?

The 600i bridge has 3 seats for the pilot and crew members. The exploration module gives you a further 2 seats for the manned scanning stations. There is a dedicated captain’s quarters and beds for the remaining crew members in their quarters. Exact number of toilets is still to be determined, but you can probably expect at least 2 in the crew washroom and one in the captains quarters.

Can both the Origin X1 & Rover dock securely inside an Origin 600 at the same time?

This should certainly be possible yes. The lift platform itself is the perfect fit for the Rover, but there is nothing to stop you storing the X1 in the cargo storage area of the exploration module. Bear in mind that if you choose to do this then it wont be a quickly accessible option and as such we’d recommend a Rover or X1, rather than both.

How many missiles can the Origin 600i carry? In the brochure the 600i is stated to carry 16 S3 missiles yet the website states 4x S3 pylons with 16 missiles each (total of 64). Or was this just a misunderstanding and it can carry either 16xS3, 32xS2 or 64xS1 missiles?

The perils of active development! To clarify, the 600i has 4 missile racks that can hold 4x S3 missiles each, giving a grand total of 16 S3 missiles for the ship.

What parts of the ship change between the touring and exploration variants? Is it just the rear window section and rover bay area depicted in concept?

The swappable module is in the core of the ship itself. The rear window is present on the standard 600i hull, and is a viewing gallery of sorts.

The brochure states its faster than most ships of its size and it states it has 4 TR2 thrusters. How is that achieved, compared to the constellations TR5 thrusters (according to ship stats) and the way lower weight of the constellation class?

This is a flaw of the current stats page and matrix, and will be remedied with the update coming online with the release of SC Alpha 3.0. The thrusters of both ships will most likely be in the same power band alongside updates to their mass. The current stats page does not support the internal design for a lot of items at present.

Is the 600i Touring variant intended to be a money-maker in the realm of VIP passenger transport, similarly to the 890 Jump and Genesis Starliner?

The 600i is not intended as such to be a commercial vehicle. Where the 890 Jump and the Starliner are the luxury private superyacht and commercial people carrier, the 600i is on the compact end of the private yacht scale.

Why only 16 and 36 SCU for such a large ship?

One of the unique selling points of the 600i is that it is a luxury ship. So the answer to this is really the same as to why you can fit more cargo in a minivan, than you could a Lamborghini; cargo storage practicality takes a back seat to aesthetic and comfort.

Will the 600i Explorer have a medical area?

The 600i does not have a medical area no, due to it not holding a huge crew, this would be a room that ended up potentially being used rarely.

Why is the Series named different from the 300/800 Series? Explorer should be the 615p and not the 600i Exploration Module.

The reason for this is that the 600i is modular, meaning that the swappable modules are what make the ship suit the desired role. Regardless of what module you have installed, the ship is a 600i.