Player Features and Ideas Discussion

I wasn't in a big favor of this idea, until something struck me recently.
What we could use is a drone assistance in areas, which were before a sole area of ship modules.
I.e. an external drone "antenna" providing bonus to ship sensor resolution or range, probe strength or accuracy, and of course different combat abilities.
So, my final thought was this:

Modular drone chassis (15m3, 5m3 packaged)
- a hull with 3 "slots".
- requires to fill all 3 slots upon assembly
- Requires a "drone propulsion" module, "drone enhancement" module and one regular ship module from comatible list.


Propulsion modules:

Attack drone propulsion module (5m3)
- An MWD equivalent to quickly close gaps between target and dust.
- Allow fitting of medium weaponry. (Yes, regular ship weapons. Me no kiddin'.)
- Small signature radius.
Combat drone proulsion module (5m3)
- Regular propulsion only, can't fly anywhere, only orbit the host ship, or loosely follow it at up to 80-90m/s
- Heavy power core, allow use of large turrets.
- Large signature radius.
Utility drone propulsion module (5m3)
- AB equivalent. Relatively slow speed, "better late than never",
- Very low noise level allowing for use of complicated and sensitive equipment
- Allow use of remote support and assistance modules (target painters, sensor boosters, shield transfers etc.)
- Moderate signature radius


Enhancement modules:

Drone tracking enhancer
- Increase gun tracking.
Drone ballistic computer
- Increase gun optimal and falloff
Drone sensor link
- Increase scan resolution (equals to scan resolution script, but only nullifies the range bonus of sensor booster)
Drone signal booster
- Increase sensor range (see above)
... a few other sensible modules you can think about.


Some modules that cam be used on drones:
200mm Railgun, Heavy Ion Blaster, Heavy Pulse Laser, Mega Beam Laser, Sensor Booster, Remote Armor Repairer.
One module, that isn't present (yet?) in game, to boost probe scanning related attributes.

Obviously, drones should be on grid and ship not cloaked for them to provide a bonus.

The problem we have here is how to make drones more versatile and easier to use. I think the idea of scripted drones isn't bad. It would be logistically easier to manage.

That said, how is that much different than having thousands of missiles in flight? In terms of the server load. Temporary rabbit-trail, I would point out that missile mechanics need a revamp too.

The discussion here is how to improve and take drones to the next level where they will be more useful. Cause let's face it there isn't enough drone bandwidth/bay in most subcaps for true versatility offered by other ships.

That is why I support and am in favor of something like this.

The server load is not created by drone difference, it is created by drones leaving bay/docking back. And this is what CCP is constantly working on (last masstests were specifically aimed on evaluation of related mechanics changes.)