[RE2] HPL Aeolia Carrier
2024-11-24: Updated to add CV repair pad and do some remodeling in the front hanger area to update hanger bays to 10×5 (old was 7×5) based on feedback.
HotPants Propulsion Laboratories (HPL) is proud to present the Aeolia carrier. Named after the mythical floating island in Homer’s Odyssey the Aeolia is designed to be a mid to late game single player and multiplayer carrier that boasts additional birthing for 6 new Zero Fuel Production (ZFP) modules as well as an expanded bay for a single Helios class module.
The Aeolia spawns in as a Core 9 with additional dedicated CPU extender expansion space to take her all the way up to Core 17 if so desired. The Aeolia comes standard with a full set of power saving plasma turbines and is powered by a Small Fusion Reactor to easily enable the upgrade of the thrusters to the plasma or antimatter varieties when needed.
The Aeolia is intended to be a “solar princess”, warping in and staying in the sun sector of the star enabling you to utilize your Helios module or other CV/SV to launch from the Aeolia to explore the system.
Aeolia features:
• Core 9
• Twelve 640k container controllers and an additional 15 cargo boxes all labeled and organized
• 1 Small Fusion Reactor
• 12 Plasma Turbines that enable the Aeolia to idle at negative fuel consumption
• Advanced Shield Generator
• Advanced Warp Drive
• 36 Hydroponic grow plots
• 3 Fridge and 2 Food Processors
• Full Medical & Oxygen positioned near all the primary ingress and egress points
• Universal & Advanced Constructors
• Teleporter
• CV Repair Platform
• Dedicated Science and Scanning Stations (used in Dronelands Expedition)
• 6 Zero Fuel Production module bays
• 1 Helios (standard) module bay
• 1 Long Range Radar
The Zero Fuel Production modules are new and unique to the Aeolia carrier. Measuring just 7 blocks wide and 7 blocks tall, they are a small form factor addition to the Aeolia carrier system. Currently there are 4 ZFP module varieties and each is guaranteed to run at its full designed production capacity without consuming fuel once docked to the Aeolia.
1. HPL ZFP Hydro Farm – Supports 8 Hydro Bays for farming or growing pentaxid. Has a single 640k container controller, 2 small constructors, 1 large fridge and 1 food processor. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3285208274
2. HPL ZFP 2AC 4SC – Constructor production module with 2 Advanced Constructors, 4 Small Constructors, and 2 640k container controllers. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3285208112
3. HPL ZFP 2DC 4SC – Deconstructor production module with 2 Deconstructors, 4 Small Constructors, and 2 640k container controllers. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3285208208
4. HPL ZFP 1UC 4SC – Universal Constructor production module with 1 Universal Constructor, 4 small Constructors, and 2 640k container controllers. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3285208009
Please Note: Docking the ZFP modules to the Aeolia carrier is not a simple nor trivial task. If you spawn a ZFP module in open space and intend to drive it into the Aeolia carrier bay, you will absolutely experience frustration. The ZFP module bays are 7w x 7h just like the ZFP modules themselves. To successfully and effectively dock the ZFP modules please do the following:
1. Level the Aeolia carrier by pressing the “O” key. I find it best to do this while also positioning the Aeolia at a cardinal direction (0, 90, 180, or 270).
2. Prior to spawning in the ZFP module, ensure that you are exactly centered on the outer docking bay numeric designation (e.g. the outer “2” for docking bay 2) and that your cursor crosshair is exactly centered on the inner docking bay numeric designation.
3. Once you are centered on the docking bay numeric designations, Press the “O” key to ensure you are level with the playfield.
4. Once you are centered and leveled, use your keyboard to move down (cursor crosshair roughly level with the bottom of the Aeolia) and away from the carrier approximately 40-50 meters.
5. Once you are centered, leveled, below, and away from the Aeolia you can spawn in the ZFP module. If you have done this correctly the module spawn area will be Green, centered in the bay, slightly below, and slightly away from the docking door. Spawn in the ZFP module.
6. Once the module is spawned, go to the front of the module and up to the cockpit. Put fuel in the module via the “P” menu (really, a single dual fuel cell is all you need) and turn on the thrusters.
7. To successfully dock and have a seamless transition from the ZFP to your Aeolia carrier you will want to press and hold the following 3 keys simultaneously until you dock: The “O” key to maintain level, the “W” key to move forward, and the “Spacebar” to move up.
Credits & Thanks
I did not create this in a vacuum and leveraged inspiration and design elements from multiple builders and authors including (but likely not limited to):
• JRandall the prolific builder and originator of the Helios modular carrier from which this evolved.
• Kainne who had the original idea for the ZFP modules and their use on a new carrier system, and collaborated with me on their creation.
• Stan2112 who has been super patient in answering my questions about building and helped me with reviews and feedback
• Movado who gave me inspiration on how to turn thoughts and designs into form and function.
• Sulusdacor & Allessia whose stunning LCD’s I’ve used to try and make the Aeolia as pretty and functional as possible
