Now that the HoverQuad from Consolidated Outland has been added to the 'verse, we posed a few questions to the vehicle team about the new grav-lev vehicle. Here are the answers, straight from the designers themselves.
Does this bike use the same hover technology as the Consolidated Outland Nomad, and how does this differ from grav-lev bikes from other manufacturers?
The HoverQuad uses the same technology as all of our grav-lev vehicles.
What ships/vehicles can the HoverQuad fit into?
The HoverQuad was designed to comfortably fit in the back of the Nomad as a companion vehicle. Its compatibility with other vehicles isn’t guaranteed but it’s small enough to fit in quite a few. If you can fit a PTV in a vehicle, it’s likely the HoverQuad will also fit.
How do its speed, handling, and overall size compare to bikes like the Nox and Dragonfly?
The Nox and Dragonfly have the HoverQuad beaten on straight-line acceleration, but the HoverQuad excels in handling and turning agility.
Does the Hoverquad have any storage for weapons, equipment, or cargo?
The only onboard storage is a personal storage area for transporting small items. There are no dedicated cargo racks or weapon storage as your back remains free when seated.
Does the HoverQuad have upgradable components?
The HoverQuad utilizes standard Size 0/vehicle components that can be upgraded like any other vehicle.
How does the HoverQuad handle rough terrain in comparison to its competitors?
Much better! It has a tighter turning radius and at speed is much more nimble. It’s also much tougher in terms of the amount of damage it can withstand.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of hover vehicles versus wheeled bikes like the Tumbril Ranger?
Hover vehicles naturally avoid any low-lying objects that can cause collision damage. However, as they’re not touching the ground, they’re much more susceptible to external forces such as wind.
How fast can the HoverQuad travel over terrain?
It varies depending on the planet’s atmosphere and gravity and the height it’s ridden at. Like all grav-lev vehicles, the max is currently around 200m/s on a planet's surface, which is similar to the bikes. However, the bikes have much sharper acceleration curves so reach maximum speed much quicker than the HoverQuad. All grav-lev vehicles can travel faster in space.
How many players can fit or be seated on the HoverQuad?
The HoverQuad is designed for a single player only.
Where did Consolidated Outland get this hover tech from, and how does it compare with other alien tech?
Silas Koerner and the engineers at Consolidated Outland looked to the Xi’an to get a better understanding of how they integrate grav-lev into their vehicles. So, it’s heavily influenced by their designs but received the standard Consolidated Outland attempt at innovation.
Do the hover pads retract if the engines are turned off to conserve space when stored on ships?
There is no dedicated “compact storage” mode like the Dragonfly is intended to have. The HoverQuad’s nacelles are planned to rotate and adjust during movement but this is not functional for the initial release.
Given that the other grav-lev vehicles work in space, will the HoverQuad be functional there too?
Yes. Like other grav-lev vehicles, the HoverQuad has thrusters that allow it to be used in space.
Disclaimer
The answers accurately reflect development’s intentions at the time of writing, but the company and development team reserve the right to adapt, improve, or change feature and ship designs in response to feedback, playtesting, design revisions, or other considerations to improve balance or the quality of the game overall.