The Noctis is not a bad ship in its current form. Its core salvage bonuses are still strong, and it remains very effective at clearing wreck fields. Particularly when it is a safe environment or when it is the only effective option available (Wormholes, Pochven, etc.).
However, this ship is really suited for a slower and older version of EvE. The ship is only to be used as a post-combat utility ship. Outside of Salvaging it contributes very little and anyone flying it is very likely to become a victim.
The proposed rework brings it closer to the utility of the Porpoise and turns it from a passive ship to a more active ship. Giving it a better opportunity to operate in more dangerous space. As such it role changes from a core salvager to a Recovery, Salvage and Expedition Support Vessel.
It gains enough tank and some defensive capability that it can push off smaller threats while potentially being able to survive slightly longer when engaged by larger ones. Its fleet hangar allows it to operate during an extended period, allowing fleet mates to pull modules, drugs or ammunition from in - the increased size also allows it to recover capital modules. The Munition hold provides it with a place to store recovered ammunition or act as an ammo truck without compromising the choice between more valuable loot.
The Expedition bonus allows it to support operations by improving another fleet mates scan probes, directional scan and its own salvaging capabilities. These changes may also encourage bringing a Noctis along with larger fleets to ensure that the later battles are salvaged fully.
The ship will also have a Remote Armor Repair Optimal Range Bonus, this exists solely as a way to repair ships poorly in battle or after the battle. It also sports a Hull Repair bonus while decreasing the range of Hull Repairs - forcing the Noctis to hug the ship it seeks to repair after the battle.
Optional Mechanics: Allow the NOCTIS to use either the tactical destroyer modes or an industrial core model to enter an MTU mode where it will auto-tractor in wrecks while reducing its total speed by 50% and prevent warp. This mode will also allow it to reprocess models within its hold for minerals. I personally have mixed feelings on the MTU capabilities, but it is worthwhile consideration.
ORE Hauler bonuses — per skill level
- 5% reduction in Tractor Beam duration
- 60% bonus to Tractor Beam range and velocity
- 5% reduction in Salvager duration
- 10% bonus to Drone hit points and damage
- 3.5+ bonus to Salvage Drone salvage chance
- 2% bonus to Expedition Command Burst effect strength and duration
- 5% bonus to Expedition Command Burst range
Role Bonuses
- Can use 1 Expedition Command Burst module
- 90% reduction in powergrid requirements for Expedition Command Burst modules
- Can fit a Large Micro Jump Drive
- 200% bonus to Remote Armor Repairer optimal range
- 50% bonus to Remote Hull Repairer amount
- 50% reduction in Remote Hull Repairer optimal range
- 90% reduction to effective distance travelled for jump fatigue
- 20,000 m³ Fleet Hangar (could be cut to 10,000)
- 6000 M3 Dedicated Munitions Hold (could be cut to 3000)
- *Recovery Mode capability, if FENRIS wanted to pursue the MTU-style mechanic
- *Reprocessing Mode capability, if FENRIS wanted to pursue this.
Slot Layout:
High Slots: 8
Medium Slots: 2
Low Slots: 4
+2 Missile Hard Points
Base Attributes:
Shield: 4,000
Armor: 6.000
Structure: 8,000
Targeting / Scan Resolution: Remains as current.
CPU / Powergrid: Fenris Can figure it out.
Make agility and alignment similar to the Porpoise but do make it a bit ‘heavier’ on average.
TLDR: Update the Noctis to make is less vulnerable, improve its overall utility and make it hold a similar role to the Porpoise but with completely different functions. Having it around should augment all of your operations rather than being primarily a liability.