Recommended Progression

A huge step-up from the Viper Mk3, being slightly more agile while also having strong shields and two large hardpoints.

While this one is primarily a hulltank again, it is still another considerable step up in power, owing to 4 additional hardpoints and a bigger distributor.

This is what many would consider the pinnacle of PvE combat. It gets the distributor and hardpoints to absolutely rule. Only in maneuverability is it not a step up compared to the chieftain before it.

An insanely good PvE combat ship. It combines the best distributor of the game with great hardpoint placement, and very good (for PvE overkill) survivability. Only the handling is a definite step down from smaller options.