Quick facts:Polaris
The Polaris is a corvette-class capital ship developed by Roberts Space Industries (RSI) for the United Empire of Earth Navy (UEEN). Designed for use as both a naval patrol ship and to serve as the flagship of civilian militia operations, the Polaris has the capacity to perform search & rescue operations, strike missions and general security patrols. While intended for combat situations, the Polaris can also operate as a command center while providing refuel and repair capabilities from its single small fighter bay.[1]
Features
Specifications
Model
Ship profile
Isometric | Above | Port-side | Front | Rear | Below |
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Isometric | Above | Port-side | Front | Rear |
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Paints
"Apex" | "Quasar" | "Sirius" |
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Acquisition
Pledge price history
Date | Pledge cost (USD) | Insurance | Availability | Sale |
---|---|---|---|---|
2016-10-09 | 750 (625 WB) | LTI | Time-limited | Concept sale [2] |
2024-11-26 | 975 (850 WB) | 10 Year | Time-limited | IAE 2954[3] |
Lore
The Polaris was fast-tracked for development following the 2945 Vanduul attack on the Vega System. The request-for-proposal specified a smaller, first-response alternative to the Idris-class frigates currently serving with both the UEE Navy and private concerns. Roberts Space Industries' Polaris bid was selected due to its unique combination of a fully equipped small craft hangar and an array of torpedo tubes that let it punch above its weight class.
As part of the UEE Militia Mobilization Initiative (2946), the development of the Polaris was accelerated and was made available to Citizens so they can protect contested and dangerous regions around the Empire. The UEE military will also utilize the Polaris as a standard patrol and picket ship, where it is expected to be especially effective supporting larger fleet movements. A percentage of funds from the Polaris sale is used to support continued mobilization and relief efforts across the Empire.[4][5]
Traditionally, Polaris-class ships are named after historical figures and military heroes (for example UEES Reilly).[6]
"The Polaris Corvette-class patrol vessel represents the new tip of the spear for Humanity's defense. Able to insert itself into a situation, establish its authority and then quickly maneuver to safety, the Polaris possesses the perfect balance of power and speed."
Gallery
Development
2016-02-29 | It was said in 10 FTC episode 77 (question 9) that corvettes are positioned between capital and sub-capital vessels, with the Polaris designed for cost-effectiveness in this role. It won't be a large carrier but can dock smaller ships and engage in combat with fighters and larger vessels. A formation of Corvettes could also challenge larger ships like frigates and destroyers. |
2016-03-09 | During Bensday with Batgirl & Ben episode 45, Ben Lesnick commented that they were leaning towards a length of 100 to 120 meters. On October 12, 2016, the Polaris Q&A showed an increase of size to 155m.[7] During a live steam Q&A on December 12, 2020, John Crewe stated that the ship had grown but remained in the 100s of meters range. (156-199m).[8] |
2016-10-13 | During the production phase of the Aegis Idris, the ship grew in size significantly to a Corvette. This left a void between larger capital sized ships and non-capital ships. It was decided to create a brand new ship to fill this gap. And so the Polaris was born.[7][9] |
2022-12-01 | During Inside Star Citizen: Finding the North Star, Mark Gibson, John Crewe and Ben Curtis do a 3D Studio Max mesh walk though of the model.[10] In this episode, they talk about finalizing the interior layout with some minor changes. Mark Gibson also confirms that the ship is getting capital size shields, coolers and power plant. |
2023-05-26 | Polaris is announced to be scheduled for production in 2024.[11] |
2023-10-21 | Polaris is announced to be released within the next 12 months. [12] During CitizenCon 2953 Day one, Talking ship 2953[13] the Polaris was show in the current state of design in engine white box. |
2024-01-17 | In the Star Citizen Monthly Report of January 2024 the Polaris has entered the greybox stage, marking the completion of modular pieces for the lifts, habs, corridors, and hangar.[14] |
2024-05-17 | During Star Citizen Live Q&A: Invictus All-Vehicles John Crewe commented, that the Polaris will be flight ready for IAE 2954.[15] |
2024-05-23 | During Ironclad is Rad John Crewe commented, that "they will do some upgunning on the Polaris, because it is not only a torpedo-boat, the Polaris can kinda hold it's own against capital ships with it's turrets".[16] |
2024-10-20 | During CitizenCon 2954 Captains of Industry the Polaris was shown with it's "near-final" production state and said to be slated for release before the end of 2024.[17] |
2024-11-13 | The ship was released to the public PTU in patch 3.24.3 PTU.9417366, available to spawn only by ETF members.[18] |
Trivia
- The ship is named after the star Polaris, frequently referred to as the North Star or Pole Star. This star is part of the Ursa Minor constellation and is located approximately 433 light-years away from Earth, which is roughly equivalent to 133 parsecs. It is readily visible to the naked eye during nighttime and is positioned less than 1° from the north celestial pole, making it useful for navigational purposes. [19]
- In 2024 in order to make the Polaris practically indestructible for ILW, CIG gave it 100% damage negation on Ballistic, Energy and Distortion damage as well as 100,000,000 health for the duration of the event, which was reflected on the wiki as it uses data directly from the game files.
- The loading mechanism directs the torpedoes downward through the elevator shaft, then rotates them into position in the firing tubes. Players can see this final stage through the windows on the tubes during reloading. [20]
See also
References
- ↑ Comm-Link:RSI Polaris Q&A Part 2. Transmission - Comm-Link
- ↑ RSI Polaris concept sale. Transmission - Comm-Link. Retrieved 2024-11-26
- ↑ IAE 2954 Polaris sale. Transmission - Comm-Link. Retrieved 2024-11-26
- ↑ RSI Polaris - Concept Sale. Transmission - Comm-Link
- ↑ Galactapedia - Polaris. Galactapedia
- ↑ CIG writer's forum comment
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Comm-Link:RSI Polaris Q&A Part 1. Transmission - Comm-Link
- ↑ https://clips.twitch.tv/SincereSlickBatPogChamp - Star Citizen LIVE: IAE Free Fly Q&A
- ↑ The Polaris - Ship page. Pledge Store
- ↑ https://youtu.be/n1Fjctpk2qU?t=395 | Inside Star Citizen: Finding the North Star | Fall 2022
- ↑ Star Citizen Live: Invictus All-Vehicles Roundtable
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8ZjnPdqHjDw?si=5K28N3GTp7P75Z7S&t=15024 CitCon 2953 Day One Exact Time code
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8ZjnPdqHjDw?si=gtTyJwrTNY4uoabL&t=15239 CitCon 2953 Day One Exact Time code
- ↑ https://robertsspaceindustries.com/comm-link/transmission/19779-Star-Citizen-Monthly-Report-January-2024 SC Months report January 2024
- ↑ https://youtu.be/71uiBVajvFE?si=otXrFXvNyK4BlBFP&t=3879
- ↑ https://youtu.be/j9d8GXMtHOs?si=1CMb_NoyCYxr6tGe Inside Star Citizen Ironclad is Rad
- ↑ https://youtu.be/k-mlcAxu53I?si=hef0qlWZ9dsBL_er&t=1882
- ↑ Star Citizen Alpha 3.24.3 PTU.9417366 Patch Notes. Spectrum. Retrieved 2024-11-16
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris
- ↑ @MBartrum3D, Twitter, Nov 10, 2024