Both ships look like killers on paper. Only one actually kills fast.

We flew both in real engagements. The Stingray has the hardpoints for a strong build. It just doesn't have the weapon pool to back it up. The Super Hornet does — and it shows the moment shots start landing.

Here's the breakdown, no fluff.

Quick Verdict

Take the F7C-M Super Hornet. It supports more viable weapon combos, hits harder with ballistic cannons, and clears targets faster in identical scenarios.

The Stingray isn't broken. It's just unfinished. Good bones, thin weapon pool.

Bottom line: the Stingray can fight. The Super Hornet finishes fights.

Weapon Hardpoints: Why the Numbers Lie

A Size 4 hardpoint sounds strong until you check what actually fits it.

Stingray: Size 2 + Size 4 mix. Looks great on paper. In practice, the compatible weapon pool is thin — you're locked into a narrow set of choices.

Super Hornet: Size 3 + Size 4 configuration options. Wider compatibility means more real builds, not just theoretical ones.

Bigger numbers mean nothing if you can't buy the guns to fill them.

Loadout Reality Check

Stingray Setup

• Size 4 ballistic Gatlings
• Size 2 laser repeaters
• Military Grade components where possible

Works fine against predictable targets. Falls apart when the fight drags. If you're still holding the trigger past your first attack window, that's not your aim — that's the ship's ceiling.

Super Hornet Setup

• Size 4 ballistic cannons
• C788 / Deadbolt-style options
• Mixed cannon configs for burst + consistency

This is where the Super Hornet separates itself. Built around heavy ballistics, it drops targets before they can reposition or call for backup.

Time-to-Kill Is the Only Stat That Matters

DPS on a spec sheet is theory. Time-to-kill is reality.

A dead target can't shoot back. Every extra second in a trade is a second you're eating shield damage, missile lock, or a flanking third party.

Stingray: Feels like it needs one more pass. That delay is where things go wrong — shields drop, positioning slips, missiles catch up.

Super Hornet: Decisive. The rhythm looks like this:

1. Close the gap.

2. Line up the shot.

3. Land heavy ballistic damage.

4. Break off.

5. Reset and repeat.

That loop is why it feels safer in multi-contact fights.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Translation: the Stingray has a high-end toolbox with three tools in it. The Super Hornet has the full kit.

Recommended Builds

Stingray — Play It Steady

If your tracking isn't clean, skip this build. The Stingray punishes missed shots hard.

Super Hornet — Play It Heavy

Comfortable landing shots? This build rewards you immediately.

Which Ship Fits You

Pilot Tips

Flying the Stingray:

• Don't chase evasive targets — you'll lose the trade.
• Break off before shields collapse.
• Pick predictable attack windows only.

Flying the Super Hornet:

• Fire in bursts, not constant trigger-hold.
• Watch ammo — ballistics run dry fast.
• Reposition after every heavy volley.

Future Outlook

The Stingray's problem isn't the chassis. It's the missing weapon support. Expand the compatible pool for its larger hardpoints, and this ship gets scary fast.

The Super Hornet already has that flexibility. Even if a specific ballistic weapon gets nerfed, it has backup options. Ships with one good build die when that build gets nerfed. Ships with five good builds survive.

FAQ

Is the Stingray bad in Star Citizen?

No. It has real potential. The chassis just doesn't have enough compatible weapons yet to unlock it.

Is the F7C-M Super Hornet actually better than the Stingray?

Yes, right now. Better weapon flexibility, faster time-to-kill, easier to optimize for most pilots.

Should I run ballistic cannons on the Super Hornet?

Yes — if your aim is solid. Missed shots hurt more with cannons. If your tracking is shaky, repeaters are more forgiving.

What's the Stingray's biggest weakness?

Weapon variety. The hardpoints look good; the available weapons don't fully use them yet.

Which ship should new pilots pick?

Super Hornet. Straighter path to a strong build with less trial and error.

Bottom Line

The Stingray has the frame of a great fighter. It's waiting on weapon support to catch up.

The F7C-M Super Hornet is the one to fly today — more build freedom, harder ballistic hits, faster kills, and less time exposed mid-fight.

When the fight actually matters, take the Super Hornet.