The Type-11 is Lakon Spaceways’ mining-focused ship, designed from the outset to be the dedicated prospecting and extraction vessel that miners have wanted for years. Unlike the Type-7 or Type-10, which are general-purpose haulers pressed into mining service, the Type-11 Prospector was built with mining in mind — and the difference shows in both its design and its performance. After spending considerable time in rings across several systems, here is a comprehensive review of what the Type-11 brings to the mining community.
Design Philosophy: Purpose-Built for Mining
The Type-11 sits in the medium-to-large ship category and introduces several features specifically aimed at mining operations. The most significant is an expanded hardpoint configuration that allows more mining lasers to be fitted simultaneously compared to ships of similar size. Combined with a large internal module bay that prioritises cargo space and refinery placement, the Type-11 is immediately recognisable as a ship designed for a specific purpose rather than adapted from a general template.
The cockpit visibility is excellent for a ship of this size — Lakon’s design philosophy of panoramic views has been applied consistently here, and you can see your collector limpets working from the cockpit without constantly camera-switching. This is a small but genuinely appreciated quality-of-life feature for commanders who spend hours in mining operations.
Mining Performance
In practice, the Type-11 excels at laser mining. With multiple large mining laser hardpoints and a hull that handles asteroid impacts without flinching, extended ring sessions are comfortable and productive. The ship holds enough cargo to justify long mining sessions before returning to sell, and the refinery modules available at its size class handle the output of three simultaneous mining lasers without bottlenecking. For commanders doing extended Painite or LTD hotspot sessions, the Type-11 is one of the most comfortable experiences available.
| Mining Role | Type-11 Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Mining | Excellent | Purpose-built hardpoints, great cargo |
| Core Mining | Good | Adequate hardpoints for abrader + charge weapons |
| Wing Mining | Very Good | Large enough to benefit from wing bonuses |
| Deep Space Mining | Moderate | Jump range under load is limiting |
Comparison with Established Mining Ships
How does the Type-11 stack up against the ships miners were using before its release? Against the Type-7, it offers better hardpoints and comparable cargo, though the Type-7 has a slight edge in raw cargo capacity when fully optimised. Against the Anaconda mining build, the Type-11 offers better purpose-built mining functionality but less versatility. The Imperial Cutter still wins for maximum cargo, but the Type-11 is significantly cheaper to buy and outfit, making it an excellent stepping stone for miners building toward the Cutter.
Engineering Priorities
For the Type-11, the engineering priorities are: first, your Frame Shift Drive for better jump range (mass manager or increased range); second, your Thrusters for better maneuverability in tight ring sections (dirty drives); and third, your Shield Generator for better emergency protection. Your mining lasers do not require engineering, but a Reinforced cargo rack helps if piracy is a concern in your preferred ring system.
Verdict
The Type-11 Prospector is exactly what it promises to be: an excellent mining ship at a competitive price point. It will not replace the Cutter for end-game miners who want maximum cargo, but it is the best purpose-built mining ship at its size class and a significant upgrade over retrofitted trading ships. Highly recommended for commanders who have outgrown the Python mining build and want a dedicated extraction vessel before committing to Cutter-level costs.
