Atron
 Entry-Level Tackle Frigate
HIGHLIGHTS
RELATED UNI-WIKI REFERENCES
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The Atron is a hard nugget with an advanced power conduit system, but little space for cargo. Although it is a good harvester when it comes to mining, its main ability is as a combat vessel. SHIP BONUSES
Gallente Frigate bonuses (per skill level):
Ship Attributes
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4 (0/3) 
3 
3
35 MW 
160 tf
420 m/sec
92 m³
Summary
The Atron is the Gallente Attack Frigate. The Atron's extraordinary speed, agility, and bonus to propulsion jamming modules (warp disruptors, warp scramblers and stasis webifiers) cap usage make it an excellent tackle frigate. The Atron also has bonuses to hybrid turrets, but these use powergrid and CPU so ion/electron (smaller) blasters or sometimes even no weapons are common to see. The job of an Atron pilot is usually to pin down an enemy and stay alive long enough for fleetmates to arrive and deliver the punch.
The Atron is a great hull for new pilots interested in learning basic tackling skills, and how to serve as a fleet scout (or "+1"). Flying the Atron provides good practice for eventually flying fleet interceptors (such as the Ares), which are more commonly used as fleet scouts and first tacklers. Nevertheless, even though the Tech I Atron isn't quite as effective as a Tech II Interceptor, it can still serve as an amazing long-point tackle ship. E-UNI Atron pilots are strongly advised to read the UniWiki guide to tackling, and to attend a Tackling 101 practical.
Of the four racial Attack Frigates, the Atron has the most structure HP. As a result, it benefits the most from a damage control module (which provides resistance bonuses to hull), and is nearly always fit with one in a low slot. The Atron's speed makes it best at providing initial tackle, and so it is most often fit with a warp scrambler ("scram") and stasis webifier ("web") to hold down targets for the fleet to catch up (warp disruptors are sometimes fit as well). Other slots are typically filled with a propulsion module (usually a microwarpdrive), modules that increase speed and agility, and shield modifiers. Even though Gallente ships are typically fit for armor, the fleet Atron is not, because many armor modules and rigs carry penalties that negate the Atron’s speed advantage. Novice Atron pilots are often recommended to fly the "Derptron" fit (EUni members may find it in the Fittings window in game), because it is a great tackle frigate with low skill requirements.
The Atron is not as strong at dealing or taking damage as the two Gallente Combat Frigates, the Incursus and the Tristan. Novice Gallente pilots looking for a PvE frigate for Level 1 missions, or for serving the second (scram/web) tackle role in fleets, would be better served by flying one of these other ships instead of the Atron. Close-range, brawly Atron fits scram kiters can succeed in solo PvP if the pilot can prevent the opponent's turrets from tracking while simultaneously hitting the opponent with blasters, but strong Navigation, Gunnery and capacitor skills are required. Railgun-fit scramkiters can also work - the best part of using an Atron is solo PvP is that it has an already good base speed, so the fit can focus on other things whether rail or blaster fit. Dual prop (afterburner and microwarpdrive) antikiters can work as well though the margin for error is low given the Atron's thin tank.
Skills
Of the skills below, the navigation skills that increase speed and tank are most important for fleet tackle. The Gallente Frigate bonus and turret skills are more important when the whole fleet is flying Derptrons or most importantly in solo PvP.
Recommended skills:
- Shield Operation III
- Mechanics IV
- Jury Rigging III
- Navigation IV
- Thermodynamics III
Tactics
Fleet Atron pilots should read the UniWiki articles on Scouting and Tackling; these provide details on how to serve as the fleet vanguard, and how to approach and point a target once it is on grid. Some tips on flying the long-point Atron:
- Target larger ships. The Atron is especially effective against large ships, because they have trouble tracking the Atron with their larger weapons systems. Try to tackle cruisers and up.
- Keep your distance. Check the optimal range of your fitted warp disruptor, and subtract 4 km from that number; this is the distance at which you’ll want to orbit your target. (This gives you 4 km of wiggle room.) If you stray too far below this distance, you will be within range of your opponent’s shorter-range scram, web and/or neuts. You can set your ship’s custom default orbit by right-clicking on the Orbit button in the Selected Item window; you should set your default 2 km less than the number you calculated above, because of overshoot at high speeds.
- Spiral in. Because the Atron is poorly tanked, the Atron pilot needs to avoid getting hit on approach. If the target is a turret ship, one way to avoid damage is to "spiral" towards the target, and to never fly directly at the target, in order to maximize transversal (and thus evade the tracking of the target's guns). The spiraling method does not help against opponents flying missile or drone ships, though, and Atron pilots should just fly straight at these targets.
- Anticipate your opponent. Try and determine your opponent’s direction of flight, and cut them off. Your opponent may try to "slingshot" you by flying towards you, and making you overshoot the target. Be ready to change directions quickly.
- Call your point in comms. Let your fleetmates know when they should warp to you!
Atron pilots can learn more about tackling by attending Tackling 101.
Notes
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