By Ricardo | RicardosGaming.co.uk | RicardosGaming.com | @ricardosgaming on YouTube
Elite Dangerous Panther Clipper Review: The Ship We Have Been Waiting For
Elite Dangerous players have been waiting for the Panther Clipper for years. The ship exists in the game’s lore as the ultimate cargo vessel — a true deep-space freighter rather than a combat ship pressed into hauling duty. Frontier gave content creator Ricardo early access before the general release, and this elite dangerous panther clipper review covers everything from the bridge view angles to the live planet fall.
The short version: the Panther Clipper is real, it lives up to the lore, and it is the most capable cargo ship ever added to Elite Dangerous.
Elite Dangerous Panther Clipper Review: The Specifications That Matter
- Maximum cargo capacity: up to 1,238 tonnes — the highest in the game
- Hardpoints: 10 total — more than any other ship including the Federal Corvette
- Crew seats: 4 (co-pilot and three gunner positions)
- Exclusive cargo racks: Panther Clipper-specific modules that push capacity to the 1,238t maximum
- Ship size: Large class — requires large landing pads
- Jump range: Significantly limited when loaded — see section below
The 1,238 tonne cargo figure is the number that stops every conversation. The previous record holder, the Imperial Cutter, tops out at around 790 tonnes. The Panther Clipper clears 1,200 tonnes with the exclusive cargo racks fitted. For colonisation supply operations at scale, that difference changes everything.
Does It Actually Fit Through the Station Slot?
This was the question every Commander asked before the Panther Clipper launched. Ricardo tests the station entrance at the four-minute mark in the video and the answer is: yes, it fits, but the clearance is noticeably tighter than with other large ships. Approach the mailslot slowly on your first few docking attempts. The Panther Clipper’s width is the constraint, not the height. Once you have the angle calibrated, it becomes routine.
Planetary landing on large pads is confirmed and shown in the final section of the video. The ship will not land on medium or small pads.
Standard vs Stellar Edition — Which One?
Unlike some ships where the Standard livery looks unfinished, the Panther Clipper’s default design is actually striking on its own. The industrial geometry and exposed cargo bay architecture reads as purposeful rather than plain. If aesthetics are not a priority, the Standard is genuinely fine. The Stellar edition gives the ship a polished finish that suits long-haul fleet carrier runs and open-play trading where visual presence matters. Ricardo covers both editions side-by-side at around the 6-minute mark.
1,238 Tonnes — Panther Clipper vs Imperial Cutter
The Panther Clipper outguns the Imperial Cutter on cargo capacity by a decisive margin — 1,200t versus the Cutter’s ~790t. For bulk colonisation work or fleet carrier supply runs, the Panther Clipper moves significantly more material per trip. The Cutter fights back with better shields, better agility, higher top speed for its size. If bulk cargo is your only priority, the Panther Clipper wins. If you want a cargo ship that also defends itself effectively and moves at a reasonable pace, the Cutter remains competitive. See our Best Cargo Ships Elite Dangerous guide for the full rankings.
Jump Range and Combat Reality
The Panther Clipper’s jump range is its most significant limitation. Unladen with engineering it achieves a usable range. Fully loaded for a colonisation run, that range drops sharply. Plan routes accordingly and position near a fleet carrier where possible for long-haul supply operations.
Ten hardpoints sounds like a combat ship until you see the layout. Several mounts are small defensive positions rather than forward-facing combat hardpoints. The Panther Clipper can deter opportunistic pirates — Ricardo demonstrates the weapon coverage at the 25-minute mark — but it will not hold its own against a dedicated combat escort. Run with protection on high-risk routes.
Elite Dangerous Panther Clipper Review: Final Verdict
If you run colonisation supply chains, operate a fleet carrier, or haul bulk commodities as your primary activity in Elite Dangerous, the Panther Clipper is transformative. 1,238 tonnes per run changes the economics of large-scale logistics in ways that no previous ship could match. For combat pilots, explorers, or players who haul occasionally, it is a spectacle worth experiencing but not a permanent fleet addition.
This elite dangerous panther clipper review is based on early access before the general release. Watch the full video above for the complete first look. For more guides visit RicardosGaming.co.uk and RicardosGaming.com.
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