🚧 Q&A: Argo MOTH (English)

"CIG answers key questions about the new Argo MOTH medium salvager: where it sits between Vulture and Reclaimer, ideal crew size, salvage tools, SCU capacity, handling, crew roles, and combat viability."

Note: This is a clean, readable Hangarbase version of the Q&A content (not a word-for-word copy). For the original post, see the official source at the bottom. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

🛠️ What is the MOTH built for?

The Argo MOTH is a medium salvage ship designed for crews who want to step up from small-time recovery work. It’s built to bridge the gap between light salvage operations and full industrial-scale undertakings — with the tools, storage, and multi-crew workflow to keep working longer and more efficiently. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

❓ Where does it fit between the Drake Vulture and the Aegis Reclaimer?

CIG positions the MOTH as a midground option for players who want:

• higher output
• larger missions
• a more multi-crew salvage experience
  …without jumping straight to the scale (and overhead) of the Reclaimer. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

👥 How many crew do you actually need?

You can technically operate it solo (seat-swapping), and in some scenarios the larger cargo capacity can still make it worthwhile even with fewer hands.
For best efficiency, CIG recommends at least pilot + one crew member, with a maximum of up to 4 players to fully utilize the ship. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

⭐ What makes the MOTH stand out as a medium salvager?

It’s all about parallel work:

• Three manned hull-scraping salvage turrets
• plus pilot-controlled fracture/disintegration arms (structural salvage)

That lets a crew process multiple surfaces/targets faster without needing multiple ships — while still staying below Reclaimer-scale complexity. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

📦 Cargo capacity (SCU) – how much can it carry?

• Official cargo: 224 SCU
  • Two external autoloader cargo grids: 96 SCU each
  • Rear cargo lift: 32 SCU
• With buffer (theoretical max): each autoloader has +32 SCU buffer → up to 288 SCU total in specific loading scenarios :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

✈️ How does it handle?

CIG states handling is very close to the Argo MOLE.
However, because of the cargo layout, the MOTH may feel different if the ship isn’t evenly loaded. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

🔧 Salvage head loadout – what’s stock, what’s compatible?

The MOTH supports the same style of salvage-head sub-items as other salvagers.
Stock loadout includes:

• Cinch
• Abrade

Also compatible (in both salvage turrets):

• Trawler
• Ready Grip :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

🧱 Structural salvage – what can it process and what does it produce?

CIG notes it can structurally salvage ships up to around the size of:

• Origin 600i
• MISC Starfarer

It produces Construction Material “Pieces”, and per the Q&A, the MOTH is the first ship to output the raw material type Pieces. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

🎮 What roles can players take on during salvage?

CIG outlines these crew roles:

• 3 manned scraping turrets (front + both sides), each with strong 180° coverage
• Pilot controls the guns and the fracture/disintegration arms
• Copilot controls the remote missile turret :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

🧨 How does the MOTH fare in combat?

It’s not designed for combat. The weaponry is intended as initial self-defense to deter attackers long enough to make an exit. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

🎨 Is the MOTH a MOLE variant (and does it share paints)?

No — CIG says the MOTH is a standalone chassis, so it does not share paints with the MOLE. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

🔗 Official source

Q&A: Argo MOTH (Roberts Space Industries)
https://robertsspaceindustries.com/en/comm-link/engineering/21011-Q-A-Argo-MOTH :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}