Cargo bay option for carrier bays

[Chasm]

Right now a carrier bay can mount fighters, bombers, or assault shuttles. Assault shuttles default to, and come with, an armor unit (I assume this armor unit is an additional cost like for troop transports). A cargo bay (call it an assault bay if you like) would be a preferred option in many cases (still can haul troops, just comes empty at the start). Exhibit A is Gremak ships with their assault shuttles coming out full, when I have marauder troopers I would prefer to load into them.

[Arioch]

If the cost of ground units is going to be significant (which I think it should be), then assault shuttles shouldn't come preloaded with a ground unit.

[Chasm]

When utilized the price of the ground unit is part of the cost for the assault shuttle, both in hammers and in metal. The issue is that I want the cargo bay NOT the armor unit. I can see two options, build it with the armor unit / build it empty (at 2 diefernet costs, of course). Troopships are basicly preloaded and you pay for the unit in it, but you can build just transports if you prefer.

[Chasm]

As a clarification, assault shuttles currently DO come loaded with an armor unit.

[Arioch]

I know. I think that should be changed.

[Chasm]

Would be simple enough to add a cargo bay to the options, just like in transport design. In that options list you have armor bay (costing the price of an armor unit in both hammers and metal) and cargo bay (minimal cost).

[bjg]

I remember talks about upcoming differences between cargo and armored bays (like penalties to ground units landing from cargo bays). Has is changed?

[Arioch]

The invasion penalty for using cargo bay vs. assault shuttles is not yet in the game.