Star Citizen A2 Hercules Guide: Bombs, Cargo, Crew & Price

The Crusader A2 Hercules Starlifter is Star Citizen's heavy bomber and military gunship, designed to attack surface targets while transporting troops, ground vehicles, and equipment into contested areas. Its defining weapon is a payload of four Size 10 Colossus bombs, supported by extensive defensive turrets and a 216 SCU cargo hold.

Unlike the cargo-focused C2 Hercules or military transport M2, the A2 sacrifices much of its freight capacity to accommodate a dedicated bomb bay and additional firepower.

That makes it particularly useful for organized ground assaults, coordinated bombing operations, and combined-arms gameplay. It is considerably less attractive for routine cargo hauling or solo combat, where smaller and cheaper ships are easier to operate.

The A2 is already flyable, but its value depends heavily on the missions and players available to support it. A powerful bombing payload is only useful when there are suitable targets, and multiple turrets offer limited protection without people operating them.

Version context: Alpha 4.10.2 is the current LIVE version used for this article. High-level ship specifications are referenced against the current RSI Ship Matrix. Implementation-level specifications, including the exact bomb loadout, shield HP, cargo-grid configuration, and crew-station count, use the version-locked Alpha 4.10.1 vehicle record. These extracted values are not represented as independently verified Alpha 4.10.2 data.

A2 Hercules Specifications

The A2 shares the Hercules family's large transport airframe but uses a different internal arrangement and weapons configuration.

The current RSI Ship Matrix is the primary first-party reference for the ship's published role, dimensions, crew size, cargo capacity, speed, and core weapon and shield architecture. More detailed fields are identified separately as Alpha 4.10.1 extracted vehicle data.

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Crusader Industries
Primary role	Heavy Bomber
Status	Flight Ready
Ship size	Large
Length	70 m
Beam	94 m
Height	23 m
Current RSI Crew Size	8
Extracted crew stations	8
Cargo capacity	216 SCU
Cargo grids	1 × 216 SCU
Maximum cargo-grid box size	32 SCU
Main bomb payload	4 × Size 10 Colossus
Pilot weapon mounts	2 × Size 5
SCM speed	160 m/s
Maximum speed	950 m/s
Shield generators	3 × Size 3
Total shield HP	211,200
Quantum drive	Size 3

Published vs. extracted dimensions

The two references do not present the A2's dimensions in the same order.

Current RSI Ship Matrix:

• Length: 70 m
• Beam: 94 m
• Height: 23 m

Alpha 4.10.1 extracted vehicle record:

• Length: 94 m
• Width: 70 m
• Height: 23 m

The published RSI dimensions are therefore 70 × 94 × 23 m, while the extracted implementation record reports 94 × 70 × 23 m.

Although both records contain the same three measurements, they assign the horizontal dimensions differently. This article preserves the discrepancy rather than treating the records as identical or claiming that the difference has been authoritatively resolved.

The large Hercules airframe makes the A2 a substantial landing and logistics commitment. Its cargo deck remains useful for transporting equipment and compatible ground vehicles, but the ship should be evaluated primarily as a bomber rather than a freighter.

A2 Hercules Bombs and Ground Attack Capability

The A2's four Size 10 Colossus bombs are its main reason to exist.

The Alpha 4.10.1 extracted loadout identifies two Size 10 bomb racks carrying two Colossus bombs each, for a total of four bombs.

This is version-locked implementation evidence, not a bomb-rack count taken directly from the RSI Ship Matrix.

These are heavy air-to-ground weapons intended for attacking surface positions, vehicles, and concentrated targets. Unlike guided anti-ship torpedoes, the A2's bombs depend on the aircraft reaching an appropriate release position above the target.

CIG's historical Q&A: Crusader Hercules explicitly described the A2's bombs as unguided ordnance with a wider damage radius than comparable Size 10 torpedoes. That Q&A establishes the intended distinction between the weapon classes; it should not be treated as evidence of current Alpha damage values.

How A2 bombing works

An effective bombing run involves identifying the target, approaching at a suitable altitude and speed, aligning the release, and leaving the target area before hostile forces can concentrate fire.

The A2's large payload can threaten groups of ground vehicles or a defended position, but the aircraft must expose itself during the attack.

The four-bomb capacity also limits repeated strikes. Once its bombs are expended, the crew must resupply before another full bombing mission.

For organized groups, this creates a useful operational pattern: reconnaissance identifies the target, escorts help secure the approach, the A2 delivers its payload, and ground forces exploit the opening.

For a solo pilot, the same operation involves substantially more risk. Flying, assessing threats, managing the approach, and releasing bombs all compete for attention.

Bombs are not torpedoes

The A2's Size 10 bombs should not be confused with the Size 10 torpedoes carried by ships such as the RSI Polaris.

CIG's Hercules Q&A describes the A2's bombs as unguided weapons, while the Polaris uses guided torpedoes designed for attacking spacecraft.

Their similar size designation does not make them interchangeable.

The A2 can contribute to a major ground assault, but it is not a replacement for a dedicated anti-capital-ship platform in space combat.

For the detailed distinction, see Polaris vs A2 Hercules: Torpedoes, Bombs, Cargo & Crew.

Weapons, Turrets, and Survivability

The A2 is more than a bomber carrying a few large explosives. Its additional weapon stations allow the crew to defend the aircraft and engage threats during an assault.

The current RSI Ship Matrix publishes two Size 5 pilot weapon mounts and an extensive turret architecture. The Alpha 4.10.1 extracted loadout separately identifies seven remote turret hardpoints, along with additional weapon-mount entries.

These weapon arrangements provide coverage beyond the pilot's forward firing arc, but they should not be interpreted as every weapon being independently controllable by the pilot.

The A2's turret armament is especially relevant when the aircraft must operate close to hostile ground positions or transport troops through a dangerous landing zone.

However, this firepower depends on crew availability.

An unoccupied turret contributes nothing to an engagement unless an applicable automation system is actually available and configured. A solo pilot cannot simultaneously reproduce the defensive coverage of a fully staffed gunship.

Survivability in combat

The Alpha 4.10.1 extracted vehicle data reports 211,200 total shield HP, associated with the A2's three Size 3 shield generators.

The current RSI Ship Matrix separately confirms the three Size 3 shield-generator architecture, but it does not directly publish the 211,200 HP total. That figure is therefore retained as a version-locked implementation value.

This protection helps the A2 survive attacks during transport and bombing operations, but it does not eliminate several vulnerabilities.

Its large profile makes it relatively easy to track. Its maneuverability cannot match dedicated fighters, and a predictable bombing approach can give defenders time to react.

The A2 is therefore better employed as part of a coordinated operation than as an independent ship expected to defeat every threat it encounters.

In PvE, the aircraft is most valuable when a mission actually rewards its bombing or transport capabilities. For ordinary ship-to-ship bounty combat, a dedicated combat ship will usually be more efficient.

In PvP, escort support, intelligence about the target area, and timing are especially important. A well-defended position can threaten the bomber before it reaches a useful release point.

Cargo Capacity and Ground Vehicle Transport

The A2 retains 216 SCU of cargo capacity, as published in the current RSI Ship Matrix.

The Alpha 4.10.1 extracted implementation record identifies one cargo grid with a capacity of 216 SCU and a maximum box-size field of 32 SCU.

Those implementation details describe the cargo-grid configuration, not additional capacity beyond the published 216 SCU.

The A2's cargo deck can accommodate compatible ground vehicles, including a Tumbril Nova tank. Unlike the C2 and M2, which prioritize larger transport areas, the A2's internal layout restricts how much equipment can be carried simultaneously.

CIG's historical Hercules Q&A specifically used the Tumbril Nova as an example of a vehicle the A2 could carry. That provides direct first-party evidence for the intended transport role, rather than relying on the 216 SCU cargo-grid figure alone to establish vehicle compatibility.

The historical Q&A also quoted an earlier cargo figure. That historical number should not replace the current RSI-published 216 SCU capacity. Exact vehicle-fit behavior can depend on current geometry and loading conditions, so historical transport examples do not establish precise modern multi-vehicle counts.

Its value comes from combining ground-attack capability with transport, rather than maximizing either role independently.

For example, an organization could transport a ground vehicle to an operational area, deploy it, and use the A2 to provide aerial support. That is a more natural use of the ship than filling its hold with ordinary trade commodities and repeatedly visiting commercial terminals.

The bomb bay is not additional cargo space

CIG explicitly addressed this in its Hercules Q&A.

Removing or expending the A2's bombs does not remove the underlying bomb ordnance system or convert that area into an ordinary rated cargo hold.

The A2's cargo capacity therefore remains 216 SCU. Its bomb bay should not be added to that figure after the bombs have been released.

Is the A2 good for cargo hauling?

The A2 can transport cargo, but it is a poor value choice for players primarily interested in freight profits.

Its 216 SCU capacity is useful for mission supplies, yet smaller or cheaper dedicated haulers may handle ordinary cargo work with less overhead.

The C2 is particularly attractive for commercial hauling because it offers considerably more cargo capacity within the same Hercules family.

The A2 becomes worthwhile when the cargo is supporting a military objective and the ship's bombing capability has a genuine purpose.

Crew Requirements and Solo Gameplay

The current RSI Ship Matrix publishes a Crew Size of 8 for the A2 Hercules.

Separately, the Alpha 4.10.1 extracted vehicle record identifies eight total crew stations in its Crew & Medical section. That implementation field includes positions such as pilot, co-pilot, turret, engineering, and bridge stations.

These are separate source fields, even though both currently report eight.

A single player can fly the ship and operate its pilot-controlled systems, but this is not equivalent to using its full combat capability.

Can you solo the A2 Hercules?

Yes. The A2 can be flown and used for bombing by a solo pilot, but it is not an efficient solo gunship.

A solo pilot can travel between locations, transport cargo, move compatible ground vehicles, and conduct bombing runs. Those activities do not require every secondary combat position to be occupied.

However, the ship becomes considerably more vulnerable when enemy aircraft or coordinated ground defenses are involved.

The pilot must manage flight controls, target approach, weapons, and escape routes while the remaining defensive stations are unoccupied.

Practical crew requirements

As an editorial gameplay estimate, the A2 becomes more useful with approximately three to five coordinated players.

This is not an official CIG minimum crew requirement, a published recommended-crew field, or a guarantee that three to five players can operate every weapon station.

A small group can divide responsibilities between piloting, bombing coordination, turret defense, and ground operations. A larger crew can use more of the ship's weapon coverage and respond to threats from multiple directions.

For example, a four-player group might assign one pilot, one bombing coordinator, and two turret operators. That still leaves stations unoccupied, but it reduces the workload on the pilot and provides meaningful defensive support.

The best crew size depends on the mission rather than simply matching the number of available stations.

For routine transport through relatively safe space, fewer players may be sufficient. For contested bombing operations, more crew and external escort support become valuable.

Future NPC crew or automated turret functionality should not be treated as guaranteed solutions to the A2's current staffing requirements.

A2 Hercules Price and Availability

The A2 is one of the more expensive Hercules variants, reflecting its specialized military equipment.

Real-money pledge price

The A2 has a documented $750 USD standalone pledge reference value in the version-locked vehicle database.

This is a reference value, not confirmation that a $750 standalone A2 is continuously purchasable from the current RSI pledge store.

The A2 has historically been associated with limited-time pledge availability rather than guaranteed year-round sales.

Historical Warbond standalone offers have used different prices. Those should not be confused with currently active Warbond offers, Warbond CCUs, standard CCU costs, or the ship's reference upgrade value.

The amount a player actually pays depends on the specific active RSI offer and acquisition method.

In-game purchase price

The Alpha 4.10.1 acquisition records list the standard A2 Hercules at 37,800,200 aUEC.

The recorded purchase locations are:

• Crusader Industries Showroom — Orison, Stanton system.
• Teach's Ship Shop — Levski, Nyx system.

The underlying acquisition records identify the Orison location using the combined terminal designation “New Deal - Crusader Showroom - Orison.” The location is presented here as Crusader Industries Showroom to avoid incorrectly describing it as New Deal at Orison.

Both acquisition entries are tied to Alpha 4.10.1-LIVE.12660092 and are not presented as independently verified Alpha 4.10.2 shop prices.

In-game acquisition offers an opportunity to experience the A2's bombing and transport gameplay before committing real money.

Current records do not establish rental availability. The absence of rental entries should not be interpreted as confirmation that rental is universally unavailable.

Is upgrading to the A2 worth it?

An A2 upgrade makes sense for a player who already understands its specialized role and regularly participates in group activities that benefit from heavy bombing.

It is a less convincing upgrade from a C2 or M2 for someone whose primary activity remains cargo hauling.

The additional military equipment comes with a significant reduction in freight capacity, and the A2's value cannot be measured by cargo space or general-purpose efficiency alone.

Before purchasing a CCU, check the active upgrade offer, its insurance terms, and the actual amount payable. A ship's reference pledge value does not establish that a particular upgrade is available.

A2 vs M2 vs C2 Hercules

The three Hercules variants share a common transport design but prioritize different tasks.

Variant	Primary specialization	Best suited to
A2 Hercules	Heavy Bomber / ground assault	Bombing operations, contested deployments, combined-arms support
M2 Hercules	Military / tactical transport	Moving troops, vehicles, and supplies through potentially hostile areas
C2 Hercules	Heavy cargo and vehicle logistics	Commercial hauling, bulk transportation, and heavy-vehicle movement

The A2 is the specialized bombing platform. Its defining advantage is the ability to deliver heavy surface-attack ordnance while retaining meaningful transport and defensive capabilities.

The M2 is the military transport option, offering more cargo capacity without the A2's dedicated heavy bomb payload. Its role emphasizes tactical movement of personnel and vehicles rather than bombardment.

The C2 emphasizes commercial hauling and heavy-vehicle transportation. Its freight-focused layout makes it more suitable for recurring logistics activity.

For a player who wants to transport cargo regularly, the C2 is generally the strongest choice.

For an organization moving vehicles and personnel into dangerous areas without requiring heavy bombing, the M2 is more appropriate.

The A2 becomes the preferred option when surface bombardment is an essential part of the mission.

These are not interchangeable purchases simply because they share the Hercules name.

Operating Costs and Ownership Practicality

The A2's ownership burden is not limited to its purchase price.

Heavy bombing missions require planning, ammunition replenishment, travel, and potentially repairs after combat. If the ship is destroyed or heavily damaged, its size and replacement logistics can interrupt a group's activities.

Bomb resupply is particularly relevant. The A2 carries only four of its primary heavy bombs, so a prolonged operation must account for replenishing its payload.

The actual cost of rearming, repairing, refueling, and replacing the ship depends on current gameplay conditions and available services. Without verified, version-specific prices, these operating considerations are better evaluated qualitatively rather than converted into unsupported per-mission cost or profitability estimates.

A player who spends most sessions performing ordinary contracts may find that the ship's specialized equipment sits unused.

There is also a distinction between being able to land a large aircraft and being able to operate it conveniently.

The Hercules family uses large loading ramps and a substantial cargo deck, which are useful for vehicle transport. However, the A2 still requires enough landing space, a suitable approach, and room to deploy vehicles safely.

For ground operations, landing-site selection can be just as important as the ship's raw carrying capacity.

Engineering and component management add another consideration under evolving Alpha mechanics. The A2's multiple shield generators and other large-ship components make crew coordination relevant beyond simply staffing weapon stations. The exact workload remains dependent on the current implementation rather than historical design promises.

Who Should Buy the A2 Hercules?

The A2 is best suited to organizations and groups that regularly conduct coordinated ground assaults.

Its strongest use cases involve bombing defended positions, supporting ground vehicles, and combining transport with heavy aerial firepower.

A player who enjoys organizing operations with multiple participants may find considerable value in the ship. It provides distinct roles for pilots, weapons operators, and ground personnel.

However, the A2 is difficult to justify as a general-purpose daily driver.

Players focused on solo bounty hunting, routine cargo hauling, or efficient small-group missions are likely to get more frequent use from other ships.

The A2 also makes less sense for organizations that already have substantial combat capability but rarely conduct surface operations. Its bombing payload is specialized enough that owning one does not automatically improve every fleet.

A2 Hercules Alternatives

Crusader A1 Spirit

The A1 Spirit is worth considering for players who want bombing gameplay without committing to a Hercules-sized aircraft.

Its smaller footprint and lower operating complexity make it a more approachable bombing platform, although it cannot replicate the A2's heavy payload or extensive turret coverage.

Crusader M2 Hercules

The M2 is better for military transport operations where vehicle capacity and tactical movement are more important than dedicated bombing.

It retains the Hercules family's large transport architecture while allocating more of its interior to cargo.

Crusader C2 Hercules

The C2 is the better option for large-scale commercial hauling and heavy vehicle logistics.

Its freight-focused design provides substantially more carrying capacity, making it easier to justify for players who regularly transport commodities or equipment.

RSI Polaris

The Polaris serves a different combat role, focusing on guided heavy torpedoes and fleet operations rather than surface bombing.

It is a better candidate when the primary objective is engaging large spacecraft, but it introduces its own crew and operational requirements.

The distinction between the two ships' heavy ordnance is discussed in Polaris vs A2 Hercules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bombs does the A2 Hercules carry?

The standard A2 Hercules carries four Size 10 Colossus bombs in its dedicated bomb bay, as identified in the Alpha 4.10.1 extracted loadout. These are heavy unguided weapons intended for attacking surface targets, not guided torpedoes designed for space combat.

Can the A2 Hercules carry a Nova tank?

Yes. CIG's historical Hercules Q&A explicitly identified the Tumbril Nova as an A2 transport example. The ship retains a vehicle-capable cargo area, although historical design examples and current cargo-grid capacity do not establish exact modern multi-vehicle fit counts.

Is the A2 Hercules good for PvP?

The A2 can be valuable in organized PvP ground assaults, particularly when opponents occupy a defended surface position. However, it is a large target and needs coordinated support. It is not an efficient replacement for dedicated fighters or anti-capital-ship combat vessels.

Final Verdict: Is the A2 Hercules Worth It?

The Crusader A2 Hercules is worth owning when heavy bombing is a regular part of the gameplay you want to pursue.

Its four Size 10 bombs give it a distinct role that ordinary transports and most combat ships cannot reproduce. The combination of a 216 SCU vehicle-capable cargo area and extensive multi-crew defensive weapons makes it especially relevant to organized ground operations.

Its limitations are equally clear.

The A2 requires suitable targets, meaningful crew support, and a willingness to manage the logistics of a large military aircraft. Its reduced cargo capacity makes it less useful for everyday hauling, while its size and crew requirements reduce its appeal as a solo combat ship.

For organizations conducting coordinated ground assaults, the A2 can fill a specialized role that justifies its cost.

For players who mainly want to earn credits, transport cargo, or complete missions independently, the C2, M2, or a smaller dedicated combat ship will usually provide better everyday value.

The A2 is a specialized fleet asset, not an automatic upgrade over the rest of the Hercules family.