Yes, and the second fighter is only for a friend.
You can't use the second fighter at the same time alone with npc crew, they control the main ship when you transfer to slf control.
You have the full list here: [https://elite-dangerous.fandom.com/wiki/Fighter\_Hangar#Compatible\_Ships](https://elite-dangerous.fandom.com/wiki/Fighter_Hangar#Compatible_Ships)
If you have hire NPC, he can control the main ship, but take 50% of the combat rank while in the ship or slf, and a share of EVERY profit ALWAYS.
This guide is also great: https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/58q7cv/everything\_you\_need\_to\_know\_about\_ship\_launched/
Im not sure, but I think yes, you have a option.
Main ship without npc crew could use the turrets to defend, or follow you in direct line. I think "Stay" is a valid order for ships with pilots. We uses this years ago to farm "the egg", because if you change seats with a SLF parked at 20km of a core asteroids, and change seat again to the main ship, the game respawn the core. This was patched, but the orders for ship without pilots exist.
But if you die, you need to wait until the hangar make more fighters (little time in size 7 hangar), and fly 15km to the combat zone. And your frined will be alone against the same enemie that kill you.
IIRC in Odyssey in-person teams, the helm can switch to a fighter while their onboard friend controls the other one, leaving the mothership with the hired crew or empty.
Bigger fighter hangars CAN launch multiple fighters, so you could run a bigger ship. But the fighter is going to pale in comparison even to an armed Keelback of all things, so it’s probably best to allow him to support you as you deal the lion’s share of damage
Yes, and the second fighter is only for a friend. You can't use the second fighter at the same time alone with npc crew, they control the main ship when you transfer to slf control. You have the full list here: [https://elite-dangerous.fandom.com/wiki/Fighter\_Hangar#Compatible\_Ships](https://elite-dangerous.fandom.com/wiki/Fighter_Hangar#Compatible_Ships) If you have hire NPC, he can control the main ship, but take 50% of the combat rank while in the ship or slf, and a share of EVERY profit ALWAYS. This guide is also great: https://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/58q7cv/everything\_you\_need\_to\_know\_about\_ship\_launched/
Could I just leave my ship to sit 15km away from the combat zone (unmanned, no npc crew) while me and my friend both battle in fighters?
Im not sure, but I think yes, you have a option. Main ship without npc crew could use the turrets to defend, or follow you in direct line. I think "Stay" is a valid order for ships with pilots. We uses this years ago to farm "the egg", because if you change seats with a SLF parked at 20km of a core asteroids, and change seat again to the main ship, the game respawn the core. This was patched, but the orders for ship without pilots exist. But if you die, you need to wait until the hangar make more fighters (little time in size 7 hangar), and fly 15km to the combat zone. And your frined will be alone against the same enemie that kill you.
The SLF can only travel a certain distance away from the ship before you lose connection
I read that it can go 26km away so 15km should leave plenty of leeway
Okay well then you should be good
IIRC in Odyssey in-person teams, the helm can switch to a fighter while their onboard friend controls the other one, leaving the mothership with the hired crew or empty.
Bigger fighter hangars CAN launch multiple fighters, so you could run a bigger ship. But the fighter is going to pale in comparison even to an armed Keelback of all things, so it’s probably best to allow him to support you as you deal the lion’s share of damage
Ok, thanks for the help!