I see. Thanks for the info! It seems I better start writing down all of the info so far for this game, since there are tons of tips.
Also, for cheap ships, which one would be arguably better: The Skyranger or the Pigeon?
What is your recommendation for cheap fighters then? I think the Hunter-Killer that can be cobbled together is the earliest example to replace my Aircar, if I'm not mistaken.
Also, any tips for playing monster-hunt missions besides carrying jetpacks for everyone?
Skyranger and Pigeon are too slow and very unfriendly for deployment. Just like the vanilla skyranger you only have this open ramp and no other way to get out of your flying coffin.
Pigeon might have more doors but it's still a very slow craft and missions might just vanish before you can reach those.
I recommend you to
not sell your Airbus. You will need it for the x-prison mission. Alternative is the airvan but this one can only hold 5 hands.
The hunter-killer is great for the early air-game and can hold 2x light-weapons (e.g. 10mm cannons) and 2x missles (e.g. seagull missles).
You have to fuel it with Hellerium and early on craft ammo is very scarce. I recommend to aim for reticulians and get a 'plasma charger parts' Once you have enough pieces you can craft a light weapon with 'unlimited' ammo, decent damage and mediocre aim. Don't fight reticulian during the night. (Reticulians are the vanilla Sextoids)
A grav pack is incredible broken on monster hunts since you can dodge all melee-attacks and shot from above. Without grav. packs you need a ship with more than one floor. This way you can shot from the roof and pump intruders full with leed (shotguns do wonder against monsters). If you play on the highest difficult, you've to kill up to 50! enemies. Bring enough ammo.