Up until what rank will Firebird and Hornet be a viable combo

[eashwar 2]

This is the only combo I've been using for some time and I was wondering how long it will be viable. 

[Maf 32,314]

This is the only combo I've been using for some time and I was wondering how long it will be viable. 

Always.

However, do keep in mind that you may be at a slight disadvantage on ranks just before the next upgrade unlocks for the hornet/firebird. For example, I'm using firebird right now and I find it quite difficult to play with M2, since most other guns and hulls are already M3 and M3 firebird unlocks in two ranks. You might want to have a second turret that you can upgrade and use while you are waiting for the right rank to upgrade your firebird/hornet. Thunder would work quite well for this purpose.

[AdamFen 0]

yup. M2 firebird have to wait until Major. Most ppl have m2 isida and m2 rail then

Edited October 27, 2014 by AdamFen

[Maf 32,314]

Also Rico and Thunder will already be m2. Major is only two ranks before you can get the first M3 guns...

[trombone_ftw 734]

I suggest to also get Isida, it's cheap, easy, and unlocks early at all modifications :D

[Promissory 569]

^ But it sux at DM

[pizzaslad 471]

Not if you play smart

[Pathfinder 1,690]

Whenever any item is unlocked, it is usually an awesome item to use at that rank and below. But as you rank up, that item will become weaker and weaker.

[eashwar 2]

I already sunk in 7k crystals into m1 firebird though.

[trombone_ftw 734]

Believe me, as you rank, you will have enough crystals for an extra turret! ;)

[Chameleos 157]

i used firebird and hornet at m3 on the test server,i was a force to be reckoned,so i'd say it works until last rank d:

[andluc1 15]

Firebird M2 will have to wait 'Till Major. In the meantime, Pick something like thunder, isida, rico, or rail because those are cheap and are unlocked at lower ranks

[pizzaslad 471]

I wouldn't exactly call M2 Thunder cheap. Besides it's only 1 rank down from Fire

[Ryax 128]

m2 fire is a great weapon but not a turret to rely on as u rank up into the generals and marshals. Hornet is an awesome hull, but in order to be effective, u must master the drift. 

[ExtremeKiller26 443]

I wouldn't exactly call M2 Thunder cheap. Besides it's only 1 rank down from Fire

It's 5 ranks down at M3 stage.

[Promissory 569]

It depends how smart you upgrade it...