I've read the comments to my post, mostly by Doug Evans & B Lin. So, let me
make a final defense of the debris reef harbour over the conventional mine
field...
As an area denial weapon, a mine is essentially a one-shot weapon - a
breach can be made in the line by sacrificing a drone to the mine or using a
armoured ship as a bulldozer. To make a breach in a debris reef, you need a
ship with a dedicated minesweeper system. And even THEN, it takes a number of
turns equal to the density of the swept area for the debris to disperse enough
to allow unimpeded passage.
True, mines are cheaper and easier to set up - as part of a ready
defense in the field - but you do need a GREAT deal of them to ever be
considered as a viable deterrent in defense of a high value target. I merely
offer the option of a debris reef as part of a PERMANENT defense structure for
a star system with strategic value to a nation.
***
I've read the comments to my post, mostly by Doug Evans & B Lin. So, let me
make a final defense of the debris reef harbour over the conventional mine
field...
***
...snip...
***
I merely offer the option of a debris reef as part of a PERMANENT defense
structure for a star system with strategic value to a nation.
***
Not sure I think it needs defense; both Birhan and I accept it, though with
differing opinions as to how common its usage might be.
While extrapolation has been proven dangerous historically and in our own
discussions, as a final thought I'd point out that the permanence of large
quantities of mines is a major problem today. For the volumes of material
you suggest in the reefs, sweeping similar quantities/masses/costs of
mines might not be a trivial prospect.
I certainly agree the image of the spiral reefs is quite intriguing!
The_Beast
Considering Doug's comments below, it makes me think that debris reef harbours
MAY be common in Kra'vak territories
JBrewer@webtv.net
"Always strive to be a good person. If you can't do that, at least strive to
be someone other than an asshole."
***
I've read the comments to my post, mostly by Doug Evans & B Lin. So, let me
make a final defense of the debris reef harbour over the conventional mine
field...
***
...snip...
***
I merely offer the option of a debris reef as part of a PERMANENT defense
structure for a star system with strategic value to a nation.
***
Not sure I think it needs defense; both Birhan and I accept it, though with
differing opinions as to how common its usage might be.
While extrapolation has been proven dangerous historically and in our own
discussions, as a final thought I'd point out that the permanence of large
quantities of mines is a major problem today. For the volumes of material
you suggest in the reefs, sweeping similar quantities/masses/costs of
mines might not be a trivial prospect.
I certainly agree the image of the spiral reefs is quite intriguing!
The_Beast