[FT] Defensive system ideas

> -----Original Message-----
[snip]

> Think for a moment of fleet defence. We have an
[Bri] I had assumed that most planets would have a primary
defense of fighter groups. They are effective. They are relatively inexpensive
(in comparison to a ship). They are
multi-purpose (they can be used to support ground
operations). The invader comes in with 2 Hvy Carriers (12 Fighter Groups), a
BDN (1 extra Fighter group). 8 Cruisers, and 6 or so
Destroyers. The defense has 2-3 DDs, 4-8 FFs, 12 ER-SML
launchers (figure unlimited salvos), and 24 fighter groups. If the fighter
pilots are locals or have family on the planet, they will be highly motivated.
This would be an established (but not major) colony.

> So, what kind of system would help
[snip]

> What would it do:
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[Bri] Much too cheap in comparison to PDS and ADFC.
PDS: 1m 3c ADFC: 2m 8c MRIM: 1m 4c (1 shot? 3 shot?)
If this cost/mass is per shot, we are a little closer. Would
all 3 PDS dice go against the same fighter group or would it be spread out? If
spread out, the value increases. If the damage could be spread out, I would
choose 3 of
these over 3 PDS almost every time (at this mass/cost).

You can also look at the AF-HAWK discussions from a
little while ago in the list archive.

Other suggestions:

Area Defense System (ADS) (3 arc: 2m, 6c; 6 arc: 3m, 9c):
It can attack any fighter/missile/plasma/etc. in range.
At 6.x-12mu it does 1 PDS die of damage. 6mu and
less it does 2 PDS dice of damage.

Defense Drone Pack (4m, 21c):
This one-shot defense system launches a group of drones
to screen the ship from fighters/missiles/plasma/etc. They
act as screening fighters until destroyed (but may not break the screen to
attack). If attacked by fighters, it
counts as the fighter group attacking the ship, so PDS/ADFC
may attack the fighter group attacking the Defense Drones.
I tried to place the Mass/Cost at about 1/2 that of a Standard
Fighter Group. The Defense Drones must be launched in the Fighter Movement
Phase or the Secondary Fighter Movement Phase.

Advanced Defense Targeting Control (3m, 12c):
Allows all PDS on a ship to target fighters/missiles/plasma/etc.
at a range of upto 12mu. May target attacking or non-attacking
fighters/missiles/plasma/etc. At ranges of 6mu or less, each PDS
gets a +1 on damage rolls (like interceptors).

All cost/mass figures are hand waves and would need to
be tested for balance.

Additional comments above marked by [Bri]

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