quote:
Originally posted by James Sterrett:
[b]Seems to me one of the simpler cures here would be to let seekers target sats. 8) This would prevent the "drop it off in bombardment range" problem.
Actually, I see no problem with the introduction of "AFHAWK" systems (seeking point defense systems). These would help balance the weapons pod concept (which I agree, should not be so overpowering against the AI). On the other hand, now you're looking at using these systems as "one shot" systems. I.E. they will get off their missile salvo, prior to getting pounded by incoming light seekers. If you were then to introduce single shot seeker components, you get very close to both the Missile pod idea from the Honor Harrington novels, as well as the External Ordnance racks from the Starfire novels by Weber and White.
The question becomes one of balance -
Given a seeker weapon that can target anything - How much should they mass, what dam, what reload rate will keep them in balance (I.E. not destroy the effectiveness of fighter Groups). Apply that to single shot pods as well - Keeping damage/range the same as the equivalent level CSM, while upping reload to 30, how big should they be.
The trade off with single shots is - how much longterm fire power am I willing to give up for a larger initial punch.
A regular CSM I does 60 dam every 3 turns. By making the reload time 30 on SS CSM I, you've reduced longterm firepower per launcher by 10. If you were to make them mass 15kt, you've now given them a longterm dam/kt of 30% of a CSM, for the advantage of 3.333 times the initial firepower. Does this sound fairly balanced? Which way would you adjust the mass of the launcher?
SDK