[Atraikius]

Here is what I found out about getting the AI to invade planets.

1. The AI seems to handle using Troop Transports built using a stadard hull better than ones using Transport hulls. To do this, change the Troop Transport entry in the AI_DesignCreation file with these lines:

Num Must Have At Least 1 Ability := 5
Must Have Ability 1 := Weapon
Must Have Ability 2 := Cargo Storage
Must Have Ability 3 := Cargo Storage
Must Have Ability 4 := Cargo Storage
Must Have Ability 5 := Cargo Storage

and

Majority Comp Ability := Weapon

These lines ensure that the Troop Transport will be build will at least one weapon so that it will not end up running away and hiding in a corner, planetary napalm actually works good for the primary weapon as the ship has to get right in close to use it. It also ensures that the Transport is built with at least 4 cargo bays; this provides enough storage space to carry about 80 troop1's. I found that there is a noticable difference in by using ground cannons, and as long as the race does not have any penalties to physical strentgh, 80 troop1's armed with 2 ground cannons, and 1 armor typically can capture a planet with a population of about 1000.

The majority component determined the type of hull used for the ship, Cargo Storage as the majority component results in the use of a transport hull. Changing this to anything other than Launch/Recover Fighters or Colonize Planet will give you a standard ship hull.

2. In the AI_ConstructVehicle file, add lines for the AI to build at least 200 troops, and at least one troop transport to each state so there will be enough troops to fill the transport, and a transport available.

3. In the AI_Strategy file, ensure that the primary movement strategy for capture planets is Drop Troops if carrying.


I hope that helps some.