Poll: Space Combat

[slackbheep]

All depends on the state of technology. Guided missles of a sort seem the most feasible given our current levels of technology, but in the event that we achieve travel at a reasonably comparable to the speed of light kinetic weapons would be THE way to go in my opinion. You only need to accelerate matter to a fraction of the speed of light before it's energy density is greater than that achieved by any nuclear weapon we can really conceive of.

 

[LANCE420]

Also, I could buy that the number of thrusters on the vipers could handle most advanced maneuvers in space. Particularly the zero point turns. Of course the skill needed to control all of them would be like having a 10-speed manual on your car, you can't physically, or even mentally, handle the complicated coordination to shift yourself properly, which supports my theory of AI fighters more.

You seem to misunderstand me. I liked the Vipers. They used several attitude control nozzles, properly balanced them so that inducing roll used a minimum of two nozzles acting in opposite directions to maintain a net zero change in velocity of the fighter. I don't think the 10-speed manual is an adequate analogy for the complexities of controlling an agile fast-moving ship in zero-g. I think it's vastly more complicated, even with computer assist to make your pitch, yaw and roll controls act proportional to stick motion and then counter the spin as you return to the neutral position it would still be insane. It would be a hell of a ride though.

I was using the manual analogy just to illustrate the point that the act is impossible being completely unaided. Since, in fact, both are impossible to do unaided.

 

[Cpt. Red]

Missiles without any payload(basically a guided bullet) and other kinetic weapons. The kinetic weapons would only be used in closer distances when the time for missiles to gain speed would be to long.

Some people were talking about being able to take out missiles with point defence lasers but the only thing they would be able to do against a solid missile would be to take outs its propulsion and guidance systems but the now lump of metal would still be travelling towards you.

You could also make a missile that spreads up, after gaining enough speed, without explosives as you could do it mechanically with springs.

I would also like note that powerful kinetic weapons would probably have really long barrels so that the force on the firing craft would be easier to handle and counteract.

 

[Snownine]

Dang I pressed kinetic by mistake.

 

[Vash108]

Tech II cruise missiles and Tech II Torps all the way.

 

[Valkyrie101]

Kinetic weapons, specifically extremely powerful railguns.

 

[Soxafloppin]

I'd just stick with my fists.

Give them the old "one two".

 

[sabbat]

I can see a mixture of boarding parties and missiles working well.

 

[sabbat]

I suppose kinetic weapons would also help

 

[Spoonius]

Extremely long-ranged, homing "smart" missiles.

Due to the vast distances and speeds involved, collateral damage is a big risk when using high velocity "dumb-fire" weapons, and one miss can mean all the difference in the world.
Keep in mind that by "missile" I mean a guided projectile, and that these missiles probably wouldn't house an explosive payload as the weapon's potential damage would then be pretty limited (by both the conditions of outer space and the target's well-armoured hull).

What kind of payload would be effective against dense, tough and heat-resistant armour, and yet still able to function properly within outer space?


Oh yeah, I can also envision lasers being used for point defence against incoming missiles or to target enemy turrets with pinpoint accuracy, as the heat and power problems associated with laser technology are considerably easier to manage when applied to smaller weapons. After all, the near-instantaneous travel time and accuracy of laser weapons makes them well-suited to combat over hundred (maybe thousands) of kilometres.
As long as we're not talking about Death Star super lasers, the pros of such weapons easily outweigh the cons.