These are some of my ideas about how Aerospace Fighters should
be used in the game. Some players will just use fighters for
any purpose instead of what they were intended and built for.
These classes are mostly adapted from an encyclopedia, but
reflects my views on the proper use of aerospace vehicles.
So without further ado,
AeroSpace Elements
Fighter (air-to-air combat)
The primary mission for fighters is to secure the control
of essential battlespaces by attacking and destroying all
types of enemy aero/space craft that may be operating in
their area. The opposition may consist of high-performance
fighters of equal capability, or of high-speed bombers
carrying heavy armor or protective armament. For such
purposes fighters must be capable of the highest possible
performance in order to be able to outfly and outmaneuver
opposing fighters; in addition, they must be armed with
weaponry capable of hitting and destroying enemy aircraft.
Fighters, as such, will require a thrust of eight or more
for effective performance. With such speed, fighters do
not require large amounts of firepower, rather, by being
able to get by with average firepower. An example of this
would be the TRN-3T Trident (thrust:12, overthrust:18, 3
medium lasers). Two kinds of fighter exist: long-range
and short-range. Long-range fighters are usually for first
response and CAP (combat air patrol), and require a lot of
fuel. The short-range fighters, in contrast, are used
mainly for intercepting enemy craft. This type of fighter
is not intended to be far from its base of operations.
Attack (ground support)
Attakc craft closely resemble fighters but are designed to
operate at lower altitudes in atmospheres and have weapons
chosen for use against ground targets or stationary space
targets. They may also be used as dive bombers. These
craft are generally larger than the high-altitude fighters.
They are sometimes designed for extremely low-level attack,
approaching their targets by profiling the ground at altitudes
of 50 to 100 feet. They may thus effect surprise by their
ability to approach their targets under defensive radar screens
and get safely away before defensive armament can be brought
to bear from the ground. Attack craft have a typical thrust
of five to eight since speed is not a priority. Carrying an
ample fuel supply is required for long missions, and are
sometimes accompanied by long-range fighters. They carry
large amounts of firepower for strafing, limited bombardment,
and for destroying their targets as quickly as possible
before defenses can be brought to bear.
Bomber (air-to-ground bombardment)
Conventional bombers are designed to make high-altitude
attacks against ground targets, using missile racks and/or
bombs. Bombers are usually of the medium to heavy class
and have a thrust from four to seven. These generally
include missile platforms, which make up the majority of
this type, though many are fitted for carrying bombs. They
are heavily armored and carry a few energy weapons for
protection, and are required to carry a lot of fuel.
Reconnaissance (surveillance)
A knowledge of the enemy's whereabouts and intentions has
always been of paramount importance in warfare. The airplane
gave military commanders entirely new opportunities for recon-
naisance, opportunities ranging from low-altitude observation
of a battlefield from light airplanes, to the continuous
observation of an entire nation's industrial and military
complex, using specially designed airplanes flying at very high
altitudes and carrying highly sophisticated recording apparatus.
These craft range from light, fast scouts to heavier long-range
reconnaisance craft. Weaponry is light and considered to be
secondary only.
Well, there you have it. I hope this helps when you make your next
aerospace fighter.
--Lone Wolf
Edited 3/10/99 (
geocities.com/timessquare/maze) (
geocities.com/timessquare)