What is the "proper" tactic when using fighters/escorts?

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Originally posted by CaptAceHarddrive:
**Here's a good question: Why do some ships attack you when you're clean with them (their government)?
**

What kind of ship are you flying? Some ships have an "inherent government" type that means that regardless of your relations with the government the ship type determines their response. Similarly, some governments don't take kindly to you shooting up 'neutral' forces.

I can't think of an EV example just now but try flying a captured Voinian fighter through UE space in EVO and you'll get the idea.

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Its amazing how "tsk, tsik, nik" can mean anything from "There's a bomb in the bus, get help!" to "I'm hungry, feed me"
In case of ambiguity about anything I say - choose the nicest interpretation.

(This message has been edited by Skippy the bush kangaroo (edited 06-02-2003).)

For more information on the ship I was flying, see this discussion: (url="http://"http://www.ambrosiasw.com/webboard/Forum6/HTML/002822.html#")http://www.ambrosias...ML/002822.html#(/url) I was flying a Guild Terminator (RoP) which has no Inherent Government code. I just bought the thing and had not done any missions for either side. Right now I'm playing Empire of Crime and have decided to try out the Terran Heavy Dreadnaught. That thing is slow as molasses on a cold day and just as maneuverable. I did fly the Terran Torpedo Destroyer (made a copy of pilot file before buying it), as well as the Missile Cruiser. In my opinion, the HD's only saving graces are 1)its large number of starfighters; 2)its defensive weapons; and 3)its toughness. Even though the TD and MC don't carry as many fighters (the MC carries two Missile Gunboats), they're faster and more maneuverable. Also, the TD has a particle beam emitter. When it comes to battle, I like to be in the "thick of things," so, in my opinion, either the TD (excellent ship) or MC are my choices.

~Ace 🙂

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_I waz wunce in a spelleeng bea, but I lost beecawze the other contastents cheeted.
_

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Originally posted by General Cade Smart:
**Its cool but you have to do it so many times it gets tedious. Atleast they have double more missiles than Mantas or Patrol Ships.

**

Hmm, I kind of prefer using Mantas because of the fast launch rate. Besides they're the cheapest of them all 🙂

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Here's something funny: System 7.5.2

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Originally posted by CaptAceHarddrive:
**... see this discussion:http://www.ambrosias...ML/002822.html# **

OK. Looks like you've explored those options. Guess it's one of life's little mysteries.

Now, to the original question asked: Fighters are a more trouble than they are worth. I've tried to use them but it's just too difficult to retarget them and keep everything straight while you are also fighting. I find them pretty ineffective as long range weapons as well. Guided missiles are much more effective (even with the free reloading the cost of one disabled/destroyed fighter is way more than the ammunition costs you might save).

My suggestion for the best way to use fighters? Get warships with fighter bays as escorts - don't use them yourself. Keep a tight leash on them when you hyper into a system so they don't go shooting up all and sundry (i.e. order them to stand down as soon as you arrive in a system until you have scoped it all out). This depends on the ships' inherent AI setting but warships are generally the ones you want - shoot up anything that turns red.

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Its amazing how "tsk, tsik, nik" can mean anything from "There's a bomb in the bus, get help!" to "I'm hungry, feed me"
In case of ambiguity about anything I say - choose the nicest interpretation.