RE: [FT] Salvo Missile (and Fighter) Range

Drom Brian:

> Attack Velocity is figured from launching ship's 
> velocity, the movement of the salvo (after inertia), 
> target velocity, and distance to the target after 
>ship movement.

Basically yes, though in the revision I sent in reply to Beth, I
simplified
the missile speef component to be total distance from launch point to
target, and attack vector to be the line from launch point to target
coordinate (or center post).

> I think that you need step 1.5: 

I don't think it's needed with the revision.

> In #2, is the clockface from the target's facing, the
> target's course, or what reference point to determine
> clockface? 

It's meant to be the Target's heading. This is the same as its facing in
cinematic, but not necesarily in vector.

> This seems to break if the salvo is overshot
> (i.e. placed behind the target on a head-to-head attack).

It won't with the revision. The Slavo has to close the distance back to
the
target to attack, so the net vector is simply to the target from the
launch
point.

> Perhaps it should be:
> Course Divergence between salvo and target (in clock
> facings; determines Attack Velocity):
> 0-2 Subtract target velocity from salvo velocity
> 3-4 Use only salvo velocity
> 5-6 Add both target and salvo velocities

I think this works well. My way might be better for cinematic, since you
can
determine it just by looking at the figures, but this may do better for
vector.

> I would suggest using absolute value of Attack Velocity
> in your calculations (as it is possible to be negative). 

Agreed, rare as the case may be.

> Your method solves the chase problem, but adds a new
> problem that SML ships must limit their speed to be
> effective (this seems contrary to the design philosophy
> of the FSE). Also, the opponent can change your 
> efficiency just by increasing speed.

True to a point. In fact, it encourages ships to charge into missile
barages
rather than peel off to increase the missile AV. It also encourages SML
ships to avoid the head-on attack. I don't know if this truly limits
speed,
but it does probably force different maneuvering. I don't know if either
of
these count as problems rather than an impetus for new tactics.

Noam