RE: FT-Battleriders

G'day,

>I recently tried a new version of the 
>banzai boats, and thought I`d post my
>idea to see what other people think of them. 
>Instead of using the 3 mass suicide ships, 
>I used a mass 10 boat, fitted with a thrust 
>4 drive, FTL drive, 1 hull, and a ADFC and 
>4 PDS. For 38 points, these do make a
>difference to anti fighter and SML defences 
>when used in numbers. A NSL SD and 6 of these 
>cost the same as a FSE CVA with fighters, 
>but will shread the incoming fighters and 
>SML with no difficulty.

So how do they cope with:

a) being the target of the fighters themselves? In my first round of
"disposable" attack I often attack the ADFC ships and put the SMs into
the
main targets. The opponent has the choice of not having standing a good
chance of not having ADFC ships next turn and so will be very open to
attack
then or of getting hurt capitals this time round.

b) resisting some directed fire from "anti-rider" ships. That is
dedicated
beam fire coming in on them to pop them before the missiles etc arrive.
That's the advantage to carriers with fighters, the fighters can't be
picked
off by beams on the run in and the carriers can take a bit of punishment
themselves.

The riders may end up working well as my ideas may not be worth much
(I'd
have to play them and see), but they're something to keep in mind.

Cheers

Beth