Re: {Q} Efficient Designs

>Here is a question, what is more efficient: PDAs or 1-bats (formerly
C-Bats)?
>
>PDA's are single purpose anti-fighter weapons, while the 1-bat can 
>be used in two roles (anti-ship, anti-fighter).  How many fighters 
>can a PDA defend against before being overwhelmed?  I think the 
>answer is 2.5 or 3.

Actually, the average PDS will kill 0.8 fighters; the average Class 1 
weighs in at a "paltry" 0.4. So (statistically) in order to cope with 
a flight of fighters at full strength, you'd need 8 PDS or 30 Class 1.

>1-bats are somewhat useful against fighters and somewhat useful 
>against small ships.  A ship armed with a dozen 1-bats is as 
>offensivly powerful as 2 flights of fighters, would the 1-bats be 
>effective enough to stop 2 flights of fighters?  Also considering 
>the price and mass, the fighters are obviously cheaper.  So perhaps 
>some mix of PDA and 1-bat is the best bet.

See above. The best defence against fighters is actually other 
fighters (in both MASS and POINT COST). One group of interceptors can 
tie up two fighter groups in employed skillfully, but will always get 
at least one. In short, if you anticipate going up against a large 
number of fighters, then bring a light carrier loaded with fast 
interceptors!!