I've got a question about megapacks. Specifically, how do packed drone fighters (especially the F-14/F-15 and F-111) stack up value-wise to PFs?

I've used megapacks in precisely one pick-up game, where they were used on some Stinger IIs. They seemed a very good value then, but they provide the two things that Stingers need to be threatening, speed and durability. They seemed a much better value than the Hydran fusion PFs. Maybe even a better deal then the helbore PFs.

However, drone fighters aren't ususally trying to get close fast. Do mega-packs really make them enough better to be worth their cost? And what about the Fed ph-G fighters, who can launch an run or close effectively (and who already have large drone loadouts but limited control channels)?

My guess is that they're not worth the cost over WBPs for these types of fighters (possibly excepting the ph-G fighters), but should be placed on assualt fighers (i.e. the A-10/A-20, Z-D/Z-H, etc). Can anyone with real experiance flying various packed fighters tell me if I'm on the right track, or way off course?

By Alan Trevor (Thyrm) on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 12:32 am: Edit

John,

I think you are generally correct that drone-armed fighters need megapacks less than other fighters do. But as to whether they are "worth the cost over WBPs", it's very dependent on the specific situation. I usually want my fighters to be megafighters, even if they are drone-armed^*. But if I am short on points and looking for some way to economize, I would be much more likely to downgrade a Klingon or Kzinti fighter squadron to WBPs than a Romulan squadron, for example.

^*I should add that I usually play Tholians or Romulans so I have less experience with drone-armed fighters. Both those races' fighters need megapacks more than drone-armed fighters do and that may cause me to want to megapack my drone-armed fighters when I do play a drone using race, even if that is not, objectively, the best use of BPV.

By Ezekiel P. Carpenter-Hyland (Admiral_Zekedak) on Monday, July 20, 2009 - 09:02 pm: Edit

Here is a tactical problem for an ISC PF flotilla in a PF campaign game.

-Situation-
One flotilla of standard ISC PFs finds a valuable Romulan convoy consisting of 2xFL, 2xFS and a SN-P. An easy target, except a flotilla of StarHawks (standard mix) and a Sp-A have arrived to block them.

-Set-Up and Rules-
Convoy starts within 4 hexes of 2215 facing direction B. Romulan reinforcements arrive on turn 1 along 01 hex edge with optional facing. Both are at WS-1. ISC flotilla arrives turn 2 along 42 hex edge at WS-1 and optional facing. Open map. No time limit. Scout PFs are replaced by regular PFs as EW is not being used (EM used and cannot be countered). Pseudo plasma and WWs are also not being used.

-Victory Conditions-
The ISC needs to destroy at least 75 cargo boxes without loosing 3 PFs more than the Romulans do for a draw. The freighters (beyond cargo boxes) and SN-P have no bearing on victory conditions. The Sp-A is probably worth 3 PFs, but is a low priority target.

-Question-
Can the ISC pull off a victory here? If so, what are some possible approaches? Finess is preferred as loosing more than 3 PFs (presuming success) leaves the ISC flotilla understrength next round.

By Paul Stovell (Pauls) on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 06:02 am: Edit

Tough situation:

The Romulan PF will get between you and the convoy Sp-A will likely run shotgun on the convoy which even without WW will have a bunch of phaser-3 from ships and shuttles to downgrade your plasma.

The sensible option might be to walk away.

You have a slight advantage in that your PFs have slightly more aggressive arcs for their -F torps and slightly more -F torps you also have more p-3. If the Romulan PFs come out to play without their Sp-A you might be able to make use of this to win the PF duel.

If YOU and your opponents time is as umlimited as the scenario you might try splitting your PFs into 2 or 3 groups and flying wide apart. If the Romulan splits his forces to chase off each part you may get a match-up you can work better (or with less risk)

For example if he splits his PF 3 -3 against you 3 -3 one of your groups can turn and fight really hard. If they lose you haven't lost more than 3 PF's and the others can leave. If you win you maybe strong enough to make an attack on the convoy?

By Andrew Harding (Warlock) on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 10:29 am: Edit

The ISC is outgunned but the freighters are easier targets for plasma than PFs are. On first look I feel the Roms are advantaged but it's worth playing out.