Federation Commander

[Kang]

Another thing to think about is that plasma torps are not as deadly in FC as they are in SFB, because most people select speed 24 when they are expecting a plasma launch.

Therefore, bolted plasma becomes more popular and, indeed, necessary, in general ship-to-ship combat.

Now, the [rules] question is, can plasma fighters bolt their torps - which would indeed dilute their firepower. Also, especially with the Rom Gladiator-I's, iirc, the only weapon they had was the torpedo. Indeed, in SFB Designers' Edition, Expansion 1, the F-torp was apparently invented [as in, included in the game] just for the purpose of arming the G-I. F-torps on ships appeared after this, when budding starship designers all across the SFB universe decided to add 'just another' weapon to their already overgunned designs.

So, once the fighter has 'shot its bolt' - perhaps literally, perhaps not - it's back to home plate for a refill. This of course takes power.

The take-home message is that some of the fighter operations may not be as simple as first thought.
_________________

[dharras]

[terryoc]

Romulans typically do mix their squadrons with assault (plasma-F) and superiority (plasma-D) types.

I think plasma-D is good enough for anti-ship work anyway. While a plasma-D will not do as much damage as a drone, it's harder to stop than a drone so on balance it's about the same or better.
_________________
"Captain" Terry O'Carroll, fourteen papers published including six best of issue
"Man, Terry, you are like a loophole seeking missle!" - Mike West