Shuttles

[David]

I've never used the various shuttle options i.e. wild weasels, scatter packs and suicide shuttles, but will be implementing them into our games. I'm looking forward to adding them to the game (beyond just a Ph-3 platform) and gaining experience with the options they will present. As I look through the rules and start using them I may (and probably will) have questions or need advice on their use. So I'll be picking your brains...

Looking at the rules for suicide shuttles, I have a question. Obviously the ship that a SS is targeted on (or other friendly ship) can (and probably will) attempt to destroy the SS prior to it arriving. If it is destroyed prior to reaching its target, does it explode and cause damage to units in the vicinity (same or adjacent hex)? If it does reach its target, does it hit the facing shield or simply explode in the same hex as the target (and possibly damaging other units in the same or adjacent hexes)?

Thank you.

[mjwest]

A suicide shuttle is not a mine. It does not "explode" and damage units in its hex (or whatever).

A suicide shuttle is effectively a really slow drone with a big warhead. If it is destroyed en route, then it is just removed from play. If it hits its target, then it damages the facing shield as would a drone.

[David]

Thank you sir.

How many use the SS? And how effective do you find it to be?

[Scoutdad]

We use SS regularly in our group. They are difficult to use due to effective speeds, but when properly employed - they can be a devasting blow.

More often than not, they are simply armed and held... then at precisly the right time (after a successful tractor beam maybe), they are launched into an already downed shield...

[wedge_hammersteel]

I rarely used suicide shuttles. I prefer the scatterpack.

[Scoutdad]

I rarely used suicide shuttles. I prefer the scatterpack.

We use those more often than the SS, but they both have their uses...

[wedge_hammersteel]

It takes some finesse and timing to use a suicide shuttle. In my "all or nothing" battles, that's hard to come by.

[Scoutdad]

It takes some finesse and timing to use a suicide shuttle. In my "all or nothing" battles, that's hard to come by.

Then you need to play a game or two against my oldest son (Plasmaboy's brother) - Kenneth "Close'n Hose" Thomas

[Hod K'el]

I use the SS as a kill shot...the other ship is so shot up that it needs a major period of time in the yards...so it gets a SS in its face.

But, I agree with Wedge...SP's all the way, baby! The more, the merrier!

[David]

OK, so what I'm gathering is that the SS has its use but isn't the 'go-to' shuttle tactic. It seems like the SP is 'the' tactic preferred for offensive shuttle use.

Now talk to me about WW's. I've never used one yet, but reading the various CL's I'm seeing that it is a ship-saver when there are a boat load of drones or plasmas coming at you. Not having used the tactic, I'm having a hard time with it from the point of being tied to a crawl and not being able to fire weapons. I keep thinking of the enemy ship getting a good angle/range on me and raking me with phasers while I'm under the WW.

What are your experiences with the WW? (And any additional advice on SS or SP as well), and thank you for the input.

[wedge_hammersteel]

For the WW, your speed has to be very low, 4 or lower I think, for the WW to work. No active fire control. You cant fire your own weapons. All of your own lock-ons are lost. To me, thats a lot to give up for drones unless the number of incoming drones causes you to change your mind.

I prefer to use the WW for plasma torp defense rather than drones. Especially against a 50 point R torp or 30 point S torp.

I usually can handle the drones with other weapons.

[David]

If I remember correctly, it takes three turns to ready a WW or a SP? But they can be ready at the beginning of a scenario if called for?

[Jeffr0]

If I recall, WS-II gives you one special shuttle prepared. WS-III gives you two special shuttles.

Normally it takes (I think) two turns to ready a WW and three turns to ready a SS. A fully loaded SP takes three turns, but you can fire it earlier if you want to.

[David]

Thank you, I'd forgotten about the weapon status. So basically a SP loads 2 drones per turn up to a max of six.