Expansion Age Fleet Philosophy

Space combat in the Expansion Age introduced several new obstacles compared to traditional space warfare.

1. Pinpoint accurate long range kinetic weaponry
2. Potent electro-viral warfare
3. Extreme output electronic warfare
4. Massive fleet formations

In response to this, space combat evolved to utilize large, sweeping long range bombardment, extremely high velocity guided weapons, and manned strike craft.

At standoff ranges, the only effective weapons are ones that are near light speed. The extreme range combined with extensive use of electronic countermeasures, heat, and optical decoys make it exceptionally difficult to track and engage targets. Most FTL capable races utilize one or both of the following measures:

Near light speed neutron cannon arrays can be utilized at this range via 'sweeping'. A fleet will fire en-masse towards a target and sweep their beams in set patterns. With enough volume of fire, even a maneuvering target will eventually be hit.

While decently effective, this technique is not energy efficient, and much of the outgoing fire will miss their mark. Furthermore, this tactic requires hundreds if not thousands of ships at minimum in order to effectively engage at these ranges.

Electromagnetic launchers such as railguns or coilguns are used to launch guided munitions at a percentage of the speed of light. These munitions are much slower than their particle counterparts but are capable of self-tracking and correcting their trajectory mid-flight.

The downside to guided munitions is the availability of ammunition. Compared to particle weaponry which can draw plasma directly from the reactor, munitions must be manufactured and require guidance systems.

Despite the cost, these rounds are more efficient per shot compared to particle cannons with a significantly higher hit rate. Various warheads or utility packages can be installed, further expanding the utility of this system.

Ships within skirmish range no longer have to rely on massive fleet formations in order to identify and engage targets. High end sensors begin to burn through jamming and particle weapons approach the no escape zone. Furthermore, ships will typically enter a closed communication loop mode to avoid electro-viral attacks. At this point, communication is done solely through messenger shuttles. Fleets break into smaller formations and execute pre-planned attacks before operating independently.

Along with the super-lethality of neutron beam cannons, strike craft take center stage at this range. Small, manned craft are capable of blending in with decoys in order to strike from unexpected directions. These craft rely on thermal and visual optics, and aiming is typically done manually with some assistance from the fire control computer. Utilizing strike craft in this manner makes them resistant to electronic warfare.

At minimum range, electron beam cannons become effective and can make short work ship crews and electronics.