Jump Point Defense Platform

[Rawb (OP)]

Hi there, I was planning on making a huge laser weapons platform to defend a jump gate that's right next to Earth's orbit circle.

At the moment I was going to put 35CM C5 Carronades as well as 30CM Mesons and have it floating right next to it so I can annihilate anything that comes out.

Is this kind of strategy at feasible? If so what do I need to make sure I include?

If not is there some kind of alternative I could use?

[TheDeadlyShoe]

In practice, and taking into account the way squadron transits work, I find the best jump point defenders to be fast beam platforms.  The problem with a stationary defender - aside from the difficulty of keeping it operational - is that an attacker can jump in at a pretty fair distance from the jump point. It only takes a couple tech levels to get 250k jump drives, then you have to hope the AI is dumb enough to come to you while its weaponry is still offline instead of running away.

[Rawb (OP)]

Fast Beam Platforms? How would they work? 

[TheDeadlyShoe]

Any kind of fast vessel armed with beam weapons and enough endurance. As an example, my current production design for a beam warship:

Code: [Select]


Cardaces Mod class Destroyer    6,000 tons     633 Crew     906.2 BP      TCS 120  TH 600  EM 0
5000 km/s     Armour 4-29     Shields 0-0     Sensors 1/1/0/0     Damage Control Rating 3     PPV 28.2
Maint Life 5.21 Years     MSP 330    AFR 82%    IFR 1.1%    1YR 20    5YR 304    Max Repair 72 MSP
Magazine 48   

Atlas Thruster (10)    Power 60    Fuel Use 80%    Signature 60    Armour 0    Exp 5%
Fuel Capacity 120,000 Litres    Range 45.0 billion km   (104 days at full power)

GAU-131 (3x4)    Range 30,000km     TS: 5000 km/s     Power 3-3     RM 3    ROF 5        1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
GAU-333 (2x4)    Range 90,000km     TS: 5000 km/s     Power 9-3     RM 3    ROF 15        3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 0
LDFC 24/4 (1)    Max Range: 48,000 km   TS: 4000 km/s     79 58 38 17 0 0 0 0 0 0
Predictor 96/5 (1)    Max Range: 192,000 km   TS: 5000 km/s     95 90 84 79 74 69 64 58 53 48
GCF Series 29 (2)     Total Power Output 18    Armour 0    Exp 5%

OLYMPUS Torpedo Rack (3)    Missile Size 16    Hangar Reload 120 minutes    MF Reload 20 hours
Goliath-15 (1)     Range 15.4m km    Resolution 100
HT-25 Grey (3)  Speed: 25,000 km/s   End: 5.3m    Range: 8m km   WH: 25    Size: 16    TH: 116 / 70 / 35

Fine Scan System G1 (1)     GPS 512     Range 10.2m km    Resolution 16
Small Scan System G1 (1)     GPS 32     Range 2.6m km    Resolution 1

ECCM-1 (1)         ECM 10


[blue emu]

The problem with a stationary defender - aside from the difficulty of keeping it operational...

My own system for getting around the problem of keeping the weapon platform operational is... as usual... Modular Design.

Build a large civilian platform, which requires no maintenance. Build a large number of small military platforms, each equipped with weapons (or sensors) and a tractor beam. Use the tractor beams to lock the weapons modules onto the civilian platform. Use a light carrier to periodically rotate the weapons platforms back for maintenance, and shuttle fresh ones out to replace them.

Naturally, this doesn't solve the range issue for beam weapons... it is better adapted to missile systems.

[Bremen]

My preferred jump point defense is a lot of meson armed FACs. That way they can chase down any enemies that try to run away.

If I suspect a jump point is in more immediate danger, it can be supplemented by EM detecting minefields. If the enemy survives the FACs long enough to turn on its active sensors, boom.

[Rawb (OP)]

My preferred jump point defense is a lot of meson armed FACs. That way they can chase down any enemies that try to run away.

If I suspect a jump point is in more immediate danger, it can be supplemented by EM detecting minefields. If the enemy survives the FACs long enough to turn on its active sensors, boom.

Where do you base these FACs? Do you have an orbital carrier or just use a planet?

Could you also post PM the FAC + Minefield design?

Thanks  .

[Thiosk]

As I start expanding out from my central core, I put up lots of Listening Post stations to monitor any traffic.  That way, I get at least a system or two warning of an imposing alien fleet, and if the numbers aren't on my side, have plenty of time to fling facs from either a starbase or a carrier group to protect a jump point.  I hear good things about mesons, but also Gauss for earlier game jumppoint defense.  (they shred, apparently)

[Bremen]

Where do you base these FACs? Do you have an orbital carrier or just use a planet?

Could you also post PM the FAC + Minefield design?

Thanks  .

I don't base them anywhere. FACs usually have the range to reach the jump point from a planet, and with even a single engineering bay they can have a 10+ year maintenance life. I think it's better that way; seconds count when something transits the point.

I don't have the setup in any current games, but its a fairly simple design. 700-1000 ton FACs with a few mesons and a short range fire control, no armor needed; either a tiny active sensor or a dedicated sensor ship with the group. Mines with EM detection sensors, but the missiles they launch can have whatever sensors you like.

[Rawb (OP)]

Thanks a lot man, I'll start experimenting.