Saber class

[Mikey]

I have no problem with the ship at all, Deep - my issue is that you want that ship as your primary barrage vehicle, not behind the battle doing mop-up or policing your rear flanks. That's like sending an Iowa-class to do the job of a PT boat. Would it be effective? Sure. Would it be a waste of a primary cap ship that would better serve you elsewhere, like in the front of battle? Absolutely.

[Deepcrush]

It truth I want to use as both barrage and rear/flank patrol support. The Akira has 3 type X phasers and 15 PTLs. 15! She is a barrage ship with a few phasers for extra protection. The Iowa didn't have 12 cruise missile racks, those were guns, equal to phasers. Now, if the Akira had 15 type X phasers, heavy hull armour, reinforced SIFs then yes she would be a battleship. Who's to say she's not a battleship? But, in space, why does a battleship have to be up close? IF you have Defiants mixing it up close, why not let the Akira sit back and pound away at will? Putting this ship in the front line of battle doesn't do anything but make it a target. It should be behind the front line, supporting at medium and long range. Which would also leave it free for mop up and flanking support. Hell, even when she moves she can still shoot. She's got a pair of PTLs on each flank. If the target was close enough she wouldn't even have to move. Even when moving she could still support the front line from long range. True, its more expensive then the Steamrunner, but it also does everything the Steamrunner does, just much better. You would need fewer of them and gain greater effect with less effort and less risk to ships and crews.

Calling it an Iowa? Well then its an Iowa with 5 times as many tomahawks as cannon shot, plus it can hit an enemy battleship from 5 times the range they can return. How many other missile ships do you see other races with? The Akira is a powerful ship with the option to take enemy targets before they can close to return fire. When the USS Phoenix took out a Galor from long range, was that a mistake in some way? There is an advantage to be had with a ship like this and placing it right on the front line of battle would waste that advantage.

[Mikey]

I never said she should be in the front of a battle. I said she shouldn't be reserved for picket duty - rather, she should be at (or supporting) the most active part of a battle. That barrage power - 15 PT's - is wasted if the vessel isn't directly supporting the front line of a battle, even if it's doing so from behind the main line of Sovs/Defiants/whatever.

[Deepcrush]

She should be held for whatever need comes across. Thats the point of a multipurpose ship.

[Mikey]

I think we're more at 45 degrees than at right angles, Deep. I guess my point comes down to this: hypothetically, you have one unassigned Akira-class and are facing a major confrontation. Do you assign her to patrol the second echelon of your battle front, providing fire support where needed; or do you assign her to picket supply lines and guard far-rear staging areas?

[Deepcrush]

Akira squadrons based in the center and near flanks would support the main battle line. Akira squadrons on the far flanks would act as guard and hit&run ships. A Startrek fleet doesn't seem to take many supply ships with them. Most likely because they can repair most things on the move. Picket lines in ST would be more like large arcs reach about the main fleet.

Much of it could also be that you and I have different views on fleet formations.

[Mikey]

Perhaps. Also, I'm thinking about what would I do with ONE Akira; you're talking about what to do with a sufficient number of them.

[Deepcrush]

Squadrons of 3 to 5 were on my mind. In a fleet of several hundred there would be at least that many.

[Deepcrush]

Perhaps. Also, I'm thinking about what would I do with ONE Akira; you're talking about what to do with a sufficient number of them.

What would be the point of using only one of them? What would be the point of putting them in close combat? Weak phasers, weak armour, weak sheilds but with massive ranged power. What would your use for them be given this?

[Mikey]

No, no, no... I mean, as a one-to-one comparison with other classes... forget it. I get your point. Like I said, I don't think we're actually in opposition on this.

[Deepcrush]

So how do you see this ship in a one-one comparison?

I see it as a fast/missile cruiser.

[Mikey]

Pretty much the same. Heavy long-range barrage power, with some afterthought armament as close defense.

[Deepcrush]

Someone said something about using it like a battleship, who was that? I need to peel that brain for thought.

[Mikey]

I compared it to a WWII battleship ONLY FOR PURPOSES OF POSITIONING, not for actual classification.

[Deepcrush]

Ah, so stand off and shoot out with other ships?