To Altentengernady Taylor Genjii GUM STATION
All Operational Foetoershs
From Foetoersh R Scholefield ZSS Kedma
Stardate 3199.201
1. FORCES ENGAGED
1.1 ZN FORCES
Notes
1.1.1 ZSS Firefish was in a proposed modified configuration with Turret HELLs and 2 Missile Launchers.
1.1.2 ZSS Kedma was also in a proposed modified configuration with 2 Sponson PAD and 2 HELL (in place of 1 Fixed PAD and 4 HELL) and 4 Missile Launchers (replacing 2 Hvy Cannon).
1.2 OPFOR
2. NARRATIVE
Foetoersh Tarry, ZSS Kidon, commanded the ZN squadron in the defence of a System Station. Firefish, Kedma and Yesha deployed in line and moved toward the Station, Kedma in the centre. Kidon was behind Kedma with the C5A in support. OPFOR deployed in 2 lines with the EVI in front, other ships behind with the ALSI in the centre. Kedma's target priorities were 1st the ALSI and 2nd the centre EVI.
Exercise Rising Tide lasted 1 minute 40 seconds (5 Turns) before OPFOR ordered disengagement. Minimum range at start was 18 km (hexes). Both sides moved towards each other and the OPFOR EVI launched all 12 Pacifiers immediately; Kedma engaged the ALSI with PADS.
(Turn 2) The OPFOR PACS then closed while ZN Missiles were launched. OPFOR ALSI launched Shuttles.
(Turn 3) OPFOR PACS concentrated on Firefish, inflicting crippling damage, but Kedma and Yesha were also engaged. ZN fire was concentrated on the OPFOR PACS.
(Turn 4) ZN PACS engaged OPFOR PACS in dogfights and ZN fire was also concentrated on the PACS.
(Turn 5) OPFOR ALSI and Shuttles collided with the Station, and OPFOR Marines assaulted. 2 of the 4 Shuttles were destroyed by Kedma. All OPFOR PACS were knocked out and, with Kedma and Yesha operational, OPFOR ships were ordered to disengage bringing EndEx.
3. SHIP DAMAGE
3.1 KEDMA 14 hits: 8 armour, 1 PAD, 1 HELL, 2 Missile Launchers, 1 Multi-Cannon, 1 Flare, Manoeuvre Thrusters twice. I.e. Half the weapons systems knocked out, but repairable.
3.2 FIREFISH 14 Hull hits, and 1 HSD, 2 HELL, 2 Missile Launchers knocked out. Operational: 2 HELL and 1 Heavy Cannon, and 1 remaining Hull Point [ Aaaarghh!!! ].
3.3 OPFOR All 12 PACS knocked out [ I think ].
[ Since Michael left before the end, I copied the damage received by Firefish - hmmm ... interesting. It would be instructive to see the damage inflicted on all the remaining ships. Anybody know? ]
4. ZN TACTICS USED
The CLI and 2 DDI engaged the OPFOR ships with the aim of knocking out the ALSI and EVI. Kidon reserved the ZN PACS to protect the CLI and DDI. ZN PACS engaged the OPFOR PACS (1 Turn) after they had engaged the ZN ships when Firefish was crippled.
5. ENEMY TACTICS USED
OPFOR launched their PACS as early as possible. They concentrated on Firefish with the aim of knocking her out completely, while assaulting the Station with Marines as quickly as possible.
6. CONCLUSIONS
6.1 That PACS are highly effective when concentrated against a single target.
6.2 That the ZN PACS were deployed too late to counter the first and most effective OPFOR PAC strike.
6.3 That the proposed modified configurations for Firefish and Kedma appear to give enhanced firepower.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1 That when Enemy PACS are deployed they should be a priority target for all ships and weapon systems. If En PACS are a major threat then ZN PACS should be tasked with engaging them in preference to En ships.
7.2 That in the face of attacking En PACS ZN ships should be closely grouped to give mutually supporting DEW and cannon fire.
7.3 That accelerating all ships away from En PACS when launched will reduce their attack options and could be advantageous.