Fighter Squadron Financing

[AngleWyrm]

So far, my simulations have been light carrier and three gunships vs six gun ships, and the result is I'm killing roughly one frigate for each 8-12 fighters lost.

Cost-wise (minerals), it's rather expensive. Their frigates run about 5700, and my fighters around 650. I would have to lose eight or less fighters per frigate to be making headway financially.

Although I am winning the engagement with the additional loss of one frigate, but that may be my frigate's advanced sheild tech.

Anyone getting better odds, and if so what are you doing?

[dogscoff]

Bear in mind that the cost of the frigate can be doubled every four turns or so due to maintenance.

Which is the cheaper deal now?

[Xrati]

It's a fighter, not a combat ship. They are supplementary firepower. Even today one fighter is no match for any combat ship. They are primarily a defensive/offensive SUPPORT element. Only in Battlestar Galactia are the fighters the primary offensive power of the ship. Again they use overwhelming force.

[Tampa_Gamer]

Xrati - I'm not sure I completely agree with that. I think every Country today has a slightly different view of the use of fighters. I would agree with you with respect to land-based fighter groups, but at least for U.S. purposes we like to use Carrier Battle Groups (CVBGs) which have the primary purpose to project power abroad. Most of the ships in that group are there for the sole purpose of protecting and supporting the Carrier so it can complete its mission of projecting power. More recently, the addition of cruise missiles to the equation has given the support ships more of an offensive role to play, but they are still there to support and defend the primary Carrier.

[Suicide Junkie]

The question still remains; which set of military assets will get you a combat victory for the same expenditures?

[Kana]

Fighters are what is called, 'expendable' units...Certainly easier to replace a fighter or two, than trying to replace a whole frigate...

[AngleWyrm]

Been able to ramp up my success rate by increasing the squadron size, overwhelming point defense. With technology continuously changing, it's hard to categorically say one is better than the other.

"All other things being equal" rarely applies in this game; tough game to figure out!

[PvK]

In SE5, don't all units and even facilities have a maintenance cost, not just ships and bases like in SE4?

[Phoenix-D]

They do. Its a lower amount though.