
Point Defense Systems v4.8.A to F
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1. Version Notes:

PDS versions 4.8.A to 4.8.F correspond to fleet evaluation and integration exercises of the H-BCV class. Until a suitably updated installer is available the data files for the BCV have to be downloaded separately - and both .zip files unpacked into the HW2 root directory [default c:\Program Files\Sierra\Homeworld2]

2. Recent changes [4.8.F]

a. Accuracy of FFE forward MG against missiles decreased

b. Defense fields functionality reworked.

They remain useful as anti-missile screens, but will not magically protect against overwhelming odds.

Defense fields [cold plasma] will not affect ballistics performance of kinetic rounds at all, but will reduce their effectiveness by masking targets from active sensors. Weaponry with high reliance on active firecon direction [eg, fast tracking turrets] may suffer more than "primitive" mounts.

On the same note, "primitive" weapons like unguided rockets of the HAC remain fully effective against DFs, while full-plasma weapons in magnetic containment tend to destabilize easily as they contact the field.

Shielding time for the Defense Field Frigate has been increased, and so is the field radii - this to reduce micromanagement.

The result of these changes is that secondary kinetic weaponry becomes more important in what was an all-missile-or-Trinity-cannon affair for the Vagyr vs Hiigaran setup. DFFs and DEs remain effective defenses, but are not expected to magically hold off overwhelming odds. It is still possible to execute high speed FF raids with a DFF for company, but these can be quite inneffectual as the FFs would be flying on the defensive and too far from their targets to bring to bear an effective weight of fire.

Gun platforms are deterrents for FF raids.

3. Changes from v4.8:

a. Addition of BCV in HGN startingfleets

b. Revamp of Skirmish functionality as well as startingfleets assignments

c. Improved Corvette class survivability and more believable Vagyr CT formation spacings

d. Vagyr LCV armament optimized

e. Flight models of Shipyard stations overhauled for better rendition of maneuvering massive installations and increased tactical speed - you'd however require some preplanning to consider the time needed to align and accelerate the SY on the given vector.





