Destroyer
This article discusses a subject with undecided "Canon". The Swarm Cycle writers need to discuss this on the email list, come to a decision, and then update this article to let readers know what Swarm Cycle "true canon" is.
A Destroyer is the smallest vessel realistically capable of independent operations, although that role is much better suited to the larger and more expensive Cruiser. Destroyers are typically dedicated to certain roles, which include:
- Escort vessels are designed to provide enhanced screening and defense for a fleet or convoy, having a larger complement of weapons than a frigate and thus more effective in the role. Enemy small craft greatly fear an encounter with an escort-focused destroyer, but these have limited capabilities to effectively engage other destroyers or larger warships.
- Fleet Destroyers are designed to eliminate enemy scouts, pickets and reconnaissance vessels in order to facilitate attacks on an enemy fleet. These are given the engineering plant to keep up with a combat fleet or task force but focus on shorter-range, fast-firing weapons designed to engage smaller vessels, or those of equal size in order to clear a path for an attack on the enemy, or prevent the enemy from doing the same.
- Attack Destroyers are intended to engage enemy capital ships from stealth and avoid detection or engagement by all other classes of enemy ships. These ships fear encounters with anyone their size or larger, but enemy capital ships greatly fear having one of these in the battlespace.
Compared to larger and more capable warships, destroyers are rather fragile and have limited armament. They are best employed in groups, or "squadrons" or "divisions."
Listing of Destroyer Classes
See Also
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