Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:42:27-2:44:13

Do fighters and carriers make sense in space?

A carrier concentrates smaller craft for attacks from several directions and carries those unable to make the journey independently.

Force MultiplicationParasite CraftSpace CarriersSpace FightersSpace WarfareStandoff Warfare
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Question

Do fighters and carriers make sense in space?

Short answer

Yes, when the carrier transports and concentrates cheaper craft that can attack from several directions while keeping the parent vessel safer.

Notes

Space carriers make sense when they bring smaller craft into action together and let them attack from several directions. Those craft may lack the parent ship's range, and a faster-than-light drive may be too large or too expensive to fit to every fighter. A carrier solves those transport and concentration problems. Parasite craft are also cheaper to lose than the carrier that transports and supports them. Their purpose is to take risks that would be too costly for the larger ship.