Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:56:43-3:58:59

How convincing are the ships in Space: Above and Beyond?

The USS Saratoga is remembered as an interesting space carrier with overlapping weapons, but its exposed command position repeats a familiar fictional vulnerability.

Aircraft CarriersCommand SpacesScience FictionSpace Above And BeyondWarship Design
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Question

What do you think of the ships in Space: Above and Beyond?

Short answer

USS Saratoga is an interesting, well-armed space carrier, but its exposed command position is a serious design flaw.

Notes

The ships in Space: Above and Beyond are interesting designs, and USS Saratoga works well as a space carrier. Overlapping weapon coverage is one of its stronger features. Its weakness is the command structure placed conspicuously on top of the hull, repeating the exposed-bridge problem found in other fictional fleets. Useful carrier organization and defensive arcs can still be undermined by a vulnerable command position.