Laser Point Defense Turret

[SneakytheRogue]

Suggesting this simply for variety and also because I didn't see it already posted when I did a quick search of the forums.

A laser point defense turret is as it sounds like: an alternative PDT that uses a laser rather than kinetic rounds. Kind of like the technology we have already today on US naval ships and the Airborne Laser prototype, why not use focused beam lasers to shoot down incoming missiles and threats.

It's biggest benefit would be the lack of ammo consumption. A simple trade-off would be that the laser would have a much slower kill-time compared to the typical kinetic PDT. Perhaps 2-4 seconds of concentrated fire per target. While I've seen a standard PDT turret kill off two missiles consecutively in a matter of seconds, the LPDT would require the pilot to keep the projectile within the turret's cone of fire until it is destroyed.

Pros
Cheaper base price than PDT
No ammo consumption
Maybe better accuracy at longer ranges than PDT?

Cons
Slower kill time/damage than PDT
Uses more reactor power
Adds (more?) to heat output

 

[dementia]

Suggesting this simply for variety and also because I didn't see it already posted when I did a quick search of the forums.

A laser point defense turret is as it sounds like: an alternative PDT that uses a laser rather than kinetic rounds. Kind of like the technology we have already today on US naval ships and the Airborne Laser prototype, why not use focused beam lasers to shoot down incoming missiles and threats.

It's biggest benefit would be the lack of ammo consumption. A simple trade-off would be that the laser would have a much slower kill-time compared to the typical kinetic PDT. Perhaps 2-4 seconds of concentrated fire per target. While I've seen a standard PDT turret kill off two missiles consecutively in a matter of seconds, the LPDT would require the pilot to keep the projectile within the turret's cone of fire until it is destroyed.

Pros
Cheaper base price than PDT
No ammo consumption

Cons
Slower kill time/damage than PDT
Forces pilot to maintain orientation for use, increasing vulnerability in dogfights

Isn't there something like this already? Turreted beam lasers or something?

Regardless, your 'Cons' would stop people using such a weapon anyway I think.

 

[SneakytheRogue]

Turreted beam lasers yeah, but I'm not aware if they target missiles/torpedos for defense like PDT does.

And the idea was to be a cheaper, less effective alternative to the PDT (that could maybe get scaled up by cost/class aka stronger lasers?). I was going to have more pros/cons and ideas but I'm at work typing in moments of free time and had to submit early.

 

[SquidgyB]

Con;

Uses more Reactor Power

Not sure you'd need the orientation con - it's a turret and should really just target the missile in the same way the kinetic type do.

Nice idea though, bringing some more choices to the game.

 

[SneakytheRogue]

Con;

Uses more Reactor Power

Not sure you'd need the orientation con - it's a turret and should really just target the missile in the same way the kinetic type do.

Nice idea though, bringing some more choices to the game.

The power one was one I wanted to add but forgot, I've edited my original post to include your suggestions