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Hidden Axe Squadron

Role: Ambush - Capping

This is an extreme version of the classic 'Torpcello' Ambush/Hunter-Killer build. See Hidden Blade Squadron for a more reasonable setup.

With the philosophy of 'bigger is better', this fleet packs 48 torpedoes with unusually large warheads for a proper beat-down of any enemy ship at the cost of reduced fuel capacity. Because of this, to maintain a practical range for these torpedoes, their engine maneuverability is sacrificed in exchange for fuel burn duration. Without the maneuverability to avoid hardkill by enemy point defense, the majority of the backup seekers on these torpedoes are replaced with decoy launchers.

The torpcello itself is also upgraded with an additional Missile Programming Bus Array that brings the salvo size to 8, at the cost of being a bit flimsier and having only 1 FM280 Raider drive instead of two drives. This makes the ship slightly slower, thus become less forgiving when it comes to good positioning and bow tanking.

The best tactics for this fleet is to evade detection until the last minute, even better during feigned retreat to draw enemy capital ships to overextend, then unleash the deadly torpedoes at the unsuspecting enemies (weapons control mode HOLD can be used to great effect here). After the enemy capital ships and their escort has been properly pummelled, the two included rocket shuttle and gun shuttle can be used to finish off the disabled escorts.

Can wipe out entire frontline with ease. However, they must not be paying attention and checking corners. Be economical when expending your torpedoes, as they are a limited resource, and an empty Torpcello cannot respond to threats other than bow tanking.

When not ambushing, use the two included escort shuttle as PD support, capping assets, or simply to screen ahead of the torpcello's movement.

Weaknesses: Vulnerable to cruise missiles, bombers, and beams spams; in addition to just being in the open in general. Keep your position and composition well concealed for best survivability.

The included SGT-316 Fleetus Deletus torpedo is best fired at range 3.55 - 3.65 km, to a maximum of 3.75 km. To defeat jammers, mix into your salvo the SGT-317 Jammus Smackus which has the backup home-on-jamming (HOJ) seeker instead of decoy launcher. A ratio of 7 SGT-316 and 1 SGT-317 is recommended. Do NOT fire the SGT-317 alone, as it is easily hardkilled by point defenses. Remember to burn through and lock the contact you want to shoot to defeat jamming, as this torpedo is Command (CMD) guided.

Made while ignoring the good advices from our community on Discord. Use at your own risk.

Good luck and have fun! Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions.

• Update v1.2: Updated SGM-115 Retort to only target hybrid missiles and optimized the torpcello internals.
  
• Update v1.1: Added dummy missile for capping and optimized gun loadout.
  
• v1.0: File uploaded.