Difference between revisions of "Boarding"
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Boarding''' is the act of inserting troops onto an enemy ship in an effort to sabotage or capture it. Boarding was a common tactic in naval battles before weapons capable of seriously damaging a ship from a distance were developed, but the invention of cannons marked the beginning of the end of boarding actions as a significant combat tactic. | '''Boarding''' is the act of inserting troops onto an enemy ship in an effort to sabotage or capture it. Boarding was a common tactic in naval battles before weapons capable of seriously damaging a ship from a distance were developed, but the invention of cannons marked the beginning of the end of boarding actions as a significant combat tactic. In modern warfare, it is no longer used. | ||
==Boarding Actions in Science Fiction== | ==Boarding Actions in Science Fiction== | ||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
===Star Wars=== | ===Star Wars=== | ||
[[Star Wars]] forces typically have to insert troops in a rather conventional fashion, by disabling the target vessel and then cutting their way through the hull. | [[Star Wars]] forces typically have to insert troops in a rather conventional fashion, by disabling the target vessel and then cutting their way through the hull. [[Ion cannon]]s are designed to cripple ships without causing serious damage, creating opportunities for boarding actions. | ||
[[Category:Strategies and Tactics]] | [[Category:Strategies and Tactics]] | ||
Revision as of 00:49, 20 October 2009
Boarding is the act of inserting troops onto an enemy ship in an effort to sabotage or capture it. Boarding was a common tactic in naval battles before weapons capable of seriously damaging a ship from a distance were developed, but the invention of cannons marked the beginning of the end of boarding actions as a significant combat tactic. In modern warfare, it is no longer used.
Boarding Actions in Science Fiction
Futuristic technology -- especially teleportation technology -- allows new opportunities to board enemy ships in battle. Given the desire of writers for face-to-face confrontation with the enemy, boarding actions actually occur with surprising frequency in science fiction stories. Acquisition of new technology or starship assets are often factors in SF conflicts, providing motivation for ships to attempt boarding actions.
Star Trek
Star Trek civilizations with transporter technology can use it to insert troops onto enemy ships that have lost shield function. For unknown reasons, Star Trek forces never attempt to transport enemy crews out of their ships in these situations.
Star Wars
Star Wars forces typically have to insert troops in a rather conventional fashion, by disabling the target vessel and then cutting their way through the hull. Ion cannons are designed to cripple ships without causing serious damage, creating opportunities for boarding actions.