Aim64C, on 21 July 2013 - 11:16 PM, said:
Plenty already do. Most laser systems have a warm-up period. Dumb-release bombs (a direct attack munition) are somewhat similar - computers in the aircraft detect when the aircraft is "zero G" and release the bomb onto a designated target (very accurate, though it restricts maneuvering against anti-aircraft fire).
Weapons like the 5-inch gun aren't necessarily supposed to hit with their first shot - the radar tracks the projectile and compensates before firing the next shot. In the world of ship-to-ship combat, the 5" gun is "direct fire."
Even then - these weapon systems aren't built to address all threats.
Which is exactly why a charge mechanic would balance out PPCs. Autocannons remain the reactionary damage dealer and 'brawling weapon' alongside SRMs. Lasers are reactionary - but light and fieldable. PPCs are more of a support weapon in the direct fire role - they can deal heavy damage against the heavier targets, but the lighter and more nimble targets are going to be able to mitigate the weapon system.
None of those are manually aimed direct fire though? Any situation, where it is likely that you need to fire quickly because
a ) enemy is shooting back at you and
b ) enemy does not stay long out of cover
you would really want a gun that fires instantly when you pull the trigger, wouldn't you?
I admit I'm not that educated in latest military inventions, I did my military service about 20 years ago (branch being direct fire antitank, might affect my preferences : ). But as far as I think I know, lasers are used against aircraft (which can not hide behind cover easily), big guns are rather fired indirectly if there is risk of getting shot back, and bombs are traditionally dropped by instant when you pull the lever, now it is just left to computer to decide when to pull it so pilots don't have to calculate speed, altitude and stuff like that midair.
This, ofcourse, is rather offtopic already, but anyway, I'd hate to have a gun that does not fire when I want it to fire. And being long time PPC fan, I'd rather not see them turned to that.
edit: But I agree on the logic in balancing. It would make sense. Still, I'd much prefer fire happening instantly, but stream being not point loaded, so it would spread a bit if you didn't get a good line on target.
Edited by xRatas, 21 July 2013 - 11:39 PM.