[ELPIRATA]

the thing that makes inflight fueling dangerous is for the most part wind effects. In space, there is no wind, therefore it should be pretty easy to 'dock' with something while moving, not much skill required IMO compared to servicing a ship while a fight is happening nearby.

ELP

[Istanbul]

More wind, less newton (well more, but we're in a gravity well)

[Wild_Bill]

Remember the revolving space station docks in Elite? I think this is one area where some kind of AI auto-docking would be helpful. As to the KC-135 idea, I don't know about you bub, but I'm pretty sure it would exceed my piloting abilities. I still like the idea, just not sure on the implementation aspects.

[Istanbul]

Flying the support craft itself wouldn't be so tough. It's more on the pilot of the fighter jet to close the range and synchronize the velocities.

[Chaser]

There is another option, futuristic transporter beams, used from as close as 1km, the fuel/ rearm/ repairs would be done from a flying ship housing special devices that can "beam" help to any ship close by, maybe even closer, like 200 meters.. then skill is involved becuase the repairs take a few minutes and you dare not move more than 200 meters or the system stops, my opiniun but sounds workable.

[netburnr]

I think thats a great idea too. Definitly something to try as an option if ND decides they like this idea.

[Istanbul]

in my thinking, the range to stay within would be about 500 meters. however, if this made it in, i'm sure testing would find a range that balances challenge with functionality.

[Jonboy]

I'm happy with these ideas, as long as the ships are destroyable while it is happening. Either have the refuelee not actually dock inside, or have the refueler be destroyable or both.

[Chaser]

If its another ship we can pilot, then it would have to be destroyable like all the others, as a support craft it would have heavy defenses but not a lot of offense, maybe high speed or heavy armor, so it can do its job with a little safety.

[Istanbul]

of course the support craft would be destroyable! If conducting an extended fleet operation, protecting your support craft would be super important.

[netburnr]

Anyone played Team Fortress 2?

They have "medics" which I think would be an interesting way of adding this.

Basically if their cursor is on you, for a pretty good distance they increase your health.

For Jumpgate, I would think at say 2k, the beam starts to make contact, then as you get close the more powerful the beam will get. That way you can follow someone right into the thick of things and keep their shields up.

[Istanbul]

Hmm... I don't think I like your implementation of that so much net. I'm not sure how to explain my feelings on that, except for 'anti-jumpgate-ish'. Of course, we're just trying to come up with ideas here, so don't mind me. Basically, shields already recharge themselves, so having someone else doing it seems pointless to me. However, keeping RBs in the game, and equipping the support craft with them is definitely something I could get down with. Then if someone is low on armor, the support craft can dash in and give them a quick repair of however much they have time to take in between engagements. Obviously, in fleet battles that may not be too long.

[netburnr]

In my last post I was explaining a 2nd pilot helping a first pilot by increasing his shield recharge, especially useful for HFers that are always being targeted first.

And I want more than just the Repair Beams, I also suggested refuel and rearm