How long are space battles in 40k?

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Xon
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Re: How long are space battles in 40k?

Post by Xon »

A number of factions drop out of the Warp practically in the heliopause of a solar system, and need to reach the outer solar system before they can leave again. Then there is the matter of tactical doctrine and acceptable speeds when pointed at planets. Especially if the ship plans to stop before reaching the planet in a way that a) they don't sterilize the planet with ship exhaust b) hit the planet at speed.
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Connor MacLeod
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Re: How long are space battles in 40k?

Post by Connor MacLeod »

Speeds can range from hundreds of km/s (Angels of Darkness and Annihilation squad) to a few thousand km/s (Space Fleet, Inquisition War novels), to near-c velocities (Flight of the Eisenstein, Sabbat Martyr.) Some battle durations almost certainly involve multiple engagements (either due to high approach speeds or the time needed to close to combat range, or pursuits, or whatever.) The battle of Gethsemane in the Gothic War is a good one. Others however, will probably be much shorter in duration due to lower approach velocities/acceleration. Even then minutes to hours of direct engagement seems to happen (although shorter engagements are known to happen.)
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IvanTih
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Re: How long are space battles in 40k?

Post by IvanTih »

Connor MacLeod wrote:Speeds can range from hundreds of km/s (Angels of Darkness and Annihilation squad) to a few thousand km/s (Space Fleet, Inquisition War novels), to near-c velocities (Flight of the Eisenstein, Sabbat Martyr.) Some battle durations almost certainly involve multiple engagements (either due to high approach speeds or the time needed to close to combat range, or pursuits, or whatever.) The battle of Gethsemane in the Gothic War is a good one. Others however, will probably be much shorter in duration due to lower approach velocities/acceleration. Even then minutes to hours of direct engagement seems to happen (although shorter engagements are known to happen.)
I think that Nemesis has near c accelerations.
I'll read the book.
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IvanTih
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Re: How long are space battles in 40k?

Post by IvanTih »

Yeah I found it,it says that ships can accelerate to 0.25 in moments and Vengeful Spirit is said to have torpedoes capable of atomising continents in single shots and energy cannon capable of boiling oceans.
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