An observation on Star Wars speeds

I was just watching the space battle scenes from SW and RoTJ when it suddenly struck me; those ships weren’t flying more than 200 – 400 MPH (320 – 640 KPH) during the actual engagements. Unrealistic for space I suppose, but the dramatic effect was marvelous. Then I checked the common EoC speeds. Did anybody realize that these ships routinely travel at upwards of 2,000 MPH (3,200 KPH)! It’s no wonder getting the Star Wars mod ships to fly right was such a pain. It also explains why you can’t really see the other ships. With speeds like this, the engagement ranges are vast. And when you finally do get close enough to see another fighter, it’s already passed you at the literal speed of a bullet.

Now before MajorTom gets all upset about the balancing issues that he spent months on, I’m not suggesting doing anything. This was just meant as an observation. And, I suppose, an explanation as to why we’ll never have cinematic looking battles at close ranges with EoC at the current speeds.

It makes me laugh and think of all the people who always criticize Lucas for having his space fighters behave exactly like WW-II aircraft. Apparently he had enough foresight to realize how boring a realistic space fight would be, and instead opted for a more exciting dog-fight style approach. If these critics ever got a realistic space battle they’d probably be bored to death. Since at realistic space combat ranges nobody would ever see each other and the entire battle would take place as little blips on a scanner screen. Modern fighter combat already works this way. Which explains why you don’t see a whole lot of fighter pilot movies anymore. It’s just not that exciting.

Anyway, food for thought. 🙂

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The Ultimate Guide To Modding: I-War 2 – Edge Of Chaos (on hold during SW MP mod)
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