Difference between revisions of "Boarding"
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'''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 turrets 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 turrets marked the beginning of the end of boarding actions as a significant combat tactic. | ||
Boarding is an extraordinarily rare tactic in modern warfare, as modern warships are capable of engaging each other with missiles from miles away. Boarding in the modern era is generally limited to attacks on unarmed merchant ships. There was a boarding action of note during [[World War II]] when the [[United States Navy|US Navy]] managed to board and capture the [[Nazi Germany|Nazi]] U-Boat U-505. The captured sub is on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. | Boarding is an extraordinarily rare tactic in modern warfare, as modern warships are capable of engaging each other with missiles from miles away. Boarding in the modern era is generally limited to attacks on unarmed merchant ships. There was a boarding action of note during [[World War II]] when the [[United States Navy|US Navy]] managed to board and capture the [[Nazi Germany|Nazi]] [[submarine|U-Boat]] U-505. The captured sub is on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. | ||
==Boarding Actions in Science Fiction== | ==Boarding Actions in Science Fiction== | ||
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===Star Trek=== | ===Star Trek=== | ||
[[Star Trek]] civilizations with [[transporter]] technology can use it to insert troops onto enemy ships that have lost [[shield]] function. | [[Star Trek]] civilizations with [[transporter]] technology can use it to insert troops onto enemy ships that have lost [[shield]] function. Star Trek forces never attempt to transport enemy crews ''out'' of their ships in these situations, suggesting that [[transport inhibitor]] technology or something similar is employed to prevent such attacks. | ||
===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. [[Ion cannon]]s are designed to cripple ships without causing serious damage, creating opportunities for boarding actions. | [[Star Wars]] forces typically have to insert troops in a rather conventional fashion, by disabling the target vessel and then cutting their way through an airlock or the hull itself. [[Ion cannon]]s are designed to cripple ships without causing serious damage, creating opportunities for boarding actions. | ||
===Warhammer 40,000=== | ===Warhammer 40,000=== | ||
[[Warhammer 40,000]] forces may employ teleportation, combat [[shuttle]]s, or "boarding | [[Warhammer 40,000]] forces may employ teleportation, combat [[shuttle]]s, or "boarding [[torpedo]]es" to insert troops onto enemy ships. | ||
[[Category:Strategies and Tactics]] | [[Category:Strategies and Tactics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:07, 3 October 2023
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 turrets marked the beginning of the end of boarding actions as a significant combat tactic.
Boarding is an extraordinarily rare tactic in modern warfare, as modern warships are capable of engaging each other with missiles from miles away. Boarding in the modern era is generally limited to attacks on unarmed merchant ships. There was a boarding action of note during World War II when the US Navy managed to board and capture the Nazi U-Boat U-505. The captured sub is on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.
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. Star Trek forces never attempt to transport enemy crews out of their ships in these situations, suggesting that transport inhibitor technology or something similar is employed to prevent such attacks.
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 an airlock or the hull itself. Ion cannons are designed to cripple ships without causing serious damage, creating opportunities for boarding actions.
Warhammer 40,000
Warhammer 40,000 forces may employ teleportation, combat shuttles, or "boarding torpedoes" to insert troops onto enemy ships.