In this video, ballistic point defense cannons (PDCs) are tested and shown to be highly effective against a range of missiles and torpedoes but completely ineffective against bombs, which they fail to detect or engage. Additionally, a bug causing friendly fire due to poor party recognition is highlighted, underscoring both the strengths and current limitations of ballistic PDCs in Star Citizen.
In this third part of ballistic PDC testing, the creator examines the self-defense capabilities of ballistic point defense cannons (PDCs) against various threats including fighters, missiles, torpedoes, and bombs. Initially, the video explores the friend and foe system implemented in recent patches, revealing that unlike laser PDCs, ballistic PDCs do not reliably recognize party members as friendlies. This leads to friendly fire incidents unless the party is reformed after jumping into the Pyro system, highlighting a current bug affecting party recognition and PDC targeting behavior.
The testing then moves to missile defense, where ballistic PDCs demonstrate strong effectiveness against smaller missiles. Size one and two missiles are frequently shot down, although some faster missiles can occasionally slip through. Larger missiles, such as size three and four launched from capital ships like the Anvil Paladin, are also effectively intercepted, with the PDCs managing to destroy most incoming ordnance. This shows that ballistic PDCs provide robust protection against a wide range of missile threats.
Next, the focus shifts to torpedo defense, where the PDCs continue to impress. Size five torpedoes fired at the Perseus are consistently shot down, even when multiple torpedoes are launched simultaneously. The Perseus’s six ballistic PDCs prove capable of intercepting size ten torpedoes from the Polaris as well, although some hits can still occur if the torpedoes get too close. The video emphasizes the importance of maneuvering to give PDCs enough time to engage torpedoes effectively, recommending retreat or evasive actions rather than charging toward incoming torpedoes.
However, when testing against bombs, the ballistic PDCs show a significant limitation. Both A1 and A2 bombs are not detected or engaged by the PDCs, allowing them to hit their targets unchallenged. This vulnerability means that while ballistic PDCs are highly effective against missiles and torpedoes, they offer no defense against bomb attacks, which can cause substantial damage or destroy ships outright.
In conclusion, the ballistic PDCs provide excellent defense against a variety of missile and torpedo threats, making them a valuable asset for capital ship protection. However, issues with friendly fire due to party recognition bugs and their inability to counter bombs highlight areas for improvement. The video ends by inviting viewers to suggest further tests, indicating ongoing exploration into the capabilities and limitations of ballistic PDCs in Star Citizen.