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I've just started Operation Firestorm as a Captain and in command of the Cruiser Squadron "Stormwind", which consists of a Devastator and two Courageous class Cruisers, and an Asher class Destroyer.

To date, I've mostly been flying fighter and a few Destroyer squadron missions.

Any tips on how to drive a Cruiser? Or how to command a Cruiser Squadron? In particular, how it's different from commanding a destroyer squadron?

I'd rather figure it out now with helpful tidbits, than on the bridge after I've lost half my squadron to "oops" type incidents.

ORIGINAL: burndaddy

I've just started Operation Firestorm as a Captain and in command of the Cruiser Squadron "Stormwind", which consists of a Devastator and two Courageous class Cruisers, and an Asher class Destroyer.

Congrats!

Any tips on how to drive a Cruiser? Or how to command a Cruiser Squadron? In particular, how it's different from commanding a destroyer squadron?

Not much different, same commands, prehaps more ships to control.

Everyone has different strategies, you will find that you will adapt your own.

My advice would be...
Be patient and alert.

Keep your ships together.

Use the frigates to keep fighter/attack craft off your back.

Try to find an approach that allows your DDs and CAs to focus on one or two ships at a time.

Think three dimensionally, consider using the Z axis for flanks.

Quantum engines aren't just for escape...repair, re-group and re-organize.

In the mission briefing you can direct other squadrons with navpoints. Use this to your advantage, BUT don't leave carriers without their needed support.

The AI isn't overly brilliant and will make some poor decisions.

Be patient and alert. (yeah, I know, I said that)

Good luck and good hunting Captain,
Grand Admiral Zanthras

At the risk of blowing my own horn, I'm fairly good with cruisers. I always command the leader (Devastator) and thus can order my friends around. Generally I go to F3 view right after starting and set them all to "escort" me. Then, whereever I go, they'll follow.
Then I cruise around trying to find other targets - anything other than a broadsword is usually an easy kill - yes it's easier to kill another cruiser than one of those blooming broadswords.

In the campaign I make a point of transfering to a CR squadron that is in the same system as at least 2 of the enemy squadrons (preferably also CR's). Thus I can do lots of killing and usually take few losses - also lots of points . Using this method I can generally "complete" a campaign well within 10 days.
i.e. After the first mission in Operation Nightfall, I've already devestated the entire marakan first fleet (they their carrier plus a desron squadron still around) whilst barely taking any damage.

As to commanding my cruiser itself - I set gamma's to auto fire and cycle through the subsystems. They do little damage unless you target the right subsystem and then they take lots of damage. Then I fire torps manually depending on the goal.

ORIGINAL: Moriartie

As to commanding my cruiser itself - I set gamma's to auto fire

In that case, do NOT target (t key) your other own ships while weapons are on auto: they'll fire automatically on target when it's within range and firing arc. Unless it has been changed from Starshatter 4...

As to other things, don't accelerate too much if you need do maneuvering. Too much over ½ klicks per second and it takes forever change vector. If there is need to do 90+ degree turns, it's often easier to slow down (maybe rotate whole ship around and brake with main engines) and then set new course.

[edit]
Also, when you turn shields off, you can accelerate more faster. But ALWAYS in combat, keep your shields full.

Just a lowly Vice Admiral here, but just to add to Zanthras' great tips, my subsystem targetting strategies.

1. Using Lasers/Grasers: Torpedos, Rail Guns, Lasers (If the are facing you head on, otherwise ignore the lasers).
2. Using Lasers/Grasers: PBDs, you can usually get a few in one shot.
3. Using Lasers/Grasers/Torpedos: Fusion Reactor/Shield Generator
4. Watch shields drop
5. Destroy helpless ship.

see what I mean?
 
1000 strategies, all good and all work for those that use them.
 
I'm sure you'll work out what works for you and be an admiral in no time.
 
and you'll even lose a few in the end.
 
but isnt that why we keep playing?
 
the challenge!

ORIGINAL: Matti Kuokkanen

ORIGINAL: Moriartie

As to commanding my cruiser itself - I set gamma's to auto fire

In that case, do NOT target (t key) your other own ships while weapons are on auto

Already noticed that and reported on my long bug list.

Also, when you turn shields off, you can accelerate more faster. But ALWAYS in combat, keep your shields full.

Yep - also quantum drives charge quicker if shields are off.