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Adept wrote:QUOTE (Adept @ Nov 25 2010, 02:32 PM) A vector has both direction and length (or magnitude if you want to get pedantic).

But the point is there is a distinct advantage to using 100% forward thrust when changing your vector, rather than letting the ships autopilot take some of the power and channel it through sidethruster to kill the other components.

The only advantage is that you keep more speed in the direction you are currently flying. if your objective is to turn, the radius of your turn is hella larger than if you let your ship turn by itself. in dodging enemy fire turn radius is pretty useful . the definition of a vector doesn't benefit you at all in this case since yes a vector is made of direction and magnitude but by holding forward thrust your direction hardly changes.

all things aside it would be interesting to test what actually gets you faster from point a to point b to point c if b is not along a straight line between a and c.

Terran wrote:QUOTE (Terran @ Nov 25 2010, 06:04 PM) all things aside it would be interesting to test what actually gets you faster from point a to point b to point c if b is not along a straight line between a and c.

I'll test this with you next time we're both on. Simple experiment:

Drop one probe as a start mark, one probe as an aim mark, one probe as a turn mark, and one probe as a finish mark. FF off,

Turn mark is almost in line with the start and aim mark, but slightly (one ship-width or so) off to this line. Finish mark 90-deg off the line formed by turn mark and aim mark and approximately across or slightly behind the turn mark.

Take a ship (any ship will do). Line up 10m in front of the first probe on the line connecting the first probe and the aim mark. Accelerate towards the second probe (aim mark). When you pass the turn mark, turn to the finish mark.

Timer starts when you begin accelerating, timer stops when you hit the finish mark probe. See which one is faster.

...nerds

Terran wrote:QUOTE (Terran @ Nov 26 2010, 01:04 AM) The only advantage is that you keep more speed in the direction you are currently flying.

No, you actually build speed towards where your nose is pointed faster if you let the "space drag" deal with the sideways slide, rather than wasting power letting sidethrusters kill that component of your vector.
QUOTE all things aside it would be interesting to test what actually gets you faster from point a to point b to point c if b is not along a straight line between a and c.[/quote]
Tested it long ago. I recomment anybody interested do the same. It's especially good for those tight turns when HTTing or bombing, but a scout also lives and dies based on speed.

vogue wrote:QUOTE (vogue @ Nov 25 2010, 03:20 PM) ...nerds

+1