Seeking Weapon impact timing

[Panda21]

I found some references to this from a few years ago, but I’m still a bit unclear.

If a ship moves into the same hex as a seeking weapon (drone), does the drone count as impacted?

Every reference we could find in 4F4 says “when the seeking weapon enters the hex�, which seems to say it only counts right after the drone moves. I am imagining that the ship kind of runs right past the drone before it can turn.

Obviously, there’s a good chance the drone catches the ship very soon thereafter, but it was actually a game deciding moment for us yesterday.

I know that the drone can HET, but this would mean the drone turns quickly and THEN MOVES FORWARD, which would remove it from the hex where the ship is.

Can someone please clarify how this should work?

[Steve Cole]

yes, entering the hex of the weapon seeking you means the weapon hits you.

[mjwest]

As a general rule, if a seeking weapon and its target occupy the same hex at any point, the seeking weapon impacts.

The only exception is when a seeking weapon is fired in the same hex as the target ship. And even then, there is only a limited situation where the drone doesn't hit.

[Steve Cole]

The sequence of play governs; a drone launched in the target hex does not impact instantly.

[mjwest]

I was apparently unclear in my statement.

The only exception of a drone and target being in the same hex and not impacting is if the drone was launched in that same hex. In that case, the drone does not impact on that sub-pulse. That is always the case.

However, with one exception, it will hit on the next sub-pulse. So, while it doesn't hit on that initial sub-pulse, it is gonna hit on the next sub-pulse. The one exception is if the target ship is moving Base Speed 24 *and* pays for an acceleration. In that one, limited case, the target ship can move out of the shared hex and the drone won't hit unless it ends up in the same hex later.

I hope that helps.