The detection distance between the Sabre and Arrow is just 0.6km. I think most players consider the Arrow pretty stealthy. It is however very squishy, not as well gunned, nothing like the huge missile ensemble of the Sabre, etc. Yeah, the Sabre is a great scout. Is it though, better than two Arrows? That’s about the difference in deck space needed.
I think what we still don’t know is going to make all the difference. We don’t know how life support is going to be handled on carriers. If we knew just how many pilots could be supported, even with hot cotton swapping of bunks, aboard say an Idris, then I think we could make more confident proclamations.
I would say though, depending upon just what CIG decides to allow on the carrier ship, the Sabre on the one end, the Fury on the other and the Arrow between, are likely the three best choices for carrier use.
I’m still hoping we can put several players for every bed aboard these ships so at any given time we can field 1/5 of them. Otherwise the planning to make use of such ships it going to be absurd and eventually, not much fun.
Final thing to consider on this issue—much of what CIG decides to do will revolve around what ends up being the case concerning max ships per instance. Years ago we were told the number would max at fifty, but years later (I think two years ago now?) we had successful tests with over a hundred ships flying and fighting without issue.
So these originally low numbers affected how the Idris deck space was intended to be used, and the enhanced numbers will probably affect how the deck space will be used.
CIG puts two Gladius on an Idris, but many dozens of Furies could fit. So what are they going to let us get away with?