Alpha Strike

An Alpha Strike denotes an all-out attack launched in hopes of achieving a decisive advantage, determining the inevitable defeat of the target before they can respond effectively. This is usually considered a risky manoeuvre, as if the attacker fails to gain a decisive advantage, it can leave the attacker's units overextended and vulnerable to counter-attack.

If a space vehicle is within range of an enemy combatant, has all weapons fully charged, and has access to both beams and projectiles, the commander may order the specialist in charge of the vehicle's weapons systems (the gunner) to perform an Alpha Strike instead of a regular attack.

When an Alpha Strike is declared, the gunner attacks the target with both beams and projectiles. The results are often devastating, especially if an Alpha Strike is the first weapons fire in a space combat situation.