In the 16th century some navys would take a ship, pack it to the scuppers with high explosives, then try to maneuver said ship into the enemy fleet and light the fuse. The hope was to destroy the entire fleet with one ship. A "hellburner".

It seems to me this would be an irresistible concept for a scifi space opera with interstellar battlefleets. I cannot recall any examples but I sure there must be some.

warhistoryonline.com/instant-a

@nyrath I guess the problem with that scenario, as demonstrated in The Expanse, is that you can see the ship long before it becomes a threat. If it's actively maneuvering to intercept but doesn't respond to comms, there's probably rules for defensive action.

@davoloid @nyrath
I think we also perfected it. It's called a "bomb". :P

@nyrath

The Greeks had something like that, but instead of a bomb it had their solders inside. Worked against Troy.

@nyrath
any space drive worth it's weight can turn a ship into a missile, Spaceguard must be on constant watch to make sure traffic doesn't deviate suspiciously off course.

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