Why so much crew...?

[Vrykolas2k]

Why is it that the vehicles in Rifts, which are supposed to be so high-tech, require more crew than modern-day counter-parts? For instance, a pilot can fly the machine, operate sensors, and use commo and with most modern helicopters can also use the weopon systems. The co-pilot/ gunner can operate sensors, fly the machine, operate weapons systems, and use commo. So why do some choppers in Rifts need crews of 3-4? Why not just a crew of 1? Same for 'bots. Why do most Rifts 'bots need crews of more than 1?

[Vinny]

Why is it that the vehicles in Rifts, which are supposed to be so high-tech, require more crew than modern-day counter-parts? For instance, a pilot can fly the machine, operate sensors, and use commo and with most modern helicopters can also use the weopon systems. The co-pilot/ gunner can operate sensors, fly the machine, operate weapons systems, and use commo. So why do some choppers in Rifts need crews of 3-4? Why not just a crew of 1? Same for 'bots. Why do most Rifts 'bots need crews of more than 1?

Blackhawk helicopters require at least 2 people to fly the thing.

[rat_bastard]

someone has to operate the cappuccino machine and you know damn sure its not going to be the officer.

[Spinachcat]

Because the other players don't want to be cargo.

[Rimmerdal]

Because the other players don't want to be cargo.

that and...

a pilot can perform 5 manuevers, a gunner can shoot 5 times, weapons officer/sensor operator can spot 5 targets AT the same time. More actions and effecticve fighting resaults.

say how much training would a crew need? any Initavie modifiers? say the crew rolls individually and the average taken from the total or what?

[Library Ogre]

Because the other players don't want to be cargo.

that and...

a pilot can perform 5 manuevers, a gunner can shoot 5 times, weapons officer/sensor operator can spot 5 targets AT the same time. More actions and effecticve fighting resaults.

say how much training would a crew need? any Initavie modifiers? say the crew rolls individually and the average taken from the total or what?

Depends. I could see the gunner and the pilot having different initiative totals, but having to be somewhat reliant on each other. "You can't shoot the main gun until the pilot turns around."

[Mack]

Because the Coalition has to do something with all those illiterate grunts who are trained to point and shoot.

[Rimmerdal]

Because the other players don't want to be cargo.

that and...

a pilot can perform 5 manuevers, a gunner can shoot 5 times, weapons officer/sensor operator can spot 5 targets AT the same time. More actions and effecticve fighting resaults.

say how much training would a crew need? any Initavie modifiers? say the crew rolls individually and the average taken from the total or what?

Depends. I could see the gunner and the pilot having different initiative totals, but having to be somewhat reliant on each other. "You can't shoot the main gun until the pilot turns around."

that's why asked about the group intative idea. would a crew be trained to act as one? Modern tank crews act on orders from the commander. so wouldn't the Commander ordering use his intiative for the whole crew?

[Library Ogre]

that's why asked about the group intative idea. would a crew be trained to act as one? Modern tank crews act on orders from the commander. so wouldn't the Commander ordering use his intiative for the whole crew?

Or, you could say they were holding their actions until given orders.

[Rimmerdal]

that's why asked about the group intative idea. would a crew be trained to act as one? Modern tank crews act on orders from the commander. so wouldn't the Commander ordering use his intiative for the whole crew?

Or, you could say they were holding their actions until given orders.

same idea. just hope you CO gets a good roll...

[T-Willard]

Lack of training and education.

Modern day militaries have extensive training facilities, time for the real world hands on, and the hardware for the training.

Rifts Earth, there aren't these facilities, unless you're part of the CS, or a Native American Preserve, or part of Tolkeen.

Even then, rather than rely on extensive computer support (which is why modern bombers need less people than the old Superfortress), it's cheaper and easier to train additional people. Plus, those people are probably crosstrained in other positions.

From a low resources point of view, it makes total sense.