Editing Planetary Defence Centre (section)

==Overview==

PDCs get four free layers of armor to represent being dug out of a mountain. They can mount PDC-only [[Fire Control|fire controls]] which get a 1.5x range modifier and [[Missile Launcher|missile launchers]] in PDCs have half the reload time of ship-based systems, but PDCs are unable to use certain components such as shields.

An atmosphere reduces beam damage (except [[mesons]]), so beam weapons will not work on a planet with more than 1 atm. PDCs are typically equipped with long-range sensors and missiles. They can serve as planetary [[fighter]]/FAC bases. Additionally, PDCs require no upkeep and generally used to boost planetary protection value (PPV) without incurring additional cost.

PDCs make ideal defensive positions for [[ground forces]], as they provide some shelter from orbital bombardment, and receive a ground combat bonus dependent on the PDCs armor level. If equipped with [[PDC Barracks|barracks]], they can be used to house troops, so that anyone trying to capture the planet would have to attack the PDCs. However, if attacked your population suffers collateral damage and the planetary environment is damaged. One option is to base your PDCs on nearby moons rather than on the populated planet, so you get the armour advantage without endangering the population.

Note that [[Ground forces|Combat Engineers]] get a 100% attack and defend bonus in combat vs. PDCs.