Tacspansion means the combination of two technologies: tactical laboratory and expansion complex. It can be used by any faction, but is most effective for the Iron Coalition, since they have a strong TAC and the strongest exp.

The basic layout of the tactic is as follows: start by using a TAC for stealth fighters, while not upgrading anything but the SFs. All money is saved for the EXP, where you get Ints, and eventually Hvy Ints. The TAC, built early, provides the team with the basic equipment for miner hunting, crippling the enemy's economy. Later, the EXP gives the team the equipment necessary for a most efficient defense. Then, regular bomber runs, heavy troop transports or even capitol ships can be used to kill the enemy.

As you can see, strategies aren't extremely elaborated, only a global layout can be given. The rock choice, the timing, the technology order, the expanding, is mostly up to the commander.

Countering Tacspansion

The best way to go against this strategy is to take advantage of the TAC's weaknesses. First, it is extremely difficult to defend against quality bomber runs. Second, basic stealth fighters with all the basic equipment will have a hard time killing miners if they're slightly defended. Interceptors or fighters would be enough.

Using strong bomber runs would be a good choice. Turrets take out many stealth fighters quickly as Nans can survive quite well and repair the bomber without too much trouble.

As for miner defense, a sup is an excellent choice, since fighters are excellent at hunting down stealth fighters. You could even use gunships, which are arguably the ultimate miner defense ship.

What is important is to keep the economy thriving, and try to take advantage of the enemy's lack of early defense. If you fail to inflict serious damage on your enemy before he gets interceptors, prepare for a long and difficult battle for both sides.

Squad Game Excerpt: LWMS vs BS, championship 02 final

Both squads used IC as their faction in the finale of the second Squad Championship organized by AHQ. My team, LWMS, went Tacspansion. Our commander (Grey_Slayer) made it clear early that, after establishing outposts and teleports, we were to send a strong tactical offense on their miners. We did indeed manage to get at least three of their miners during the game.

Meanwhile, BS used bomber runs to try and gain territory. However, our commander quickly got an Expansion Complex and Interceptors so that we could counter their bomber runs effectively, thus neutralizing their tactic. Only later did we develop bombers and proceed to assaulting their stations.

As you can see, the commander was very patient with the enemy's expansion. Indeed, the priority was clear, cripple the economy of the enemy while maintaining your own. When that objective was achieved, we proceeded onto attacking their stations and eventually winning.

Note that this was an oversimplification of the game to clearly highlight the Tacspansion aspect.

Please visit the Faction pages for specific faction advantages and disadvantages.