' Wrote:According to the rules as currently written, as I understand them, he technically retreated the moment he went to cruise speed, and its a re-engagement if he attacks again. Intent is irrelevant.
I have asked about precisely this situation, and was told the following.
When a GB is trying to pursue a fighter or bomber who is afterburning away, the GB may use cruise to catch it. Otherwise, how can a GB ever catch one?
In a sense, the fighter is shieldrunning, since the GB can never hope to catch the fighter which is afterburning at 200.
IMHO this is the only occasion where cruise in a fight is permissible; to catch someone who afterburns faster than you.