For strategic bombardment, a radio navigation system would be useful (and for carrier location for landing after a strike). On the other hand, that's at least another thirty years away, just like any miniaturizable guidance system for rockets.
On the topic of guidance and advancing tech, one thing that I've been waiting until we've had 50 trained engineers to propose is a
fire control system, and using that to branch into the computer era. We'd most likely need to start with
a difference engine and then after some refinements either aim for an
Analytical Engine (which seems like it was possible, just lacking in focused development and politics) or a
Mechanical Computer (which is more like a calculator if I understand it correctly). The director seems like it's a specialized mechanical computer possibly hooked up to an optics system, the latter we've been meaning to develop anyway.
This would require a Special Project level of priority (which is to say, low ranked and willing to be dropped the moment we need those engineers for anything else) but the increased rate of accurate artillery fire and airplane applications may be worth it. The idea of setting history on a bit of a different course and being on the list of first developments of something is also a motivating factor on my end.
Mostly agreed; I don't think we'll be able to start radar for a few years yet, and I'd give the radio revision a slightly lower priority. In addition, we should probably also build an experimental airfield next turn; while possible we don't want to fly our planes from the streets.
Makes sense. Radar isn't a necessary thing at the moment and about the only thing I can think of it being helpful with at the moment is naval detection, but the Swordfish are crowded enough as it is.
Presuming that we decide to commit all of our design actions next turn on developing an airplane, I'm thinking we can focus on three things, the wind tunnel/Aerodynamics Testing Facility (with attached airfield), a 130HP plane engine, and the frame for the airplane. Putting specific design focus on a frame, rather than trying to design a plane around our 55HP or getting two 55s to work together, should provide some decent quality results, especially with wind tunnel to test in. Then once we have the engine and the facility, we can work on putting it all together. For armament, I'm thinking two front facing HMGs would be a good start.
If we do plan on pursuing combining our engines together in a Power Ranger like fashion, I think setting aside something like 8 engineers (the 2 goods and 6 basics unless we happen upon an engine specialist) to work on the project with additional instructions to try streamlining the process once successful and then working on 4 engine and 8 engine combinations (220~ and 440~ respectively) time allowing. Getting a 400+HP engine for 20+pp would be a rather nuts.
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Topic: Design Engineers of The Republic (Weapon Design Game)-GAME DEAD (Read 62121 times)