For next turn:
Basic Idea: a Guided Missile package that can be deployed in defensive emplacements, or added onto existing vehicles like our Breaker or Salamander (much like their Raider's RPG). Gives us experience building guided missiles.
UF-TWR-40 'Saltseeker' Pattern A
Forenia's first step towards guided missiles and one-hundred seventy-fourth step towards better rockets, the United Forenian Tube-launched, Wire-guided, Remote-controlled 'Saltseeker' Missile is designed as a heavy anti-tank weapon that can be deployed via stationary infantry emplacements or appended to vehicle turrets.
Relying on a modified SARUKH rocket, the Saltseeker is launched via a disposable tube à la our Recoilless Rifles. Eight fins lay flat until free of the tube, at which point they spring free to provide stability and control for the missile. Four kilometers of braided steel-reinforced wire is spooled in the rear of the rocket which is dispensed as the rocket flies along. This wire is connected to the control station which the operator uses a joy-stick to control the flight of the missile. Rather than controlling roll and pitch like in a fighter plane, this joy-stick controls yaw and pitch instead. This relatively simple programming is handled by the launcher rather than putting the control station in the missile. The missile uses a small launch-motor to kick it free of the tube to prevent exhaust from frying the operator, and a small probe that extends outward from the tip to allow detention prior to striking a surface. A small scope sight is an optional addition to the launcher, to allow more precise control at maximum range.
The Saltseeker is designed as a 'package' that can be installed on vehicles for a small additional cost.
We can totally do this - it's based off of the
Malkara Missile which was developed between 1951 and 1954. 90% kill rate. We have all the prerequisite tech. It gives our tanks , salamanders, and defensive emplacements the extra punch to knock out enemy armor from long range. It opens the door to AA missiles, Cruise Missiles, and if we do subs we'll want wire-guided torpedos or TASM missiles to hit enemy ships.
It is an investment with a real, present bonus that we have all the tech to pull off.
Wire-guided and
radio-controlled missiles existed in WW2. Hell,
wire-guided torpedos existed before then, too.
We can do it!!!