Design: Quantum GravityTurns out, having as much experience with quantum mechanics on such fundamental levels as we do can lead to some substantial breakthroughs.
In this case, it's the theory of Quantum Gravity.
By applying all our knowledge in the field thus far, we believe our scientists can discover the theoretical fundamental particle of gravity - the
Graviton. And how to manipulate it.
Theoretically manipulate it, at least. We'll leave the applications for future designs.
Design: "Athena" Tactical NetworkBy heavily revising the Cerberus system and having it link to other ships' systems, we can create an efficient tactical network. We're lucky to have experience in the concept of automatic combat computers and knowledge of our misteps and pitfalls in the area so we can avoid them this time.
The Athena Tacnet is a robust system. It represents the combined computer systems and data from an entire fleet. Every ship in the area will automatically transmit all relevant sensor data (even if we only have radar currently) to other ships. Their computer systems will work almost as one giant system in order to process this data and the applications of it. As future ships and types of sensors get developed, they can easily be integrated within the Athena tacnet.
The first benefit of note is near-complete tactical awareness. A very cool display in the bridge of all our ships (including the Cuttlefish) will display the cumulative sensor data and any relevant intelligence gleaned by Athena on a "map" of the local space. We should also
raid inspect Moira's residence to see if she has any
COOL HOLOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY that would be really cool but impractical to spend any actual effort on.
The second benefit is automation. Athena, being based on Cerberus, controls the ships' weaponry directly without human interference. This allows Athena to use the turrets to the most-up-to-date intelligence and reaction time afforded by such an advanced system; that a human could never hope to achieve. Athena can glean important tactical information thanks to impressive, almost learning, inner programming, and the linking of our ships' computers and by using this to compile all the individual details it can sense into something useful. Using this information, it accesses the ships' weapon systems in order to best utilize them according to tactical data. Athena will use the systems that it can access in order to ensure the best possible outcome. Any intelligence processed by Athena but not readily apparent to humans will be automatically displayed on the Tactical Map in order to aid decisionmaking, even if the bridge crew isn't involved in turrets.
Athena should greatly improve our combat effectiveness, regardless of the ship. No matter what weapons we wield, we should use them to the best of their ability. Athena ensures that this will happen. Furthermore, Athena also cuts out a lot of human middle manning - such as any management of weapons at all. We can build on the lessons learned from Cerberus and more here. We're not trying to make an AI or
anything close to it. Athena will be a robust computer system, but nowhere remotely near an intelligence.
TL;DR: Create a unified tactical network for all the ships in a fleet to automatically gather and compile sensor data, glean extra intelligences (like location of hidden ships based on patterns, weak spots, blind spots in their weaponry, the most important targets, etc.) for use by both itself and the human crew, eliminate the middle man in situations such as firing weapons, greatly improving speed + accuracy, and just generally manage weapons systems according to its intelligence for improved effectiveness.
Not trying to be an AI.
Design: Telemachus-class Laser FrigateTelemachus is the mythological son of Odysseus and, among other variations, can be translated from Greek to mean "fighter from afar".
The
Telemachus is a frigate designed around one feature: the EAC-ASX1 "Lance" (Artillery Spinal eXperimental 1). The
Lance is essentially a spinally-mounted laser cannon. In order to facilitate the Lance, the Telemachus is equipped with extensive NQ capacitor banks and two Helios-S reactors. Speed is not a high priority, though we would like to keep it at least reasonable. Several
very large Picasso Emitters are set up in a staggered layout, and an appropriate mirror(s) is used to allow limited aiming of the beam, though most of the aiming will be done via orientation of the ship.
The Lance is to be calibrated in such a way that it exceeds more power than the 2x Helios-S reactors provide. It should be fired when the capacitor banks are full (though that's not a
requirement), and we expect the charging process to take a relative while compared to other weapons.
As the Telemachus has the capacity for two Hermes thrusters, one shall be used as the primary propulsion while the other is "split" in order to use as a robust maneuvering/angling/etc. system to facilitate the ASX1 Lance. If this leads to a notable increase in engineering complexity (we're hoping it's not) then the concept shall be dropped and two main thrusters implemented instead.
Finally, we add a basic narrow-field front-facing radar to allow competent targeting at long range. There are to be no notable armor additions - doing so would cause unnecessary increase in complexity and mass.
TL;DR: A ship built around a huge spinal laser beam basically designed as space-based artillery.
Design: "Hephaestus"-class Plasma Window Shielding ArrayWe have near-room temperature superconductors, a
lot of power, and plenty of experience with manipulating plasma flow. We can utilize this in conjunction with the
"Plasma Window" that was already a surprisingly functional technology at the time of our departure. Not practical, yes, but the fact that it was already an existing technology will help us a lot.
So by utilizing Libum-265k along with what we learned from the Helios-S and Hermes, we hope to be able to create a design (initially equipped on the Cuttlefish) that creates a plasma window surrounding the ship, protecting it from fire. The plasma window may not be completely effective, but it should be invaluable in mitigating damage when it can't outright prevent it.
TL;DR: A plasma shield. Based on real tech. Best part is that we're pretty well-equipped to deal with said real tech's disadvantages - like lack of power. Plus our experience with routing plasma, like in Hermes. Should go on the Cuttlefish.
Quantum Gravity (1): Chiefwaffles
"Athena" Tactical Network (1): Chiefwaffles
"Hephaestus"-class Plasma Window Shielding Array (0):
Right now in space combat:
1.) They have fighters which tend to beat Cerberus tracking.
2.) Our lasers have an advantage at range, but our sensors don't facilitate that range.
3.) I believe we have a numbers-based advantage
The Athena exploits/fixes all of this. Though I still
really want Quantum Gravity for those sweet reactionless thrusters.
Author
Topic: Ertex Design Bureau - Battle for Aljadid - Strategy SY108 (Read 48498 times)