DESIGN:MOTHERSHIP DOCTRINEThe end result of the next generation research of technological ship-construction techniques, A new ship design has been created, resulting in the
MORA Class Carrier Vessels.
Using the construction techniques of Fabrites along with our Athena AI, it has become possible to deploy "swarms" of combat drones, deployed from a mother-ship vessel which assembles pre-fabricated parts into drones hence forth referred to as "Battle-Frames". In short, a ship larger then a Cuddle-Fish is equipped with fabricators and rated with Insuallanium Engines and reactors will assemble "flights" of Battle-Frames. A Cuddle fish should be able to control 1 wing at most with its surplus processing power.
( 5 Drones to a wing, with a maximum of possibly 4 wings in the best case design deployed, limited by processing power problems Additional wings can be deployed in the event of more large ships in the area. Additional drones can be assembled from the part stores that the Mora is equipped with. Different Battle-Frame designs are possible if some of the assemblers/fabricators are refitted. The processing power of the MOra can be compromised if design limitations require it, but the drones NEED processing power from other ships as they are in a processing deficit.)
These drones are equipped with Super-capacitors, energy-based weapons, and a Athena node designed to take advantage of the Athena Networks surplus processing power to achieve impossible aerobatic feats in the assault against QUillus war-ships at the expense of not being totally functional if deprived of external guiddance. (THIS MEANS THAT THE DRONES ARE MORE DEADLY BUT THEY REQUIRE THE ATHENA NETWORK TO FUNCTION. INDEPENDENT DRONES WOULD BE TOO BIG AND EXPENSIVE DUE TO STREAMLINING REMOTE OPERATED DRONES.) They are modular in nature, as different drone types could be loaded to the assemblers to build different designs depending on the availability of parts.
Each drone is connected to both each other and the mother-ship with high-bandwidth light-speed point-to-point communications, with radio-wave communications as back up for 1-4 units to coordinate with the rest of the squadron in the case of emergencies. This means that a Mora could command a drone wing from extreme or farther ranges without consequences, allowing for wave-tactics where drone wings are sent
Two "wings" of Drones are expected to be equal in terms of fire power to a Cuddle fish, however their combat endurance is lessened. They are limited by their batteries, which when they are depleted, are forced to jet back to the mother-ship for re-supply. If it is possible, Drone parts should be assembled from locally harvested material delivered by either the planet it self or Macrite shipments. This means that Moras might be able to fabricate drone-parts onsite, allowing for an endless amount of drones should the MOra is properly guarded and proper resources are given. If this feature is not feasible due to design constraints, then it will be delayed for later, and only pre-fabricated parts should be stored on the Moras.
Two drone designs are noted below. Note that the Mora was the focus of this design, and the drones might reflect that fact.
Talon: A standard drone, designed with the "standard" easiest manufacturer parts that allow a combat-effective drone. Two laser weapons, Chemical thrust system, SUper-Capacitors, and a plasma trhust engine along with a Athena control node. the Basic Unit. Standard wings are composed of 4 Talons.
Watcher: A Talon modified with a single laser weapon, designed to act as reconnaissance vessels that will be constantly deployed around the Mothership, with an enhanced sensor suite along with a back up radio signal system in addition to its point-to-point communications and Athena Control node. Designed to be the eyes of the mothership; One Watcher is deployed for every wing. They are deployed in hostile worlds to act as sensors in place of the Motherships relatively dulled sensors. It should be noted that although its sensors are relatively smaller, it is unburdened by the emissions of a ship reactor, and should be able to achieve higher resolutions.
Compared to gun-ship Doctrine based warships, the Mora has several Pro's and Con's.
Pros
The Mothership allows for more fire power to be pointed at the enemy ship, as well as the possibility of aero-space based ground support.
Hit and run tactics are much more viable, as drone wings could pick apart an Odin while avoiding their rail guns through extreme agility and tiny size, as well as methods of payload delivery by suicide drones and smart missiles.
Higher overall combat endurance, as wings of drones could be exhausted without the loss of as much material and life compared to the equivalent in Cuddlefishes.
A shift in combat doctrine that pushes the enemy off balance.
Combat power multipier. If you can bring more guns per capita to the fight, then we can win that much faster and end this war.
Possibilities to make Repair Gantries for other ships becomes possible. Even now, we have the possibility of a ship that can continuously defend an area without requiring to return to the home world in the event of "damage" (lost wings).
Works on Fabrites technology base.
Cons
The Mother ship is comparatively under-armed, and will not fair well in a traditional gun-ship doctrine based battle. It would fare better in long range engagements.
Experimental doctrine. Basically what it says in the tin.
After the alpha strike of the drones, when the drones have to retreat to resupply their batteries, it is completely possible that the Mora would be left vulnerable due to a lack of available arms. without escort.
Slower. Heavier. More expensive. Vulnerable in enemy weapon ranges.
Blockade runner
Escort runner (3): Andrea, joha4270, Blood_librarian
Author
Topic: Ertex Design Bureau - Battle for Aljadid - Strategy SY108 (Read 48440 times)