Kolechia Design Phase, Early Summer 1915:Hykib Observation Balloon:
A large, elongated balloon, filled with hydrogen. 'Fin' ballonets at the rear are inflated by wind pressure, and ensure the balloon always faces into the wind, minimising wind resistance and increasing stability. It is tethered to the ground by a cable of variable length. A basket is suspended below the balloon, which holds a 'pilot' (who doesn't actually have any control over the balloon, he justs sits there and observes), a telephone/telegraph (connected by wire integrated with the cable), and a rudimentary parachute.
The Hykib offers an elevated observation platform- as much as 1500 meters-, which can be used for artillery spotting or naval intelligence.
Time: 3 | Progress: 1 | Expense: 4
The Kolechian engineers are initially disappointed that they’re not designing planes or weapons to begin with, but the Hykib Observation Balloon proves to be almost as challenging. The aerodynamics of designing a balloon to stay stable in the wind are non-trivial (for them), and a great deal of time is spent going around to stare at wind vanes.
Some progress is made, but unfortunately many notes are lost when an over-zealous junior engineer mistakes the hydrogen balloon design for a hot-air one and fixes the lack of a burner, with predictable results.
Hykib Observation Balloon | 1/10 progress | 1 PP per die | Rushed 0 times | 1 PP invested
Effectiveness: 5 | Cost: 3 | Bugs: 4
The blueprints that survive the ensuing fire actually show a rather promising design. The Hykib is capable of rising to the target height of 1500m quickly, carrying its single pilot. It offers a very stable platform for aerial observation owing to its design, allowing said pilot to maintain focus when surveying the enemy. The in-built telephone is fully functional, relaying the pilot’s messages down the cable to a groundside operator in real-time. Most importantly, the entire balloon is painted bright patriotic red, which will surely provide a great morale boost for the troops in the trenches.
Designs for a rudimentary parachute are also drawn up, but the actual article is less than helpful in saving lives. Pigs tossed over the side now hit the ground intact and die of massive internal injury instead of exploding on impact. In simulated crash landings, test pilots tie their parachutes to the basket and dangle below it instead of jumping free.
The other shortcoming of the design, if it can be called that, is its cost. Costs are above that of ordinary balloons owing to its hydrogen requirements and non-simple design, but still acceptable for now.
Hykib Observation Balloon: A single-pilot hydrogen balloon designed for aerial observation. Its elongated and finned shape helps it remain stable even in high winds. The basket has an inbuilt telephone to relay messages from the pilot to the ground, and what can charitably be described as a very rudimentary parachute. Painted a glorious red throughout. Cost 2/1
It is now the Revision Phase, Early Summer 1915. You have 2 dice remaining to spend on Revisions or bank for the next turn.Hykib Observation Balloon | 1/10 progress | 1 PP per die | Rushed 0 times | 1 PP invested
Planes:
-Feather-1914 Scout Plane: A unarmed, single seater biplane. High stability makes it easy to fly, but also woefully inadequate for anything other than scouting. Lightweight wooden fuselage combined with a five-cylinder rotary engine gives it good speed in the air. Cost 3/1
Balloons
-Hykib Observation Balloon: A single-pilot hydrogen balloon designed for aerial observation. Its elongated and finned shape helps it remain stable even in high winds. The basket has an inbuilt telephone to relay messages from the pilot to the ground, and what can charitably be described as a very rudimentary parachute. Painted a glorious red throughout. Cost 2/1 (In Development)
Pilots:
-Coordinated: Strength in numbers! Kolechian pilots work well together and are better coordinated in combat.
-Uniforms: Red with silver accents. Pilots are issued a thick, flowing red cape which flutters gloriously in the wind, inspiring the men on the ground.
Technology:
-Basic biplane design
-Basic monoplane design
-Basic/Intermediate balloon design
-Wooden frame construction
-Basic control surfaces: wing warping, elevator and rudder
Resources:
-1 Pilot Training Institute: Teaches new pilots what each lever does. When to pull each lever is up to the student.
-1 Developmental Airfield: Designs new planes and other air-related equipment. Produces five dice worth of progress every turn.
Squadron 1 | Feather-1914 Scout Plane | No Equipment | Aerial Reconnaissance | Neophyte | No Aces | Maintenance Cost 1
Currently assigned to observe enemy frontline along the Jawanin-Derboise Road
Squadron 2 | Feather-1914 Scout Plane | No Equipment | Aerial Reconnaissance | Neophyte | No Aces | Maintenance Cost 1
Currently assigned to observe enemy frontline along the Dreidansk-Demisonne Road
Prestige: Extremely Little “What, we have flying machines now?”
Status: Auxiliary Service
Army Relations: Neutral “Those planes might be useful.”
Navy Relations: Neutral “What are planes?”
Production Points: 9
Total Maintenance: 2
Author
Topic: Knights of the Skies: Kolechia Thread - Early Summer 1916, Production Phase (Read 54521 times)