THUDDD 7: November 1997
Heavy Fighter

Specifications | Winners | Entrants
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Specifications

[From IN Press Release 0035-072-0002, Capital/Core]

The Imperial Military Advanced Research Projects Administration (IMARPA), in partnership with the Imperial Ship Builders Association (ISBA), is pleased to announce the inception of a new prototype-vessel development program under the umbrella of the Imperial Navy Year 50 (IN50) task force. IN50 is a long-term effort to study and prototype designs for the next generation of Imperial Navy vessels.

Proposals are being solicited for a next-generation aerospace heavy fighter, designated Project IN50-F2. Baseline requirements are:

The potentially long operational duration of 7 days is meant for emergency situations only; e.g., a fighter stranded in a hostile system following destruction/withdrawal of its parent fleet, waiting for rescue or making its way to a habitable world. Normal operational duration for the fighter will not exceed 1 day.

In addition to these requirements, the craft must be an effective and survivable weapons platform. Major operational scenarios upon which vessel evaluation will be based are:

To fulfill all these roles, the fighter must be capable of operating from planetary bases or from stations/vessels.

The wide permitted range of fighter sizes is intentional. IMARPA is attempting to find the optimal point between:

Proposals submitted in response to this request should explain how the design presented addresses this issue.

The selected bidder will be contracted to build 24 units of their design for performance evaluation; it is expected that this will lead to a full production order (totalling thousands of units) within 10 years.

Winners

Category Ranking Name Designer Average rating
OVERALL DESIGN 1 MF357 Drachen Jaeger Class Heavy Fighter Brian Songy
bxs3829@usl.edu
2.50
2 XTF-4 Delta Fighter Bill Prankard
BPRANKARD@theiia.org
3.20
3 X-1108 FireFly class Prototype Fighter Danny Moody
vanya@partyline.net
3.36
USABILITY IN A GAME 1 MF357 Drachen Jaeger Class Heavy Fighter Brian Songy
bxs3829@usl.edu
2.60
2 X-1108 FireFly class Prototype Fighter Danny Moody
vanya@partyline.net
2.91
3 Gentle Breeze class Heavy Fighter Martin F C Pickett
ceemfcp@cee.hw.ac.uk
3.00
CLOSENESS TO SPEC 1 MF357 Drachen Jaeger Class Heavy Fighter Brian Songy
bxs3829@usl.edu
2.20
2 X-1108 FireFly class Prototype Fighter Danny Moody
vanya@partyline.net
3.36
3 XTF-4 Delta Fighter Bill Prankard
BPRANKARD@theiia.org
3.40
EFFICIENCY 1 MF357 Drachen Jaeger Class Heavy Fighter Brian Songy
bxs3829@usl.edu
2.80
2 X-1108 FireFly class Prototype Fighter Danny Moody
vanya@partyline.net
3.18
3 XTF-4 Delta Fighter Bill Prankard
BPRANKARD@theiia.org
3.50
UNUSUALNESS 1 Tsiko class Heavy Fighter Rob Day
rob@glisten.demon.co.uk
1.91
2 Gede class Strike Fighter Andy Akins
igor@ames.net
3.10
3 MF357 Drachen Jaeger Class Heavy Fighter Brian Songy
bxs3829@usl.edu
3.90

Entrants

NameManufacturerDesignerDesign System
XTF-4 Delta Fighter X-TEK Industries Bill Prankard
BPRANKARD@theiia.org
FFS2 (SSDS ranges)
Gede class Strike Fighter Udararuukin, LIC Andy Akins
igor@ames.net
FFS2 (SSDS ranges)
Gentle Breeze class Heavy Fighter Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Naval Architects Inc. Martin F C Pickett
ceemfcp@cee.hw.ac.uk
FFS2 (SSDS ranges)
Tsiko class Heavy Fighter Munchausen Kinetics Rob Day
rob@glisten.demon.co.uk
FFS2
MF357 Drachen Jaeger Class Heavy Fighter Zusa & Associates Brian Songy
bxs3829@usl.edu
FFS2 (SSDS ranges)
X-1108 FireFly class Prototype Fighter WhizzoDyne Propulsion, LLIC Danny Moody
vanya@partyline.net
FFS2

XTF-4 Delta Fighter

Designer: Bill Prankard BPRANKARD@theiia.org
Firm: X-TEK Industries
System: FFS2 (SSDS ranges)
Tons:  40Std (Wedge AF, Hypersonic) Volume:    560m^3             Cost: 75MCr
Crew:  2                            High/Mid Pass: 0              Low: 0
Cargo: 0 Std                        Controls: Dynamic Linked(Fb)  TL: 12

07 Size                               00 Jump Drive (00 Std/Pc Fuel)
                                      05 Maneuver (T-Plates, 87.5 Mw)
01x MilQuadLtLaserBat (+4) 1/4-3-2-0  11 Power Plant (1x 216Mw Fusion+)
                                       0.145 Fuel (Scoop No, Refine No)
                        A11.5 P13 L14 J0 Sensors (Lv1 Stealthing/TL-11 MilBlack Coating)

Signature: Passive (vis/IR): -1.5   Passive (Emit): 0
Signature: Active    : -0.5

10 Armor, 8 Structure

Crew Detail: 01 Maneuver, 01 Gunners
The Latest fighter designed by X-TEK, makers of the XTF-1 Alpha Class Light Fighter and the XTF-2 Beta Class Light Fighter Bomber. The XTF-4 Delta Class Heavy Fighter promises to follow in the footsteps of its smaller cousins.

The XTF-4, while larger and heavier, still has the same acceleration as it's smaller cousins. 5g is obtainable though the "Thrustmaster" thruster plates produced by X-TEK. This continues the traditional design philosophy of Imperial fighters, started with the Zhunastu Type F-0.

Extreme Firepower, an X-TEK trademark among its small craft, is implemented through the use of a Standard TL-12 Imperial Quad-Light Laser Battery. This battery is capable of delivering a barrage of deadly coherent light, emitted from 4 turrets at a rate of 100 shots per 30 mins. These turrets, all capable of 360-degree arc of fire, are linked to a MFD and Targeting Computer in the Gunners workstation to insure highly accurate fire solution.

The hull integrity has been hardened to nearly twice the necessary strain for the purposes of combat survival and has been Stealthed and given MilBlack Chameleon ability, making it a difficult target to locate.

The Fusion+ unit has been instaled with 50% more fuel than is necessary for a typical mission. Whereas most fighters have a duration of 20 or so hours, the XTF-4 has 30 hours of heavy water for operation of its fusion+ unit. This was provided for the need of extra power should the fighter become stranded. The 10 extra hours will power the T-plates and allow the fighter to navigate to the closest world.

In the event of a malfunction to the power plant, or if fuel reserves are spent, an emergency battery will power the Type III life support installed in the cockpit of the craft. This will allow for water and air recycling. A small radio beacon will also be activated, emitting a coded emergency message repeatedly. One week's worth of Naval Rations are in a case under the seats of both the pilot and gunner.

If the fighter needs to make a crash-landing on a world, the seats are eject capable.

Engineering Specs:

Hull:
40 TonDspl Wedge Airframe -- Hypersonic w/ LV1 Stealth and
TL-11+ Military Black Coating
25.7m long 24.5m Wingspan 7.34m high
560m3 650m2 -168m3 -225m2 due to airfoil waste space
Armour: 1cm TL-12 Superdense AV=20
Structure Stressed to 9g of tolerance.
75.4 Tons 9.63Mcr

CG Lifters:
TL-12 CG Lifters, 7000kN of Thrust
14m3  14m2 9.13tons  4.9Mw  0.14Mcr

Maneuver Drive:
TL-12 Thruster Plates, 35,000kN of Thrust
87.5m3 3.5m2 175tons  87.5Mw  21.875Mcr

Main Armament:
Standard Imperial Naval Quad Laser Battery
4x 95Mj Lasers in Standard Turret Sockets
1x MFD Link
1x TL-12 Ballistic Targeting Computer (+4 to hit)
Gunners Workstation
Stealth Contouring 1.1x to volume 1.25x to area
220.2m3  292tons  52.63m2  109.8Mw 31.3Mcr

Sensors/Countermeasures(Stealth Contoured):
PEMS-12 Sens:13   1.1m2  1.1m3 1ton  0Mw  5Mcr
AEMS-12 Sens:11.5 3.13m2  13.75m3 25tons 2.5Mw 5Mcr
LADAR-12 Sens:14  0.25m2  0.66m3 0.4tons  0.2Mw 1.25Mcr

Electronics:
2x TL12Fb Computers(0.60CM) 0.636m3  0.127tons 0.032Mw  0.241Mcr
2x 50,000Km Radio-12 33.2m2  0.013m3 0.017Mw 0.034Mcr
TL-12 Dynamic Linked Controls 0.56m3 0.056tons 0.042Mw  0.063MCr
TL-10+ Flight Avionics 0.001m3  0.001m2  0.001Mw 0.025Mcr
TL-10+ Nav Aids  0.001m3  0.001tons  0.0005Mw  0.005Mcr
Pilots Workstation 7m3

Accommodations:
14m3 Cockpit (2 crewstations)
Ejection Seats (x2)
  0.4m3  0.2tons 0.2Mcr
Standard(Type III) Life Support(for 14m3)
  0.112m3  0.112tons  0.0028Mw 0.007Mcr
TL-12 G Comps (max comp for 14m3)
  0.126m3  0.003tons  0.09Mw
Emergency LS Battery Backup(0.0035Mw for 1 Week)
  0.058m3  0.116tons  0.0003Mcr

Power:
Tl-12 Fusion+ 30Hrs @ 216Mw Continuous Output
  45m3 90tons 216m2  0.45Mcr
Fuel:  2.025m3 Hvy H2O

Totals:
Vol:   559.1/560m3
Area:  548.84m2/650m2
Mass:  668.3/700tons
Power: 205/216Mw
Price: About 75Mcr
Acceleration: 35,000kN/668.3=52.37m/s2 (5.2G Max)

Designers notes:

Although having previously made a 10ton fighter before using FF&S2, I decided to try to make one using SSDS. I soon discovered that mixing and matching using 3 different systems became totally confusing. I wanted to insure that the fighter had enough thrust for its mass, something I learned using FF&S2. When I rechecked my figures, the thing was broken in SSDS so i went to FFS2. Although less confusing, i was disappointed that i lost 30% of my hull volume to waste space due to the streamlining, something SSDS does not take into account. The result was the removal of 2 extra laser turrets (I wanted to try for a 'Six-Shooter' maybe will be next fighter).

Also was the fact that active sensors are not as powerful for something that could fit in a fighter, i had to settle for 11.5 Sens. However I remember Bruce telling me about the importance of a LIDAR, so a Sens-14 was installed. Being somewhat lazy, i took the Light Military QuadLaser Battery from QSDS as the fighters main armament. I actually figured out back last year what went into a Military Battery and it seems the laser rules in FFS2 have not changed much. (Used them to check out the TL-12 95 Mj laser, it fits ). So I assumed the figures to be right for 4 turrets, a gunners station, and a MFD. Come to find out FFS2 does not use the MFD as a targeting computer, but as a way to link turrets into a battery only. It seems as if you need a ballistic computer to gain the necessary bonus. I wanted to also make sure the fighter was stealthy. Stealth was not a problem (1lv of Stealth and MilBlack). Thermal masking was. I had no more surface area to use and therefore none was installed. One last remark, I have always used the FFS1 rules for recoil. 3gs are compensated and normally 1g can be withstood, and additional 1g can be figured if the person is in an acceleration couch or flight suit. therefor i decided to limit the speed to 5g for this Tech level.

All in all a reality check and a learning experience. It seems that FF&S2 will be used for all my small craft in the future. Keep checking the X-TEK website for more fighters, including the Omega Class Meson Fighter!


Gede class Strike Fighter

Designer: Andy Akins igor@ames.net
Firm: Udararuukin, LIC
System: FFS2 (SSDS ranges)
Tons: 50std (SL LCone Fast Sub.)  Crew: 1/2               Cargo: 0std (0/0)
Volume: 700m3                     Passengers Hi/Med: 0/0  Cost: 152.877MCr
Mass (L/C): 990/980t              Passengers Low: 0       Maint. Points: 36
Dimensions: 35.0m x 8.7m x 8.7m   Troops/Science: 0       Tech Level: 12
Size: 7

Electronics
  Controls: Dynamic. High automation. 2xFib Comp (CM:0.45 CP:2.22). Terrain 
    following avionics (TF:480, NOE:160). No bridge.
  Communications: 1xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 1xLaser (1,000AU, 0.00MW).
  Sensors: 1xPEMS (13 [5mkm], 0.00MW). 1xAEMS (11 [.16mkm], 0.25MW). 
    1xLIDAR (13.5 [50kkm], 0.10MW).
  Survey/Science: None
  ECM: 1xDecp. Jammer (11, 0.31MW). 1xPas. Jammer (14, 0.13MW ).
  Signatures: Vis:-1.5, IR:0.0 (-0.5 at 17+MW), Act:-0.5, Neu:0, Grav:0

Weaponry       Performance
  8xMissile Tubes, Canister 1/1(0)       0 Jump
    w/1 Command DetLaser 1d6/2 6G12 4.0/4.1 Maneuver (/Thruster: 100MW)
  1xParticle Cannon (+4)  1.0/1.0 Contra-Grav (17MW)
    2/3-2-0-0    800/800 Atmosphere 
    [1,100/40-20-10-5]    (/Cruise: 600/600)  
  1xMissile MFD (+4, 500,000km, 0MW)       7 Power (/Fus+:167,168)
    
         0.0 Fuel
   0/0/0/0/0 Accomodations
           2 Life Support (/Type:St /FQ:Mn)
           3 G-Comp
     20 [58] Armor, Structure 11

Backups
  Drives: None
  Screens: None
  Communications: None
  Sensors: None
  Survey/Science: None
  ECM: None
  Power & Fuel: None

Crew Details
  1xMnvr. 1xGunn.
The Gede class strike fighter is Udararuukin's premier heavy fighter, designed to engage and destroy heavy targets such as capital craft.

The primary offensive capability of the Gede is centered around its massive RPA-58b particle accelerator cannon. This weapon is capable of inflicting impressive damage at ranges upto 600,000km. Particle weapons have the advantage of not being affected by ablative sand or energy fields (except for the mysterious black globe generator, which has never been sucessfully deployed). This makes it a supreme strike weapon, as the weapon need not fear sandcasters, meson screens, or dampers. The only defence from this fearsome weapon is armor, which can be scrubbed off after multiple hits.

To supplement the cannon, the Gede also carries 8 TR-9 anti-ship missiles. These weapons are carried in individual launch canisters, and can be launched as once complete salvo if neccessary. The ship can control 4 missiles while also firing the particle cannon - if need be, the particle cannon's fire control system can be slaved to the missiles (causing the cannon to fire at +0 instead of +4), allowing all 8 to be controlled at one time. The advanced computer systems of the Gede allow for a squadron of fighters to slave their MFDs together for a massive missile strike, allowing all 64 missiles to be directed in concert.

To assist in defensive operations, the Gede is covered with nearly 3cm of superdense armor, plated with an EMS absorbing polymer.

The Gede is a space fighter, through-and-through. For maximum space effeciency, the ship uses a subsonic airframe, limiting its atmospheric speeds to 800kph. But in a vacuum, the ship can pull 4.0Gs of acceleration, placing it in the same category as the standard imperial heavy fighter, but with a missile cargo, superior stealth, and superior armor. The craft can, however, direct strikes at targets within the atmosphere, by disengaging its particle neutralizer to change the RPA-58b from NPAW to CPAW mode. The ship can also exchange it's missile load for another weapons platform occupying less than 65 cubic meters. Possibilities include plasma weaponry, tac missiles, or deadfall ordnance. Such weaponry will require additional power, as the Gede has only enough power to run its basic systems.

The ship is equiped with a modest stealth suite, including EMS absorbing hull, active deceptive jammer, and a passive jammer. All of these systems are controlled by the ECM/Missile crewmember.

The Gede carries a crew of two - a pilot/gunner and ECM/missile. The ship is highly computerized and the two crewmembers are more than sufficient to handle all of the ship's functions.

The ship is equipped with fuel and supplies for up to one week of operations, although there are no accommodations for crewmembers other than the acceleration couches.


Gentle Breeze class Heavy Fighter

Designer: Martin F C Pickett ceemfcp@cee.hw.ac.uk
Firm: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Naval Architects Inc.
System: FFS2 (SSDS ranges)
Tons: 30std (AF Dome S/sonic)    Crew: 1/1
Cargo: 0.3std (0/0)              Volume: 420m3  
Cost: 90.604 MCr                 Mass (L/C): 885t/880t 
Maintenance Points: 35           Dimensions: 5.7m x 11.2m x11.2m 
TL: 12                           Size: 7

Electronics    

Controls: 
Dynamic, High automation. 3xComp (CM:1.0 CP:1.0). Terrain following
sensors (TF:480, NOE:160). No bridge.

Communications: 
1xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 1xLaser (1,000AU, 0.00MW).

Sensors:
1xPEMS (13 [5mkm], 0.00MW). 1xAEMS (11 [.16mkm], 0.25MW). 1xLIDAR (14 
[200kkm], 0.20MW).

Signatures: 
Vis:-1.5, IR:-0.5 (-1.0 at 18MW), Act:-0.5, Neu:0, Grav:0       

Weaponry
1x61 Mj Laser (+4) 1/2-2-2-2 [1,200/20-20-20-20]

Performance 
        4.3/4.3 Maneuver (/Thruster:95MW)
        0.9/1.0 Contra-grav (14MW)
        1,723kph/1,733kph Atmosphere (/Crus:1,292kph/1,300kph)
        
        12 Power (/Fusion:180MW,0.1)
       0.1 Fuel
 0/0/0/0/0 Accomodations
         1 Life Support (/Type:St /FQ:Nm /'Sto)
       3 G-Comp (/GTanks:0,1)
        20 [58] Armor, Structure 5

Features    
1xAirlock   

Small Craft
1xAF Grapple (1std craft)

Crew Details
1xMnvr.
To: IMARPA/ISBA
Re: IN50-F2 RFP [IN Press Release 0035-072-0002]

Dear Sirs,

Please find enclosed our proposal for the IN50 heavy fighter project. We hope that this vessel will meet with your approval, and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Ever vigilantly,

Mssrs A. Rosencrantrz & K. Guildenstern,
Directors,
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Naval Architects Inc., Sylea

[enc]

RGNA presents the Gentle Breeze class heavy fighter. Designed to fullfil a multi-role requirement for the Navy of tomorrow, the Gentle Breeze is powerful but flexible, capable of operating in space and atmosphere alike.

The revolutionary Midas Touch laser system enables the pilot to project Imperial force even at extreme ranges, and will enable long-range interception of any hostile munitions targetted at friendly forces.

The Gentle Breeze carries enough food to keep the pilot going for a week in extreme circumstances, and can operate at full power for over 18 days.

The G-tank and compensators will keep the pilot fully operational even when accelerating flat out at over 4 G's, and the stealth design will reduce visibility to a minimum.

For total versatility, the Gentle Breeze is equiped with a grapple that can take any standard 1 displacement ton module, including munitions, fuel or other equipment as the mission requires.

Designer's notes

This is my first design using FF&S2, and as it hasn't appeared in my NSFLGS yet I'm dependent on Andrew Akins' spreadsheet for everything. As I have no information at all on the electro-static armour and other features, this ship doesn't have them.

The laser is quite interesting to me - it's a fixed mount minimum power laser with a USP boost from ROF, and a HUGE focal array to give the long range. In fact, the whole front of the fighter is laser focal array. And still the cost is entirely dominated by the MFD (33 MCr - I should have put in one from SSDS, they're only 25!)

Please send me any corrections etc, as I'm sure that I will have missed something. The spreadsheet I used is available on the web at:

http://www.cee.hw.ac.uk/~ceemfcp/trav/thuddd7a.xls

Tsiko class Heavy Fighter

Designer: Rob Day rob@glisten.demon.co.uk
Firm: Munchausen Kinetics
System: FFS2
Tons: 50std (AF Needle Supersonic)  Volume: 700m3      Cost: 570.417 MCr
Crew: 1/2                           Pass Hi/Med: 0/0   Pass Low : 0
Cargo: 1std (0/0)                   Controls: Std/Fib  TL: 12

Size: 7          0 Jump Drive
            1.9/2G Maneuver (Thrusters : 35MW)

1xMaster Fire Directors (0MW 50,000km)    
2xLaser (+0) 1/0-0-0-0 [1,100/3-2-1-1]
1xMG400S1 Meson Gun (+4) 2/3-3-2-1 [1,10/100-100-53-26]

                 2 Power (/Fusion+:48MW,144hr fuel)
          6A,1P,3J Sensors
           0 [25], Struct 3 Armour
         728t/712t Mass (L/C)
                 0 Meson Screen
                 1 Sandcasters ( /AV:6 /Cans:40)
                 0 Nuclear Damper

Crew : 2 : 1 Maneuver, 1 Gunnery
Accomodation : 2 Workstations, 1 Roomy Seat, 1 Bunk
        Standard Life Support, 1 weeks supplies
Facilities : 1 Airlock

Notes : 
 Signatures: Vis:-1.5, IR:-1.5 (-2.0 at 5MW), Act:-1.0, Neu:-2, Grav:0
 Loaded accel with no cargo : 2G
 Maintenance Points: 26 
 Dimensions: 64.5m x 6.5m x 6.5m
 Max Atmosphere Speed : 864kph
 High Automation
 No ContraGrav/G-comp
Munchausen Kinetics proudly present the Tsiko class heavy fighter. We at the MunchKin design bureau believe that to do a job properly you need the right tools for that job, and if the requirement is force projection and system defence then the Tsiko is the quality tool you need.

The heart of the Tsiko is the MG400S1 400 Mj Meson Gun, designed specifically for this class of vessel, but also using standard parts where possible to ensure compatibility with other local systems. The MG400S1 is the largest known weapon mounted on a craft of this size, and gives the Tsiko a 'quick-kill' capability against any vessel without a meson screen, regardless of the vessels size or armour rating.

Firepower, however, is useless if the craft cannot close to firing range with its target. To this end we have provided the Tsiko with cutting edge stealth and masking equipment making it almost impossible to detect at a distance. This capability also enables the vessel to take on multiple roles, such as reconnaisance or ambush. Additional protection is provided by the armoured hull, extensive sand casting facilities and the twin point-defence lasers, which as well as providing excellent all-round protection against incoming missiles also provide an extra offensive punch as well.

The Tsiko is designed for work in both atmosphere and space, and can be crewed by a single individual, although we recommend a minimum crew of two for maximum efficiency when in combat. Seating for a third crewmember is provided, as is a bunk, which will come in useful on long patrols or evaluations.

MunchKin - because you deserve the best!

Designer's notes

First: the disclaimer. This is my first design using FFS2 (done with only a day left to the deadline, too), so there are bound to be tons of things wrong with it. The obvious ones are low armour rating, only 2G acceleration, no G-comp and the price, but there are others as well. The concept behind the craft was to build a honking great meson gun, stick an engine behind it and a pilot on top, and call it a fighter. Once that was done I added the stealth, masking, sandcasters and point-defence lasers to make it a bit more survivable. The biggest problem I found was that I kept running out of surface area, so I had to make a lot of compromises with stuff like the communications suite.

Another possible problem (given that I didn't have time to read the FFS2 book while designing it :) is that I may have missed out on some controls or added others which aren't needed. There is a power shortfall of 0.06MW, but this can be got around by leaving backups powered down unless needed. It was designed using Andy Akins Excel spreadsheet, which is an excellent bit of kit and heartily recommended. Converting the USP from the spreadsheet to the THUDDD style format really confused me! Hopefully I haven't missed anything.

I would actually be interested in people's opinions on what's wrong with the design and how it could be improved. If I get some feedback then I'll redesign it. Finally, I'm confidently expecting to come last in the voting, but at least it's a learning experience. It's still an interesting design to spring on unsuspecting players, and they'd certainly learn to be more respectful of small craft in the future!


MF357 Drachen Jaeger Class Heavy Fighter

Designer: Brian Songy bxs3829@usl.edu
Firm: Zusa & Associates
System: FFS2 (SSDS ranges)
Tons: 37std (SL Needle Transonic)  Crew: 2         Cargo: 0
Volume: 518m3                      Passengers: 0   Cost: 89.588 MCr
Mass (L/C): 931T/898T              Tech Level: 12  Armor: See Other
Dimensions: 58.3m x 5.9m x 5.9m       
Size: 7

Engineering Data

Power Plant - Fusion+: 305.51Mw/0.2Mw, 12Hrs/168Hrs
Jump: 0

Maneuver Performance - Thruster Plates:
  7.0G (22.39Mw per G) in space with empty bomb-bay
  7.7G (22.41Mw per G) within 10 diam. With full bomb-bay

Fuel Tankage - Heavy Water: 1.16 m3
Maintenance Points   : 163

Electronics

Computers/Controls: 1 x Fib Flight Computer, TL 12, Level 7
                    1 x Flight Computer
                    High Automation

Communications:  1 x Radio (50,000Km, 0.02Mw)
                 1 x Laser (1,000Au, 0.00Mw)

Sensors:  1 x PEMS, Level 13 (0.00Mw)
          1 x AEMS, Level 11 (0.25Mw)
          Terrain Following Sensors (TF:480, NOE:160)
          Wide Spectrum Visible Scope (0.5Km 0.001Mw)

Signatures - Vis: -1.5
           - IR:   0.0 (-0.5 at 31Mw)
           - Act:  0.0
           - Neu:  0.0
           - Grav: 0.0

Armament

Offensive - LXR-475-10-2 475Mj Spinal Mount Laser: 
              (+4) 1/3-3-3-2 [1, 100/54-54-40-20]
          - Air-to-Ground Ordnance Bay: 32.2 m2, with a 3.5 m2 hatch

Accommodations

Life Support: 
  2 x Crew G-Tanks
  Standard Life Support, for G-Tanks, food storage, Ship's
    Locker, and Airlock area only.
  3 G Compensation, for G-tanks, food storage and Ship's
    locker only.
  Storage unit for six "Flight" (Good Quality) Meals.
  14 emergency rations.

Crew: 2 (1 x Maneuver, 1 X Electronics)

Carried Craft

Grapples provided for 5 Td Weapons Pod

"Scuttle Plug", a 0.276 Td craft in a jettison bay.  This craft contains
the 305.51Mw fusion+ power plant, the beam pointer for the spinal
mount laser, and a 1 Kg thermite charge.

Other

Ship's Locker, .26 m3 (contains suit patches, first aid kit, survival
         Kit, handheld radio, collapsable survival laser
         Carbine)
1 x Minimal Airlock

Armor: AV 20 Hull
 AV 80 Component Armor around G-tanks, storage, electronics,
       0.2Mw Fusion+ power plant and 0.01m3 heavy water fuel
       for power plant.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Zusa & Associates of Sylea has announced the unveiling of the MF357 "Drachen Jaeger"-class Heavy Fighter. Previously known for custom one-of-a-kind Yachts, Baron Karl Von Zusa has for the first time turned the skills of his professional designers and craftsmen to producing a military craft.

When asked whether the G-Tanks will be equipped with his trademark Korinthian leather, Baron Von Zusa replied "No comment."

Designer's Notes:

After reading the THUDDD 7 specifications, I created a definition of each of the evaluation scenarios. The key evaluation statistic for each of these definitions were as follows:

1a) Auxilliary point defense - how many inbound missiles does it take to saturate the defenses?

1b) Force projection against ship - what is the probability of destroying a 50% damaged destroyer (3000 to 5000Td) before it destroys the fighter?

1c) Force projection against ground forces - how many troops could be killed in one 12 hour mission against a large (1/2 infantry, 1/2 tracked armor) ground force, dispersed "two up-one back" at each echelon and one company per 250m2 x 250m2 area. The tracks have AV 20, and each battalion has a 7Km range MANPAD unit.

2a) Close-orbit patrol/scouting: what is the volume of space that the fighter's sensors will sweep through during a 12 hour patrol (e.g. PI * [passive sensor range against nominal target]^2 * [range covered in a accelerate/decelerate/accelrate/decelerate patrol])

2b) Blockade enfocement - What is the probability a 300Td/Maneuver 6 blockade runner will travel from expected detection range (or 100 diams whichever is less) to within 10 diam. of a size 5 planet, before the fighter can engage the blockade runner. The fighter can begin anywhere, but defaults to a 20 diam orbit. The blockade runner has one TL12 sand turret and one "vanilla" laser turret.

2c) Commerce escort - Begin with the fighter escorting a 400Td/Maneuver 2 trader from a 5 size planet to the 100 diam limit. A 600 Td/Maneuver 6 SDB starts at expected detection distance. The trader will move towards the jump point each time-step. The SDB will move towards the trader at each time-step. What is the probability the trader will not receive any damage?

The results would be quantified by producing a ratio between the test fighter results and the results achieved by a "vanilla" 30Td fighter. The overall score would be a minimum of the six scores.

My original intent was to create a giant equation, and using a genetic algorithm program, attempt to find the absolute optimum craft for this specification. Alas, my grandiose plans were crushed by real world demands. Therefore I fell upon "Plan B", and enlisted the aid of four game testers. From the results, and the advice/opinions of these experts, I derived the following rules of thumb, which I used during the design of the Drachen Jaeger.

1) For point defense, a good probability to hit and the range of the fighter's weapons are both inversely lineraly related to the saturation level. The longer range is important, not because it allows you to shoot missiles while they're father away, but because it allows more fighters to engage a given hex.

2) When attacking ships, even heavily damaged ones, punching through sand is difficult. Many ships carry a glut of sand. Armor only requires tenacity.

3) Space weapons are ill suited for attacking ground forces; Small damaging weapons, that have LARGE (up to 1Km x 1Km) areas of effect, are needed. Every "test-pilot" demanded napalm and ICM weapons.

4) There is not enough bombs in the world to drop on every place a MANPAD could be - maneuver points and range is the key.

5) In patrolling, speed is just as importrant as sensors.

6) In both commerce escort and blockade enforcement, speed and long range weapons are needed.

7) In point defense, larger ships have better sensors -- use them to acquire hard to spot targets -- then "hand off" the target solutions to the fighters.

8) Pilot survival was a critical issue with the "test-pilots".

9) One pilot managed to be captured all five times he played the commerce escort scenario!

10) None of the scenarios, as I had described them, was significantly affected by the opponents ability to spot the fighter.

11) IMHO, Volume, and not price, is the limiting factor for fighters, in both the rate of construction (Td per unit of population) and in basing onboard ships (Carrier commanders are more constrained by hanger volume than by the cost of the squadron).

In short: Long range weapons, speed, large damage value and air-to-ground ordnance placed in the smallest volume possible.

Therefore I included the following in the design for the Drachen Jaeger:

1) The weapon with the greatest range THEN the greatest damage, was chosen FIRST, the remainder of the ship was designed around the weapon. Missiles had many advantages, but the ability of point defense to shoot them down and the lack of rules for missile engines pushed me towards the "big gun" solution.

2) A MFD was included, despite the cost (more than a third of the fighter) it was required to have a reasonable chance to hit against small targets at range (e.g. point defense).

3) The speed was made as large as possible (intial plans included 12G Manuever, but this proved impossible).

4) A "cargo bay" was included to simulate a bomb-bay. The cargo hatch is large enough to drop 1 m3 (2000 pound) bombs/missiles one at a time.

5) Despite a personal dislike for Thruster plates, nothing else was feasable.

6) Despite attempts at exotic solutions (batteries, unpowered homeopolar generators, etc.) fusion+ was the most efficient.

7) The large power plant, mandated by the weapon and drives, required a great deal of surface area, which pushed the design towards the needle configuration.

8) Armor is not particularly effective on small ships, but based upon pilot survival issues I placed component armor on the passenger compartment and critical equipment neede for survival.

9) Communications and sensors were limited in a trade off to conserve surface area.

10) I developed the concept of "Flight" meals. Instead of suffering through meager rations, good quality meals are prepared in a full galley at the fighter's base. These meals are then stored in special compartments. Of course, if the meals sit-around for a while (or your co-pilot steals the best parts out of your meal :) ) you pretty much end up with an expensive meager meal.

11) The minimal airlock was included to allow access to the 5Td pod.

Currently I haven't completed designing the pods (why can't the real world just go away so that I can concentrate on the THUDDD!), but plans include: a long-range pod (stateroom, galley, fuel, etc. for a full month), missile pod (five 1/2 Td independent guidance missiles), point defense pod (a dedicated PD turret & an extra gunner), an Air-to-Ground pod (a VRF gaussgun and more dropped ordnance), a troop pod (room enough for 18 troops and equipment), a scout pod (sensors and power plant to run them), cargo pod (with cargo handling equipment and small grav "forklift"), an EW pod (jammers and power plant) and a Admiral's pod (VIP travel pod). No "Meson pod" or "Jump pods" are planned.

12) Though reason tells me it's not rational; At the demands of the "repeatedly captured, but otherwise nameless" test pilot, I've included the "scuttle plug" in the Drachen Jaeger. This is a small craft, in a jettison bay, containing the primary power source, the beam pointer for the spinal mount and a small thermite charge. Considering the natural location of the beam pointer, the "scuttle plug" likely consists of the most forward portion of the Drachen Jaeger. In game terms, when both crew choose, the "scuttle plug" is launched. The thermite charge destroys the contents of the "scuttle plug" shortly afterwards. The fighter then can not be used as a weapon against the 3I, but if retreived it can be placed back into service with only a minimum of trouble and cost. The Drachen Jaeger is unstreamlined after the launch of the "scuttle plug".

My gratitude to Andrew Akins for creating and freely distributing his FFS v2 Design Worksheet.


X-1108 FireFly class Prototype Fighter

Designer: Danny Moody vanya@partyline.net
Firm: WhizzoDyne Propulsion, LLIC
System: FFS2
Tons: 30std (AF Long Cone Supersonic)  Crew: 2/2                 Cargo: 0std (0/0)
Volume: 420m3                          Passengers High/Med: 0/0  Cost: 43.715 MCr
Mass (L/C): 715t/703t                  Passengers Low: 0         Maintenance Points: 105
Dimensions: 29.5m x 7.3m x 7.3m        Troops/Science: 0/0       Tech Level: 12
Size: 7                                Frozen Watch: 0

Weaponry                                    Performance  
                                                  0 Jump 
2xLaser (+0) 1/2-2-0-0 [1,100/38-25-13-6]   4.7/4.8 Maneuver (/Thruster:84MW)
2xLaser (+0) 1/0-0-0-0 [1,10/0-0-0-0]       0.0/0.0 Contra-grav
                                  1,819kph/1,849kph Atmosphere 
                                                    (Crus:1,364kph/1,387kph) 
                                                 14 Power (/Fusion+:215MW,175.0)
                                                0.0 Fuel 
                                          0/0/0/0/0 Accomodations 
                                                  2 Life Support (/Type:St/FQ:Gd)
                                                  3 G-Comp (/GTanks:0,2) 
                                                  0 ESA 
                                                  1 Sandcasters ( /AV:50/Cans:2)
                                            10 [40] Armor, Structure 5

Electronics     
Controls: Dynamic, High automation. 3xFltComp (CM:0.35 CP:2.86). 
   Terrain following sensors (TF:480, NOE:160). No bridge.    
Communications: 1xRadio (50,000km, 0.02MW). 3xLaser (1,000AU, 0.00MW).     
Sensors:  1xPas. Tracker (13 [5mkm], 0.00MW). 1xPEMS (13 [5mkm], 0.00MW). 
   1xLIDAR (13.5 [50kkm], 0.10MW).     
Signatures: Vis:-1.5, IR:0.0 (-0.5 at 22MW), Act:0.0, Neu:0, Grav:0    
The WhizzoDyne Propulsion Corporation proudly introduces its first foray into the military spaceship field with the introduction of its Firefly-class Medium Aerospace Fighter.

The Firefly is designed for use from a carrier, space station, or planetary base. Its twin Cobra/Riley TL12 Thrusters provide a sustainable 4.7g acceleration. The Firefly is at home in the atmosphere as well as in space. Its supersonic airframe gives the Firefly the speed and maneuverability to dominate the planetary airspace.

Two P3 225Mj tuneable forward firing laser lances are installed in the Firefly, giving it a potent sting in close range ship-to-ship combat, making it an excellent platform for fleet combat support, force projection against small targets, blockade enforcement, and commerce escort as well as providing a devistating blow to planetary targets. Twin Haunt/Devcomm 50Mj laser are installed in small turrets for missile point denfense and suppression of small or lightly armoured planetary targets. Twin, inboard bomb racks allow deadfall or guided bombs or missiles to be utilized in the planetary bombardment, aerospace control, or ground assault role.

Defenses consist of a solidly built frame of the best CrystalIron, supplied by Arc Gotha MetalWerks, armoured to a thickness of 3.51cm. A last moment addition of a small sandcaster provides for additional defense in desperate situations.

Both Pilot and Weaponry Officer are protected from sustained acceleration and high-speed maneuvers by the dual system of an Imperial Transtar 3g Compensator and twin Cobra Systems 1g GravTanks. Full life support for one week, including food, is provided for both crewmembers.

As a midlevel fighter, the Firefly will perform most of its combat/patrol mission while within the sensor coverage of another ship or a base, allowing the Firefly to carry only the sensors that it needs to perform its missions. This makes the Firefly more cost efficient. Its price allows for a larger number of Fireflys to be deployed, while each fighter is still able to dominate the close-range fight.

Design Notes:

Designed using Andrew Akin's *excellent* FFS2 spreadsheet. This is the first ship designed by WhizzoDyne Propulsions using the FFS2 ruleset. Design spreadsheet available upon request.

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URL: http://www.cinenet.net/users/cberry/thuddd7.html
Last modified: Thursday, 01-Jan-98 19:12:46 PST
Author: Craig Berry

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