SD.Net World Redux Comment Thread V

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

So Shinn, I see you just wanted to rip off Crimson Tide a bit there?

I'm terribly unoriginal, yes. It should also be pretty damn obvious which game series I was alluding to with the mention of Forlorn Hope.

Also, you still need to get back to me on that aircraft carrier. Just how long has it been since you first offered it for sale, anyway?

[RogueIce]

So Shinn, I see you just wanted to rip off Crimson Tide a bit there?

I'm terribly unoriginal, yes. It should also be pretty damn obvious which game series I was alluding to with the mention of Forlorn Hope.

Also, you still need to get back to me on that aircraft carrier. Just how long has it been since you first offered it for sale, anyway?

A good little while now. I was hoping to get more offers but nobody wanted it. Oh well. It's yours minus electronics and such beyond standard navigational aids (and I'll even send it off fueled) and, of course, an air wing. For an...undisclosed sum because I don't want to figure out but is doubtless a pretty little penny.

[phongn]

Surely NSWRs are too advanced for right now?

[Beowulf]

Surely NSWRs are too advanced for right now?

The world has had nuclear fission for quite a long while. The largest barrier to it's use right now in the real world is political. After that, most of the engineering should be rather straight forward. Much of the testing can be done with normal saltwater, only needing precious fissile for full up tests.

[Siege]

It's fine with an exception of a few details, such as the MiG-105 from the SNC. That has already been tested, and flown, with full autonomous operation. But that's classified, so it's fine.

In case that's a reaction to my post, I actually did take MiG-105 into account. You've got your Spiral, the Old Dominion has it's X-20, and I've got Silver Streak. Frankly I think I've got reason to believe that with the S-2 and S-3 programs we're well ahead of the SNC and its Buran/Tu-2000 projects, but your mileage may vary. And of course, this rapport is also in many ways corporate propaganda intended to coax the Board into releasing more funding, so that figures into it as well.

Surely NSWRs are too advanced for right now?

I don't know about salt water rockets (I'm not well-versed in nuclear engine technology), but I do know that Coyote has been talking about the NERVA engine for his Eagle since I think 2010 or thereabouts.

[phongn]

The world has had nuclear fission for quite a long while. The largest barrier to it's use right now in the real world is political. After that, most of the engineering should be rather straight forward. Much of the testing can be done with normal saltwater, only needing precious fissile for full up tests.

I think you're being far too optimistic there. There's no guarantee that we could easily develop the fissile flow mix as easily as Zubrin claims, and I'd fully expect major criticality incidents in development.

I don't know about salt water rockets (I'm not well-versed in nuclear engine technology), but I do know that Coyote has been talking about the NERVA engine for his Eagle since I think 2010 or thereabouts.

NTRs are a lot more feasible.

[phongn]

One of two light cruisers remaining in the Royal Svalbardian Navy

Armament:
2 Twin 8" Lightweight
4 5"/62 RF
2 Mk. 26 twin-rail missile launchers, capable of firing SM-2ER and ASROC
4 Twin Tomahawk ABL
2 Triple Lightweight Torpedo launchers
3 CIWS (40mm, RAM)
Misc deck guns for shooting up boghammers

Her air-defense suite is somewhat obsolete at this time; proposals have been made to perform the Tonkin-Svalbardia 'New Threat Upgrade' already on the RTN and RSN's DDGs. The cost involved and the relative old age of these two ships have - so far - ensured that such proposals remain just that, proposals.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

So Shinn, I see you just wanted to rip off Crimson Tide a bit there?

I'm terribly unoriginal, yes. It should also be pretty damn obvious which game series I was alluding to with the mention of Forlorn Hope.

Also, you still need to get back to me on that aircraft carrier. Just how long has it been since you first offered it for sale, anyway?

A good little while now. I was hoping to get more offers but nobody wanted it. Oh well. It's yours minus electronics and such beyond standard navigational aids (and I'll even send it off fueled) and, of course, an air wing. For an...undisclosed sum because I don't want to figure out but is doubtless a pretty little penny.

Air Wing (Nominal)
12 F-14E (Fighter Squadron [VF])
12 F-14E (Fighter Squadron [VF])
12 F/A-18E or F/A-35A (Strike Fighter Squadron [VFA])
12 F/A-18F or F/A-35A (Strike Fighter Squadron [VFA])
8 A-6F + 4 KA-6F (Attack Squadron [VA])
8 S-3C (Sea Control Squadron [VS])
4 EA-6C (Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron [VAQ])
4 ES-3C (Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron [VQ])
4 E-2D (Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron [VAW])
8 MH-60R (Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron [HSM])
4 MH-60S (Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron [HSC])

So, regarding the air wing you intend to package with the carrier, I already have in my possession 24 F-14Es in active service, a license to produce A-7Ls (which I can substitute for the F/A-18E/Fs), and eight A-6Es and four KA-6Ds in reserve storage that can be brought out and rebuilt to F standard. I'm going to be in need of everything else on that list; how much would they all cost?

Also, since you already took out all the sensitive hardware out on the carrier, do you know of any places where can I have the appropriate systems replaced, and how much would it cost?

[CmdrWilkens]

Also, since you already took out all the sensitive hardware out on the carrier, do you know of any places where can I have the appropriate systems replaced, and how much would it cost?

Just about anybody who does large warship construction shoudl be able to. Obviously the quality of the electronics woudl be dependent upon how good your diplomatic relatiosn are but offhand Wilkonia, the OD, Byzantium, the IRT, and the CSR should all be more than able to fit the vessel out for you.

[phongn]

The IRT sells to everyone and anyone, remember!

[RogueIce]

So, regarding the air wing you intend to package with the carrier, I already have in my possession 24 F-14Es in active service, a license to produce A-7Ls (which I can substitute for the F/A-18E/Fs), and eight A-6Es and four KA-6Ds in reserve storage that can be brought out and rebuilt to F standard. I'm going to be in need of everything else on that list; how much would they all cost?

Whoops, that should be you're not getting an Air Wing... Sorry for the bad sentence structure there.

You'll have to supply your own.

EDIT: Of course I'll be happy to sell you the stuff you need, if you want. You just won't be getting a bunch of surplus equipment automatically.

Unless you want to buy some surplus off me. But it'd probably be easier to get newbuilds.

Also, since you already took out all the sensitive hardware out on the carrier, do you know of any places where can I have the appropriate systems replaced, and how much would it cost?

Well I'm mostly talking about things like communications encrypt/decrypt, SIGINT/ELINT, those sorts of things. In which case I would presume you'd replace them with your own stuff, since that tends to be classified from country to country.

You could use my yards for whatever you need, and if you need to install sensitive equipment then we can arrange for your aircraft to fly it in and provide adequete security (ie: your people take the innermost ring and my people would be on the outer, where they wouldn't have direct access to the equipment in question). However you want to handle that.

[Shroom Man 777]

You get get Shroomania to do that too for you too!

You won't have to worry about much at all. We'll be totally cool and it'll make for some interesting hijinks!


EDIT:

Does anyone KNOW where Ford Prefect's Country (Zablorg) is gonna be? It'd be cool if he was in Velaria, rather than in some middle of nowhere mangs.

[Coiler]

Does anyone KNOW where Ford Prefect's Country (Zablorg) is gonna be? It'd be cool if he was in Velaria, rather than in some middle of nowhere mangs.

There are some islands to the north of Veleria that he could use if need be.

[Shroom Man 777]

It'd be better if he was IN Velaria proper. He's crazy enough to do it.

[Ryan Thunder]

I have a shitload of questions, so please bear with me here;

1. Is the region to Miratia's immediate East stable?
2. If not, who's controlling that strip along the river?
3. If they're hostile, how do those Sukhois Seige is selling stack up to my own tactical bombers and heavy gunships?
4. Is it feasible to mount quad Avengers on a helicopter gunship, or is there some problem with that?

Also, I had a random idea for a synchrocopter gunship with turreted weapon pods with a 180 degree field of fire on either side of the gunship, allowing it to engage targets in virtually all directions. It'd be primarily for engaging infantry and light vehicles, and probably be armed with a pair of GAU-8 equivalents or small-diameter rocket pods. I'm not sure that its feasible though, so I'm just floating it here to see what you think of it.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Su-39s are used for Closed Air Support, the same role the A-10 occupies. It is an armored Titanium bath tub, with ECM and ECCM, and bombs, missiles and a big gun.

Also, I have no idea why you would want some one hat trick helicopter gunship.

[Siege]

1. Is the region to Miratia's immediate East stable?

It is now. The Central Frequesuan Republic has been stabilized by the FTO in a six-odd year campaign of fighting annoying militias etc.

2. If not, who's controlling that strip along the river?

Parts of it are a protectorate of the Vineyards (called the Southern Republic, IIRC) and the rest of it is the Eastern-Occidental Free State, which is a San Doradan protectorate. I'm not sure about Karmic, but I have a mechanized brigade plus some transport and attack helicopters, 11 Rafale aircraft and 10 Aardvarks stationed in that area.

3. If they're hostile, how do those Sukhois Seige is selling stack up to my own tactical bombers and heavy gunships?

The Su-39 is designed to fight stuff that's on the ground, not in the air. It's possible to mount AtA missiles on the thing though, so you wouldn't want to get too close, particularly not when you're in a helicopter gunship.

4. Is it feasible to mount quad Avengers on a helicopter gunship, or is there some problem with that?

Quad GAU-8? I'm no expert, but yeah, I think that'd be pretty much impossible, considering they designed the A-10 around one Avenger, and you want to mount four on a helicopter (the thing is like 15% of the A-10's weight). What could you possibly need four of the things for anyway?

[Zablorg]

It'd be better if he was IN Velaria proper. He's crazy enough to do it.

Crazy they called me! They said it was madness to build a temple in Velaria, but I SHOWED THEM! I showed them all!

It's cool.

[Shroom Man 777]

Muhahahahahahaha!

[Siege]

Alright, well, here's the map for Velaria:



And here's the Duchess' description of what those wee little nations are like:

1. Republic of al-Itani, Solomon Islands level of government, armed forces with old bolt-actions and machetes.

2. Republic of Tanvarika, East Timor level of government, some RPGs and AK-47s in the military, can sometimes pretend to be a functional state.

3. Republic of Yulanti, same as 2.

4. Fredonia, same as 1.

5. Democratic Republic of Ashant, same as 1.

6. New Olympia, level of government and military like modern-day Papua New Guinea.

7. Akori Republic, level of government and military like modern-day Papua New Guinea.

8. Rangatara, a highly sophisticated nation by the standards of Veleria with a level of government and military like that of modern-day Angola.

9. Hadhramara, a failed state sort of like modern-day Somalia.

10. al-Ghazzara, a traditional theocratic Moon-God worshipping monarchy that was made a protectorate and then liberated, about as sophisticated in government and tech as the modern day Kingdom of Lesotho.

11. Republic of Aylaniyah, failed state like Somalia.

12. Confederated States of the San Marin Islands (CSSMI), a highly functional government similar to Madagascar.

13. Republic of Zakariyah. Sort of like the Congo, but worse.

14. Bissauru. Ruled by a God President who claims he can kill any person he feels like for no reason at all without moral sanction by God, sort of like the current ruler of Equatorial Guinea. The country is very similar, too.

15. Republic of al-Akharabat, failed state like Somalia.

If I were you I'd pick al-Ghazzara as my state to play with, since IIRC there hasn't been anything written about it, it's next door to the jihad so there's plenty opportunity to be interesting straight away, and it's description would seem to be roughly compatible for your odd Shroom-induced desire for temples and stuff...

[Steve]

Don't forget that al-Akharabat has been split into the Canissian-supported Katangwa Free State and the Japanistani puppet Caravoland.

Also, Marina drew that list up early on, frankly I think Adabani (New Olympia) should be more like Kenya or even a smaller India, with a generally functioning government, as it has remained close to Cascadia since Cascadia voluntarily made Adabani independent. In fact I believe I referred to Adabani groups that genuinely want to return to Cascadia as a new province.

[Ryan Thunder]

1. Is the region to Miratia's immediate East stable?

It is now. The Central Frequesuan Republic has been stabilized by the FTO in a six-odd year campaign of fighting annoying militias etc.

Oh, so thats who we were finishing off. I still have Aerines and a few tank battalions there.

2. If not, who's controlling that strip along the river?

Parts of it are a protectorate of the Vineyards (called the Southern Republic, IIRC) and the rest of it is the Eastern-Occidental Free State, which is a San Doradan protectorate. I'm not sure about Karmic, but I have a mechanized brigade plus some transport and attack helicopters, 11 Rafale aircraft and 10 Aardvarks stationed in that area.

Perhaps I should take over the supervision of that area. I'm quite a bit closer, after all.

3. If they're hostile, how do those Sukhois Seige is selling stack up to my own tactical bombers and heavy gunships?

The Su-39 is designed to fight stuff that's on the ground, not in the air. It's possible to mount AtA missiles on the thing though, so you wouldn't want to get too close, particularly not when you're in a helicopter gunship.

Not what I meant. I realize its a ground attack plane, but would you say they're better for that than my own ground attack planes and heavy gunships?

4. Is it feasible to mount quad Avengers on a helicopter gunship, or is there some problem with that?

Quad GAU-8? I'm no expert, but yeah, I think that'd be pretty much impossible, considering they designed the A-10 around one Avenger, and you want to mount four on a helicopter (the thing is like 15% of the A-10's weight). What could you possibly need four of the things for anyway?

Oh, for fuck's sakes. Can I get nothing right?

I confused it with the GAU-12 Equalizer, somehow. What about that?

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Not what I meant. I realize its a ground attack plane, but would you say they're better for that than my own ground attack planes and heavy gunships?

There is no way to do a comparison of aircraft because you didn't use standard aircraft, and I also don't see any CAS aircraft. CAS aircraft occupy a niche in aviation because only they carry armour enough to withstand even 23mm fire at least, and are far more durable than average aircraft.

Oh, for fuck's sakes. Can I get nothing right?

I confused it with the GAU-12 Equalizer, somehow. What about that?

You probably could. But why the fuck do you need 4 of these things, and exhaust ammunition at 4 times the rate? Not to mention, these things aren't good against killing tanks.

[Ryan Thunder]

Not what I meant. I realize its a ground attack plane, but would you say they're better for that than my own ground attack planes and heavy gunships?

There is no way to do a comparison of aircraft because you didn't use standard aircraft,

The Lightning-B is a Lightning that has been optimized for tactical bombing, at the expense of its regular air-superiority capability. The Lightning is pretty much an F-15, which makes the Lightning-B pretty much an F-15E.

and I also don't see any CAS aircraft. CAS aircraft occupy a niche in aviation because only they carry armour enough to withstand even 23mm fire at least, and are far more durable than average aircraft.

Ah. So I don't have the capability at all, then. XD

Would my F-15E analogs be a good substitute, though?

Oh, for fuck's sakes. Can I get nothing right?

I confused it with the GAU-12 Equalizer, somehow. What about that?

You probably could. But why the fuck do you need 4 of these things, and exhaust ammunition at 4 times the rate? Not to mention, these things aren't good against killing tanks.

Yeah, I had a feeling there might be issues. I was thinking of weapon pods, not unlike Hellfire missile pods and what have you, with their own ammunition, though I suppose there would still be the same issue of ludicrous ammo expenditure.

[Siege]

Perhaps I should take over the supervision of that area. I'm quite a bit closer, after all.

Eastern-Occidental doesn't really need supervising anymore. Over the past three years San Dorado has basically been providing material and training (in exchange for mining rights etc. for a select number of corporations) to their army. They've now got a halfway decent government and army, and we're in the process of withdrawing our troops from the area. Right now those troopers are glorified military advisors.

As for Karmic's bit... I think he's got plans for an, ahem, rather more permanent presence in the CFR, but you'd have to ask him for the specifics.

Not what I meant. I realize its a ground attack plane, but would you say they're better for that than my own ground attack planes and heavy gunships?

Well, that would depend on what kind of ground-attack planes and heavy gunships you're fielding, wouldn't it? I don't know the specifics of that... I do know however that when I bought them from Byzantium in '09 or '10 or so, those Su-39 were brand spanking new and kitted out with all-modern avionics etc., and since they've been maintained rather well and didn't see much action, it's a fair bet that they're competitive.