
-------- TML Message #1569 --------

Archive-Message-Number: 1569
Date:     Thu, 13 Sep 90 9:29:40 EDT
From: "Robert S. Dean" <rsdean@crdec8.apgea.army.mil>
Subject:  Vehicle Designs, Part 10

I probably should have noted on the designs themselves, but I didn't:  In the
Glisten Navy, the 10000t Rider, the 2000t Rider, the 20t Javelin Fighter,
and the 40t Lance fighter have all been previously uploaded.  Any references
to auxiliaries of those displacements are to those ships.  The Freedom class
Battlecruiser carries 19 Collace Missile Boats (1000t), also previously 
uploaded.

Have fun.

Rob Dean


Nergal Class Battleship TL15

     The Nergal was designed as a follow-on to the successful Osprey class 
following the Fifth Frontier War. Since it was determined that the Jump-3
capability of the Osprey was seldom required in actual usage, the Nergal was
built with Jump-2 drives, allowing a larger proportion of the ship to be used
for fuel and power plant.

  CraftID: Nergal class Battleship, TL15, MCr172100
     Hull: 108000/270000, Disp=120000, Config=1SL, Armor=82G,
           Unloaded=4,921,410t, Loaded=5,019,490t
    Power: 6667/13334, Fusion=1800000MW, Dur=30/90
     Loco: 3240/6480, Jump 2, 11880/23760, Maneuver=4, Agility=1
     Comm: Radio=System, LaserComm=System, MaserComm=System
  Sensors: EMS Active(Far Orbit), EMS Jammer(Far Orbit), EMS 
           Passive(Interstellar), High Pen Densitometer(1km), Neutrino 
           Sensor(10kw), ActObjScan=Routine, ActObjPin=Routine, 
           PassObjScan=Routine, PassObjPin=Routine, PassEnScan=Simple, 
           PassEnPin=Routine
      Off: Hardpoints=1200

           MesonGun=T00   Particle Accelerator=x90   Missile=x90
          Batteries 1                           10           40
          Bearing   1                            7           26

      Def: DefDm+8, Nuclear Damper-9, Meson Screen-9

           Sandcaster=xx9   Repulsor=x9x
           Batteries   33             30
           Bearing     22             20

  Control: Computer Mod9fib*3, LargeHoloDisplay*20, HeadsUpHoloDisplay*300,
           HoloLink*83000
    Accom: Crew=643 (20 Command, 39 bridge, 137 engineer, 56 gunnery,
           385 Maintenance, 6 medical), Staterooms=643, Env=Basic env,
           basic ls, extended ls, grav plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=891000kl (1*Jump 3+30 days), Cargo=30710, Fuel Scoops,
           Fuel Purifier (12hr), Missile Magazine=10000kl (100b-r),
           ObjSize=Large, EmLevel=Strong

Osprey Class Battleship TL15

     The Osprey class vessels were originally designated "Light Battleships",
but the nomenclature was changed to "Battleship" following the Fifth Frontier 
War.  At the time they were built, the Ospreys were armed with a spinal
Particle Accelerator-T, which proved to be insufficiently effective in combat.
Following the war, the surviving vessels were refit to the current configur-
ation, with Meson Gun-Ns.

  CraftID: Osprey class Battleship, TL15, MCr73568+53154.1 for auxiliaries
     Hull: 108000/270000, Disp=120000, Config=1SL, Armor=67G,
           Unloaded=1,834,338t, Loaded=2,701,287t
    Power: 3000/6000, Fusion=810000MW, Dur=44/132
     Loco: 4320/8640, Jump 3, 8640/17280, Maneuver=3, Agility=0
     Comm: Radio=System, LaserComm=System, MaserComm=System
  Sensors: EMS Active(Far Orbit), EMS Jammer(Far Orbit), EMS 
           Passive(Interstellar), High Pen Densitometer(1km), Neutrino 
           Sensor(10kw), ActObjScan=Routine, ActObjPin=Routine, 
           PassObjScan=Routine, PassObjPin=Routine, PassEnScan=Simple, 
           PassEnPin=Routine
      Off: Hardpoints=1200

           MesonGun=N00   BeamLaser=xx9   Missile=x90
          Batteries 1                18            30
          Bearing   1                12            20

      Def: DefDm+8, Nuclear Damper-9, Meson Screen-9

           Sandcaster=xx9   Repulsor=x9x
           Batteries   40             30
           Bearing     26             20

  Control: Computer Mod9fib*3, LargeHoloDisplay*10, HeadsUpHoloDisplay*300,
           HoloLink*6660
    Accom: Crew=1289 (30 Command, 22 bridge, 110 engineer, 55 gunnery,
           40 Maintenance, 400 troops, 620 flight, 12 medical),
           Staterooms=1300, Env=Basic env, basic ls, extended ls,
           grav plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=756540kl (1*Jump 3+43 days), Cargo=30000, Fuel Scoops,
           Fuel Purifier (15hr), Missile Magazine=7500kl (100b-r),
           Subcraft=2*10000t, 4*2000t, 70*20t, 20ton Launch Tube,
           ObjSize=Large, EmLevel=Strong

Revenge Class Battlecruiser TL15

     The Revenge class was designed by the Imperial Glisten Navy prior to
the Fourth Frontier War, although the prototype did not fly until 1088. Due
to the powerful meson gun armament, the Revenges were the mainstay of the
Glisten Fleet during the Fifth Frontier War/Collace Rebellion.

  CraftID: Revenge class Battlecruiser, TL15, MCr60698 incl auxiliaries
     Hull: 67334/168334, Disp=75000, Config=2SL, Armor=70G,
           Unloaded=1,466,169t, Loaded=1,595,974t
    Power: 2267/4534, Fusion=612000MW, Dur=46/138
     Loco: 5400/10800, Maneuver=3, 2700/5400, Jump=3, Agility=0
     Comm: Radio=System, LaserComm=System, MaserComm=System
  Sensors: EMS Active(Far Orbit), EMS Jammer(Far Orbit), EMS 
           Passive(Interstellar), High Pen Densitometer(1km), Neutrino 
           Sensor(10kw), ActObjScan=Routine, ActObjPin=Routine, 
           PassObjScan=Routine, PassObjPin=Routine, PassEnScan=Simple, 
           PassEnPin=Routine
      Off: Hardpoints=750

           MesonGun=R00   BeamLaser=xx9   Missile=x90
          Batteries 1                12            20
          Bearing   1                 9            15

      Def: DefDm+8, Nuclear Damper-9, Meson Screen-9

           Sandcaster=xx9   Repulsor=x5x
           Batteries   18             20
           Bearing     13             15

  Control: Computer Mod9fib*3, LargeHoloDisplay*10, HeadsUpHoloDisplay*200,
           HoloLink*5300
    Accom: Crew=672 (12 Command, 19 bridge, 72 engineer, 54 gunnery,
           51 maintenance, 150 troops, 308 flight, 6 medical),
           Staterooms=700, Env=basic env, basic ls, extended ls, grav
           plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=544506kl (1*Jump 3+46 days or 2*Jump 3+19 days), Cargo=0,
           Missile Magazine=5000kl(100b-r), Fuel Scoops, Fuel Purifier (16hr),
           Subcraft=2*2000t, 80*20t, LaunchTube=20ton, ObjSize=Large,
           EmLevel=Strong

Piranha Class Light Cruiser TL15

     The Piranha was designed following the Fifth Frontier War in response 
to an Imperial Glisten Navy requirement for a meson gunned light cruiser to
replace the Aganar and Smittorn class vessels, then being downgraded to 
escorts.  

  CraftID: Piranha class Light Cruiser, TL15, MCr15937
     Hull: 18000/45000, Disp=20000, Config=1SL, Armor=67G,
           Unloaded=459123t, Loaded=471323t
    Power: 1267/2534, Fusion=342000MW, Dur=27/81
     Loco: 1440/2880, Maneuver=3, 720/1440, Jump=3, Agility=0
     Comm: Radio=System, LaserComm=System, MaserComm=System
  Sensors: EMS Active(Far Orbit), EMS Jammer(Far Orbit), EMS 
           Passive(Interstellar), High Pen Densitometer(1km), Neutrino 
           Sensor(10kw), ActObjScan=Routine, ActObjPin=Routine, 
           PassObjScan=Routine, PassObjPin=Routine, PassEnScan=Simple, 
           PassEnPin=Routine
      Off: Hardpoints=200

           MesonGun=J00   BeamLaser=xx9   Missile=x90
          Batteries 1                 4            4 
          Bearing   1                 4            4 

      Def: DefDm+8, Nuclear Damper-9, Meson Screen-9

           Sandcaster=xx9   Repulsor=x5x
           Batteries    5             6 
           Bearing      5             6 

  Control: Computer Mod9fib*3, LargeHoloDisplay*3, HeadsUpHoloDisplay*70,
           HoloLink*800
    Accom: Crew=159 (13 bridge, 26 engineer, 14 maintenance, 52 gunnery,
           40 troops, 12 command, 2 medical), Staterooms=80, Env=basic env,
           basic ls, extended ls, grav plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=164808kl, Cargo=414kl, Missile Magazine=500kl(50b-r),
           Fuel Scoops, Fuel Purifier (13hr), ObjSize=Large, EmLevel=Strong

H.B. Piper Class Attack Carrier TL15

     The Piper class carrier was designed for the IGN following the Fifth
Frontier War as part of the general rebuilding of the Navy.  In keeping with
the changed design philosophy, the Pipers are specialized for support of
300 Lance class fighters, with minimal self-defense capability.

  CraftID: H.B. Piper class Attack Carrier, TL15, MCr50083 incl auxiliaries
     Hull: 36000/90000, Disp=40000, Config=1SL, Armor=52G,
           Unloaded=311349t, Loaded=449145t
    Power: 667/1334, Fusion=180000MW, Dur=30/90
     Loco: 1800/3600, Maneuver=2, 1440/2880, Jump=3, Agility=2
     Comm: Radio=System, LaserComm=System, MaserComm=System
  Sensors: EMS Active(Far Orbit), EMS Jammer(Far Orbit), EMS 
           Passive(Interstellar), High Pen Densitometer(1km), Neutrino 
           Sensor(10kw), ActObjScan=Routine, ActObjPin=Routine, 
           PassObjScan=Routine, PassObjPin=Routine, PassEnScan=Simple, 
           PassEnPin=Routine
      Off: Hardpoints=400

            Missile=x07
          Batteries  10  
          Bearing     9

      Def: DefDm+10

           Sandcaster=xx9 
           Batteries   10
           Bearing      9

  Control: Computer Mod9fib*3, LargeHoloDisplay*4, HeadsUpHoloDisplay*40,
           HoloLink*1600
    Accom: Crew=1031 (22 bridge, 31 engineer, 7 maintenance, 37 gunnery,
           900 flight, 26 command, 8 medical), Staterooms=520, Env=basic env,
           basic ls, extended ls, grav plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=172800kl, Cargo=270kl, Missile Magazine=1500kl(50b-r),
           Fuel Scoops, Fuel Purifier (30hr), Subcraft=300*40t,
           3*LaunchTube=40ton, ObjSize=Large, EmLevel=Strong

Silver Star Class Passenger Liner TL15

     The Silver Star and its sister ships are owned and operated by the
Argentia Line, which is active primarily from Trin to Glisten.  Argentia
vessels are famed for their luxurious accomodations, and gourmet meals. 
The company also runs the chain of Argnetia Hotels, found in most A and B
class starports in the two subsectors.

  CraftID: Silver Star class Passenger Liner, TL15, MCr1421.64
     Hull: 3600/9000, Disp=4000, Config=4USL, Armor=40G, Unloaded=19926t,
           Loaded=23303t
    Power: 40/80, Fusion=10800MW, Dur=30/90
     Loco: 72/144, Maneuver=1, 180/360, Jump=4, Agility=1
     Comm: Radio=System, LaserComm=System
  Sensors: EMS Active(Far Orbit), ActObjScan=Routine, ActObjPin=Routine
      Off: Hardpoints=40

            BeamLaser=xx4
          Batteries     1  
          Bearing       1

      Def: DefDm+8

           Sandcaster=xx4 
           Batteries    9
           Bearing      9

  Control: Computer Mod7*3, LargeHoloDisplay*1, HeadsUpHoloDisplay*4,
           HoloLink*260
    Accom: Crew=75 (4 bridge, 6 engineer, 3 gunnery, 2 command, 55 stewards,
           5 medical), Passengers=440, Staterooms=520, Env=basic env,
           basic ls, extended ls, grav plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=17388kl, Cargo=2160kl, ObjSize=Large, EmLevel=Avg

Freedom Class Battlecruiser TL13

     The Freedom class battlecruiser was designed for the Collace Indepen-
dence Fleet, and was built in enormous numbers prior to the Fifth Frontier
War.  Recognizing that quantity was the only way to counterbalance the 
Glisten/Imperial technological advantage, every effort was made to keep 
these vessels as simple as possible.

  CraftID: Freedom class Battlecruiser, TL13, MCr33986 incl auxiliaries
     Hull: 67334/168334, Disp=75000, Config=4SL, Armor=40F,
           Unloaded=641,917t, Loaded=998,442t
    Power: 3000/6000, Fusion=405000MW, Dur=30/90
     Loco: 3375/6750, Maneuver=2, 2025/4050, Jump=2, Agility=0
     Comm: Radio=System, LaserComm=System, MaserComm=System
  Sensors: EMS Active(FarOrbit), EMS Passive(Interstellar), Neutrino
           Sensor (100kw), High Pen Densitometer (100m), ActObjScan=Rout,
           ActObjPin=Rout, PassObjScan=Diff, PassObjPin=Diff,
           PassEnScan=Rout, PassEnPin=Diff
      Off: Hardpoints=750

           MesonGun=P00  Missile=x80
          Batteries 1             67 
          Bearing   1             51 

      Def: DefDm+6, Nuclear Damper-3, Meson Screen-3
  Control: Computer Mod7fib*3, LargeHoloDisplay*4, HeadsUpHoloDisplay*100,
           HoloLink*13000
    Accom: Crew=530 (17 bridge, 92 engineer, 57 gunnery, 6 maintenance,
           150 troops, 190 flight, 18 command), Staterooms=265,
           Env=basic env, basic ls, extended ls, grav plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=313875kl, Cargo=11500kl, Missile Magazine=16750kl(100b-r),
           Fuel Scoops, Fuel Purifier (12hr), Subcraft=19*1000t, 
           ObjSize=Large, EmLevel=Strong

Metolius Class Fleet Escort TL13

     The Metolius class was designed as a cooperative venture by the navies 
of Lunion and Strouden.  The first vessel in the class was completed by 
Lunion and flown on 243-1110.
     
  CraftID: Metolius class Fleet Escort, TL13, MCr6912
     Hull: 9000/22500, Disp=10000, Config=1SL, Armor=55F, Loaded=212322t,
           Unloaded=205907t
    Power: 667/1333, Fusion=90000MW, Duration=30/90 
     Loco: 990/1980, Maneuver=4, 360/720, Jump=3, Cruise=750kph,  
           Max=1000kph, Agility=1
     Comm: Radio=System, Laser=System, Maser=System
  Sensors: EMS Active(FarOrbit), EMS Passive(Interstellar), Neutrino
           Sensor (100kw), High Pen Densitometer (100m), ActObjScan=Rout,
           ActObjPin=Rout, PassObjScan=Diff, PassObjPin=Diff,
           PassEnScan=Rout, PassEnPin=Diff
      Off: Hardpoints=100

               Missile=x90     BeamLaser=x09
           Batteries    6                  1
           Bearing      6                  1

      Def: DefDM+7, Nuclear Damper-3, Meson Screen-3

               SandCaster=x09
           Batteries        3
           Bearing          3

  Control: Computer Mod7fib*3, 4*LargeHoloDisplay, 30*HeadsUpHoloDisplay,
           1066*HoloLink
    Accom: Crew=120 (11 bridge, 22 engineers, 18 flight, 9 maintenance,
           50 gunners, 10 command), Staterooms=60, Env=basic env,
           basic ls, extended ls, grav plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=63000kl, Cargo=1255kl, Missile Magazine=1500kl(50b-r),
           Fuel Scoops, Fuel Purifier(12hrs), SubCraft=12*50ton, 
           ObjSize=Large, EmLevel=Moderate

Lord Adrian Class Light Cruiser TL13

     The Lord Adrian class was designed as a cooperative venture by the 
navies of Lunion and Strouden.  The first vessel in the class was completed 
by Strouden and flown on 343-1096.  One of the main flaws of this design 
was particularly evident as a result of its performance in the Fifth 
Frontier War--the lack of an onboard fuel purification capability.  Two 
ships of a six ship squadron were lost to misjumps during the retreat to 
Lunion when forced to jump immediately after a gas giant refueling.
     
  CraftID: Lord Adrian class Light Cruiser, TL13, MCr23981
     Hull: 27000/67500, Disp=30000, Config=1SL, Armor=67F, Loaded=984065t,
           Unloaded=960756t
    Power: 2000/4000, Fusion=270000MW, Duration=30/90 
     Loco: 2160/4320, Maneuver=3, 1080/2160, Jump=3, Cruise=750kph,  
           Max=1000kph, Agility=0
     Comm: Radio=System, Laser=System, Maser=System
  Sensors: EMM, EMS Active(FarOrbit), EMS Passive(Interstellar), Neutrino
           Sensor (100kw), High Pen Densitometer (100m), ActObjScan=Rout,
           ActObjPin=Rout, PassObjScan=Diff, PassObjPin=Diff,
           PassEnScan=Rout, PassEnPin=Diff
      Off: Hardpoints=300

               MesonGun=E00     Missile=x90     BeamLaser=x09
           Batteries    1                8                  2
           Bearing      1                8                  2

      Def: DefDM+6, Nuclear Damper-3, Meson Screen-3

               Repulsor=x7x     SandCaster=x09
           Batteries     8                   11
           Bearing       8                   10

  Control: Computer Mod7fib*3, 10*LargeHoloDisplay, 150*HeadsUpHoloDisplay,
           1700*HoloLink
    Accom: Crew=330 (17 bridge, 63 engineers, 32 maintenance, 52 gunnery, 
           120 flight, 30 troops, 14 command, 2 medics), Staterooms=60,
           Env=basic env, basic ls, extended ls, grav plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=189000kl, Cargo=9079kl, Missile Magazine=2000kl(50b-r),
           Fuel Scoops, LaunchTube=50tons, SubCraft=40*50ton,
           ObjSize=Large, EmLevel=Moderate

Wasp Class Heavy Fighter TL13

     The Wasp class has been slightly adapted from standard data packages 
by the navies of Lunion and Strouden. Produced in vast quantities since 
first introduced in 1085, the Wasp can be encountered almost anywhere.  It 
is popular as a light system defense boat, since its 35 day endurance 
allows it to undertake long patrols.

  CraftID: Wasp Class Fighter, TL13, MCr88
     Hull: 45/113, Disp=50, Conf=1AF, Armor=40F, Loaded=837.2t, 
           Unloaded=810.1t
    Power: 5/10, 675MW Fusion, Dur=35/105
     Loco: 8/16, Maneuver=6, Agility=4
     Comm: Radio=System, Laser=System, Maser=System
  Sensors: EMM, EMS Active(FarOrbit), EMS Passive(Interstellar), Neutrino
           Sensor (100kw), High Pen Densitometer (100m), ActObjScan=Rout,
           ActObjPin=Rout, PassObjScan=Diff, PassObjPin=Diff,
           PassEnScan=Rout, PassEnPin=Diff
      Off: Hardpoints=1

            Missiles=x03  
           Batteries   1  
           Bearing     1  

      Def: DefDM+13
  Control: Comp7*3, HeadsUpHoloDisp*2
    Accom: Crew=2 (Commander/Gunner, Pilot), Small Staterooms*2, Env=basic 
           env, basic ls, extended ls, grav plates, inertial comp
    Other: Fuel=322kl, Fuel Scoops, ObjSize=Avg, EmLevel=None

Meteor Grav Tank TL11

     The Meteor is intended as a general purpose grav tank, and is built
under license on several TL11 worlds in the Spinward Marches.  The major
problem of the class is the large fuel capacity.  Had a smaller fuel capacity
been selected, the hull could have been made smaller for the same weight.

  CraftID: Meteor Grav Tank, TL11, MCr4.34
     Hull: 4/10, Disp=4, Conf=4SL+turret, Armor=50E, Loaded=132.74t 
    Power: 1/2, Fusion=44MW, Duration=32/96
     Loco: 1/2, Std Grav=260t, TopSpeed=1000kph, Cruise=750kph, 
           NOE=150kph, MaxAccel=.95G
     Comm: Radio=Planetary, LaserComm=Regional
  Sensors: EMM, 2 Headlights, EMS Active(Regional), EMS Passive(Cont),
           ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff, PassEnScan=Form
      Off: Hardpoints=1

                       Pen/          Max     Auto   Dngr
                 Ammo  Attn    Dmg   Range   Tgts   Spc    Sig   ROF
 Plasma Gun PB-11  -   54/5    20  VDist(7.8) 2     -       H    40
  2*1MW Beam Laser -   10/2     5   Dist(5)   2     -       H    40

      Def: -
  Control: Comp0*2, HeadUpDisplay*1, DynLink*42
    Accom: Crew=3 (Commander, Driver, Gunner), Seats=Roomy*3,
           Env=basic env, basic ls, ext ls
    Other: Fuel=25.9kl, ObjSize=Avg, EmLevel=Faint  

Solar Mule TL15

     The Solar Mule is produced by ConTech of Glisten for passenger transfer
and general utility use on vacuum worlds.  However, it is equally useful 
anywhere there is sunlight to operate it, and is favored by some users 
because of the low maintenance requirements resulting from the use of solar
panels for power.

  CraftID: Solar Mule, TL15, Cr39981
     Hull: 4/9, Disp=4, Conf=4USL, Armor=1G, Loaded=4.72t, 
           Unloaded=2.72t
    Power: 1/2, SolarCells=.567MW (7 square meters), Dur=indefinite
     Loco: 1/2, 6 wheels, P/W=95, Road=264kph, Offroad=79kph
     Comm: Radio=Regional(500km)
  Sensors: none
      Off: Hardpoints=1
      Def: -
  Control: Elec*12
    Accom: Seats=Roomy*11, Env=basic env, basic ls, airlock
    Other: Cargo=2.0kl, ObjSize=Small, EmLevel=Moderate

Imperial Glisten Navy Reconaissance Drone TL15

     This recon drone is produced in fairly large quantities by the IGN.
The highly capably robot brain (Int11, Ed1) is programmed with GravVeh-4,
Recon-4, Tactics-2, and Weapon-2.  No weapon is ordinarily installed, 
although provision is made for a fixed mounting for a standard infantry
weapon such as the FGMP-14 or FGMP-15.

  CraftID: IGN Recon Drone, TL15, Cr761,606
     Hull: 1/2, Disp=.056, Conf=1AF, Armor=30G, Loaded=0.746t 
    Power: 1/2, FuelCells=0.81MW, Dur=208hrs/23hrs(closed)
     Loco: 1/2, StdGrav=6t, TopSpeed=4200kph, Cruise=3150kph, NOE=190kph,
           MaxAccel=7G
     Comm: Radio=Regional(500km), LaserComm=VDist(50km)
  Sensors: Active EMS(Planetary), PassiveEMS(VDist), 
           ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff, PassEnScan=Form
      Off: Hardpoints=1
      Def: -
  Control: Robot Brain, HoloLink*1
    Accom: none 
    Other: Fuel=0.25kl, ObjSize=Small, EmLevel=Moderate

-------- TML Message #1570 --------

Archive-Message-Number: 1570
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 11:09 EDT
From: METLAY@vms.cis.pitt.edu
Subject: SHATTERED SHIPS OF THE FIGHTING IMPERIUM


I'd like to contribute some history and background to contribute "life"
to some of these designs, as y'all finish with the database end of things.
Count me in for what I'm best at: hand-waving storytelling. (I can try
to guarantee a reasonable degree of GDW/DGP continuity, but I won't make
it a fetish: they're not likely to recognize our masterwork as an "official"
fix to theirs, preferring instead in all likelihood to cobble together a
halfassed corrected edition of their own. sigh. Has anyone heard any
official statements from GDW about this turkey?)

metlay

-------- TML Message #1571 --------

Archive-Message-Number: 1571
Date:     Thu, 13 Sep 90 11:05:47 EDT
From: "Robert S. Dean" <rsdean@crdec8.apgea.army.mil>
Subject:  Trade and Speculation

Is there anyone currently on this list who is running a campaign which requires
use of the trade and speculation rules?  If so, are you using the MegaTraveller
or Merchant Prince version, or some previous edition.  If MT/MP, are you using 
the Tech Level modifiers on passnger/cargo quantities, and speculative goods
resale value?

The reason I ask is that I think there is a problem with this subsystem as it
is currently laid out in MegaTraveller.  The modifiers seem to imply that people
travel form high tech to low tech planets at a greater rate than from low tech
to high tech, resulting in net emigration from the high tech worlds.  (I can't
stand luxury anymore, Mabel.  I'm leaving you and Glisten behind and starting a
new life on Sorel...uh huh.)

In addition, while I'll believe that high tech goods are in high demand on low 
tech planets, I have a hard time believing that the value of baisc raw materials
should fluctuate depending on the TL of the mining (or whatever) planet. Cost,
yes.  They should be cheaper on high tech planets.  In fact, it works the other
way around.

So if anyone is using these rules, I'd like to hear from you, either by email,
or here on the mailing list.

Thanks,

Rob Dean

[This topic is just the thrust of the long-silent Trade and Commerce
Digest, a sublist of the Traveller Mailing List.  Its once-admin is
givler@cbmvax.cbm.commodore.com (Greg Givler).  Since the sublists died
a death of inactivity, perhaps it is time to dissolve the two working
groups (Trade and Commerce, Star System Databases) , and try to
reactivate these topics on the main TML.  I'm interested in hearing a
discussion on this topic -- James]

-------- TML Message #1572 --------

Archive-Message-Number: 1572
From: Adrian Hurt <adrian@cs.heriot-watt.ac.uk>
Subject: WW2 aircraft in Traveller
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 11:13:21 BST

m0068@tnc.UUCP (Stephen D Smith) writes:

>       More mundane question:  What are the penetration
> values of the different air to air missiles?  Suppose my
> players want to fire a radar homing AIM-7 Sparrow at a G
> Carrier?

First, the Sparrow has a slight problem - you have to keep pointing at the
target all the time the missile is in flight, because it homes on reflections
of _your_ radar beam which has bounced off the target.  More modern missiles,
e.g. AMRAAM, Phoenix, Russian AA-10 contain their own radar transmitters.  It
might be worth incorporating some rule to deal with this in MegaTraveller; all
TL 7 radar guided missiles have this problem, so far as I know.

As for what its penetration value is, the short answer is not much.  For more
precise figures, someone will need to tell me how big the warhead is,
preferably by comparing it to a cannon shell.  (Is it equivalent to a 5cm
shell?  A 7cm shell?)  I can then get its penetration from the Striker
tables.  Also take note that air to air missiles have high explosive warheads,
and usually proximity fuses.  Aircraft aren't armoured much, so you don't need
a lot of penetration to hurt one.  As someone said in a previous letter, to
harm a G-carrier or other armoured vehicle, you really want to use an
anti-tank missile, e.g. Maverick, with a HEAP warhead.

> Focke-Wulf FW 190 TL=6 Fighter
> ...
> Off:       MMG*2 Fixed forward firing,
>            20mm autocannon*2 Fixed forward firing,
>            Fuselage hardpoint*1,
>            Outboard hardpoint*4,
>            Maximum external stores=1400 Kg

Late versions had HMG instead of MMG (13mm guns replaced the 7mm guns).
Most versions had 4 autocannon, not 2.  I only know of 2 hardpoints on the
wings, not 4.  Some of the nice things which could be mounted on those
hardpoints were rockets (one 21cm tube on each, or racks of 24 5cm rockets);
extra fuel; and gun packs (2 20mm cannon in each).

> Ju-87 Stuka TL=6 STOL Attack Aircraft
> ...  
> Off:       MMG*2 fixed forward firing,
>            MMG*1 Flexible mount rearward firing,
>            Fuselage hardpoint*1,
>            Outboard hardpoint*4,
>            Maximum external stores=1320 Kg

I wonder if the outboard ones shouldn't be 2 hardpoints, with dual bomb
racks.  If other loads were carried, it was one unit per wing, e.g. the
37mm cannon used on the Russian front.

> Mosquito TL=6 Medium Bomber
> ...  
> Off:       MMG*4 fixed forward firing 600 rounds,
>            6 cm High Vel forward firing, 10 rounds,
>            Maximum internal stores=2000 Kg

What you have described there is the anti-shipping version.  There were two
standard types: the pure bomber version:

Off:	Outboard hardpoints * 2
	Maximum internal stores = 1800 kg

And the fighter-bomber version:

Off:	MMG * 4 fixed forward firing,
	20mm autocannon * 4 fixed forward firing,
	Outboard hardpoints * 2
	Maximum stores = 900 kg internal, 900 kg external

Hardpoint loads can include extra fuel, bombs, or quad rocket racks.
There was also a night fighter with radar in the nose; later versions
had improved radar with a domed covering, which meant the MG's were no
longer there.

> Remarks:  The famous bomber that the British used to create
> havoc during Goering's speeches about how none of the
> allies could penetrate his invulnerable Luftwaffe.  Dam
> Buster, Sub Hunter, Night Fighter etc.  Light, fast, and
> plywood.

Not the Dam Buster; that was the Lancaster, and that modified.  Trials
were conducted with bouncing bombs on Mosquitos, but the weapon was not
used on Mosquitos in operations.

- -- 
 "Keyboard?  How quaint!" - M. Scott

 Adrian Hurt			     |	JANET:  adrian@uk.ac.hw.cs
 UUCP: ..!ukc!cs.hw.ac.uk!adrian     |  ARPA:   adrian@cs.hw.ac.uk

-------- TML Message #1573 --------

Archive-Message-Number: 1573
Date:     Thu, 13 Sep 90 16:42:50 EDT
From: "Robert S. Dean" <rsdean@crdec8.apgea.army.mil>
Subject:  Vehicle Designs, Part 11


Aircraft Carrier TL8

     The aircraft carrier is a common vessel in numerous wet navies.

  CraftID: Aircraft Carrier, TL8, Cr235,914,000 (not incl. aircraft)
     Hull: 6300/15750, Disp=4000, Conf=3SL, Armor=30B, Loaded=54716t, 
           Unloaded=39317t
    Power: 7/14, Fission=210MW, Dur=20yrs
     Loco: 7/14, Twin Screw, Max Speed=65kph, Cruise=48kph
     Comm: Radio=Planetary
  Sensors: AllWeatherRadar=Planetary, RadarJammer=Continental, 
           ActAudio=Dist, ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff, ActAudScan=Form,
           ActAudPin=Form
      Off: 6*6-barrel 20mm autocannon (300000rds), 4*HeavySAM Launchers
           (80 missiles)
      Def: -
  Control: Comp1*3, ElecLink*2500
    Accom: Crew=800, Small Staterooms*400, Env=basic env
    Other: Fuel=4.2kl, AircraftFuel=10000kl, AirOrdnanceMagazine=2760kl,
           Aircraft=30*40ton, 30*24ton, 10*20ton, 2*Elevators, 4*Catapults,
           ObjSize=Avg, EmLevel=Moderate

  Remarks: Since there is no design system (yet) for water vehicles, I was 
forced to wing it.  The following values were used for ship components:

     Suspension: None
     Transmission: 2*tracked transmission of equal tech level
     Catapult: 1 ton per ton of largest aircraft to be launched,
               1kl/ton, Cr2000/ton.  Power ignored (lots of steam available)
     Elevator: 3*volume of largest aircraft to be moved (I used wings 
               unfolded, but maybe folded would be a better assumption),
               0.5ton/kl, Cr2000/kl
     Hangar: Each aircraft allocated 1.3 times wing folded space, 150cr/kl
             (analagous to usual small craft requirements)
     Crew: What fit.  Starship rules don't work, and I haven't got a good
           idea of what all the thousands of sailors on a real aircraft
           carrier do.
     Environmentals: Power requirements of anything beyond basic environment
                     are too high to be considered.  I can't imagine galleys,
                      etc., taking up all the power needed for extended ls.

     Speed was chosen first, and then power plant size necessary to produce
it was calculated using a series of formulas from Mark's Mechanical Engineers
Handbook.  I've been assuming that a SL conf hull is needed, that armor 6 is
minimum to assure structural integrity, and that at least 1/3 of the total
volume must be above water.  (i.e. max wt in tons = 0.66*displacement in kl)
Any comments from a real naval architect would be appreciated. Hull form
coefficients were taken from a table based on my perception of the most 
similar type of vessel listed.  I won't copy the formulas here, because you 
eventually need a factor that comes off a chart, which I can't copy.
     I will eventually upload a few escorts and the air group.  I am working
under the assumption that STOL airframes are needed for carrier use, partly
because of the actual landing length available, and partly to account for 
the more rugged airframe required for catapult launches and arrested landings.

-------- TML Message #1574 --------

Archive-Message-Number: 1574
Subject: TL 8 & TL 7 HoloTanks
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 14:15:14 EDT
From: William Ricker <wrgate.wr.tek.com!dadla.WR.TEK.COM!wrgate.wr.tek.com!samsung!wang.COM!wdr@uunet.uu.net>

Subject: Re: TL-8 Holo tanks?

wrgate.wr.tek.com!oresoft.com!richard@reed.UUCP (Richard Johnson) writes:



>The August 13, 1990 Electronic-Engineering Times has a neat article
>about TL-8 Holo tanks.  Two prototype systems were displayed at
>Siggraph in Dallas (TX).
...
>So there it is: the first holotank.  A monochrome image and high-powered
>computer hard and software.   Just think of the MT simulation we could 
>write for THAT interface. :-)

Take a look in Newman & Sproull, Principles of interactive computer
graphics, 1973 (1979 2nEd) (McGraw-Hill):  there have been repeated
attempts to make the rotating mirror, the rotating plane of LEDs,
and similar things work.  Another early attempt at MITRE involved a
flexible mirror stretched over a speaker running 60hz tone.

Bolt Beranek & Newman has recently exhibited an improved model of
the MITRE moving mirror 3d scope which is now for sale at reasonable
prices (was it $10k in quantity 10?) for monochrome wire-frame or
points.  They got around MITRE's problems by using custom hardware
to compensate for the varying focal length of the mirror and
resulting paralax of points painted rapidly on the CRT and to do the
(x,y,z) -> (t-scan,h-scan,v-scan) coordinate transform.  Is was at
the demo a year or so ago, sponsored by siggraph/ne.  I believe the
FAA bought a few for experiments in air traffic control. 

If you buy a sheet of mylar & strech it over an old 10' woofer and
gaze 'through' it into fast-phosphor monochrome tube, you can do
this as a hobbyist -- the uncorrected transforms are bearable, they
say.

>Of course hard-copy is another problem...

Also currently in production.  I forget the company's name, but they
call their 3d output devices, marketed for CAD/CAM services,
'StereoLithograhpy', which I find misleading.  But is literally is a
tank.  Their technique is to fill a tank with a polymer liquid which
when given sufficient energy boost will form a solid polymer.  Two
tuned lasers scan a surface in the tank; if both are ON, the light
energies at their intersection is sufficient to cause a local
reaction converting liquid to solid.  The bottom of the tank slowly
drops, moving a new plane into the construction zone.
  It is limited to constructed objects which can be self-supporting
during construction.  Current software results in a fairly grainy
surface I'm told, subject to jaggies.  This will surely improve.
Typical users take the produced prototype and either cast a mold
from it (master negative) or use lost-wax process to cast a master
positive from which to make molds, after polishing the master.
    I think I saw a net article on this, I'll see if I can find it
& forward it along.

If you don't insist on additive technology for 3D 'tank' hard-copy,
there are a number of CAD-driven robotic routers/sculpters
chipping/grinding away everything that doesn't look like the CAD
drawing. :-)



-------- TML Message #1575 --------

Archive-Message-Number: 1575
Subject: TL 8 HoloTanks:hardcopy stereolith
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 14:31:23 EDT
From: William Ricker <wrgate.wr.tek.com!dadla.WR.TEK.COM!wrgate.wr.tek.com!samsung!wang.COM!wdr@uunet.uu.net>

The following message, dug out of my netnews archives, contains most
of what I know on the topic.  The rest is from rumors of this system
and a recent announcement in the Boston Computer Society newsletter
(the CAD/CAM subgroup hosted a talk by the vendors of the system).
 --- bill ricker
- --Begin forwarded message--
From: kchalas@guido.eng.clemson.edu (Kumar Chalasani)
Newsgroups: comp.graphics,comp.lang.c
Subject: stereolithography and slicing
Message-ID: <10302@hubcap.clemson.edu>
Date: 2 Sep 90 19:07:22 GMT
Keywords:stereolithography,slicing,object representation,3D systems inc

hi netters,
          I am looking for some information (any information) about
slicing as it relates to the stereolithography process of 3D systems'
SLA . Any thing at all that might lead to enlightenment in this matter
will be appreciated.
        Stereolithography : the process of building a part layer-by-layer
by curing these layers of photopolymer with UV laser.any kind of complex
part can be thus made. this layering is what is called *slicing *.
        Now slicing is done after tesselating the surfaces of the object
to be made (in the representation scheme ).The built_in slice program,
propiretary to 3D systems,does not perform very well when doing curved
surfaces or steep inclines.(the surface finish is less than best).
        I am attempting to develop some king of algorithm that will be able
to decide on a slice thickness depending on the curvature or incline.(the 
current system takes only one slice thickness and applies to the whole object
.It is possible to use very fine thickness throughout,but ,obvious problems
of time and cost get in the way ).
        
        If there is anyone out there working on a thing like this,please give mea few * pointers*.  I have a few ideas-like interpolation,,etc.but i need to
know more about the working of the current system before i can tell if these
can work.

     SO. I need : Info about the current sytems' working
                  Info about other methods,possible
                  References ...

Thank you. And please write to my adres,and not the net,if you can help it,
because i am a very irreg reader of the net.

- -Kumar


-------- TML Message #1576 --------

Archive-Message-Number: 1576
From: wilson m liaw <macgyver@cis.ohio-state.edu>
Subject: Starship 101
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 22:40:23 EDT

	Since everyone seems to be interested in Starships, and everyone
also seem to hate The Fighting Ships from GDW. I have good news for you.

	DGP is doing another ship book. It's called "Starship 101". Rumor
has it that DGP already has the manuscript...

				Mac


Wilson "Mac" Liaw                    | If you put your mind to it, you can 
Internet:macgyver@cis.ohio-state.edu | acomplish anything. 
=====================================|      - Marty McFly, Back To The Future 
Disclaimer:All opinions are mine only|-----------------------------------------

-------- TML Message #1577 --------

Archive-Message-Number: 1577
Subject: re: Anti-cyborg sentiment
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 90 15:51:18 PDT
From: Richard Johnson <richard@agora.UUCP>

So which'd ya rather have:  Cyborgs or Clones?
and why?
and how doe this fit in with the aging/anagathics feelings?

Richard Johnson
	richard@agora.hf.intel.com


-------- End of TML Messages --------

