Solar Hegemony Redux

[Garfunkel (OP)]

How'd you manage to get the 5,000-ton army regiments up to Luna? Last time I used fighter shuttles to move some Xeno equipment I ended up having to break the unit down into individual trucks - the 10 shuttle squad couldn't pick up the 10 trucks all at once; it could only pick up 10 individual trucks.

I created five different 250-ton formations, built a bunch of each, then used the shuttles to move them over and finally merged them together into those five regiments you see. Because the numbers did not match perfectly, I did not use the replacement template system but I think I'll try it with the Americans.

This seems ominous as it hints to some darker force behind Stalin's apparent good health...

Oh dear, what could it be? 

But then how will the Chinese get screwed over again, as is tradition?

I'm not sure if this campaign will last long enough for China to join in but we can hope that the tradition continues 

And what is the US doing to counter this threat? Pretty soon it will not matter if the Soviets keep their agreement not to engage in ground combat if they can just kinetic-strike the West into dust unopposed! 

Ask and ye shall receive!


1955

Thanks to Rocketdyne developing a new engine that is far more fuel efficient than the F-3, USA begins construction of the Gemini class:

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Gemini class Recon Craft      500 tons       10 Crew       52.4 BP       TCS 10    TH 2    EM 0
200 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 3      Sensors 18/18/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 2.14 Years     MSP 6    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 2    5YR 26    Max Repair 18 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 1 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne C-110/9 Engine F-2 (1)    Power 2    Fuel Use 201.25%    Signature 2    Explosion 10%
Fuel Capacity 33,200 Litres    Range 5.9 billion km (343 days at full power)

Raytheon AN/AAR-1 (1)     Sensitivity 18     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  33.5m km
Raytheon AN/ACR-2 (1)     Sensitivity 18     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  33.5m km

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Scout for auto-assignment purposes
Pentagon wants a shuttle that can covertly monitor Soviet vessels and emissions, thus the Gemini which carries sensitive thermal and electromagnetic receivers, able to detect engines or other sensors from millions of kilometres away. Americans also managed to bring a new research lab online before constructing another new class, the Dionysus:

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Dionysus class Early Warning Craft      500 tons       8 Crew       88.4 BP       TCS 10    TH 2    EM 0
200 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 2      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 1.36 Years     MSP 11    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 6    5YR 96    Max Repair 72 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 15 days    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne C-110/9 Engine F-2 (1)    Power 2    Fuel Use 201.25%    Signature 2    Explosion 10%
Fuel Capacity 33,200 Litres    Range 5.9 billion km (343 days at full power)

Raytheon AN/APY-3 (1)     GPS 720     Range 25.3m km    Resolution 10

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Scout for auto-assignment purposes
The large Raytheon AN/APY-3 gravitational radar system utilizes never-before-seen TN-technologies combined with terrestrial radar system, allowing the Dionysus to observer a huge area of space around itself, ensuring that the Soviets could never surprise them. Not so incidentally, the shuttle is capable of sharing targeting data for other space craft if necessary. Both Soviets and the Americans construct bona fide spaceports - the former at Baikonur, the latter at Cape Canaveral. As form follows function, both sites are surprisingly similar with dozens of shuttle pads, fuel tank farms, hangars and warehouses, and traffic control towers, not forgetting the armed security guards at the gates. In October, the deposits of Gallicite run out on Earth, though all three powers have ample stockpiles of it available to them.


American space assets at the end of the year. TS = transport shuttle, SCT = shuttlecraft, RS = rescue shuttle, SEC = security shuttle, AEW = early warning craft, RC = recon craft, GES = geological survey craft.

[Garfunkel (OP)]

Whoa, talk about a little delay. I blame Paradox for finally putting a discount on the BattleTech DLC which meant I could try out the big BEX mod. Oh, and moving cities and changing jobs, those also took a little bit of my time.

1956

The Pentagon has finally shown the greenlight for the formation of American Luna garrison. The brass had asked industry for a wide range of proposal for equipment while at the same time the in-house think-tanks had theorized doctrine and organization, ultimately leading to several rounds of wargames. Luna equipment would follow its own nomenclature, which confusingly meant that M1 was now the name of a shovel, a helmet, a carbine, an old armoured car, a tank prototype, a series of tractors, a field howitzer, a heavy anti-aircraft gun, an aircraft gun, a light anti-aircraft gun, a tank gun, a bayonet, a chemical mine, a flamethrower, a hand grenade, a rifle, a mortar, a Bazooka, a submachine gun, but now also meant the ultra-light carbine that used caseless ammo to prevent Lunar dust from jamming its mechanism and its Duranium coated body could withstand the extreme temperature swings between Lunar day and night. Or so its designers claimed. This carbine would equip the security and rear area troops while the infantry would go to battle with the M2 assault rifle, the M3 designated marksman rifle, the M4 light machine gun, the M5 Luna-Bazooka, the M6 Portable Mortar System, the M7 anti-air machine gun and the M8 all-terrain vehicle for logistics purposes.

Thanks to the lessons of the Second World War and the Korean war, all the infantry would be fully mechanized, utilizing the M9 and M10 armoured personnel carriers, one armed with a squad machine gun and the other with a light but high-velocity cannon. If encountering Soviet armour, the M11 Gun Motor Vehicle would be brought up, as it carried a heavier high-velocity cannon capable of utilizing the latest SABOT rounds. The M12 Motor Mortar System provided close fire support whereas field artillery wielded the M13 Self-Propelled Gun. For traditional cavalry duties, the M14 Fire Support Vehicle with its light automatic cannon and the M15 Mobile Gun System with its heavier sister, were available. Against the Red Air Force, if it ever appeared on Luna, the mechanized columns would be protected by the M16 HMG, which was just the M7 placed on a Luna-qualified trike, and the M17 Air Defence Vehicle, carrying a short-range surface-to-air missile. Further missiles and other supplies, were loaded onto the M18 logistics truck.

Finally, the planned heavy formations, which would form the mailed fist of America, would be built around the M19 main battle tank, carrying the same high-velocity cannon as the M11 but being better armoured as well as carrying secondary machine gun armament. They would be supported by the M20 infantry fighting vehicle, equipped with a medium automatic cannon and a machine gun. Just as well armoured as the tank, the M20 would ensure that its passengers would reach the battle intact despite expected heavy Soviet shelling. The M21 Air Defence Vehicle was truly a behemoth, being the largest combat vehicle that the Americans were planning to build and it carried both missiles and heavy AA guns, able to cover an entire formation against flying threats. The fact that the Soviets had not demonstrated such capability had not deterred American engineers.

A tank company would consist of 14 M19 MBTs, four in each of the three platoons, and one each for the company commander and vice commander. Four tank companies would make up a battalion, with its headquarters made up of a M24 CP5 headquarters tank, the battalion commander's M19, two M18 supply trucks and a M17 ADV for protection. Similarly, a mechanized infantry company would consist of 14 M20 IFVs, four for each of the three platoons and one for the company commander and vice commander. The dismounted infantry squad consisted of four M2 AR riflemen, two M3 DMR marksmen, and two gunners, one with the M4 LMG and the other with the M5 RPG. This squad could be split into two fireteams in two configurations - in the first form, the riflemen would form the manoeuvre element while the marksmen and the gunners would provide fire support. In the second form, each team would have equal equipment and thus manoeuvre separately, relying on the IFVs for fire support. A mechanized platoon would have four squads and a mechanized company would have three platoons, for a total of 48 riflemen, 24 marksmen, 12 LMG gunners and 12 RPG gunners. This did not include the crew of the M20 IFVs who were mandated to stay with their vehicle at all times. The fourth company in a Mechanized Battalion was a Weapons Company that, instead of infantry, had close-in fire support in the form of the M6 mortar and the M7 AAMG.

In July, Corundium deposits ran dry on Earth but all powers had ample stockpiles of it. In August, the Soviet Union once more expanded its DSTS network and United States increased their fighter building capability. In September, the Soviet Yurga design and manufacturing bureau completed the prototypes of all four types of their MBP 100mm T-10 railguns, ranging in barrels from one to four. Each was capable of firing every 10 seconds. Naturally, the more barrels a gun had, the larger it became. It would be possible to upgrade the Krivak-M to use the faster firing single barrel gun but the larger guns would degrade its speed unless compromises were made elsewhere. Krivak-M10B1, -B2, -B3 and -B4 would also require a more powerful powerplants which required more space. In fact, the Krivak-M10B4 became so heavy that its speed dropped from 700 m/s to 438 m/s. Reducing the fuel storage slightly, from 26,000 litres to 21,000 litres, allowed Krivak-M10B1 to remain at 250 tons and 700 m/s. The Politburo ruled that on the short term, this approach was to be taken. The other versions would have to wait for the emergence of more powerful engines.

November saw the 18th American research complex start work and it was sorely needed as Pentagon demanded that the Essex class armed shuttle should fly as soon as possible to counter the Soviet Krivak gunships. If they had known the maintenance problems that the CCCP KOSMOS was struggling with, they might not have been quite so worried. Production of mines had been halted by the Kreml and a new crash build of maintenance facilities was prioritized. This program was completed on the last days of December and allowed Kreml order the construction of 10 Krivak-M10B1 fighters.

[nuclearslurpee]

Oh, and moving cities and changing jobs, those also took a little bit of my time.

Given your recent entry to the ranks of folks called "Doctor", I'm glad to hear you've successfully found a job. The market these days is not the best. Hope it is a good one, too!

Luna equipment would follow its own nomenclature, which confusingly meant that M1 was now the name of a shovel, a helmet, a carbine, an old armoured car, a tank prototype, a series of tractors, a field howitzer, a heavy anti-aircraft gun, an aircraft gun, a light anti-aircraft gun, a tank gun, a bayonet, a chemical mine, a flamethrower, a hand grenade, a rifle, a mortar, a Bazooka, a submachine gun, but now also meant the ultra-light carbine that used caseless ammo to prevent Lunar dust from jamming its mechanism and its Duranium coated body could withstand the extreme temperature swings between Lunar day and night. Or so its designers claimed.

"If we don't know what we're wielding, the enemy sure won't!" --some American general c.1956, probably

the M8 all-terrain vehicle for logistics purposes.

The M8A1 Tactical Resupply Utility Carrier Kit. 

Honestly I can't believe the U.S. Army hasn't come up with this one yet...

the M7 anti-air machine gun
[...]
Against the Red Air Force, if it ever appeared on Luna, the mechanized columns would be protected by the M16 HMG, which was just the M7 placed on a Luna-qualified trike, and the M17 Air Defence Vehicle, carrying a short-range surface-to-air missile.
[...]
The M21 Air Defence Vehicle was truly a behemoth, being the largest combat vehicle that the Americans were planning to build and it carried both missiles and heavy AA guns, able to cover an entire formation against flying threats. The fact that the Soviets had not demonstrated such capability had not deterred American engineers.

Should I take this to imply that there will be mucking about with ground support fighters at some point in the campaign? Or are the AA units purely for roleplay purposes?

I usually can't bring myself to use AA even for roleplay purposes, it is simply too wasteful for me... but in some campaigns I have used, e.g., small Gauss turrets to represent AA elements as these have some minimal practical use despite the heinous expense involved.

If they had known the maintenance problems that the CCCP KOSMOS was struggling with, they might not have been quite so worried. Production of mines had been halted by the Kreml and a new crash build of maintenance facilities was prioritized. This program was completed on the last days of December and allowed Kreml order the construction of 10 Krivak-M10B1 fighters.

Given that the initial outlay of 5,000 tons supported is quite generous until survey ships start going up, the Soviets do seem to have seriously overbuilt their space forces here. Although given the general Soviet policy of preparing to utterly dominate a war and then failing to declare it, this is at least on-brand.

I note a general lack throughout this update of snazzy OOB graphics, while I would not fault an authAAR for such an omission it is a clear mark of taste and elegance borne by only the very best AARs thus such graphics would come highly recommended. 

[Garfunkel (OP)]

Sadly, I am vastly overqualified for my current job but hey, it pays the bills while I keep trying to get into academia. Fingers crossed!

Should I take this to imply that there will be mucking about with ground support fighters at some point in the campaign?

Yes, it will happen. I have never done them before so I definitely want to get some first-hand experience.

1957

In January, Soviet scientists manage to create Geological survey sensors that utilize TN-materials, making them five times more effective than previous survey sensors. Vostok-M2 will carry such a sensor and also the more powerful Glushko RD-103 engine to boost its speed to 300 km/s. Its range is thus shortened to mere 4.4 billion kilometres but there is no helping it. Better armour will not become available until 1961 due to poor Soviet competence in that field and Stalin wants the survey program to continue. Earth also runs out of Mercassium. On the American side, the design for the colonist transport shuttle is locked down:

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Aphrodite class Shuttle      500 tons       2 Crew       39.8 BP       TCS 10    TH 4    EM 0
375 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 6      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 3.05 Years     MSP 4    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 1    5YR 10    Max Repair 5 MSP
Cryogenic Berths 1,000   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 18 days    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne C-125/9 Engine F-3 (1)    Power 3.8    Fuel Use 287.05%    Signature 3.75    Explosion 12%
Fuel Capacity 44,200 Litres    Range 5.5 billion km (171 days at full power)

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Colony Ship for auto-assignment purposes
Finally, the Jamestown colony will get inhabitants and it only took until 12 March when the first colonists stepped inside the half-buried dome of their new home. Sure, the Soviet Union had over half a million people in their colony but at least the Americans were back in the race. And with a bang, because already in mid-April the Jamestown population passed one million mark. And in May, the USMC commandant finally realized their wet dream - the USMC Assault Company. Armed with 8 M25 medium machine guns, 20 M26 assault rifles and 18 M27 submachine guns, the Marines were clad in menacing gray-black armoured suits that allowed them to survive the vacuum of space, assault a Soviet vessel through its hull, defeat the crew and bring the captured prize back to a friendly port. The Hermes class security shuttles had been waiting for this moment and training of the companies started immediately. By late August, the first ten companies were ready.

Both NASA and Soviet Survey Bureau resumed limited geological survey of the inner system. Neither had vessels with the endurance or range to fully explore the asteroid field between Mars and Jupiter, not to mention the outer system, so they contended themselves with the planets, comets and asteroids inside or near Mars orbit. In September, the Soviets opened a new research laboratory complex but production of DSTS had to be paused as the budget had gone deep into the red and thus a crash build program of financial centres was started. After a brief investigation, the KGB declared that several hundred counter-revolutionaries had infiltrated the Soviet system and these enemies of the state were promptly purged. Earth also ran out of Uridium.

In December, Glushko Design Bureau celebrates their triumph of breaking into the next level of engine technology as they showcase three new engines:

RD-105 is only a modest increase in power compared to the previous fastest engine, RD-104, but it is vastly more fuel efficient. In fact, it is the most fuel-efficient engine the Soviet Union has ever created. It will power the next generation of survey and transport shuttles, allowing them to reach previously unheard-of distances. The RD-106 is twice as powerful yet still more economical than all the older engines. It will be employed by sensor shuttles. Finally, the RD-107 is a thirsty beast but that thirst comes with incredible power, allowing future Soviet gunships to easily outperform any American vessel.

For example, the Vostok-M3 will, in comparison with the M2 model, increase its endurance from one to four months, its speed from 300 km/sec to 500 km/sec, and most importantly, its range explodes from paltry 4.4 billion to a whopping 51 billion kilometres! Similarly, Luna-M2 can carry the same number of troops but faster and much farther and in greater comfort. Progress-M2 increases its cargo hold size from 250 tons to 300 tons, while also gaining in speed and endurance, though only a modest increase in range. Soyz-M2 carries more colonists, faster and slightly farther, in greater comfort and with increased maintenance capability. Finally, the Krivak-M2-10B1 leaps ahead at the speed of 3500 km/sec, a revolutionary step since the previous model could only reach 700 km/sec.

The year ends with NASA surveying the comet Encke but disappointingly, no TN minerals are found. The military buildup on Luna continues.

[Garfunkel (OP)]

1958

In preparation for operations beyond Earth's vicinity, CCCP KOSMOS creates a new naval command: Trans-Lunar Red Banner Fleet. The Survey Bureau is transferred under its command though the Zemlya Bureau remains under the command of Cis-Lunar Red Banner Fleet, which will also keep command of the older Vostok fleet. Any new craft that is capable of operating well beyond the Earth-Luna system, will go to the Trans-Lunar Red Banner Fleet instead. This means that the existing Glaz class sensor satellites in Earth orbit will need new sister ships, capable of movement. Sadly, the Soviet sensor technology will need quite a bit more work before they are capable of supplying the proper sensors for the planned Buran class.

The US completes its first Mass Driver in late January and in February a new batch of maintenance facilities are done. In February, the original two Soviet survey vessels, Vostok-1 and Vostok-2, fly to the asteroid Apophis. There the nine-man crews abandon the ships and are picked up by Vostok-M2 Squadron B. This frees up maintenance space for the new Vostok-M3 shuttles. CCCP KOSMOS hopes that by doing this at the asteroid, far from curious American sensors, the wrecks will remain hidden. In March, Americans bring more DSTS online, now having six of them on Earth. And in April, the Soviets form the Vostok-M3 Squadron A and send it off to survey the asteroid field. Americans are surprised to see new Soviet survey shuttles and grow concerned once they realize how long the shuttles are staying away from Earth. Either the Soviets have built some sort of base in the asteroid field in total secrecy or they have advanced beyond the US in technology. Neither possibility makes Pentagon happy.

In mid-August, US scientists manage to create Composite Armour, which will allow significant mass savings as it means thinner hulls for shuttles. However, as Nuclear Radioisotope Engines are on the horizon, both Pentagon and NASA agree that new designs should wait until the next generation of engines are available. And in September, as Vostok-M3 Squadron B heads off to Jupiter, the American Patriot Systems shows off their M310 and M410 lasers, meaning that finally the USA has a proper spaceborne weapon. December saw Jamestown grow to ten million inhabitants, making it a large, sprawling city with multiple domes and hundreds of underground tunnels.


CCCP KOSMOS survey efforts bear fruit.

[Garfunkel (OP)]

1959

Concerned about the growing US Army presence on Luna and the Red Army's lack of offensive power, STAVKA has ordered the tank factories to come up with suitable designs for mobile warfare on Earth's companion. The result: T-58 main battle tank and the MT-LB armoured personnel carrier. They will be built in sufficient numbers to form a number of Tank companies, whose mission will be to perform counter-attacks once the static defences have worn down the Capitalist forces.

Meanwhile, Rocketdyne brings four new engines to the American market. Similar to its Soviet counterpart, Glushko, Rocketdyne has opted to create three mainline engines - the F-4 prioritizes range, the F-5 strikes a balance between range and speed, and the F-6 goes all out on speed. Rocketdyne grabs the attention of Pentagon with their completely new product, the NR-150/9 F-7 engine that is small enough to fit inside a missile or for other special purposes. The rapid advances in missile technology, kickstarted by the primitive German V-1/V-2 missiles, has made this feat possible. Several countries are experimenting with missiles, adapting them to air combat, ship combat, long-range artillery fire and even for carrying nuclear devices across the globe. Intrigued, Pentagon orders feasibility studies on the development of a bomber and a missile, that could reliably hit the Soviet Krivak gunships. This is expected to take several months, during which the existing American space fleet will be replaced by new craft, now that better armour and engines are available. This leads Pentagon to announce a new classification system. So far, each shuttle or vessel has been its own special program, named after Greek gods. This would no longer be feasible as it was anticipated that the type of space planes would increase. As a stopgap measure, Pentagon adopted the Tri-Service aircraft designation system that was about to be announced, only slightly modified for space use:

• A - shuttles equipped with short-range missiles, meant to engage all types of enemy shuttles in hit and run attacks
• B - shuttles equipped with long-range missiles, meant for strategic attacks against priority targets
• C - shuttles equipped for transport duties, whether troops, colonists or cargo
• E - shuttles equipped with Active Early Warning sensors, meant for battle management
• F - shuttles equipped with beam weaponry, meant to directly engage enemy combat shuttles and to protect friendly shuttles
• K - shuttles equipped for transporting fuel, able to refuel other shuttles
• R - shuttles equipped with passive sensors, meant for covert observation
• S - shuttles equipped with survey sensors, meant for NASA research
• U - shuttles equipped for utility work not covered by the other categories

Further letters could be added to the system if necessary. While NASA remained a semi-independent, civilian organization, its spacecraft would adhere to this ruling and most of its crews came from the military side and operationally its survey missions fell under Joint Space Command, itself under the relatively new Department of Space.

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E-1 Albatross class Early Warning Craft      500 tons       15 Crew       90.5 BP       TCS 10    TH 10    EM 0
1000 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 2      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 1.36 Years     MSP 11    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 6    5YR 96    Max Repair 72 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 4 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-1000/9 Engine F-5 (1)    Power 10    Fuel Use 201.25%    Signature 10    Explosion 10%
Fuel Capacity 34,900 Litres    Range 6.2 billion km (72 days at full power)

Raytheon AN/APY-3 (1)     GPS 720     Range 25.3m km    Resolution 10

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Scout for auto-assignment purposesThe E-1 Albatross was a straight update of the Dionysus program. The mass savings earned moving to Composite Armour allowed more crew amenities, extending mission endurance from half a month to four months. This was deemed more important than expanding its range even further. With the fuel it carried, the Albatross could comfortably patrol the inner system, its 15 crew members busy interpreting the signals from the Raytheon AN/APY-3 area sensor. And at 1000 km/sec, the Albatross could easily outrun older Soviet Krivaks, albeit it was now clear that the Soviets had already mastered this new engine technology and any new enemy armed shuttles could prove a deadly menace to the Albatross.

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S-2 Prospector class Geological Survey Shuttle      500 tons       13 Crew       123.5 BP       TCS 10    TH 5    EM 0
500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 3      Sensors 0/0/0/1      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 3.53 Years     MSP 30    AFR 10%    IFR 0.1%    1YR 4    5YR 55    Max Repair 100 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 24 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-500/9 Engine F-4 (1)    Power 5    Fuel Use 35.58%    Signature 5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 64,900 Litres    Range 65.7 billion km (1520 days at full power)

Geological Survey Sensors (1)   1 Survey Points Per Hour

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Survey Ship for auto-assignment purposesThe S-2 Prospector was also a relatively straightforward update of the old Mercury Program, though with massively increase endurance for both the crew and for fuel. The 13 NASA personnel aboard could comfortably explore for two years before returning to Earth. Thanks to the economical F-4 engine, the shuttle could reach even the recently discovered gas giant Minerva, far into the icy depths of the outer system.

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R-3 Finch class Recon Craft      500 tons       14 Crew       55.3 BP       TCS 10    TH 5    EM 0
500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 3      Sensors 18/18/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 2.22 Years     MSP 6    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 2    5YR 25    Max Repair 18 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 6 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-500/9 Engine F-4 (1)    Power 5    Fuel Use 35.58%    Signature 5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 29,900 Litres    Range 30.3 billion km (700 days at full power)

Raytheon AN/AAR-1 (1)     Sensitivity 18     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  33.5m km
Raytheon AN/ACR-2 (1)     Sensitivity 18     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  33.5m km

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Scout for auto-assignment purposesThe R-3 Finch was to be the peacetime passive reconnaissance shuttle, with good endurance and fuel economy, able to shadow Soviet shuttles beyond the asteroid belt but as a slow, unarmed vessel, in case of hostilities it would remain under the watchful eyes of armed shuttles. War-time reconnaissance would be done by a different platform:

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R-4 Swallow class Fast Scout Craft      500 tons       11 Crew       56.3 BP       TCS 10    TH 15    EM 0
1500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 3      Sensors 18/18/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 2.37 Years     MSP 7    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 2    5YR 26    Max Repair 18 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 1 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-1500/9 Engine F-6 (1)    Power 15    Fuel Use 554.57%    Signature 15    Explosion 15%
Fuel Capacity 39,900 Litres    Range 2.6 billion km (19 days at full power)

Raytheon AN/AAR-1 (1)     Sensitivity 18     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  33.5m km
Raytheon AN/ACR-2 (1)     Sensitivity 18     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  33.5m km

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Scout for auto-assignment purposesThe R-4 Swallow carried the same passive sensors as its slower sister but thanks to the powerful F-6 engine, it managed thrice the velocity. Pentagon hoped that this speed would allow it maintain safe distance from any hostiles it might encounter.

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K-5 Hippo class Tanker      500 tons       5 Crew       25.3 BP       TCS 10    TH 5    EM 0
500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 2      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 2.67 Years     MSP 3    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 1    5YR 9    Max Repair 5 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 2 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-500/9 Engine F-4 (1)    Power 5    Fuel Use 35.58%    Signature 5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 299,900 Litres    Range 303.5 billion km (7024 days at full power)
Refuelling Capability: 10,000 litres per hour     Complete Refuel 29 hours

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a None for auto-assignment purposesThe K-5 Hippo would extend the range of American shuttles as needed for operational purposes. With nearly three hundred thousand litres of fuel onboard, each Hippo would be a juicy target for the Soviets and thus will require appropriate protection.

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C-6 Moray class Assault Shuttle      500 tons       5 Crew       28.5 BP       TCS 10    TH 15    EM 0
1500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 3      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 1.93 Years     MSP 3    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 1    5YR 16    Max Repair 9 MSP
Troop Capacity 250 tons     Boarding Capable   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 1 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-1500/9 Engine F-6 (1)    Power 15    Fuel Use 554.57%    Signature 15    Explosion 15%
Fuel Capacity 74,900 Litres    Range 4.9 billion km (37 days at full power)

Ground Forces
1x USMC Assault Company

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Troop Transport for auto-assignment purposesThe C-6 Moray would bring the Marines into boarding action against disabled Soviet shuttles. Helpless against any threat, the Marines would have to rely on other shuttles for their safety before boarding commenced.

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C-7 Penguin class Troop Shuttle      500 tons       4 Crew       31.3 BP       TCS 10    TH 5    EM 0
500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 2      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 1.52 Years     MSP 3    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 1    5YR 22    Max Repair 15 MSP
Troop Capacity 250 tons     Drop Capable   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 1 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-500/9 Engine F-4 (1)    Power 5    Fuel Use 35.58%    Signature 5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 49,900 Litres    Range 50.5 billion km (1168 days at full power)

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Troop Transport for auto-assignment purposesThe C-7 Penguin was not just an upgrade of the Ares Program. It was completely redesigned from ground up to allow quick disembarkation of the troops it carried, turning the lumbering transport Ares into a sleek landing ship Penguin. In essence, this meant that the US Army could conduct opposed landings on any body in the system.

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C-8 Mule class Shuttlecraft      500 tons       6 Crew       19.3 BP       TCS 10    TH 5    EM 0
500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 2      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 3.70 Years     MSP 2    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 0    5YR 3    Max Repair 5 MSP
Cargo 250   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 2 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-500/9 Engine F-4 (1)    Power 5    Fuel Use 35.58%    Signature 5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 99,900 Litres    Range 101.1 billion km (2340 days at full power)

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Freighter for auto-assignment purposesThe C-8 Mule would be the backbone of American logistics effort. It had increased cargo hold and an absolutely mind-blowing range, meaning that it could deliver multiple loads before it needed refuelling.

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C-9 Wombat class Shuttle      500 tons       3 Crew       40.1 BP       TCS 10    TH 5    EM 0
500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 4      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0
Maint Life 1.87 Years     MSP 5    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 2    5YR 27    Max Repair 20 MSP
Cryogenic Berths 1,200   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 2 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-500/9 Engine F-4 (1)    Power 5    Fuel Use 35.58%    Signature 5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 53,900 Litres    Range 54.5 billion km (1262 days at full power)

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Colony Ship for auto-assignment purposesThe C-9 Wombat would handle colonist transportation. Its capacity had increased significantly when compared to the old Aphrodite Program.

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F-10 Wasp class Fighter (P)      450 tons       6 Crew       33.6 BP       TCS 9    TH 15    EM 0
1666 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 3      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 4
Maint Life 2.98 Years     MSP 4    AFR 16%    IFR 0.2%    1YR 1    5YR 10    Max Repair 8 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 days    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-1500/9 Engine F-6 (1)    Power 15    Fuel Use 554.57%    Signature 15    Explosion 15%
Fuel Capacity 27,300 Litres    Range 2 billion km (13 days at full power)

Patriot Systems M410 Laser (1)    Range 80,000km     TS: 2,000 km/s     Power 4-2     RM 20,000 km    ROF 10        4 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0
Raytheon AN/APG-7 (1)     Max Range: 96,000 km   TS: 1,500 km/s    ECCM-0     67 59 52 44 36 28 20 12 5 0
McDonnell-Douglass RT-Generator 2 (1)     Total Power Output 2    Exp 7%

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Fighter for auto-assignment purposesAs nobody on Earth had any experience of space combat, Pentagon hedged its bets and went with two slightly different designs. The F-10 Wasp was the heavier design, carrying the Patriot Systems M410 laser but had a strictly limited range. While loading more fuel would be possible, this would slow the fighter down too much. Crew included the pilot, navigator, weapon officer, capacitor technician, senior reactor technician and a junior reactor technician. To the dismay of the Air Force, the latter three would be Navy enlisted men while the former three would be Air Force officers or warrant officers, a mixture sure to bring joy and happiness to all.

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F-11 Hornet class Fighter (P)      400 tons       5 Crew       32.3 BP       TCS 8    TH 15    EM 0
1875 km/s      Armour 1-4       Shields 0-0       HTK 2      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 3
Maint Life 4.16 Years     MSP 5    AFR 13%    IFR 0.2%    1YR 0    5YR 7    Max Repair 7.5 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 days    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-1500/9 Engine F-6 (1)    Power 15    Fuel Use 554.57%    Signature 15    Explosion 15%
Fuel Capacity 29,700 Litres    Range 2.4 billion km (14 days at full power)

Patriot Systems M310 Laser (1)    Range 60,000km     TS: 2,000 km/s     Power 3-2     RM 20,000 km    ROF 10        3 3 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
Raytheon AN/APG-7 (1)     Max Range: 96,000 km   TS: 1,500 km/s    ECCM-0     67 59 52 44 36 28 20 12 5 0
McDonnell-Douglass RT-Generator 2 (1)     Total Power Output 2    Exp 7%

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Fighter for auto-assignment purposesThe F-11 Hornet was even faster than the Wasp but that was due to a compromise in its weaponry. Instead of the powerful M410, it carried the smaller M310 laser. This allowed the fighter to carry slightly more fuel while being slightly faster. Only time would tell which design would prove superior and for now, the United States would build both once the prototype components were fully tested and ready for mass production.

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A-12 Banshee class Heavy Fighter (P)      200 tons       2 Crew       18.8 BP       TCS 4    TH 15    EM 0
3751 km/s      Armour 1-3       Shields 0-0       HTK 1      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 0.6
Maint Life 11.20 Years     MSP 5    AFR 3%    IFR 0.0%    1YR 0    5YR 1    Max Repair 7.5 MSP
Magazine 4 / 0   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 1 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-1500/9 Engine F-6 (1)    Power 15    Fuel Use 554.57%    Signature 15    Explosion 15%
Fuel Capacity 31,900 Litres    Range 5.2 billion km (15 days at full power)

Grumman B-2 Ordnance System (2)     Missile Size: 2.0    Hangar Reload 70 minutes    MF Reload 11 hours
Raytheon AN/APB-8 (1)     Range 9.2m km    Resolution 10

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Fighter for auto-assignment purposesConfusingly classed as a heavy fighter despite being lighter than the actual fighters, the A-12 Banshee is meant for short-range missile attacks, thus the 'heavy' classification is talking about weaponry and the vehicles position as an attack craft, between fighters and bombers. It's incredible speed means that it can get in, launch its missiles, and scoot back to base to rearm before any counter-attack could reach it. Whether it can be as destructive in combat as the design appears to be, will depend on the missiles it will carry.

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B-14 Havoc class Bomber (P)      500 tons       4 Crew       46.7 BP       TCS 10    TH 10    EM 0
1000 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 4      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 0-0      PPV 3.6
Maint Life 12.42 Years     MSP 17    AFR 7%    IFR 0.1%    1YR 0    5YR 3    Max Repair 12 MSP
Magazine 24 / 0   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 1 months    Morale Check Required   

Rocketdyne NR-1000/9 Engine F-5 (1)    Power 10    Fuel Use 201.25%    Signature 10    Explosion 10%
Fuel Capacity 109,900 Litres    Range 19.7 billion km (227 days at full power)

Grumman B-6 Ordnance System (4)     Missile Size: 6.00    Hangar Reload 122 minutes    MF Reload 20 hours
Raytheon AN/APB-9 (1)     Range 20.6m km    Resolution 10

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction
This design is classed as a Fighter for auto-assignment purposes
Finally, the B-14 Havoc. Capable of carrying four size-6 missiles and with sufficient range to threaten Soviet assets out to the ice giants, the doctrine for the Havoc is to fly out to the void and launch a surprise missile strike from an unexpected direction before flying back to base. Again, whether this doctrine is sound or not will depend on the capabilities of the missiles it will carry.

During the spring, both superpowers built new shuttles, slowly reorganizing their fleets. In June, CCCP KOSMOS launched its most ambitious survey mission yet - to scan Saturn and its moons. July saw the Commonwealth finally complete the TN transformation of its industry. The first impact of that happened in September, as the first DTST came online and the British could finally take a proper look around their cosmic backyard, seeing what the Yankees and Russkies had been up to. At the same time, a trade treaty was agreed between London and Washington, covering TN-goods. The year ended with the USA running out of Corundium, which triggered the long-awaited movement of mines from Earth to Luna, a process that would take American cargo shuttles quite a long time to complete.