Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: September 30, 2015, 05:56:01 PM »I intended to restart after recovering my notes from my old hard drive, I couldn't find it, but restarted without them. However I've lost my computer and need to restart again :s.
Posted by: Sematary
« on: September 30, 2015, 02:09:42 AM »I would like to see a return of this.
Posted by: ExChairman
« on: June 27, 2015, 02:01:47 PM »
yes!! 
Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: June 27, 2015, 07:55:04 AM »I'm seriously considering resurrecting this, if I can't find my old notes it shouldn't be too big a deal to catch up, either way I'll be running the USSR as well this time, the initial forces will be slightly different than the last time, more simplified, also the USSR will actually have a somewhat larger population and hence economy but I'll give them a slight economic disadvantage that should leave them on equal terms.
The USSR has a hefty 50 million population advantage over the USA, in aurora that only translates into a very slight 6 million extra factory workers. I've given them 90% economic production as compensation, but all other factors will actually be equal, by the time they can take advantage of their higher population the cash crunch will be seriously affecting their policy.
The force distribution will be interesting too as Russia had no real carriers until the mid 70's.
Some minor changes compared to the last time: rules are much closer to a default start, 100% difficulty, 30% NPR generation, max 100 systems, no starting jump gates etc. However, Details of the major powers are very different and closer to historically accurate. Shipyards are tiny, this is to model the fact that the now obsolete wet navy shipyards are completely useless for TNE space operations and need major refitting for the purpose. Naval yards are 1,000 ton which shall simulate the major powers ability to construct high tech 3000 ton lunar rockets, however actual warships will be constructed at refitted shipyards, Commercial yards are 10,000 tons which is about the size of WW2 Victory ships. Commercial TNE ships are much easier to produce and use due to no need for advanced weapons or systems except for propulsion and life support.
United states of America: 200 million population, 700 conventional industry, 10 research labs.
Shipyards: Naval: 1,000 ton - 1 slipway (Newport news: Virginia)
Commercial: 10,000 ton - 1 Slipway (Bethlehem steel: San Francisco)
Leading researchers:
Douglas Kile: Logistics/Ground Combat 25%/30 Max
Eddie Sanders: Defensive systems 10%/25 Max
Dana Michalowski: Biology/Genetics 10%/10 Max
Velda Zachman: Power and Propulsion 0%/15 max
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics : 250 Million Population, 700 conventional industry, 10 research labs.
Wealth generation is 90%, The centrally planned economy has vast inefficiency despite its proven ability for vast industrial production.
Shipyards: Naval: 1,000 ton - 1 slipway (Black sea shipyard: Crimea)
Commercial: 10,000 ton - 1 Slipway (Admiralty shipyard: Leningrad)
Leading Researchers:
Anstice Rozhdestvensky: Boilogy/Genetics 25%/15 Max
Aloyoshenka Muravyov: Energy Weapons 15%/Max 25
Jermija Nikolayev: Logistics/Ground Combat 0%/Max 25
Mika Ignatyev: Construction/Production 0%/Max 10
Revised order of battle: (Still need to add cruisers/destroyers and Air bases, Designs are simplified for sanity, however for most cases systems are still realistic, for instance shared size 3 ASM simulates the different 2-3 ton guided missiles designs used, size 2 missile simulates the 500-700 ton missiles/torpedos of various designs, etc, air fleets are simplified into fast air superiority fighter bombers, and slow moving ASW helicopters, I may add bombers too which will carry the warheads the SLBM's carry, fighters are much heavier than real life but that's unavoidable due to the way Aurora handles low powered engines).
USA: Uncontested dominion of the worlds oceans is a concept that has been tried by many powers since the age of sail, but only the US navy has managed this with the supreme power of its formidable flotilla of supercarriers and thousands of support vessels.
The pride of the USS navy, is the super-carrier USS Enterprise, the largest and most advanced carrier in the navy, also the only nuclear powered carrier in the world after the decision was made to finish the 2 most recent kitty hawk carriers as conventionally powered. Capable of operating anywhere in the world without needing to refuel itself for almost 20 years the only limit to its longevity is the fuel used by its 90 state-of-the-art combat aircraft, the fierce speed with which they can deliver ordnance, and the needs of its fragile human crew.
The venerable Phantom II has been at the forefront of American combat operations since its introduction almost a decade ago in 1960, its versatility is only matched by its extreme thrust, speed, and capacity, setting over 16 aviation records within the first years of its testing. Has proven itself during the ongoing conflict in Vietnam, producing many aces.
The growing swarm of soviet missile and attack submarines demanded a highly capable ASW craft capable of not only detecting but also destroying the threat. Featuring a payload capacity of upto 4 heavy Anti-submarine torpedos, depth charges or even a single nuclear weapon, the sea king could also transport upto 28 soldiers into combat, or could hold 9 stretchers and additional walking wounded.
With the cold war in full swing the US embraced the concept of Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles with great vigour. Early in the 60's it was realised that ground based ICBMs were vunerable to nuclear first strike due to increasingly accurate and larger warheads, the ocean based polaris missiles were considered practically invulnerable and were the most important part of the 'nuclear deterrence force' being always available for retaliatory strikes. By the end of the 60s the "41 for Freedom" program had been completed, consisting of boats of the George Washington, Ethan Allen, Lafayette, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin classes. The Benjamin Franklins were the newest and most advanced class of the boats which were all incremental upgrades of the Skipjack class, with an added guided missile section.
USSR: Lacking the super carriers of its American rivals, the soviet navy has recently completed light carriers designed to escort anti-submarine warfare task groups. Equipped with the versatile MI-8 helicopter which can carry heavy ASW munitions, twin AA missiles, and a 30mm chaingun for close support or self defence, it also can be used for rescue operations.
A versatile, powerful and reliable helicopter which owes its origins to a visit to America by Khrushchev, Impressed by the luxury of the presidential S-58 helicopter he issued a mandate for the creation of a similar design, MIL engineers had been waiting to work on a heavy helicopter like this, but until then they had been blocked from designing such a complicated twin engine craft.
Built in the early 60's the Kashin class missile destroyers were the soviet union's first dedicated anti-submarine and air-defence vessels. Featuring a formidable assortment of missiles, torpedos, depth charges and respectable firepower from its 3 inch guns its potential is rounded out with a single ASW helicopter.
Dubbed "Yankee" by NATO this was actually the first soviet submarine to have equivalent firepower to those being fielded by the US and UK, carrying a remarkably cooincidental 16 missiles of similar weight they were even soon upgraded to carrying triple 200 kiloton MIRVs just like the US Polaris does. Despite being almost 1000 tons heavier the soviet ballistic missile submarines from here on were significantly more powerful and faster than their American counterparts, being closer to an attack submarine.
The first variable geometry wing fighter in soviet service its performance was sadly lacking compared to its American counterpart.
The USSR has a hefty 50 million population advantage over the USA, in aurora that only translates into a very slight 6 million extra factory workers. I've given them 90% economic production as compensation, but all other factors will actually be equal, by the time they can take advantage of their higher population the cash crunch will be seriously affecting their policy.
The force distribution will be interesting too as Russia had no real carriers until the mid 70's.
Some minor changes compared to the last time: rules are much closer to a default start, 100% difficulty, 30% NPR generation, max 100 systems, no starting jump gates etc. However, Details of the major powers are very different and closer to historically accurate. Shipyards are tiny, this is to model the fact that the now obsolete wet navy shipyards are completely useless for TNE space operations and need major refitting for the purpose. Naval yards are 1,000 ton which shall simulate the major powers ability to construct high tech 3000 ton lunar rockets, however actual warships will be constructed at refitted shipyards, Commercial yards are 10,000 tons which is about the size of WW2 Victory ships. Commercial TNE ships are much easier to produce and use due to no need for advanced weapons or systems except for propulsion and life support.
United states of America: 200 million population, 700 conventional industry, 10 research labs.
Shipyards: Naval: 1,000 ton - 1 slipway (Newport news: Virginia)
Commercial: 10,000 ton - 1 Slipway (Bethlehem steel: San Francisco)
Leading researchers:
Douglas Kile: Logistics/Ground Combat 25%/30 Max
Eddie Sanders: Defensive systems 10%/25 Max
Dana Michalowski: Biology/Genetics 10%/10 Max
Velda Zachman: Power and Propulsion 0%/15 max
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics : 250 Million Population, 700 conventional industry, 10 research labs.
Wealth generation is 90%, The centrally planned economy has vast inefficiency despite its proven ability for vast industrial production.
Shipyards: Naval: 1,000 ton - 1 slipway (Black sea shipyard: Crimea)
Commercial: 10,000 ton - 1 Slipway (Admiralty shipyard: Leningrad)
Leading Researchers:
Anstice Rozhdestvensky: Boilogy/Genetics 25%/15 Max
Aloyoshenka Muravyov: Energy Weapons 15%/Max 25
Jermija Nikolayev: Logistics/Ground Combat 0%/Max 25
Mika Ignatyev: Construction/Production 0%/Max 10
Revised order of battle: (Still need to add cruisers/destroyers and Air bases, Designs are simplified for sanity, however for most cases systems are still realistic, for instance shared size 3 ASM simulates the different 2-3 ton guided missiles designs used, size 2 missile simulates the 500-700 ton missiles/torpedos of various designs, etc, air fleets are simplified into fast air superiority fighter bombers, and slow moving ASW helicopters, I may add bombers too which will carry the warheads the SLBM's carry, fighters are much heavier than real life but that's unavoidable due to the way Aurora handles low powered engines).
USA: Uncontested dominion of the worlds oceans is a concept that has been tried by many powers since the age of sail, but only the US navy has managed this with the supreme power of its formidable flotilla of supercarriers and thousands of support vessels.
The pride of the USS navy, is the super-carrier USS Enterprise, the largest and most advanced carrier in the navy, also the only nuclear powered carrier in the world after the decision was made to finish the 2 most recent kitty hawk carriers as conventionally powered. Capable of operating anywhere in the world without needing to refuel itself for almost 20 years the only limit to its longevity is the fuel used by its 90 state-of-the-art combat aircraft, the fierce speed with which they can deliver ordnance, and the needs of its fragile human crew.
Quote
Enterprise class Heavy Carrier 90,000 tons 1085 Crew 7506.6 BP TCS 1800 TH 29 EM 0
16 km/s Armour 3-178 Shields 0-0 Sensors 5/5/0/0 Damage Control Rating 21 PPV 7
Maint Life 10.89 Years MSP 11095 AFR 3085% IFR 42.9% 1YR 171 5YR 2567 Max Repair 30 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 48 months Flight Crew Berths 165
Hangar Deck Capacity 38000 tons Magazine 3006 Cargo 10000
Westinghouse Geared Steam Turbine (4) Power 7.2 Fuel Use 1371.79% Signature 7.2 Exp 30%
Fuel Capacity 1,000,000 Litres Range 0.1 billion km (104 days at full power)
20mm Chain Fed Cannon (2) Range 10,000km TS: 1250 km/s Power 0-0 RM 1 ROF 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Optical gunsight (2) Max Range: 20,000 km TS: 625 km/s 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
General Electric A2W - Light Water Reactor (Total Power Output 80 Armour 0 Exp 5%
General Dynamics Sea Sparrow Launcher (2) Missile Size 1 Rate of Fire 30
General Dynamics RIM-66 Launcher (2) Missile Size 2 Rate of Fire 60
AN/AWG-10 Fire Control (2) Range 210k km Resolution 2
Raytheon AN/SPS-6 Anti Missile Fire Control (2) Range 150k km Resolution 1
AIM-9 Sidewinder (502) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 1 Size: 1 TH: 0/0/0
RIM-66 Standard Missile (940) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 2 Size: 2 TH: 0/0/0
RIM 67 Standard Missile (208) Speed: 100 km/s End: 9.2m Range: 0.1m km WH: 4 Size: 3 TH: 0/0/0
Raytheon AN/SPS-6 Missile Search Radar (2) GPS 2 Range 100k km MCR 11k km Resolution 1
AN/AWG-10 Search Sensor (2) GPS 6 Range 210k km Resolution 2
Raytheon Acoustic Sensor TH5 (2) Sensitivity 5 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 5m km
Raytheon Optical Sensor EM5 (2) Sensitivity 5 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 5m km
Strike Group
60x McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter-bomber Speed: 150 km/s Size: 6.65
36x Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King Fighter-Scout Speed: 100 km/s Size: 10
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes
The venerable Phantom II has been at the forefront of American combat operations since its introduction almost a decade ago in 1960, its versatility is only matched by its extreme thrust, speed, and capacity, setting over 16 aviation records within the first years of its testing. Has proven itself during the ongoing conflict in Vietnam, producing many aces.
Quote
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II class Fighter-bomber 333 tons 1 Crew 27.2 BP TCS 6.65 TH 1 EM 0
150 km/s Armour 1-4 Shields 0-0 Sensors 1/1/0/0 Damage Control Rating 0 PPV 2.75
Maint Life 0 Years MSP 0 AFR 66% IFR 0.9% 1YR 1 5YR 13 Max Repair 5 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 0.1 months Spare Berths 9
Magazine 15
General Electric J-79 0.6 Turbojet Engine (1) Power 0.6 Fuel Use 1543.26% Signature 0.6 Exp 30%
Fuel Capacity 5,000 Litres Range 0.2 billion km (13 days at full power)
20mm Chain Fed Cannon (1) Range 10,000km TS: 1250 km/s Power 0-0 RM 1 ROF 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Optical gunsight (1) Max Range: 20,000 km TS: 625 km/s 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ASM Launch Rail (1) Missile Size 3 Hangar Reload 22.5 minutes MF Reload 3.7 hours
Large AA Launch Rail (4) Missile Size 2 Hangar Reload 15 minutes MF Reload 2.5 hours
AA Missile Rail (4) Missile Size 1 Hangar Reload 7.5 minutes MF Reload 1.2 hours
AN/AWG-10 Fire Control (1) Range 210k km Resolution 2
AIM-9 Sidewinder (4) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 1 Size: 1 TH: 0/0/0
RIM-66 Standard Missile (4) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 2 Size: 2 TH: 0/0/0
RIM 67 Standard Missile (1) Speed: 100 km/s End: 9.2m Range: 0.1m km WH: 4 Size: 3 TH: 0/0/0
AN/AWG-10 Search Sensor (1) GPS 6 Range 210k km Resolution 2
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and maintenance purposes
The growing swarm of soviet missile and attack submarines demanded a highly capable ASW craft capable of not only detecting but also destroying the threat. Featuring a payload capacity of upto 4 heavy Anti-submarine torpedos, depth charges or even a single nuclear weapon, the sea king could also transport upto 28 soldiers into combat, or could hold 9 stretchers and additional walking wounded.
Quote
Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King class Fighter-Scout 500 tons 3 Crew 42 BP TCS 10 TH 1 EM 0
100 km/s Armour 1-5 Shields 0-0 Sensors 9/1/0/0 Damage Control Rating 0 PPV 2.6
Maint Life 0 Years MSP 0 AFR 100% IFR 1.4% 1YR 3 5YR 40 Max Repair 9 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 0.1 months Spare Berths 7
Magazine 14
General Electric J-79 0.6 Turbojet Engine (2) Power 0.6 Fuel Use 1543.26% Signature 0.6 Exp 30%
Fuel Capacity 5,000 Litres Range 0.1 billion km (13 days at full power)
20mm Chain Fed Cannon (1) Range 10,000km TS: 1250 km/s Power 0-0 RM 1 ROF 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Optical gunsight (1) Max Range: 20,000 km TS: 625 km/s 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ASM Launch Rail (4) Missile Size 3 Hangar Reload 22.5 minutes MF Reload 3.7 hours
AA Missile Rail (2) Missile Size 1 Hangar Reload 7.5 minutes MF Reload 1.2 hours
AN/AWG-10 Fire Control (1) Range 210k km Resolution 2
AIM-9 Sidewinder (2) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 1 Size: 1 TH: 0/0/0
RIM 67 Standard Missile (4) Speed: 100 km/s End: 9.2m Range: 0.1m km WH: 4 Size: 3 TH: 0/0/0
AN/AWG-10 Search Sensor (1) GPS 6 Range 210k km Resolution 2
Raytheon Acoustic Sensor TH9 (1) Sensitivity 9 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 9m km
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and maintenance purposes
With the cold war in full swing the US embraced the concept of Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles with great vigour. Early in the 60's it was realised that ground based ICBMs were vunerable to nuclear first strike due to increasingly accurate and larger warheads, the ocean based polaris missiles were considered practically invulnerable and were the most important part of the 'nuclear deterrence force' being always available for retaliatory strikes. By the end of the 60s the "41 for Freedom" program had been completed, consisting of boats of the George Washington, Ethan Allen, Lafayette, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin classes. The Benjamin Franklins were the newest and most advanced class of the boats which were all incremental upgrades of the Skipjack class, with an added guided missile section.
Quote
Benjamin Franklin class Missile Boat 8,250 tons 148 Crew 700.48 BP TCS 165 TH 2 EM 0
12 km/s Armour 2-36 Shields 0-0 Sensors 9/5/0/0 Damage Control Rating 9 PPV 96.48
Maint Life 9.17 Years MSP 478 AFR 60% IFR 0.8% 1YR 10 5YR 154 Max Repair 30 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 12 months Spare Berths 0
Magazine 292
Westinghouse Geared Steam Turbine (1) Power 2.4 Fuel Use 1496.5% Signature 2.4 Exp 30%
Fuel Capacity 50,000 Litres Range 0.1 billion km (69 days at full power)
General Electric A2W - Light Water Reactor (1) Total Power Output 10 Armour 0 Exp 5%
General Dynamics RIM-67 Launcher (4) Missile Size 3 Rate of Fire 90
SLBM Launch Tube (16) Missile Size 16 Rate of Fire 9600
AN/AWG-10 Fire Control (1) Range 210k km Resolution 2
RIM 67 Standard Missile (12) Speed: 100 km/s End: 9.2m Range: 0.1m km WH: 4 Size: 3 TH: 0/0/0
Polaris SLBM (16) Speed: 100 km/s End: 8.7m Range: 0.1m km WH: 0 Size: 16 TH: 0/0/0
AN/AWG-10 Search Sensor (1) GPS 6 Range 210k km Resolution 2
Raytheon Acoustic Sensor TH9 (1) Sensitivity 9 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 9m km
Raytheon Optical Sensor EM5 (1) Sensitivity 5 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 5m km
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes
USSR: Lacking the super carriers of its American rivals, the soviet navy has recently completed light carriers designed to escort anti-submarine warfare task groups. Equipped with the versatile MI-8 helicopter which can carry heavy ASW munitions, twin AA missiles, and a 30mm chaingun for close support or self defence, it also can be used for rescue operations.
Quote
Moskva class Escort Carrier 17,500 tons 267 Crew 1637.96 BP TCS 350 TH 5 EM 0
14 km/s Armour 2-60 Shields 0-0 Sensors 9/5/0/0 Damage Control Rating 4 PPV 13
Maint Life 3.22 Years MSP 234 AFR 612% IFR 8.5% 1YR 34 5YR 511 Max Repair 12 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 12 months Flight Crew Berths 49
Hangar Deck Capacity 9000 tons Magazine 516
High Pressure 2.4 EP Steam Turbine Engine (2) Power 2.4 Fuel Use 1496.5% Signature 2.4 Exp 30%
Fuel Capacity 350,000 Litres Range 0.2 billion km (194 days at full power)
20mm Chain Fed Cannon (2) Range 10,000km TS: 1250 km/s Power 0-0 RM 1 ROF 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Optical Gunsight (1) Max Range: 20,000 km TS: 625 km/s 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
High Pressure Heavy Fuel Oil Boiler PB-1 (4) Total Power Output 16 Armour 0 Exp 5%
ASW Size 3 Missile Launcher (2) Missile Size 3 Rate of Fire 90
ASW Size 2 Rocket Launcher (2) Missile Size 2 Rate of Fire 60
SAM Size 1 Missile Launcher (2) Missile Size 1 Rate of Fire 30
Semi-active radar homing fire control (1) Range 210k km Resolution 2
K-13 Zmeya (112) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 1 Size: 1 TH: 0/0/0
R-4 Molyna (52) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 2 Size: 2 TH: 0/0/0
P-15 Termit ASM (100) Speed: 100 km/s End: 9.2m Range: 0.1m km WH: 4 Size: 3 TH: 0/0/0
active radar search sensor (1) GPS 6 Range 210k km Resolution 2
Vympel Acoustic Sensor TH9 (1) Sensitivity 9 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 9m km
Vympel Optical Sensor EM5 (1) Sensitivity 5 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 5m km
Strike Group
18x Mil MI-8 Fighter-Scout Speed: 101 km/s Size: 9.9
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes
A versatile, powerful and reliable helicopter which owes its origins to a visit to America by Khrushchev, Impressed by the luxury of the presidential S-58 helicopter he issued a mandate for the creation of a similar design, MIL engineers had been waiting to work on a heavy helicopter like this, but until then they had been blocked from designing such a complicated twin engine craft.
Quote
Mil MI-8 class Fighter-Scout 495 tons 2 Crew 42.4 BP TCS 9.9 TH 1 EM 0
101 km/s Armour 1-5 Shields 0-0 Sensors 8/5/0/0 Damage Control Rating 0 PPV 1.7
Maint Life 0 Years MSP 0 AFR 99% IFR 1.4% 1YR 3 5YR 42 Max Repair 8 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 0.1 months Spare Berths 8
Magazine 8
Kilmov TV3 0.5 EP Turboshaft Engine (2) Power 0.5 Fuel Use 978.33% Signature 0.5 Exp 25%
Fuel Capacity 5,000 Litres Range 0.2 billion km (21 days at full power)
20mm Chain Fed Cannon (1) Range 10,000km TS: 1250 km/s Power 0-0 RM 1 ROF 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Optical Gunsight (1) Max Range: 20,000 km TS: 625 km/s 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ASM Launch Rail (2) Missile Size 3 Hangar Reload 22.5 minutes MF Reload 3.7 hours
AA Missile Rail (2) Missile Size 1 Hangar Reload 7.5 minutes MF Reload 1.2 hours
Semi-active radar homing fire control (1) Range 210k km Resolution 2
K-13 Zmeya (2) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 1 Size: 1 TH: 0/0/0
P-15 Termit ASM (2) Speed: 100 km/s End: 9.2m Range: 0.1m km WH: 4 Size: 3 TH: 0/0/0
active radar search sensor (1) GPS 6 Range 210k km Resolution 2
Vympel Acoustic Sensor TH8 (1) Sensitivity 8 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 8m km
Vympel Optical Sensor EM5 (1) Sensitivity 5 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 5m km
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and maintenance purposes
Built in the early 60's the Kashin class missile destroyers were the soviet union's first dedicated anti-submarine and air-defence vessels. Featuring a formidable assortment of missiles, torpedos, depth charges and respectable firepower from its 3 inch guns its potential is rounded out with a single ASW helicopter.
Quote
Kashin class Destroyer Escort 3,800 tons 89 Crew 323.96 BP TCS 76 TH 1 EM 0
13 km/s Armour 2-21 Shields 0-0 Sensors 9/1/0/0 Damage Control Rating 1 PPV 16
Maint Life 3.76 Years MSP 53 AFR 115% IFR 1.6% 1YR 6 5YR 88 Max Repair 12 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 12 months Flight Crew Berths 0
Hangar Deck Capacity 500 tons Magazine 156
1.2 EP Conventional Engine (1) Power 1.2 Fuel Use 1527.67% Signature 1.2 Exp 30%
Fuel Capacity 50,000 Litres Range 0.2 billion km (136 days at full power)
20mm Chain Fed Cannon (2) Range 10,000km TS: 1250 km/s Power 0-0 RM 1 ROF 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ATK 726 3 Inch Naval Gun (1x4) Range 10,000km TS: 1250 km/s Power 3-1 RM 1 ROF 15 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Optical Gunsight (1) Max Range: 20,000 km TS: 625 km/s 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
High Pressure Heavy Fuel Oil Boiler PB-1 (1) Total Power Output 4 Armour 0 Exp 5%
SAM Size 1 Missile Launcher (2) Missile Size 1 Rate of Fire 30
ASW Size 2 Rocket Launcher (2) Missile Size 2 Rate of Fire 60
ASW Size 3 Missile Launcher (2) Missile Size 3 Rate of Fire 90
Area Defence Fire Control (1) Range 150k km Resolution 1
Semi-active radar homing fire control (1) Range 210k km Resolution 2
K-13 Zmeya (24) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 1 Size: 1 TH: 0/0/0
R-4 Molyna (18) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 2 Size: 2 TH: 0/0/0
P-15 Termit ASM (16) Speed: 100 km/s End: 9.2m Range: 0.1m km WH: 4 Size: 3 TH: 0/0/0
Area Defence Radar (1) GPS 2 Range 100k km MCR 11k km Resolution 1
active radar search sensor (1) GPS 6 Range 210k km Resolution 2
Vympel Acoustic Sensor TH9 (1) Sensitivity 9 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 9m km
Strike Group
1x Mil MI-8 Fighter-Scout Speed: 101 km/s Size: 9.9
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes
Dubbed "Yankee" by NATO this was actually the first soviet submarine to have equivalent firepower to those being fielded by the US and UK, carrying a remarkably cooincidental 16 missiles of similar weight they were even soon upgraded to carrying triple 200 kiloton MIRVs just like the US Polaris does. Despite being almost 1000 tons heavier the soviet ballistic missile submarines from here on were significantly more powerful and faster than their American counterparts, being closer to an attack submarine.
Quote
667AU Nalim class Missile Boat 9,000 tons 169 Crew 770.44 BP TCS 180 TH 3 EM 0
16 km/s Armour 2-38 Shields 0-0 Sensors 9/5/0/0 Damage Control Rating 9 PPV 102.48
Maint Life 8.66 Years MSP 482 AFR 72% IFR 1% 1YR 11 5YR 172 Max Repair 21.12 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 12 months Spare Berths 23
Magazine 322
Geared Steam Turbine (2) Power 1.32 Fuel Use 696.35% Signature 1.32 Exp 22%
Fuel Capacity 50,000 Litres Range 0.1 billion km (99 days at full power)
Pressurised Water Reactor PB-1 (2) Total Power Output 12 Armour 0 Exp 5%
ASW Size 3 Missile Launcher (6) Missile Size 3 Rate of Fire 90
SLBM Launch Tube (16) Missile Size 16 Rate of Fire 9600
Semi-active radar homing fire control (1) Range 210k km Resolution 2
P-15 Termit ASM (20) Speed: 100 km/s End: 9.2m Range: 0.1m km WH: 4 Size: 3 TH: 0/0/0
R-27 Zyb SLBM (16) Speed: 100 km/s End: 8.7m Range: 0.1m km WH: 0 Size: 16 TH: 0/0/0
active radar search sensor (1) GPS 6 Range 210k km Resolution 2
Vympel Acoustic Sensor TH9 (1) Sensitivity 9 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 9m km
Vympel Optical Sensor EM5 (1) Sensitivity 5 Detect Sig Strength 1000: 5m km
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes
The first variable geometry wing fighter in soviet service its performance was sadly lacking compared to its American counterpart.
Quote
Sukhoi Su-17 Strizh class Fighter-bomber 400 tons 2 Crew 27 BP TCS 8 TH 1 EM 0
125 km/s Armour 1-4 Shields 0-0 Sensors 1/1/0/0 Damage Control Rating 0 PPV 2.8
Maint Life 0 Years MSP 0 AFR 80% IFR 1.1% 1YR 1 5YR 17 Max Repair 5 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 0.1 months Spare Berths 8
Magazine 12
Lyulka AL-21 0.7 EP Turbojet Engine (1) Power 0.7 Fuel Use 397.03% Signature 0.7 Exp 17%
Fuel Capacity 5,000 Litres Range 0.6 billion km (52 days at full power)
20mm Chain Fed Cannon (2) Range 10,000km TS: 1250 km/s Power 0-0 RM 1 ROF 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Optical Gunsight (1) Max Range: 20,000 km TS: 625 km/s 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Large AA Launch Rail (4) Missile Size 2 Hangar Reload 15 minutes MF Reload 2.5 hours
AA Missile Rail (4) Missile Size 1 Hangar Reload 7.5 minutes MF Reload 1.2 hours
Semi-active radar homing fire control (1) Range 210k km Resolution 2
K-13 Zmeya (4) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 1 Size: 1 TH: 0/0/0
R-4 Molyna (4) Speed: 200 km/s End: 4.6m Range: 0.1m km WH: 2 Size: 2 TH: 0/0/0
active radar search sensor (1) GPS 6 Range 210k km Resolution 2
Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s
This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and maintenance purposes
Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: January 07, 2014, 11:55:33 PM »Ignore this post, Game was sadly abandoned at this point.
Posted by: Sematary
« on: January 07, 2014, 03:06:55 AM »Details details. It connected with the surface therefore it landed.
Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: January 07, 2014, 03:03:09 AM »Oddly enough despite launching first and arriving first Luna 15 landed just after Apollo 11 left the surface, and when i say landed I mean it crashed like a rock 
Posted by: Sematary
« on: January 07, 2014, 02:51:16 AM »I am rooting for Apollo 11. Luna 15 will be the first unmanned landing on the moon, so it solidly goes down in the records. Let 11 be the first.
Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: January 07, 2014, 02:28:40 AM »Carefully studying of the launches has shown what caused each successive loss, the second one was destroyed by contaminates in the fuel system, the third was lost as a result of a modification to the flight profile to make the rocket swing away from the pad immediately after launch, in order to avoid the launchpad exploding causing an 18 month repair project like after the second failure, the structural load caused by the angle change proved too much and it was lost. However if we imagine the fuel issues were avoided then the swing maneuver wouldn't have been programmed in, leading the second launch to fail in the manner of the 4th launch. Prevention of loss of the pad should mean a much shorter turnaround, perhaps the next launch might be in early 70, and successful?
I've digressed a bit from the aurora action, but really nothing is going on but very slow expansion of the initial 10 research labs and slow progress in the planetary sensor 300 technology, but the next few launches should return samples which should proove interesting, there's also the possibility of second contact in the near future. Only 2 weeks until Luna 15 and Apollo 11 do their orbital dance over the sea of tranquility, which will land first?
I've digressed a bit from the aurora action, but really nothing is going on but very slow expansion of the initial 10 research labs and slow progress in the planetary sensor 300 technology, but the next few launches should return samples which should proove interesting, there's also the possibility of second contact in the near future. Only 2 weeks until Luna 15 and Apollo 11 do their orbital dance over the sea of tranquility, which will land first?
Posted by: Sematary
« on: January 07, 2014, 02:12:00 AM »Thats a bit early for that launch. Its very interesting to see how the Space Race is changing.
Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: January 07, 2014, 12:45:17 AM »July 3rd 1969
As the launch date of NASA's first manned lunar landing mission comes close they recieve a shock, from Gagarins Start the second N1 launch lifts from it's pad successfully, the massive rocket lurches from the pad with the strength of a small nuclear explosion, it's 30 NK-15 engines firing in perfect synchronization producing more thrust than the comparable Saturn V. Weeks ago engineers had discovered a potential flaw in the complex system, the fuel systems had been cleaned insufficiently, leaving metal particles inside, in one extreme example an entire loose bolt was found in engine 8, had it dislodged into the oxygen pump the loss of a single engine might have been insignificant, however after finding the bolt engineers realised that the first engine shutoff would have caused a cascade shutting down all other engines. Filters were installled in the fuel system, but changes to the automatic shutdown system would have to wait for another time. As the first stage was nearing completion it's acceleration was increasing dramatically due to it's rapidly emptying tanks, at 90 seconds into flight and an altitude of 40 kilometers the inner 6 engines were shut down to limit acceleration, the original design only included the other ring of 24 engines, however design changes to the orbiter and lander required increasing the payload from 70 tons to 95 tons, this was achieved through adding the center engines, finding more space inside the rocket body for extra cylindrical fuel and oxydizer tanks, increasing engine thrust, and changes to the flight plan. Unfortunately there was a weakness with the support structure where these center engines were mounted, as the engines shutoff the structure flexed and relaxed from the loss of thrust, this altered the length of fuel and oxygen lines causing differences in flow speed, the dreaded 'pogo oscillation' which had caused the loss of many american saturn 5 test models, and which had also been observed in Saturn 1 launches. The alternating pressure waves eventually reached a resonant frequency within seemingly strong 250mm thick oxygen lines, causing a rupture and explosion, fire suppressant systems installed after the first N1 loss struggled to contain the inferno, but it was in vain, the vehicle exploded 109.36 seconds into the launch. Breznev was furious but nobody could tell him who's head should roll for the incident. Preparations for the next launch were delayed significantly as engineers analyzed the telemetry to determine the cause, meanwhile at nearby launchpad 81 a Proton K was being fueled for the next lunar lander, the Proton K had a questionable record so far, but at least hadn't been a total failure like the N1.
As the launch date of NASA's first manned lunar landing mission comes close they recieve a shock, from Gagarins Start the second N1 launch lifts from it's pad successfully, the massive rocket lurches from the pad with the strength of a small nuclear explosion, it's 30 NK-15 engines firing in perfect synchronization producing more thrust than the comparable Saturn V. Weeks ago engineers had discovered a potential flaw in the complex system, the fuel systems had been cleaned insufficiently, leaving metal particles inside, in one extreme example an entire loose bolt was found in engine 8, had it dislodged into the oxygen pump the loss of a single engine might have been insignificant, however after finding the bolt engineers realised that the first engine shutoff would have caused a cascade shutting down all other engines. Filters were installled in the fuel system, but changes to the automatic shutdown system would have to wait for another time. As the first stage was nearing completion it's acceleration was increasing dramatically due to it's rapidly emptying tanks, at 90 seconds into flight and an altitude of 40 kilometers the inner 6 engines were shut down to limit acceleration, the original design only included the other ring of 24 engines, however design changes to the orbiter and lander required increasing the payload from 70 tons to 95 tons, this was achieved through adding the center engines, finding more space inside the rocket body for extra cylindrical fuel and oxydizer tanks, increasing engine thrust, and changes to the flight plan. Unfortunately there was a weakness with the support structure where these center engines were mounted, as the engines shutoff the structure flexed and relaxed from the loss of thrust, this altered the length of fuel and oxygen lines causing differences in flow speed, the dreaded 'pogo oscillation' which had caused the loss of many american saturn 5 test models, and which had also been observed in Saturn 1 launches. The alternating pressure waves eventually reached a resonant frequency within seemingly strong 250mm thick oxygen lines, causing a rupture and explosion, fire suppressant systems installed after the first N1 loss struggled to contain the inferno, but it was in vain, the vehicle exploded 109.36 seconds into the launch. Breznev was furious but nobody could tell him who's head should roll for the incident. Preparations for the next launch were delayed significantly as engineers analyzed the telemetry to determine the cause, meanwhile at nearby launchpad 81 a Proton K was being fueled for the next lunar lander, the Proton K had a questionable record so far, but at least hadn't been a total failure like the N1.
Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: January 06, 2014, 09:45:08 AM »April 1969
Final Preparations are made for the Apollo 10 Launch next month, this test will be a full dress rehearsal for the lunar landing including a 15 kilometer very close approach to the surface using the lunar decent engine, due to concerns about the attitude of its pilots the ascent engine will intentionally be left under fueled, making any unscheduled landing a one way trip. The mission will also allow accurate radar mapping of the planned Apollo 11 landing site at the sea of tranquility as well as other proposed sites for later missions, High resolution images will also be taken with the 70mm Hasselblad camera the craft carries.
22nd May 1969
After a flawless launch and uneventful flight to lunar orbit the LM dubbed Snoopy by its crew separates from the CSM Charlie Brown, everything goes exactly as planned as CSM Pilot John Young bids farewell to the slowly retreating craft manned by Commander Thomas Stafford and Piloted by Eugene Cernan. On board the cramped craft elation gives way to puzzlement as the close approach allows a closer inspection of the ground which appears to be more heavily cratered than previously thought, however the landing site at Mare Tranquillitatis still appears to be a safe place to make a landing. Cernan heroically resists the strong urge to make a suicidal landing and begins the ascent burn, while commander Stafford finishes the rendevous checklist. Unfortunately a Pilot error occurs when the acent guidance computer is switched on by Cernan, then absentmindedly toggled back again by Stafford. The craft spins wildly as the guidance computer loses track of their position, Cernan curses at the situation to the short lived amusement of NASA personnel who know the mission is being televised live to audiances back home, within a second however the mood gets more serious as they inquire to the craft what is happening. The quick thinking Cernan and Stafford power down the craft and reorient it craft manually, before running down the checklist again and switching the ascent computer back on, the crew had very narrowly avoided a tragedy as the uncontrolled spin had robbed the craft of most of it's orbital velocity, the ascent engine had barely enough fuel to return to the CSM. After this event the rest of the flight goes completely as scheduled and the crew return to earth amidst much fanfair, Cernan makes public apologies to those he may have offended and the data and in particular the lunar photographs are analyzed and closely studied.
14th June 1969
Tragedy today as the USSR loses yet another rocket, this time a lander destined to return a soil sample from the lunar surface, this would have allowed the soviets to take another first in the space race, yet the US continues to show the greater capability of it's own system which has achieved successful manned orbit and return, a feat the soviets have yet to muster. Meanwhile the mysterious wreckage continues to decay from orbit and shower the earth and moon with debris. Brezhnev is furious and demands greater investment into prelaunch checks, he is eager to improve space capabilities after earlier receiving intelligence about the mysterious object being investigated by Apollo 9. The next 2 missions will be critical for the USSR, a second attempt at the just lost sample return mission, and more importantly the second launch of the N1 rocket, the only launcher capable of single-handedly launching an manned orbiter capable of landing and returning from the lunar surface. This second launch must not fail as the first had, even now engineers were scouring the rocket looking for problems, yet it was unlikely anything would be found at this stage, the rocket was fully assembled and simply waiting for fuel and the clearance to launch.
Final Preparations are made for the Apollo 10 Launch next month, this test will be a full dress rehearsal for the lunar landing including a 15 kilometer very close approach to the surface using the lunar decent engine, due to concerns about the attitude of its pilots the ascent engine will intentionally be left under fueled, making any unscheduled landing a one way trip. The mission will also allow accurate radar mapping of the planned Apollo 11 landing site at the sea of tranquility as well as other proposed sites for later missions, High resolution images will also be taken with the 70mm Hasselblad camera the craft carries.
22nd May 1969
After a flawless launch and uneventful flight to lunar orbit the LM dubbed Snoopy by its crew separates from the CSM Charlie Brown, everything goes exactly as planned as CSM Pilot John Young bids farewell to the slowly retreating craft manned by Commander Thomas Stafford and Piloted by Eugene Cernan. On board the cramped craft elation gives way to puzzlement as the close approach allows a closer inspection of the ground which appears to be more heavily cratered than previously thought, however the landing site at Mare Tranquillitatis still appears to be a safe place to make a landing. Cernan heroically resists the strong urge to make a suicidal landing and begins the ascent burn, while commander Stafford finishes the rendevous checklist. Unfortunately a Pilot error occurs when the acent guidance computer is switched on by Cernan, then absentmindedly toggled back again by Stafford. The craft spins wildly as the guidance computer loses track of their position, Cernan curses at the situation to the short lived amusement of NASA personnel who know the mission is being televised live to audiances back home, within a second however the mood gets more serious as they inquire to the craft what is happening. The quick thinking Cernan and Stafford power down the craft and reorient it craft manually, before running down the checklist again and switching the ascent computer back on, the crew had very narrowly avoided a tragedy as the uncontrolled spin had robbed the craft of most of it's orbital velocity, the ascent engine had barely enough fuel to return to the CSM. After this event the rest of the flight goes completely as scheduled and the crew return to earth amidst much fanfair, Cernan makes public apologies to those he may have offended and the data and in particular the lunar photographs are analyzed and closely studied.
14th June 1969
Tragedy today as the USSR loses yet another rocket, this time a lander destined to return a soil sample from the lunar surface, this would have allowed the soviets to take another first in the space race, yet the US continues to show the greater capability of it's own system which has achieved successful manned orbit and return, a feat the soviets have yet to muster. Meanwhile the mysterious wreckage continues to decay from orbit and shower the earth and moon with debris. Brezhnev is furious and demands greater investment into prelaunch checks, he is eager to improve space capabilities after earlier receiving intelligence about the mysterious object being investigated by Apollo 9. The next 2 missions will be critical for the USSR, a second attempt at the just lost sample return mission, and more importantly the second launch of the N1 rocket, the only launcher capable of single-handedly launching an manned orbiter capable of landing and returning from the lunar surface. This second launch must not fail as the first had, even now engineers were scouring the rocket looking for problems, yet it was unlikely anything would be found at this stage, the rocket was fully assembled and simply waiting for fuel and the clearance to launch.
Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: January 03, 2014, 11:07:14 AM »March 5th 1969
The original purpose of the Apollo 9 Mission was to conduct maneuvering, rendezvous and docking tests of the Command Service Module and Lander Module, the mission profile required separation of the LM from the CSM, then using the LM decent engine to travel a short distance from the CSM, before firing the ascent engine in order to return and re-dock with the command module. However the Command Service Module has significant fuel reserves, more than enough to change orbital altitude and inclination to match and rendezvous with another object in low earth orbit. The craft maneuvers itself to match orbits with and then closely approach the craft in order to obtain photographs of the debris. The decision is made to keep the CSM 100 kilometers behind the debris, and use the LM with a single occupant and make a very close approach of 10 kilometers in order to take still photographs using the Data Acquisition Camera mounted underneath the lander which would normally record the ground during landings. From the perspective of the LM pilot the debris is too far away, too dark, and the lens too small to take useful pictures, yet the mission is a successful test of the capabilities of the craft. After the photographic reconnaissance the LM is ejected into space and the CSM takes up a safer orbit that avoids the debris. Meanwhile back on earth more than one administration is watching the mission, the soviets consider what interest NASA have in this unidentified object, thought to be a rock due to the dense radar return it gives compared to spacecraft, and in particular they wonder why they would risk making a close approach. Over the next 8 days the CSM performs additional tests of systems and procedures, with the alien debris always at the back of the mind of everyone involved. After 10 days in orbit the craft finally returns to earth, a perfect mission with no malfunctions, yet after recovery engineers find a small surprise embedded in the heat shield, a micrometerite, which might have caused failure of the craft during reentry, it is removed for inspection.
March 15th 1969
Jim Lovell strode confidently through the corridor, his gait seemingly recovered from the unsteadiness that had been plaguing it since he had been released from hospital a few weeks ago, yet it was illusory, his weakness merely hidden underneath the excitement and purpose that was propelling him to this meeting. Absentmindedly he scratched at the bandages which still girded the left side of his face, the skin grafts were healing well they told him, yet the itching never abated, and his thigh still had a dull ache from the skin that was taken. "There you are Deke" he says after entering the office and finding his old friend Donald 'Deke' Slayton seated at his desk. "Jim, I..." The Director of flight crew operations starts but is cut off by the excited Pilot.
"Here it is Deke" He says brandishing some paper, "My hospital discharge, It says right here "Fit to return to training, no long term injury which would affect flight performance!" At this he slaps the document onto the desk.
"Jim, you know as well as I do that your recovery was traumatic, you were lucky to not lose your eyes and those bandages on your face won't come off for weeks, we can't put you back into training".
"Dammit man, you know these will come off, you can't ground me because of a few scars". Slayton considered the man before him, and couldn't bring himself to tell him the truth, yet he had no option.
"We can't let you back up Jim, they think you were exposed to far more radiation up there than you should have been, and you know there's exposure limits we have to abide by".
"What?, bullsmeg, there was no trace of radiation sickness, as far as the doctors know I just had the mother-of-all-sunburns"
"Jim I'm sorry but I can't discuss this any further right now, believe me I'll do my best to get you back up, christ some days I miss it myself,but the SPAM in a can Mercury 7 days are behind me, maybe you should count yourself lucky and retire at 40?"
"I'm not going to give up on this Deke"
"I wouldn't expect you to James, Good luck"
The object found in Apollo 9s heat shield is sent to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory after baffling all attempts to identify it, it's unusual properties will one day place it in a new class of materials, elements which exist on a previously unknown island of stability surrounded by otherwise highly unstable transuranium elements. For now all that is known is the materials great strength, it is informally dubbed Duranium by the first researchers.(research commences into duranium armour).
The original purpose of the Apollo 9 Mission was to conduct maneuvering, rendezvous and docking tests of the Command Service Module and Lander Module, the mission profile required separation of the LM from the CSM, then using the LM decent engine to travel a short distance from the CSM, before firing the ascent engine in order to return and re-dock with the command module. However the Command Service Module has significant fuel reserves, more than enough to change orbital altitude and inclination to match and rendezvous with another object in low earth orbit. The craft maneuvers itself to match orbits with and then closely approach the craft in order to obtain photographs of the debris. The decision is made to keep the CSM 100 kilometers behind the debris, and use the LM with a single occupant and make a very close approach of 10 kilometers in order to take still photographs using the Data Acquisition Camera mounted underneath the lander which would normally record the ground during landings. From the perspective of the LM pilot the debris is too far away, too dark, and the lens too small to take useful pictures, yet the mission is a successful test of the capabilities of the craft. After the photographic reconnaissance the LM is ejected into space and the CSM takes up a safer orbit that avoids the debris. Meanwhile back on earth more than one administration is watching the mission, the soviets consider what interest NASA have in this unidentified object, thought to be a rock due to the dense radar return it gives compared to spacecraft, and in particular they wonder why they would risk making a close approach. Over the next 8 days the CSM performs additional tests of systems and procedures, with the alien debris always at the back of the mind of everyone involved. After 10 days in orbit the craft finally returns to earth, a perfect mission with no malfunctions, yet after recovery engineers find a small surprise embedded in the heat shield, a micrometerite, which might have caused failure of the craft during reentry, it is removed for inspection.
March 15th 1969
Jim Lovell strode confidently through the corridor, his gait seemingly recovered from the unsteadiness that had been plaguing it since he had been released from hospital a few weeks ago, yet it was illusory, his weakness merely hidden underneath the excitement and purpose that was propelling him to this meeting. Absentmindedly he scratched at the bandages which still girded the left side of his face, the skin grafts were healing well they told him, yet the itching never abated, and his thigh still had a dull ache from the skin that was taken. "There you are Deke" he says after entering the office and finding his old friend Donald 'Deke' Slayton seated at his desk. "Jim, I..." The Director of flight crew operations starts but is cut off by the excited Pilot.
"Here it is Deke" He says brandishing some paper, "My hospital discharge, It says right here "Fit to return to training, no long term injury which would affect flight performance!" At this he slaps the document onto the desk.
"Jim, you know as well as I do that your recovery was traumatic, you were lucky to not lose your eyes and those bandages on your face won't come off for weeks, we can't put you back into training".
"Dammit man, you know these will come off, you can't ground me because of a few scars". Slayton considered the man before him, and couldn't bring himself to tell him the truth, yet he had no option.
"We can't let you back up Jim, they think you were exposed to far more radiation up there than you should have been, and you know there's exposure limits we have to abide by".
"What?, bullsmeg, there was no trace of radiation sickness, as far as the doctors know I just had the mother-of-all-sunburns"
"Jim I'm sorry but I can't discuss this any further right now, believe me I'll do my best to get you back up, christ some days I miss it myself,but the SPAM in a can Mercury 7 days are behind me, maybe you should count yourself lucky and retire at 40?"
"I'm not going to give up on this Deke"
"I wouldn't expect you to James, Good luck"
The object found in Apollo 9s heat shield is sent to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory after baffling all attempts to identify it, it's unusual properties will one day place it in a new class of materials, elements which exist on a previously unknown island of stability surrounded by otherwise highly unstable transuranium elements. For now all that is known is the materials great strength, it is informally dubbed Duranium by the first researchers.(research commences into duranium armour).
Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: January 01, 2014, 11:13:05 PM »OOC: More delays as I conduct light research into the space race and, for no particular reason severe burn treatment and recovery.
Posted by: MarcAFK
« on: December 30, 2013, 01:26:03 AM »January 1st 1969
3 Days have passed since the battered crew of Apollo 8 have returned to earth, the damaged craft barely managing to be coaxed into a suitable reentry orbit. After being fished out of the ocean by helicopter the capsule was breeched on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown, the astronauts receiving immediate medical attention onboard. As already a cover story had been disseminated about a fire in the capsule, which had been heroically contained and put out by commander Lovell, the crew of the Yorktown were waiting in salute on deck as the capsule was opened.
Efforts are underway to construct increased deep space tracking capabilities so the position of the wreck can be accurately determined.
Research immediately commences into increasing Planetary sensor strength so as not to lose the debris.
March 3rd 1969
Apollo 9 is launched, this mission is scheduled to stay in earth orbit and test the docking capabilities of the command module and lander, and also the portable life support system. While the current mission profile doesn't require the vessel to enter lunar orbit, the command module is still fully fueled in order to test maneuvers and docking.
March 4th 1969
An additional tracking station finally comes online, allowing almost complete tracking of large lunar objects from earth. Smaller debris is detected in a cloud around the area of the wreck, some of which has streamed out of lunar orbit and entered earths sphere of influence, and surprisingly a large piece is detected in low earth orbit 100 kilometers higher than Apollo 9, the mission profile is altered to allow a visual inspection.
Premier Brezhnev sits at the prime seat of the meeting room of the Politburo his attention faltering as this meeting discussing the February 21st loss of the first N1 moon rocket seems to drag on endlessly. "Comrades" his rich baritone starts suddenly, "surely we can at least reach an agreement that the disaster last month if not caused by rushing the launch we would at least invite the same again if we were not to delay the next test".
"Comrade premier, the Americans already have orbited successfully, despite the misshap that befell their orbiter, and it's likely they are prepared already to land." A third member of the group interjected, "Yes, but that minor mishap was far worse than you give credit to, what we detected was a massive explosion and they were very lucky to get anything back, let alone their cosmonauts, regardless you miss the point, we fund this program to advance our missile technology, not for western properganda, and we can sorely afford more mishaps".Brezhnev takes command of the room once more" You have hit the spike on its crown Kosygin, we do not need to risk valuable materials and the lives of our greatest minds in persuit of an ill advised technical victory over our rivals, and as such I support the consensus of the central committee which has wisely decided not to increase finding or rush the schedual any further".
The meeting ended the way so many in this unassuming assembly place had, with headed words and childish insults eventually giving way to the cooler air of seasoned statesmen who had perfected their craft of using words to surreptitiously gain ground in their own personal battles.As he left the conference an aid approached,"Premier comrade, commander-in-chief Kutakhov has an urgent phone call, in your office".
OOC: I have edited my earlier post to reflect the completion of the USN order of battle.
3 Days have passed since the battered crew of Apollo 8 have returned to earth, the damaged craft barely managing to be coaxed into a suitable reentry orbit. After being fished out of the ocean by helicopter the capsule was breeched on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown, the astronauts receiving immediate medical attention onboard. As already a cover story had been disseminated about a fire in the capsule, which had been heroically contained and put out by commander Lovell, the crew of the Yorktown were waiting in salute on deck as the capsule was opened.
Efforts are underway to construct increased deep space tracking capabilities so the position of the wreck can be accurately determined.
Research immediately commences into increasing Planetary sensor strength so as not to lose the debris.
March 3rd 1969
Apollo 9 is launched, this mission is scheduled to stay in earth orbit and test the docking capabilities of the command module and lander, and also the portable life support system. While the current mission profile doesn't require the vessel to enter lunar orbit, the command module is still fully fueled in order to test maneuvers and docking.
March 4th 1969
An additional tracking station finally comes online, allowing almost complete tracking of large lunar objects from earth. Smaller debris is detected in a cloud around the area of the wreck, some of which has streamed out of lunar orbit and entered earths sphere of influence, and surprisingly a large piece is detected in low earth orbit 100 kilometers higher than Apollo 9, the mission profile is altered to allow a visual inspection.
Premier Brezhnev sits at the prime seat of the meeting room of the Politburo his attention faltering as this meeting discussing the February 21st loss of the first N1 moon rocket seems to drag on endlessly. "Comrades" his rich baritone starts suddenly, "surely we can at least reach an agreement that the disaster last month if not caused by rushing the launch we would at least invite the same again if we were not to delay the next test".
"Comrade premier, the Americans already have orbited successfully, despite the misshap that befell their orbiter, and it's likely they are prepared already to land." A third member of the group interjected, "Yes, but that minor mishap was far worse than you give credit to, what we detected was a massive explosion and they were very lucky to get anything back, let alone their cosmonauts, regardless you miss the point, we fund this program to advance our missile technology, not for western properganda, and we can sorely afford more mishaps".Brezhnev takes command of the room once more" You have hit the spike on its crown Kosygin, we do not need to risk valuable materials and the lives of our greatest minds in persuit of an ill advised technical victory over our rivals, and as such I support the consensus of the central committee which has wisely decided not to increase finding or rush the schedual any further".
The meeting ended the way so many in this unassuming assembly place had, with headed words and childish insults eventually giving way to the cooler air of seasoned statesmen who had perfected their craft of using words to surreptitiously gain ground in their own personal battles.As he left the conference an aid approached,"Premier comrade, commander-in-chief Kutakhov has an urgent phone call, in your office".
OOC: I have edited my earlier post to reflect the completion of the USN order of battle.
