- Location
- Elsewhere
That's something that you can do, although from an in universe perspective, you'll be better off just having a dedicated point to point link from a ground station. You can achieve a similar level of throughput there.
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A World Turned Upside Down - A Military R&D Quest
- Thread starter Daemon Hunter
- Start date
That's something that you can do, although from an in universe perspective, you'll be better off just having a dedicated point to point link from a ground station. You can achieve a similar level of throughput there.
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
So basically, create something like a lasercom, directed microwave communications link or... I'm not going to say radio or one of the others because I feel like those are more easily disrupted or interfered with. Even the microwave link suffers a bit there but if paired with the lasercom, then you probably make up for the issues both have. The lasercom failing due to dust and ash in the atmosphere whilst the microwave fairs better there.
Rain would still be a complete pain for both I believe, but on the other hand if you do some clever engineering, you can probably have the two work together to 'punch' a hole through the interfering particles that means at least one of them gets a mostly solid link.
2037 Part 3 - Megaproject Testing
- Location
- Elsewhere
[X] Plan Eternal Fortress
-[X] Advanced Storage - A series of classified systems. These designs allow for low power operation of temperature and pressure-controlled areas. Allowing for long-term storage of cargo and personnel more efficiently than normal. *+2 Complexity*
-[X] Very Low Maintenance - Stolen from the EAC, this is a series of subcomponents that can reduce maintenance requirements by 80%. As such, this can allow for much better long-term endurance and a reduction in operating costs. *+4 Complexity*
-[X] эффективные двигатели - A rather clearly Soviet design based on the documentation provided, this engine design is reportedly able to operate at a quarter of normal fuel requirements for a similar range. *+8 Complexity*
-[X] Terminal Guidance Systems - A central pillar of ballistic missile defense, this system is capable of tracking ICBMs during their terminal phase onwards. This will make the Goliath an additional node for United American nuclear defense that can support theater deployments. *+4 Complexity.*
-[X] Supplemental Power - The inclusion of limited solar panels will allow for a backup power system allowing a limited degree of propulsion even without natural gas. However, only 1-2 systems will be operational in such an event. *+2 Complexity*
-[X] Rugged - Introducing additional backup components and hardening various weak points will allow the Goliath to operate even if severe damage is taken. *+2 Complexity*
-[X] Advanced Storage - A series of classified systems. These designs allow for low power operation of temperature and pressure-controlled areas. Allowing for long-term storage of cargo and personnel more efficiently than normal. *+2 Complexity*
-[X] Very Low Maintenance - Stolen from the EAC, this is a series of subcomponents that can reduce maintenance requirements by 80%. As such, this can allow for much better long-term endurance and a reduction in operating costs. *+4 Complexity*
-[X] эффективные двигатели - A rather clearly Soviet design based on the documentation provided, this engine design is reportedly able to operate at a quarter of normal fuel requirements for a similar range. *+8 Complexity*
-[X] Terminal Guidance Systems - A central pillar of ballistic missile defense, this system is capable of tracking ICBMs during their terminal phase onwards. This will make the Goliath an additional node for United American nuclear defense that can support theater deployments. *+4 Complexity.*
-[X] Supplemental Power - The inclusion of limited solar panels will allow for a backup power system allowing a limited degree of propulsion even without natural gas. However, only 1-2 systems will be operational in such an event. *+2 Complexity*
-[X] Rugged - Introducing additional backup components and hardening various weak points will allow the Goliath to operate even if severe damage is taken. *+2 Complexity*
2037 Internal Report - Nuclear Bunker EMP Shielding
While the Goliath has been the primary focus of Innovation Insitute, the Head of Nuclear Security has provided a report on the upgrades for the nuclear bunker. A series of redundant power systems have been installed along with upgrading existing electrons with hardened versions. There is no longer any worry about brownouts or blackouts due to the local deployment of tactical or strategic nuclear weapons.
2037 Internal Report - Goliath Flight Testing
During the development of the Goliath, a test flight was performed using the current design specifications. This stripped-down model consisted solely of the propulsion system and had several mockups of hardware currently under design. Due to helium shortages, primarily a result of White Water's machinations, hydrogen gas had to be used. This necessitated much greater levels of safety during the testing procedures, which led to the entire testing process costing a full two billion. Thankfully this was taken from a dedicated governmental fund for Goliath testing.
While the initial goal was a top speed of 130kmph and an operational range of 4000km, repeated iterations of the design process have led to significant upgrades over original predictions. The current design is capable of a top speed of 160kmph and can manage an operational range of 5000km. Notably, the current systems are able to operate without refueling for 40 days assuming standard operations during nuclear exchanges, which will ease logistic burdens. Overall, the propulsion system is a notable success and has no issues of any kind.
2037 Internal Report - Command and Control Testing
Simultaneously with the flight tests, the command and control systems were also built and experimented with. Currently, these systems require 8 operators to work at full efficiency, meaning there are 24 dedicated staff onboard the Goliath dedicated solely to C&C operations. The C&C systems are able to process battlefield data from a wide array of sources which are then fused using a variety of complex computer systems to create a cogent, descriptive image of the battlespace.
Initial reports are very positive, with the system capable of operating near perfectly to the point that additional features were installed. These features included the additional of an experimental hardware system that reduces latency by 50ms, allowing for limited EWAR C&C, a capability that the United American military has been experimenting with in recent years. However, it is currently unknown how effective this will be in the event of war.
2037 Internal Report - Operations Tests
However, operational tests have revealed significant complications with the storage systems, power supply, and structural stability of the Goliath. Despite assistance from experts at Goodyear, we were unable to properly implement the natural gas generators. At this time, these generators are prone to brown-outs resulting in portions of the Goliath going offline during periods of heavy electricity usage. This leads to a need to manage power which complicates responsivity during critical moments. Furthermore, the improper integration has led to problematic phenomena where the generators must be cycled off and on every three hours. This creates an 8-minute period of vulnerability. Due to the design of these generators, attempts to fix them will be complex and involved.
Further complications are present in the structural stability of the Goliath. Due to the complex interwoven systems, installation of redundant systems, and heavily experimental design; two major issues have yet to be resolved, along with a third that was resolved, emerged. The resolved issue involved poor helium isolation, meaning a single tear would necessitate immediate repairs. This was resolved through the installation of special internal fabric dividers. The two unresolved issues both pertain to the attachment of systems to the helium balloons and fuel systems.
The distribution of mass and the need for centralization have created a situation where damage to the gondola containing the systems will cascade. Simulations have demonstrated that a cluster of MANPADS would be capable of downing the Goliath, a rather worrying fact considering its sheer cost. Secondly, the fuel systems present a notable weak point. Due to the limited space available, the fuel systems are distributed throughout the Goliath. A fluid simulation has shown that a saboteur could be capable of destroying the Goliath outright if they are able to access the fuel flow panels on the ship. Both of these are critical issues, but at this time, resolving them will take notable resources.
The last critical issue demonstrated was related to the storage systems. More of a systemic issue due to a lack of internal volume, the storage systems are rather haphazard, with a total of 87 separate compartments dedicated to the storage of various necessities. This has created a nightmare for internal operations, causing the logistical burden to balloon from 5% of the operational time to 25% of all operations. This would also necessitate major resources to resolve.
2037 Internal Report - Terminal Guidance Systems
DO NOT USE THE GOLIATH AS AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
I REPEAT, DO NOT USE THE GOLIATH AS AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
During testing of the terminal guidance system in May, the system mischaracterized a high-altitude bird migration as three inbound nuclear missiles. This has become a persistent issue, with a rate of a false alarm every two months during normal usage. It is for these reasons that the terminal guidance system has limited capacity as an early warning system, and has led to the United American military requiring an additional month of training for Goliath crewmen.
"The military looked into exterminating all birds that fly at that altitude, it was deemed unfeasible." - Arthur
2037 External Report - NASA Collaboration
Testing of the environmental systems yielded problematic results related to internal radiation readings. At this time, the Goliath is able to filter out most radiation sources, but it has been determined that high-altitude airbursts of third-strike weaponry are capable of creating radiation that would elevate the cancer rates of Goliath crew members to unacceptable levels. Thankfully the United American government has provided us with NASA collaborators to resolve the issue.
Initially designed as a suit for long-term operation in space, the CLEAN (Contamination Limiting Environmental And Navigational) Suit, has several layers of redundant protection whilst also being able to attach to centralized life support systems. Capable of an hour of operation on its own internal air supply, the CLEANS will allow for long-term occupation of the Goliath, even if crew comfort is reduced. However, in a third strike, comfort is not a concern.
2037 External Report - United American Military Report on the Goliath
Initial reports indicate Project Watchtower is on budget and on time as of the midway mark. Currently, the development timeline estimates a completed design at the end of 2038, with the first Goliath complete in the early 2040s. The current design has several issues, some of which are acceptable, others less so. There are two critical issues with the power systems and two critical issues with the structural stability (see Appendix A). Moderate issues in the terminal guidance system are present and have led to a review of current early warning systems to ensure the minimization of false alarms. There are also a number of minor issues (see Appendix B) pertaining to the crew quarters and storage systems.
Budgetary reports have been completed for the financial year (see Appendix C). Project Watchtower has taken $200 billion in total thus far, with another $200 billion expected to be spent for final development. Innovation Insitute reports indicate a production cost of $90 billion, but economic projections (see Appendix D) show an inflationary risk due to White Water's interference. Overall, the costs have been acceptable for the necessary capability and have been taken from a number of sources illegally (see Appendix E).
2037 Internal Report - Continued Goliath Development
The current Goliath Superfortress design has a number of issues that are desirable to fix. At this time, there are 7 known significant issues, but it is possible more are present. Currently, guidance is needed on developing further over the course of 2037 and 2038.
You have 2 points to spend
[] Automated RFID Storage System - Attaching several sensors to the computer systems and RFID sensors on all stored items will reduce the logistical overhead caused by poor storage design. However, it will also require more management of supplies on the ground. (0.5 points)
[] Physical Security - Adding guardrails, password systems, and other security systems should reduce the probability of sabotage. However, it may complicate day-to-day operations. (0.5 points)
[] Terminal Guidance System Debugging - The current false alarms in the TGS are dangerous, even if the operator is told of the possibility. As such, it is rather important the cause of this false alarm is determined and the system modified to resolve the problem. (1 point)
[] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[] Redesigned Layout - Redesigning the layout from scratch will be a tedious and lengthy process but would allow for two notable issues to be resolved. The storage issue and vulnerability to internal sabotages. (2 points)
[] Redesigned Floatation - By heavily modifying the helium container design, the issues pertaining to MANPAD vulnerability should be resolved. Moreover, it should further harden the Goliath against anti-air weaponry. (2 points)
[] Rigorous Testing - While the Goliath Superfortress doesn't appear to have any more major issues, it is possible some have been missed. More rigorous testing may be needed (Write-in points)
My gut says fix the power grid. the 8 minutes of down time could be lethal and the brown outs means it can't do its job properly.
long term it sounds like something to roll out to the all the survial shealters, not just the goliath. Resource managment is gonna be the real decider if people survive the war's aftermath.
VoidZero
Passing Flan 布丁魔王
- Location
- Anywhere but RL
Great the giant balloon fortress can function as intended, it just needs a dedicated company to babysit it.
[x] Redesigned Layout - Redesigning the layout from scratch will be a tedious and lengthy process but would allow for two notable issues to be resolved. The storage issue and vulnerability to internal sabotages. (2 points)
Urg, better get the layout sorted into something sane so we actually know how to rebuild it with post-war level of material and knowledge. Like it or not, there's gonna be kitbash versions floating around and it have to at least look functional.
Yes i'm completely ok with the brownout and cascading failure when a rocket hits it. Layout is much harder to unfunk when the thing enters production.
[x] Redesigned Layout - Redesigning the layout from scratch will be a tedious and lengthy process but would allow for two notable issues to be resolved. The storage issue and vulnerability to internal sabotages. (2 points)
Urg, better get the layout sorted into something sane so we actually know how to rebuild it with post-war level of material and knowledge. Like it or not, there's gonna be kitbash versions floating around and it have to at least look functional.
Yes i'm completely ok with the brownout and cascading failure when a rocket hits it. Layout is much harder to unfunk when the thing enters production.
TimEd
Meteor maker
First impressions make me want Redesigned Flotation. It seems the most appealing fix for pennypinchers. The other issues are weaknesses in operation, but they can be overcome with difficulty. On the other hand, the hardening against anti-air instantly makes it a selling point in cost effectiveness calculations when selling this thing to others (in paper).
[x] Redesigned Floatation
[x] Redesigned Floatation
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- Location
- A haze of forgetfulness
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[] Redesigned Layout - Redesigning the layout from scratch will be a tedious and lengthy process but would allow for two notable issues to be resolved. The storage issue and vulnerability to internal sabotages. (2 points)
[X] Redesigned Floatation - By heavily modifying the helium container design, the issues pertaining to MANPAD vulnerability should be resolved. Moreover, it should further harden the Goliath against anti-air weaponry. (2 points)
Unless we want to make a mark 2 we should bite these bullets... I vote for the later.
[X] Redesigned Floatation - By heavily modifying the helium container design, the issues pertaining to MANPAD vulnerability should be resolved. Moreover, it should further harden the Goliath against anti-air weaponry. (2 points)
Unless we want to make a mark 2 we should bite these bullets... I vote for the later.
It's impressive that our nuclear bunker guy managed to harden electrons, a damn fine feat lol
Also in my opinion best to mock out engine and electrical grid problems first given these are meant to be high altitude missile interceptors not CAS platforms worrying about MANPADS
[X] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
After all if the power grid shuts down due to an overload or because the generators brick themselves it doesn't matter if our belly is armored or our storage problems are fixed as we fall from the sky and or missiles slip through our net and force us to ride hurricane force winds without any power
Also in my opinion best to mock out engine and electrical grid problems first given these are meant to be high altitude missile interceptors not CAS platforms worrying about MANPADS
[X] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
After all if the power grid shuts down due to an overload or because the generators brick themselves it doesn't matter if our belly is armored or our storage problems are fixed as we fall from the sky and or missiles slip through our net and force us to ride hurricane force winds without any power
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- Location
- United States
[X] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
- Location
- USA
[X] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
- Location
- Fort Worth, TX
[X] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
MordredRaal
Agitating
- Pronouns
- She/They
[X] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
- Location
- United States
[x] Redesigned Layout - Redesigning the layout from scratch will be a tedious and lengthy process but would allow for two notable issues to be resolved. The storage issue and vulnerability to internal sabotages. (2 points)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Terminal Guidance System Debugging - The current false alarms in the TGS are dangerous, even if the operator is told of the possibility. As such, it is rather important the cause of this false alarm is determined and the system modified to resolve the problem. (1 point)
[X] Terminal Guidance System Debugging - The current false alarms in the TGS are dangerous, even if the operator is told of the possibility. As such, it is rather important the cause of this false alarm is determined and the system modified to resolve the problem. (1 point)
- Location
- California
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Terminal Guidance System Debugging - The current false alarms in the TGS are dangerous, even if the operator is told of the possibility. As such, it is rather important the cause of this false alarm is determined and the system modified to resolve the problem. (1 point)
[X] Terminal Guidance System Debugging - The current false alarms in the TGS are dangerous, even if the operator is told of the possibility. As such, it is rather important the cause of this false alarm is determined and the system modified to resolve the problem. (1 point)
- Location
- Poland
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Terminal Guidance System Debugging - The current false alarms in the TGS are dangerous, even if the operator is told of the possibility. As such, it is rather important the cause of this false alarm is determined and the system modified to resolve the problem. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Terminal Guidance System Debugging - The current false alarms in the TGS are dangerous, even if the operator is told of the possibility. As such, it is rather important the cause of this false alarm is determined and the system modified to resolve the problem. (1 point)
[X] Terminal Guidance System Debugging - The current false alarms in the TGS are dangerous, even if the operator is told of the possibility. As such, it is rather important the cause of this false alarm is determined and the system modified to resolve the problem. (1 point)
- Location
- USA
[X] Redesigned Layout - Redesigning the layout from scratch will be a tedious and lengthy process but would allow for two notable issues to be resolved. The storage issue and vulnerability to internal sabotages. (2 points)
Imo, the risk of MANPADS on american soil is very limited. Nuclear war or no, Fortress America will stand.
Imo, the risk of MANPADS on american soil is very limited. Nuclear war or no, Fortress America will stand.
[X] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Surge Power Protection - By installing additional batteries, fuses, and electronic monitoring systems, it should be possible to resolve the brownout issues that appear during levels of high power consumption. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)
[X] Generator Rebuild - The need to periodically shut down the generators every three hours presents a notable vulnerability that must be resolved. The cause of the problem is known, but the solution will require some work. (1 point)