Difference between revisions of "Blue Planet weapons data"
MatthTheGeek (talk | contribs) m (tiny fix) |
(VC section added for all entries. Also, this is a Wiki; we don't need so much space between entries, and only names are italicised.) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{BPArticle}} | {{BPArticle}} | ||
| + | :''See also: [[:Category:Blue Planet weapons]]'' | ||
This page references tech room entries and veteran comments for BP weapons that do not have their own BP-specific page, typically retail weapons. | This page references tech room entries and veteran comments for BP weapons that do not have their own BP-specific page, typically retail weapons. | ||
| − | |||
Back to [[Blue Planet Tech Room data]]. | Back to [[Blue Planet Tech Room data]]. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=Weapons= | =Weapons= | ||
| − | === | + | === Terrans === |
==== [[FighterKiller|SGFIM-I]] ==== | ==== [[FighterKiller|SGFIM-I]] ==== | ||
The Standard Guided Fighter Intercept Missile, nicknamed as FighterKiller is a light warship defensive option with minimal cost in heat or power output. 250-round munitions cells grant the SIM excellent endurance, and its munitions can engage targets out to 950 meters. Fire rate is limited to one missile per eight seconds due to ammunition feed issues. | The Standard Guided Fighter Intercept Missile, nicknamed as FighterKiller is a light warship defensive option with minimal cost in heat or power output. 250-round munitions cells grant the SIM excellent endurance, and its munitions can engage targets out to 950 meters. Fire rate is limited to one missile per eight seconds due to ammunition feed issues. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"Houndtooth"'' [[Terran Turret]] ==== | ==== ''"Houndtooth"'' [[Terran Turret]] ==== | ||
Bessimer-Kohn has manufactured countless 'Houndtooth' plasma pulse weapons. Classified as a Light Tactical Engagement System, the Houndtooth is used as a point defense gun and light attack option on Terran warships. It is compact, power efficient, and has excellent thermal characteristics, freeing up energy for subspace drive recharge and other vital functions. It is now being phased out in favor of the Sahr Corporation's pulse weapons. | Bessimer-Kohn has manufactured countless 'Houndtooth' plasma pulse weapons. Classified as a Light Tactical Engagement System, the Houndtooth is used as a point defense gun and light attack option on Terran warships. It is compact, power efficient, and has excellent thermal characteristics, freeing up energy for subspace drive recharge and other vital functions. It is now being phased out in favor of the Sahr Corporation's pulse weapons. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"Djinn"'' [[Terran Huge Turret]] ==== | ==== ''"Djinn"'' [[Terran Huge Turret]] ==== | ||
The Bessimer-Kohn 'Djinn' heavy plasma pulse weapon offers enhanced range and damage at the cost of ROF and projectile speed. Considered long obsolete, the 'Djinn' remains in service only due to its low heat output and cost. Outclassed by modern pulse weapons, the Djinn is emblematic of the economic issues that have rocked the post-Capella GTVA. | The Bessimer-Kohn 'Djinn' heavy plasma pulse weapon offers enhanced range and damage at the cost of ROF and projectile speed. Considered long obsolete, the 'Djinn' remains in service only due to its low heat output and cost. Outclassed by modern pulse weapons, the Djinn is emblematic of the economic issues that have rocked the post-Capella GTVA. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"Catbird"'' Terran Weak Turret ==== | ==== ''"Catbird"'' Terran Weak Turret ==== | ||
A downgraded version of the Houndtooth warship plasma weapon, the Catbird is fitted to ships with power grid or heat sink problems, such as the Charybdis AWACS. Its firepower is inadequate for any conceivable tactical situation except asteroid defense, but funding for a fleet-wide replacement program has yet to materialize. | A downgraded version of the Houndtooth warship plasma weapon, the Catbird is fitted to ships with power grid or heat sink problems, such as the Charybdis AWACS. Its firepower is inadequate for any conceivable tactical situation except asteroid defense, but funding for a fleet-wide replacement program has yet to materialize. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"Phalanx"'' [[AAAf|Antifighter Beam]] ==== | ==== ''"Phalanx"'' [[AAAf|Antifighter Beam]] ==== | ||
A light beam cannon with a fast-rise capacitor system, SPAR optical targeting, and an 1800-meter magnetic bottle, the Phalanx Point Defense Beam System can rapidly and accurately engage incoming fighters and warheads with quick pulses. In warship engagements, it can be fired as a direct beam to supplement main batteries. This weapons system is critical to warship close defense doctrine. | A light beam cannon with a fast-rise capacitor system, SPAR optical targeting, and an 1800-meter magnetic bottle, the Phalanx Point Defense Beam System can rapidly and accurately engage incoming fighters and warheads with quick pulses. In warship engagements, it can be fired as a direct beam to supplement main batteries. This weapons system is critical to warship close defense doctrine. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"Phalanx"'' [[ULTRA Anti-Fighter Beam|Ultra Beam]] ==== | ==== ''"Phalanx"'' [[ULTRA Anti-Fighter Beam|Ultra Beam]] ==== | ||
A GTI modification of the Phalanx antifighter beam, the Phalanx Bravo discards all targeting systems in favor of a supplementary mini-reactor. This gives it greatly enhanced range and rate of fire, but it must be used in conjunction with an outside targeting source like a TAG system. Experimental versions of these weapons with on-board targeting equipment are currently undergoing combat evaluation trials. | A GTI modification of the Phalanx antifighter beam, the Phalanx Bravo discards all targeting systems in favor of a supplementary mini-reactor. This gives it greatly enhanced range and rate of fire, but it must be used in conjunction with an outside targeting source like a TAG system. Experimental versions of these weapons with on-board targeting equipment are currently undergoing combat evaluation trials. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"Forge Dove"'' [[LTerSlash|Light Beam]] ==== | ==== ''"Forge Dove"'' [[LTerSlash|Light Beam]] ==== | ||
Used on the Fenris cruiser, the much-maligned lighter cousin of the Forge Eagle tactical beam is limited by the power grid of the ship that mounts it. Incapable of prolonged individual bursts, it relies on its relatively short recharge time to compensate for its low damage output. The Forge Dove is an unhappy compromise, arguably inferior to the fusion mortar system it is mounted alongside. | Used on the Fenris cruiser, the much-maligned lighter cousin of the Forge Eagle tactical beam is limited by the power grid of the ship that mounts it. Incapable of prolonged individual bursts, it relies on its relatively short recharge time to compensate for its low damage output. The Forge Dove is an unhappy compromise, arguably inferior to the fusion mortar system it is mounted alongside. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"Forge Eagle"'' [[TerSlash|Tactical Beam]] ==== | ==== ''"Forge Eagle"'' [[TerSlash|Tactical Beam]] ==== | ||
The RNI Tactical Beam System, codenamed 'Forge Eagle', is a mid-range tactical plasma beam with an efficiency-boosting twist. It uses a sweeping magnetic bottle to guide a relativistic plasma stream through contained arcs. Although it offers limited hull penetration, it is capable of firing even without accurate targeting solutions. Current GTVA combat doctrine calls for these weapons to be used to disarm or disable enemy vessels quickly. Forge Eagles are used as the main weapons of the flexible Deimos corvette and as a battery weapon on larger warships. | The RNI Tactical Beam System, codenamed 'Forge Eagle', is a mid-range tactical plasma beam with an efficiency-boosting twist. It uses a sweeping magnetic bottle to guide a relativistic plasma stream through contained arcs. Although it offers limited hull penetration, it is capable of firing even without accurate targeting solutions. Current GTVA combat doctrine calls for these weapons to be used to disarm or disable enemy vessels quickly. Forge Eagles are used as the main weapons of the flexible Deimos corvette and as a battery weapon on larger warships. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"Pave Warden"'' [[SGreen|Light Beam]] ==== | ==== ''"Pave Warden"'' [[SGreen|Light Beam]] ==== | ||
The lightest tactical beam in the Terran arsenal, the Subach-Innes Cruiser Engagement System was built small and accurate, but at the cost of rate of fire. Its capacitors' long rise time, coupled with plasma core flow issues, hobble it with a 45-second charge cycle. Its compact mountings allow multiple beams to be fitted even on cruisers. | The lightest tactical beam in the Terran arsenal, the Subach-Innes Cruiser Engagement System was built small and accurate, but at the cost of rate of fire. Its capacitors' long rise time, coupled with plasma core flow issues, hobble it with a 45-second charge cycle. Its compact mountings allow multiple beams to be fitted even on cruisers. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"Crypt Hammer"'' [[BGreen|Heavy Beam]] ==== | ==== ''"Crypt Hammer"'' [[BGreen|Heavy Beam]] ==== | ||
The Subach-Innes Warship Engagement System, codenamed 'Crypt Hammer', was the primary GTVA destroyer beam during the Second Shivan Incursion. Reliable, accurate, easy to maintain, and highly robust, the Crypt Hammer remains a favorite of Terran warship crews. It provides the main tactical power of Orion and Hecate combatants. It has one of the lowest failure rates of any GTVA weapons system, but it produces copious heat and its mountings are bulky. | The Subach-Innes Warship Engagement System, codenamed 'Crypt Hammer', was the primary GTVA destroyer beam during the Second Shivan Incursion. Reliable, accurate, easy to maintain, and highly robust, the Crypt Hammer remains a favorite of Terran warship crews. It provides the main tactical power of Orion and Hecate combatants. It has one of the lowest failure rates of any GTVA weapons system, but it produces copious heat and its mountings are bulky. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[BFGreen|Overloaded]] ''"Crypt Hammer"'' ==== | ==== [[BFGreen|Overloaded]] ''"Crypt Hammer"'' ==== | ||
| Line 54: | Line 63: | ||
During its engagement with the Sathanas juggernaut, the GTVA Colossus overloaded its 'Crypt Hammer' beam emitters, forcing additional power to the magnetic bottle and increasing plasma core feed rates. Overloading beam weapons is not standard practice on GTVA warships, but as confidence in power grid and heat sink handling has increased, trained crews have begun drilling on tactical weapon overloads. This comes at the cost of subspace engine recharge and emitter endurance. | During its engagement with the Sathanas juggernaut, the GTVA Colossus overloaded its 'Crypt Hammer' beam emitters, forcing additional power to the magnetic bottle and increasing plasma core feed rates. Overloading beam weapons is not standard practice on GTVA warships, but as confidence in power grid and heat sink handling has increased, trained crews have begun drilling on tactical weapon overloads. This comes at the cost of subspace engine recharge and emitter endurance. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== ''"[[MjolnirBeam|Mjolnir]]"'' Weapons System ==== | ==== ''"[[MjolnirBeam|Mjolnir]]"'' Weapons System ==== | ||
The devastating RNI Mjolnir Weapons System is powered by an onboard muon-catalyzed fusion reactor. Capable of engaging destroyer-size targets as part of its intended role as a node blockade, the Mjolnir offers devastating firepower but at the cost of limited flexibility. It requires frequent maintenance due to its limited reactant supply and a tendency to burn itself out. | The devastating RNI Mjolnir Weapons System is powered by an onboard muon-catalyzed fusion reactor. Capable of engaging destroyer-size targets as part of its intended role as a node blockade, the Mjolnir offers devastating firepower but at the cost of limited flexibility. It requires frequent maintenance due to its limited reactant supply and a tendency to burn itself out. | ||
| − | + | {{Comment|}} | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| Line 68: | Line 75: | ||
Mekhu Enterprises and the Akheton Corporation collaborated to design Vasudan beam systems, making grim but effective use of hours of scans gathered while the Lucifer bombarded Vasuda Prime. The 221b Beam System is used as a supplementary weapon on Vasudan destroyers, where it has earned high praise - it outperforms even Shivan beam weapons. Unexpected heat issues prevented it from being mounted on Vasudan cruisers, leaving them tremendously anemic against warships. | Mekhu Enterprises and the Akheton Corporation collaborated to design Vasudan beam systems, making grim but effective use of hours of scans gathered while the Lucifer bombarded Vasuda Prime. The 221b Beam System is used as a supplementary weapon on Vasudan destroyers, where it has earned high praise - it outperforms even Shivan beam weapons. Unexpected heat issues prevented it from being mounted on Vasudan cruisers, leaving them tremendously anemic against warships. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[VSlash|Mkh/Akh 183 Beam System]] ==== | ==== [[VSlash|Mkh/Akh 183 Beam System]] ==== | ||
The gap between cruiser-size and destroyer-size beam weapons is large, due to nonlinear scaling of heat sink and power requirements. Corvette-class warships demanded a middle ground. Mekhu Enterprises science teams focused on maximizing beam effect rather than power, using an arcing magnetic bottle to cut a path across the target. Due to Vasudan expertise in power grid design, the 183 outperforms its Terran equivalent by a small margin. The Sobek corvette makes good use of this weapons system. | The gap between cruiser-size and destroyer-size beam weapons is large, due to nonlinear scaling of heat sink and power requirements. Corvette-class warships demanded a middle ground. Mekhu Enterprises science teams focused on maximizing beam effect rather than power, using an arcing magnetic bottle to cut a path across the target. Due to Vasudan expertise in power grid design, the 183 outperforms its Terran equivalent by a small margin. The Sobek corvette makes good use of this weapons system. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[BVas|Mkh/Akh 255a Beam System]] ==== | ==== [[BVas|Mkh/Akh 255a Beam System]] ==== | ||
The Mekhu/Akheton 255a destroyer-mounted heavy beam uses a coaxial sensor suite to analyze debris spall from the target and uses that data to fine-tune beam radius and velocity for maximum effect. This striking piece of technology, later implemented in next-generation beam weapons, was developed by the Akheton Corporation based on systems used in the SDG. Sophisticated but power-hungry, the 255a outperforms its Terran equivalent by a small margin. | The Mekhu/Akheton 255a destroyer-mounted heavy beam uses a coaxial sensor suite to analyze debris spall from the target and uses that data to fine-tune beam radius and velocity for maximum effect. This striking piece of technology, later implemented in next-generation beam weapons, was developed by the Akheton Corporation based on systems used in the SDG. Sophisticated but power-hungry, the 255a outperforms its Terran equivalent by a small margin. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
| − | + | === [[Galactic Terran-Vasudan Alliance]] === | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | === | ||
==== ''"Crow Lash"'' [[Standard Flak|Flak System]] ==== | ==== ''"Crow Lash"'' [[Standard Flak|Flak System]] ==== | ||
The flak gun is a post-Great War innovation and a key element of warship close defense doctrine. Firing caseless, smart-fused, electrically ignited explosive shells at barely subnuclear yields, the flak gun damages targets by fragmentation and blast. Modern flak guns can sustain area suppression barrages for minutes at a time before their ammunition is depleted. Although heat-efficient, flak gun deployment is limited by the need for large ammunition bunkers. One common model is the 'Crow Lash' system, is used on most GTVA warships both Terran and Vasudan. | The flak gun is a post-Great War innovation and a key element of warship close defense doctrine. Firing caseless, smart-fused, electrically ignited explosive shells at barely subnuclear yields, the flak gun damages targets by fragmentation and blast. Modern flak guns can sustain area suppression barrages for minutes at a time before their ammunition is depleted. Although heat-efficient, flak gun deployment is limited by the need for large ammunition bunkers. One common model is the 'Crow Lash' system, is used on most GTVA warships both Terran and Vasudan. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[Fusion Mortar|Fusion Mortar System]] ==== | ==== [[Fusion Mortar|Fusion Mortar System]] ==== | ||
Direct-fire missile launchers firing low-yield fusion torpedoes from thousand-round revolver magazines mounted on some GTVA warships. While these weapon systems have high maintenance requirements, they can provide firepower equivalent to a light beam system with only moderate strain on a ship's power and cooling systems. The Fenris and Leviathan cruisers, as well as the Hatshepsut destroyer, are the most notable warships mounting these. | Direct-fire missile launchers firing low-yield fusion torpedoes from thousand-round revolver magazines mounted on some GTVA warships. While these weapon systems have high maintenance requirements, they can provide firepower equivalent to a light beam system with only moderate strain on a ship's power and cooling systems. The Fenris and Leviathan cruisers, as well as the Hatshepsut destroyer, are the most notable warships mounting these. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
| − | + | === Shivans === | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | === | ||
==== [[Shivan Cluster|Shivan Cluster Missile]] ==== | ==== [[Shivan Cluster|Shivan Cluster Missile]] ==== | ||
Shivan warships and bombers deploy cluster weapons in self defense. Launching multiple heat-seeking submunitions, these weapons appear similar to our own Piranha warheads. The warhead bus produces a shockwave that can be hazardous to nearby craft. The Nahema bomber in particular appears to employ these weapons extensively. | Shivan warships and bombers deploy cluster weapons in self defense. Launching multiple heat-seeking submunitions, these weapons appear similar to our own Piranha warheads. The warhead bus produces a shockwave that can be hazardous to nearby craft. The Nahema bomber in particular appears to employ these weapons extensively. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[Shivan Light Laser]] ==== | ==== [[Shivan Light Laser]] ==== | ||
Shivan weapon systems fire particle bursts with complex effects. Kinetic and thermal damage is the primary means of attack, but the weapons are not of sufficient power to match Alliance fighter-mounted equivalents. Strangely, Shivan weapons appear to contain sophisticated quantum computational systems which allow the burst to be programmed on the atomic level. The resultant attack can actually alter the probabilistic waveforms of baryonic matter and trigger zero-point energy microbursts. This system is used by the UD-8 Kayser to devastating effect. Puzzlingly, however, the system appears to be disabled in Shivan weapons. | Shivan weapon systems fire particle bursts with complex effects. Kinetic and thermal damage is the primary means of attack, but the weapons are not of sufficient power to match Alliance fighter-mounted equivalents. Strangely, Shivan weapons appear to contain sophisticated quantum computational systems which allow the burst to be programmed on the atomic level. The resultant attack can actually alter the probabilistic waveforms of baryonic matter and trigger zero-point energy microbursts. This system is used by the UD-8 Kayser to devastating effect. Puzzlingly, however, the system appears to be disabled in Shivan weapons. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[Shivan Heavy Laser]] ==== | ==== [[Shivan Heavy Laser]] ==== | ||
Shivan fighter weapons are qualitatively inferior in performance to their Alliance counterparts. Yet analysis of captured specimens has revealed that these weapons are incredibly sophisticated on the technological level, capable of yields that match or exceed the GTVA's best weapons systems. Why are Shivan weapons performing below their maximum specification? Some have postulated that the Shivans are intentionally holding back, but the merciless nature of the past two Shivan incursions renders this hypothesis unlikely. GTVI analysis continues. | Shivan fighter weapons are qualitatively inferior in performance to their Alliance counterparts. Yet analysis of captured specimens has revealed that these weapons are incredibly sophisticated on the technological level, capable of yields that match or exceed the GTVA's best weapons systems. Why are Shivan weapons performing below their maximum specification? Some have postulated that the Shivans are intentionally holding back, but the merciless nature of the past two Shivan incursions renders this hypothesis unlikely. GTVI analysis continues. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[Shivan Mega Laser]] ==== | ==== [[Shivan Mega Laser]] ==== | ||
In recent years, elements of GTVI have suggested that the unused capabilities of Shivan weapons systems are analogous to the stretches of noncoding DNA present in the human and Vasudan genomes. In this hypothesis, the excess capabilities of Shivan weapons technologies are latent, awaiting a selective pressure that will activate them. Yet the Shivans clearly display intelligent, goal-directed behavior - why would they build weapons and then find themselves unable to use them to their full potential? This apparent paradox has yet to be resolved. | In recent years, elements of GTVI have suggested that the unused capabilities of Shivan weapons systems are analogous to the stretches of noncoding DNA present in the human and Vasudan genomes. In this hypothesis, the excess capabilities of Shivan weapons technologies are latent, awaiting a selective pressure that will activate them. Yet the Shivans clearly display intelligent, goal-directed behavior - why would they build weapons and then find themselves unable to use them to their full potential? This apparent paradox has yet to be resolved. | ||
| − | |||
==== [[Shivan Turret Laser|Shivan Point Defense Laser]] ==== | ==== [[Shivan Turret Laser|Shivan Point Defense Laser]] ==== | ||
The Shivans' primary turret weapons system outperforms its Terran counterpart, the Houndtooth, in most respects. Shivan warships deploy this weapons system against incoming bombs, as a deterrent to fighters, and against hostile warships. GTVA scientists have yet to replicate the finesse of the manufacturing techniques used in this weapon. | The Shivans' primary turret weapons system outperforms its Terran counterpart, the Houndtooth, in most respects. Shivan warships deploy this weapons system against incoming bombs, as a deterrent to fighters, and against hostile warships. GTVA scientists have yet to replicate the finesse of the manufacturing techniques used in this weapon. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[Shivan Weak Turret Laser|Shivan Weak Point Defense Laser]] ==== | ==== [[Shivan Weak Turret Laser|Shivan Weak Point Defense Laser]] ==== | ||
Like Allied vessels, Shivan ships seem to pay careful attention to power usage and heat regulation. This light point defense laser places minimal strain on power grids or heat sinks. It is unclear whether Shivan technology is in fact limited by these constraints, or whether Allied forces have simply yet to encounter top-of-the-line Shivan weapons. | Like Allied vessels, Shivan ships seem to pay careful attention to power usage and heat regulation. This light point defense laser places minimal strain on power grids or heat sinks. It is unclear whether Shivan technology is in fact limited by these constraints, or whether Allied forces have simply yet to encounter top-of-the-line Shivan weapons. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[Shivan Megafunk Turret|Shivan Assault Plasma System]] ==== | ==== [[Shivan Megafunk Turret|Shivan Assault Plasma System]] ==== | ||
Firing excited plasma drawn directly from onboard reactors and barely confined by a projected magnetic bottle, this massive turret weapon is a serious threat to unshielded targets. Loose bolt cohesion, and the slow travel speed necessitated by the turret's magnetic manipulation, lessen its effectiveness against well-shielded or agile targets. GTI analysts have suggested that these weapons may be downgraded or crippled versions of Shivan beam weapons - begging the question of why they appeared in the Great War. | Firing excited plasma drawn directly from onboard reactors and barely confined by a projected magnetic bottle, this massive turret weapon is a serious threat to unshielded targets. Loose bolt cohesion, and the slow travel speed necessitated by the turret's magnetic manipulation, lessen its effectiveness against well-shielded or agile targets. GTI analysts have suggested that these weapons may be downgraded or crippled versions of Shivan beam weapons - begging the question of why they appeared in the Great War. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[SAAA|Shivan Antifighter Beam]] ==== | ==== [[SAAA|Shivan Antifighter Beam]] ==== | ||
Anti-fighter beams were developed after the Great War, a result of improvements in magnetic bottle technology and low-rise-time capacitors. Why did the Shivans of the Second Incursion suddenly possess this technology? Did they develop it in parallel? Why does Shivan technology display such inconsistent levels of sophistication? These questions remain unanswered. The Shivan anti-fighter weapons system is capable of near-continuous fire at slightly reduced energy levels compared to its GTVA equivalent. | Anti-fighter beams were developed after the Great War, a result of improvements in magnetic bottle technology and low-rise-time capacitors. Why did the Shivans of the Second Incursion suddenly possess this technology? Did they develop it in parallel? Why does Shivan technology display such inconsistent levels of sophistication? These questions remain unanswered. The Shivan anti-fighter weapons system is capable of near-continuous fire at slightly reduced energy levels compared to its GTVA equivalent. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[Shivan Super Laser]] ==== | ==== [[Shivan Super Laser]] ==== | ||
The Lucifer's primary weapon systems were later identified as beam cannons of immense power. Driven by five onboard reactors, these weapons made short work of Allied warships. Tragically, they could also be adapted to fire on planetary targets for hours at a time, a task at which they excelled. | The Lucifer's primary weapon systems were later identified as beam cannons of immense power. Driven by five onboard reactors, these weapons made short work of Allied warships. Tragically, they could also be adapted to fire on planetary targets for hours at a time, a task at which they excelled. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[SRed|Shivan Light Beam Cannon]] ==== | ==== [[SRed|Shivan Light Beam Cannon]] ==== | ||
Alliance beam cannons were reverse-engineered from scans of the Lucifer. Shivan beam weapons systems continue to outperform them, offering comparable or superior firepower with reduced power drain and heat output. This beam cannon is a cruiser-grade weapons system used for direct-fire engagement of hostile targets. It is a serious but not overwhelming threat to Allied warships. Pilots who see a charging beam should break to avoid its path. | Alliance beam cannons were reverse-engineered from scans of the Lucifer. Shivan beam weapons systems continue to outperform them, offering comparable or superior firepower with reduced power drain and heat output. This beam cannon is a cruiser-grade weapons system used for direct-fire engagement of hostile targets. It is a serious but not overwhelming threat to Allied warships. Pilots who see a charging beam should break to avoid its path. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[LRed|Shivan Heavy Beam Cannon]] ==== | ==== [[LRed|Shivan Heavy Beam Cannon]] ==== | ||
The hellishly powerful Shivan destroyer-grade beam system annihilates layers of collapsed molybdenum armor with contemptuous ease. Firing a jet of tightly contained plasma at relativistic velocities, this beam system overmatches any warship in the GTVA arsenal. The heavy beam cannon is integral to Shivan shock-jump tactics, and provides a near-insurmountable advantage in line engagements. It is capable of near-continuous fire, and yet, frighteningly, its power requirements are so low that it can be mounted on modified cruisers. Ships carrying these weapons should be considered priority targets for disarming strikes. | The hellishly powerful Shivan destroyer-grade beam system annihilates layers of collapsed molybdenum armor with contemptuous ease. Firing a jet of tightly contained plasma at relativistic velocities, this beam system overmatches any warship in the GTVA arsenal. The heavy beam cannon is integral to Shivan shock-jump tactics, and provides a near-insurmountable advantage in line engagements. It is capable of near-continuous fire, and yet, frighteningly, its power requirements are so low that it can be mounted on modified cruisers. Ships carrying these weapons should be considered priority targets for disarming strikes. | ||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
==== [[BFRed|Shivan Juggernaut Beam Cannon]] ==== | ==== [[BFRed|Shivan Juggernaut Beam Cannon]] ==== | ||
Alliance analysts have no explanation for this weapons system. The Sathanas' main beam cannons discharge kilotons of magnetically confined plasma at .9998 lightspeed. They are capable of continuous fire without overheating. It is unclear where the heat goes, leading GTI analysts to the unsettling conclusion that these weapons are not compatible with thermodynamics as we understand it. It is possible that waste heat is somehow shunted into subspace, or that the Shivans use quantum sleight-of-hand to process the heat out of local space. No allied warship can survive engagement with one of these weapons. Current GTVA tactical doctrine calls for concentrated bomber strikes to destroy these weapons before they can be brought to bear on allied capital ships. | Alliance analysts have no explanation for this weapons system. The Sathanas' main beam cannons discharge kilotons of magnetically confined plasma at .9998 lightspeed. They are capable of continuous fire without overheating. It is unclear where the heat goes, leading GTI analysts to the unsettling conclusion that these weapons are not compatible with thermodynamics as we understand it. It is possible that waste heat is somehow shunted into subspace, or that the Shivans use quantum sleight-of-hand to process the heat out of local space. No allied warship can survive engagement with one of these weapons. Current GTVA tactical doctrine calls for concentrated bomber strikes to destroy these weapons before they can be brought to bear on allied capital ships. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Comment|}} | ||
| + | |||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Revision as of 17:36, 13 September 2012
| The following information has not been confirmed by Volition and is therefore not canon for the FreeSpace universe. |
|---|
- See also: Category:Blue Planet weapons
This page references tech room entries and veteran comments for BP weapons that do not have their own BP-specific page, typically retail weapons.
Back to Blue Planet Tech Room data.
Contents
- 1 Weapons
- 1.1 Terrans
- 1.1.1 SGFIM-I
- 1.1.2 "Houndtooth" Terran Turret
- 1.1.3 "Djinn" Terran Huge Turret
- 1.1.4 "Catbird" Terran Weak Turret
- 1.1.5 "Phalanx" Antifighter Beam
- 1.1.6 "Phalanx" Ultra Beam
- 1.1.7 "Forge Dove" Light Beam
- 1.1.8 "Forge Eagle" Tactical Beam
- 1.1.9 "Pave Warden" Light Beam
- 1.1.10 "Crypt Hammer" Heavy Beam
- 1.1.11 Overloaded "Crypt Hammer"
- 1.1.12 "Mjolnir" Weapons System
- 1.2 Vasudans
- 1.3 Galactic Terran-Vasudan Alliance
- 1.4 Shivans
- 1.4.1 Shivan Cluster Missile
- 1.4.2 Shivan Light Laser
- 1.4.3 Shivan Heavy Laser
- 1.4.4 Shivan Mega Laser
- 1.4.5 Shivan Point Defense Laser
- 1.4.6 Shivan Weak Point Defense Laser
- 1.4.7 Shivan Assault Plasma System
- 1.4.8 Shivan Antifighter Beam
- 1.4.9 Shivan Super Laser
- 1.4.10 Shivan Light Beam Cannon
- 1.4.11 Shivan Heavy Beam Cannon
- 1.4.12 Shivan Juggernaut Beam Cannon
- 1.1 Terrans
Weapons
Terrans
SGFIM-I
The Standard Guided Fighter Intercept Missile, nicknamed as FighterKiller is a light warship defensive option with minimal cost in heat or power output. 250-round munitions cells grant the SIM excellent endurance, and its munitions can engage targets out to 950 meters. Fire rate is limited to one missile per eight seconds due to ammunition feed issues.
"Houndtooth" Terran Turret
Bessimer-Kohn has manufactured countless 'Houndtooth' plasma pulse weapons. Classified as a Light Tactical Engagement System, the Houndtooth is used as a point defense gun and light attack option on Terran warships. It is compact, power efficient, and has excellent thermal characteristics, freeing up energy for subspace drive recharge and other vital functions. It is now being phased out in favor of the Sahr Corporation's pulse weapons.
"Djinn" Terran Huge Turret
The Bessimer-Kohn 'Djinn' heavy plasma pulse weapon offers enhanced range and damage at the cost of ROF and projectile speed. Considered long obsolete, the 'Djinn' remains in service only due to its low heat output and cost. Outclassed by modern pulse weapons, the Djinn is emblematic of the economic issues that have rocked the post-Capella GTVA.
"Catbird" Terran Weak Turret
A downgraded version of the Houndtooth warship plasma weapon, the Catbird is fitted to ships with power grid or heat sink problems, such as the Charybdis AWACS. Its firepower is inadequate for any conceivable tactical situation except asteroid defense, but funding for a fleet-wide replacement program has yet to materialize.
"Phalanx" Antifighter Beam
A light beam cannon with a fast-rise capacitor system, SPAR optical targeting, and an 1800-meter magnetic bottle, the Phalanx Point Defense Beam System can rapidly and accurately engage incoming fighters and warheads with quick pulses. In warship engagements, it can be fired as a direct beam to supplement main batteries. This weapons system is critical to warship close defense doctrine.
"Phalanx" Ultra Beam
A GTI modification of the Phalanx antifighter beam, the Phalanx Bravo discards all targeting systems in favor of a supplementary mini-reactor. This gives it greatly enhanced range and rate of fire, but it must be used in conjunction with an outside targeting source like a TAG system. Experimental versions of these weapons with on-board targeting equipment are currently undergoing combat evaluation trials.
"Forge Dove" Light Beam
Used on the Fenris cruiser, the much-maligned lighter cousin of the Forge Eagle tactical beam is limited by the power grid of the ship that mounts it. Incapable of prolonged individual bursts, it relies on its relatively short recharge time to compensate for its low damage output. The Forge Dove is an unhappy compromise, arguably inferior to the fusion mortar system it is mounted alongside.
"Forge Eagle" Tactical Beam
The RNI Tactical Beam System, codenamed 'Forge Eagle', is a mid-range tactical plasma beam with an efficiency-boosting twist. It uses a sweeping magnetic bottle to guide a relativistic plasma stream through contained arcs. Although it offers limited hull penetration, it is capable of firing even without accurate targeting solutions. Current GTVA combat doctrine calls for these weapons to be used to disarm or disable enemy vessels quickly. Forge Eagles are used as the main weapons of the flexible Deimos corvette and as a battery weapon on larger warships.
"Pave Warden" Light Beam
The lightest tactical beam in the Terran arsenal, the Subach-Innes Cruiser Engagement System was built small and accurate, but at the cost of rate of fire. Its capacitors' long rise time, coupled with plasma core flow issues, hobble it with a 45-second charge cycle. Its compact mountings allow multiple beams to be fitted even on cruisers.
"Crypt Hammer" Heavy Beam
The Subach-Innes Warship Engagement System, codenamed 'Crypt Hammer', was the primary GTVA destroyer beam during the Second Shivan Incursion. Reliable, accurate, easy to maintain, and highly robust, the Crypt Hammer remains a favorite of Terran warship crews. It provides the main tactical power of Orion and Hecate combatants. It has one of the lowest failure rates of any GTVA weapons system, but it produces copious heat and its mountings are bulky.
Overloaded "Crypt Hammer"
- See also: LRBGreen
During its engagement with the Sathanas juggernaut, the GTVA Colossus overloaded its 'Crypt Hammer' beam emitters, forcing additional power to the magnetic bottle and increasing plasma core feed rates. Overloading beam weapons is not standard practice on GTVA warships, but as confidence in power grid and heat sink handling has increased, trained crews have begun drilling on tactical weapon overloads. This comes at the cost of subspace engine recharge and emitter endurance.
"Mjolnir" Weapons System
The devastating RNI Mjolnir Weapons System is powered by an onboard muon-catalyzed fusion reactor. Capable of engaging destroyer-size targets as part of its intended role as a node blockade, the Mjolnir offers devastating firepower but at the cost of limited flexibility. It requires frequent maintenance due to its limited reactant supply and a tendency to burn itself out.
Vasudans
Mkh/Akh 121b Beam System
Mekhu Enterprises and the Akheton Corporation collaborated to design Vasudan beam systems, making grim but effective use of hours of scans gathered while the Lucifer bombarded Vasuda Prime. The 221b Beam System is used as a supplementary weapon on Vasudan destroyers, where it has earned high praise - it outperforms even Shivan beam weapons. Unexpected heat issues prevented it from being mounted on Vasudan cruisers, leaving them tremendously anemic against warships.
Mkh/Akh 183 Beam System
The gap between cruiser-size and destroyer-size beam weapons is large, due to nonlinear scaling of heat sink and power requirements. Corvette-class warships demanded a middle ground. Mekhu Enterprises science teams focused on maximizing beam effect rather than power, using an arcing magnetic bottle to cut a path across the target. Due to Vasudan expertise in power grid design, the 183 outperforms its Terran equivalent by a small margin. The Sobek corvette makes good use of this weapons system.
Mkh/Akh 255a Beam System
The Mekhu/Akheton 255a destroyer-mounted heavy beam uses a coaxial sensor suite to analyze debris spall from the target and uses that data to fine-tune beam radius and velocity for maximum effect. This striking piece of technology, later implemented in next-generation beam weapons, was developed by the Akheton Corporation based on systems used in the SDG. Sophisticated but power-hungry, the 255a outperforms its Terran equivalent by a small margin.
Galactic Terran-Vasudan Alliance
"Crow Lash" Flak System
The flak gun is a post-Great War innovation and a key element of warship close defense doctrine. Firing caseless, smart-fused, electrically ignited explosive shells at barely subnuclear yields, the flak gun damages targets by fragmentation and blast. Modern flak guns can sustain area suppression barrages for minutes at a time before their ammunition is depleted. Although heat-efficient, flak gun deployment is limited by the need for large ammunition bunkers. One common model is the 'Crow Lash' system, is used on most GTVA warships both Terran and Vasudan.
Fusion Mortar System
Direct-fire missile launchers firing low-yield fusion torpedoes from thousand-round revolver magazines mounted on some GTVA warships. While these weapon systems have high maintenance requirements, they can provide firepower equivalent to a light beam system with only moderate strain on a ship's power and cooling systems. The Fenris and Leviathan cruisers, as well as the Hatshepsut destroyer, are the most notable warships mounting these.
Shivans
Shivan Cluster Missile
Shivan warships and bombers deploy cluster weapons in self defense. Launching multiple heat-seeking submunitions, these weapons appear similar to our own Piranha warheads. The warhead bus produces a shockwave that can be hazardous to nearby craft. The Nahema bomber in particular appears to employ these weapons extensively.
Shivan Light Laser
Shivan weapon systems fire particle bursts with complex effects. Kinetic and thermal damage is the primary means of attack, but the weapons are not of sufficient power to match Alliance fighter-mounted equivalents. Strangely, Shivan weapons appear to contain sophisticated quantum computational systems which allow the burst to be programmed on the atomic level. The resultant attack can actually alter the probabilistic waveforms of baryonic matter and trigger zero-point energy microbursts. This system is used by the UD-8 Kayser to devastating effect. Puzzlingly, however, the system appears to be disabled in Shivan weapons.
Shivan Heavy Laser
Shivan fighter weapons are qualitatively inferior in performance to their Alliance counterparts. Yet analysis of captured specimens has revealed that these weapons are incredibly sophisticated on the technological level, capable of yields that match or exceed the GTVA's best weapons systems. Why are Shivan weapons performing below their maximum specification? Some have postulated that the Shivans are intentionally holding back, but the merciless nature of the past two Shivan incursions renders this hypothesis unlikely. GTVI analysis continues.
Shivan Mega Laser
In recent years, elements of GTVI have suggested that the unused capabilities of Shivan weapons systems are analogous to the stretches of noncoding DNA present in the human and Vasudan genomes. In this hypothesis, the excess capabilities of Shivan weapons technologies are latent, awaiting a selective pressure that will activate them. Yet the Shivans clearly display intelligent, goal-directed behavior - why would they build weapons and then find themselves unable to use them to their full potential? This apparent paradox has yet to be resolved.
Shivan Point Defense Laser
The Shivans' primary turret weapons system outperforms its Terran counterpart, the Houndtooth, in most respects. Shivan warships deploy this weapons system against incoming bombs, as a deterrent to fighters, and against hostile warships. GTVA scientists have yet to replicate the finesse of the manufacturing techniques used in this weapon.
Shivan Weak Point Defense Laser
Like Allied vessels, Shivan ships seem to pay careful attention to power usage and heat regulation. This light point defense laser places minimal strain on power grids or heat sinks. It is unclear whether Shivan technology is in fact limited by these constraints, or whether Allied forces have simply yet to encounter top-of-the-line Shivan weapons.
Shivan Assault Plasma System
Firing excited plasma drawn directly from onboard reactors and barely confined by a projected magnetic bottle, this massive turret weapon is a serious threat to unshielded targets. Loose bolt cohesion, and the slow travel speed necessitated by the turret's magnetic manipulation, lessen its effectiveness against well-shielded or agile targets. GTI analysts have suggested that these weapons may be downgraded or crippled versions of Shivan beam weapons - begging the question of why they appeared in the Great War.
Shivan Antifighter Beam
Anti-fighter beams were developed after the Great War, a result of improvements in magnetic bottle technology and low-rise-time capacitors. Why did the Shivans of the Second Incursion suddenly possess this technology? Did they develop it in parallel? Why does Shivan technology display such inconsistent levels of sophistication? These questions remain unanswered. The Shivan anti-fighter weapons system is capable of near-continuous fire at slightly reduced energy levels compared to its GTVA equivalent.
Shivan Super Laser
The Lucifer's primary weapon systems were later identified as beam cannons of immense power. Driven by five onboard reactors, these weapons made short work of Allied warships. Tragically, they could also be adapted to fire on planetary targets for hours at a time, a task at which they excelled.
Shivan Light Beam Cannon
Alliance beam cannons were reverse-engineered from scans of the Lucifer. Shivan beam weapons systems continue to outperform them, offering comparable or superior firepower with reduced power drain and heat output. This beam cannon is a cruiser-grade weapons system used for direct-fire engagement of hostile targets. It is a serious but not overwhelming threat to Allied warships. Pilots who see a charging beam should break to avoid its path.
Shivan Heavy Beam Cannon
The hellishly powerful Shivan destroyer-grade beam system annihilates layers of collapsed molybdenum armor with contemptuous ease. Firing a jet of tightly contained plasma at relativistic velocities, this beam system overmatches any warship in the GTVA arsenal. The heavy beam cannon is integral to Shivan shock-jump tactics, and provides a near-insurmountable advantage in line engagements. It is capable of near-continuous fire, and yet, frighteningly, its power requirements are so low that it can be mounted on modified cruisers. Ships carrying these weapons should be considered priority targets for disarming strikes.
Shivan Juggernaut Beam Cannon
Alliance analysts have no explanation for this weapons system. The Sathanas' main beam cannons discharge kilotons of magnetically confined plasma at .9998 lightspeed. They are capable of continuous fire without overheating. It is unclear where the heat goes, leading GTI analysts to the unsettling conclusion that these weapons are not compatible with thermodynamics as we understand it. It is possible that waste heat is somehow shunted into subspace, or that the Shivans use quantum sleight-of-hand to process the heat out of local space. No allied warship can survive engagement with one of these weapons. Current GTVA tactical doctrine calls for concentrated bomber strikes to destroy these weapons before they can be brought to bear on allied capital ships.
