Re: Fighters and Hangers

At 7:57 PM +0000 2/26/04, Lachlan Atcliffe wrote:
>Ryan Gill wrote:
>
>The only thing that gets reloaded with big automatic systems is 
>things that are always aligned (missile launch rails) or are easy to 
>get lined up.
>
>Which brings up the interesting question of just what an FT fighter 
>carries, and how it carries it. If, say,  beamer power packs need to 
>be recharged/replaced, or missile pods reloaded, there's no reason 
>why it couldn't be as automated as refuelling - hook fighter to 
>"service cradle", press buttons. Drop the spent item out and route 
>it to Ordinance for reloading/charging, shove a new one in.

One would think, but it depends on the craft itself having a fully 
automatic handling system or something that merely helps it along. 
Hard points for particular types of craft could be used, but you have 
to have a very standarized fighter form and that limits future 
growth. Look at the Standard Series of missiles and limits imposed on 
that system for the Mk26 launcher systems, now apply that same set of 
limits to fighter craft. If the F-14 were tied to a form factor based 
on the initial development of 1950's naval aviation, we'd be nowhere 
near the level of performance for the F18 or the F14s.

One thing that strikes me is that if you have some form of automated 
materials handling system they could be designed to fold out of the 
way (look at the 50's truck mounted cranes vs the newest in 
Microprocesser controlled HIAB cranes) so as to allow the floor space 
to be used by Landing craft, shuttlepods, gigs and fighters. A multi 
purpose system that is built to handle several Standard forms of 
craft could be accommodated to handle a larger craft as need be.

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