Re: [GZG] UNSC Workings

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For what it's worth, I like that the OUDF is the "modular ships"
faction, and I wouldn't want the UNSC to duplicate that.
I like that the UN uses "module" designs for construction purposes, but
once mated the modules are permanent.  In theory,
it would simplify design changes as well.  I like to consider the battle
corvette, deep space explorer, and BC as the first
UNSC designs, followed by the cruisers, and then the new battleships and
DN's.  The old BC fore hull design is most in
need of an upgrade and a new one (possibly with a cruciform more like
the battleships) would see production as soon as
the Kravak threat lessens.  The Lake class destroyers were upgraded by
minor changes to the production fore hull as new
weapons designs came into play (largely to reduce their dependence on
the supply chain for reloads).	The "fleet" upgrades
to grazers (first implemented on the brand new Heavy Cruiser design)
were implemented after the Strike, Escort, and Light
cruiser designs were in production for some time, and the decision was
made to retain the current designs until completely
new fore hulls were warranted (after the BC).

   Most likely, the battle carrier designs developed during the war will
be retired or mothballed shortly after the war ends due
to the very high material and personnel costs to operate them in a
peacetime environment.	The Super Heavy Carrier may be
retained as fleet flagship and propaganda tool though.

________________________________
From: gzg-l-bounces@vermouth.csua.berkeley.edu
[mailto:gzg-l-bounces@vermouth.csua.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Jaime
Tiampo
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2008 3:23 PM
To: gzg-l@vermouth.csua.berkeley.edu
Subject: Re: [GZG] UNSC Workings

Well since I have several UNSC hull sections on the drawing boards and
hopefully built soon (holidays have been getting in my way but I'm still
sketching out on paper ;-) here's my design thoughts.

The current generation of UNSC ships are modular in more looks then
actual construction. They use many of hte same components to keep
construction and dev costs done but they're constructed as a single
ship.

Having learned from the KV invasion and now having to rebuild it's
fleets the UNSC is going to a completely modular construction system
which allows for faster developement and upgrading as well as
decentralised construction.

The first run of these ships will be a new BC class hull developed from
the Point class which will theoretically replace the Luna, Comet and
Star class ships. This class will be completely modular in nature and be
able to fullfil roles ranging from escort duty, system patrol,
exploration, fleet command, planetary assualt depeding what expansion
modules are docked.

Following on is a new DD class hull that will replace ships from DD to
cruiser.

Under developement are new fleet carrier and Super Dreadnaught hulls.

What is likely to be seen is a series of new central hull sections
designed a built as the UNSC refine their new ringed sections ;-)
Slowly down sizing the length of hte wings to decrease their target size
as the ring take over hlding more weapons and sensors.

This kind of construction costs a lot more since each module has to be
more self contained and mating structural members more complex then a
single hull. It does buy you faster upgrading, independant construction
tracks, faster repairs (assuming you are able to keep spare modules in
stock).

It takes only one drink to get me drunk. The trouble is, I can't
remember if it's the thirteenth or the fourteenth.
   George Burns

2008/12/12 Ladue, Grant <ladue@buffalo.edu<mailto:ladue@buffalo.edu>>