RFP: Fox redesign

[Cannonshop]

This is for story purposes.  In the 3030s and 3040s, the FedCom gained an...advisor of sorts, one with extensive knowledge of what works, what has worked, and what absolutely did NOT work in terms of naval warfare in the age of Warships.

This advisor's perspective was first-person, largely, and they're ancient enough to remember the Amaris war as a participant.

this advisor poked holes in the defects of the Fox class Corvette, and made possible the removal of a few barriers that happened in the Canon, including engine availability thanks to who was with them.

Now, here's the thing: I'm not SUPER clear on what the changes actually led to, other than it kept the 5 collars and tonnage of the original design.

So...what does the Completed Fox class corvette look like in 3050?  assume four examples have been built, and that they have somewhat smaller escorting units that are not jumpships, and are armed with capital weapons (while being much smaller hulls).

best example gets fanonized in the story itself.

[Andras]

I posted one before, replace the NAC10s with NL45/NL55 pairs (which it already had.) I added extra broadside to give it a 4 gun 20(200) NL battery in every arc.

100% HS coverage +12 extra for AMS


To save space I'll summarize the weapons:
4 gun battery of NL45 and NL55 pairs in each arc
4 LgPL and 12 AMS in each cardinal arc
12 MedPulse and 2 Barracuda tubes in each corner arc

Code: [Select]

Class/Model/Name: Fox (NL)
Tech: Inner Sphere
Ship Cost: $19,450,518,004.00
Magazine Cost: $640,000.00
BV2: 41,516

Mass: 235,000
K-F Drive System: Compact with L-F Battery
Power Plant: Maneuvering Drive
Safe Thrust: 3
Maximum Thrust: 5
Armor Type: Lamellor Ferro-Carbide
Armament:
16 Naval Laser 55
16 Naval Laser 45
8 Capital Launcher Barracuda
48 AMS (IS)
16 Laser Large Pulse (IS)
48 Laser Medium Pulse (IS)

Equipment: Mass
Drive: 42,300.00
Thrust
Safe: 3
Maximum: 5
Controls: 588.00
K-F Hyperdrive: Compact with L-F Battery (7 Integrity) 108,688.00
Jump Sail: (4 Integrity) 42.00
Structural Integrity: 100 23,500.00
Total Heat Sinks: 1492(2984) Double 1,157.00
Fuel & Fuel Pumps: 25000 points 5,100.00
Fire Control Computers: 0.00
Armor: 624 pts Lamellor Ferro-Carbide 470.00
Fore: 104
Fore-Left/Right: 104/104
Aft-Left/Right: 104/104
Aft: 104

Dropship Capacity: 5 5,000.00
Grav Decks:
Small: 1 50.00

Life Boats: 11 77.00

Crew And Passengers:
25 Officers in 1st Class Quarters 250.00
67 Crew in 2nd Class Quarters 469.00
51 Gunners and Others in 2nd Class Quarters 357.00
34 Bay Personnel 0.00

Fighters: 12 (6 doors)
Small Craft:2 (2 doors)
Cargo:9000t (3 doors)

Ammo Rounds Mass
Capital Launcher Barracuda Ammo 80 2,400.00
AMS (IS) Ammo 4800 400.00


[Smegish]

Well, I shaved down the fuel supply a little to 4000 tons, cut the SI back a touch as I didn't see why a troop transport with guns needs more SI than a McKenna, upgraded the armour to Ferro-Carbide (same armour points just slightly rearranged) and stripped the NAC/10s and Barracudas to save weight. Let the Sampans carry the missile tubes.
 
I spent that weight on 3 twin MNPPC mounts, one on the nose and the others mounted on each broadside, standardised the Naval Laser mounts to NL/45s, and gave it 2 twin mounts on each facing for a total of 24 guns. Each facing also has quad LPLs and an octuple AMS mount with 10 tons of ammo for each AMS to ensure you will either win or die before they go dry.

I also tripled the Fighter Bays, so it doubles the fighter support the RCT it's carrying can rely on. All that and it still increased the cargo capacity a touch.

Code: [Select]

Class/Model/Name: Fox (Corvette)
Tech: Inner Sphere
Ship Cost: $8,649,290,400.00
Magazine Cost: $0.00
BV2: 37,346

Mass: 240,000
K-F Drive System: Compact
Power Plant: Maneuvering Drive
Safe Thrust: 3
Maximum Thrust: 5
Armor Type: Ferro-Carbide
Armament:
6 Naval PPC Medium
24 Laser Large Pulse (IS)
48 AMS (IS)
24 Naval Laser 45

Class/Model/Name: Fox (Corvette)
Mass: 240,000

Equipment: Mass
Drive: 43,200.00
Thrust
Safe: 3
Maximum: 5
Controls: 600.00
K-F Hyperdrive: Compact (7 Integrity) 108,600.00
Jump Sail: (4 Integrity) 42.00
Structural Integrity: 80 19,200.00
Total Heat Sinks: 1389(2778) Double 1,051.00
Fuel & Fuel Pumps: 20000 points 4,080.00
Fire Control Computers: 0.00
Armor: 376 pts Ferro-Carbide 328.00
Fore: 70
Fore-Left/Right: 62/62
Aft-Left/Right: 61/61
Aft: 60

Dropship Capacity: 5 5,000.00
Grav Decks:
Small: 1 50.00
Medium: 0.00
Large: 0.00
Escape Pods: 0 0.00
Life Boats: 20 140.00

Crew And Passengers:
22 Officers in 2nd Class Quarters 154.00
71 Crew in Steerage Quarters 355.00
34 Gunners and Others in Steerage Quarters 170.00
92 Bay Personnel 0.00

Fighter Bays (36) - 6 Doors
Small Craft (4) - 1 Door
Cargo (18158 tons) - 1 Door

[Lagrange]

According to MML, there is a tricky problem: zero capital weapons are available in 3050. 

Looking closely at the Fox, it's really a military dropship escort.  To better support this, you can up-engine the design with the tonnage freed by skipping capital weapons.  With a move of 5/8, the Fox can keep up with anything short of an assault dropship and when capital weapons come online it will be able to maintain enough distance to not come under the big guns. 

To replace the lost big guns, an array of standard weapons are used.   The mainstay here is gauss guns which provide significant damage individually and function well if the Fox is in a high speed engagement.  A twin mount of light gauss guns provides the ability to target enemies at extreme range, and a twin mount of ERPPCs provide the ability to target enemies without using ammunition.  Altogether, these weapons provide a damage profile which rivals the missing capital weapons, although inevitably lacking range.

Complementing the offensive weapons are a blanket of AMS capable of knocking out Killer Whale missiles with significant ammo reserves.  Aside from protecting the Fox itself, these also provide protection to escorted dropships.  Since the heat sinks easily cover all weapons firing, there is a significant reserve capacity to eliminate a large number of missiles.

Further offensive and defensive firepower are provided by a Vengeance-scale fighter complement, triple the original.  (Yep, Smegish is right.)  Fighters are very flexible, they:

• significantly extend the range of combat, making up for the lack of capital weapons.
• provide further defense and distraction when the Fox comes under attack.
• provide another means to assist escorted dropships.
• can provide assistance to ground combat forces.

Aside from this, a company of marines is added to provide basic security.  All personnel are provided at least steerage quarters to assist long duration travel, and fuel reserves are increased to 8000 tons.  To further support dropships and ground forces satellite imagers and a naval comm-scanner provide ample sensory capability.

Some tonnage to support these changes is freed up by slightly reducing the structural integrity (from 100 to 90).  In combination with the increased speed and fighter complement, this should still result in net gain for survivability.  Cargo is slightly reduced, but ample stores remain to support the Fox and escorted dropships over half-year missions.

Code: [Select]

Fox Corvette (3050)
Mass: 240,000 tons
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Advanced)
Introduced: 3050
Mass: 240,000
Battle Value: 10,432
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-F-F
Cost: 19,510,386,000 C-bills

Fuel: 8,000 tons (40,000)
Safe Thrust: 5
Maximum Thrust: 8
Sail Integrity: 4
KF Drive Integrity: 7
Heat Sinks: 424 (848)
Structural Integrity: 90

Armor
    Nose: 51
    Fore Sides: 52/52
    Aft Sides: 53/53
    Aft: 52

Cargo
    Bay 1:  Small Craft (6)         1 Door   
    Bay 2:  Fighter (36)            6 Doors   
    Bay 3:  Cargo (11021.5 tons)    1 Door   

Ammunition:
    1,536 rounds of Gauss Rifle [IS] ammunition (4 tons),
    1,920 rounds of Anti-Missile System [IS] ammunition (4 tons),
    640 rounds of Light Gauss Rifle ammunition (4 tons)

Dropship Capacity: 5
Grav Decks: 1 (112 m)
Escape Pods: 12
Life Boats: 12
Crew:  22 officers, 77 enlisted/non-rated, 31 gunners, 102 bay personnel, 28 BA marines

Notes: Equipped with
    lithium-fusion battery system
    1 Naval Comm-Scanner Suite (Small)
    1 Satellite Imager [Look-Down Radar]
    1 Satellite Imager [Hyperspectral Imager]
    1 Space Mine Dispenser
432 tons of standard aerospace armor.

Weapons:                                       Capital Attack Values (Standard)
Arc (Heat)                                 Heat  SRV     MRV     LRV      ERV    Class       
Nose (12 Heat)
12 Anti-Missile System                     12   4(36)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (480 shots)
FRS/FLS (48 Heat)
2 ER PPC                                   30   2(20)   2(20)   2(20)     0(0)   PPC         
16 Gauss Rifle                             18   26(256) 26(256) 26(256)  2(16)   AC         
    2 Light Gauss Rifle
    Gauss Rifle Ammo [IS] (384 shots)
    Light Gauss Rifle Ammo (160 shots)
RBS/LBS (12 Heat)
12 Anti-Missile System                     12   4(36)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (480 shots)
ARS/ALS (48 Heat)
2 ER PPC                                   30   2(20)   2(20)   2(20)     0(0)   PPC         
16 Gauss Rifle                             18   26(256) 26(256) 26(256)  2(16)   AC         
    2 Light Gauss Rifle
    Gauss Rifle Ammo [IS] (384 shots)
    Light Gauss Rifle Ammo (160 shots)
Aft (12 Heat)
12 Anti-Missile System                     12   4(36)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (480 shots)


[wolfgar]

i believe we're waving the problem of the "No cap weapons before 3050" That said, this is my attempt, a bit more ballanced towards chase them down and give them a broadside or three.

Code: [Select]

Fox Corvette  Ngo
Mass: 240,000 tons
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Advanced)
Introduced: 3057
Mass: 240,000
Battle Value: 33,650
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-E-F
Cost: 19,380,628,000 C-bills

Fuel: 6,000 tons (30,000)
Safe Thrust: 3
Maximum Thrust: 5
Sail Integrity: 4
KF Drive Integrity: 7
Heat Sinks: 1050 (2100)
Structural Integrity: 100

Armor
    Nose: 94
    Fore Sides: 80/80
    Aft Sides: 71/71
    Aft: 48

Cargo
    Bay 1:  Small Craft (2)         1 Door   
    Bay 2:  Fighter (12)            6 Doors   
    Bay 3:  Cargo (19687.0 tons)    1 Door   

Ammunition:
    80 rounds of Barracuda ammunition (2,400 tons)

Dropship Capacity: 5
Grav Decks: 1 (95 m)
Escape Pods: 25
Life Boats: 0
Crew:  23 officers, 70 enlisted/non-rated, 42 gunners, 34 bay personnel

Notes: Equipped with
    lithium-fusion battery system
480 tons of improved ferro-aluminum armor.

Weapons:                                    Capital Attack Values (Standard)
Arc (Heat)                              Heat  SRV     MRV     LRV      ERV    Class       
Nose (58 Heat)
1 Capital Missile Launcher (Barracuda)  10   2(20)   2(20)   2(20)    2(20)   Capital Missile
    Barracuda Ammo (10 shots)
4 Large Pulse Laser                     40   4(36)   4(36)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense
FRS/FLS (193 Heat)
1 Naval Laser 55                        155  10(100) 10(100) 10(100) 10(100)  Capital Laser
    1 Naval Laser 45
1 Capital Missile Launcher (Barracuda)  10   2(20)   2(20)   2(20)    2(20)   Capital Missile
    Barracuda Ammo (10 shots)
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense
2 Large Pulse Laser                     20   2(18)   2(18)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
RBS/LBS (606 Heat)
1 Capital Missile Launcher (Barracuda)  10   2(20)   2(20)   2(20)    2(20)   Capital Missile
    Barracuda Ammo (10 shots)
2 Naval Laser 55                        274  18(180) 18(180) 18(180) 11(110)  Capital Laser
    2 Naval Laser 35
2 Naval Laser 55                        274  18(180) 18(180) 18(180) 11(110)  Capital Laser
    2 Naval Laser 35
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense
2 Large Pulse Laser                     20   2(18)   2(18)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
2 Large Pulse Laser                     20   2(18)   2(18)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
ARS/ALS (193 Heat)
1 Naval Laser 55                        155  10(100) 10(100) 10(100) 10(100)  Capital Laser
    1 Naval Laser 45
1 Capital Missile Launcher (Barracuda)  10   2(20)   2(20)   2(20)    2(20)   Capital Missile
    Barracuda Ammo (10 shots)
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense
2 Large Pulse Laser                     20   2(18)   2(18)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
Aft (58 Heat)
1 Capital Missile Launcher (Barracuda)  10   2(20)   2(20)   2(20)    2(20)   Capital Missile
    Barracuda Ammo (10 shots)
4 Large Pulse Laser                     40   4(36)   4(36)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense
2 Small Pulse Laser                      4    1(6)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   Point Defense




[Takiro]

I have an old design concept that significantly changed the entire first warship of the era which I admit doesn't meet your criteria but hey it is different. Maybe it will spur some ideas. Enjoy!

Vanguard class Corvette

Tech: InnerSphere
Introduced: 3048
In Class: 12
Manufacturer: Ioto Galactic Enterprises (Alarion / Federated Commonwealth)

Mass: 100,000 tons
Length: 250 meters
Sail Diameter: 600 meters
Fuel: 1,000 tons (10,000)
Tons/Burn Day: 19.75
Safe Thrust: 2
Maximum Thrust: 3
Sail Integrity: 3
KF Drive Integrity: 4
Heat Sinks: 670 (1,340)
Structural Integrity: 50

Armor: (100 tons, Improved Ferro Aluminum)
   Fore: 21
   Fore-Sides: 22
   Aft-Sides: 22
   Aft: 21

Cargo:
   Bay 1: Fighters (18) 6 doors
   Bay 2: Cargo (5,141 tons) 2 doors
   Bay 3: Small Craft (2) / Marines (3 Platoons of Foot Infantry) 2 doors

Dropship Capacity: 0
Grav Decks: 2 (90-meter diameter)
Escape Pods: 15
Lifeboats: 15
Crew: 89 minimum (15 Officers, 74 Enlisted)

Weapons: (Heat: 1,340)
Nose (Heat: 280)
   2 Medium NPPCs
   1 Barracuda Missile Launcher
Fore Left/Fore Right (Heat: 310)
   2 Naval Laser 45s
   1 White Shark Missile Launcher
Left/ Right Broadsides (Heat: 160)
   2 Naval Autocannon/10s
   1 Killer Whale Missile Launcher
Aft Left/Aft Right (Heat: 310)
   2 Naval Laser 45s
   1 White Shark Missile Launcher
Aft (Heat: 280)
   2 Medium NPPCs
   1 Barracuda Missile Launcher
 
Ammunition:
   400 rounds of Naval Autocannon/10 ammunition
   20 Killer Whale Missiles
   40 White Shark Missiles
   20 Barracuda Missiles   

Overview:
   The War of 3039 revealed much to the leadership of the Federated Commonwealth. Their inability to crush the hated Draconis Combine was bitterly disappointing but the role of ComStar was even more concerning. The Order’s increasing adversarial position combined with the Dragon’s renewed strength convinced everyone that further military development was necessary. Some began to push for the recovery of naval technologies that would make construction of combat jumpships a valued trump card in the deck of the AFFC. The scientific renaissance that followed the 4th Succession War made such an effort theoretically possible but there was opposition. Many remembered the destruction wrought by these behemoths and wished to avoid their inevitable rebirth as long as possible. Despite these concerns Archon Melissa Steiner and Prince Hanse Davion both agreed that a Naval Redevelopment Program was in the best interest of the Federeated Commonwealth.
   Authorized in early 3041 the first step of this greater program was designated the Vanguard Project. This endeavor focused on the construction of a test bed class to further development of a future warship production. Initial research quickly identified the two largest obstacles faced by would be engineers – the manufacture of Compact KF Core and Interplanetary Drive. Each of these components posed their own unique complexities and challenges which had to be overcome. A few manufacturers were able to upgrade their facilities to construct Compact KF Cores but continuing difficulties with the construction of the massive fusion engines proved unworkable at least in the short term. Rather than continuing with that long term undertaking designers decided to use the massive Sunburst M-200L MegaDrive from the enormous Behemoth class Dropship on the smallest possible warship keel. This temperamental power plant would produce the necessary thrust to propel the design across a solar system.
   Luckily, Tharkad Aerospace Group (TAG) was one of three facilities in the InnerSphere that still produced the sophisticated Sunburst MegaDrive. This coupled with the fact that Ioto Galactic Enterprises of Alarion were able to upgrade their facilities to construct Compact KF Cores dictated that production of these prototypes would take place within the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth. The great industrial strength of House Steiner was bought to bear in other areas, like capital grade weaponry, which had to be restarted from scratch. Davion scientific contributions were just as invaluable to the rapid progress of the Vanguard Project which overcame many complications. On February 9, 3048 the RX-78 slipped from Port Sydney Naval Shipyards and became the FCS Vanguard.

Capabilities:
   As a proof of concept vessel the Vanguard made use of many recovered technologies. Its diverse armament which is made up of a wide assortment of capital grade weaponry is clear proof of this philosophy. The smallest of these arms designers were able to include were four Naval Autocannon/10s. Their inclusion eased manufacturing concerns and ably demonstrated their capability despite criticism that the vessel should have included “larger” main guns. The mid-range capital energy batteries of four Medium NPPCs and eight Naval Laser-45s somewhat offset this lack of firepower that would have been provided by larger naval autocannons. However, they provided far better range and eliminated ammunition concerns. The diverse amount of missile launchers also gave the Vanguard superior striking distance versus other warships as well as smaller craft. Two Killer Whale Missile Launchers provided punch while four White Shark Missile Launchers furnished the Corvette with further stopping power. Two super accurate Barracuda Missile Launchers rounded out this first of its kind arsenal. Nearly seven hundred Double Heat Sinks effectively disperse the waste heat generated from ship operations and represent some of the most advanced technology included on the ship. One hundred tons of Improved Ferro Aluminum armor plating provides effective protection especially given the vessel’s long-range arsenal. The ninety-man crew of the Vanguard is augmented by a company of marines for defense as well as a wing of aerospace fighters. Five percent of the warship’s overall mass was reserved for cargo space as design tradition dictated. No docking collars were included because of its small size and their inclusion would have complicated the construction of its Compact KF Drive. Perhaps the most concerning problem with the Vanguard was continuing problems with its massive Sunburst M-200L MegaDrive. During their initial installation these interplanetary engines seemed to be a good fit. A few modifications necessary for their inclusion were hoped to fix reliability issues seen on the Behemoth class Dropship. This was not to be as the drive soon demonstrated the same trouble operating above 0.8Gs.  With the unimpressive thrust they were originally projected to provide these breakdowns were somewhat anticipated. The Federated Commonwealth expects to learn a lot from their operations good or bad and refine future production.

Deployment:
   The Federated Commonwealth authorized the construction of twelve of these warships. Eventually upgraded the Federated Boeing facilities at Galax joined Ioto Galactic in the manufacturing of these test bed vessels. Over the next six years ten warships (Harbinger, Exemplar, Sentinel, Trailblazer, Prophet, Avatar, Monitor, Pathfinder, Herald, Ranger) were built at both facilities. In early 3055 construction on the final Vanguard, the FCS Warden, was completed at Galax. As expected, this prototype class soon became obsolete by larger restored designs and new technology that followed. They continue to make excellent training ships for the FedCom Navy not only in regard to technology but experienced spacemen.

[Andras]

Sarna says the Fox is 235,000t, are we using that or 240kt?

[Dragon Cat]

I have an old design concept that significantly changed the entire first warship of the era which I admit doesn't meet your criteria but hey it is different. Maybe it will spur some ideas. Enjoy!

Vanguard class Corvette

Tech: InnerSphere
Introduced: 3048
In Class: 12
Manufacturer: Ioto Galactic Enterprises (Alarion / Federated Commonwealth)

Mass: 100,000 tons
Length: 250 meters
Sail Diameter: 600 meters
Fuel: 1,000 tons (10,000)
Tons/Burn Day: 19.75
Safe Thrust: 2
Maximum Thrust: 3
Sail Integrity: 3
KF Drive Integrity: 4
Heat Sinks: 670 (1,340)
Structural Integrity: 50

Armor: (100 tons, Improved Ferro Aluminum)
   Fore: 21
   Fore-Sides: 22
   Aft-Sides: 22
   Aft: 21

Cargo:
   Bay 1: Fighters (18) 6 doors
   Bay 2: Cargo (5,141 tons) 2 doors
   Bay 3: Small Craft (2) / Marines (3 Platoons of Foot Infantry) 2 doors

Dropship Capacity: 0
Grav Decks: 2 (90-meter diameter)
Escape Pods: 15
Lifeboats: 15
Crew: 89 minimum (15 Officers, 74 Enlisted)

Weapons: (Heat: 1,340)
Nose (Heat: 280)
   2 Medium NPPCs
   1 Barracuda Missile Launcher
Fore Left/Fore Right (Heat: 310)
   2 Naval Laser 45s
   1 White Shark Missile Launcher
Left/ Right Broadsides (Heat: 160)
   2 Naval Autocannon/10s
   1 Killer Whale Missile Launcher
Aft Left/Aft Right (Heat: 310)
   2 Naval Laser 45s
   1 White Shark Missile Launcher
Aft (Heat: 280)
   2 Medium NPPCs
   1 Barracuda Missile Launcher
 
Ammunition:
   400 rounds of Naval Autocannon/10 ammunition
   20 Killer Whale Missiles
   40 White Shark Missiles
   20 Barracuda Missiles   

Overview:
   The War of 3039 revealed much to the leadership of the Federated Commonwealth. Their inability to crush the hated Draconis Combine was bitterly disappointing but the role of ComStar was even more concerning. The Order’s increasing adversarial position combined with the Dragon’s renewed strength convinced everyone that further military development was necessary. Some began to push for the recovery of naval technologies that would make construction of combat jumpships a valued trump card in the deck of the AFFC. The scientific renaissance that followed the 4th Succession War made such an effort theoretically possible but there was opposition. Many remembered the destruction wrought by these behemoths and wished to avoid their inevitable rebirth as long as possible. Despite these concerns Archon Melissa Steiner and Prince Hanse Davion both agreed that a Naval Redevelopment Program was in the best interest of the Federeated Commonwealth.
   Authorized in early 3041 the first step of this greater program was designated the Vanguard Project. This endeavor focused on the construction of a test bed class to further development of a future warship production. Initial research quickly identified the two largest obstacles faced by would be engineers – the manufacture of Compact KF Core and Interplanetary Drive. Each of these components posed their own unique complexities and challenges which had to be overcome. A few manufacturers were able to upgrade their facilities to construct Compact KF Cores but continuing difficulties with the construction of the massive fusion engines proved unworkable at least in the short term. Rather than continuing with that long term undertaking designers decided to use the massive Sunburst M-200L MegaDrive from the enormous Behemoth class Dropship on the smallest possible warship keel. This temperamental power plant would produce the necessary thrust to propel the design across a solar system.
   Luckily, Tharkad Aerospace Group (TAG) was one of three facilities in the InnerSphere that still produced the sophisticated Sunburst MegaDrive. This coupled with the fact that Ioto Galactic Enterprises of Alarion were able to upgrade their facilities to construct Compact KF Cores dictated that production of these prototypes would take place within the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth. The great industrial strength of House Steiner was bought to bear in other areas, like capital grade weaponry, which had to be restarted from scratch. Davion scientific contributions were just as invaluable to the rapid progress of the Vanguard Project which overcame many complications. On February 9, 3048 the RX-78 slipped from Port Sydney Naval Shipyards and became the FCS Vanguard.

Capabilities:
   As a proof of concept vessel the Vanguard made use of many recovered technologies. Its diverse armament which is made up of a wide assortment of capital grade weaponry is clear proof of this philosophy. The smallest of these arms designers were able to include were four Naval Autocannon/10s. Their inclusion eased manufacturing concerns and ably demonstrated their capability despite criticism that the vessel should have included “larger” main guns. The mid-range capital energy batteries of four Medium NPPCs and eight Naval Laser-45s somewhat offset this lack of firepower that would have been provided by larger naval autocannons. However, they provided far better range and eliminated ammunition concerns. The diverse amount of missile launchers also gave the Vanguard superior striking distance versus other warships as well as smaller craft. Two Killer Whale Missile Launchers provided punch while four White Shark Missile Launchers furnished the Corvette with further stopping power. Two super accurate Barracuda Missile Launchers rounded out this first of its kind arsenal. Nearly seven hundred Double Heat Sinks effectively disperse the waste heat generated from ship operations and represent some of the most advanced technology included on the ship. One hundred tons of Improved Ferro Aluminum armor plating provides effective protection especially given the vessel’s long-range arsenal. The ninety-man crew of the Vanguard is augmented by a company of marines for defense as well as a wing of aerospace fighters. Five percent of the warship’s overall mass was reserved for cargo space as design tradition dictated. No docking collars were included because of its small size and their inclusion would have complicated the construction of its Compact KF Drive. Perhaps the most concerning problem with the Vanguard was continuing problems with its massive Sunburst M-200L MegaDrive. During their initial installation these interplanetary engines seemed to be a good fit. A few modifications necessary for their inclusion were hoped to fix reliability issues seen on the Behemoth class Dropship. This was not to be as the drive soon demonstrated the same trouble operating above 0.8Gs.  With the unimpressive thrust they were originally projected to provide these breakdowns were somewhat anticipated. The Federated Commonwealth expects to learn a lot from their operations good or bad and refine future production.

Deployment:
   The Federated Commonwealth authorized the construction of twelve of these warships. Eventually upgraded the Federated Boeing facilities at Galax joined Ioto Galactic in the manufacturing of these test bed vessels. Over the next six years ten warships (Harbinger, Exemplar, Sentinel, Trailblazer, Prophet, Avatar, Monitor, Pathfinder, Herald, Ranger) were built at both facilities. In early 3055 construction on the final Vanguard, the FCS Warden, was completed at Galax. As expected, this prototype class soon became obsolete by larger restored designs and new technology that followed. They continue to make excellent training ships for the FedCom Navy not only in regard to technology but experienced spacemen.

I like this idea it needs one Docking collar added (although that would probably work the same as a JumpShip) but as a training ship it's a great idea seeing how different types of capital guns work, fighter ops, boarding actions etc

[glitterboy2098]

so i went through and did what talked about in the story thread..
the weapons mounts have been consolidated. the naval AC's are now multigun mounts fore aft, and broadsides, with an extra pair of guns added. the naval lasers have been standardized on one type to simplify logistics, and their numbers increased to boost the firepower. the capital missiles have been consolidated the same way as the Naval AC's, though no additional tubes have been added. all of them have had their ammunition supplies increased as well.

point defense has been expanded as well.. while the LPL's have been retained, their numbers have been increased to quadmounts in every arc (including the broadsides), which makes it a lot nastier against fighters that get that close. and the pointless machineguns mounts have been removed in favor of increasing the AMS mounts to quadmounts on all six main arcs, with a lot more ammo. while not really enough to stop large numbers of capital missiles, it is going to really degrade any LRM or SRM volleys directed its way, and should stop most Alamo strikes. and the capital weapons mounts can take advantage of bracketing so that will boost the anti-fighter defense as well, when the ship isn't dealing with dropships and other warships.

in addition to the weaposn changes, the speed has been reduced (as suggested by the advisor, given its main focus is to be an armed transport), and per my own suggestion the number of fighter bays have been increased, allowing it to carry a full fighter group of 18. not only does this give it more ability to escort transports, but it also lets it do that while retaining a useful strike ability. the small craft bays have also been increased to 4, mainly to give some additional personnel transfer capacity and support craft redundancy.

to deal with the weapons changes the heat sink (and power grid) systems have been expanded, and the crew quarter have been expanded, not only to account for the larger crew required for the additional weapons, but also to give all bay personnel second class accommodations (a major step up from the bunks built into the fighter and smallcraft bays.) (it also has a few spare bunks despite me not listing passengers.. i just like round numbers and having a few extra seemed logical)

and i still managed to increase the cargo capacity by 4,354 tons, as well as mount additional bay doors, giving that much extra space to schlep supplies for the RCT and onboard craft.

Code: [Select]

Fox Corvette (3050 Improved)
Mass: 240,000 tons
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Advanced)
Introduced: 3057
Mass: 240,000
Battle Value: 41,138
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-E-F
Cost: 19,385,883,360 C-bills

Fuel: 5,920 tons (29,600)
Safe Thrust: 2
Maximum Thrust: 3
Sail Integrity: 4
KF Drive Integrity: 7
Heat Sinks: 400 (800)
Structural Integrity: 90

Armor
    Nose: 70
    Fore Sides: 67/67
    Aft Sides: 64/54
    Aft: 54

Cargo
    Bay 1:  Small Craft (4)         2 Doors   
    Bay 2:  Fighter (18)            6 Doors   
    Bay 3:  Cargo (19464.0 tons)    1 Door   

Ammunition:
    200 rounds of NAC/10 ammunition (40 tons),
    576 rounds of Anti-Missile System [IS] ammunition (48 tons),
    80 rounds of Barracuda ammunition (2,400 tons)

Dropship Capacity: 5
Grav Decks: 1 (112 m)
Escape Pods: 0
Life Boats: 12
Crew:  24 officers, 69 enlisted/non-rated, 42 gunners, 56 bay personnel

Notes: Equipped with
    lithium-fusion battery system
395 tons of improved ferro-aluminum armor.

Weapons:                                      Capital Attack Values (Standard)
Arc (Heat)                                Heat  SRV     MRV     LRV      ERV    Class       
Nose (124 Heat)
2 Naval Autocannon (NAC/10)               60   20(200) 20(200) 20(200)   0(0)   Capital AC 
    NAC/10 Ammo (40 shots)
2 Capital Missile Launcher (Barracuda)    20   4(40)   4(40)   4(40)    4(40)   Capital Missile
    Barracuda Ammo (20 shots)
4 Large Pulse Laser                       40   4(36)   4(36)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
4 Anti-Missile System                      4   1(12)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (96 shots)
FRS/FLS (324 Heat)
4 Naval Laser 45                          280  18(180) 18(180) 18(180) 18(180)  Capital Laser
4 Large Pulse Laser                       40   4(36)   4(36)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
4 Anti-Missile System                      4   1(12)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (96 shots)
RBS/LBS (180 Heat)
4 Naval Autocannon (NAC/10)               120  40(400) 40(400) 40(400)   0(0)   Capital AC 
    NAC/10 Ammo (60 shots)
2 Capital Missile Launcher (Barracuda)    20   4(40)   4(40)   4(40)    4(40)   Capital Missile
    Barracuda Ammo (20 shots)
4 Large Pulse Laser                       40   4(36)   4(36)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
ARS/ALS (324 Heat)
4 Naval Laser 45                          280  18(180) 18(180) 18(180) 18(180)  Capital Laser
4 Large Pulse Laser                       40   4(36)   4(36)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
4 Anti-Missile System                      4   1(12)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (96 shots)
Aft (124 Heat)
2 Naval Autocannon (NAC/10)               60   20(200) 20(200) 20(200)   0(0)   Capital AC 
    NAC/10 Ammo (40 shots)
2 Capital Missile Launcher (Barracuda)    20   4(40)   4(40)   4(40)    4(40)   Capital Missile
    Barracuda Ammo (20 shots)
4 Large Pulse Laser                       40   4(36)   4(36)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
4 Anti-Missile System                      4   1(12)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (96 shots)



about the time i was fine tuning the crew quarters and such, i realized that this weapons loadout basically mirrors that of the lola series hulls.. naval laser arrays in the corner mounts, naval AC's and missiles in the bow, stern, and broadsides, and an array of large lasers for fighter defense. the idea that the advisor basically turned the Fox into a chibi Lola II honestly just feels right to me. :)

[kindalas]

Updating the Fox without first building a Fox is tricky.

I kept the Engines and the structure the same.

Added more Naval lasers figuring that AA mode would be made available through tabby.

Removed the NAC/10s and replaced them with 4 NAC/30s.

Stuck the NACs in the Broadside arcs.

Removed the single grav-deck and replaced it with two slightly smaller counter rotating decks.

Replaced the armor with the good stuff, as there is no reason to even consider making the other types for warships, jumpships or space stations.

Added a bunch of extra Large Pulse Lasers but I distributed them unevenly mostly because for a first design you aren't going to get it perfect and because it added some variety.

Massively increased the number of AMS systems to provide a healthy protection for the expected anti-shipping missiles.

Finally because this is supposed to be a RCT transport I added a Large NCSS to aid in coordination.

Fighter and Small craft numbers were tripled and 4 marine platoons were added to the ship with steerage quarters.

I am looking forward to the Naval RCT reveal where space RCTs are a Mammoth, two Vengeances and a pair of Fortress Based Missile Boats.

Semier Data Tron is working on an updated version after their 4th Succession war refit proved so effective with their massed Stingray equipped models.

Frederick Steiner's diversionary raid would have absolutely had a number of those quickly slapped together models fighting to the bitter end.

Future updates would include a HPG and ARTS Fighter bays.

I present to you the Foxy Corvette, inadvertently named by Melissa when a hot microphone caught her saying "It's Foxy like Hanse." during the commissioning ceremony.

The cargo and fuel fractions look way too low but in this setting fleets have proper logistical support and don't need to carry more then their combat payload.

This might become important during the Jihad when the WoB targets supporting infrastructure before shifting to military targets.

Code: [Select]

Foxy Corvette RX-78
Mass: 240,000 tons
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Advanced)
Introduced: 3050s
Mass: 240,000
Battle Value: 68,714
Cost: 20,030,216,000 C-bills

Fuel: 2,000 tons (10,000)
Safe Thrust: 3
Maximum Thrust: 5
Sail Integrity: 4
KF Drive Integrity: 7
Heat Sinks: 1141 (2282)
Structural Integrity: 100

Armor
    Nose: 100
    Fore Sides: 109/109
    Aft Sides: 109/109
    Aft: 100

Cargo
    Bay 1:  Small Craft (12)        3 Doors   
    Bay 2:  Fighter (36)            6 Doors   
    Bay 3:  Cargo (7868.0 tons)     2 Doors   

Ammunition:
    1,008 rounds of Anti-Missile System [IS] ammunition (84 tons),
    80 rounds of White Shark ammunition (80 tons),
    40 rounds of NAC/30 ammunition (1.6 tons)

Dropship Capacity: 5
Grav Decks: 2 (90 m, 90 m)
Escape Pods: 0
Life Boats: 45
Crew:  24 officers, 81 enlisted/non-rated, 36 gunners, 132 bay personnel, 112 marines

Notes: Equipped with
    lithium-fusion battery system
    1 Naval Comm-Scanner Suite (Large)
480 tons of lamellor ferro-carbide armor.

Weapons:                                       Capital Attack Values (Standard)
Arc (Heat)                                 Heat  SRV     MRV     LRV      ERV    Class       
Nose (127 Heat)
12 Large Pulse Laser                       120  11(108) 11(108)  0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
7 Anti-Missile System                       7   2(21)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (168 shots)
FRS/FLS (327 Heat)
2 Naval Laser 55                           310  20(200) 20(200) 20(200) 20(200)  Capital Laser
    2 Naval Laser 45
1 Large Pulse Laser                        10    1(9)    1(9)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
7 Anti-Missile System                       7   2(21)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (168 shots)
RBS/LBS (360 Heat)
10 Large Pulse Laser                       100  9(90)   9(90)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
2 Naval Autocannon (NAC/30)                200  60(600) 60(600) 60(600)   0(0)   Capital AC 
    NAC/30 Ammo (20 shots)
4 Capital Missile Launcher (White Shark)   60   12(120) 12(120) 12(120) 12(120)  Capital Missile
    White Shark Ammo (40 shots)
ARS/ALS (327 Heat)
2 Naval Laser 55                           310  20(200) 20(200) 20(200) 20(200)  Capital Laser
    2 Naval Laser 45
1 Large Pulse Laser                        10    1(9)    1(9)    0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
7 Anti-Missile System                       7   2(21)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (168 shots)
Aft (127 Heat)
12 Large Pulse Laser                       120  11(108) 11(108)  0(0)     0(0)   Pulse Laser
7 Anti-Missile System                       7   2(21)    0(0)    0(0)     0(0)   AMS         
    Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] (168 shots)



[Daryk]

Love the fluff!  8)

I might take a crack at this after I do the tender this weekend...  ^-^

[Daryk]

Ok, some general observations:
1) It should definitely have quad NL/45 (or 55) batteries for the AAA or Bracket Fire goodness
2) MORE POINT DEFENSES!!!
3) As much as I dislike NAC/10s, it's what Lolas have always used
4) A Marine complement
5) AR-10s to replace the mixed launcher sizes

[glitterboy2098]

so out of curiosity, what design got picked for the story?

[Cannonshop]

so out of curiosity, what design got picked for the story?

It was a tough choice between yours and Kindalas, but iirc, I linked YOURS to the story directly.  Congratulations.

[Daryk]

Congrats!  :thumbsup:

[Takiro]

so out of curiosity, what design got picked for the story?

Congrats!!

[Hellraiser]

So I no longer have AS design software from last PC crash & new PC.
But I had a Fox Block-II that worked to keep it similar but improved.

From memory the biggest change was going from full 360 of NAC10 coverage to just Fore/Aft Sides with Twin NAC20s in each.
Upgrading the MGs to match the AMS & adding a few more, as well as a couple more LPLs.
Finally using AR10s for a mix of missiles instead of just Barracudas


Nose
   AMS   *5
   LPL   *5
   AR10   *2
Fore Sides
   NL45   *3
   NAC20   *2
Broad Sides
   AMS   *5
   LPL   *5
   AR10   *2
Aft Sides
   NL45   *3
   NAC20   *2
Rear
   AMS   *5
   LPL   *5
   AR10   *2

Other than the weapons, I think I added a couple more Shuttles or swapped some fighters for shuttles.