The Sternmarine is looking for Strikecraft
Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 5:31 pm
From the Ministry of the Skeelzanian Sternmarine, Smallcraft Department
As approved by Vice Admiral Vincent von Hriesebacker, Chief of Procurement
Member-states of the Extra-Solar Union Of Systems, a time of unprecedented opportunity is at hand. While Skeelzanians are naturally loathe to admit defeat, we must confess to having reached a roadblock in our current endeavor. Some of you may be aware that we have recently begun construction on a new class of carrier-dreadnoughts, which are substantially more powerful than our current line ships. However, a carrier-dreadnought is only operating at half its capacity when it has no strikecraft to carry.
In light of recent events, and general trends in warfare as a whole, Skeelzanian strikecraft have been deemed unsuitable to modern combat conditions. It is urgent that we correct this lapse as quickly as possible. That is why I write today to announce an open competition on a Military Contract, dubbed SKZSCC-0001. The goals of this Contract are thus:
1) For ESUS member-states to present new or pre-existing strikecraft designs to the Sternmarine, with the intent of the Sternmarine selecting one for purchase
2) For a contract to be worked out that would entail the member-state supplying Skeelzania with the chosen smallcraft, necessary spare parts, and personnel to assist in the training of flight crews and pilots
3) Working towards the eventual goal of having the chosen smallcraft being produced in mass, in Skeelzania, for local Skeelzanian use.
While this contract is being offered under a single name, there are in fact two separate components. The Sternmarine wishes to procure both a space-superiority fighter, as well as what is internally designated as a Torpedo Bomber. These two designs do not necessarily have to be from the same country; however, a pair of designs sharing some of the same parts and similarities of construction will be favored over two individually superior designs of some-what superior quality.
There are only a few concrete specifications that we may offer, the first being of size. The Migration class's launch capabilities were built somewhat above what was necessary at the time, to accommodate future strikecraft generations. However, they do place a cap on what can and cannot be launched. Any designs submitted should be no larger than 22 meters in length, 18 meters in width, and 14 meters in height. Anything within that can safely be launched from the current catapults.
Additionally, there are design-specific requirements.
For Strikecraft, the principal focus should be on space-superiority. It will be their job to escort the torpedo bombers, and to defend Skeelzanian vessels from strikecraft attacks. As such, the ability to fly within an atmosphere is not required, though it will be considered a plus. These craft need not be warp-capable, although the ability to perform short intra-system jumps is desirable. Armament is to consist of missiles, most likely antimatter-tipped, supplemented by gun or beam-weapon (note that this is subject to change by the review board if the proposed armament is found to be unsatisfactory for any reason).
Torpedo bombers' emphasis should be on survivability and ordnance delivery. The next-generation Skeelzanian torpedo as capable of delivering over eight pounds of antimatter on target, is three feet in length and 22 inches in circumference. A torpedo bomber should be capable of delivering at least two of these on target; higher numbers while maintaining performance will be viewed as a considerable plus. The ability to perform intra-system jumps is desired, so as to give the fleet a rapid hit-and-strike capacity.
Both of these designs should be rugged enough to survive launch by gauss-rail catapults, and recovery by magnetic-assisted landing on an enclosed flight deck. Additionally, ease of manufacturing will be considered a plus. Both designs should be capable of interfacing with standard Skeelzanian neural uplinking, or provide their own equivalent.
All designs are to be submitted to the Bureau of Procurement, SKZ Stermarine Branch.
As approved by Vice Admiral Vincent von Hriesebacker, Chief of Procurement
Member-states of the Extra-Solar Union Of Systems, a time of unprecedented opportunity is at hand. While Skeelzanians are naturally loathe to admit defeat, we must confess to having reached a roadblock in our current endeavor. Some of you may be aware that we have recently begun construction on a new class of carrier-dreadnoughts, which are substantially more powerful than our current line ships. However, a carrier-dreadnought is only operating at half its capacity when it has no strikecraft to carry.
In light of recent events, and general trends in warfare as a whole, Skeelzanian strikecraft have been deemed unsuitable to modern combat conditions. It is urgent that we correct this lapse as quickly as possible. That is why I write today to announce an open competition on a Military Contract, dubbed SKZSCC-0001. The goals of this Contract are thus:
1) For ESUS member-states to present new or pre-existing strikecraft designs to the Sternmarine, with the intent of the Sternmarine selecting one for purchase
2) For a contract to be worked out that would entail the member-state supplying Skeelzania with the chosen smallcraft, necessary spare parts, and personnel to assist in the training of flight crews and pilots
3) Working towards the eventual goal of having the chosen smallcraft being produced in mass, in Skeelzania, for local Skeelzanian use.
While this contract is being offered under a single name, there are in fact two separate components. The Sternmarine wishes to procure both a space-superiority fighter, as well as what is internally designated as a Torpedo Bomber. These two designs do not necessarily have to be from the same country; however, a pair of designs sharing some of the same parts and similarities of construction will be favored over two individually superior designs of some-what superior quality.
There are only a few concrete specifications that we may offer, the first being of size. The Migration class's launch capabilities were built somewhat above what was necessary at the time, to accommodate future strikecraft generations. However, they do place a cap on what can and cannot be launched. Any designs submitted should be no larger than 22 meters in length, 18 meters in width, and 14 meters in height. Anything within that can safely be launched from the current catapults.
Additionally, there are design-specific requirements.
For Strikecraft, the principal focus should be on space-superiority. It will be their job to escort the torpedo bombers, and to defend Skeelzanian vessels from strikecraft attacks. As such, the ability to fly within an atmosphere is not required, though it will be considered a plus. These craft need not be warp-capable, although the ability to perform short intra-system jumps is desirable. Armament is to consist of missiles, most likely antimatter-tipped, supplemented by gun or beam-weapon (note that this is subject to change by the review board if the proposed armament is found to be unsatisfactory for any reason).
Torpedo bombers' emphasis should be on survivability and ordnance delivery. The next-generation Skeelzanian torpedo as capable of delivering over eight pounds of antimatter on target, is three feet in length and 22 inches in circumference. A torpedo bomber should be capable of delivering at least two of these on target; higher numbers while maintaining performance will be viewed as a considerable plus. The ability to perform intra-system jumps is desired, so as to give the fleet a rapid hit-and-strike capacity.
Both of these designs should be rugged enough to survive launch by gauss-rail catapults, and recovery by magnetic-assisted landing on an enclosed flight deck. Additionally, ease of manufacturing will be considered a plus. Both designs should be capable of interfacing with standard Skeelzanian neural uplinking, or provide their own equivalent.
All designs are to be submitted to the Bureau of Procurement, SKZ Stermarine Branch.