MgT2.0 10Dt Drone fighter

wbnc

Cosmic Mongoose
Working on my art, and practicing with the new construction rules...so I worked this up. Tossed in an animated all around display for viewing pleasure.
fighter_drone_by_wbyrd-da0fe1x.gif


I included multiple build variations on the base hull, ranging fro the dirt cheap, throw away drone, to a top of the line EW drone.

it's a multi-vector thrust capable drone. with high powered Boosters to give it extra acceleration and bone crushing acceleration. Used a non-gravity hull since no one is aboard it and most vehicles can handle a ton of gee forces without coming apart...people...not so much.

It's pretty easy to outfly and outfight, but intended as a swarm style fighter depending on numbers to offset the skill of a human pilot.

and nope, it won't be fighting in any atmosphere at any time...it's not designed for that

looking for feeedback and comments on design ( game mechanics) and art...



drone_fighter_worksheet_by_wbyrd-da0fioj.png


http://pre11.deviantart.net/6ae6/th/pre/f/2016/117/1/4/drone_fighter_worksheet_by_wbyrd-da0fioj.png





Remote Operated drone"Stripped"
Base Model(laser)
Hull: 4
Armor:12
Thrust: 6/16
1.5 Trust Hours reaction fuel
Sensors Military Grade
Weapons:pulse laser, intense focus, high yield

Computer: Rating 5
Programs:
Virtual Crew/0
Mcr 19.533
Sensors: +1
Attack: +2( Pulse laser Modifier included)
Pilot:+0
Mcr 5.598
Note: Referee may require one sensor operator station per drone aboard carrier vessel

Stripped versions of all drones available reducing cost of drones by removing software packages and installing a basic rating 5 computer.

Autonomous Fighter Drone
Base Model(laser)
Hull: 4
Armor:12
Thrust: 6/16
1.5 Trust Hours reaction fuel
Sensors Military Grade
Weapons:pulse laser

Computer: Rating 20
Programs:
Virtual Crew/0
Virtual Gunner/1
Fire Control/1
Mcr 19.533
Sensors: +1
Attack: +4( Pulse laser Modifier included)
Pilot:+0



Missile Version
Hull: 4
Armor:12
Thrust: 6/16
0.5 Trust Hours reaction fuel
Sensors Military Grade
Weapons:Missile rack, 1 ton ammo
Sensors: +1
Attack: +2
Pilot:+0



Computer: Rating 20
Programs:
Virtual Crew/0
Virtual Gunner/1
Fire Control/1
Mcr 19.383



Model-L (Enhanced computer laser armed)
Hull: 4
Armor:12
Thrust: 6/16
1.5 Trust Hours reaction fuel
Sensors Military Grade
Weapons:pulse laser, Intense focus, High Yield
Sensors: +1
Attack: +4( Pulse laser Modifier included)
point defense attack for any allied vessel/craft within close range
( +4 bonus due to bandwidth limitations)
Pilot:+0


Computer: Rating 30
Programs:
Virtual Crew/0
Virtual Gunner/1
Fire Control/1*
point defense/1*
( both can not be active at same time)
Mcr 33,9687
Sensors: +1
Attack: +4( Pulse laser Modifier included)
point defense attack for any allied vessel/craft within close range
Pilot:+0

Model M(Enhanced Computer Missile Armed)
Hull: 4
Armor:12
Thrust: 6/16
0.5 Trust Hours reaction fuel
Sensors Military Grade
Weapons:Missile rack, 1 ton ammo


Computer: Rating 20
Programs:
Virtual Crew/0
Virtual Gunner/1
Launch Solution/2
Fire Control/1
39,8187
Sensors: +1
Attack: +3
Pilot:+0
Sensors: +1
Attack: +4( launch solution Modifier included)
Pilot:+0
Mcr 29,8187



Recon "Raven" Model
Hull: 4
Armor:0
Thrust: 6
Sensors: Improved
Enhanced Signals Processing
ECM
Weapons:pulse laser

Computer: Rating 30
Programs:
Virtual Crew/0
Virtual Gunner/1
Broad Spectrum EW
Mcr 53.55

Sensors: +5 (+9 to Jamming, Electronic warfare Checks)
Automatic EW against many missile salvo fired within long range of it's position
Attack: +1
Pilot:+0

FLUFF TEXT
Illustration:Model fQ-129 "Oscar"

Overview:
A small agile combat craft small enough to be carried in a 10ton berth, or as cargo aboard commercial vessels. The ACC is a replacement for manned craft, that can be deployed on station for up to a month without human interaction or oversight.

Well armored to protect against light weapons fire, the drone can use it's superior agility, to evade multiple attacks, while still retaining a surprising amount of acceleration to close with enemy targets, or evade enemy intercept if needed.

When employed against fighters it's extremely small size gives it an advantage in close combat maneuvers that somewhat make up for it's lack of piloting software. In addition many capital ships find targeting such a small agile object extremely difficult, which is only compounded when the drone can close to close combat ranges.

The relative low cost of the drone compared to larger manned craft, makes it easier to deploy in large numbers while taking up less space on a carrier vessel. A stripped down remote operations only version can be purchased making the package even more cost effective by reducing the need for advanced computers and software which makes up the bulk of the drones cost.

These "stripped" models require a skilled operator, and are less effective at great distances from their carrier vessel. But if launched by ships capable of surviving at shorter ranges in combat. However remote drones can provide a great deal of capability in a small package. Allowing properly equipped and crewed control carriers to swarm an enemy force with a swarm of expendable drones, or surround itself with a wall of mobile point defense units.

Performance, and Operation
The small craft is optimized for space combat but can operate, if in a clumsy manner within atmospheres if required.this allows it to be operated as a point defense fighter for colonies, star ports, and other facilities. It's high powered gravitic thrusters alone allow it to reach orbit within five minutes. using it's high powered plasma ramjet/rocket thrusters allow it to reach orbit much fast at the expense of burning a portion of its limited reaction mass.

The extremely powerful drives of the combat drone allow it to close rapidly, reducing it's exposure to missile fire, or simply outrunning pursuit. the speed of the drones can cause ships with limited point defense weapons to be overran before it can significantly reduce the number of drones attacking it. Putting starships at a significant disadvantage when trying to engage the drone swarm in close combat.

Once deployed an autonomous drone can be operated remotely if desired, or can engage in many combat, or patrol unctions with acceptable effectiveness. The limited bandwidth often restricts it's maneuvering in difficult situation, since most of it's software and processing power is dedicated to sensors, and fire control operations.

Variants:
Many purchasers spend extra on enhanced piloting software, allowing the drone to switch from gunnery, to maneuver modes by altering it's software configuration as needed.

The drone can be purchased in several models, Basic missile and laser armed models for most common tasks. And versions with enhanced computers and software for more vital tasks such as fighter suppression, and point defense operations.

Type L
Armed with an enhanced laser with greater penetration, and more consistent yield the L-type is optimized for point defense operations. it's enhanced software allowing it to engage missiles directed at itself, or nearby vessels and craft.

Type M
The type M is a dedicated strike/fighter suppression drone with enhanced software to allow it to engage targets with greater success. it has a shorter reserve of fuel than the standard laser armed model, but the enhanced accuracy of it's missiles, and ability to engage at stand off ranges reduce the impact of it's reduced endurance.

Type R "Raven"
A highly advanced model Type-R "Raven" is equipped with high powered sensors, electronic countermeasures, and a software package that allows it to conduct missile suppression protocols automatically when it detects a missile launch at long range.

The Raven sacrifices speed, and armor to pack advanced electronics into its small hull. giving it the ability to greatly enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of any force it is assigned to. The lower speed does prove problematic at times forcing tactics to be adjusted to allow the Raven to maintain it's position relative to its carrier vessel, or the formation it is assigned to escort and provide electronic warfare support for.
 
Interesting design.

I assume this is a TL12 design? In such case Bonded armour or computer m/30 are not available.

You can save almost 1.5 dT reaction fuel by tech upgrading the reaction drive for fuel efficiency.

Virtual Crew replaces pilots, sensor operators, and gunners, so you do not need both Virtual Crew and Virtual Gunner software. Only Virtual Crew/0 is available at TL12.

Technically I think you need a turret-mounted laser to perform Point Defence. I fear that the drone with low gunnery skill and a single laser will be very limited in PD, it will rarely hit any missiles. It will not motivate the high cost of PD software.

Don't forget Evade software, it's cheap and effective.

Remember the laser on a firmpoint only uses 3 energy points.



With low crew-skill from the software you have to overwhelm the enemy with numbers, I would try to make it as small and cheap as possible. By skipping the Military sensors, and perhaps including a dedicated sensor drone for each 10 or 20 fighter drones, the drones can be much smaller and cheaper.

If you want to close in to the enemy to dogfight, you need as big a reaction drive as possible. Every extra round it takes to reach dogfighting range is an extra round for the enemy to shoot at your fighters before you can return fire. I would suggest using Reaction drive 12, since that is available at TL10 so you can tech upgrade it for fuel efficiency.

If you intend to stay close to the mothership and remote control them with skilled personnel, you probably do not need any reaction drive at all. That is probably a different and even cheaper design.


I would use something like this for the stripped base version:
Code:
TL 12                               Hull  2                         4,4       
                             Desired    ∆TL    Rat    #    dTon    Cost    Power   
Hull      Non-gravity                                      4,50             0,90       
Config    Close Structure         4             4                  0,18            
Hull strength    Reinforced       3             3                        
Armour    Crystaliron            12            12          0,68    0,11            
                                        
ManœuvreD Standard                7             7     1    0,32    0,63     3,15        0
PowerP    Standard                                    1    0,44    0,44     6,60   
Fuel, Power                       4            91     1    1,00                
                                        
ReactionD VeryAdv,FuelEff        12      2     12     1    1,08    0,27   
Reaction Fuel    10 turns         1             1          0,95                
                                        
Comp      m/10                    2            10     1            0,16            
Virtual Crew/0                                                     1,00              
              
Sensors    Basic                                      1                    
                               
Fixed Mount                                        
Pulse Laser  HighTech             1      3   TL12     1            1,60     3,00
It's not very much cheaper, but takes much less space in the carrying ship.

The missile version would only carry 4 missiles, but that is enough if you can swarm the enemy and overload their PD.
 
A missile only version might be even smaller, since the power plant can be much smaller:
Code:
TL 12                                Hull  1                        3,2    
                             Desired    ∆TL    Rat    #    dTon    Cost    Power   
Hull      Non-gravity                                      3,63             0,73
Config    Sphere                  3             3                  0,05    
Hull strength    Light            1             1                
Armour    Crystaliron            12            12          0,54    0,09    

ManœuvreD Standard                7             7     1    0,25    0,51     2,54
PowerP    Standard                                    1    0,19    0,19     2,90
Fuel, Power                       4           207     1    1,00        
                                
ReactionD VeryAdv,FuelEff        12      2     12     1    0,87    0,22    
Reaction Fuel    10 turns         1             1          0,76        
                                
Comp      m/10                    2            10     1            0,16            
Virtual Crew/0                                                     1,00              
              
Sensors    Basic                                      1                    
                                
Fixed Mount                                
Missile    Standard               1           TL7     1            0,85
The uneven size is so that it fits in a 4 dT docking space.

If you can accept much reduced endurance, you can make it smaller with a battery instead of the power plant
 
And for something completely ridiculous the battery powered anti-fighter drone, it fits in a 1 dT docking space:
Code:
TL 12                                Hull  0                        3,1    
                             Desired    ∆TL    Rat    #    dTon    Cost    Power   
Hull      Non-gravity                                      0,90             0,18
Config    Sphere                  3             3                  0,01    
Hull strength    Light            1             1                
Armour    Crystaliron            12            12          0,14    0,01    

ManœuvreD Standard                7             7     1    0,06    0,13     0,63
Battery  11 Turns = 1.1 h        11                   1    0,68    0,17     3,72
                                
Comp      m/10                    2            10     1            0,16            
Virtual Crew/0                                                     1,00              
              
Sensors   Basic                                       1                    
                                
Fixed Mount                                        
Pulse Laser  HighTech             1      3   TL12     1            1,60     3,00
It is intended to stay close to the mothership to engage any attacking fighters.

This may perhaps not be legal in the final release of High Guard...
 
AnotherDilbert said:
Interesting design.

I assume this is a TL12 design? In such case Bonded armour or computer m/30 are not available.

You can save almost 1.5 dT reaction fuel by tech upgrading the reaction drive for fuel efficiency.

Virtual Crew replaces pilots, sensor operators, and gunners, so you do not need both Virtual Crew and Virtual Gunner software. Only Virtual Crew/0 is available at TL12.

Technically I think you need a turret-mounted laser to perform Point Defence. I fear that the drone with low gunnery skill and a single laser will be very limited in PD, it will rarely hit any missiles. It will not motivate the high cost of PD software.

Don't forget Evade software, it's cheap and effective.

Remember the laser on a firmpoint only uses 3 energy points.



With low crew-skill from the software you have to overwhelm the enemy with numbers, I would try to make it as small and cheap as possible. By skipping the Military sensors, and perhaps including a dedicated sensor drone for each 10 or 20 fighter drones, the drones can be much smaller and cheaper.

If you want to close in to the enemy to dogfight, you need as big a reaction drive as possible. Every extra round it takes to reach dogfighting range is an extra round for the enemy to shoot at your fighters before you can return fire. I would suggest using Reaction drive 12, since that is available at TL10 so you can tech upgrade it for fuel efficiency.

If you intend to stay close to the mothership and remote control them with skilled personnel, you probably do not need any reaction drive at all. That is probably a different and even cheaper design.


I would use something like this for the stripped base version:
Code:
TL 12                               Hull  2                         4,4       
                             Desired    ∆TL    Rat    #    dTon    Cost    Power   
Hull      Non-gravity                                      4,50             0,90       
Config    Close Structure         4             4                  0,18            
Hull strength    Reinforced       3             3                        
Armour    Crystaliron            12            12          0,68    0,11            
                                        
ManœuvreD Standard                7             7     1    0,32    0,63     3,15        0
PowerP    Standard                                    1    0,44    0,44     6,60   
Fuel, Power                       4            91     1    1,00                
                                        
ReactionD VeryAdv,FuelEff        12      2     12     1    1,08    0,27   
Reaction Fuel    10 turns         1             1          0,95                
                                        
Comp      m/10                    2            10     1            0,16            
Virtual Crew/0                                                     1,00              
              
Sensors    Basic                                      1                    
                               
Fixed Mount                                        
Pulse Laser  HighTech             1      3   TL12     1            1,60     3,00
It's not very much cheaper, but takes much less space in the carrying ship.

The missile version would only carry 4 missiles, but that is enough if you can swarm the enemy and overload their PD.

Thast a very good set of suggestions. I'll admit this was a first draft of the concept, so I was expecting some revisions. I had started off with a TL-12 drone, then switched the design to TL-14...after looking over your feedback I can see that was a mistake. the armor and computers seem to be a bit of concept creep on my part.

to be honest, I was thinking the PD versions would be a bit iffy, the price was a bit steep for the concept of a swarm drone.I needed someone to look it over with fresh eyes. I get too attached to my own clever ideas sometimes.

what I was hoping to achieve was a drone that could switch from defense to offense very quickly, the reaction drives were meant for not much else than closing range before the enemy could shoot them down.I was keeping them around thrust 16 I don't remember exactly why.That train of thought went into a tunnel, derailed, burned, and then had the tunnel fell in on it...I think part of it was to keep them from being so fast that there was no way to effectively counter them if they had a chance to get a full head of steam....a bit of nerfing to avoid an uber design.

I am considering the armor as well; since the idea is basically to make them cheap, glass cannons would you think armoring them to TL limit is appropriate. In all likelihood if they get hit they are going to pop like a grape even with armor. the volume and cost of the armor are not that big of an issue but I am still on the fence about it.
 
I would definitely keep the armour, if we hit it with lasers or Long Range missiles the armour will save us from something like half of all hits. If we suffer even a single point of damage, that will be several crits because of percent damage, so the drone is probably lost.

It could very possibly be a hybrid TL 12/14 design, where some off-world source supplies some higher tech components. For an Imperial world it might be very reasonable to buy the very cheap armoured hull, and build the more expensive components locally to support the local tech industry.

You could make the design with a small module, in which you could mount the the armaments and optionally a better computer. That way you would only make a single type of basic craft that could mount the weapon the mission requires. It's mush cheaper and faster to build a new module than to build a new craft type. The enemy wouldn't know which type of weaponry he would face in a given engagement.
 
AnotherDilbert said:
I would definitely keep the armour, if we hit it with lasers or Long Range missiles the armour will save us from something like half of all hits. If we suffer even a single point of damage, that will be several crits because of percent damage, so the drone is probably lost.

It could very possibly be a hybrid TL 12/14 design, where some off-world source supplies some higher tech components. For an Imperial world it might be very reasonable to buy the very cheap armoured hull, and build the more expensive components locally to support the local tech industry.

You could make the design with a small module, in which you could mount the the armaments and optionally a better computer. That way you would only make a single type of basic craft that could mount the weapon the mission requires. It's mush cheaper and faster to build a new module than to build a new craft type. The enemy wouldn't know which type of weaponry he would face in a given engagement.

I like the modular concept, it would make it easy to buy a bulk load of basic hulls, then modify them as needed for various missions. the hull, power systems and drives come as a package, and then local fabrication plants can assemble mission modules using off the shelf, or custom built hardware."The Lego Fighter"

I will go back and rebuild it a bit and see how that idea pans out.
 
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