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Showing results for tags 'Microspace'.
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Tigerhound-class Corvette by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Tigerhound-class Corvette by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Tigerhound-class Corvette by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Named after one of the most dangerous predators on Honorous VII, a Rimward colony world originally settled by Eastern European and Japanese colonists, the Tigerhound is as rugged as it's namesake. A modular internal construction allows the ship to take quite the pounding if it's shields fail, though a smart commander of the vessel will utilise the potent, long range cannon to harass enemy capital ships at long range. It's primary role is that of a scout, commerce raider and escort. During major fleet actions, the Tigerhound can screen larger ships from the assault of enemy fighter swarms, and is nimble enough to stay close and redeploy quick enough. However, in short-range combat with any capital ship of Frigate size or above, a wise commander would withdraw, lest they test the ruggedness of this vessel. Length: 95m Crew: 39 Armament: 2 x flak turrets. 1 x Long-range STS cannon. Computer: Hitachi 76-t-1.
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The Red Wench by skapunkplaything, on Flickr (Click the picture for more views, of course..!) The 'Wench is an 'Ugly': an amalgamation of different ships to form one, odd whole. With the central core of a ore loader and the surrounding hub stolen from a Russian stealth gunship, the 'Wench mixes a rugged centre with a high-tech ring around it, the latter able to cycle power levels at the whim of it's captain and fire it's main weapons for sustained periods. A commerce raider, the 'Wench is often employed by the highest bidder in trade conflicts between the Sol cartels. It's exclusively female crew are famous for their fidelity to a contract, whilst never forgetting a double-cross. Length: 133m Crew: 24-40, mission dependent. Armament: 2 x fast tracking ion turrets, 2 x Armour-Piercing STS cannons, 2 x forward-facing M-66 Pulverisers. Computer: Kolnanov XV (Salvaged from the ship's hub)
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Pennyroyal-class Frigate by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Pennyroyal-class Frigate by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Pennyroyal-class Frigate by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Pennyroyal-class Frigate by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Pennyroyal-class Frigate by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Pennyroyal-class Aft by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Modern space-based navies strive to find a balance between starfighters and capital ships. Unlike with the BB-22, which was meant as an anti-fighter platform, the British Royal Navy designed a Frigate capable of engaging other capital ships of similar and larger sizes. Armed with two underslung anti-fighter flak cannons to combat fightercraft, the Pennyroyal relies on it's three dual-cannon turrets to deal damage against similar-sized craft. Thin and tall, with two engines for thrust and two to help manoeuvre around, the Pennyroyal is mobile and reasonably nimble. Although large at 160m, the ship can last for some time without resupply, and is a frequent sight patrolling colonies and trade routes on the galactic rim. Few pirate raiders can last a pound-for-pound tussle with the Pennyroyal, which have made it a firm favourite amongst it's crewmen. However, with no fighter compliment or missile loadout to speak of, the ship can be overwhelmed by many small craft. Crew: 63. Armament: 2 x flak turrets. 1 x double plasma turret. 2 x STS cannons. Computer: Rolls Royce X-31.
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The Ebon Duke by skapunkplaything, on Flickr The Ebon Duke by skapunkplaything, on Flickr The Ebon Duke by skapunkplaything, on Flickr There are fighters, bombers, interceptors, gunships and then... something bigger. The 'Duke may look like an old-fashioned Earthling fighter craft, but it is, in fact, the hot-rod, custom built steed of the man known only as Deckard. An infamous mercenary and gun-for-fire, Deckard travels mostly alone, although sometimes recruits extra crew members to co-pilot or look after his beloved ship. At home in space as well as atmosphere, the 'Duke packs danger, technology and menace into it's rather large package. It's size can make it vulnerable, however, to smaller fighters and so Deckard often travels with escort fighters and interceptors. Length: 19m Wingspan: 18m Crew: 1-3, mission dependent. Armament: 2 High-Output frag-cannons, forward facing. 2 Micro-Mine launchers, wing-tip mounted.
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FB-22 'Scimitar' by skapunkplaything, on Flickr A cutting-edge Fighter-Bomber hybrid, the FB-22 turned around the ailing fortunes of the ailing EarthCorp-Lockheed group. With four weapon hardpoints, a sturdy hull design and good all around performance, demand for the ship rose in the Earthling military and beyond. As ever, a small number fell into the hands of pirates and mercenary forces. X-33 'Golden Gear' by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Piloted by the notorious leader of the Gearhead gangster group, the X-33 is a one of a kind ship. Behind the bling-bling paint job lies an experimental power core more suited to a small corvette than a fighter-gunship. Accordingly, the Gearheads murdered the research team before the technology could fall into other hands and diminish their advantage. F-12 'Swingwing' by skapunkplaything, on Flickr The F-12 forms the latest step in a line of snubfighters designed to be affordable but effective, given decent pilots and superior numbers. The basic model features standard cannon and shields, as well as a tree-shaped air-freshener as standard. For fancy things like rockets and jump capability..? You're going to have to pay extra. G-20 'Flying Saucer' by skapunkplaything, on Flickr Combining multi-vector engines with a potent arsenal, the G-20 became an expensive toy favoured by well-fed mercenaries and executive bodyguards in Solar corporations. Capable of taking on four regular fighters single-handed, the G-20 cost eight times as much. Many people skipped the math, leaving the 'Saucer a rare sight. *** Apologies for the terrible photo-quality, my camera is currently out of service, but I wanted to share regardless.
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The Kaiserin-class Light Cruiser The Kaiserin-class Light Cruiser is one of the modern European Union ships designed to update their ageing Navy. Design and production fell to the same shipbuilders responsible for the Bremen-class; the two ships are similar in quality but different in intent. Capital ships are useful and often fundamental tactical assets in modern stellar warfare. But even advanced, modern ships are held back by an old fashioned opponent – supply lines. The larger a capital ship is, the more logistical support it needs to operate. Within the human Core Systems this is an easy feat – the structures and support is already in place. The Rimward Territories contains none of this; most colonies are still developing and supplies are at a premium. Larger capital ships have no choice but to resupply at the Rim’s few industrialised and obvious ports. This creates a ‘trail’ in their wake (eliminating any sense of subtlety or surprise) and limits their range. Smaller capital ships have smaller requirements for supply – they are able to do so away from the main spaceports and the prying eyes often present. The Kaiserin was designed to strike a balance between low profile and high potency. The thin profile of the ship is intentional. In battle the ship can turn to face enemies and present a smaller target whilst being able to target a significant proportion of its weaponry. Furthermore, this thinness presents an odd sensor profile – older systems often misake the ship for something half the size if not looking closely. The latter quality is especially useful if the ship is operating alone in non-friendly territory. The Kaiserin is designed to operate in two main roles. Firstly, as a flag and command ship for groups of corvettes and destroyers in traditional stellar combat. The vessel is equipped with the communication equipment to coordinate a significant force and is fast enough to keep up with a cruising corvette. Its second function is that of a ‘lone wolf’; embarking on long-range patrols and engaging unfriendly contacts. These missions were traditionally assigned to smaller vessels but the introduction of the Wun’Tux changed everything. A patrol boat or corvette would be no match for a Wun’Tux Clanship; the Union needed something that could meet one and survive. The Cassard-class is of similar size and displacement. In theory, the older ship is more powerful – her large guns and missile systems can cause huge amounts of damage. However, as demonstrated at the end of the Pan-Eurasian War, the Cassard was outmoded and easily beaten by modern starfighters. Several Cassards were also present at Tordov V. Theoretically they were very suitable participants at this battle – Wun’Tux ships attacked head on and lacked manoeuvrability to evade fire. The groups of Cassards started well, deploying barrages of missiles and heavy fire at the ongoing forces. Once the missiles ran out, however, the Wun’Tux committed more and more of their forces. The guns alone were not accurate or powerful enough to half the Wun’Tux advance and the Cassard’s armour buckled under return fire; only 15% defending Tordov V escaped. The Kaiserin’s designers aimed to address these shortcomings. The armoured exterior and modular substructure have the ship greater resilience under fire. The Kaiserin’s weaponry is not ammunition dependent; unlike the Cassard’s missile launchers. Plasma weaponry and autocannons make for a potent medium to short range combatant. The first five, including EUS Kaiserin, were pressed into service towards the end of the disastrous Oroso conflict. They served alongside the strike fighters of Grendel Squadron to drive back an Oroso counter-offensive and put an end to the conflict; they were vastly superior to the few Cassards left serving on the front line and these old ships were soon sent to serve ignominiously with the Border Fleet. Ships of this class are predominantly assigned long range patrols along the Wun’Tux border. They are well equipped to engage lone Clanships; they can use their difficult to hit profile and turreted weapons to good effect. They are under orders to avoid larger forces, though, and exercise operational caution. A number have incidentally been involved with the USEF – either coming to the aid of an American warship or vice versa. This arrangement is a welcome example of thawing frostiness between human factions but remains strictly informal. Length: 90m Crew: 84 Role: Long range patrol, flotilla command Weaponry: 2 x Plasma Cannon Turrets (port and starboard) 1 x dual autocannon turret (keel mounted) 2 x heavy autocannons (deck mounted) 4 x ‘Starsnipe’ flak cannons Shields/Armour: Medium/Medium Special Features: Thin Profile. Modular Construction.
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TB-55The TB-55 by TenorPenny, on Flickr The TB-55 by TenorPenny, on Flickr The TB-55 by TenorPenny, on Flickr Sometimes old ideas are the best. The Russian TB-55 is a low tech weapon of brute force; a slow moving and heavily armoured gunship capable of devastating damage from its twin warhead launchers. The ’55 has outlasted many technologically superior ships and remains a potent force in the European Union navy. The ship is a giant compared to most starfighters; it has the lumbering pace of a giant to match. Even when it reaches top speed the ship is difficult to manovere and an easy target for interceptors and flak fire. And yet between the thick armour and its sheer potential for damage the ship well liked and well used. The design has barely changed since the Pan-Eurasian War in which it was used to siege and destroy Coalition fortifications and armour – one of the many reasons the Coalition chose to oppose the Union with hit and run style tactics over a slugging match. The post-War threats to the Union came in the form of alien species. Although the Oroso were able to avoid and isolate squadrons of TB-55s before they could do damage, the ship was found to be extremely effective against the Wun’Tux. Their durillium armour was very resilient against energy weapons but weak against explosives – the TB-55 was able to field an inordinate amount of such weaponry per ship; just three of them were capable of destroying one Clanship in two bombing runs. The vessel is decidedly old fashioned in design. A lack of automation means the ship requires three crew just to get off the ground. Outmoded sensors and electronics means it can be ‘spoofed’ by cutting edge jamming or stealth techniques. On the other hand, the ship is rugged and easy to maintain- it has few specialist components and repairs can be affected with salvaged equipment. This allows the ship great durability in the field. The European Union lost precious ships, personell and resources at Tordov V. The late Admiral Golovko’s successor- Vice Admiral Reyneso – favoured a less gun-ho tactical approach. She deployed wings of TB-55s to repel subsequent Wun’Tux incursions, successively blunting further offensives and giving the Union time to reorganise. TB-55 losses are common; the ship is big enough to be hit by flak fire and slow enough to be vulnerable to enemy interceptors. It has seen most success when deployed only once enemy fighter forces are engaged. The Russian 4th Bomber Wing (nicknamed the ‘Red Foxes’) worked alongside Grendel Squadron in the months following Tordov V using this exact tactic; the fighters would engage Wun’Tux fighter cover and allow the TB-55s to operate more freely. The Red Foxes chalked up an average of 1.5 Clanships per sortie.
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Early Warning Observation Outposts were constructed in response to the ever-expanding reach of Wun’Tux raiding parties. The stations are constructed in a modular style; the hub of the outpost contains an advanced sensor suite and the command and control aspects. The three ‘spoke’ modules contain living quarters and cargo storage. These modular components can be switched out in times of need – EWO Outposts can support hospital modules, ship maintenance and extra defensive measures.
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The Komondor-class Destroyer The Komondor-class Destroyer was one of the many military projects spawned to take advantage of the hike in European Union defence budgets following the disastrous Pan-Eurasian War. The ageing Bulk Cruiser required a modern, effective replacement. Sequential Defence Innovations (SDI) threw their hat in the ring in the form of the Komondor. The ship was presented as an ‘armoured destroyer’ and featured impressive defensive equipment, including overlapping armour plate and reinforced shields. It packed an array of conventional weaponry and modern command and control systems to boot. SDI, however, overspent on their budget and overran the fiscal controls placed on design briefs by the European Union. This made the ship very expensive a prospect; cost was the significant factor in the Union’s decision not to choose the ship as their first choice. Testing footage, ship specifications and other information had been leaked during the procurement process, though, and SDI found buyers through less official channels. The Gnoboare known to have bought at least one; the European Union found this out the hard way in a rather eye-opening border skirmish. SDI had fabricated and planted enough evidence of industrial espionage by Gnobo spies to escape punishment. A total of 20 were produced, mostly ending up in the hands of various Gnobo brigades, although – ironically – three found their way into the hands of the Free Brigades, an offshoot Union mercenary group. The ship excels in defence; it is ideally suited to holding the line against all but the largest capital ships. The layering of its armour plate and clever construction of bulkheads means it can keep on fighting even when under sustained fire. It packs adequate anti-fighter weaponry to hold off small-scale raids and attacks without fighter cover of its own. The ship’s flaws are revealed when its ability to attack are tested. It is one of the slowest modern capital ships; highly mobile opponents can flank, harass and otherwise escape its range too easily. This inflexibility is one reason the European Union opted for different designs, like the Bremen-class Corvette, instead.
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Someone recently asked me about whether my micro stuff is set in a universe, preset or otherwise. So I decided to bore you all with a topic about it..! [sorry. Part One Follows..] Précis Humankind (known as Earthlings to the other species of the Galaxy, mostly a derisory label) had colonised the Sol System by 2110. It was only then that breakthroughs were made with their faster-than-light systems, allowing them to progress and expand outwards from Sol. But humankind remained fractured by old divides and hatred, countries and nations. By 2195 there were several local colonies, American, British, European, Russian and a smattering of ground broken by smaller governments. Meanwhile, mega-corporations were quick to expand into the resource exploitation and manipulation made possible by so much new ground. Space became crowded around the human homeworld. Safe and secure and very bureaucratic. Humankind kept mostly cordial relationships with several alien cultures and organisations, remaining mostly neutral as they put toes into the waters of interstellar politics. FTL drives were invented with longer ranges, less restrictions. And human pioneers expanded ever outwards, into what was known as the Galactic Rim. Far away from the crowded, developed Core Worlds, many humans found their fortunes and opportunities farflung from Earth. The old Sol governments expanded cautiously, sensing the security risks involved. Individuals and smaller groups were joined by the resource and opportunity hungry Mega-corporations in setting up outposts and operations away from the stifling Core. Humans were less neutral out on the Rim, forced into conflict and alliances with new and dangerous species. Ship classes: -Fighters: The smallest fighters need one pilot and are equipped with cannons or forward firing missiles. They have no FTL capability of their own, so are used to protect static targets or need a large carrier craft to be deployed from. Pilots are easy to train and often quite disposable. Examples below: The Keepsake-class Fighter by TenorPenny, on Flickr F-12 'Swingwing' by TenorPenny, on Flickr FB-22 'Scimitar' by TenorPenny, on Flickr -Heavy Fighters/Couriers Capable of FTL travel, with more precious crew and usually armed with better weapons, this class of ship is less disposable and more adaptable to situations. Usually found in the possession of individuals or smaller groups. F41 'Cougar' by TenorPenny, on Flickr Skylark-class Courier by TenorPenny, on Flickr Widowson-class Courier by TenorPenny, on Flickr The Voidsbane by TenorPenny, on Flickr NV-2 [A reboot] by TenorPenny, on Flickr Gen-7 (landed) by TenorPenny, on Flickr AS-27 Escort Shuttle by TenorPenny, on Flickr Corvettes: The smallest class of ship able to equip weapons and armour of capital ship scale. Usually armed with turrets and crewed by many as opposed to a few, Corvettes are used as picket vessels and armed escorts to larger ships designed to transport goods and troops. Clan Gunship by TenorPenny, on Flickr The Blackjack by TenorPenny, on Flickr Tigerhound-class Corvette by TenorPenny, on Flickr The Red Wench by TenorPenny, on Flickr BB-22 Corvette by TenorPenny, on Flickr
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Wun'tux Clanship by TenorPenny, on Flickr The Reptilian Wun'Tux hail from a mid-Rim, high-temperature solar system and have spread from it throughout the galaxy, seizing territory and power in equal measure. Since their initial expansion, the design of their primary warship has remained predominantly unchanged. Solidly built and remarkably low-tech, the Clanships are like Viking Longboats from old Earth times. One under-slung photonic shell cannon is a devastating anti-material weapon. The ship packs four flak-turrets to augment this potent weapon, making the Clanship a hard target for capital ships and fighters alike. Smaller, more nimble capital ships can out-flank this unturreted photonic cannon, but the Wun'tux clans delight in surprising their enemies and having the upper hand. Notorious slavers, the Wun'tux clans use the pressed labour of other species to both build and crew the Clanships. Lives under the yoke of a Clan'head commander are short and brutal, and at the end of a battle most Clanships board and press gang any surviving enemies into their crew. Most defeated crews are quick to activate their self-destruct before this happens. Crew: 10 Wun'Tux, upto 40 slave crew. Weaponry: 1 x Photonic Shell Cannon (forward facing) 4 x Flak Turrents (doral and belly pairs) Special: Duranium Armour plating, easily modified and replaced. Clan Gunship by TenorPenny, on Flickr Larger and longer ranged than a standard star fighter, the early Earthling colony and military forces used gunship-class vessels to protect and expand their new homes. Early in their conflict with the Earthlings, the Wun'Tux found themselves confused by the concept and translation. Folklore says a particularly unimaginative Wun'Tux created their very own Gunship to stay true to the name. Build around a heavy, armour piercing cannon, the Clan Gunship is built to fire, fire and fire some more. With little targeting finesse available, the main cannon (along with four forward firing frag-launchers) is designed to destroy slow moving targets in it's crosshairs. It also has the ability to ram and board similarly sized vessels. Usually operating in packs, the ship is defenceless against fighters and has no guns covering sides, aft, dorsal or keel. The clans operate the gunships with half loyal, half slave crews. In the heat of battle, more than one collection of slaves have taken advantage of the distraction to stage a mutiny on the ship, therefore a significant number are in Terran and private hands. Wun'Tux Clan Pair by TenorPenny, on Flickr Clanships form the backbone of the reptilian Wun'Tux's martial forces. Most of their warrior caste live to serve on one, to use and abuse slaves on one, to engage in battle at it's helm. The crews of the smaller Gunships are envious, but protect their larger compatriots with much vim and vigour. After all, veteran gunship crews are the first in line to be picked for clanship duty.
