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Writer's pictureSasha W.

(RP) Subsystem Technical Update: Standard Classification System (SCS)

//As part of my new plan to integrate more technicalities into the classification of starships and their subsystems in the Eridonia Archives, I am introducing a new update to systems (such as weapons, sensors and shielding) that allow various starships to be configured with higher flexibility; reflecting how they would be in the reality of my ~46th century future scenario. This post will be updated with new designations, given the depth I want to go into, and my ADHD, I can't get it all done in just one sitting.


Standard Classification System (SCS)

Introduced by the Unified Terran Nations' military branch, the Federal Military Commission, in 2401 A.D, the Standard Classification System (SCS) is a series of standard-designs for terran-produced equipment that all independent subsystem modules produced both domestically, and privately (such as by corporations commissioned by the FMC) must adhere to, in order to maintain a full integrated and compatible hardware eco-system throughout Aquarius. The SCS was eventually expanded to encompass civilian technologies, too, and greatly simplified the equipment selection and installation process of any space-faring starship's inventory. The SCS remains in use as of 4402 A.D, by essentially all factions under the Aquarian Terran Imperial States' banner, including all military branches, corporations and private entities.


SCS categories are broken down into groups, and then again into sub-groups, depending on the type of subsystem being certified. For example, Laser Weapons come under "Energy Weapons", which comes under "Weapons". SCS designation includes hardpoint types in addition to the weapon itself, such as the A, B and C-type hardpoint designations for turreted weapon systems in Aquarian Service.


SCS: Weapon Systems

Weapon systems are designed to cause damage to a hostile target in either offensive or defensive capability.


Kinetic Weapons.

Mass-drivers and kinetic-based weapons propelling solid objects at great speed such as the standardised Fusion Impulse Mass Driver.


SCS-Stat Descriptions:


[Bore Diameter]

Width of the barrel, measured in millimetres, whereby the projectile is fired. Projectile Calibre is almost equal to, or lower than this measurement; in the case of a sub-calibre projectile].


[Bore Type]

The type of barrel assembly. This can include Kinetic only, Magnetically Assisted, or Rail Assisted.


[Muzzle Velocity]

Initial speed of the projectile as it leaves the muzzle of the barrel, measured in meters per second.


[Typical Velocity]

Speed of the projectile, in meters per second, on average, about half-way to its maximum specified effective range.


[Velocity at Maximum Effective Range]

Speed of the projectile, in meters per second, when it reaches its maximum specified effective range.


[Muzzle Energy]

Impact force Energy of the projectile, measured in Kinetic Units (KU), when it leaves the muzzle of the barrel.


[Typical Energy]

Impact force Energy of the projectile, measured in Kinetic Units (KU), on average about half way to its maximum specified effective range.


[Energy at Maximum Range]

Impact force Energy of the projectile, measured in Impact Units (IU), when it reaches its maximum specified effective range.


[Effective Range]

Maximum effective range, measured in Kilometres, that the targeting system of the weapon system is calibrated to. Newtonian zero-gravity environment does not enforce a hard maximum range for kinetic projectiles, however this data is given as a 'guidance' to the ship's Fire Control System based on projectile flight time, in-flight adjustment capability and other factors that effect the 'lead time' to a given target. Beyond this range, the targeting system considers the possibility of effective fire to be too low.


[Effective Drift]

A measurement, provided in Accuracy Units (AU), that specifies how much kinetic drift on the flight-path of the projectile is typically present after firing. This factor can be influenced by ammunition type, bore type, and rate of fire.


[Recoil Management]

A measurement used to determine the effectiveness of the weapon in handling recoil. This figure takes into consideration factors such as weapon stabilisation, muzzle energy and ammunition types.


[Effective Rate of Fire]

The number of projectiles, per minute, the weapon system can discharge. Effective Rate of Fire is determined by the systems' onboard computer based on factors such as barrel wear, heat generation and mechanical limitations.


[Magazine Type]

The type of ammunition containment magazine used to feed the weapon system, such as Stacked, Barrel/Drum, Chain-Linked or Single Breach.


[Magazine Capacity]

How many physical rounds can be contained within a single magazine before a reload is required. For Single-breach weapons, this figure represents the number of rounds available on the 'ready rack' for immediate feeding.


[Magazine Reload Duration]

The time required, in seconds, for a depleted magazine to be replaced with a ready one. For Single-breach weapons, this represents the time required for the projectile to be loaded into the breach.


[Ammunition Types]

The types of ammunition that the weapon system can employ, such as Armour-Piercing Solid State Kinetic Penetrator (APSSKP) or High Explosive Fragmentation (HEF).


[Power Requirement]

Power requirements of the weapon system for continued operation, measured in Watts, such as targeting systems, reload mechanisms and turret actuators.


(Will be updated).

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