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Security Level 2 - Confidential
TO LCDR Kermit CC CAPT Caspius; CMDR Zarath FROM LT McLean SUBJ Silithium Chaff deployment methods |
Due to the success in the Holodeck of distributing silithium chaff in the path of Azedi Verteron beams, I have been exploring a number of possible deployment methods. Particularly of interest are those methods which, unlike cycling transporters, do not require lowering shields in a battle zone. Thus far, three deployment strategies of note are as follows
1. Hull mounted chaff dispersal units
This method involves externally mounted chaff launchers, affixed to the hull of the starship. This method works similarly to 20th century fighter aircraft missile countermeasures. Gas is vented from the chaff launchers, which disperses a cloud of silithium fragments in a regular pattern about the ship. Several charges may be loaded into the dispersal units for extended engagements.
Pros
- regular dispersal protects the ship from attack from all angles
- physical means of dispersal allows for dispersal regardless of shield status.
Cons
- each intercepted shot will destroy the chaff in its path, leaving holes in the cloud
- less efficient use of silithium
2. Torpedo based deployment system.
This method was inspired by CDT Riallis attempt to intercept the beam with torpedoes, for this system, a torpedo is loaded into the tube with a tiny charge in place of its payload and the rest of the payload compartment filled with small fletchets of silithium. It is programmed to fire into the course of the beam and detonate, dispersing a small cloud of silithium in front of the beam.
Pros
- cheapest solution in terms of development, and a simple mechanism
- multiple torpedoes could concievably be launched at a time, which could in theory further dissipate the beam.
Cons
- can only launch countermeasures as fast as torpedoes can be deployed, which means that we may be overwhelmed by large numbers of enemy ships
- takes the place of offensive warheads in the tubes, leading to a decrease in offensive capabilities.
3. Satellite automated transporter systems
This method would use the predictive protocol that I developed for the Bulwark system, in order to transport an optimized load of silithium directly into the beams path. To avoid interference from shields, It would be deployed from the shuttle bay and be fitted with low emissions thrusters to allow it to navigate a short distance away from its parent ship. In order to hold a reasonable payload of silithium, to intercept several beams before exhausting it’s supply, it would need to be roughly the size of a larger shuttlecraft. This system would be entirely unmanned, and similar automated satellite systems could be incorporated into the design.
Pros
- large reservoir of silithium, and automated system allows for Crew of the ship to focus on other aspects of battle
- can disperse silithium for optimum efficiency
- can support additional auxiliary systems should that be necessary
Cons
- not protected by shields, could be countered by a well placed shot from the enemy
- limited capacity, with no ability to resupply mid-combat
- transporters have a cycle time associated with them, which could be overwhelmed.
I have attached schematics of all three systems, and can begin development at your command.
//SIGNED//
Lieutenant Duncan McLean
Engineer | Deep Space 13
//ATTACHMENT// Chaff_launcher.schem
//ATTACHMENT// chaff_torpedo.schem
//ATTACHMENT// chaff_satellite.schem
