Approved Ranged Weapon Hwacha-type MK 50 RLS

[Ethanael Halscott]

Hwacha​

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create a “Star Wars” variant of the Mark 50 RLS.
• Image Source: N/A
• Canon Link: N/A
• Permissions: N/A
• Primary Source: Mark 50 Rocket Launcher System

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Primo Victorian Enterprises
• Affiliation: The Commonwealth | Primo Victorian
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: VNWS-MS50-PRS “Hwacha”
• Modularity: No
• Production: Mass Produced
• Material:
  
  • Durasteel: Primary structural material for the launchers and rocket casing, providing durability and resilience against energy weapons and environmental stresses in space.
  • Dallorian Alloy: Utilized in key components to resist heat from repeated launches and prevent overheating.
  • Agrinium Lining: Lining for radiation shielding to protect internal electronic systems from radiation interference in space combat.
  • Reflec Coating: Applied to the outer casing to reduce detection by sensors, enhancing stealth in close-range engagements.
  • Plasma Capacitors: Integral to Type-7 and Type-10 rocket warheads, storing and releasing the plasmic energy for stress-inducing impacts.
  • Composite Armor Plating: Reinforces critical systems to shield against hull impacts and minor explosions, improving launcher longevity under fire.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Rocket Launcher
• Size: Large
• Weight: Heavy
• Ammunition Type: Plasmic Stress Rockets with tandem warheads (Type-7 and Type-10)
• Ammunition Capacity: Small (16 rockets per broadside, with 16 reloads stored internally)
• Effective Range: Optimized for Average to Long Range
• Rate of Fire: Low (Controlled bursts to maximize accuracy and conserve ammunition)
• Damage Output: High (Designed to bypass shields and cause cumulative hull stress)
• Recoil: High (Significant recoil managed by stabilizing mechanisms, particularly in manual mode)

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Launcher Configuration
  
  • Twin eight-cell arrays on each side of the vessel, for a total of 16 launch tubes.
  • Can launch up to 16 rockets in a single broadside with 16 additional reloads.
  • Provides firepower comparable to a destroyer's broadside, though with reduced accuracy compared to precision laser cannons.
• Rocket Types
  
  • Type-7 Plasmic Impact Rockets: Spin-stabilized, carrying plasmic destabilizers that create a shockwave on impact, inducing microfractures and hull fatigue over repeated hits.
  • Type-10 Fracture Rockets: Contain resonant charges and “fracture crystals” that cause continuous plasma reactions on impact, compromising armor integrity over time.
• "Death by a Thousand Cuts" Mode
  
  • Alternates Type-7 and Type-10 rockets to cause cumulative hull stress by targeting multiple impact points.
  • Designed to gradually weaken hull integrity, especially effective against larger capital ships.
• Auxiliary Targeting System
  
  • Uses a weak-point scanner to identify structural vulnerabilities, directing impacts for maximal stress without heavy ordnance.
  • Onboard AI coordinates impact points based on analysis to maximize damage over time.
• Adaptive Fire Control
  
  • Dynamic algorithms optimize firing parameters based on battlefield conditions, increasing engagement efficiency.
• Recoil Management System
  
  • Built in recoil management systems aid in reducing the kickback of the RLS. Particularly when in manual operator mode.
• Interoperability
  
  • Seamlessly integrates with shipboard systems and command networks, enabling coordinated fleet strategies and defensive maneuvers.
• Heuristic Data Processing
  
  • Advanced algorithms analyze and adapt to complex combat data in real-time, enhancing targeting flexibility.
• Manual Operator Mode
  
  • Switchable to manual targeting in case of system jamming or malfunction, requiring hand-cranked adjustments by additional personnel.
• Reload Mechanism
  
  • Automated reloading system provides near-instant reloading between salvos. Takes 5-10 seconds to reload 16 rockets depending on conditions.

STRENGTHS

• Sustained Cumulative Damage: Alternating rocket types in "Death by a Thousand Cuts" mode causes hull fatigue, creating weaknesses for follow-up attacks.
• High Damage Output: Capable of dealing considerable cumulative damage to capital ships, gradually compromising structural integrity.
• Weak-Point Targeting: Auxiliary targeting system identifies and exploits structural vulnerabilities, maximizing impact with each salvo.

WEAKNESSES

• Reduced Accuracy: Rockets have less precision than typical laser or ion weaponry, which may lead to lower effectiveness against small or fast-moving targets.
• Short to Mid-Range Only: Effective at close to mid-range; beyond that, accuracy diminishes, making it less versatile in long-range engagements.
• High Recoil: Significant recoil requires stabilizing mechanisms and additional personnel for manual mode, potentially reducing sustained fire capability.

DESCRIPTION

The MS-50 Plasmic Stress Rocket System draws inspiration from traditional naval broadsides, adapted for the harsh realities of space combat. Each launcher houses twin eight-cell arrays, enabling a full 16-rocket broadside with 16 reloads available, giving it the combined firepower of a destroyer's artillery. Although lacking pinpoint accuracy, it compensates with sheer destructive capability, thanks to two distinct rocket types.

The Type-7 Plasmic Impact Rockets are spin-stabilized for improved flight stability, delivering a shockwave on impact that causes minor hull fractures. With each strike, these fractures accumulate, inducing structural fatigue over time. Meanwhile, the Type-10 Fracture Rockets employ a resonant charge and plasma-based "fracture crystals" that erode armor integrity, creating cumulative stress that can weaken bulkheads.

The "Death by a Thousand Cuts" Mode is central to the MS-50’s tactical advantage, staggering Type-7 and Type-10 impacts to apply a distributed strain over broad sections of the enemy’s hull. By gradually stressing the ship’s structural points, the system sets up larger vessels for secondary assaults or heavy weapon follow-ups. An Auxiliary Targeting System further enhances the MS-50's effectiveness, using heuristic analysis to pinpoint weak points on the target's hull and prioritize these in its fire pattern.

Built with adaptive technology, the MS-50 adjusts its firing algorithms to suit battlefield conditions and integrates seamlessly into fleet operations, supporting a coordinated offensive. If targeting systems fail, a Manual Operator Mode allows the system to be hand-cranked, albeit with more personnel and less efficiency.

In summary, the MS-50 Plasmic Stress Rocket System is ideally suited for close-range harassment and siege tactics against larger capital ships, gradually compromising their defenses until more direct or devastating weaponry can be deployed. It is, however, limited by its high recoil, reduced accuracy, and shorter operational range, making it better suited to ambush tactics and support roles within a larger fleet.

 

[MANIAC]

Ethanael Halscott

As usual, amazing sub!

Approved.