A
Volksgrenadier on a ground-based test rig prior to launch
Image Source: Defense Update
Intent: To provide a long-range cloaking assault concussion missile
Development Threads:
- [Techno Empire] Project Volkswagen (31 posts)
- Casus Belli (Tygaran Alliance/Galactic Alliance vs First Order Rebellion of Kaeshana) (posts # 55, 85, 98, 146, 222, 231, 260, 387, 417, 434, 491, 521, 612, 664, 679, 687, 813, 832, 848, 882, 922, 929; 22 posts)
53 posts total
Manufacturer: Ringovinda Systems
Model: Volksgrenadier long-range MIRV assault missile
Affiliation: Open Market
Modularity: No
Production: Minor
Material: Durasteel, stygium, electronics, detonite, ion drive
Classification: MIRV assault missile
Size: Ship-mounted
Length: 7 meters (light version) 20 meters (regular version)
Diameter: 533mm (light version) 1700mm (regular version)
Weight: 2 tons (light version) 50 tons (regular version)
Ammunition Type: High explosive
Ammunition Capacity: 1 (7 clustered proton torpedoes)
Effective Range: Long-range turbolaser equivalent
Rate of Fire: Single action
Special Features: Cloaking device
Strengths:
- Can target multiple ships at once (or multiple systems on the same ship)
- Increased survivability due to the cloaking device
- Can bypass ray shields
- Capable of evasive action
Weaknesses:
- Even when cloaked, its magnetic signature can still be locked on
- Cloaking device is ineffective against Force-sensitive pilots/gunners
- Should not be used on targets smaller than 100 meters
- Can only be launched from a specialized assault concussion missile launcher capable of activating cloaking devices on missiles
- The secondary vectors, upon deployment, are not cloaked
- No more than a quarter of a launcher's warheads can be Volksgrenadiers
Description: Born from a gap in the missile arsenal of the then-Techno Empire, the
Volksgrenadier heavy long-range assault missile allows a missile to target multiple ships at once, thanks to MIRV technology, which allows it to deploy multiple secondary vectors that can target multiple ships at once, while the bus carries a cloaking device capable of enhancing survivability, as well as a guidance system, making it capable of tracking targets. As with all MIRV-based missiles, the
Volksgrenadier have a bus, which contains all the warheads that will ultimately be fired, and several secondary vectors. Seven
Morcus heavy proton torpedoes placed in an hexagonal formation form the basis for the
Volksgrenadier's secondary warheads. Once the bus is within the warheads' range of their targets, the bus will deploy the secondary vectors, that is, seven proton torpedoes, all at once. That is, when the bus is within standard capital proton torpedo range of the target furthest away from it (in the case of the proton torpedoes being aimed at different targets). The bus, which is simply used as a means of transportation for the proton torpedoes, contains enough fuel for allowing maneuverability within standard long-range turbolaser range, after which point it becomes "dead-stick" and loses any ability for maneuvering.
However, because of the cloaking device having two blind spots, that is, the bus' magnetic signature would still be visible, and that it does not protect against Force-detection, the missile's survivability is not perfect. Also, whereas the bus can be cloaked, the individual warheads, unfortunately, cannot. Due to the long-range nature of the missile and the firepower of the secondary vectors, it should not be used against ships below 100 meters in size. Also, due to the difficulty of manufacturing the cloaking devices in these missiles, no more than a quarter of a launcher's warheads can be
Volksgrenadiers.
In the wake of the lessons learned on Kaeshana, two versions are made available for the
Volksgrenadier warheads: one carrying seven standard capital-grade proton torpedoes in one bus, dubbed the light version, and one carrying seven
Morcus heavy proton torpedoes, dubbed the regular version.
Important notes:
- The light version counts for 15 normal capital-grade warheads or 3 heavy capital-grade warheads
- The regular version counts for a large number of normal warheads (70 normal capital-grade warheads or 14 heavy capital-grade warheads)
Primary Sources:
Morcus heavy proton torpedo (the secondary warheads mounted inside the Volksgrenadier)
Volksgrenadier assault concussion missile launcher (its delivery system)