NationStates Jolt Archive

History
After Sept 11 and Iraq, Sir Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin decided to start large-scale investment in Nationstates. Based on his experience in the airline industry, he decided to enter the NS world with Virgin Atlantic, Virgin's star performer in the RL world. The rest of the Virgin empire would follow soon.

Virgin's HQ is located in Taiwan (_Taiwan).

Divisions
Virgin Atlantic
*100% Shareholder in EVA Airways
*100% Shareholder in Air New Zealand
A no-frills airline servicing mainly European and Atlantic routes, recently expanding into Asia. Virgin Atlantic uses only one type of aircraft, Airbus, to save costs.

Virgin Atlantic and it's subsidaries are part of the Star Alliance.
http://ftpwww.cce.unipr.it/~eraedta/images/star%20alliance.gif

Virgin Sapphire
A luxury airline servicing the European and American markets. It's flagship aircraft is the Ultracruise SST, as well as Airbus 380s with full-sized cabins.

Virgin Capital
Serves as a capital-raising platform for Virgin.

Virgin Aerospace
Developer of civilian transport aircraft and miltary aviation.

Virgin Media
Maker of films and TV programmes in 24 different languages around the world. Also produces music sold as Virgin Records.

Virgin Maritime
Developer of civilian and military maritime equipment and ships.

Logo
http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/virgin_atlantic.jpg

Virgin Aerospace

Virgin UltraCruise
Image (http://my.execpc.com/~culp/space/concorde.jpg)
A supersonic civilian air transport designed to replace the Concorde. Features fly-by-wire, low

maintenance costs, and the most important feature, the ability to supercruise.

Whereas the Concorde required afterburners to reach it's crusing speed of Mach 2, The UltraCruise

can reach it's cruising speed of Mach 1.6 without the use of afterburners, making it more

economic to operate.

The UltraCruise uses 35% Airbus parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs due to commonality.

Length: 72m
Wingspan: 64m
Max Passengers (Business class seating): 160
Speed: Mach 1.6
Powerplant: Six MK-2 Turbofans
Thrust: 33,000 lbs

Cost: $230m

Virgin S-300
A state-of-the-art airliner bringing levels of efficiency previously only available to large UWB

airlines to a short-range airliner. Uses around 10% less fuel than the Boeing 7E7, resulting in

higher profits. Also uses around 40% Airbus parts.

Length: 49m
Wingspan: 48m
Max Passengers (Economy): 300
Max Passengers (Business): 200
Speed: Mach 0.8
Powerplant: Two MK-1 Ultra-High Bypass Turbofans
Thrust: 45,000 lbs

Cost: $140m

Virgin S-500
A modern Ultra-Wide-Body airliner to rival the Airbus 380 and the Boeing 747-400. Large passenger

capacity helps ease congestion at busy airports. Also uses less fuel than the Airbus 380 due to

the use of the MK-1 Ultra High Bypass Turbofans

Length: 73m
Wingspan: 72m
Max Passengers (Economy): 900
Max Passengers (Business): 650
Speed: Mach 0.8
Powerplant: Three MK-1 Ultra-High Bypass Turbofans
Thrust: 45,000 lbs

Cost: $210m

Virgin S-700 BWB
A massive airliner featuring the Blended-Wing-Body design, which results in a larger volume per

length, and reduced drag.

Length: 73m
Wingspan: 157m
Max Passengers (Economy): 1200
Max Passengers (Business): 850
Speed: Mach 0.8
Powerplant: Four MK-1 Ultra-High Bypass Turbofans
Thrust: 45,000 lbs

Cost: $320m

Virgin S-900 WIG
An ultra-sized water take-off/landing airline designed to take advantage of the WIG effect,

leading to almost 50% reduced drag and increased efficientcy. The sheer size of the S-900 means

that fuel use per passenger is much lower. The operating cost of each seat is a mere $75 across

the Atlantic.

Length: 390m
Wingspan: 420m
Max Passengers (Economy): 4,800
Max Passengers (Business): 3,400
Speed: Mach 0.6
Powerplant: Eight MK-2 Ultra-High Bypass Turbofans
Thrust: 80,000 lbs

Cost: $1.1bn

F-16T
Image (http://www.voodoo.cz/falcon/old/f16147.jpg)

The F-16T is a multi-role fighter that is very capable at both air superiority and ground attack

roles. It's avionics have been improved, allowing the F-16T to attack effectively beyond visual

range. During development, major efforts were sought to keep down the cost of the final product.

The F-16XL airframe was selected based on manuevearbility and its low cost. A delta wing is used

to reduce drag at supersonic levels. The F-16T uses Virgin's TN-2 turbofan which gives the F-16T

a cruising speed of Mach 1.3. 3-D Thrust-vectoring allows the F-16T to achieve very tight turns,

resulting in dogfighting capabilities similar to that of the Su-37. The standard radar on the F-

16T is the Sky Matrix system Version One with a range of 80km. There is also a rear facing radar

which has a range of 50km. Avionics are compatible to the Eurofighter's.

Function: Multirole fighter
Length: 54.2 ft (16.52 m)
Wingspan: 34.3 ft (10.45 m)
Max Weight : 50,000lbs
Speed: Mach 1.3 Cruise - Mach 1.8 Max
Combat radius: 700nm
Armaments:
Air Superiority - 10 AMRAAMs, 2 ASRAAMs
Strike - 6 1,000lb JDAMs, 2 AMRAAMs

Cost: $21m

F-22T Raptor
Image (http://www.flash.net/~larryd55/f-22.jpg)

The F-22T is similar to the American F-22 with indigenous components and minor upgrades. The F-

22T can carry a larger load and has a larger internal weapons bay. Propulsion upgrades mean the

F-22T can supercruise at Mach 1.7

Function: Air Superiority
Length: 60.67 feet
Wingspan: 47.5 feet
Max Weight : 80,000 lbs
Speed: Mach 1.7 Cruise - Mach 1.9 Max
Combat radius: 670nm
Armaments:
Internal : 8 AMRAAMs, 2 ASRAAMs
External : 4 1,000lb JDAMs

Cost: $72m

F-36T Taurus
Image (http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/x-36-2585183.jpg)

The F-36T is Virgin's next generation air superiority fighter. It has begun replacing the F-22s

in Taiwan's air forces. It features state-of-the-art active radar cancellation technology and has

the radar signature the size of a small eagle to defeat radars at range.

The propulsion and thrust-vectoring on the F-36 are Virgin's pride and joy. Fully 3D, the F-36T

is capable of ESTOL and VTOL as well as unsurpassed manueverability which is also enhanced by the

use of composite flexible materials. The TN-3 turbofan is capable of supercruising at the

whopping speed of Mach 1.8. The ECM and ECCM suite on the F-36T is capable of jamming missiles

and enemy radars more effectively than the F-22.

To counter enemy stealth aircraft, the RQ-1000 phased radar onboard is enormously powerful. With

the front radar able to detect a fighter sized object an enormous 520km away in detailed scan

mode, 320km away in normal mode, and 180km away in stealth mode, even small radar signatures can

be detected. The rear radar has a range of around 60% of the front one. A specialised electronic

warfare version is also capable of carrying ESM equipment and even more sophisticated radar

jammers.

Function: Air Superiority
Length: 50.67 feet
Wingspan: 42.5 feet
Max Weight : 60,000 lbs
Speed: Mach 1.7 Cruise - Mach 1.9 Max
Combat radius: 740nm
Armaments:
Internal : 8 AMRAAMs, 2 ASRAAMs
Cost: $47 million

Nanfung missile
Function: Sea/Air-launched Anti-ship missile
Length: 3.9m (10.5m)
Diameter: 45cm (65cm)
Wingspan: 35cm (50cm)
Range: 40km A, 190km B, 380km C
Speed: Mach 2.2
Warhead: Penetrating High explosive (1,100lbs)
Weight: 2,200kg A, 4,500kg B, 6,500kg C
Guidance: IR/Radar terminal, GPS navigation
Thrust: Solid Rocket motor producing 4,800lbs (6,000lbs)

The Nanfung A is compatible with most western aircraft. Although it weighs more than the AGM-84

Harpoon, it is just over half the weight of a SS-22 Sunburn, allowing it to be air-launched on

even light strike aircraft.

The Nanfung's lethality is unsurpassed due to several innovative features. Its high speed (3x

faster than the Harpoon) gives the target little time to respond. Even if the Nanfung is targeted

by CIWS, it still stands a good chance of hitting its target due to the presence of a DU tip

protecting the motor and the warhead (The guidance and radar will be destroyed though). Based on

the range of the Phalanx CIWS, the Nanfung will still succeed in hitting the target 90%+ times.

On impact, penetration is almost definite due to its large warhead (3x more explosive than the

Exocet). An AI onboard allows CIWS dodging manuvers.

A sea-launched version with much greater range is also available. Specs for the sea-launched

version are in brackets.

Cost:
Nanfung A (Air-launched) - $1.2m
Nanfung B (Sea-launched) - $1.5m
Nanfung C (GPS Sea launched) - $1.9m

Virgin Capital
Interest of 6.5% p.a is paid yearly, and the bonds will be repaid in 15 years.

Virgin Atlantic is rated at BBB by Standard and Poor's.

Bond Holders
Isochronous : $160m
Lapse: $320m
Guiness Extra Cold: $720m
Menelmacar (Fëanor Holdings Group) : $800m

Virgin Media
Pauline Hanson : The Musical

"A musical based on the life of Pauline Hanson, from her entry into Australian politics, her rise and eventual fall into prison."

To some, Pauline Hanson was a light-bearer. To others, she was a threat to world peace. "Pauline Hanson - The Musical" explores her controversial career in a light-hearted and humourous way. Starring Chow Yun Fat.
Soundtrack out now!

The Day We Kissed

A physically-abused 12-year old girl (Angela) falls in love with a enigmatic 24-year old man (Ronald). Their romance blossoms, until in a twist of fate, Ronald's life ends. Thus begins Angela's spiral into suicide. Filmed on location in East Taiwan. Starring Jay Chou and Christy Chiang, with supporting acts by Judi Dench.

Virgin Maritime

Tainan Class Destroyer

A high speed low cross-section vessel designed for anti-carrier operations.

Propulsion: 4x Virgin Nuclear reactors, 98MW.
Speed (sustained): 37 knots
Armament:
24 Reloadable VLS Cells (Nanfung, ESSM, SM-2, Tomahawk, ASROC)
4 CIWS Phalanx
1 Retractable 127mm Gun

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Virgin Atlantic is based in Taiwan.

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OOC: The concorde only needed afterburner to pass Mach1. After around MACH 1.2 afterburners were turned off. A major reason for it's poor fuel efficency was that it was made in the 60's/70's and used turbojets not turbofans.

And using one type of aircraft won't keep costs down, it actually raised them because on routes that are less popular you will have only a partially full aircraft.

One brand of aircraft I meant, i.e only Airbus.

The Concorde was made by Airbus...

The Concorde was made by Airbus...

No it wasn't, It was a combined effort with Aerospatiale and Britsh Aerospace.

And that company, along with the German plane manufactureres, and the British plane companies combined to BECOME Airbus...

And that company, along with the German plane manufactureres, and the British plane companies combined to BECOME Airbus...

That doesn't mean Airbus made them, Concorde production was stopped before Airbus was made.

Virgin Aerospace

Virgin UltraCruise
Picture of UltraCruise (http://my.execpc.com/~culp/space/concorde.jpg)
A supersonic civilian air transport designed to replace the Concorde. Features fly-by-wire, low maintenance costs, and the most important feature, the ability to supercruise.

Whereas the Concorde required afterburners to reach it's crusing speed of Mach 2, The UltraCruise can reach it's cruising speed of Mach 1.6 without the use of afterburners, making it more economic to operate.

The UltraCruise uses 35% Airbus parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs due to commonality.

Length: 72m
Wingspan: 64m
Max Passengers (Business class seating): 160
Speed: Mach 1.6
Powerplant: Six MK-2 Turbofans
Thrust: 33,000 lbs

Cost: $230m

Is it possible to reconfigure the UltraCruise to include First Class? We're interested in buying some.

Nicholas Tam MBA
CEO, AnsettAustralia.

And that company, along with the German plane manufactureres, and the British plane companies combined to BECOME Airbus...

That doesn't mean Airbus made them, Concorde production was stopped before Airbus was made.

It doesn't directly replace the Concorde in the sense of the same company making it, it just takes over what it does. Virgin uses only Airbus, so naturally we built it out of Airbus parts.

Is it possible to reconfigure the UltraCruise to include First Class? We're interested in buying some.

Nicholas Tam MBA
CEO, AnsettAustralia.

Firstly, thank you for expressing interest in our products. The ultracruise is designed specifically for first-class luxury, with the Ultracruise business class seat equivalent to a First class seat.

OOC:

Good to see someone still using Concorde. I still maintain the real reason it failed was that the Americans backed out of the orders they placed. If they hadn't, she'd still be flying today.

OOC:

Good to see someone still using Concorde. I still maintain the real reason it failed was that the Americans backed out of the orders they placed. If they hadn't, she'd still be flying today.

Oil crisis and it's fuel inefficientcy sorta killed it. Another factor was it's noise.

Well, the Americans cancelling an order for 250 didn't help the situation much did it really? That and they couldn't get the Boeing SST to actualyl work properly.

Well, the Americans cancelling an order for 250 didn't help the situation much did it really? That and they couldn't get the Boeing SST to actualyl work properly.

LOL, the one which was so heavy it couldn't get off the ground?

The noise isn't that bad really. I used to live right next to an military airfield and had MIG flying at upto MACH2 right above me, Sure the sonic bomb was annoying at first but you got used to it very quickly, It didn't break anything and im my opinion is more acceptable than the long roar of slower jets that currently fly over my home.

MiGs? Where did you live?

Dunno about that. After 9/11, the Airbase near my house scrambled, and we had F-16s/F-15s roaring around the skies at supersonic speeds, booming everywhere. While I was fine with it, the elderly neighbors were really upset by the constant booms and shakes.

And, about the US cancelling orders: at that time, we were really getting out of supersonic jets. We also killed our own XB-70 program, and that was a cool bomber.

MiGs? Where did you live?

I used to live in Poland. It was a great place to live you had migs flying about, tanks driving along etc. While it isn't like that anymore it was fun to see while it lasted.

Most funny thing was watching the new tank drivers go on there first patrol, they had to pass through a gate only 20cm wider than the tank(never made it). Most lucky escape was watching a Main Battle tank drive thorugh a bog field, driving along and suddenly it just disappear, we all think 5 people are just died but somehow it comes back up and repeates this 5 times before it finally makes it out.

Those were the days

MiGs? Where did you live?Most funny thing was watching the new tank drivers go on there first patrol, they had to pass through a gate only 20cm wider than the tank(never made it). Most lucky escape was watching a Main Battle tank drive thorugh a bog field, driving along and suddenly it just disappear, we all think 5 people are just died but somehow it comes back up and repeates this 5 times before it finally makes it out.

LOL! :lol:

I had a buddy go into the US Army, and he told stories about this. He was in Armored Training, and every day or so, they had to go yank a Bradley or Abrams out of the water/mud. Some tank driver would see this "puddle" and think, "Ha, I can cross that!" BLUNK! Next thing you know, there's a gun barrel poking out of the mud, and three guys standing ontop of the submerged turret, looking around for help and trying to avoid the Sargeants.

The US can really thank the environmental lobby for killing supersonic commercial flight here. It was the environmental lobby that pushed through the noise ordinances that made it illegal for planes like the Concorde to fly over heavily populated areas and the US aerospace industry simply did not have at that time the detailed understanding of supersonic flight necessary to dampen the shocks.

OOC: Just out of interest, has anyone, other than ACS, since i assume that he has, heard of George Miles?

BUMP - Buy an airline!

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Couple of questions for Virgin Atlantic:

1. Do you have anything to do with Virgin Blue?
2. With regard to the Ultracruise, is it possible to lease them, and what would figures be on a 10 year lease?

The noise isn't that bad really. I used to live right next to an military airfield and had MIG flying at upto MACH2 right above me, Sure the sonic bomb was annoying at first but you got used to it very quickly, It didn't break anything and im my opinion is more acceptable than the long roar of slower jets that currently fly over my home.

Not possible. A MiG flying mach 1.00 or above would break every window in your house. For example, when the U.S. Navy Blue Angels did a tour in England, one of the planes made mach 1.03 in a turn and broke every window in Greenwich (I think that was the city) for 16 city blocks. And, if the MiGs could even fly mach 2.0 at 5000 or less ASL you would probably be deaf and not have any glass objects in your house anymore.

Couple of questions for Virgin Atlantic:

1. Do you have anything to do with Virgin Blue?
2. With regard to the Ultracruise, is it possible to lease them, and what would figures be on a 10 year lease?

1. Originally a cut-priced subsidary was planned for Australasia, but then Air New Zealand collapsed and we were in a position to acquire the company for a fairly cheap price.

2. On a ten year lease, the costs would be $18 million yr, including maintenance by Virgin.

BUMP

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Not possible. A MiG flying mach 1.00 or above would break every window in your house. For example, when the U.S. Navy Blue Angels did a tour in England, one of the planes made mach 1.03 in a turn and broke every window in Greenwich (I think that was the city) for 16 city blocks. And, if the MiGs could even fly mach 2.0 at 5000 or less ASL you would probably be deaf and not have any glass objects in your house anymore.

Um, I have experinced it. Don't tell me that my life experiences didn't happen.

I had jets fly overhead at MACH speed several times a night and it almost NEVER broke anything.

Have you had a plane fly over you at supersonic speeds? Probably not so you have NOTHING tosay about the issue.

A sonic boom isn't that bad, it's very much like a thunder clap

Couple of questions for Virgin Atlantic:

1. Do you have anything to do with Virgin Blue?
2. With regard to the Ultracruise, is it possible to lease them, and what would figures be on a 10 year lease?

1. Originally a cut-priced subsidary was planned for Australasia, but then Air New Zealand collapsed and we were in a position to acquire the company for a fairly cheap price.

2. On a ten year lease, the costs would be $18 million yr, including maintenance by Virgin.

Ansett would like to lease 20 Ultracruise aircraft for ten years, the result being $360 million yearly and a $3.6 billion investment by Ansett.

With the Star Alliance, will there be any change to Air NZ domestic routes within Australia?

we want buy your firm
contact us

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Couple of questions for Virgin Atlantic:

1. Do you have anything to do with Virgin Blue?
2. With regard to the Ultracruise, is it possible to lease them, and what would figures be on a 10 year lease?

1. Originally a cut-priced subsidary was planned for Australasia, but then Air New Zealand collapsed and we were in a position to acquire the company for a fairly cheap price.

2. On a ten year lease, the costs would be $18 million yr, including maintenance by Virgin.

Ansett would like to lease 20 Ultracruise aircraft for ten years, the result being $360 million yearly and a $3.6 billion investment by Ansett.

With the Star Alliance, will there be any change to Air NZ domestic routes within Australia?

IC:

As the payment has been recieved, the aircraft will soon be arriving shortly. A team of engineers will be inspecting the aircraft per 3 months and repair any faults at no cost. Pleasure doing business.

Air New Zealand does not have any significant market share in Australia, although Trans-tasman feeder flights will go through Ansett.

we want buy your firm
contact us

"I vote no to your proposal with my 95% stake in Virgin Group."

Richard Branson
CEO of Virgin

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Couple of questions for Virgin Atlantic:

1. Do you have anything to do with Virgin Blue?
2. With regard to the Ultracruise, is it possible to lease them, and what would figures be on a 10 year lease?

1. Originally a cut-priced subsidary was planned for Australasia, but then Air New Zealand collapsed and we were in a position to acquire the company for a fairly cheap price.

2. On a ten year lease, the costs would be $18 million yr, including maintenance by Virgin.

Ansett would like to lease 20 Ultracruise aircraft for ten years, the result being $360 million yearly and a $3.6 billion investment by Ansett.

With the Star Alliance, will there be any change to Air NZ domestic routes within Australia?

IC:

As the payment has been recieved, the aircraft will soon be arriving shortly. A team of engineers will be inspecting the aircraft per 3 months and repair any faults at no cost. Pleasure doing business.

Air New Zealand does not have any significant market share in Australia, although Trans-tasman feeder flights will go through Ansett.

Great. As per the Star Alliance some Australian domestic flights and tran-tasman flights will be codeshared, which is beneficial for both of us.

What are prod rights for the F-36T and F-16T?

Due to the competitive nature of the defence industry in NS, we do not sell production rights to any aircraft. We also only sell our military aircraft to allies.

Viable P.D.E developed by Virgin Aerospace
(New scientist)

Virgin Aerospace, based in _Taiwan and headed by UK Billionaire Richard Branson, has unveiled a prototype engine designated the XP-100. Details are sparse, but it can reportedly hit Mach 4.5, much superior to today's turbofan engines...

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The U.S.S.R.C. would like to purchase 15 F-22T's, and would like to buy a copy of the blueprints as a way to produce them on our own.

Virgin Atlantic has been blocked by the Taiwanese government in regards to international arms sales. For now, only close allies of Taiwan are permitted to purchase Virgin Aerospace military aircraft. These restrictions do not apply to Civilian aircraft.

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New BWB airliner

New BWB airliner

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Nice.

Thanks, it seems like no one will buy anything if there aren't guns on it b:)

..

The Isochronous Government would like to look at purchasing two Ultracruises, for the Emperor. They would have to be refitted to fit the needs of such esteemed people with all the latest technology and comfort, along with the ability to run the Empire from the skies.

We would also, as we are fairly friendly with Taiwan, want to buy 80 F-22Ts.

The Isochronous Government would like to look at purchasing two Ultracruises, for the Emperor. They would have to be refitted to fit the needs of such esteemed people with all the latest technology and comfort, along with the ability to run the Empire from the skies.

We would also, as we are fairly friendly with Taiwan, want to buy 80 F-22Ts.

Virgin Aerospace can provide you with two Ultracruise airframes and engines for $140m each with room for modifications.

80 F-22Ts will be produced in the coming months, and will be delivered to Isochronous.

What's with _Taiwan Rping Virgin Atlantic?

Deal accepted - what's the price if we pay you to fit it out as well?

OOC: Same person, Virgin Atlantic is a company based in Taiwan

For $260m, we can fit phased-array radar military grade radars and intergrate a mainframe into the systems. We can also fit single room suites and internet facilities.

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Sounds good to me. Only his majesty gets the best.

"Rotovia wishes to purchase four Virgin UltraCrusises to replave Rotovia's ageing Concordes currently used by the Rotovian Governement Officals, a cash money transfer can be arranged via our Swiss Bank Accounst should our offer be accepted."

Seantor Arnold Hardfeilds
Minster for Finance and Cheif Treasurer

Sounds good to me. Only his majesty gets the best.

Pleasure doing business.

"Rotovia wishes to purchase four Virgin UltraCrusises to replave Rotovia's ageing Concordes currently used by the Rotovian Governement Officals, a cash money transfer can be arranged via our Swiss Bank Accounst should our offer be accepted."

Seantor Arnold Hardfeilds
Minster for Finance and Cheif Treasurer

We would be honored to fill your order as quickly as possible. A total of $920m has been charged to the relevant accounts, with four Ultracruises en-route.