NationStates Jolt Archive

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Joint press release from W.M.D., Inc. & the Government of Mauiwowee

W.M.D., Inc., the Government and Air Force of Mauiwowee and the Mauiwowee Exploration of Space Agency (MESA) announced today the Launch of their new single man orbital vehicle, the Links 50/50. Actually composed of two crafts, the Links 50 and the Orbital 50, the craft is a leap forward in manned space exploration and orbital technology. Built upon the idea of the old Soviet Union's Spiral 50-50 craft and MiG 105 orbital vehicles, the Links 50/50 uses newer technology to achieve it's aim. In a non-technical explanation, accompanied with pictures which are reproduced below, General Jack T. Ripper of W.M.D., Inc. explainded the concept.

"Historically, space craft have been launched from the ground by the use of huge rocket boosters that acheive the thrust needed to get a craft into outer space, about 62 miles up. However, this is an inneficient and costly means of acheiving earth orbit and runs huge risks to the pilots and astronauts aboard such space craft. Witness the tragedy of the U.S. Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986 which exploded at launch as a singluar example of what I'm saying. The Links 50/50 uses a specially designed and powerful aircraft, the Links 50, to carry, piggy-back style, a second craft, the Orbital 50, to a near orbital altitude of 50 or so miles up. At that point the Orbital 50, using rocket boosters, much smaller and less dangerous than those of typical earth based launch systems, 'breaks away' and launches into orbit. The Links 50 aircraft returns to earth and lands like a normal plane while the Orbital 50 carries out its mission in space and then it also lands like a normal plane, similar to the classic space shuttle, but it also has the ability to "splash down" like a space capsule should the need arise."

Documents released as a part of this announcement show the launch sequence as follows:

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/5647/mauiwoweespace11ub.jpg

Additional pictures of the Links 50/50 craft, including a satellite photo of the Links 50 taken on it's maiden voyage, are shown below.

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/2508/mauiwoweespace26nb.jpg

Finally, a picture of the craft at rest and a technical drawing of the Orbital 50 were provided:

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/3798/mauiwoweespace34ol.jpg


Most specifications for the craft are classified, however, we can report the following:

Links 50

Crew, 3
Fuselage length, m 46.0
Wingspan, m 21.5
Wing area, sq.m 270.0
Forward edge sweep angle, degrees 80/60
Fuselage diameter (max), m 5.15
Middle section
(incl. wing and engine nacelles), sq.m 22.9
Fuselage width (in engine nacelles), m 7.2
Winglet area, sq.m 3x21
Ventral fin area (the fin folds up at take off), sq.m 12.0
Empty Weight, 42,000 kg.
Engines, four AL-52 turbojet engines producing 19 tonnes of thrust per engine burning a Hydrogen/Kerosene fuel combination with Liquid Hydrogen used intially at take off.
Speed Capabilities, Mach 6.2

Orbital 50

Crew, 1
Body length, m 11.0
Body rear edge span, m 6.0
Body front section radius, m 3
Planform area, sq.m 26.0
Body middle section, sq.m 4.7
Body bottom area, sq.m 3.8
Rocket Boosters, Liquid Hydrogen propellant developing 1,900 kg/f of thrust
Internal Manuervering rockets, helium ion technology

The Orbital 50 can carry it's pilot in outer space for up to 120 hours (5 days) before it must land and has EVA capabilities of up to 18 hours for it's pilot. The craft is suited for small satellite retrieval or large satellite repair. It can also carry weapons (according to experts, no more than 4-6 liquid hydrogen propelled variants on "stinger" or maybe "javelin" missiles for use in destroying satellites or space debris) or a targeted EMP pulse device (Patent Mauiwowee) or a laser device (primarily useful for damaging satellite optics and possibly destroying micro-computer guidance components in satellites). Likewise, the craft can be used with orbital photographic equipment to provide targeted, orbital photographs of sites or of other spacecraft, satellites, etc.

Developed at a cost of over $1.2 trillion over the past 8 years at it's Australia Outback Research Facility, dubbed "Area 69" in popular parlance, the Links 50/50 is expected to draw signficant interest from the world community. Mauiwowee's Airforce has placed an order for 25 of the craft and revealed that another 5 are already in use. In a surprising move, Mauiwowee has also announced that a very limited number of the craft will be made available to select allies and other countries at a cost of $100 billion to include a single Links 50 and a single Orbital 50.

*** END OF LINE ***

OOC: Do a google search for "Spiral 50-50" and/or "MiG 105" and you find where the idea and pictures originated - the specs are mine though.

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Joint press release from W.M.D., Inc. & the Government of Mauiwowee

W.M.D., Inc., the Government and Air Force of Mauiwowee and the Mauiwowee Exploration of Space Agency (MESA) announced today the Launch of their new single man orbital vehicle, the Links 50/50. Actually composed of two crafts, the Links 50 and the Orbital 50, the craft is a leap forward in manned space exploration and orbital technology. Built upon the idea of the old Soviet Union's Spiral 50-50 craft and MiG 105 orbital vehicles, the Links 50/50 uses newer technology to achieve it's aim. In a non-technical explanation, accompanied with pictures which are reproduced below, General Jack T. Ripper of W.M.D., Inc. explainded the concept.

"Historically, space craft have been launched from the ground by the use of huge rocket boosters that acheive the thrust needed to get a craft into outer space, about 62 miles up. However, this is an inneficient and costly means of acheiving earth orbit and runs huge risks to the pilots and astronauts aboard such space craft. Witness the tragedy of the U.S. Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986 which exploded at launch as a singluar example of what I'm saying. The Links 50/50 uses a specially designed and powerful aircraft, the Links 50, to carry, piggy-back style, a second craft, the Orbital 50, to a near orbital altitude of 50 or so miles up. At that point the Orbital 50, using rocket boosters, much smaller and less dangerous than those of typical earth based launch systems, 'breaks away' and launches into orbit. The Links 50 aircraft returns to earth and lands like a normal plane while the Orbital 50 carries out its mission in space and then it also lands like a normal plane, similar to the classic space shuttle, but it also has the ability to "splash down" like a space capsule should the need arise."

Documents released as a part of this announcement show the launch sequence as follows:

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/5647/mauiwoweespace11ub.jpg

Additional pictures of the Links 50/50 craft, including a satellite photo of the Links 50 taken on it's maiden voyage, are shown below.

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/2508/mauiwoweespace26nb.jpg

Finally, a picture of the craft at rest and a technical drawing of the Orbital 50 were provided:

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/3798/mauiwoweespace34ol.jpg


Most specifications for the craft are classified, however, we can report the following:

Links 50

Crew, 3
Fuselage length, m 46.0
Wingspan, m 21.5
Wing area, sq.m 270.0
Forward edge sweep angle, degrees 80/60
Fuselage diameter (max), m 5.15
Middle section
(incl. wing and engine nacelles), sq.m 22.9
Fuselage width (in engine nacelles), m 7.2
Winglet area, sq.m 3x21
Ventral fin area (the fin folds up at take off), sq.m 12.0
Empty Weight, 42,000 kg.
Engines, four AL-52 turbojet engines producing 19 tonnes of thrust per engine burning a Hydrogen/Kerosene fuel combination with Liquid Hydrogen used intially at take off.
Speed Capabilities, Mach 6.2

Orbital 50

Crew, 1
Body length, m 11.0
Body rear edge span, m 6.0
Body front section radius, m 3
Planform area, sq.m 26.0
Body middle section, sq.m 4.7
Body bottom area, sq.m 3.8
Rocket Boosters, Liquid Hydrogen propellant developing 1,900 kg/f of thrust
Internal Manuervering rockets, helium ion technology

The Orbital 50 can carry it's pilot in outer space for up to 120 hours (5 days) before it must land and has EVA capabilities of up to 18 hours for it's pilot. The craft is suited for small satellite retrieval or large satellite repair. It can also carry weapons (according to experts, no more than 4-6 liquid hydrogen propelled variants on "stinger" or maybe "javelin" missiles for use in destroying satellites or space debris) or a targeted EMP pulse device (Patent Mauiwowee) or a laser device (primarily useful for damaging satellite optics and possibly destroying micro-computer guidance components in satellites). Likewise, the craft can be used with orbital photographic equipment to provide targeted, orbital photographs of sites or of other spacecraft, satellites, etc.

Developed at a cost of over $1.2 trillion over the past 8 years at it's Australia Outback Research Facility, dubbed "Area 69" in popular parlance, the Links 50/50 is expected to draw signficant interest from the world community. Mauiwowee's Airforce has placed an order for 25 of the craft and revealed that another 5 are already in use. In a surprising move, Mauiwowee has also announced that a very limited number of the craft will be made available to select allies and other countries at a cost of $100 billion to include a single Links 50 and a single Orbital 50.

*** END OF LINE ***

OOC: Do a google search for "Spiral 50-50" and/or "MiG 105" and you find where the idea and pictures originated - the specs are mine though.
what's the annual maintenance costs?

what's the annual maintenance costs?

Depending on useage, we estimate costs at $800 - $1,000 per day.

Secret IC: Is it nuclear capable? If so that would be most interesting.
-General Zi

Secret IC: Is it nuclear capable? If so that would be most interesting.
-General Zi

Secret, Encrypted Communique

Dear Sirs:

As a friend, we will inform you that the orbital vehicle could be outfitted with two small (5-10 KT max yield) nuclear weapons for targeted deployment from space. This information is highly classified and we trust you will not reveal it to anyone.

General Jack T. Ripper

P.S. We were pleased at how well our Frisbee Golf Team made out in your recent tournament.

Secret IC: What about chemical/biological weapons, Anthrax, ebola, smallpox, and other such things?

Secret IC: What about chemical/biological weapons, Anthrax, ebola, smallpox, and other such things?

Dear sirs:

Being unaquainted with your nation and its leaders, we regret to inform you that whether or not the craft can be used for such horrible weapons of war is classified information and unavailable for release.

Respectfully,
General Jack T. Ripper,
CEO, W.M.D., Inc.

bump

whittier would like to purchase one of them.

whittier would like to purchase one of them.

Your order is confirmed, it will be ready for delivery within the next 10 days (we're diverting one we already had under construction to you).

Sincerely,
General Ripper,
W.M.D., Inc.

I request a modification right to this craft.

I request a modification right to this craft.

Dear Sirs:
What type of modification rights are you requesting? Also, we note that your economy would not seem to support your ability to purchase one as the cost appears to be approximately 3 times greater than your Annual Defense Budget (http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=Falcania)

Sincerely,
General Jack T. Ripper,
C.E.O., W.M.D., Inc.

Jay Industries request the right to produce this craft in its current form and any subsequent modifications based on this form. It will not go towards our defence budget: it is being budgeted entirely by Jay Industries, who are the principal company in Falcania who produce most vehicles in falcania and for export, as well as arms manufacture.

Jay Industries request the right to produce this craft in its current form and any subsequent modifications based on this form. It will not go towards our defence budget: it is being budgeted entirely by Jay Industries, who are the principal company in Falcania who produce most vehicles in falcania and for export, as well as arms manufacture.

Dear sirs:
After consideration and discussion with representatives from our government, we are willing to license production rights to you upon the following conditions:

1. You must enter into a non-agression treaty with Mauwiwowee and an embassy exchange.
2. You must reciprocally license back to us any modifications you make.
3. You may produce the craft, modified or not, for your own purposes, but not for re-sale to other nations.
4. Likewise, any craft we make incorporating modifications and design changes obtained from you will be used only for our purposes and not re-sold to other nations.
5. You will pay a royalty to W.M.D., Inc. in the amount of $10 Billion for each craft you produce, modified or not, and make an initial payment of $15 Billion for the licensing rights.

If these terms are agreeable, please inform us and wire the initial payment and we will dispatch a team with full specifications, plans and expertise to assist in initial production setup and factory tooling as well as a representative of the government with a treaty for your signature.
We view this technology and the potential use for war like activities to be too high to permit "free distribution" of these craft throughout the world.

Sincerely,
General Jack T. Ripper
W.M.D., Inc. CEO

Can you sell this space shuttle:

http://www.aerospaceguide.net/buran/buran2.jpg

Challenger
Columbia
Discovery
Endeavor
Enterprise
Pathfinder

Can you sell this space shuttle:

http://www.aerospaceguide.net/buran/buran2.jpg

Challenger
Columbia
Discovery
Endeavor
Enterprise
Pathfinder


We do not manufacture these items, sorry

Dear WMD inc,
The Holy empire of Bolshevics wishes to purchase one of these satelites provided that:
A. we can produce our own orbiters (with royalties paid to parties specified by you/your corperation).
B. We can modify these orbiters.
C. you disclose whether or not WMD's (chem/Bio/nuclear.) or computer viruses to be used on parties in the region of "a partially extinct volcano". If you agree, we will sign a non-agression pact with you and your allies. We do not wish to harm you or your allies, its merely a matter of internal security in our region.

Thank you for your time.
Mikhial Dimetrivitch,
Chief security advisor, Holy Empire of Bolshevics.

Dear WMD inc,
The Holy empire of Bolshevics wishes to purchase one of these satelites provided that:
A. we can produce our own orbiters (with royalties paid to parties specified by you/your corperation).
B. We can modify these orbiters.
C. you disclose whether or not WMD's (chem/Bio/nuclear.) or computer viruses to be used on parties in the region of "a partially extinct volcano". If you agree, we will sign a non-agression pact with you and your allies. We do not wish to harm you or your allies, its merely a matter of internal security in our region.

Thank you for your time.
Mikhial Dimetrivitch,
Chief security advisor, Holy Empire of Bolshevics.

Dear Sirs:

We're not sure we fully understand your request. Are you asking:

A. for the right to produce only the Links 50 with the orbital craft being one of your design in it's entirety?
B. If so, why do you want to modify the orbiters?
C. Computer viruses, "partially extinct volcano? WFT? we don't comprehend this at all.

Please clarify what you mean with your request. We are certainly willing to enter into a non agression treaty with you. However, we are unable to fully comprehend what it is you wish from us.

Sincerely,
General Jack T. Ripper,
W.M.D., Inc. CEO

Dear WMD inc.
We are sorry that you did not comprihend our previous letter.
a. We merely wish to order 1 of the Links 50 lauch system, that is the part which carries the orbiters into space. We do wish to make our own orbiters so that we have 1 launcher for X number of orbiters we produce.
B. We were inquiring as to whether we could modify the orbiters so that we may mount WMD's onto them.
C. We have a computer virus designed to crash its target nations stock market. As for the Partially extinct volcano, We were unaware that you did not know of our region. consider it stricken from the letter.

Sorry for making things difficult for you.
Sincerely,
The Holy Empire of Bolshevics.

Dear WMD inc.
We are sorry that you did not comprihend our previous letter.
a. We merely wish to order 1 of the Links 50 lauch system, that is the part which carries the orbiters into space. We do wish to make our own orbiters so that we have 1 launcher for X number of orbiters we produce.
B. We were inquiring as to whether we could modify the orbiters so that we may mount WMD's onto them.
C. We have a computer virus designed to crash its target nations stock market. As for the Partially extinct volcano, We were unaware that you did not know of our region. consider it stricken from the letter.

Sorry for making things difficult for you.
Sincerely,
The Holy Empire of Bolshevics.

Dear sirs:

It is with regrets that I must inform you that your requests have been denied. Our investigation reveals that your Nation's economy (http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=Bolshevics) cannot possibly support the purchase of the Links 50 launch vehicle, let alone the development of your own orbital craft. Your desire to use the orbital craft as a launching station for WMD's as well as your design of a computer virus to cripple a nation's stock market (which would have a significant "ripple" effect on other nation's economies) also concerns us. However, we are still willing to enter into a non-agression treaty with you and would be happy to host an embassy in our realm. Maybe some day in the near future we'll be in a position to reconsider your request.

Sincerely,
General Jack T. Ripper

OOC: No offense, it just doesn't stand to reason from an RP point of view that we'd do what you want. On the other hand, forging an alliance with a nation that has 1 billion more people than you do and a military budget alone that is almost 200 times greater than your nation's entire GDP would seem to be an offer you shouldn't refuse.

Dear sirs:
After consideration and discussion with representatives from our government, we are willing to license production rights to you upon the following conditions:

1. You must enter into a non-agression treaty with Mauwiwowee and an embassy exchange.
2. You must reciprocally license back to us any modifications you make.
3. You may produce the craft, modified or not, for your own purposes, but not for re-sale to other nations.
4. Likewise, any craft we make incorporating modifications and design changes obtained from you will be used only for our purposes and not re-sold to other nations.
5. You will pay a royalty to W.M.D., Inc. in the amount of $10 Billion for each craft you produce, modified or not, and make an initial payment of $15 Billion for the licensing rights.

If these terms are agreeable, please inform us and wire the initial payment and we will dispatch a team with full specifications, plans and expertise to assist in initial production setup and factory tooling as well as a representative of the government with a treaty for your signature.
We view this technology and the potential use for war like activities to be too high to permit "free distribution" of these craft throughout the world.

Sincerely,
General Jack T. Ripper
W.M.D., Inc. CEO

Jay Industries have started development on their own craft. Subsequently, all offers for this craft have been withdrawn.

<Encrypted Transmission>
To: WMD, Inc
From: MAFCC OrbCom

Given recent developments, we would like to request information from you regarding your Links 50/50 orbital system. Would it be possible to purchase production rights to this design, if so, how much would said rights cost?

Heavily encrypted communicade

To: General Jack T. Ripper
CEO, WMD, Inc.
From: Tag McGuire
ISSF Chief, Sarzonia
Subject: Spacecraft

The Incorporated Sarzonian Space Force has noted the establishment of this new class of spacecraft with pleasure; in particular since our attempts to develop an orbital spacecraft of our own have not borne fruit. We would like to purchase one and may see fit to purchase more later.

We do have a question: Is there some way to add some protection for this craft from weapons such as laser defence systems or low-yield nuclear weapons. In addition, we would also like to inquire about purchasing self-defence weaponry including low-yield nuclear weapons. If all the above suggested modifications can be made, we would like to increase our order to six such vessels with all modifications.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. We hope to hear from you soon.

[OOC: That looks a lot like the next-generation orbiter I've been looking for over the past few months. I have found websites where there's been discussion about a space shuttle replacement, but nothing concrete enough to use for RP.]

Jay Industries have started development on their own craft. Subsequently, all offers for this craft have been withdrawn.


Dear sirs:

Copyright and Patent infringements will be fully prosecuted. On the other hand, if you come up with something new, we'd be happy to discuss technological trade issue with you.

Sincerely,
General Ripper,
W.M.D., Inc. CEO

<Encrypted Transmission>
To: WMD, Inc
From: MAFCC OrbCom

Given recent developments, we would like to request information from you regarding your Links 50/50 orbital system. Would it be possible to purchase production rights to this design, if so, how much would said rights cost?

Dear sirs:
After consideration and discussion with representatives from our government, and recognition that you are apparently a country responsible enough to deal with such technology, we are willing to license production rights to you upon the following conditions:

1. You must enter into a non-agression treaty with Mauwiwowee and an embassy exchange.
2. You must reciprocally license back to us any modifications you make.
3. You may produce the craft, modified or not, for your own purposes, but not for re-sale to other nations without our approval.
4. Likewise, any craft we make incorporating modifications and design changes obtained from you will be used only for our purposes and not re-sold to other nations without your approval.
5. You will pay a royalty to W.M.D., Inc. in the amount of $10 Billion for each craft you produce, modified or not, and make an initial payment of $15 Billion for the licensing rights.

If these terms are agreeable, please inform us and wire the initial payment and we will dispatch a team with full specifications, plans and expertise to assist in initial production setup and factory tooling as well as a representative of the government with a treaty for your signature.
We view this technology and the potential use for war like activities to be too high to permit "free distribution" of these craft throughout the world.

Sincerely,
General Jack T. Ripper
W.M.D., Inc. CEO

Heavily encrypted communicade

To: General Jack T. Ripper
CEO, WMD, Inc.
From: Tag McGuire
ISSF Chief, Sarzonia
Subject: Spacecraft

The Incorporated Sarzonian Space Force has noted the establishment of this new class of spacecraft with pleasure; in particular since our attempts to develop an orbital spacecraft of our own have not borne fruit. We would like to purchase one and may see fit to purchase more later.

We do have a question: Is there some way to add some protection for this craft from weapons such as laser defence systems or low-yield nuclear weapons. In addition, we would also like to inquire about purchasing self-defence weaponry including low-yield nuclear weapons. If all the above suggested modifications can be made, we would like to increase our order to six such vessels with all modifications.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. We hope to hear from you soon.

[OOC: That looks a lot like the next-generation orbiter I've been looking for over the past few months. I have found websites where there's been discussion about a space shuttle replacement, but nothing concrete enough to use for RP.]


Encrypted and Secret Message

Dear Mr. McGuire & President Mike Sarzo:

First, Queen Harriet sends her greetings and hopes all is well with you and her home country. Her new duties as queen of Mauiwowee take up much more time than she had anticipated, but when she heard of this letter she was excited and it "made her day."

Secondly, as our most trusted and loyal ally, King 'Lude has authorized me (per my request) to invite a team from Sarzonia to inspect, fully, our production facilities to discuss some of the upgrades you have mentioned. The craft can be fitted with low yield nuclear weapons and we can supply some of those if you wish. We are working on the laser defense mechanism as I write this, and your expert's input could easily provide the catalyst needed to resolve that issue as we have many competing ideas.

Finally, as a gesture to Queen Harriet (whom our citizens have come to love and adore, particularly after her humanitarian work after the Tsunami) W.M.D. and the Nation of Mauiwowee are willing to offer Sarzonia full, total, complete and unlimited production rights for the craft for the sum of $150 Billion. We only ask that any upgrades or modifications you develop be licensed back to us for a reasonable fee for our use.

Sincerely,
General Ripper.

P.S. For your information, the Launch craft (the Links 50) is easily converted into a long range, high speed, hight altitude, stealth bomber - Ever try to dodge Naplam or bombs coming in at Mach 6 ? We have not made this announcement yet, but based on who you are, we thought this piece of information might be of interest to you.


OOC: I know what you mean, I looked long and hard to find this and worked hard to put it together as an RP when I did find it. Thanks.

bump

Dear General Ripper:

We are interested in the purchase of one.

Sincerely,
Duke Huey P. Long, III
Norleans

Norleans:
Your order is confirmed, please wire funds.
Sincerely,
General Ripper

Fantastic! the holy empire of halaraa is very interested!
we want to know if it is possible to have the blueprints (of course buying it) only for our production (we will not give it to other nations or sell nothing build by us from your blueprints).
thank you

Fantastic! the holy empire of halaraa is very interested!
we want to know if it is possible to have the blueprints (of course buying it) only for our production (we will not give it to other nations or sell nothing build by us from your blueprints).
thank you

Dear sirs:

Thank you for your interest, but we don't see how your nation can possibly afford it based on your Economy (http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=Halaraa)

Sincerely,
General Ripper

bump

Dear Mauiwowee,

We would like to purchase a single 50/50 from your nation. It shows great possibilities. We would also like to inquire what its full abilities are. For this knowledge and how to use it we will pay you an extra 15 billion dollars.

Sincerely,
The Holy Empire of the Infinite Crucible

Dear Mauiwowee,

We would like to purchase a single 50/50 from your nation. It shows great possibilities. We would also like to inquire what its full abilities are. For this knowledge and how to use it we will pay you an extra 15 billion dollars.

Sincerely,
The Holy Empire of the Infinite Crucible

OOC: Sorry I took so long to get a reply out, been busy

IC:

Dear sirs:
You order is confirmed. Instructions and plans on how to modify the launch vehicle for use as a high-speed, high altitude bomber will be forwarded upon payment as well as information about weapons systems for the orbital vehicle.
Sincerely,
General Ripper

The money has been wired.

Thank you.