Pacitalia
23-01-2005, 00:36
[OOC: Good, now that I've got your attention, here's the real topic - "Pacitalian scientists in development stage for 'flying mine' ". And yes, I know that was a dirty trick to get you in here, but I felt like it. ;) ]
Pacitalian scientists near completion of a 'flying mine'
A press release from Pacitalian aerospace giant Aeronexus SpA reports that the company's chief research and development group has almost finished their prototype of a guided, long-range 'flying mine'.
The device, known as MG-214-S, can fly to its target at a speed of up to 125 km/h. It is at the moment hydrogen fuel-cell powered but this will be modified eventually to a rechargeable battery with a 10-hour life on one charge. The explosive contained inside is two 2.5x10cm bricks of C-4 explosive laced with shrapnel.
How the device works is as follows: A person at a remote location enters the target and commands launch of the mine. When it receives the signal, the mine will use three titanium tight-coil springs in a triangular pattern on the bottom. The mine will pop out of the ground to a maximum height of 25-30 metres. At about 10 metres up the propulsion unit will kick in and the wings will sprout from the sides of the mine along with a rudder out of the top. This is considered a ballistic flying mine for now since there is no exact-guidance system onboard, just a relative-guidance system that will hit the target coordinates within 10 metres of the specified location, as long as it is within 10 hours of the original area.
And, of course, the mines can be commanded to explode right where they are in case of a surprise attack on the mine fields. The mines also have sensors like regular landmines to explode when pressure is placed on them, but these must be remotely activated as a safeguard. The mines will be planted in special fields that measure about 150 by 150 metres. Heavy security will be placed around the fields to prevent accidental injury or attempted theft of the mine technology. Another major positive of these 'flying mines', which are yet to be given a name by Aeronexus (excluding the code name MG-214-S), is their size - they are small enough not to be picked up by many detailed radar scanners; only the best-defended areas have a solid chance of defeating these mines. Success rate with the flying mines during tests was 95% on the basic radar plots, 72% on solid radar plots, and on the best radar system available - 44%.
Each mine is estimated to cost around $3,000 USD, and will be available to global militaries for around $6,000-7,000 each. Improvements will continue to be made on the flexibility, size, travel speed and power of these mines.
Pacitalian scientists near completion of a 'flying mine'
A press release from Pacitalian aerospace giant Aeronexus SpA reports that the company's chief research and development group has almost finished their prototype of a guided, long-range 'flying mine'.
The device, known as MG-214-S, can fly to its target at a speed of up to 125 km/h. It is at the moment hydrogen fuel-cell powered but this will be modified eventually to a rechargeable battery with a 10-hour life on one charge. The explosive contained inside is two 2.5x10cm bricks of C-4 explosive laced with shrapnel.
How the device works is as follows: A person at a remote location enters the target and commands launch of the mine. When it receives the signal, the mine will use three titanium tight-coil springs in a triangular pattern on the bottom. The mine will pop out of the ground to a maximum height of 25-30 metres. At about 10 metres up the propulsion unit will kick in and the wings will sprout from the sides of the mine along with a rudder out of the top. This is considered a ballistic flying mine for now since there is no exact-guidance system onboard, just a relative-guidance system that will hit the target coordinates within 10 metres of the specified location, as long as it is within 10 hours of the original area.
And, of course, the mines can be commanded to explode right where they are in case of a surprise attack on the mine fields. The mines also have sensors like regular landmines to explode when pressure is placed on them, but these must be remotely activated as a safeguard. The mines will be planted in special fields that measure about 150 by 150 metres. Heavy security will be placed around the fields to prevent accidental injury or attempted theft of the mine technology. Another major positive of these 'flying mines', which are yet to be given a name by Aeronexus (excluding the code name MG-214-S), is their size - they are small enough not to be picked up by many detailed radar scanners; only the best-defended areas have a solid chance of defeating these mines. Success rate with the flying mines during tests was 95% on the basic radar plots, 72% on solid radar plots, and on the best radar system available - 44%.
Each mine is estimated to cost around $3,000 USD, and will be available to global militaries for around $6,000-7,000 each. Improvements will continue to be made on the flexibility, size, travel speed and power of these mines.