NationStates Jolt Archive


First Carina Class SSGN launched

Mekugi
16-03-2005, 22:11
The Ice at Kora Inlet Shipyards had been blasted away not 12 hours ago, creating a large hole about eight hundred feet wide in diameter, but even still thin sections of ice were beginning to reform in the cold winters air. At this time of year, in such a climate, launching ships was difficult, but with construction completed, and internal systems given the green light, the Mekugian navy in its normal stubborn manner refused to let their newest addition to the fleet sit in dry dock until spring, especially when the vessel had no issues going under the ice.

Eight hundred people had assembled, family members of its 40 member crew, and its several hundred builders. The vessel was massive as it rested on the launching skid, propped up with its bow standing ominously behind a podium, the Mekugian national symbol of the gear, the blade, the hammer, and the sickle was draped over the nose of the craft. Symbols of the nations past, and future, and present. Sitting on both sides of the podium were various diplomats, and company directors, KIS, and HHI being the ‘big shots’ at the ceremony and it was their right, it was their baby after all. The vessel was a deep diving SSGN that had made the government happy by fulfilling indigenous design requirement that was almost unanimously known as the ‘Buy Mekugi First!’ program something that not everyone was very happy about, especially not foreign companies.

As the launch time neared and the photo-ops ended Henry Blake of horizon heavy Industries stepped up to the podium with a smile pointing to Janus Wilkem who was standing next to the bow of the Carina with a bottle of Mekugian Scotch, the tradition compared to the usual champagne of other nations. Henry smiled again before clearing his throat and candidly addressing the crowd.

“ we flipped a coin, guess who lost..”

Several members of the crowd laughed at the joke but quickly quieted down as Henry prepared his speech

“ Five years ago we begun a process that has led up to this monumental achievement, we have behind us the first Indigenous Naval vessel ever to come from our land. But also behind us are days of reliance on others to defend ourselves, behind us are the days in which we would not stand up for our ideals. Behind us is our new monument of faith, we will continue on no matter how dark the waters become, we will continue on no matter how deep we must go, and we will fulfill our mission of achieving our fair place in this world. And The carina shall be our first step. That is why I proudly christen this Vessel….”

Janus raised the heavy bottle of scotch.

“ The First of her line, The Carina…”

The Bottle smashed against the hull as several hydraulic rams released letting the vessel slide smoothly into the cold waters, the ship bobbing slightly before settling, two red and green flares shot up from the sail of the vessel as it celebrated its new found freedom and began to motor its way towards the dock to begin loading and equipping of the vessel for sea trials. The crowd cheered, raised several thermos of hot coffee which they had brought to stay warm and then slowly departed for the warmth of the reception hall.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/jay3135/CarinaII.gif
Image shown with masts partially retracted.

Class:
Carina
Type:
Nuclear Powered Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN)
Designer:
Dr. M. S. Operhiemen Phd
Builders:
Horizon Heavy Industries/Kora Inlet Shipyards
Displacement:
6,830 tons Surfaced
10,330 tons Submerged
Speed:
20 knots surfaced
4 knots surfaced (Emergency Power)
34 knots Submerged (Cruise)
42 knots submerged (Sprint)
Hull:
Dual; Internally Insulated
External Anechoic Sharkote
Operating Depth:
1,750 feet Maximum Safe Depth
2100 feet Crush depth
Dimensions:
120 meters long
15 meters beam
8 meters draft
Propulsion:
1 135 MW JS-21D Improved Liquid NaK Nuclear Reactor
2 OK-21 steam turbine 50,000 shp
2 JS-30H Generators rated at 2,500 kwh each
2 750 hp Auxiliary Diesel Generators (emergency power)
2 Inline Five bladed; Low Cavitation Variable Pitch (LCVP) Propellers
Crew:
40 [20 officers / 20 enlisted]
Endurance:
120 days stores
Armament-
Missiles:
18x Vertical Launch Tubes (center mounted 3 rows of 6)
4x Vertical Launch SA-33 SAM tubes (sail mounted)
-8 SA-33 Missiles (stowage)
Torpedoes:
4x 21-in (533-mm) torpedo tubes
- 20 Mk 48 ADCAP
- 10 Spearfish ADCAP
2x 26-in (660-mm) torpedo tubes
- 12 Gould Mk-48 ADCAP
- 8 Merka SC-ADCAP
Other:
1x NARWHAL-25 Remote 25mm Cannon (Retractable; sail mount)
38x Model 15 pistols (Officers + Armory)
18x Bullet Resistant vests, and Helmets [Class IIIA] (Armory)
12x S7 Flash bangs (Armory)
10x SP70 10mm SMG’s (Armory)
8x SPAS-12 12 Gauge Shotguns (Armory)
Systems:
ATI Optronic M46 Search and Attack Photonics Mast
Type 1007 I-band navigation radar
Gerhret-670 Navigation system
Komar OPSAT Satellite communications
MGK-80 Underwater communications
Tsunami, Sintez and Kora Communications antennas
Paravan Towed VLF Antenna
M50 Combat direction system
Sonar:
Shark Gill VI (MGK-505) Active/Passive suite
Essex Guard Flank array
Galeocerdo towed array
Lorezini PAHP Passive Suite
MGS-13 Passive Mine Detection Sonar
Countermeasures:
Strong Wall ESM/ECM
4 TAU 2000 Effectors
2 MG-74 Korund noise simulation decoys
MT-65 Sonar intercept receiver
Handshake IIA IFF Q/R

Overview-
The submarine consists of six watertight compartments separated by transverse bulkheads in a pressurized double-hull fashion. Each Section is individually insulated against the exterior hull and each compartment to reduce acoustic signature and stand-off distance between the outer and inner hulls is considerable, reducing the possible inner hull damage. This design and the submarine's good reserve buoyancy lead to increased survivability if the submarine is hulled, even with one compartment and two adjacent ballast tanks flooded. The fore planes are positioned on the lower hull in line of the sail in a pectoral position which prevents interference with Sonar or hydrophone systems along the hull. This position also allows for quick emergency dives when surfaced and provides a sleeker profile that is inspired by a sharks shape. A fitting profile since Carina is the Mekugian word for Shark.

Both hulls and compartments are made out of TIMETAL 829 Titanium Alloy that’s is both extremely strong, creep resistant, with excellent corrosion, and oxidation resistance. Most importantly because it’s a near Alpha Alloy, its weldable, something that is very difficult with traditional Titanium alloys. Besides offering excellent strength at reduced weight (meaning higher speed, and lower crush depths) it is also totally non magnetic making it nearly impossible to detect from the air via traditional Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) gear.


Propulsion-
The Carina Class is Powered by a enclosed ‘Loop Type’ NaK (Sodium-Potassium) Liquid-metal Reactor. This type of reactor was chosen for its high output, light weight, and near silent operation. As most sub designers know other than the main drive shaft itself the loudest part of a nuclear submersible is the pressure pumps for a traditional nuclear reactor, something that cannot be silenced, and must continue running as long as power is to be gained from the reactor. A NaK reactor is capable using MHD (magneto-hydro-dynamic) pumps with much less energy than would be required if the cooling medium were water for instance (direct motivation compared to indirect motivation). This means the reactor of the vessel is nearly silent, as well as vibration free.

The reactor feeds two OK-21 Steam Turbines which power the main propeller shaft, as well as two JS-30H Generators each rated at 2500 Kw, One generator powers the vessel, while the other powers the reactor and two banks of emergency batteries. The Propellers of the Carina class use two inline Low Cavitation Variable Pitch (LCVP) propellers whose scythe shaped props cut through the water with little disturbance regardless of the blades attitude of stroke. A dual inline system allows for less RPM for the same thrust gained, and can allow for a ‘silent running’ mode that uses a very high AOA (angle of attitude) with low RPM that although is slow is nearly silent with almost little to any detectable cavitation. This also allows for an ‘all out evasive’ mode that provides a lot of thrust and acceleration quickly up to a full sprint. Last but not least without the need for complicated fragile transmission sub systems, the propellers can actually allow the sub to reverse at a moments notice to supplement turns or assist in docking procedures something very few vessels -let alone submersibles- are capable of achieving.

The Engine Room-
The engine room is a sealed fully automatic compartment of the ship, that when not needed for matienence is compartmentally filled with inert nitrogen to prevent a possible fire or explosion should a major leak of the liquid metal reactor. Several cameras many of which are pannable allows for regular (bi hourly) inspection of the major, and minor valves, and conduits, as well as providing acoustic checks of the engine and turbines should there be a an need for repairs. The room can be rapidly saturated with oxygen should an emergency access be required, though it is a bit noisy, such a measure is really only in the event of a possible catastrophic emergency. Should the reactor leak the ship will shut down the MHD pumps, and surface where it can use its emergency generators, and battery reserves to maneuver, and head for a suitable repair facility.

Sharkote-
Using a combination plastic-and-rubber coating, Sharkote is a replicated version of shark skin that is made up of billions of tiny raised, diamond-shaped patterns, visible under a microscope. Each "sharklet" diamond measures 15 microns, or 15 thousandths of a millimeter, and contains seven parallel raised ribs that resemble different lengths of raised horizontal bars. This coating reduces drag, prevents marine fouling, and provides a easily replaceable anechoic coating to reduce the vessels acoustic signature. Should a sharklet be lost at sea (something that’s bound to happen) as each ‘sharklet’ is so small the effect is negliable at worst, and un-noticeable at best, should large portion be lost the effect is lessened but is not capable of causing a large cavitation or effecting the boats acoustic signal directly, efficiency is simply degraded, not lost. Even should all the ’sharklets’ be lost the boat will still retain the equivalent efficiency of a normal anechoicly tiled vessel, but without the additional benefits of the sharkote.

Armament-
This shark would be incomplete without a full set of teeth, and a fearsome bite, and the Carina class certainly has it. On the front bow four 21 inch torpedo tubes make up the first row of teeth capable of launching a wide variety of munitions both torpedoes, sub launched harpoon missiles, mines, and other devices. A supplemental pair of 660mm tubes above them allows for a diverse mix of Large Bore Super Cavitating, and Heavyweight ADCAP torpedoes to be launched depending on the threat. But that’s not all, 18 vertical launch tubes bristle along the dorsal length of the Carina capable of launching a staggering variety of payloads, from anti-shipping missiles to conventional and nuclear equipped cruise missiles at a moments notice. While surfaced a pair of defensive systems keep a silent watch over the vessel during reloading, or non covert communications. Four Sail mounted SA-33 SAM tubes provide 12km of all aspect, all weather air defense, while a retractable NARWHAL (NAval Remote Weapon High Accurate and Light) 25mm cannon by Giat is highly convincing against both small vessels, low level aircraft, and for defense against a possible boarding of the vehicle. These systems are all connected to a highly sophisticated Command center located below the deck.

The Bridge-
The ‘Bridge’ is split into two levels, the Command center, and the actual ‘Bridge’. Both are spacious since the individual sections have been separated which allow for a less claustrophobic environment, as well as easier consolidation of monitors, both levels are covered in dozens of Multi-Purpose Color Displays (MPCDs) and are well lit. On the upper level lies the Command center which encompasses; Navigation, Tactical, and Observation consoles, as well as individual consoles for commanding officers allowing the Captain to plot courses, wage war, and keep general tabs on his ship. Below him, on the actual bridge are where Engineering, Steering, and various other tasks are preformed with direct communication via intercom, text message prompts, and other such systems. The system's high-speed computer can process information from the surveillance equipment and display it on the screen; determine submerged and surface target data and calculate firing parameters; provide automatic fire control; and provide information and recommendations on maneuvers and deployment of weapons. Both areas are surrounded by sound proof material and are essentially locked of from the rest of the boat via armored bulkheads. The Bridge an command center may in fact be the only non cramped sections of the boat, but as this is where a good portion of the men work, this is not such a bad thing.

Sensors-
The Carina Class sonar suite includes bow-mounted active and passive arrays, wide aperture passive array on flank, and high-frequency active arrays on keel and fin. A high quality Galeocerdo towed array/transmitter/decoy pod completes the active part of the system that is supplemented by a phased array directionional Hydrophone system compliments the system allowing for both passive observation and selective directional focusing on sounds for an increased chance of identification and acquisition without the need to go passive, or wait for a ping. A MGS-13 Passive Mine Detection Sonar frames up the system nicely, and allows for increased, abilities and survivability.

A M46 S&A Photonic Mast by ATI, rather than an optical periscope is mounted on the Carina. Sensors mounted on the non-hull penetrating Photonic Mast include LLTV (low light TV), thermal imager, Electro-Optical tracking & Identification, and a laser rangefinder. The Images from the mast may be displayed on any screen in the command center at the CO’s discretion, and provide extended capabilities hat were once only dreamt of by past sailors.

Mission-
Designed to travel long distances deeply and quietly into a conflict area before deploying its payload suddenly and without warning, the Carina was built to out dive most SSN’s in existence in order to buffer its survival rate. With maximum diving depth greater than 500m and speeds up 20 knots when surfaced and 42 knots when submerged in a sprint. The Carina is agile, strong, and fast, if lightly armed compared to many of its brethren. Its 40 crew command several advanced computerized stations which cuts down on the number of men required to run the boat, and extends its endurance by having more room for food & supplies.

Its stepped sail is reinforced for ice breaking, and arctic missions which is necessary in the sub-Antarctic climates of its major port.
Einhauser
16-03-2005, 22:20
Very impressive work. Good story telling and a good product.
Mekugi
16-03-2005, 22:25
[OOC: thank you, the little story blurb isnt the best, but I much prefer haveing a little story for anything thats not a storefront thread.. just listing stats can get alittle tiring after awhile.

Before I get asked (which I may not but ide rather address it first.) Production designs are not for sale, unless I get a very good offer via TG ^_^ Honestly Im not sure what to put the equivalent cost out so I did not list a price.]
Einhauser
16-03-2005, 22:36
if there is no price, then there are no buyers, lol. Look around at other countires subs and compare them to yours. when you find one that is close, copy its price, but ad a little extra on. Or take a little extra off, if your not as greedy as I, lol.

I have found only two problems with your story. A) you left out a few puntuation marks, but it doesnt really matter to anyone who isnt a gammer stickler *coughlikemecoughcough* and B) the sub would not immediatly start loading equipment and stuff. there would first be checks and things before it got to that. My guess is that the ship wouldnt be ready to load until most of the civilians were done with their little reception.

Good stuff, overall.
Mekugi
16-03-2005, 22:45
[OOC: Well simulations and system checks had already been run (as stated), before intial trials and seaworthyness can be tested. Its not taking on a full load just what it needs for trials (a few days stores, test equip, more than the three people who were on board for intial manuvering, etcetera)

Prices for subs on NS are ludicris, from what Ive seen. Besides copying anothers work is not something im very big into. I'll find an appropriate price eventually, honestly at the moment Im not that worried about it.

As for grammer... Well I realy dont give a d*mn, as long as its readable, though Im not suprised as I typed it up around 3am last night and only posted it this morning.]
-Bretonia-
16-03-2005, 22:47
OOC: Hey cool! The Queen of Bretonia is going to be so thrilled! First a futuristic battleship gets named after her, now a MT submarine! :p Small world, eh?
Einhauser
16-03-2005, 22:47
[OOC: Well simulations and system checks had already been run (as stated), before intial trials and seaworthyness can be tested. Its not taking on a full load just what it needs for trials (a few days stores, test equip, more than the three people who were on board for intial manuvering, etcetera)

Prices for subs on NS are ludicris, from what Ive seen. Besides copying anothers work is not something im very big into. I'll find an appropriate price eventually, honestly at the moment Im not that worried about it.

As for grammer... Well I realy dont give a d*mn, as long as its readable, though Im not suprised as I typed it up around 3am last night and only posted it this morning.]

lol
Mekugi
16-03-2005, 22:55
OOC: Hey cool! The Queen of Bretonia is going to be so thrilled! First a futuristic battleship gets named after her, now a MT submarine! :p Small world, eh?OOC: Very. ^_^;;