Bonstock
12-06-2005, 02:58
In a press confrence at the Bonstocknian Department of Defense Headquarters, it was revealed that Bonstock had developed a satellite-based orbital warhead delivery system, known as the T-2 "OWND" (Orbital Warhead Nuclear Delivery system).
Such a system is actually relatively simple. A constellation of 24 satellites, providing global coverage, are each loaded with 10 W87 300kt thermonuclear MIRVs (Multiple Independant Re-entry Vehicles). This allows the Bonstocknian Defense Department to conduct a limited nuclear strike anywhere in the world within mere seconds of a launch order, and almost nulifies the possibility of those weapons being destroyed by SDIs or missile defense systems.
Although interception systems such as the US Ground Based Interceptor are able to destroy individual warheads, they need some warning to be able to do so. An ICBM takes a few minutes to reach its target. But a MIRV, launched from directly overhead, provides almost no warning, mere seconds. It would take a very high alert level on the part of the GBI crews to intercept the warhead, if they can even detect that the satellite has launched a MIRV.
The individual satellites are quite simple. Basically, they have two solar panels to collect energy, which powers the communications box that controls the firing mechanism. When the order is given from a ground unit similar to the American "football" suitcase, the communications box inputs the GPS coordinates of the target, and programs it into the warhead. Then it launches the warhead. The W87 warhead does the rest.
http://tinypic.com/5w9qj9
A [poorly drawn] artist's rendering of a typical T-2 OWND Satellite, with its W87 warheads
In theory, this system could carry conventional as well as nuclear warheads. They will not replace the triad of strategic bombers, ICBMs, and ballistic missile submarines operated by the Bonstocknian Strategic Weapons Command, but will complement them, and will be used to make quick strikes against high-priority targets.
The satellite is launched by a rocket such as the US Delta IV or European Ariane V, and is permenantly in Low Earth Orbit. It can remain active for 10 years before astronaut maintenance is required.
The warheads, of course, are not armed until the launch order has been given. This prevents accidental explosions, which may occur should the satellite fall out of orbit or be struck by a piece of 'space junk.' Arming is handed automatically when the order to fire is given.
Once a satellite has used up its warheads, it will probably be commanded to fall out of orbit. There is, at the time, no way or reason to rearm the satellite, seeing as simply launching a new one would be cheaper.
The system is for Bonstocknian use only. It will not be sold overseas, as that is banned by the Bonstocknian Senate Committee on the Export of Weapons of Mass Destruction. ArmsDiscounters Bonstock is the prime contracter. Launches will commence within the month, and the system will be in place and operational within an NS year.
ooc: questions? comments? concerns? should I add some more info, and what should I add?
Such a system is actually relatively simple. A constellation of 24 satellites, providing global coverage, are each loaded with 10 W87 300kt thermonuclear MIRVs (Multiple Independant Re-entry Vehicles). This allows the Bonstocknian Defense Department to conduct a limited nuclear strike anywhere in the world within mere seconds of a launch order, and almost nulifies the possibility of those weapons being destroyed by SDIs or missile defense systems.
Although interception systems such as the US Ground Based Interceptor are able to destroy individual warheads, they need some warning to be able to do so. An ICBM takes a few minutes to reach its target. But a MIRV, launched from directly overhead, provides almost no warning, mere seconds. It would take a very high alert level on the part of the GBI crews to intercept the warhead, if they can even detect that the satellite has launched a MIRV.
The individual satellites are quite simple. Basically, they have two solar panels to collect energy, which powers the communications box that controls the firing mechanism. When the order is given from a ground unit similar to the American "football" suitcase, the communications box inputs the GPS coordinates of the target, and programs it into the warhead. Then it launches the warhead. The W87 warhead does the rest.
http://tinypic.com/5w9qj9
A [poorly drawn] artist's rendering of a typical T-2 OWND Satellite, with its W87 warheads
In theory, this system could carry conventional as well as nuclear warheads. They will not replace the triad of strategic bombers, ICBMs, and ballistic missile submarines operated by the Bonstocknian Strategic Weapons Command, but will complement them, and will be used to make quick strikes against high-priority targets.
The satellite is launched by a rocket such as the US Delta IV or European Ariane V, and is permenantly in Low Earth Orbit. It can remain active for 10 years before astronaut maintenance is required.
The warheads, of course, are not armed until the launch order has been given. This prevents accidental explosions, which may occur should the satellite fall out of orbit or be struck by a piece of 'space junk.' Arming is handed automatically when the order to fire is given.
Once a satellite has used up its warheads, it will probably be commanded to fall out of orbit. There is, at the time, no way or reason to rearm the satellite, seeing as simply launching a new one would be cheaper.
The system is for Bonstocknian use only. It will not be sold overseas, as that is banned by the Bonstocknian Senate Committee on the Export of Weapons of Mass Destruction. ArmsDiscounters Bonstock is the prime contracter. Launches will commence within the month, and the system will be in place and operational within an NS year.
ooc: questions? comments? concerns? should I add some more info, and what should I add?