Leistung
02-07-2008, 16:56
Hauptstadt News Network
"Breaking News for a Breaking World"
11:32 EST
Reports came in only a few minutes ago that the much-anticipated "Erdefaust" air defense network has just been completed ahead of schedule. This project constitutes the bulk of Leistung's substantial military budget over the past five years, and military officials were brimming with pride when interviewed.
"It's truly the future of air defense," boasts Marshal Ludwig of the 2nd Test Division. "Citizens of our fair nation can rest much easier tonight knowing that it's online."
But what is "Erdefaust," really? We asked Defense Minister Tirpitz for the details.
"Well, obviously I can't tell you everything, but I can tell you some of the basics. Basically, Erdefaust means "Earth Fist," meaning that the defense network is operated from the ground, not the air or space. It was developed mainly to counter spy planes flying high above our skies, out of reach of interceptors and SAM sites, but we're also testing its capabilities against normal air flight and even against satellite threats."
"Yes, but what is it, really?" Our reporters ask.
"Well, essentially, it's a system of railguns, though it really isn't all that complicated when you get down to it. A projectile is loaded into two rails mounted in a cannon in one of our five underground gun sites, and when the launch doors are opened and a current is passed through the rails, the projectile fires at ultra-high speed. If we've plotted a firing solution, and the spy plane is following the course we think it is, it should be a one-shot kill. The problem is in the amount of energy required. The military actually had to build a small fission reactor site at each of the launch area to power the railgun, and emergency power is provided by sapping the power grid of a fixed percentage of its product."
The "Erdefaust" launch sites are confidential, as is the ability for the projectile to hit the target if it veers off-course. Scientists are currently testing the ability for "Erdefaust" to eliminate space-based targets, the results of which should be released later this year.
"Breaking News for a Breaking World"
11:32 EST
Reports came in only a few minutes ago that the much-anticipated "Erdefaust" air defense network has just been completed ahead of schedule. This project constitutes the bulk of Leistung's substantial military budget over the past five years, and military officials were brimming with pride when interviewed.
"It's truly the future of air defense," boasts Marshal Ludwig of the 2nd Test Division. "Citizens of our fair nation can rest much easier tonight knowing that it's online."
But what is "Erdefaust," really? We asked Defense Minister Tirpitz for the details.
"Well, obviously I can't tell you everything, but I can tell you some of the basics. Basically, Erdefaust means "Earth Fist," meaning that the defense network is operated from the ground, not the air or space. It was developed mainly to counter spy planes flying high above our skies, out of reach of interceptors and SAM sites, but we're also testing its capabilities against normal air flight and even against satellite threats."
"Yes, but what is it, really?" Our reporters ask.
"Well, essentially, it's a system of railguns, though it really isn't all that complicated when you get down to it. A projectile is loaded into two rails mounted in a cannon in one of our five underground gun sites, and when the launch doors are opened and a current is passed through the rails, the projectile fires at ultra-high speed. If we've plotted a firing solution, and the spy plane is following the course we think it is, it should be a one-shot kill. The problem is in the amount of energy required. The military actually had to build a small fission reactor site at each of the launch area to power the railgun, and emergency power is provided by sapping the power grid of a fixed percentage of its product."
The "Erdefaust" launch sites are confidential, as is the ability for the projectile to hit the target if it veers off-course. Scientists are currently testing the ability for "Erdefaust" to eliminate space-based targets, the results of which should be released later this year.