The Unsung Era
[PDS V10]

Test Package II

Installation - see Test 1 readme file (UETest1readme.txt) included in this package. Basic UE tactical gameplay concepts may also be found there.

Additions from TP1:

New ships:

I-57C Bhartia frontier command cruiser (reserve battleship)
HA-12 Kaiten Saroja frigate carrier
HA-110 Chakra kaiten fighter (heavy interceptor)
Kaiten Type 1 and 2

Gameplay alterations:

1. Counter missile implementation improved

PDS has always suffered from low effectiveness of anti-missile missiles due to the high closure rate of incoming warheads, and HW2's lack of a predictive salvo targeting system (ie, it focuses on only the closest target, firing on it with all weaponry at once regardless of the tactical situation). I'm presently involved in finding solutions for this issue; the first of which appears in this release.

By segregating "standard" attack missiles from high velocity, shorter-range "sprint" mode interceptors, we allow a greater reaction time for counter missile interception. Replacing standard missile launchers with larger sprint mode interceptors however reduces one's offensive firepower.

As long as the number of counter missile launchers match the quantity of attacking warheads, interceptor missiles represent a safe means of shipboard defense especially against large and slow moving munitions like kaitens (see below).

But due to HW2's targeting system limitations, capital ships will rely on CIWS lasers and autocannon for the main bulk of defense against large numbers of incoming missiles.

2. Kaitens

Kaitens in WW2 are Japanese suicide torpedoes. Here in sci-fi, we thankfully have drones for the task. Kaitens are a means to deliver offensive payloads into range of enemy weapons range without (or at least reducing) risk to the attacking platform.

Kaitens may be employed in either offensive or defensive roles and are available in two sizes. The small Type 1 (boarding pod model) carries a pair of standard missiles while the larger Type 2 is an unmanned version of the obsolete Vagyr light assault fighter.

The Type 2 is presently unused pending the implementation of heavy missile armaments.

Both the HA-12 and 110 are configured for the kaiten strike role and are highly effective against frigates and second-rate capital ships despite the lack of a proper anti-capital munition.

3. Visualisations

The standard missile detonation animation has been improved, and the oversized "fireball" graphic removed.

4. I-57

I-57 is an elderly Vagyr battleship and presently has main beam and heavy missile systems non functional. The first of the new scenarios depict a wing of kaiten fighters and skirmisher frigates taking it down with nothing but standard missiles and massdrivers. They should be able to accomplish the task with around 50% casualties as the capital ship is forced to fight on equal terms (ie, with similar weaponry) against a large number of attackers at once.

Massdrivers, except for I-57's two heavy CIWS arrays are all but useless in the opening phase of the engagement but once standard missiles have damaged I-57's engines and fire control, it will allow the attackers to close in and fire on its weak points.

The operational configuration of I-57 will likely be much tougher and be all but immune to such conventional attacks - swarm attacks won't work as well against beam weapons (with a near 100% accuracy) while hypervelocity missiles easily outrange and throw standard missile or massdriver armed ships into the defensive.

However, once "wild weasel" ships have jammed the capital ship's sensors and fire control or taken down its primary weapon systems, skirmishers may force a close engagement for similar effect as depicted in the scenario. Kaiten carriers with heavy missile payloads may prove crucial in preparing the battlespace for close assault situations.