Plasma Torpedo Drones by Jeff Wile

In an effort to create a war winning tactical innovation, the Federation tried to produce a new type of drone that could combine the drone bombardment range of extended range drones with the direct combat power of type F plasma Torpedos.

With one exception, all the efforts proved fruitless.

The problem was in trying to fit a stasis box into a drone frame. The only frame capable of holding the stasis hardware was the Type IV. The energy requirements of the Stasis box was equal to the warp energy demands for movement reducing the drone performance to warp 1 (1 hex per turn).

With the exception of speed, the resulting drone appears to be a type IV. it is equipted with ATG.

To arm a plasma drone, the drone must already be in the drone rack, it is armed just the same as if it were a type F plasma torpedo. The rack may not fire any other drone, load, unload other drones or take any action while the plasma torp is being loaded.

once the Drone is launced, there is a 1/4 turn delay before the drone could release the plasma torp.

Another problem that the Federation R&D techs could not solve was the failure of the torp to discriminate between Friend and Foe...any target in the Forward Firing arc of the Plasma torp would be targeted...if more than one target was present the targeting would be resolved randomly. The plasma would perform normally otherwise.

The original intended doctrine of the Plasma Torpedo Drone was to give an extended range benefit for Plasma Torpedos in use of Drone Bombardment missions. With the serous speed defect the DB missions could not be carried out. With the loading difficulty (the inability to use drone racks while loading the Plasma Torpedo) it reduced the direct combat power of the ships attempting to use the PTD's. Once launced, the drones max speed is 1 hex perturn so in effect it is a defensive weapon with a time limit...a normal type IV endurance is 3 turns...6 turns for extended range...

The PTD could be launched, and for up to 3 turns (or 6 with extended range) could randomly target 1 enemy unit of size class 7 or larger.

Which brings us to the real drawback of the PTD. if the PTD is under normal guidance, as soon as ANY valid target entered its forward arc, the Plasma torpedo would be released (provided at least 1/4 delay after drone was launched was satisfied unless the drone was launched ballistically...where upon reaching its assigned hex there was a valid target within 8 hexes to allow the ATG to function...but if there was a valid target the plasma would launch in any event defeating the purpose of the ATG system.

With the drone limited to 1 hex per turn speed any potential enemy units could immediately identify the drone for what it was and would (iff possible) avoid it. with the endurance being limited they could easily outwait the drone and if capable of manuver and speed, the enemy could even "run the plasma" to avoid damage even if the Plasma got launched.

The biggest advantage of the PTD was the
advantage of using the plasma torpedo it self.

By Randy Buttram (Peregrine) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 12:10 pm: Edit

First, a stasis box doesn't use an appreciable amount of power at the scale of starship energy allocation (including the power-hungry PFs), nor does the stasis box on plasma-F fighters reduce their performance directly.

Second, why not use a Plasma D, which would require a less-powerful stasis box to contain it?

By Jeremy Gray (Gray) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 12:17 pm: Edit

I have to admit, I can't think of any situation where I would prefer this to some other drone type. Launching a plasma is a neat trick, but having a launch vehicle that is so dirt slow makes it pretty useless. I'd rather just pump the target full of speed 20 or 32 drones.

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 12:27 pm: Edit

I could see a Gorn fighter F-Torp. being fitted to a Type IV frame and launching at a predetermined range. I could not see it fitting on a smaller frame.

An interesting alternative might be a Type-H based weapon where the Plasma part takes four module spaces and two remain. As a Planet based/Drogue based weapon their numbers would be naturally limited.

After firing the plasma the Type-H drone with two (1/2) spaces of explosive modules continues to the target and can strike for 12 more damage. The total damage would be less (32 instead of 36) but would be harder to kill. This would be very useful if the drone was speed 20. That way if the target weasels the plasma will take out the weasel and the drone might still hit the ship after the explosion period (depending on when the plasma was launched. Best if at R10).

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 12:36 pm: Edit

Randy-

The excuse of requiring the drone engine to power the stasis box is technobabble...

If all races could produce speed 32 drones that in turn could launch plasma F (or plasma D) torpedos it would quickly make other drone types obsolete...I just thought it would be to powerful.

Jeremy-

agreed. about the only advantage a PTD would have is the ability to have a slow seeking weapon change speed from 1 hex per turn to speed 32 plasma F (for a short duration)

sort of like a short duration mobile (well 1 hex per turn speed mobile) mine field captor mines armed with plasma torpedos...

By Jessica Orsini (Jessica) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 01:00 pm: Edit

I can think of precisely one condition under which I would use such a thing: when running from the enemy (either a retrograde or a flat-out run). Launch a bunch of the silly things at, say, range 15, and watch them blossom in your enemy's face a quarter-turn later at range 10 or less.

Aside from that, it's a waste of space in the racks.

By Robert Snook (Verdick) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 01:38 pm: Edit

I'd rather take the Type IV drone itself. It does more damage, goes faster, doesn't degrade over time, and can be customized.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 01:53 pm: Edit

OK...suppose it were a Stellar Shadows rule option, and instead of a speed 1 hex per turn rule, substitute 50% speed of the normal drone? for instance if the type IV were normally fast (eg speed 32) the 50% speed adjustment would make it speed 16...and still retain the fire control limits of 1/4 turn delay, random targeting on SC7 or greater in the forward arc... and if on ballistic course, launches plasma immediately upon acquistion of target via ATG...

For the life of me, I can't decide what BPV such a critter would have...atleast double the Type IV drone cost (including the Fast drone speed modification)...but it would be expensive.

By Timothy Sheehy (Spydaer) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 02:48 pm: Edit

There are several reasons why that would be pretty cool.

1) Little harder to grab that plasma with a beam.
2) 6 points of phaser fire eliminate the drone. 6 points of phaser fire mean you get with a 17 point warhead.

Seems reasonable to me.

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 03:31 pm: Edit

Jeff, any thoughts on my comments? One way to implement my idea and still have the drone move faster than one is that the Torpedo must be armed on the ship and, once armed and launched, the stasis only holds the torpedo for 32 impulses. After which the drone could go on to strike using its leftover warhead spaces (if it has any).

Hmm, if you don't mind, I would like to make this part of my X2 proposal. Though I had considered the idea before I had never worked it out until reading your idea, so I would share credit.

If you would rather I not, it's OK. We'll wait and see how this thread goes.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 03:58 pm: Edit

Loren: Run with it buddy!

I have to dig out my J2 module to review the heavy drone rules again...but my first reaction is favorable.

In as far as a 32 impulse delay for the stasis box on the drone I would be concerned that it would violate the automatic rejection premise...(see auto reject list)...too good a deal would affect game balance...

If you feel that this would better fit into the X2 proposal, please feel free to incorporate it.

I had not considered Gorn fighters...giving them the ability to lanch plasma drones would materially increase the combat ability...and if charging a PTD in the ready racks were possible and could allow a fighter to land on the carrier, load a drone with a Plasma F (or maybe two of them!) and then launch in the normal cycle you are materially improving the carriers ability to inflict damage...one could even see the Romulans wanting to get involved in this!

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 04:04 pm: Edit

Tim's point is major...killing the drone with phaser fire does not destroy the plasma...it releases it!

Can we rule that it is similar to destroying the plasma launcher with a loaded plasma torpedo in the tube? plus, if your close enough to hit with phasers your close enough to be hit by a plasma F!

Sounds like an old Uncle Remus folk tale! Where Brer Rabit keeps begging NOT to be thrown into the briar patch...'Please DON't SHOOT MY DRONE!'

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 04:46 pm: Edit

Jeff, regarding the Gorn fighter thing: I was thinking the part of a Gorn fighter that can launch plasma Fs could be refitted to the forward section of a drone but it would be big (thus taking up four module spaces). This would limit its use to Type IV and Type H drones. Only Type H drones would have space left over but could have two. In both cases the total warhead is less than it pure explosive module counterpart.

With regards to 32 impulses: The drone can only hold the plasma for 32 impulses after launch. That would mean that it could only be used for close in opperations. Ground bases utilizing one of these couldn't launch a lot of them because the lack of power to load them in the first place.

And last, I think that having the drone destroyed releases the plasma is too powerful. I understand your idea but this thing basically allows you to launch your Plasma-F from some range away from your ship, basically allowing you to skip the range. Thats big. Sure, the drone might release earlier than you would like but there is no way to defend against the skipping of range (unless you kill it at launch). Besides, a ship can fire one later because the ship and targeting instruction computers still exist. (remember, plasmas get their own lock-on the impulse after launch) When a drone is destroyed there is nothing left to target the plasma. I would propose a counter idea: Do it like a scatter pack. If the drone takes damage it releases the plasma. If destroyed both are lost.
Besides, this type of drone has little reason to release at less range than 10 unless against a fleeing opponant in which case 5 would be better, still out of effective Ph-3 range.

By Loren Knight (Loren) on Thursday, July 10, 2003 - 04:47 pm: Edit

BTW: Thanks Jeff. I'll work on the idea and E-mail you.

By David Slatter (Davidas) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 10:26 am: Edit

I think the PTD is powerful. Think of it like a mine. You shoot it, and then get it to release its plasma when the enemy is likely to be trying to run you down during your reload turn or whatever. MUCH more dangerous than a drone swarm, and has the advantage that you do not need to be anywhere near whan it releases....

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 11:02 am: Edit

We are getting some conflicting themes here...if the PTD has a 32 impulse limit after launch for how long the PTD can hold the plasma it effectively (the plasma ) is not in staisis...which (to me anyway) implies that the energy cost for movement has no effect...so why not let the drone move normally and launch the plasma at the first legal opportunity?

Hypothetically atleast that would give the drone frame the ability to move up to 32 impulses BEFORE inturn launching the plasma...

Alternativively, if the premise that the energy to move the drone is (ar a part ov the energy) used to contain the stasis field holding the plasma...then the plasma could be held for the full endurance of the drone.

the two ideas on the table for that is virtually 100% (except for that portion that moves the drone 1 hex perturn) of the drone engines energy output is needed for the stasis field or,

idea #2 that 1/2 of the energy is needed to generate the stasis field on the drone frame leaving 1/2 of the drones movement portential available to move the drone...

In my opinion letting the drone frame move at full normal speed for the full endurance of the drone type and then being able to launch a plasma F is a very powerful option.

By Geoff Conn (Talonz) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 04:34 pm: Edit

Plasma....torpedo...drone.

What you can't fit an sfg or esg in there too? Yeesh.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - 04:50 pm: Edit

Thats what the type 'H' drones are for!

By Stephen W. Fairfield (Sfairfield) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 02:48 pm: Edit

I suppose it could be interesting as a Peladine conjectural weapon (since they're drone/plasma users, and it is sort of an anti-Lyran drone). Perhaps a 2 space warhead that had to be armed like a plasma-carrying fighter. Maybe allow it to be launched at a hex and then release the plasma at predetermined target when it reaches the hex, sort of like a scatterpack. That way they could be launched to lead the enemy and then fire their payloads, forcing an enemy to deal with them or turn back towards Peladine fleet. Would definitely be limited availability.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 05:18 pm: Edit

This is at least the 2nd suggestion that the Plasma Torpedo Drone be treated like a scatter pack for releasing its plasma.

Don't know enough about the Peledine to be able to guage if thiw would be within their ability...may have to bounce it of Jessica!

By Stephen W. Fairfield (Sfairfield) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 09:21 am: Edit

Yeah, my thought wasn't original, other than thinking that the Peladine might be the only logical fleet to develop it. Since they're basically a simulator race, they're sort of the perfect people for a conjectural weapon (since in a simulator, the fact that the weapon may not necessarily by technologically feasible in the 'real world' isn't a factor exactly).

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 01:45 pm: Edit

That's cool!

By Warren Taylor (Whiplash) on Friday, October 17, 2003 - 11:10 pm: Edit

How big is a D-torp cannister? Could you mount one of those babies on a big drone, say a type-IV?

Not sure why you would, just wondering if it could be done.

By Tim Longacre (Timl) on Saturday, October 18, 2003 - 08:00 am: Edit

According to the rules (FP9.21), a type-D plasma takes 1 "space", just like a type-1 drone, so it might not be feasible to mount on a larger drone type.

By Steven E. Ehrbar (See) on Saturday, October 18, 2003 - 06:12 pm: Edit

Well, you can jam 5 half-space drones into a two payload space warhead module, so sticking 1 single-space D canister into a two payload space warhead module doesn't immediately seem to be impractical, at least for purposes of an SSJ item.

OTOH, it seems pretty clear that nobody historically would use it; nobody has both type-Ds and drones except the Orions.