Logbook entry

Evidence found at Aditi, the Tactical Nuclear Drone

27 Jul 2016Dewarinversion
Rumour has been circulating the corridor feeds for a week and now I can confirm I too have seen a valid report from a reliable source within the Imperial Spy Network (ISP). This rumour concerns the specifications and operational details toward a Tactical Nuclear Drone. For those unfamiliar with this heinous design, I will note here briefly upon the rumour documented with the Paladin Consortium Archive Service and the 'correct' versioning as we currently see them.

Source Rumour: Intelligence operatives unknown released through independent weapon analysis groups (Apiti System) a statement confirming the existence to a nuclear weapons test outside Imperial space. A post forensic flyby found a data canister along with debris and radioactive material. The blueprints on the data canister show the design of a small size single use Tactical Nuclear Drone along with detailed operational documents and test results. The canister; along with weapon detail and damage assessment on large ship structures, shields, FSD drive, sensors and cockpit personal, is believed to have been deliberately left at the nuclear detonation site by the weapon tester (quite possibly the fabricators of the weapon) in response to 'Clandestine' weapons testing by the Empire near and around Apiti. Speculation has followed as to who is responsible for the test. Many experts agree the test either originated by a splinter Imperium group as yet unknown, or organised by Alliance separatists who have become increasingly openly vocal on the secrecy in and around Apiti. The question why Apiti is still not resolved, yet the source rumour confirms the rising tension between current clandestine operations. Was the thermonuclear detonation a declaration of power by the Imperium? Most experts do not agree this to be so. Hence, it can only be possible someone outside ISP has made such a powerful proclamation. It would explain the documents found at the site and the speed to which the normally secretive Apiti intelligence operative released a statement.

Blueprints and technical documents from the canister.
The canister contained three distinct reports. One, the design blueprints, fabrication report, installation details into the weapons bay of an unknown ship not here documented. Two, operational analysis. Three, simulated field testing report.


The schematics show a device held on a mounted frame within a medium hardpoint. The firing mechanism is attached to the ship through a universal weapon attachment sleeve suggesting it can fit any ship with a medium cannon. Attached to this through electronics and held in close to the single shot drone is the arming pin and the launch mechanism. The launch mechanism is a small charge not unlike those in use by limpet drones upon projection from a ship's cargo hold.

The drone body is cylindrical in shape with a nose cone. Thruster ports can be seen to the sides of the drone yet there is no indication the weapon has a forward propulsion drive of its own. This suggests a slow moving projectile using the release ship's forward momentum and a limited 'drone to target' seeking ability. Both the release mechanism and the bomb unit have two way communication allowing operator remote detonation.

It is clear, from these prints and the operational analysis report, the weapon design calls for a 'swooping' delivery system. Forward momentum at the target, arming and release of the drone into the path of the target, and, thermonuclear detonation are all managed by the weapon operator. Should the arming mechanism not be released by the operator, the drone falls dead and does not detonate. I assume this is a safety feature in case friendly fire becomes an issue.

EMP attack on the target's thermal signature vary, with the biggest variable the type of shield used. Other concerns show the extreme range to which the drone can be detected (when hardpoint deployed) by the simple sensors, allowing for defensive measures and interception. With the weapon deployed and no shield cover, tests show a direct hit on the mounting frame detonates the weapon negating any sustained battlefield advantage. Looking at the report, a failed attempt on a target leaves the operator one mount weaponless and so at a tactical disadvantage.

There is much more here to be discussed about this weapon. If indeed these documents are genuine and not a hoax, some big ship commanders will be quaking in their flight boots. The smaller 'bomber' craft, if true, is to be the new joker in the pack.
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